MetLife (MET) 10-K 1 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 16, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	METLIFE INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,099,219
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 52.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,036,642,696

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	$ 308,931	$ 289,563
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $2,140 and $2,464, respectively)	2,513	2,894
Fair value option securities, at estimated fair value ($6 and $8, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	16,745	13,923
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $314 and $304, respectively; includes $520 and $566, respectively, under the fair value option)	68,731	65,167
Policy loans	9,669	9,511
Real estate and real estate joint ventures (includes $25 and $59, respectively, of real estate held-for-sale)	9,637	8,891
Other limited partnership interests (includes $0 and $14, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	5,708	5,136
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value	4,870	6,523
Other invested assets (includes $125 and $31, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	17,263	19,303
Total investments	444,067	420,911
Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value (includes $12 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	12,701	12,651
Accrued investment income	3,524	3,308
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (includes $3 and $2, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	18,423	15,445
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	18,419	17,590
Current income tax recoverable	0	20
Goodwill	9,590	9,220
Assets of disposed subsidiary	0	216,983
Other assets (includes $2 and $3, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	8,167	7,058
Separate account assets	205,001	195,578
Total assets	719,892	898,764
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	177,974	166,636
Policyholder account balances	182,518	172,486
Other policy-related balances	15,515	13,402
Policyholder dividends payable	682	696
Policyholder dividend obligation	2,121	1,931
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	25,723	25,873
Short-term debt	477	242
Long-term debt (includes $6 and $12, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)	15,686	16,441
Collateral financing arrangement	1,121	1,274
Junior subordinated debt securities	3,144	3,169
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary	0	202,707
Taxes Payable, Current	311	0
Deferred income tax liability	6,767	6,892
Other liabilities (includes $3 and $0, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	23,982	23,735
Separate Accounts, Liability	205,001	195,578
Total liabilities	661,022	831,062
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 20)
MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; $2,100 aggregate liquidation preference	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 3,000,000,000 shares authorized; 1,168,710,101 and 1,164,029,985 shares issued, respectively; 1,043,588,396 and 1,095,519,005 shares outstanding, respectively	12	12
Additional paid-in capital	31,111	30,944
Retained earnings	26,527	34,683
Treasury stock, at cost; 125,121,705 and 68,510,980 shares, respectively	(6,401)	(3,474)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7,427	5,366
Total MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity	58,676	67,531
Noncontrolling interests	194	171
Total equity	58,870	67,702
Total liabilities and equity	$ 719,892	$ 898,764

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 286,069	$ 271,676
Cost of equity securities available-for-sale	2,140	2,464
Fair value option and trading securities relating to variable interest entities	16,745	13,923
Mortgage loans valuation allowances	314	304
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	68,731	65,167
Real estate held-for-sale	25	59
Other limited partnership interests relating to variable interest entities	5,708	5,136
Other invested assets relating to variable interest entities	17,263	19,303
Cash and cash equivalents relating to variable interest entities	12,701	12,651
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables relating to variable interest entities	18,423	15,445
Other assets relating to variable interest entities	8,167	7,058
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	15,686	16,441
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	$ 23,982	$ 23,735
MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference	2,100	2,100
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,168,710,101	1,164,029,985
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,043,588,396	1,095,519,005
Treasury stock, shares	125,121,705	68,510,980
Residential mortgage loans - FVO
Assets
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	$ 520	$ 566
Variable interest entities
Assets
Fair value option and trading securities relating to variable interest entities	6	8
Other limited partnership interests relating to variable interest entities	0	14
Other invested assets relating to variable interest entities	125	31
Cash and cash equivalents relating to variable interest entities	12	1
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables relating to variable interest entities	3	2
Other assets relating to variable interest entities	2	3
Liabilities
Long-term debt, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities	6	12
Other liabilities relating to variable interest entities	$ 3	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues
Premiums	$ 38,992	$ 37,202	$ 36,403
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	5,510	5,483	5,570
Net investment income	17,363	16,790	16,205
Other revenues	1,341	1,685	1,927
Net investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(11)	(96)	(61)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)	1	(11)	2
Other net investment gains (losses)	(298)	424	668
Total net investment gains (losses)	(308)	317	609
Net derivative gains (losses)	(590)	(690)	629
Total revenues	62,308	60,787	61,343
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	38,313	36,358	35,144
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	5,607	5,176	4,415
Policyholder dividends	1,231	1,223	1,356
Other expenses	13,621	13,749	14,777
Total expenses	58,772	56,506	55,692
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	3,536	4,281	5,651
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(1,470)	693	1,590
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	5,006	3,588	4,061
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	(986)	(2,734)	1,324
Net income (loss)	4,020	854	5,385
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	10	4	12
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	4,010	850	5,373
Less: Preferred stock dividends	103	103	116
Preferred stock repurchase premium	0	0	42
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 3,907	$ 747	$ 5,215
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	$ 4.57	$ 3.16	$ 3.48
Diluted	4.53	3.13	3.44
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share:
Basic	3.65	0.68	4.67
Diluted	3.62	0.67	4.62
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 1.600	$ 1.575	$ 1.475

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 4,020	$ 854	$ 5,385
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets	4,623	796	(7,449)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	(1,165)	573	589
Foreign currency translation adjustments	767	(363)	(1,624)
Defined benefit plans adjustment	144	131	354
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax	4,369	1,137	(8,130)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(984)	(450)	2,203
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	3,385	687	(5,927)
Comprehensive income (loss)	7,405	1,541	(542)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of income tax	14	92	32
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ 7,391	$ 1,449	$ (574)

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock at Cost	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total MetLife, Inc.'s Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning Balance (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 72,560	$ 1	$ 12	$ 30,543	$ 32,020	$ (1,172)	$ 10,649	$ 72,053	$ 507
Beginning Balance (Restatement Adjustment)	155	0	0	0	90	0	65	155	0
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	72,715	1	12	30,543	32,110	(1,172)	10,714	72,208	507
Repurchase of preferred stock	(1,460)	(1)		(1,459)				(1,460)
Preferred stock repurchase premium	(42)				(42)			(42)
Preferred stock issuance	1,483			1,483				1,483
Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases	(1,930)					(1,930)		(1,930)
Stock-based compensation	182			182				182
Dividends on preferred stock	(116)				(116)			(116)
Dividends on common stock	(1,653)				(1,653)			(1,653)
Change in equity of noncontrolling interests	(69)							0	(69)
Net income (loss)	5,385				5,373			5,373	12
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | Scenario, Previously Reported	(5,858)						576
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | Restatement Adjustment	(69)						23
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	(5,927)						(5,947)	(5,947)	20
Ending Balance (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Dec. 31, 2015	68,419
Ending Balance (Restatement Adjustment)	149
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	68,568	0	12	30,749	35,672	(3,102)	4,767	68,098	470
Preferred stock repurchase premium	0
Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases	(372)					(372)		(372)
Stock-based compensation	195			195				195
Dividends on preferred stock	(103)				(103)			(103)
Dividends on common stock	(1,736)				(1,736)			(1,736)
Change in equity of noncontrolling interests	(391)							0	(391)
Net income (loss)	854				850			850	4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | Scenario, Previously Reported	664
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | Restatement Adjustment	23
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	687						599	599	88
Ending Balance (Scenario, Previously Reported) at Dec. 31, 2016	67,480
Ending Balance (Restatement Adjustment)	222
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	67,702	0	12	30,944	34,683	(3,474)	5,366	67,531	171
Preferred stock repurchase premium	0
Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases	(2,927)					(2,927)		(2,927)
Stock-based compensation	167			167				167
Dividends on preferred stock	(103)				(103)			(103)
Dividends on common stock	(1,717)				(1,717)			(1,717)
Stockholders' Equity Note, Spinoff Transaction	(11,666)				(10,346)		(1,320)	(11,666)
Change in equity of noncontrolling interests	9							0	9
Net income (loss)	4,020				4,010			4,010	10
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax	3,385						3,381	3,381	4
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 58,870	$ 0	$ 12	$ 31,111	$ 26,527	$ (6,401)	$ 7,427	$ 58,676	$ 194

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 4,020	$ 854	$ 5,385
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expenses	795	652	693
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts associated with investments, net	(1,044)	(1,110)	(1,141)
(Gains) losses on investments and from sales of businesses, net	363	(183)	(560)
(Gains) losses on derivatives, net	3,610	8,779	1,371
(Income) loss from equity method investments, net of dividends or distributions	194	475	481
Interest credited to policyholder account balances	6,260	6,282	5,610
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees	(7,708)	(9,207)	(9,507)
Goodwill impairment	0	260	0
Change in fair value option and trading securities	(436)	111	784
Change in accrued investment income	(280)	(31)	138
Change in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	(991)	(2,158)	(831)
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	(693)	(937)	488
Change in income tax	(2,796)	(1,522)	715
Change in other assets	691	3,248	2,752
Change in insurance-related liabilities and policy-related balances	8,511	6,321	6,408
Change in other liabilities	1,603	2,801	1,172
Other, net	184	139	94
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	12,283	14,774	14,052
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales, maturities and repayments of fixed maturity securities	95,945	150,658	146,732
Sales, maturities and repayments of equity securities	1,433	1,241	1,117
Sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans	10,353	12,977	12,647
Sales, maturities and repayments of real estate and real estate joint ventures	972	826	3,256
Sales, maturities and repayments of other limited partnership interests	1,082	1,542	1,827
Purchases of fixed maturity securities	(105,683)	(146,397)	(148,799)
Purchases of equity securities	(920)	(1,006)	(996)
Purchases of mortgage loans	(14,374)	(21,017)	(20,449)
Purchases of real estate and real estate joint ventures	(1,446)	(1,515)	(1,298)
Purchases of other limited partnership interests	(1,486)	(1,313)	(1,429)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives	5,315	4,259	2,690
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives	(8,696)	(6,963)	(4,211)
Cash received under repurchase agreements	0	0	199
Cash paid under repurchase agreements	0	0	(199)
Cash received under reverse repurchase agreements	0	0	199
Cash paid under reverse repurchase agreements	0	0	(199)
Cash disposed due to distribution of Brighthouse	(663)	0	0
Sales of businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents disposed of $0, $135 and $0, respectively	0	156	0
Purchases of businesses	(211)	0	0
Purchases of investments in operating joint ventures	0	(39)	0
Net change in policy loans	(67)	195	287
Net change in short-term investments	2,087	1,270	(777)
Net change in other invested assets	(171)	(267)	(936)
Other, net	(346)	(457)	(59)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(16,876)	(5,850)	(10,398)
Cash flows from financing activities
Policyholder account balances: Deposits	88,511	88,188	92,904
Policyholder account balances: Withdrawals	(82,380)	(83,263)	(94,621)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	903	(3,636)	1,544
Long-term debt issued	3,657	0	3,893
Long-term debt repaid	(1,073)	(1,279)	(1,438)
Collateral financing arrangements repaid	(2,951)	(68)	(57)
Distribution of Brighthouse	(2,793)	0	0
Financing element on certain derivative instruments and other derivative related transactions, net	(151)	(1,367)	181
Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases	(2,927)	(372)	(1,930)
Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs	0	0	1,483
Repurchase of preferred stock	0	0	(1,460)
Preferred stock repurchase premium	0	0	(42)
Dividends on preferred stock	(103)	(103)	(116)
Dividends on common stock	(1,717)	(1,736)	(1,653)
Other, net	118	139	94
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(906)	(3,497)	(1,218)
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents balances	323	(302)	(492)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(5,176)	5,125	1,944
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	17,877	12,752	10,808
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	12,701	17,877	12,752
Cash and cash equivalents, of disposed subsidiary, beginning of year	5,226	1,570	1,603
Cash and cash equivalents, of disposed subsidiary, end of year	0	5,226	1,570
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, beginning of year	12,651	11,182	9,205
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, end of year	12,701	12,651	11,182
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Net cash paid for Interest	1,118	1,202	1,178
Net cash paid (received) for Income tax	1,530	672	1,127
Assets disposed, date of Separation	225,502	0	0
Liabilities disposed, date of Separation	(210,999)	0	0
Net Assets disposed, date of Separation	14,503	0	0
Cash disposed, date of Separation	(3,456)	0	0
Net non-cash disposed, date of Separation	11,047	0	0
Non-cash transactions
Fixed maturity securities received in connection with pension risk transfer transactions	0	985	903
Reduction of fixed maturity securities in connection with a reinsurance transaction	0	224	0
Reduction of other invested assets in connection with a reinsurance transaction	0	676	0
Deconsolidation of operating joint venture (Note 8):
Reduction of fixed maturity securities	0	917	0
Reduction of noncontrolling interests	0	373	0
Reduction of long-term debt	0	0	571
Reduction of real estate and real estate joint ventures	$ 0	$ 0	$ 688

Consolidated Statements of Cas8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash disposed from sale of businesses	$ 0	$ 135	$ 0

Business, Basis of Presentation

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business “MetLife” and the “Company” refer to MetLife, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1999, its subsidiaries and affiliates. MetLife is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. MetLife is organized into five segments: U.S.; Asia; Latin America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); and MetLife Holdings. On August 4, 2017, MetLife, Inc. completed the separation of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Brighthouse”) through a distribution of 96,776,670 shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock to the MetLife, Inc. common shareholders (the “Separation”). See Note 3 for additional information on the Separation. Basis of Presentation The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Prior to January 1, 2016, certain international subsidiaries had a fiscal year cutoff of November 30th. The Company’s consolidated financial statements for 2015 reflect the operating results of such subsidiaries for the year ended November 30, 2015. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company converted its Japan operations to calendar year-end reporting. The elimination of a one-month reporting lag of a subsidiary is considered a change in accounting principle and requires retrospective application. While the Company believes that eliminating the lag in the reporting of its Japan operations was preferable in order to consistently reflect events, economic conditions and global trends on the financial statements, the Company determined that it was impracticable to apply the effects of the lag elimination to financial reporting periods prior to January 1, 2015. The effect of not retroactively applying this change in accounting, however, was not material to the 2015 or 2016 consolidated financial statements. Therefore, the Company reported the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle in net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 and did not retrospectively apply the effects of this change to prior periods. Discontinued Operations The results of operations of a component of the Company that has either been disposed of or is classified as held-for-sale are reported in discontinued operations if certain criteria are met. A disposal of a component is reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. The results of Brighthouse are reflected in MetLife, Inc.'s consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations and, therefore, are presented as assets and liabilities of disposed subsidiary on the consolidated balance sheets and income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations. Intercompany transactions between the Company and Brighthouse prior to the Separation have been eliminated. See Note 3 for information on discontinued operations and transactions with Brighthouse. Separate Accounts Separate accounts are established in conformity with insurance laws. Generally, the assets of the separate accounts cannot be used to settle the liabilities that arise from any other business of the Company. Separate account assets are subject to general account claims only to the extent the value of such assets exceeds the separate account liabilities. The Company reports separately, as assets and liabilities, investments held in separate accounts and liabilities of the separate accounts if: • such separate accounts are legally recognized; • assets supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from the Company’s general account liabilities; • investments are directed by the contractholder; and • all investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contractholder. The Company reports separate account assets at their fair value which is based on the estimated fair values of the underlying assets comprising the individual separate account portfolios. Investment performance (including investment income, net investment gains (losses) and changes in unrealized gains (losses)) and the corresponding amounts credited to contractholders of such separate accounts are offset within the same line on the statements of operations. Separate accounts credited with a contractual investment return are combined on a line-by-line basis with the Company’s general account assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the accounting for these investments is consistent with the methodologies described herein for similar financial instruments held within the general account. Unit-linked separate account investments that are directed by contractholders but do not meet one or more of the other above criteria are included in fair value option (“FVO”) securities. The Company’s revenues reflect fees charged to the separate accounts, including mortality charges, risk charges, policy administration fees, investment management fees and surrender charges. Such fees are included in universal life and investment-type product policy fees on the statements of operations. Reclassifications Certain amounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Revisions As a result of the following adjustments, amounts previously reported have been immaterially restated. In addition, the Company has corrected other unrelated immaterial errors which were previously recorded in the periods the Company identified them. Group Annuity Reserves On December 15, 2017, the Company announced that it was undertaking a review of practices and procedures used to estimate its reserves related to certain Retirement and Income Solutions (“RIS”) group annuitants who have been unresponsive or missing over time. As a result of this process, the Company increased reserves by $510 million , before income tax, to reinstate reserves previously released, and to reflect accrued interest and other related liabilities. Of this increase, $372 million was considered an error and, recording this amount in the fourth quarter of 2017 financial statements would have had a material effect on the results of operations for 2017. Assumed Variable Annuity Guarantee Reserves An internal review of practices and procedures was completed in early 2018, focusing on the calculation of certain reserves associated with MetLife Holdings variable annuity guarantees assumed from a former operating joint venture in Japan. As a result, the Company reduced these reserves by $896 million , before income tax. Of this decrease, $682 million was considered an error and, recording this amount in the fourth quarter of 2017 financial statements would have had a material effect on the results of operations for 2017. A summary of the revisions to prior period net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders is shown in the table below: For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (In millions) Assumed variable annuity guarantee reserves $ 184 $ 80 Group annuity reserves (33 ) (31 ) Other revisions to continuing operations, net (10 ) (106 ) Impact to income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax 141 (57 ) Provision for income tax expense (benefit) (1) 27 (110 ) Impact to income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax 114 53 Other revisions to discontinued operations, net of income tax (1) (64 ) 10 Impact to net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 50 $ 63 __________________ (1) Includes impact of certain tax-specific revisions. The impact of the revisions is shown in the tables below: December 31, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheets As Revisions As (In millions) Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 166,701 $ (65 ) $ 166,636 Policyholder account balances $ 173,168 $ (682 ) $ 172,486 Other policy-related balances $ 13,030 $ 372 $ 13,402 Deferred income tax liability $ 6,774 $ 118 $ 6,892 Other liabilities $ 23,700 $ 35 $ 23,735 Total liabilities $ 831,284 $ (222 ) $ 831,062 Stockholders’ Equity Retained earnings $ 34,480 $ 203 $ 34,683 Accumulated other comprehensive income $ 5,347 $ 19 $ 5,366 Total MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity $ 67,309 $ 222 $ 67,531 Total equity $ 67,480 $ 222 $ 67,702 For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Consolidated Statements of Operations As Revisions As As Revisions As (In millions, except per share data) Revenues Universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 5,482 $ 1 $ 5,483 $ 5,570 $ — $ 5,570 Net investment income $ 16,790 $ — $ 16,790 $ 16,243 $ (38 ) $ 16,205 Other net investment gains (losses) $ 412 $ 12 $ 424 $ 705 $ (37 ) $ 668 Total net investment gain (losses) $ 305 $ 12 $ 317 $ 646 $ (37 ) $ 609 Net derivatives gain (losses) $ (874 ) 184 $ (690 ) $ 545 $ 84 $ 629 Total revenues $ 60,590 $ 197 $ 60,787 $ 61,334 $ 9 $ 61,343 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims $ 36,316 $ 42 $ 36,358 $ 35,102 $ 42 $ 35,144 Other expenses $ 13,735 $ 14 $ 13,749 $ 14,753 $ 24 $ 14,777 Total expenses $ 56,450 $ 56 $ 56,506 $ 55,626 $ 66 $ 55,692 Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax $ 4,140 $ 141 $ 4,281 $ 5,708 $ (57 ) $ 5,651 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) $ 666 $ 27 $ 693 $ 1,700 $ (110 ) $ 1,590 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 3,474 $ 114 $ 3,588 $ 4,008 $ 53 $ 4,061 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ (2,670 ) $ (64 ) $ (2,734 ) $ 1,314 $ 10 $ 1,324 Net income (loss) $ 804 $ 50 $ 854 $ 5,322 $ 63 $ 5,385 Net income (loss)attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 800 $ 50 $ 850 $ 5,310 $ 63 $ 5,373 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 697 $ 50 $ 747 $ 5,152 $ 63 $ 5,215 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share: Basic $ 3.06 $ 0.10 $ 3.16 $ 3.43 $ 0.05 $ 3.48 Diluted $ 3.04 $ 0.09 $ 3.13 $ 3.40 $ 0.04 $ 3.44 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share: Basic $ 0.63 $ 0.05 $ 0.68 $ 4.61 $ 0.06 $ 4.67 Diluted $ 0.63 $ 0.04 $ 0.67 $ 4.57 $ 0.05 $ 4.62 For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) As Revisions As Revised As Revisions As Revised (In millions) Net income (loss) $ 804 $ 50 $ 854 $ 5,322 $ 63 $ 5,385 Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets $ 760 $ 36 $ 796 $ (7,443 ) $ (6 ) $ (7,449 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax $ 1,101 $ 36 $ 1,137 $ (8,124 ) $ (6 ) $ (8,130 ) Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) $ (437 ) $ (13 ) $ (450 ) $ 2,266 $ (63 ) $ 2,203 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax $ 664 $ 23 $ 687 $ (5,858 ) $ (69 ) $ (5,927 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,468 $ 73 $ 1,541 $ (536 ) $ (6 ) $ (542 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 1,376 $ 73 $ 1,449 $ (568 ) $ (6 ) $ (574 ) Consolidated Statements of Equity As Revisions As Revised (In millions) Retained Earnings Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 32,020 $ 90 $ 32,110 Net income (loss) $ 5,310 $ 63 $ 5,373 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 35,519 $ 153 $ 35,672 Net income (loss) $ 800 $ 50 $ 850 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 34,480 $ 203 $ 34,683 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 10,649 $ 65 $ 10,714 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax $ (5,878 ) $ (69 ) $ (5,947 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 4,771 $ (4 ) $ 4,767 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax $ 576 $ 23 $ 599 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 5,347 $ 19 $ 5,366 Total MetLife, Inc.'s Stockholders' Equity Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 72,053 $ 155 $ 72,208 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 67,949 $ 149 $ 68,098 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 67,309 $ 222 $ 67,531 Total Equity Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 72,560 $ 155 $ 72,715 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 68,419 $ 149 $ 68,568 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 67,480 $ 222 $ 67,702 For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows As Revisions As Revised As Revisions As Revised (In millions) Cash flows from operating activities Net income (loss) $ 804 $ 50 $ 854 $ 5,322 $ 63 $ 5,385 (Gains) losses on investments and from sales of businesses, net $ (171 ) $ (12 ) $ (183 ) $ (597 ) $ 37 $ (560 ) (Gains) losses on derivatives, net $ 8,963 $ (184 ) $ 8,779 $ 1,451 $ (80 ) $ 1,371 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ (9,206 ) $ (1 ) $ (9,207 ) $ (9,507 ) $ — $ (9,507 ) Change in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ (2,125 ) $ (33 ) $ (2,158 ) $ (837 ) $ 6 $ (831 ) Change in deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net $ (949 ) $ 12 $ (937 ) $ 491 $ (3 ) $ 488 Change in income tax $ (1,557 ) $ 35 $ (1,522 ) $ 825 $ (110 ) $ 715 Change in insurance-related liabilities and policy-related balances $ 6,279 $ 42 $ 6,321 $ 6,366 $ 42 $ 6,408 Change in other liabilities $ 2,766 $ 35 $ 2,801 $ 1,134 $ 38 $ 1,172 Other, net (1) $ 136 $ 56 $ 192 $ 164 $ 7 $ 171 __________________ (1) Excludes impact related to adoption during 2017 of stock-based compensation guidance which decreased Other, net by $53 million and $77 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See “— Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements.” Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The following are the Company’s significant accounting policies with references to notes providing additional information on such policies and critical accounting estimates relating to such policies. Accounting Policy Note Insurance 4 Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles 5 Reinsurance 6 Investments 8 Derivatives 9 Fair Value 10 Goodwill 11 Employee Benefit Plans 17 Income Tax 18 Litigation Contingencies 20 Insurance Future Policy Benefit Liabilities and Policyholder Account Balances The Company establishes liabilities for amounts payable under insurance policies. Generally, amounts are payable over an extended period of time and related liabilities are calculated as the present value of future expected benefits to be paid, reduced by the present value of future expected premiums. Such liabilities are established based on methods and underlying assumptions in accordance with GAAP and applicable actuarial standards. Principal assumptions used in the establishment of liabilities for future policy benefits are mortality, morbidity, policy lapse, renewal, retirement, disability incidence, disability terminations, investment returns, inflation, expenses and other contingent events as appropriate to the respective product type and geographical area. These assumptions are established at the time the policy is issued and are intended to estimate the experience for the period the policy benefits are payable. Utilizing these assumptions, liabilities are established on a block of business basis. For long duration insurance contracts, assumptions such as mortality, morbidity and interest rates are “locked in” upon the issuance of new business. However, significant adverse changes in experience on such contracts may require the establishment of premium deficiency reserves. Such reserves are determined based on the then current assumptions and do not include a provision for adverse deviation. Premium deficiency reserves may also be established for short-duration contracts to provide for expected future losses. These reserves are based on actuarial estimates of the amount of loss inherent in that period, including losses incurred for which claims have not been reported. The provisions for unreported claims are calculated using studies that measure the historical length of time between the incurred date of a claim and its eventual reporting to the Company. Anticipated investment income is considered in the calculation of premium deficiency losses for short-duration contracts. Liabilities for universal and variable life policies with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”) and paid-up guarantees are determined by estimating the expected value of death benefits payable when the account balance is projected to be zero and recognizing those benefits ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The assumptions used in estimating the secondary and paid-up guarantee liabilities are consistent with those used for amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), and are thus subject to the same variability and risk as further discussed herein. The assumptions of investment performance and volatility for variable products are consistent with historical experience of appropriate underlying equity indices, such as the Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) 500 Index. The benefits used in calculating the liabilities are based on the average benefits payable over a range of scenarios. The Company regularly reviews its estimates of liabilities for future policy benefits and compares them with its actual experience. Differences result in changes to the liability balances with related charges or credits to benefit expenses in the period in which the changes occur. Policyholder account balances relate to contracts or contract features where the Company has no significant insurance risk. The Company issues directly and assumes through reinsurance certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits that provide the policyholder a minimum return based on their initial deposit (i.e., the benefit base) less withdrawals. These guarantees are accounted for as insurance liabilities or as embedded derivatives depending on how and when the benefit is paid. Specifically, a guarantee is accounted for as an embedded derivative if a guarantee is paid without requiring (i) the occurrence of specific insurable event, or (ii) the policyholder to annuitize. Alternatively, a guarantee is accounted for as an insurance liability if the guarantee is paid only upon either (i) the occurrence of a specific insurable event, or (ii) annuitization. In certain cases, a guarantee may have elements of both an insurance liability and an embedded derivative and in such cases the guarantee is split and accounted for under both models. Guarantees accounted for as insurance liabilities in future policy benefits include guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDBs”), the portion of guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) that require annuitization, and the life-contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”). Guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances include the non life-contingent portion of GMWBs, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”) and the portion of GMIBs that do not require annuitization. At inception, the Company attributes to the embedded derivative a portion of the projected future guarantee fees to be collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits. Any additional fees represent “excess” fees and are reported in universal life and investment-type product policy fees. Other Policy-Related Balances Other policy-related balances include policy and contract claims, premiums received in advance, unearned revenue liabilities, obligations assumed under structured settlements, policyholder dividends due and unpaid, policyholder dividends left on deposit and negative value of business acquired. The liability for policy and contract claims generally relates to incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) death, disability, long-term care and dental claims, as well as claims which have been reported but not yet settled. The liability for these claims is based on the Company’s estimated ultimate cost of settling all claims. The Company derives estimates for the development of IBNR claims principally from analyses of historical patterns of claims by business line. The methods used to determine these estimates are continually reviewed. Adjustments resulting from this continuous review process and differences between estimates and payments for claims are recognized in policyholder benefits and claims expense in the period in which the estimates are changed or payments are made. The Company accounts for the prepayment of premiums on its individual life, group life and health contracts as premiums received in advance and applies the cash received to premiums when due. The unearned revenue liability relates to universal life-type and investment-type products and represents policy charges for services to be provided in future periods. The charges are deferred as unearned revenue and amortized using the product’s estimated gross profits and margins, similar to DAC as discussed further herein. Such amortization is recorded in universal life and investment-type product policy fees. See Note 3 for additional information on obligations assumed under structured settlement assignments. See “— Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles” for a discussion of negative value of business acquired. Recognition of Insurance Revenues and Deposits Premiums related to traditional life, annuity contracts with life contingencies, long-duration accident & health, and credit insurance policies are recognized as revenues when due from policyholders. Policyholder benefits and expenses are provided to recognize profits over the estimated lives of the insurance policies. When premiums are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided, any excess profit is deferred and recognized into earnings in a constant relationship to insurance in-force or, for annuities, the amount of expected future policy benefit payments. Premiums related to short-duration non-medical health and disability, accident & health, and certain credit insurance contracts are recognized on a pro rata basis over the applicable contract term. Deposits related to universal life-type and investment-type products are credited to policyholder account balances. Revenues from such contracts consist of fees for mortality, policy administration and surrender charges and are recorded in universal life and investment-type product policy fees in the period in which services are provided. Amounts that are charged to earnings include interest credited and benefit claims incurred in excess of related policyholder account balances. Premiums related to property & casualty contracts are recognized as revenue on a pro rata basis over the applicable contract term. Unearned premiums, representing the portion of premium written related to the unexpired coverage, are also included in future policy benefits. All revenues and expenses are presented net of reinsurance as applicable. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance business. Costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts are capitalized as DAC. Such costs include: • incremental direct costs of contract acquisition, such as commissions; • the portion of an employee’s total compensation and benefits related to time spent selling, underwriting or processing the issuance of new and renewal insurance business only with respect to actual policies acquired or renewed; • other essential direct costs that would not have been incurred had a policy not been acquired or renewed; and • the costs of direct-response advertising, the primary purpose of which is to elicit sales to customers who could be shown to have responded specifically to the advertising and that results in probable future benefits. All other acquisition-related costs, including those related to general advertising and solicitation, market research, agent training, product development, unsuccessful sales and underwriting efforts, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred. Value of business acquired (“VOBA”) is an intangible asset resulting from a business combination that represents the excess of book value over the estimated fair value of acquired insurance, annuity, and investment-type contracts in-force at the acquisition date. The estimated fair value of the acquired liabilities is based on projections, by each block of business, of future policy and contract charges, premiums, mortality and morbidity, separate account performance, surrenders, operating expenses, investment returns, nonperformance risk adjustment and other factors. Actual experience on the purchased business may vary from these projections. DAC and VOBA are amortized as follows: Products: In proportion to the following over estimated lives of the contracts: • Nonparticipating and non-dividend-paying traditional contracts: Actual and expected future gross premiums. • Term insurance • Nonparticipating whole life insurance • Traditional group life insurance • Non-medical health insurance • Accident & health insurance • Participating, dividend-paying traditional contracts Actual and expected future gross margins. • Fixed and variable universal life contracts Actual and expected future gross profits. • Fixed and variable deferred annuity contracts • Credit insurance contracts Actual and future earned premiums. • Property & casualty insurance contracts • Other short-duration contracts See Note 5 for additional information on DAC and VOBA amortization. Amortization of DAC and VOBA is included in other expenses. The recovery of DAC and VOBA is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. DAC and VOBA are aggregated on the financial statements for reporting purposes. The Company generally has two different types of sales inducements which are included in other assets: (i) the policyholder receives a bonus whereby the policyholder’s initial account balance is increased by an amount equal to a specified percentage of the customer’s deposit; and (ii) the policyholder receives a higher interest rate using a dollar cost averaging method than would have been received based on the normal general account interest rate credited. The Company defers sales inducements and amortizes them over the life of the policy using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC. The amortization of sales inducements is included in policyholder benefits and claims. Each year, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential recoverability issue exists, the Company reviews deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) to determine the recoverability of the asset. Value of distribution agreements acquired (“VODA”) is reported in other assets and represents the present value of expected future profits associated with the expected future business derived from the distribution agreements acquired as part of a business combination. Value of customer relationships acquired (“VOCRA”) is also reported in other assets and represents the present value of the expected future profits associated with the expected future business acquired through existing customers of the acquired company or business. The VODA and VOCRA associated with past business combinations are amortized over useful lives ranging from 10 to 40 years and such amortization is included in other expenses. Each year, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment exists, the Company reviews VODA and VOCRA to determine whether the asset is impaired. For certain acquired blocks of business, the estimated fair value of the in-force contract obligations exceeded the book value of assumed in-force insurance policy liabilities, resulting in negative VOBA, which is presented separately from VOBA as an additional insurance liability. The fair value of the in-force contract obligations is based on projections by each block of business. Negative VOBA is amortized over the policy period in proportion to the approximate consumption of losses included in the liability usually expressed in terms of insurance in-force or account value. Such amortization is recorded as an offset in other expenses. Reinsurance For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Cessions under reinsurance agreements do not discharge the Company’s obligations as the primary insurer. The Company reviews all contractual features, including those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. For reinsurance of existing in-force blocks of long-duration contracts that transfer significant insurance risk, the difference, if any, between the amounts paid (received), and the liabilities ceded (assumed) related to the underlying contracts is considered the net cost of reinsurance at the inception of the reinsurance agreement. The net cost of reinsurance is recorded as an adjustment to DAC and recognized as a component of other expenses on a basis consistent with the way the acquisition costs on the underlying reinsured contracts would be recognized. Subsequent amounts paid (received) on the reinsurance of in-force blocks, as well as amounts paid (received) related to new business, are recorded as ceded (assumed) premiums; and ceded (assumed) premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (future policy benefits) are established. For prospective reinsurance of short-duration contracts that meet the criteria for reinsurance accounting, amounts paid (received) are recorded as ceded (assumed) premiums and ceded (assumed) unearned premiums. Unearned premiums are reflected as a component of premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (future policy benefits). Such amounts are amortized through earned premiums over the remaining contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. For retroactive reinsurance of short-duration contracts that meet the criteria of reinsurance accounting, amounts paid (received) in excess of the related insurance liabilities ceded (assumed) are recognized immediately as a loss and are reported in the appropriate line item within the statement of operations. Any gain on such retroactive agreement is deferred and is amortized as part of DAC, primarily using the recovery method. Amounts currently recoverable under reinsurance agreements are included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and amounts currently payable are included in other liabilities. Assets and liabilities relating to reinsurance agreements with the same reinsurer may be recorded net on the balance sheet, if a right of offset exists within the reinsurance agreement. In the event that reinsurers do not meet their obligations to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreements, reinsurance recoverable balances could become uncollectible. In such instances, reinsurance recoverable balances are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance. Premiums, fees and policyholder benefits and claims include amounts assumed under reinsurance agreements and are net of reinsurance ceded. Amounts received from reinsurers for policy administration are reported in other revenues. With respect to GMIBs, a portion of the directly written GMIBs are accounted for as insurance liabilities, but the associated reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives. These embedded derivati

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	2. Segment Information Following the Separation and the elimination of the Brighthouse Financial segment, as described in Note 3 , MetLife is organized into five segments: U.S.; Asia; Latin America; EMEA; and MetLife Holdings. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other. U.S. The U.S. segment offers a broad range of protection products and services aimed at serving the financial needs of customers throughout their lives. These products are sold to corporations and their respective employees, other institutions and their respective members, as well as individuals. The U.S. segment is organized into three businesses: Group Benefits, Retirement and Income Solutions and Property & Casualty. • The Group Benefits business offers insurance products and services which include life, dental, group short- and long-term disability, individual disability, accidental death and dismemberment, vision and accident & health coverages, as well as prepaid legal plans. This business also sells administrative services-only arrangements to some employers. • The Retirement and Income Solutions business offers a broad range of annuity and investment products, including capital market investment products, institutional income annuities, stable value and pension risk transfer products. This business also includes products to fund tort settlements, as well as postretirement benefits and company-, bank- or trust-owned life insurance. • The Property & Casualty business offers personal and commercial lines of property and casualty insurance, including private passenger automobile, homeowners’ and personal excess liability insurance. In addition, Property & Casualty offers small business owners property, liability and business interruption insurance. Asia The Asia segment offers a broad range of products to both individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include whole life, term life, variable life, universal life, accident & health insurance, fixed and variable annuities and endowment products. Latin America The Latin America segment offers a broad range of products to both individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include life insurance, accident & health insurance, credit insurance and retirement and savings products. EMEA The EMEA segment offers a broad range of products to both individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, which include life insurance, accident & health insurance, credit insurance and retirement and savings products. MetLife Holdings The MetLife Holdings segment consists of operations relating to products and businesses no longer actively marketed by the Company in the United States, such as variable, universal, term and whole life insurance, variable, fixed and index-linked annuities, long-term care insurance, as well as the assumed variable annuity guarantees from the Company’s former operating joint venture in Japan. Corporate & Other Corporate & Other contains the excess capital, as well as certain charges and activities, not allocated to the segments, including external integration and disposition costs, internal resource costs for associates committed to acquisitions and dispositions, enterprise-wide strategic initiative restructuring charges and various start-up businesses (including expatriate benefits insurance and the investment management business through which the Company offers fee-based investment management services to institutional clients, as well as the direct to consumer portion of the U.S. Direct business). Corporate & Other also includes interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. In addition, Corporate & Other includes the elimination of intersegment amounts, which generally relate to affiliated reinsurance and intersegment loans, which bear interest rates commensurate with related borrowings. As a result of the Separation, for the years ended 2016 and 2015, Corporate & Other includes corporate overhead costs previously allocated to the former Brighthouse Financial segment. Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies Adjusted earnings is used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, adjusted earnings is also the Company’s GAAP measure of segment performance and is reported below. Adjusted earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax. The Company believes the presentation of adjusted earnings as the Company measures it for management purposes enhances the understanding of its performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Adjusted earnings allows analysis of the Company’s performance relative to the Company’s business plan and facilitates comparisons to industry results. Adjusted earnings is defined as adjusted revenues less adjusted expenses, net of income tax. The financial measures of adjusted revenues and adjusted expenses focus on the Company’s primary businesses principally by excluding the impact of market volatility, which could distort trends, and revenues and costs related to non-core products and certain entities required to be consolidated under GAAP. Also, these measures exclude results of discontinued operations under GAAP and other businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by MetLife but do not meet the discontinued operations criteria under GAAP and are referred to as divested businesses. Divested businesses also includes the net impact of transactions with exited businesses that have been eliminated in consolidation under GAAP and costs relating to businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by MetLife that do not meet the criteria to be included in results of discontinued operations under GAAP. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2016, adjusted revenues and adjusted expenses exclude the financial impact of converting the Company’s Japan operations to calendar year-end reporting without retrospective application of this change to prior periods and is referred to as lag elimination. Adjusted revenues also excludes net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses). Adjusted expenses also excludes goodwill impairments. The following additional adjustments are made to revenues, in the line items indicated, in calculating adjusted revenues: • Universal life and investment-type product policy fees excludes the amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity GMIB fees (“GMIB Fees”); • Net investment income: (i) includes earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, (ii) excludes post-tax adjusted earnings adjustments relating to insurance joint ventures accounted for under the equity method, (iii) excludes certain amounts related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments and (iv) excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and • Other revenues are adjusted for settlements of foreign currency earnings hedges. The following additional adjustments are made to expenses, in the line items indicated, in calculating adjusted expenses: • Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends excludes: (i) changes in the policyholder dividend obligation related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) inflation-indexed benefit adjustments associated with contracts backed by inflation-indexed investments and amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets and other pass through adjustments, (iii) benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”) and (iv) market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”); • Interest credited to policyholder account balances includes adjustments for earned income on derivatives and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and excludes amounts related to net investment income earned on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments; • Amortization of DAC and VOBA excludes amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs and (iii) Market Value Adjustments; • Amortization of negative VOBA excludes amounts related to Market Value Adjustments; • Interest expense on debt excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and • Other expenses excludes costs related to: (i) noncontrolling interests, (ii) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements, and (iii) acquisition, integration and other costs. Adjusted earnings also excludes the recognition of certain contingent assets and liabilities that could not be recognized at acquisition or adjusted for during the measurement period under GAAP business combination accounting guidance. The tax impact of the adjustments mentioned above are calculated net of the U.S. or foreign statutory tax rate, which could differ from the Company’s effective tax rate. Additionally, the provision for income tax (expense) benefit also includes the impact related to the timing of certain tax credits, as well as certain tax reforms. Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 and at December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except for adjusted earnings adjustments as defined above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the method of capital allocation described below. Economic capital is an internally developed risk capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in the Company’s business. The Company’s economic capital model, coupled with considerations of local capital requirements, aligns segment allocated equity with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. The model applies statistics-based risk evaluation principles to the material risks to which the Company is exposed. These consistent risk principles include calibrating required economic capital shock factors to a specific confidence level and time horizon while applying an industry standard method for the inclusion of diversification benefits among risk types. The Company’s management is responsible for the ongoing production and enhancement of the economic capital model and reviews its approach periodically to ensure that it remains consistent with emerging industry practice standards. Segment net investment income is credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income, income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax or adjusted earnings. Net investment income is based upon the actual results of each segment’s specifically identifiable investment portfolios adjusted for allocated equity. Other costs are allocated to each of the segments based upon: (i) a review of the nature of such costs; (ii) time studies analyzing the amount of employee compensation costs incurred by each segment; and (iii) cost estimates included in the Company’s product pricing. Year Ended December 31, 2017 U.S. Asia Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total Adjustments Total Consolidated (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 23,632 $ 6,755 $ 2,693 $ 2,061 $ 4,144 $ 54 $ 39,339 $ (347 ) $ 38,992 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees 1,012 1,584 1,044 405 1,361 1 5,407 103 5,510 Net investment income 6,396 2,985 1,219 309 5,607 28 16,544 819 17,363 Other revenues 806 43 32 58 244 271 1,454 (113 ) 1,341 Net investment gains (losses) — — — — — — — (308 ) (308 ) Net derivative gains (losses) — — — — — — — (590 ) (590 ) Total revenues 31,846 11,367 4,988 2,833 11,356 354 62,744 (436 ) 62,308 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends 23,627 5,075 2,535 1,077 7,000 26 39,340 204 39,544 Interest credited to policyholder account balances 1,474 1,351 369 100 1,018 1 4,313 1,294 5,607 Capitalization of DAC (458 ) (1,710 ) (364 ) (414 ) (82 ) (8 ) (3,036 ) 34 (3,002 ) Amortization of DAC and VOBA 459 1,300 224 357 302 6 2,648 33 2,681 Amortization of negative VOBA — (111 ) (1 ) (19 ) — — (131 ) (9 ) (140 ) Interest expense on debt 11 — 5 — 24 1,105 1,145 (16 ) 1,129 Other expenses 3,682 3,613 1,479 1,376 1,365 894 12,409 544 12,953 Total expenses 28,795 9,518 4,247 2,477 9,627 2,024 56,688 2,084 58,772 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 1,024 620 156 59 547 (688 ) 1,718 (3,188 ) (1,470 ) Adjusted earnings $ 2,027 $ 1,229 $ 585 $ 297 $ 1,182 $ (982 ) 4,338 Adjustments to: Total revenues (436 ) Total expenses (2,084 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 3,188 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 5,006 $ 5,006 At December 31, 2017 U.S. Asia (1) Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Total assets $ 255,428 $ 136,928 $ 79,670 $ 30,500 $ 183,160 $ 34,206 $ 719,892 Separate account assets $ 81,243 $ 10,032 $ 56,218 $ 5,975 $ 51,533 $ — $ 205,001 Separate account liabilities $ 81,243 $ 10,032 $ 56,218 $ 5,975 $ 51,533 $ — $ 205,001 __________________ (1) Total assets includes $111.0 billion of assets from the Japan operations which represents 15% of total consolidated assets. Year Ended December 31, 2016 U.S. Asia Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total Adjustments Total Consolidated (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 21,501 $ 6,902 $ 2,529 $ 2,027 $ 4,506 $ 40 $ 37,505 $ (303 ) $ 37,202 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees 989 1,488 1,025 391 1,436 2 5,331 152 5,483 Net investment income 6,206 2,707 1,084 318 5,944 178 16,437 353 16,790 Other revenues 784 61 34 73 581 110 1,643 42 1,685 Net investment gains (losses) — — — — — — — 317 317 Net derivative gains (losses) — — — — — — — (690 ) (690 ) Total revenues 29,480 11,158 4,672 2,809 12,467 330 60,916 (129 ) 60,787 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends 21,591 5,211 2,443 1,067 7,523 41 37,876 (295 ) 37,581 Interest credited to policyholder account balances 1,302 1,298 328 112 1,042 6 4,088 1,088 5,176 Capitalization of DAC (471 ) (1,668 ) (321 ) (403 ) (281 ) (7 ) (3,151 ) (1 ) (3,152 ) Amortization of DAC and VOBA 471 1,236 184 408 736 8 3,043 (325 ) 2,718 Amortization of negative VOBA — (208 ) (1 ) (13 ) — — (222 ) (47 ) (269 ) Interest expense on debt 9 — 2 — 57 1,139 1,207 (50 ) 1,157 Other expenses 3,706 3,586 1,336 1,323 2,392 597 12,940 355 13,295 Total expenses 26,608 9,455 3,971 2,494 11,469 1,784 55,781 725 56,506 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 976 479 158 42 292 (948 ) 999 (306 ) 693 Adjusted earnings $ 1,896 $ 1,224 $ 543 $ 273 $ 706 $ (506 ) 4,136 Adjustments to: Total revenues (129 ) Total expenses (725 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 306 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 3,588 $ 3,588 At December 31, 2016 U.S. Asia (1) Latin EMEA MetLife Corporate Total (In millions) Total assets $ 253,926 $ 120,656 $ 67,233 $ 25,596 $ 183,832 $ 247,521 $ 898,764 Separate account assets $ 85,950 $ 8,020 $ 48,455 $ 4,329 $ 48,823 $ 1 $ 195,578 Separate account liabilities $ 85,950 $ 8,020 $ 48,455 $ 4,329 $ 48,823 $ 1 $ 195,578 __________________ (1) Total assets includes $98.0 billion of assets from the Japan operations which represents 11% of total consolidated assets. (2) Includes assets of disposed subsidiary of $216,983 million at December 31, 2016. Year Ended December 31, 2015 U.S. Asia Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total Adjustments Total Consolidated (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 20,861 $ 6,937 $ 2,581 $ 2,036 $ 4,545 $ (92 ) $ 36,868 $ (465 ) $ 36,403 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees 943 1,542 1,117 424 1,482 (4 ) 5,504 66 5,570 Net investment income 6,183 2,675 1,038 326 6,189 260 16,671 (466 ) 16,205 Other revenues 751 105 41 61 930 69 1,957 (30 ) 1,927 Net investment gains (losses) — — — — — — — 609 609 Net derivative gains (losses) — — — — — — — 629 629 Total revenues 28,738 11,259 4,777 2,847 13,146 233 61,000 343 61,343 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends 20,899 5,266 2,408 988 7,346 (114 ) 36,793 (293 ) 36,500 Interest credited to policyholder account balances 1,216 1,309 349 120 1,062 23 4,079 336 4,415 Capitalization of DAC (493 ) (1,720 ) (341 ) (472 ) (410 ) (3 ) (3,439 ) 120 (3,319 ) Amortization of DAC and VOBA 471 1,253 271 497 577 (1 ) 3,068 116 3,184 Amortization of negative VOBA — (309 ) (1 ) (16 ) — — (326 ) (35 ) (361 ) Interest expense on debt 4 — — — 55 1,169 1,228 (60 ) 1,168 Other expenses 3,685 3,611 1,429 1,469 2,694 935 13,823 282 14,105 Total expenses 25,782 9,410 4,115 2,586 11,324 2,009 55,226 466 55,692 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 1,009 461 37 21 582 (366 ) 1,744 (154 ) 1,590 Adjusted earnings $ 1,947 $ 1,388 $ 625 $ 240 $ 1,240 $ (1,410 ) 4,030 Adjustments to: Total revenues 343 Total expenses (466 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 154 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 4,061 $ 4,061 The following table presents total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues by major product groups of the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Life insurance $ 20,330 $ 20,436 $ 20,847 Accident & health insurance 14,002 14,128 13,109 Annuities 6,999 5,552 5,730 Property & casualty insurance 3,613 3,560 3,504 Non-insurance 899 694 710 Total $ 45,843 $ 44,370 $ 43,900 The following table presents total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues associated with the Company’s U.S. and foreign operations: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) U.S. $ 30,971 $ 29,166 $ 29,094 Foreign: Japan 6,444 7,089 6,264 Other 8,428 8,115 8,542 Total $ 45,843 $ 44,370 $ 43,900 Revenues derived from any customer did not exceed 10% of consolidated premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 .

Dispositions - Dispositions

Dispositions - Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	3. Dispositions 2017 Pending Disposition On October 25, 2017, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell MetLife Afore, S.A. de C.V. (“MetLife Afore”), its pension fund management business in Mexico. As a result of the agreement, a loss of $98 million ( $73 million , net of income tax), which includes a reduction to goodwill of $16 million , was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017 and is reflected within net investment gains (losses). At December 31, 2017, MetLife Afore reported $3.9 billion and $3.7 billion of total assets and total liabilities, respectively, which primarily consisted of $3.7 billion of separate account assets and liabilities. MetLife Afore’s results of operations are included in continuing operations and are reported in the Latin America segment. The transaction closed on February 20, 2018. 2017 Disposition Separation of Brighthouse In January 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced its plan to separate a substantial portion of its former Retail segment, as well as certain portions of its former Corporate Benefit Funding segment and Corporate & Other. MetLife, Inc. subsequently re-segmented the business to be separated and rebranded it as “Brighthouse Financial.” On July 6, 2017, MetLife, Inc. announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) declared Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s registration statement on Form 10 effective. Additionally, all required state regulatory approvals were granted. On August 4, 2017, MetLife, Inc. completed the separation of Brighthouse. MetLife, Inc. common shareholders received a distribution of one share of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock for every 11 shares of MetLife, Inc. common stock they owned as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the July 19, 2017 record date. Shareholders of MetLife, Inc. who owned less than 11 shares of common stock, or others who would have otherwise received fractional shares, received cash. MetLife, Inc. distributed 96,776,670 of the 119,773,106 shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock outstanding, representing approximately 80.8% of those shares. Certain MetLife affiliates hold MetLife, Inc. common stock and, as a result, participated in the distribution. The loss recognized in connection with the Separation was $1,302 million , net of income tax, which included: (i) a $1,016 million loss on MetLife's retained investment in Brighthouse Financial, Inc., (ii) a $42 million net tax charge and (iii) a $306 million charge, net of income tax, for transaction costs, partially offset by a $61 million gain, net of income tax, for previously deferred intercompany gains realized upon Separation. The $42 million net tax charge is comprised of a $1,093 million tax separation agreement charge offset by $1,051 million of Separation tax benefits. Of the $1,302 million total loss, net of income tax, a $131 million loss, net of income tax, was reported within continuing operations as (i) a $693 million net investment loss, (ii) a $147 million charge within policyholder benefits and claims, (iii) a $218 million charge within other expenses, and (iv) a $927 million income tax benefit. The remaining $1,171 million loss was reported within discontinued operations, which primarily includes a tax-related charge. MetLife, Inc. retained the remaining ownership interest of 22,996,436 shares, or 19.2% , of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock and recognized its investment in Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock based on the NASDAQ reported market price. The Company elected to record the investment under the FVO as an observable measure of estimated fair value that is aligned with the Company’s intent to divest of the retained shares as soon as practicable. Subsequent changes in estimated fair value of the investment are recorded to net investment gains (losses).The estimated fair value of the Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock held by the Company (“FVO Brighthouse Common Stock”) as of December 31, 2017 was $1.3 billion reported within FVO securities. The Company recorded a $1,016 million mark-to-market loss on its retained investment in Brighthouse Financial, Inc. to net investment gains (losses) at the Separation date and an additional $95 million loss to net investment gains (losses) for the change in Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s common stock share price from the Separation date to December 31, 2017. In 2016, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $260 million ( $223 million , net of income tax) for the impairment of Brighthouse goodwill included in discontinued operations. As of the Separation date, the Company evaluated the assets of Brighthouse for potential impairment, and determined that no additional impairment charge was required. The Company incurred pre-tax Separation-related transaction costs of $470 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily related to fees for the terminations of financing arrangements and professional services. The Company incurred pre-tax Separation-related transaction costs of $212 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily related to professional services. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company reported $333 million within discontinued operations for fees for the terminations of financing arrangements and costs required to complete the Separation. All other Separation-related transaction costs are recorded in other expenses and reported within continuing operations. In connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. terminated various support agreements with Brighthouse. Agreements In connection with the Separation, MetLife and Brighthouse entered into various agreements. The significant agreements were as follows: Master Separation Agreement MetLife entered into a master separation agreement with Brighthouse prior to the completion of the distribution. The master separation agreement sets forth agreements with Brighthouse relating to the ownership of certain assets and the allocation of certain liabilities in connection with the Separation. It also sets forth other agreements governing the relationship with Brighthouse after the distribution, including certain payment obligations between the parties. Tax Agreements Immediately prior to the Separation, MetLife entered into a tax separation agreement with Brighthouse. Among other things, the tax separation agreement governs the allocation between MetLife and Brighthouse of the responsibility for the taxes of the MetLife group. The tax separation agreement also allocates rights, obligations and responsibilities in connection with certain administrative matters relating to the preparation of tax returns and control of tax audits and other proceedings relating to taxes. For the taxable periods prior to Separation, MetLife and Brighthouse have joint and several liability for the MetLife consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns’ current taxes (and the benefits of tax attributes such as losses) allocated to Brighthouse. The tax separation agreement provides that the Brighthouse allocation of taxes could vary depending upon the outcome of Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examinations. Upon Separation, MetLife, Inc. recorded a current income tax receivable of $1.4 billion and a corresponding payable to Brighthouse reported in other liabilities. On October 2, 2017, in accordance with the tax separation agreement, $729 million of this amount was paid by MetLife, Inc. to Brighthouse. As part of the tax separation agreement, MetLife, Inc. is liable for the U.S. federal income tax cost of a discrete Separation‑related tax charge incurred by Brighthouse. The income tax charge arises from the recapture of certain tax benefits incurred prior to Separation, and is caused by the deconsolidation of Brighthouse from the MetLife tax group at Separation. As a result, MetLife, Inc. recorded a decrease to current income tax recoverable and a charge to provision for income tax expense (benefit) of $1,093 million , which was reported in discontinued operations for the Company. Additionally, MetLife, Inc. has the right to receive future payments from Brighthouse for a tax asset that Brighthouse received as a result of restructuring prior to the Separation. Included in other assets at December 31, 2017, is a receivable from Brighthouse of $333 million related to these future payments, after a reduction of $222 million as a result of U.S. Tax Reform. Transactions Prior to the Separation Prior to the Separation, the Company completed the following transactions in 2017. Contributions of Entities, Mergers and Dividend In April 2017, following receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, MetLife contributed certain captive reinsurance companies to Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (“Brighthouse Insurance”), which were merged into Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware (“BRCD”), a newly-formed captive reinsurance company that is wholly-owned by Brighthouse Insurance. In July 2017, MetLife, Inc. contributed the voting common interests of Brighthouse Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. at that time, to Brighthouse Financial, Inc. Brighthouse Holdings, LLC was at that time an intermediate holding company which owned all of the subsidiaries within Brighthouse. In August 2017, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. paid a cash dividend to MetLife, Inc. of $1.8 billion in connection with the Separation. Termination of Financing Arrangements In April 2017, MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina (“MRSC”) terminated the MRSC collateral financing arrangement associated with secondary guarantees. As a result, the $2.8 billion collateral financing arrangement liability outstanding was extinguished utilizing $2.8 billion of assets held in trust, with the remaining $590 million of assets held in trust returned to MetLife, Inc. as a cash return of capital from a subsidiary. Total fees associated with the termination were $37 million and were reported in discontinued operations. In April 2017, MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont (“MRV”) terminated the $4.3 billion committed facility, and MetLife, Inc. and MRSC terminated the $3.5 billion committed facility. Total fees associated with the terminations were $257 million and were reported in discontinued operations. See Note 14 for information on the junior subordinated debentures in connection with the Separation. New Financing Arrangements In April 2017, BRCD entered into a new financing arrangement with a pool of highly rated third-party reinsurers with a total capacity of $10.0 billion . This financing arrangement consists of credit-linked notes that each have a term of 20 years. In June 2017, Brighthouse Holdings, LLC issued 50,000 units of 6.50% fixed rate cumulative preferred units to MetLife, Inc. and in turn MetLife, Inc. sold the preferred units to third-party investors, for net proceeds of $49 million . In June 2017, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. issued $1.5 billion of senior notes due in June 2027 (the “2027 Senior Notes”) which bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.70% , payable semi-annually. Also in June 2017, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. issued $1.5 billion of senior notes due in June 2047 (the “2047 Senior Notes,” and together with the 2027 Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”) which bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.70% , payable semi-annually. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, MetLife, Inc. had initially guaranteed the Senior Notes on a senior unsecured basis. The guarantee was released, in accordance with its terms, upon Separation. In June 2017, subsequent to the issuance of the Senior Notes, the borrowing capacity under Brighthouse Financial, Inc.’s three-year senior unsecured delayed draw term loan agreement (the “2016 Term Loan Agreement”) was decreased from $3.0 billion to $536 million . On July 21, 2017, concurrently with entering into a new term loan agreement described below, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. terminated the 2016 Term Loan Agreement without penalty. In July 2017, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. entered into a new $600 million senior unsecured delayed draw term loan agreement (the “2017 Term Loan Agreement”). Under the 2017 Term Loan Agreement, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. may borrow up to a maximum of $600 million which may be used for general corporate purposes, including in connection with the Separation, of which $500 million was available prior to the Separation. The 2017 Term Loan Agreement contains certain covenants that could restrict the operations and use of funds of Brighthouse. On August 2, 2017, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. borrowed $500 million under the 2017 Term Loan Agreement in connection with the Separation. Ongoing Transactions with Brighthouse The Company considered all of its continuing involvement with Brighthouse in determining whether to deconsolidate and present Brighthouse results as discontinued operations, including the agreements described above and the ongoing transactions described below. The Company entered into reinsurance, committed facility, structured settlement, and contract administrative services transactions with Brighthouse in the normal course of business and such transactions will continue based upon business needs. In addition, prior to and in connection with the Separation, the Company entered into various other agreements with Brighthouse for services necessary for both the Company and Brighthouse to conduct their activities. Intercompany transactions prior to the Separation between the Company and Brighthouse are eliminated and excluded from the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets. Transactions between the Company and Brighthouse that continue after the Separation are included on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets. Reinsurance The Company entered into reinsurance transactions with Brighthouse in the normal course of business and such transactions will continue based upon business needs. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance transactions with Brighthouse was as follows: Included on Consolidated Statements of Operations Excluded from Consolidated Statements of Operations Year Ended December 31, Years 2017 (1) 2017 (2) 2016 2015 (In millions) Premiums Reinsurance assumed $ 183 $ 248 $ 462 $ 416 Reinsurance ceded (4 ) (7 ) (9 ) (8 ) Net premiums $ 179 $ 241 $ 453 $ 408 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Reinsurance assumed $ (4 ) $ (6 ) $ (2 ) $ 2 Reinsurance ceded (44 ) (55 ) (102 ) (114 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ (48 ) $ (61 ) $ (104 ) $ (112 ) Policyholder benefits and claims Reinsurance assumed $ 150 $ 196 $ 385 $ 330 Reinsurance ceded (22 ) (16 ) (23 ) (28 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ 128 $ 180 $ 362 $ 302 Interest credited to policyholder account balances Reinsurance assumed $ 6 $ 10 $ 16 $ 14 Reinsurance ceded (30 ) (42 ) (75 ) (78 ) Net interest credited to policyholder account balances $ (24 ) $ (32 ) $ (59 ) $ (64 ) Other expenses Reinsurance assumed $ 39 $ 10 $ 88 $ 76 Reinsurance ceded 7 (28 ) (29 ) (45 ) Net other expenses $ 46 $ (18 ) $ 59 $ 31 __________________ (1) Includes transactions after the Separation. (2) Includes transactions prior to the Separation. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance transactions with Brighthouse included on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows at: December 31, 2017 Assumed Ceded (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 167 $ 1,793 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 384 (40 ) Total assets $ 551 $ 1,753 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 1,734 $ — Other policy-related balances 119 28 Other liabilities 1,458 19 Total liabilities $ 3,311 $ 47 Investment Management In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into investment management services agreements with Brighthouse. Each agreement has an initial term of 18 months after the date of Separation, after which period either party to the agreement is permitted to terminate upon notice to the other party. After the Separation, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized $48 million in other revenues for services provided under the agreements. Prior to the Separation, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company charged Brighthouse $57 million for services provided under the agreements, which were intercompany transactions and eliminated and excluded from the consolidated statements of operations. Debt MRV and MetLife, Inc. have a $2.9 billion committed facility which is used as collateral for certain affiliated reinsurance liabilities. As of December 31, 2017, Brighthouse is a beneficiary of $2.4 billion of letters of credit issued under this committed facility and in consideration Brighthouse reimburses MetLife, Inc. a portion of the letter of credit fees. The Company entered into the committed facility with Brighthouse in the normal course of business and such transactions will continue based upon business needs. See “— Transactions Prior to the Separation — Termination of Financing Arrangements” for additional transactions with Brighthouse. Transition Services In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into a transition services agreement with Brighthouse for services necessary for Brighthouse to conduct its activities. The services are expected to continue up to 36 months , with certain services potentially to be made available for several years thereafter. After the Separation, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized $140 million as a reduction to other expenses for transitional services provided under the agreement. Prior to the Separation, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company charged Brighthouse $191 million for services provided under the agreement, which were intercompany transactions and eliminated and excluded from the consolidated statements of operations. Other The Company has existing assumed structured settlement claim obligations as an assignment company for Brighthouse. These liabilities are measured at the present value of the periodic claims to be provided and reported as other policy-related balances. The Company receives a fee for assuming these claim obligations and, as the assignee of the claim, is legally obligated to ensure periodic payments are made to the claimant. The Company purchased annuities from Brighthouse to fund these obligations and designates payments to be made directly to the claimant by Brighthouse as the annuity writer. The aggregate contract values of annuities funding structured settlement claims are recorded as an asset for which the Company has also recorded an unpaid claim obligation reported in other policy-related balances. Such aggregated contract values were $1.3 billion at December 31, 2017. The Company entered into these transactions with Brighthouse in the normal course of business and such transactions will continue based upon business needs. The Company provides services necessary for Brighthouse to conduct its business, which primarily include contract administrative services for certain Brighthouse investment-type products. After the Separation, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenue of $54 million for administrative services provided to Brighthouse. Prior to the Separation, during the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company provided administrative services to Brighthouse for $73 million which were intercompany transactions and eliminated and excluded from the consolidated statements of operations. The Company entered into these transactions with Brighthouse in the normal course of business and such transactions will continue based upon business needs. In connection with the Separation, the Company entered into an employee matters agreement with Brighthouse to allocate obligations and responsibilities relating to employee compensation and benefit plans and other related matters. The employee matters agreement provides that MetLife will reimburse Brighthouse for certain pension benefit payments, retiree health and life benefit payments and deferred compensation payments. Included in other liabilities at December 31, 2017, is a payable to Brighthouse of $186 million related to these future payments. At December 31, 2017, the Company had a receivable from Brighthouse of $97 million related to services provided and a payable to Brighthouse of $50 million related to services received. Discontinued Operations The following table presents the amounts related to the operations and loss on disposal of Brighthouse that have been reflected in discontinued operations: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 (1) 2016 2015 (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 820 $ 1,951 $ 2,142 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees 2,201 3,724 3,936 Net investment income 1,783 3,157 3,038 Other revenues 150 74 58 Total net investment gains (losses) (48 ) (140 ) (48 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (1,061 ) (5,886 ) (466 ) Total revenues 3,845 2,880 8,660 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims 2,217 4,487 3,612 Interest credited to policyholder account balances 620 1,107 1,195 Policyholder dividends 16 34 32 Goodwill impairment — 260 — Other expenses 853 1,333 2,043 Total expenses 3,706 7,221 6,882 Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision for income tax and loss on disposal of discontinued operations 139 (4,341 ) 1,778 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) (46 ) (1,607 ) 454 Income (loss) from discontinued operations before loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income tax 185 (2,734 ) 1,324 Transaction costs associated with the Separation, net of income tax (216 ) — — Tax charges associated with the Separation (955 ) — — Income (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income tax (1,171 ) — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ (986 ) $ (2,734 ) $ 1,324 __________________ (1) Includes transactions prior to the Separation. The following table presents the amounts related to the financial position of Brighthouse that have been reflected in the assets and liabilities of disposed subsidiary: December 31, 2016 (In millions) Assets Investments: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale $ 61,326 Equity securities available-for-sale 300 Mortgage loans 9,378 Policy loans 1,517 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 150 Other limited partnership interests 1,642 Short-term investments 1,288 Other invested assets 3,881 Total investments 79,482 Cash and cash equivalents 5,226 Accrued investment income 680 Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables 10,636 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 7,207 Other assets 709 Separate account assets 113,043 Total assets of disposed subsidiary $ 216,983 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 33,270 Policyholder account balances 37,066 Other policy-related balances 1,356 Policyholder dividends payable 12 Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions 7,390 Long-term debt 60 Collateral financing arrangements 2,797 Deferred income tax liability 2,594 Other liabilities 5,119 Separate account liabilities 113,043 Total liabilities of disposed subsidiary $ 202,707 In the consolidated statements of cash flows, the cash flows from discontinued operations are not separately classified. The following table presents selected financial information regarding cash flows of the discontinued operations. For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Net cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 1,329 $ 3,697 $ 4,559 Investing activities $ (2,732 ) $ 4,674 $ (7,042 ) Financing activities $ (367 ) $ (4,715 ) $ 2,452 2016 Disposition In July 2016, MetLife, Inc. completed the sale to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”) of its U.S. retail advisor force and certain assets associated with the MetLife Premier Client Group, including all of the issued and outstanding shares of MetLife’s affiliated broker-dealer, MetLife Securities, Inc. (“MSI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (collectively, the “U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture”) for $291 million . MassMutual assumed all of the liabilities related to such assets that arise or occur after the closing of the sale. The Company recorded a gain of $103 million ( $58 million , net of income tax), in net investment gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2016 . See Notes 10 and 17 for discussion of certain charges related to the sale.

Insurance Insurance

Insurance Insurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance	4. Insurance Insurance Liabilities Insurance liabilities are comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances. Information regarding insurance liabilities by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) U.S. $ 136,065 $ 129,117 Asia 99,404 89,422 Latin America 16,758 14,760 EMEA 19,579 18,075 MetLife Holdings 103,372 104,271 Corporate & Other 829 (3,121 ) Total $ 376,007 $ 352,524 Future policy benefits are measured as follows: Product Type: Measurement Assumptions: Participating life Aggregate of (i) net level premium reserves for death and endowment policy benefits (calculated based upon the non-forfeiture interest rate, ranging from 3% to 7% for domestic business and less than 1% to 11% for international business and mortality rates guaranteed in calculating the cash surrender values described in such contracts); and (ii) the liability for terminal dividends for domestic business. Nonparticipating life Aggregate of the present value of future expected benefit payments and related expenses less the present value of future expected net premiums. Assumptions as to mortality and persistency are based upon the Company’s experience when the basis of the liability is established. Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities range from 2% to 11% for domestic business and less than 1% to 13% for international business. I ndividual and group traditional fixed annuities after annuitization Present value of future expected payments. Interest rate assumptions used in establishing such liabilities range from 1% to 11% for domestic business and less than 1% to 12% for international business. Non-medical health insurance The net level premium method and assumptions as to future morbidity, withdrawals and interest, which provide a margin for adverse deviation. Interest rate assumptions used in establishing such liabilities range from 4% to 7% (primarily related to domestic business). Disabled lives Present value of benefits method and experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest. Interest rate assumptions used in establishing such liabilities range from 2% to 8% for domestic business and less than 1% to 9% for international business. Property & casualty insurance The amount estimated for claims that have been reported but not settled and claims incurred but not reported are based upon the Company’s historical experience and other actuarial assumptions that consider the effects of current developments, anticipated trends and risk management programs, reduced for anticipated salvage and subrogation. Participating business represented 3% and 4% of the Company’s life insurance in-force at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Participating policies represented 15% , 16% and 17% of gross traditional life insurance premiums for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Policyholder account balances are equal to: (i) policy account values, which consist of an accumulation of gross premium payments and investment performance; (ii) credited interest, ranging from less than 1% to 13% for domestic business and less than 1% to 12% for international business, less expenses, mortality charges and withdrawals; and (iii) fair value adjustments relating to business combinations. Guarantees The Company issues directly and assumes through reinsurance variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMABs and the portions of both non-life-contingent GMWBs and GMIBs that do not require annuitization are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 9 . Guarantees accounted for as insurance liabilities include: Guarantee: Measurement Assumptions: GMDBs • A return of purchase payment upon death even if the account value is reduced to zero. • Present value of expected death benefits in excess of the projected account balance recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on the present value of total expected assessments. • An enhanced death benefit may be available for an additional fee. • Assumptions are consistent with those used for amortizing DAC, and are thus subject to the same variability and risk. • Investment performance and volatility assumptions are consistent with the historical experience of the appropriate underlying equity index, such as the S&P 500 Index. • Benefit assumptions are based on the average benefits payable over a range of scenarios. GMIBs • After a specified period of time determined at the time of issuance of the variable annuity contract, a minimum accumulation of purchase payments, even if the account value is reduced to zero, that can be annuitized to receive a monthly income stream that is not less than a specified amount. • Present value of expected income benefits in excess of the projected account balance at any future date of annuitization and recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on present value of total expected assessments. • Certain contracts also provide for a guaranteed lump sum return of purchase premium in lieu of the annuitization benefit. • Assumptions are consistent with those used for estimating GMDB liabilities. • Calculation incorporates an assumption for the percentage of the potential annuitizations that may be elected by the contractholder. GMWBs • A return of purchase payment via partial withdrawals, even if the account value is reduced to zero, provided that cumulative withdrawals in a contract year do not exceed a certain limit. • Expected value of the life contingent payments and expected assessments using assumptions consistent with those used for estimating the GMDB liabilities. • Certain contracts include guaranteed withdrawals that are life contingent. The Company also issues other annuity contracts that apply a lower rate on funds deposited if the contractholder elects to surrender the contract for cash and a higher rate if the contractholder elects to annuitize. These guarantees include benefits that are payable in the event of death, maturity or at annuitization. Certain other annuity contracts contain guaranteed annuitization benefits that may be above what would be provided by the current account value of the contract. Additionally, the Company issues universal and variable life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a secondary guarantee or a guaranteed paid-up benefit. Information regarding the liabilities for guarantees (excluding base policy liabilities and embedded derivatives) relating to annuity and universal and variable life contracts was as follows: Annuity Contracts Universal and Variable GMDBs GMIBs Secondary Paid-Up Total (In millions) Direct and Assumed: Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 307 $ 463 $ 2,711 $ 288 $ 3,769 Incurred guaranteed benefits (1) 68 62 43 18 191 Paid guaranteed benefits (11 ) (1 ) (28 ) — (40 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 364 524 2,726 306 3,920 Incurred guaranteed benefits (1) 102 78 291 25 496 Paid guaranteed benefits (15 ) (1 ) (28 ) — (44 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 451 601 2,989 331 4,372 Incurred guaranteed benefits (1) 91 121 233 16 461 Paid guaranteed benefits (14 ) (2 ) (34 ) — (50 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 528 $ 720 $ 3,188 $ 347 $ 4,783 Ceded: Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 23 $ 6 $ 187 $ 201 $ 417 Incurred guaranteed benefits (1 ) — 31 13 43 Paid guaranteed benefits (3 ) — — — (3 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 19 6 218 214 457 Incurred guaranteed benefits — (1 ) (27 ) 17 (11 ) Paid guaranteed benefits 5 — — — 5 Balance at December 31, 2016 24 5 191 231 451 Incurred guaranteed benefits 4 1 50 11 66 Paid guaranteed benefits 6 — — — 6 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 34 $ 6 $ 241 $ 242 $ 523 Net: Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 284 $ 457 $ 2,524 $ 87 $ 3,352 Incurred guaranteed benefits 69 62 12 5 148 Paid guaranteed benefits (8 ) (1 ) (28 ) — (37 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 345 518 2,508 92 3,463 Incurred guaranteed benefits 102 79 318 8 507 Paid guaranteed benefits (20 ) (1 ) (28 ) — (49 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 427 596 2,798 100 3,921 Incurred guaranteed benefits 87 120 183 5 395 Paid guaranteed benefits (20 ) (2 ) (34 ) — (56 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 494 $ 714 $ 2,947 $ 105 $ 4,260 __________________ (1) Secondary guarantees include the effects of foreign currency translation of $78 million , $119 million and ($80) million at December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure, which includes direct and assumed business, but excludes offsets from hedging or ceded reinsurance, if any, was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 In the At In the At (Dollars in millions) Annuity Contracts (1): Variable Annuity Guarantees: Total account value (2), (3) $ 66,724 $ 26,223 $ 66,176 $ 25,335 Separate account value $ 45,431 $ 24,336 $ 43,359 $ 23,330 Net amount at risk (2) $ 1,238 (4) $ 525 (5) $ 1,842 (4) $ 521 (5) Average attained age of contractholders 65 years 65 years 64 years 65 years Other Annuity Guarantees: Total account value (3) N/A $ 1,424 N/A $ 1,393 Net amount at risk N/A $ 569 (6 ) N/A $ 490 (6) Average attained age of contractholders N/A 50 years N/A 50 years December 31, 2017 2016 Secondary Paid-Up Secondary Paid-Up (Dollars in millions) Universal and Variable Life Contracts (1): Total account value (3) $ 9,036 $ 3,207 $ 8,363 $ 3,337 Net amount at risk (7) $ 66,956 $ 16,615 $ 70,225 $ 17,785 Average attained age of policyholders 56 years 63 years 55 years 62 years __________________ (1) The Company’s annuity and life contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive. (2) Includes amounts, which are not reported on the consolidated balance sheets, from assumed variable annuity guarantees from the Company’s former operating joint venture in Japan. (3) Includes the contractholder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable. (4) Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death. (5) Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contractholders have achieved. (6) Defined as either the excess of the upper tier, adjusted for a profit margin, less the lower tier, as of the balance sheet date or the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. These amounts represent the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date. (7) Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date. Account balances of contracts with guarantees were invested in separate account asset classes as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (1) (In millions) Fund Groupings: Equity $ 23,213 $ 21,169 Balanced 20,859 20,070 Bond 5,983 5,827 Money Market 252 218 Total $ 50,307 $ 47,284 __________________ (1) Account balances at December 31, 2016 decreased in total by $6.7 billion from those amounts previously reported to correct for the inclusion of contracts without guarantees. Obligations Under Funding Agreements The Company issues fixed and floating rate funding agreements, which are denominated in either U.S. dollars or foreign currencies, to certain unconsolidated special purpose entities (“SPEs”) that have issued either debt securities or commercial paper for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company issued $42.7 billion , $39.7 billion and $35.1 billion , respectively, and repaid $41.4 billion , $38.5 billion and $35.5 billion , respectively, of such funding agreements. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , liabilities for funding agreements outstanding, which are included in policyholder account balances, were $34.2 billion and $30.8 billion , respectively. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are members of regional banks in the FHLB system (“FHLBanks”). Holdings of common stock of FHLBanks, included in equity securities, were as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) FHLB of New York $ 733 $ 748 FHLB of Des Moines $ 35 $ 35 FHLB of Pittsburgh $ 11 $ 11 Such subsidiaries have also entered into funding agreements with FHLBanks and a subsidiary of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, a federally chartered instrumentality of the U.S. (“Farmer Mac”). The liability for such funding agreements is included in policyholder account balances. Information related to such funding agreements was as follows at: Liability Collateral December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) FHLB of New York (1) $ 14,445 $ 14,445 $ 16,605 (2) $ 16,828 (2) Farmer Mac (3) $ 2,550 $ 2,550 $ 2,644 $ 2,645 FHLB of Des Moines (1) $ 625 $ 625 $ 701 (2) $ 811 (2) FHLB of Pittsburgh (1) $ 250 $ 250 $ 311 (2) $ 383 (2) __________________ (1) Represents funding agreements issued to the applicable FHLBank in exchange for cash and for which such FHLBank has been granted a lien on certain assets, some of which are in the custody of such FHLBank, including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), to collateralize obligations under advances evidenced by funding agreements. The applicable subsidiary of the Company is permitted to withdraw any portion of the collateral in the custody of such FHLBank as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. Upon any event of default by such subsidiary, the applicable FHLBank’s recovery on the collateral is limited to the amount of such subsidiary’s liability to such FHLBank. (2) Advances are collateralized by mortgage-backed securities. The amount of collateral presented is at estimated fair value. (3) Represents funding agreements issued to a subsidiary of Farmer Mac, as well as certain SPEs that have issued debt securities for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements, and such debt securities are also guaranteed as to payment of interest and principal by Farmer Mac. The obligations under these funding agreements are secured by a pledge of certain eligible agricultural mortgage loans and may, under certain circumstances, be secured by other qualified collateral. The amount of collateral presented is at carrying value. Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses The following is information about incurred and paid claims development by segment as of December 31, 2017 . Such amounts are presented net of reinsurance, and are not discounted. The tables present claims development and cumulative claim payments by incurral year. The development tables are only presented for significant short-duration product liabilities within each segment. Where practical, up to 10 years of history has been provided. In order to eliminate potential fluctuations related to foreign exchange rates, liabilities and payments denominated in a foreign currency have been translated using the 2017 year end spot rates for all periods presented. The information about incurred and paid claims development prior to 2016 is presented as supplementary information, as described in Note 1 . U.S. Group Life - Term Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2011 $ 6,318 $ 6,290 $ 6,293 $ 6,269 $ 6,287 $ 6,295 $ 6,294 $ 1 207,301 2012 6,503 6,579 6,569 6,546 6,568 6,569 3 208,626 2013 6,637 6,713 6,719 6,720 6,730 15 210,643 2014 6,986 6,919 6,913 6,910 5 210,797 2015 7,040 7,015 7,014 12 211,597 2016 7,125 7,085 21 206,610 2017 7,432 898 186,954 Total 48,034 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (46,136 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2011, net of reinsurance 5 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,903 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2011 $ 4,982 $ 6,194 $ 6,239 $ 6,256 $ 6,281 $ 6,290 $ 6,292 2012 5,132 6,472 6,518 6,532 6,558 6,565 2013 5,216 6,614 6,664 6,678 6,711 2014 5,428 6,809 6,858 6,869 2015 5,524 6,913 6,958 2016 5,582 6,980 2017 5,761 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 46,136 Average Annual Percentage Payout The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Group Life - Term 78.3 % 20.0 % 0.7 % 0.2 % 0.4 % 0.1 % — % Group Long-Term Disability Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2011 $ 955 $ 916 $ 894 $ 914 $ 924 $ 923 $ 918 $ — 21,642 2012 966 979 980 1,014 1,034 1,037 — 20,085 2013 1,008 1,027 1,032 1,049 1,070 — 21,123 2014 1,076 1,077 1,079 1,101 — 22,838 2015 1,082 1,105 1,093 4 21,136 2016 1,131 1,139 26 17,585 2017 1,244 585 9,258 Total 7,602 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (3,006 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2011, net of reinsurance 2,539 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 7,135 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2011 $ 44 $ 217 $ 337 $ 411 $ 478 $ 537 $ 588 2012 43 229 365 453 524 591 2013 43 234 382 475 551 2014 51 266 428 526 2015 50 264 427 2016 49 267 2017 56 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 3,006 Average Annual Percentage Payout The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Group Long-Term Disability 4.4 % 18.8 % 13.9 % 8.5 % 7.1 % 6.4 % 5.6 % Significant Methodologies and Assumptions Group Life - Term and Group Long-Term Disability incurred but not paid (“IBNP”) liabilities are developed using a combination of loss ratio and development methods. Claims in the course of settlement are then subtracted from the IBNP liabilities, resulting in the IBNR liabilities. The loss ratio method is used in the period in which the claims are neither sufficient nor credible. In developing the loss ratios, any material rate increases that could change the underlying premium without affecting the estimated incurred losses are taken into account. For periods where sufficient and credible claim data exists, the development method is used based on the claim triangles which categorize claims according to both the period in which they were incurred and the period in which they were paid, adjudicated or reported. The end result is a triangle of known data that is used to develop known completion ratios and factors. Claims paid are then subtracted from the estimated ultimate incurred claims to calculate the IBNP liability. An expense liability is held for the future expenses associated with the payment of incurred but not yet paid claims (IBNR and pending). This is expressed as a percentage of the underlying claims liability and is based on past experience and the anticipated future expense structure. For Group Life - Term and Group Long-Term Disability, first year incurred claims and allocated loss adjustment expenses increased in 2017 compared to the 2016 incurral year due to the growth in the size of the business. There were no significant changes in methodologies during 2017 . The assumptions used in calculating the unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses for Group Life - Term and Group Long-Term Disability are updated annually to reflect emerging trends in claim experience. No additional premiums or return premiums have been accrued as a result of the prior year development. Liabilities for Group Life - Term unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses are not discounted. The liabilities for Group Long-Term Disability unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses were $6.0 billion and $5.8 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These amounts were discounted using interest rates ranging from 3% to 8% , based on the incurral year. The total discount applied to these liabilities was $1.3 billion at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The amount of interest accretion recognized was $510 million , $565 million and $517 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These amounts were reflected in policyholder benefits and claims. For Group Life - Term, claims were based upon individual death claims. For Group Long-Term Disability, claim frequency was determined by the number of reported claims as identified by a unique claim number assigned to individual claimants. Claim counts initially include claims that do not ultimately result in a liability. These claims are omitted from the claim counts once it is determined that there is no liability. The Group Long-Term Disability IBNR included in the development tables above was developed using discounted cash flows, and is presented on a discounted basis. Property & Casualty - Auto Liability Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2008 $ 818 $ 839 $ 828 $ 805 $ 799 $ 794 $ 793 $ 791 $ 790 $ 791 $ — 200,517 2009 862 877 853 826 823 817 815 815 814 — 201,579 2010 863 873 853 847 833 826 825 822 1 202,098 2011 863 876 869 855 846 843 843 2 202,513 2012 882 881 869 851 846 847 3 196,928 2013 911 900 882 878 876 6 201,297 2014 897 910 913 910 12 203,560 2015 975 984 979 30 207,485 2016 1,012 1,002 77 204,497 2017 957 161 173,607 Total 8,841 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (7,672 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2008, net of reinsurance 27 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,196 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2008 $ 304 $ 553 $ 657 $ 725 $ 764 $ 778 $ 785 $ 787 $ 788 $ 789 2009 321 563 681 755 789 803 810 813 813 2010 319 572 695 762 796 810 816 818 2011 324 590 711 777 810 825 831 2012 333 600 715 783 815 831 2013 346 618 743 809 843 2014 352 648 777 844 2015 384 691 822 2016 396 702 2017 379 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 7,672 Average Annual Percentage Payout The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Auto Liability 39.3 % 31.3 % 14.0 % 7.9 % 4.0 % 1.8 % 0.9 % 0.5 % 0.1 % 0.2 % Property & Casualty - Home Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2008 $ 644 $ 636 $ 599 $ 590 $ 588 $ 589 $ 588 $ 586 $ 585 $ 585 $ — 127,479 2009 506 523 510 507 503 501 498 497 497 — 106,616 2010 573 589 587 584 582 581 580 579 — 115,510 2011 891 868 843 840 835 835 834 — 166,455 2012 714 713 703 698 696 694 2 146,536 2013 654 652 635 635 634 4 107,525 2014 707 702 704 705 7 113,604 2015 759 753 752 12 107,073 2016 740 743 20 106,537 2017 747 66 106,915 Total 6,770 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (6,545 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2008, net of reinsurance 1 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 226 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2008 $ 446 $ 558 $ 574 $ 579 $ 582 $ 583 $ 584 $ 584 $ 584 $ 584 2009 385 476 486 492 495 495 496 496 496 2010 436 546 562 571 574 577 578 578 2011 690 804 819 825 827 830 832 2012 559 668 681 687 689 690 2013 505 604 618 626 628 2014 574 670 685 692 2015 603 717 731 2016 593 704 2017 610 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 6,545 Average Annual Percentage Payout The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 $ 6 7 8 9 10 Home 80.5 % 14.8 % 2.3 % 1.0 % 0.6 % 0.3 % 0.2 % 0.1 % — % 0.1 % Significant Methodologies and Assumptions The liability for unpaid claim and claim adjustment expenses for the Property & Casualty business is determined by examining the historical claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses data. This data, which is gross of salvage and subrogation, is classified by incurral year and coverage and includes paid claims data and reported liabilities. For homeowners and auto liability injury claims, the reported liabilities are set by the Company’s claims adjusters based on the individual case, and a supplemental liability is added based on the historical development of reported claims. These supplemental liabilities are estimated by coverage based on adjusted report year data triangles developed to estimate ultimate claim liability. Adjustments are made for settlement rates and average case liabilities. For auto non-injury claims, the Company holds an average statistical liability for every reported claim. This statistical liability is based on an estimated average payment that varies by coverage, report year and state. These average estimated payments are updated monthly. For all property and casualty coverages, many actuarial methods such as adjusted loss development (adjusted for settlement rates and average case liabilities) and loss ratio methods are employed to develop a best estimate of the IBNR for each coverage type. Similar actuarial methods are used to determine the best estimate of the expected salvage and subrogation; methods that look at recoveries by age and ratios of recoveries to paid loss are compared for each coverage. A liability for unpaid allocated claim adjustment expenses is held for the future claim adjustment costs associated with the payment of incurred but not yet paid claims. This liability is calculated as a percentage of the underlying unpaid claims liability. The percentage is based on historical ratios of essential claim department expenses compared with paid losses. There were no significant changes in methodologies or assumptions during 2017 . No additional premiums or return premiums have been accrued as a result of the prior year development. Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses were not discounted. The cumulative number of reported claims for auto liability coverages are counted by individual coverages (i.e. bodily injury and property damage) and, if multiple occupants are injured, then each injury is counted as a separate claim. For home coverages, each exposure is counted separately, so a house fire would, for example, have separate claim counts for the building, the contents, and additional living expenses. Claim counts include claims that do not ultimately result in a liability. Any liability established upon receipt of these claims would subsequently be reversed. Asia Group Disability & Group Life Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2010 $ 82 $ 78 $ 84 $ 107 $ 107 $ 103 $ 135 $ 144 $ 24 2,490 2011 64 67 88 88 94 124 132 24 2,629 2012 98 104 103 118 119 122 10 3,962 2013 148 150 174 168 167 19 4,448 2014 297 279 256 256 54 5,020 2015 280 267 271 78 4,473 2016 234 238 102 2,314 2017 303 215 1,456 Total 1,633 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (1,108 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2010, net of reinsurance 27 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 552 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2010 $ 20 $ 40 $ 53 $ 65 $ 79 $ 89 $ 114 $ 121 2011 13 40 54 67 81 102 109 2012 30 65 85 99 106 112 2013 44 99 121 136 149 2014 69 144 180 202 2015 81 154 192 2016 66 135 2017 88 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,108 Average Annual Percentage Payout The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Group Disability & Group Life 23.6 % 25.8 % 13.0 % 9.3 % 8.6 % 8.9 % 11.3 % 5.5 % Significant Methodologies and Assumptions This business line consists of employer sponsored and industry sponsored Group Life and Group Disability risks. For Group Life, the IBNR liability is determined by using the Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method, with factors derived by examining the experience of historical claims. A pending liability is also calculated for claims that have been reported but have not been paid. A claim eligibility ratio based on past experience is applied to the face amount of individual claims. For Group Disability, the IBNR liability is calculated by applying a percentage to premiums in-force based on the expected delay as evidenced by the experience in the portfolio. This is then allocated back into different incurral years based on an assumed run-off. A claims in course of payment liability is also calculated for claims that have been admitted and are in the course of payment. The assumptions employed are based on economic conditions and industry experience, as adjusted for the Company’s own experience. An expense liability is held for the future expenses associated with the payment of incurred but not yet paid claims. This is expressed as a percentage of the underlying claims liability and is based on past experience and the future expense structure. There were no significant

Deferred Policy Acquisition Cos

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Policy-Related Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Policy-Related Intangibles	5. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles See Note 1 for a description of capitalized acquisition costs. Nonparticipating and Non-Dividend-Paying Traditional Contracts The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to these contracts (term insurance, nonparticipating whole life insurance, traditional group life insurance, non-medical health insurance, and accident & health insurance) over the appropriate premium paying period in proportion to the actual and expected future gross premiums that were set at contract issue. The expected premiums are based upon the premium requirement of each policy and assumptions for mortality, morbidity, persistency and investment returns at policy issuance, or policy acquisition (as it relates to VOBA), include provisions for adverse deviation, and are consistent with the assumptions used to calculate future policyholder benefit liabilities. These assumptions are not revised after policy issuance or acquisition unless the DAC or VOBA balance is deemed to be unrecoverable from future expected profits. Absent a premium deficiency, variability in amortization after policy issuance or acquisition is caused only by variability in premium volumes. Participating, Dividend-Paying Traditional Contracts The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to these contracts over the estimated lives of the contracts in proportion to actual and expected future gross margins. The amortization includes interest based on rates in effect at inception or acquisition of the contracts. The future gross margins are dependent principally on investment returns, policyholder dividend scales, mortality, persistency, expenses to administer the business, creditworthiness of reinsurance counterparties and certain economic variables, such as inflation. For participating contracts within the closed block (dividend-paying traditional contracts) future gross margins are also dependent upon changes in the policyholder dividend obligation. See Note 7 . Of these factors, the Company anticipates that investment returns, expenses, persistency and other factor changes, as well as policyholder dividend scales, are reasonably likely to impact significantly the rate of DAC and VOBA amortization. Each reporting period, the Company updates the estimated gross margins with the actual gross margins for that period. When the actual gross margins change from previously estimated gross margins, the cumulative DAC and VOBA amortization is re-estimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to current operations. When actual gross margins exceed those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the actual gross margins are below the previously estimated gross margins. Each reporting period, the Company also updates the actual amount of business in-force, which impacts expected future gross margins. When expected future gross margins are below those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the expected future gross margins are above the previously estimated expected future gross margins. Each period, the Company also reviews the estimated gross margins for each block of business to determine the recoverability of DAC and VOBA balances. Fixed and Variable Universal Life Contracts and Fixed and Variable Deferred Annuity Contracts The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to these contracts over the estimated lives of the contracts in proportion to actual and expected future gross profits. The amortization includes interest based on rates in effect at inception or acquisition of the contracts. The amount of future gross profits is dependent principally upon returns in excess of the amounts credited to policyholders, mortality, persistency, interest crediting rates, expenses to administer the business, creditworthiness of reinsurance counterparties, the effect of any hedges used and certain economic variables, such as inflation. Of these factors, the Company anticipates that investment returns, expenses and persistency are reasonably likely to significantly impact the rate of DAC and VOBA amortization. Each reporting period, the Company updates the estimated gross profits with the actual gross profits for that period. When the actual gross profits change from previously estimated gross profits, the cumulative DAC and VOBA amortization is re-estimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to current operations. When actual gross profits exceed those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the actual gross profits are below the previously estimated gross profits. Each reporting period, the Company also updates the actual amount of business remaining in-force, which impacts expected future gross profits. When expected future gross profits are below those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the expected future gross profits are above the previously estimated expected future gross profits. Each period, the Company also reviews the estimated gross profits for each block of business to determine the recoverability of DAC and VOBA balances. Credit Insurance, Property & Casualty Insurance and Other Short-Duration Contracts The Company amortizes DAC for these contracts, which is primarily composed of commissions and certain underwriting expenses, in proportion to actual and future earned premium over the applicable contract term. Factors Impacting Amortization Separate account rates of return on variable universal life contracts and variable deferred annuity contracts affect in-force account balances on such contracts each reporting period, which can result in significant fluctuations in amortization of DAC and VOBA. Returns that are higher than the Company’s long-term expectation produce higher account balances, which increases the Company’s future fee expectations and decreases future benefit payment expectations on minimum death and living benefit guarantees, resulting in higher expected future gross profits. The opposite result occurs when returns are lower than the Company’s long-term expectation. The Company’s practice to determine the impact of gross profits resulting from returns on separate accounts assumes that long-term appreciation in equity markets is not changed by short-term market fluctuations, but is only changed when sustained interim deviations are expected. The Company monitors these events and only changes the assumption when its long-term expectation changes. The Company also periodically reviews other long-term assumptions underlying the projections of estimated gross margins and profits. These assumptions primarily relate to investment returns, policyholder dividend scales, interest crediting rates, mortality, persistency, policyholder behavior and expenses to administer business. Management annually updates assumptions used in the calculation of estimated gross margins and profits which may have significantly changed. If the update of assumptions causes expected future gross margins and profits to increase, DAC and VOBA amortization will decrease, resulting in a current period increase to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the assumption update causes expected future gross margins and profits to decrease. Periodically, the Company modifies product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occur by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by election or coverage within a contract. If such modification, referred to as an internal replacement, substantially changes the contract, the associated DAC or VOBA is written off immediately through income and any new deferrable costs associated with the replacement contract are deferred. If the modification does not substantially change the contract, the DAC or VOBA amortization on the original contract will continue and any acquisition costs associated with the related modification are expensed. Amortization of DAC and VOBA is attributed to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), and to other expenses for the amount of gross margins or profits originating from transactions other than investment gains and losses. Unrealized investment gains and losses represent the amount of DAC and VOBA that would have been amortized if such gains and losses had been recognized. Information regarding DAC and VOBA was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) DAC: Balance at January 1, $ 13,830 $ 13,464 $ 13,024 Capitalizations 3,002 3,152 3,319 Amortization related to: Net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) 60 229 (150 ) Other expenses (2,426 ) (2,555 ) (2,590 ) Total amortization (2,366 ) (2,326 ) (2,740 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) (525 ) (171 ) 443 Effect of foreign currency translation and other 848 (289 ) (582 ) Balance at December 31, 14,789 13,830 13,464 VOBA: Balance at January 1, 3,760 3,966 4,705 Amortization related to: Net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) — (3 ) (1 ) Other expenses (315 ) (389 ) (443 ) Total amortization (315 ) (392 ) (444 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) (4 ) 8 5 Effect of foreign currency translation and other 189 178 (300 ) Balance at December 31, 3,630 3,760 3,966 Total DAC and VOBA: Balance at December 31, $ 18,419 $ 17,590 $ 17,430 Information regarding total DAC and VOBA by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) U.S. $ 614 $ 616 Asia 9,261 8,707 Latin America 2,050 1,808 EMEA 1,673 1,472 MetLife Holdings 4,797 5,246 Corporate & Other 24 (259 ) Total $ 18,419 $ 17,590 Information regarding other intangibles was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) DSI: Balance at January 1, $ 241 $ 242 $ 224 Capitalization 16 22 28 Amortization (29 ) (23 ) (30 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) (6 ) — 20 Effect of foreign currency translation (2 ) — — Balance at December 31, $ 220 $ 241 $ 242 VODA and VOCRA: Balance at January 1, $ 509 $ 583 $ 692 Amortization (51 ) (57 ) (56 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 1 (17 ) (53 ) Balance at December 31, $ 459 $ 509 $ 583 Accumulated amortization $ 345 $ 294 $ 237 Negative VOBA: Balance at January 1, $ 935 $ 1,193 $ 1,596 Amortization (140 ) (269 ) (361 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other 32 11 (42 ) Balance at December 31, $ 827 $ 935 $ 1,193 Accumulated amortization $ 3,174 $ 3,034 $ 2,765 The estimated future amortization expense (credit) to be reported in other expenses for the next five years was as follows: VOBA VODA and VOCRA Negative VOBA (In millions) 2018 $ 293 $ 47 $ (60 ) 2019 $ 272 $ 43 $ (40 ) 2020 $ 248 $ 40 $ (41 ) 2021 $ 222 $ 36 $ (40 ) 2022 $ 208 $ 33 $ (38 )

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	6. Reinsurance The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by third parties. The Company participates in reinsurance activities in order to limit losses, minimize exposure to significant risks and provide additional capacity for future growth. Accounting for reinsurance requires extensive use of assumptions and estimates, particularly related to the future performance of the underlying business and the potential impact of counterparty credit risks. The Company periodically reviews actual and anticipated experience compared to the aforementioned assumptions used to establish assets and liabilities relating to ceded and assumed reinsurance and evaluates the financial strength of counterparties to its reinsurance agreements using criteria similar to that evaluated in the security impairment process discussed in Note 8 . U.S. For its Group Benefits business, the Company generally retains most of the risk and only cedes particular risk on certain client arrangements. The majority of the Company’s reinsurance activity within this business relates to client agreements for employer sponsored captive programs, risk-sharing agreements and multinational pooling. The Company, through its Property & Casualty business, purchases reinsurance to manage its exposure to large losses (primarily catastrophe losses) and to protect statutory surplus. The Company cedes losses and premiums based upon the exposure of the policies subject to reinsurance. To manage exposure to large property & casualty losses, the Company purchases property catastrophe, casualty and property per risk excess of loss reinsurance protection. The Company’s Retirement and Income Solutions business has periodically engaged in reinsurance activities, on an opportunistic basis. There were no such transactions during the periods presented. Asia, Latin America and EMEA For certain of its life insurance products, the Company currently reinsures risks in excess of $5 million to external reinsurers on a yearly renewable term basis. The Company may also reinsure certain risks with external reinsurers depending upon the nature of the risk and local regulatory requirements. For selected large corporate clients, the Company reinsures group employee benefits or credit insurance business with various client-affiliated reinsurance companies, covering policies issued to the employees or customers of the clients. Additionally, the Company cedes and assumes risk with other insurance companies when either company requires a business partner with the appropriate local licensing to issue certain types of policies in certain jurisdictions. In these cases, the assuming company typically underwrites the risks, develops the products and assumes most or all of the risk. The Company also has reinsurance agreements in-force that reinsure a portion of the living and death benefit guarantees issued in connection with variable annuity products. Under these agreements, the Company pays reinsurance fees associated with the guarantees collected from policyholders, and receives reimbursement for benefits paid or accrued in excess of account values, subject to certain limitations. MetLife Holdings For its life products, the Company has historically reinsured the mortality risk primarily on an excess of retention basis or on a quota share basis. For the periods presented, the Company reinsured 90% of the mortality risk in excess of $2 million for most products. In addition to reinsuring mortality risk as described above, the Company reinsures other risks, as well as specific coverages. Placement of reinsurance is done primarily on an automatic basis and also on a facultative basis for risks with specified characteristics. On a case by case basis, the Company may retain up to $20 million per life and reinsure 100% of amounts in excess of the amount the Company retains. The Company also assumes portions of the risk associated with certain whole life policies issued by a former affiliate and reinsures certain term life policies and universal life policies with secondary death benefit guarantees to such former affiliate. The Company evaluates its reinsurance programs routinely and may increase or decrease its retention at any time. For its other products, the Company has a reinsurance agreement in-force to reinsure the living and death benefit guarantees issued in connection with certain variable annuity products from our former operating joint venture in Japan. Under this agreement, the Company receives reinsurance fees associated with the guarantees collected from policyholders, and provides reimbursement for benefits paid or accrued in excess of account values, subject to certain limitations. Catastrophe Coverage The Company has exposure to catastrophes which could contribute to significant fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations. For the U.S. and EMEA, the Company purchases catastrophe coverage to insure risks issued within territories that the Company believes are subject to the greatest catastrophic risks. For all other segments, the Company uses excess of retention and quota share reinsurance agreements to provide greater diversification of risk and minimize exposure to larger risks. Reinsurance Recoverables The Company reinsures its business through a diversified group of well-capitalized reinsurers. The Company analyzes recent trends in arbitration and litigation outcomes in disputes, if any, with its reinsurers. The Company monitors ratings and evaluates the financial strength of its reinsurers by analyzing their financial statements. In addition, the reinsurance recoverable balance due from each reinsurer is evaluated as part of the overall monitoring process. Recoverability of reinsurance recoverable balances is evaluated based on these analyses. The Company generally secures large reinsurance recoverable balances with various forms of collateral, including secured trusts, funds withheld accounts and irrevocable letters of credit. These reinsurance recoverable balances are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance, which at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , were not significant. The Company has secured certain reinsurance recoverable balances with various forms of collateral, including secured trusts, funds withheld accounts and irrevocable letters of credit. The Company had $3.5 billion and $3.4 billion of unsecured reinsurance recoverable balances at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 , the Company had $7.2 billion of net ceded reinsurance recoverables. Of this total, $4.4 billion , or 61% , were with the Company’s five largest ceded reinsurers, including $1.5 billion of net ceded reinsurance recoverables which were unsecured. At December 31, 2016 , the Company had $5.3 billion of net ceded reinsurance recoverables. Of this total, $3.0 billion , or 57% , were with the Company’s five largest ceded reinsurers, including $1.8 billion of net ceded reinsurance recoverables which were unsecured. The Company has reinsured with an unaffiliated third-party reinsurer, 59.25% of the closed block through a modified coinsurance agreement. The Company accounts for this agreement under the deposit method of accounting. The Company, having the right of offset, has offset the modified coinsurance deposit with the deposit recoverable. The amounts on the consolidated statements of operations include the impact of reinsurance. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Premiums Direct premiums $ 39,595 $ 37,975 $ 37,044 Reinsurance assumed 1,773 1,363 1,382 Reinsurance ceded (2,376 ) (2,136 ) (2,023 ) Net premiums $ 38,992 $ 37,202 $ 36,403 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Direct universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 5,978 $ 5,884 $ 5,952 Reinsurance assumed 83 96 105 Reinsurance ceded (551 ) (497 ) (487 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 5,510 $ 5,483 $ 5,570 Policyholder benefits and claims Direct policyholder benefits and claims $ 39,354 $ 37,186 $ 36,143 Reinsurance assumed 1,388 1,085 984 Reinsurance ceded (2,429 ) (1,913 ) (1,983 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ 38,313 $ 36,358 $ 35,144 Other expenses Direct other expenses $ 13,610 $ 13,958 $ 14,934 Reinsurance assumed 246 169 146 Reinsurance ceded (235 ) (378 ) (303 ) Net other expenses $ 13,621 $ 13,749 $ 14,777 The amounts on the consolidated balance sheets include the impact of reinsurance. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Direct Assumed Ceded Total Direct Assumed Ceded Total (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 6,300 $ 866 $ 11,257 $ 18,423 $ 5,927 $ 543 $ 8,975 $ 15,445 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 18,350 398 (329 ) 18,419 17,878 16 (304 ) 17,590 Total assets $ 24,650 $ 1,264 $ 10,928 $ 36,842 $ 23,805 $ 559 $ 8,671 $ 33,035 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 174,694 $ 3,280 $ — $ 177,974 $ 165,121 $ 1,515 $ — $ 166,636 Policyholder account balances 182,226 293 (1 ) 182,518 171,961 527 (2 ) 172,486 Other policy-related balances 14,962 520 33 15,515 13,071 324 7 13,402 Other liabilities 17,077 1,896 5,009 23,982 18,815 405 4,515 23,735 Total liabilities $ 388,959 $ 5,989 $ 5,041 $ 399,989 $ 368,968 $ 2,771 $ 4,520 $ 376,259 Reinsurance agreements that do not expose the Company to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk are recorded using the deposit method of accounting. The deposit assets on reinsurance were $2.8 billion and $2.9 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The deposit liabilities on reinsurance were $1.4 billion and $31 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Closed Block

Closed Block	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Closed Block Disclosure [Abstract]
Closed Block	7. Closed Block On April 7, 2000 (the “Demutualization Date”), Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”) converted from a mutual life insurance company to a stock life insurance company and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. The conversion was pursuant to an order by the New York Superintendent of Insurance approving MLIC’s plan of reorganization, as amended (the “Plan of Reorganization”). On the Demutualization Date, MLIC established a closed block for the benefit of holders of certain individual life insurance policies of MLIC. Assets have been allocated to the closed block in an amount that has been determined to produce cash flows which, together with anticipated revenues from the policies included in the closed block, are reasonably expected to be sufficient to support obligations and liabilities relating to these policies, including, but not limited to, provisions for the payment of claims and certain expenses and taxes, and to provide for the continuation of policyholder dividend scales in effect for 1999, if the experience underlying such dividend scales continues, and for appropriate adjustments in such scales if the experience changes. At least annually, the Company compares actual and projected experience against the experience assumed in the then-current dividend scales. Dividend scales are adjusted periodically to give effect to changes in experience. The closed block assets, the cash flows generated by the closed block assets and the anticipated revenues from the policies in the closed block will benefit only the holders of the policies in the closed block. To the extent that, over time, cash flows from the assets allocated to the closed block and claims and other experience related to the closed block are, in the aggregate, more or less favorable than what was assumed when the closed block was established, total dividends paid to closed block policyholders in the future may be greater than or less than the total dividends that would have been paid to these policyholders if the policyholder dividend scales in effect for 1999 had been continued. Any cash flows in excess of amounts assumed will be available for distribution over time to closed block policyholders and will not be available to stockholders. If the closed block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from assets outside of the closed block. The closed block will continue in effect as long as any policy in the closed block remains in-force. The expected life of the closed block is over 100 years from the Demutualization Date. The Company uses the same accounting principles to account for the participating policies included in the closed block as it used prior to the Demutualization Date. However, the Company establishes a policyholder dividend obligation for earnings that will be paid to policyholders as additional dividends as described below. The excess of closed block liabilities over closed block assets at the Demutualization Date (adjusted to eliminate the impact of related amounts in AOCI) represents the estimated maximum future earnings from the closed block expected to result from operations attributed to the closed block after income taxes. Earnings of the closed block are recognized in income over the period the policies and contracts in the closed block remain in-force. Management believes that over time the actual cumulative earnings of the closed block will approximately equal the expected cumulative earnings due to the effect of dividend changes. If, over the period the closed block remains in existence, the actual cumulative earnings of the closed block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings of the closed block, the Company will pay the excess to closed block policyholders as additional policyholder dividends unless offset by future unfavorable experience of the closed block and, accordingly, will recognize only the expected cumulative earnings in income with the excess recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation. If over such period, the actual cumulative earnings of the closed block are less than the expected cumulative earnings of the closed block, the Company will recognize only the actual earnings in income. However, the Company may change policyholder dividend scales in the future, which would be intended to increase future actual earnings until the actual cumulative earnings equal the expected cumulative earnings. Experience within the closed block, in particular mortality and investment yields, as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses, directly impact the policyholder dividend obligation. Amortization of the closed block DAC, which resides outside of the closed block, is based upon cumulative actual and expected earnings within the closed block. Accordingly, the Company’s net income continues to be sensitive to the actual performance of the closed block. Closed block assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are combined on a line-by-line basis with the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses outside the closed block based on the nature of the particular item. Information regarding the closed block liabilities and assets designated to the closed block was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Closed Block Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 40,463 $ 40,834 Other policy-related balances 222 257 Policyholder dividends payable 437 443 Policyholder dividend obligation 2,121 1,931 Current income tax payable — 4 Other liabilities 212 196 Total closed block liabilities 43,455 43,665 Assets Designated to the Closed Block Investments: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value 27,904 27,220 Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value 70 100 Mortgage loans 5,878 5,935 Policy loans 4,548 4,553 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 613 655 Other invested assets 731 1,246 Total investments 39,744 39,709 Accrued investment income 477 467 Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables; cash and cash equivalents 14 86 Current income tax recoverable 35 — Deferred income tax assets 36 177 Total assets designated to the closed block 40,306 40,439 Excess of closed block liabilities over assets designated to the closed block 3,149 3,226 Amounts included in AOCI: Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax 1,863 1,517 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of income tax (7 ) 95 Allocated to policyholder dividend obligation, net of income tax (1,379 ) (1,255 ) Total amounts included in AOCI 477 357 Maximum future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and liabilities $ 3,626 $ 3,583 Information regarding the closed block policyholder dividend obligation was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 1,931 $ 1,783 $ 3,155 Change in unrealized investment and derivative gains (losses) 190 148 (1,372 ) Balance at December 31, $ 2,121 $ 1,931 $ 1,783 Information regarding the closed block revenues and expenses was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 1,736 $ 1,804 $ 1,850 Net investment income 1,818 1,902 1,982 Net investment gains (losses) 1 (10 ) (23 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (32 ) 25 27 Total revenues 3,523 3,721 3,836 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims 2,453 2,563 2,564 Policyholder dividends 976 953 1,015 Other expenses 125 133 143 Total expenses 3,554 3,649 3,722 Revenues, net of expenses before provision for income tax expense (benefit) (31 ) 72 114 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 12 24 41 Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit) $ (43 ) $ 48 $ 73 MLIC charges the closed block with federal income taxes, state and local premium taxes and other state or local taxes, as well as investment management expenses relating to the closed block as provided in the Plan of Reorganization. MLIC also charges the closed block for expenses of maintaining the policies included in the closed block.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	8. Investments See Note 10 for information about the fair value hierarchy for investments and the related valuation methodologies. Investment Risks and Uncertainties Investments are exposed to the following primary sources of risk: credit, interest rate, liquidity, market valuation, currency and real estate risk. The financial statement risks, stemming from such investment risks, are those associated with the determination of estimated fair values, the diminished ability to sell certain investments in times of strained market conditions, the recognition of impairments, the recognition of income on certain investments and the potential consolidation of VIEs. The use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs relating to these financial statement risks may have a material effect on the amounts presented within the consolidated financial statements. The determination of valuation allowances and impairments is highly subjective and is based upon periodic evaluations and assessments of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. The recognition of income on certain investments (e.g. structured securities, including mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), certain structured investment transactions and FVO securities) is dependent upon certain factors such as prepayments and defaults, and changes in such factors could result in changes in amounts to be earned. Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities AFS Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities AFS by Sector The following table presents the fixed maturity and equity securities AFS by sector. Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred stock is reported within equity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including RMBS, ABS and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”). December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Temporary OTTI Gains Temporary OTTI (In millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 76,005 $ 7,007 $ 351 $ — $ 82,661 $ 73,280 $ 6,027 $ 764 $ — $ 78,543 Foreign government 55,351 6,495 312 — 61,534 49,864 6,485 373 — 55,976 Foreign corporate 52,409 3,836 676 — 55,569 49,308 2,926 1,572 (1 ) 50,663 U.S. government and agency 43,446 4,227 279 — 47,394 41,294 3,682 543 — 44,433 RMBS 27,846 1,145 233 (42 ) 28,800 28,393 1,039 410 (10 ) 29,032 State and political subdivision 10,752 1,717 13 1 12,455 10,977 1,340 85 1 12,231 ABS 12,213 116 39 (1 ) 12,291 11,266 90 128 3 11,225 CMBS 8,047 222 42 — 8,227 7,294 237 71 — 7,460 Total fixed maturity securities $ 286,069 $ 24,765 $ 1,945 $ (42 ) $ 308,931 $ 271,676 $ 21,826 $ 3,946 $ (7 ) $ 289,563 Equity securities: Common stock $ 1,687 $ 364 $ 16 $ — $ 2,035 $ 1,827 $ 464 $ 13 $ — $ 2,278 Non-redeemable preferred stock 453 29 4 — 478 637 19 40 — 616 Total equity securities $ 2,140 $ 393 $ 20 $ — $ 2,513 $ 2,464 $ 483 $ 53 $ — $ 2,894 __________________ (1) Noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).” The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of $6 million and $1 million with unrealized gains (losses) of ($4) million and ($3) million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Methodology for Amortization of Premium and Accretion of Discount on Structured Securities Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on Structured Securities considers the estimated timing and amount of prepayments of the underlying loans. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. Prepayment assumptions for Structured Securities are estimated using inputs obtained from third-party specialists and based on management’s knowledge of the current market. For credit-sensitive Structured Securities and certain prepayment-sensitive securities, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. For all other Structured Securities, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at December 31, 2017 : Due in One Year or Less Due After One Year Through Five Years Due After Five Years Through Ten Years Due After Ten Years Structured Securities Total Fixed Maturity Securities (In millions) Amortized cost $ 11,378 $ 62,647 $ 61,043 $ 102,895 $ 48,106 $ 286,069 Estimated fair value $ 11,437 $ 65,423 $ 64,499 $ 118,254 $ 49,318 $ 308,931 Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity. Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities AFS by Sector The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (Dollars in millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 5,604 $ 92 $ 4,115 $ 259 $ 11,471 $ 466 $ 2,938 $ 298 Foreign government 4,234 83 3,251 229 5,955 260 918 113 Foreign corporate 4,422 99 6,802 577 10,147 573 5,493 998 U.S. government and agency 18,273 93 3,560 186 9,104 523 141 20 RMBS 6,359 50 4,159 141 9,449 291 1,800 109 State and political subdivision 182 2 346 12 1,747 80 56 6 ABS 1,695 7 729 31 2,224 28 2,328 103 CMBS 1,174 9 413 33 998 22 564 49 Total fixed maturity securities $ 41,943 $ 435 $ 23,375 $ 1,468 $ 51,095 $ 2,243 $ 14,238 $ 1,696 Equity securities: Common stock $ 126 $ 16 $ 4 $ — $ 105 $ 13 $ 11 $ — Non-redeemable preferred stock 42 1 41 3 139 7 125 33 Total equity securities $ 168 $ 17 $ 45 $ 3 $ 244 $ 20 $ 136 $ 33 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 2,651 1,965 3,580 1,307 Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies Management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below cost or amortized cost; (ii) the potential for impairments when the issuer is experiencing significant financial difficulties; (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry sector or sub-sector; (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographic locations; (v) the potential for impairments where the issuer, series of issuers or industry has suffered a catastrophic loss or has exhausted natural resources; (vi) with respect to fixed maturity securities, whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before the decline in estimated fair value below amortized cost recovers; (vii) with respect to Structured Securities, changes in forecasted cash flows after considering the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security; (viii) the potential for impairments due to weakening of foreign currencies on non-functional currency denominated fixed maturity securities that are near maturity; and (ix) other subjective factors, including concentrations and information obtained from regulators and rating agencies. The methodology and significant inputs used to determine the amount of credit loss on fixed maturity securities are as follows: • The Company calculates the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the present value of future cash flows. The discount rate is generally the effective interest rate of the security prior to impairment. • When determining collectability and the period over which value is expected to recover, the Company applies considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process which incorporates information regarding the specific security, fundamentals of the industry and geographic area in which the security issuer operates, and overall macroeconomic conditions. Projected future cash flows are estimated using assumptions derived from management’s best estimates of likely scenario-based outcomes after giving consideration to a variety of variables that include, but are not limited to: payment terms of the security; the likelihood that the issuer can service the interest and principal payments; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security’s position within the capital structure of the issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer; and changes to the rating of the security or the issuer by rating agencies. • Additional considerations are made when assessing the unique features that apply to certain Structured Securities including, but not limited to: the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying loans or assets backing a particular security, and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security. • When determining the amount of the credit loss for U.S. and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and state and political subdivision securities, the estimated fair value is considered the recovery value when available information does not indicate that another value is more appropriate. When information is identified that indicates a recovery value other than estimated fair value, management considers in the determination of recovery value the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process as described above, as well as any private and public sector programs to restructure such securities. With respect to securities that have attributes of debt and equity (“perpetual hybrid securities”), consideration is given in the OTTI analysis as to whether there has been any deterioration in the credit of the issuer and the likelihood of recovery in value of the securities that are in a severe and extended unrealized loss position. Consideration is also given as to whether any perpetual hybrid securities with an unrealized loss, regardless of credit rating, have deferred any dividend payments. When an OTTI loss has occurred, the OTTI loss is the entire difference between the perpetual hybrid security’s cost and its estimated fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. The cost or amortized cost of fixed maturity and equity securities is adjusted for OTTI in the period in which the determination is made. The Company does not change the revised cost basis for subsequent recoveries in value. In periods subsequent to the recognition of OTTI on a fixed maturity security, the Company accounts for the impaired security as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the impairment. Accordingly, the discount (or reduced premium) based on the new cost basis is accreted over the remaining term of the fixed maturity security in a prospective manner based on the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows. Current Period Evaluation Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2017 . Future OTTI will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), changes in credit ratings, collateral valuation, interest rates and credit spreads. If economic fundamentals deteriorate or if there are adverse changes in the above factors, OTTI may be incurred in upcoming periods. Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities decreased $2.0 billion during the year ended December 31, 2017 to $1.9 billion . The decrease in gross unrealized losses for the year ended December 31, 2017 , was primarily attributable to narrowing credit spreads and strengthening foreign currencies on non-functional currency denominated fixed maturity securities. At December 31, 2017 , $117 million of the total $1.9 billion of gross unrealized losses were from 31 fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater. Gross unrealized losses on equity securities decreased $33 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 to $20 million . Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities Of the $117 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $73 million , or 62% , were related to gross unrealized losses on 12 investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to widening credit spreads since purchase and, with respect to fixed-rate fixed maturity securities, rising interest rates since purchase. Below Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities Of the $117 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $44 million , or 38% , were related to gross unrealized losses on 19 below investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on below investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to U.S. and foreign corporate securities (primarily industrial and utility securities) and non-agency RMBS (primarily alternative residential mortgage loans) and are the result of significantly wider credit spreads resulting from higher risk premiums since purchase, largely due to economic and market uncertainty including concerns over lower oil prices in the energy sector and valuations of residential real estate supporting non-agency RMBS. Management evaluates U.S. and foreign corporate securities based on factors such as expected cash flows and the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuers and evaluates non-agency RMBS based on actual and projected cash flows after considering the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security. Mortgage Loans Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Carrying % of Carrying % of (Dollars in millions) Mortgage loans: Commercial $ 44,375 64.6 % $ 41,512 63.7 % Agricultural 13,014 18.9 12,564 19.3 Residential 11,136 16.2 10,829 16.6 Subtotal (1) 68,525 99.7 64,905 99.6 Valuation allowances (314 ) (0.5 ) (304 ) (0.5 ) Subtotal mortgage loans, net 68,211 99.2 64,601 99.1 Residential — FVO 520 0.8 566 0.9 Total mortgage loans, net $ 68,731 100.0 % $ 65,167 100.0 % __________________ (1) Purchases of mortgage loans, primarily residential, were $3.1 billion and $2.9 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. I nformation on commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans is presented in the tables below. Information on residential — FVO is presented in Note 10 . The Company elects the FVO for certain residential mortgage loans that are managed on a total return basis. Mortgage Loans, Valuation Allowance and Impaired Loans by Portfolio Segment Mortgage loans by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, impaired mortgage loans including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related valuation allowances, were as follows at and for the years ended: Evaluated Individually for Credit Losses Evaluated Collectively for Credit Losses Impaired Loans Impaired Loans with a Valuation Allowance Impaired Loans without a Valuation Allowance Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Valuation Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Recorded Valuation Carrying Average (In millions) December 31, 2017 Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 44,375 $ 214 $ — $ 5 Agricultural 22 21 2 27 27 12,966 39 46 32 Residential — — — 358 324 10,812 59 324 285 Total $ 22 $ 21 $ 2 $ 385 $ 351 $ 68,153 $ 312 $ 370 $ 322 December 31, 2016 Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ 12 $ 12 $ 41,500 $ 202 $ 12 $ 90 Agricultural 11 10 1 27 27 12,527 38 36 49 Residential — — — 265 241 10,588 63 241 188 Total $ 11 $ 10 $ 1 $ 304 $ 280 $ 64,615 $ 303 $ 289 $ 327 The average recorded investment for impaired commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans was $127 million , $60 million and $84 million , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Valuation Allowance Rollforward by Portfolio Segment The changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment, were as follows: Commercial Agricultural Residential Total (In millions) Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 202 $ 35 $ 42 $ 279 Provision (release) 5 2 30 37 Charge-offs, net of recoveries (19 ) — (16 ) (35 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 188 37 56 281 Provision (release) (1) 157 3 23 183 Charge-offs, net of recoveries (1) (143 ) (1 ) (16 ) (160 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 202 39 63 304 Provision (release) 12 4 8 24 Charge-offs, net of recoveries — (2 ) (12 ) (14 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 214 $ 41 $ 59 $ 314 __________________ (1) In connection with an acquisition in 2010, certain impaired commercial mortgage loans were acquired and accordingly, were not originated by the Company. Such commercial mortgage loans have been accounted for as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) commercial mortgage loans. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected on PCI commercial mortgage loans can result in provisions for losses on mortgage loans. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , in connection with the maturity of an acquired PCI commercial mortgage loan, an increase to the commercial mortgage loan valuation allowance of $143 million was recorded and charged-off upon maturity. The Company has recovered a substantial portion of the loss on the loan incurred through an indemnification agreement entered into in connection with the acquisition in 2010 . Valuation Allowance Methodology Mortgage loans are considered to be impaired when it is probable that, based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the loan agreement. Specific valuation allowances are established using the same methodology for all three portfolio segments as the excess carrying value of a loan over either (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent, or (iii) the loan’s observable market price. A common evaluation framework is used for establishing non-specific valuation allowances for all loan portfolio segments; however, a separate non-specific valuation allowance is calculated and maintained for each loan portfolio segment that is based on inputs unique to each loan portfolio segment. Non-specific valuation allowances are established for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics where a property-specific or market-specific risk has not been identified, but for which the Company expects to incur a credit loss. These evaluations are based upon several loan portfolio segment-specific factors, including the Company’s experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, and loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics. These evaluations are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Commercial and Agricultural Mortgage Loan Portfolio Segments The Company typically uses several years of historical experience in establishing non-specific valuation allowances which capture multiple economic cycles. For evaluations of commercial mortgage loans, in addition to historical experience, management considers factors that include the impact of a rapid change to the economy, which may not be reflected in the loan portfolio, and recent loss and recovery trend experience as compared to historical loss and recovery experience. For evaluations of agricultural mortgage loans, in addition to historical experience, management considers factors that include increased stress in certain sectors, which may be evidenced by higher delinquency rates, or a change in the number of higher risk loans. On a quarterly basis, management incorporates the impact of these current market events and conditions on historical experience in determining the non-specific valuation allowance established for commercial and agricultural mortgage loans. All commercial mortgage loans are reviewed on an ongoing basis which may include an analysis of the property financial statements and rent roll, lease rollover analysis, property inspections, market analysis, estimated valuations of the underlying collateral, loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios, and tenant creditworthiness. The monitoring process focuses on higher risk loans, which include those that are classified as restructured, delinquent or in foreclosure, as well as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios and lower debt service coverage ratios. All agricultural mortgage loans are monitored on an ongoing basis. The monitoring process for agricultural mortgage loans is generally similar to the commercial mortgage loan monitoring process, with a focus on higher risk loans, including reviews on a geographic and property-type basis. Higher risk loans are reviewed individually on an ongoing basis for potential credit loss and specific valuation allowances are established using the methodology described above. Quarterly, the remaining loans are reviewed on a pool basis by aggregating groups of loans that have similar risk characteristics for potential credit loss, and non-specific valuation allowances are established as described above using inputs that are unique to each segment of the loan portfolio. For commercial mortgage loans, the primary credit quality indicator is the debt service coverage ratio, which compares a property’s net operating income to amounts needed to service the principal and interest due under the loan. Generally, the lower the debt service coverage ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss. The Company also reviews the loan-to-value ratio of its commercial mortgage loan portfolio. Loan-to-value ratios compare the unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. Generally, the higher the loan-to-value ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss. The debt service coverage ratio and the values utilized in calculating the ratio are updated annually on a rolling basis, with a portion of the portfolio updated each quarter. In addition, the loan-to-value ratio is routinely updated for all but the lowest risk loans as part of the Company’s ongoing review of its commercial mortgage loan portfolio. For agricultural mortgage loans, the Company’s primary credit quality indicator is the loan-to-value ratio. The values utilized in calculating this ratio are developed in connection with the ongoing review of the agricultural mortgage loan portfolio and are routinely updated. Residential Mortgage Loan Portfolio Segment The Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio is comprised primarily of closed end, amortizing residential mortgage loans. For evaluations of residential mortgage loans, the key inputs of expected frequency and expected loss reflect current market conditions, with expected frequency adjusted, when appropriate, for differences from market conditions and the Company’s historical experience. In contrast to the commercial and agricultural mortgage loan portfolios, residential mortgage loans are smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment. Non-specific valuation allowances are established using the evaluation framework described above for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics from inputs that are unique to the residential segment of the loan portfolio. Loan specific valuation allowances are only established on residential mortgage loans when they have been restructured and are established using the methodology described above for all loan portfolio segments. For residential mortgage loans, the Company’s primary credit quality indicator is whether the loan is performing or nonperforming. The Company generally defines nonperforming residential mortgage loans as those that are 60 or more days past due and/or in nonaccrual status which is assessed monthly. Generally, nonperforming residential mortgage loans have a higher risk of experiencing a credit loss. Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at: Recorded Investment Estimated % of Debt Service Coverage Ratios Total % of Total > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x (Dollars in millions) December 31, 2017 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 37,073 $ 1,483 $ 201 $ 38,757 87.4 % $ 39,528 87.7 % 65% to 75% 4,183 98 119 4,400 9.9 4,408 9.8 76% to 80% 235 210 57 502 1.1 476 1.0 Greater than 80% 401 168 147 716 1.6 672 1.5 Total $ 41,892 $ 1,959 $ 524 $ 44,375 100.0 % $ 45,084 100.0 % December 31, 2016 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 36,067 $ 1,077 $ 707 $ 37,851 91.2 % $ 38,237 91.5 % 65% to 75% 3,044 — 202 3,246 7.8 3,185 7.6 76% to 80% 195 — — 195 0.5 182 0.4 Greater than 80% 118 27 75 220 0.5 213 0.5 Total $ 39,424 $ 1,104 $ 984 $ 41,512 100.0 % $ 41,817 100.0 % Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 12,347 94.9 % $ 12,023 95.7 % 65% to 75% 618 4.7 436 3.5 76% to 80% 40 0.3 17 0.1 Greater than 80% 9 0.1 88 0.7 Total $ 13,014 100.0 % $ 12,564 100.0 % The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $13.1 billion and $12.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Credit Quality of Residential Mortgage Loans The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Recorded % of Recorded % of (Dollars in millions) Performance indicators: Performing $ 10,622 95.4 % $ 10,448 96.5 % Nonperforming 514 4.6 381 3.5 Total $ 11,136 100.0 % $ 10,829 100.0 % The estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans was $11.6 billion and $11.2 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Past Due and Nonaccrual Mortgage Loans The Company has a high quality, well performing mortgage loan portfolio, with 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. The past due and nonaccrual mortgage loans at recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by portfolio segment, were as follows at: Past Due Greater than 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Interest Nonaccrual December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Commercial $ — $ 3 $ — $ 3 $ — $ — Agricultural 134 127 125 104 36 23 Residential 514 381 33 37 481 344 Total $ 648 $ 511 $ 158 $ 144 $ 517 $ 367 Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring The Company may grant concessions related to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, which are classified as troubled debt restructurings. Generally, the types of concessions include: reduction of the contractual interest rate, extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than current market interest rates, and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The amount, timing and extent of the concessions granted are considered in determining any impairment or changes in the specific valuation allowance recorded with the restructuring. Through the continuous monitoring process, a specific valuation allowance may have been recorded prior to the quarter when the mortgage loan is modified in a troubled debt restructuring. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company had 500 residential mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring with carrying value after specific valuation allowance of $120 million and $108 million pre-modification and post-modification, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company had 557 residential mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring with carrying value after specific valuation allowance of $136 million and $122 million pre-modification and post-modification, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company did not have a significant amount of agricultural mortgage loans and no commercial mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring. For both the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company did not have a significant amount of mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring with subsequent payment default. Other Invested Assets Other invested assets is comprised primarily of freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values (see Note 9 ), tax credit and renewable energy partnerships and leveraged and direct financing leases. Tax Credit Partnerships The carrying value of tax credit partnerships was $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Losses from tax credit partnerships included within net investment income were $259 million , $167 million , and $163 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Leveraged and Direct Financing Leases Investment in leveraged and direct financing leases consisted of the following at: December 31, 2017 2016 Leveraged Leases Direct Financing Leases Leveraged Leases Direct Financing Leases (In millions) Rental receivables, net $ 912 $ 2,303 $ 1,172 $ 1,683 Estimated residual values 838 42 952 71 Subtotal 1,750 2,345 2,124 1,754 Unearned income (472 ) (1,022 ) (603 ) (639 ) Investment in leases, net of non-recourse debt $ 1,278 $ 1,323 $ 1,521 $ 1,115 Rental receivables are generally due in periodic installments. The payment periods for leveraged leases generally range from one to 15 years but in certain circumstances can be over 25 years, while the payment periods for direct financing leases range from one to 20 years. For rental receivables, the primary credit quality indicator is whether the rental receivable is performing or nonperforming, which is assessed monthly. The Company generally defines nonperforming rental receivables as those that are 90 days or more past due. At both December 31, 2017 and 2016 ,

Derivatives

Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	9. Derivatives Accounting for Derivatives See Note 1 for a description of the Company’s accounting policies for derivatives and Note 10 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives. Derivative Strategies The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps and structured interest rate swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets. Interest Rate Derivatives The Company uses a variety of interest rate derivatives to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps, interest rate total return swaps, caps, floors, swaptions, futures and forwards. Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). In an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company uses structured interest rate swaps to synthetically create investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and a cash instrument such as a U.S. government and agency, or other fixed maturity security. Structured interest rate swaps are included in interest rate swaps and are not designated as hedging instruments. Interest rate total return swaps are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. Interest rate total return swaps are used by the Company to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). The Company utilizes interest rate total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company purchases interest rate caps primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities, and interest rate floors primarily to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts and to pledge initial margin based on futures exchange requirements. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring, to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance, and to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. The Company utilizes swaptions in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are included in interest rate options. The Company enters into interest rate forwards to buy and sell securities. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made at a specified future date. The Company utilizes interest rate forwards in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. A synthetic guaranteed interest contract (“GIC”) is a contract that simulates the performance of a traditional GIC through the use of financial instruments. Under a synthetic GIC, the policyholder owns the underlying assets. The Company guarantees a rate return on those assets for a premium. Synthetic GICs are not designated as hedging instruments. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives The Company uses foreign currency exchange rate derivatives, including foreign currency swaps, foreign currency forwards, currency options and exchange-traded currency futures, to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The Company also uses foreign currency derivatives to hedge the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with certain of its net investments in foreign operations. In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. The notional amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in fair value, cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships. In a foreign currency forward transaction, the Company agrees with another party to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made at the specified future date. The Company utilizes foreign currency forwards in fair value, net investment in foreign operations and nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company enters into currency options that give it the right, but not the obligation, to sell the foreign currency amount in exchange for a functional currency amount within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts may also be net settled in cash, based on differentials in the foreign currency exchange rate and the strike price. The Company uses currency options to hedge against the foreign currency exposure inherent in certain of its variable annuity products. The Company also uses currency options as an economic hedge of foreign currency exposure related to the Company’s international subsidiaries. The Company utilizes currency options in net investment in foreign operations and nonqualifying hedging relationships. To a lesser extent, the Company uses exchange-traded currency futures to hedge currency mismatches between assets and liabilities, and to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded currency futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Credit Derivatives The Company enters into purchased credit default swaps to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to pay, at specified intervals, a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. Credit events vary by type of issuer but typically include bankruptcy, failure to pay debt obligations and involuntary restructuring for corporate obligors, as well as repudiation, moratorium or governmental intervention for sovereign obligors. In each case, payout on a credit default swap is triggered only after the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) deems that a credit event has occurred. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. The Company enters into written credit default swaps to synthetically create credit investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and one or more cash instruments, such as U.S. government and agency securities, or other fixed maturity securities. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments. The Company also entered into certain purchased and written credit default swaps held in relation to trading portfolios for the purpose of generating profits on short-term differences in price. These credit default swaps were not designated as hedging instruments. As of December 31 , 2016, the Company no longer maintained a trading portfolio for derivatives. The Company enters into forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of certain securities. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for the contract is made at a specified future date. When the primary purpose of entering into these transactions is to hedge against the risk of changes in purchase price due to changes in credit spreads, the Company designates these transactions as credit forwards. The Company utilizes credit forwards in cash flow hedging relationships. Equity Derivatives The Company uses a variety of equity derivatives to reduce its exposure to equity market risk, including equity index options, equity variance swaps, exchange-traded equity futures and equity total return swaps. Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the underlying equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. The Company utilizes equity index options in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Equity variance swaps are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts and to pledge initial margin based on futures exchange requirements. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in nonqualifying hedging relationships. In an equity total return swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and LIBOR, calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. The Company uses equity total return swaps to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. Equity total return swaps can be used as hedges or to synthetically create investments. The Company utilizes equity total return swaps in nonqualifying hedging relationships. Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at: Primary Underlying Risk Exposure December 31, 2017 2016 Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Gross Notional Amount Assets Liabilities Gross Notional Amount Assets Liabilities (In millions) Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate $ 3,843 $ 2,289 $ 3 $ 5,021 $ 2,221 $ 6 Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 1,116 50 18 1,221 34 224 Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 3,253 2 37 1,085 — 54 Subtotal 8,212 2,341 58 7,327 2,255 284 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 3,584 235 4 2,040 325 34 Interest rate forwards Interest rate 3,332 — 128 4,032 — 370 Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 32,152 1,142 1,665 26,680 1,877 2,054 Subtotal 39,068 1,377 1,797 32,752 2,202 2,458 Foreign operations hedges: Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 332 2 5 1,394 47 5 Currency options Foreign currency exchange rate 9,408 44 163 8,878 148 45 Subtotal 9,740 46 168 10,272 195 50 Total qualifying hedges 57,020 3,764 2,023 50,351 4,652 2,792 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 60,485 2,203 576 53,349 4,089 1,641 Interest rate floors Interest rate 7,201 92 — 12,101 181 7 Interest rate caps Interest rate 53,079 78 2 78,358 112 2 Interest rate futures Interest rate 4,366 2 4 4,793 3 12 Interest rate options Interest rate 12,009 656 11 5,334 628 1 Interest rate forwards Interest rate 217 — 42 613 — 25 Interest rate total return swaps Interest rate 1,048 8 2 1,549 2 127 Synthetic GICs Interest rate 11,318 — — 5,566 — — Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 9,902 693 506 11,651 1,445 462 Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 12,238 79 190 15,422 117 977 Currency futures Foreign currency exchange rate 846 2 — 915 — — Currency options Foreign currency exchange rate 3,123 55 6 3,615 195 17 Credit default swaps — purchased Credit 2,020 7 43 2,001 14 40 Credit default swaps — written Credit 11,375 271 — 10,732 161 9 Equity futures Equity market 4,005 18 4 4,457 30 3 Equity index options Equity market 19,886 569 690 16,527 426 523 Equity variance swaps Equity market 4,661 54 199 8,263 83 240 Equity total return swaps Equity market 1,117 — 41 1,046 1 43 Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives 218,896 4,787 2,316 236,292 7,487 4,129 Total $ 275,916 $ 8,551 $ 4,339 $ 286,643 $ 12,139 $ 6,921 Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting due to the criteria required under the portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities that contain mortality or morbidity risk and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because the lack of these risks in the derivatives cannot support an expectation of a highly effective hedging relationship; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps and interest rate swaps that are used to synthetically create investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship. For these nonqualified derivatives, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes on the statement of operations without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged. Net Derivative Gains (Losses) The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Freestanding derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1) $ (1,389 ) $ (509 ) $ 429 Embedded derivatives gains (losses) 799 (181 ) 200 Total net derivative gains (losses) $ (590 ) $ (690 ) $ 629 __________________ (1) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note. The following table presents earned income on derivatives: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Qualifying hedges: Net investment income $ 299 $ 267 $ 206 Interest credited to policyholder account balances (64 ) (1 ) 27 Other expenses (10 ) (12 ) (6 ) Nonqualifying hedges: Net investment income — (1 ) (6 ) Net derivative gains (losses) 551 705 663 Policyholder benefits and claims 9 7 2 Total $ 785 $ 965 $ 886 Nonqualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Net Net Policyholder (In millions) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Interest rate derivatives $ (549 ) $ 1 $ (1 ) Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (742 ) — 5 Credit derivatives — purchased (24 ) — — Credit derivatives — written 145 — — Equity derivatives (1,046 ) (9 ) (252 ) Total $ (2,216 ) $ (8 ) $ (248 ) Year Ended December 31, 2016 Interest rate derivatives $ (990 ) $ — $ 46 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 882 — (18 ) Credit derivatives — purchased (40 ) — — Credit derivatives — written 71 — — Equity derivatives (681 ) (16 ) (138 ) Total $ (758 ) $ (16 ) $ (110 ) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Interest rate derivatives $ (354 ) $ — $ — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 502 — — Credit derivatives — purchased 7 (3 ) — Credit derivatives — written (69 ) — — Equity derivatives (340 ) (10 ) — Total $ (254 ) $ (13 ) $ — __________________ (1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures, derivatives held in relation to trading portfolios and derivatives held within contractholder-directed unit-linked investments. As of D ecember 31 , 2016, the Company no longer maintained a trading portfolio for derivatives. (2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits. Fair Value Hedges The Company designates and accounts for the following as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate assets and liabilities to floating rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; and (iii) foreign currency forwards to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated investments. The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table presents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses): Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationships Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses) (In millions) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ 4 $ (4 ) $ — Policyholder liabilities (1) (69 ) 134 65 Foreign currency swaps: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities (27 ) 29 2 Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2) 65 (44 ) 21 Foreign currency forwards: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities 13 (11 ) 2 Total $ (14 ) $ 104 $ 90 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ 7 $ (9 ) $ (2 ) Policyholder liabilities (1) (108 ) 90 (18 ) Foreign currency swaps: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities 13 (12 ) 1 Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2) (95 ) 92 (3 ) Foreign currency forwards: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities 127 (119 ) 8 Total $ (56 ) $ 42 $ (14 ) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ 4 $ (1 ) $ 3 Policyholder liabilities (1) (4 ) (6 ) (10 ) Foreign currency swaps: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities 15 (7 ) 8 Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2) (240 ) 232 (8 ) Foreign currency forwards: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities (75 ) 68 (7 ) Total $ (300 ) $ 286 $ (14 ) __________________ (1) Fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits. (2) Fixed rate or floating rate liabilities. For the Company’s foreign currency forwards, the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative related to the changes in the difference between the spot price and the forward price is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. For all other derivatives, all components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the component of the change in estimated fair value of derivatives that was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness was ($40) million , ($23) million and ($11) million , respectively. Cash Flow Hedges The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate assets and liabilities to fixed rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; (iii) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; (iv) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed rate investments; and (v) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge forecasted fixed rate borrowings. In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). These amounts were $13 million , $12 million and $8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At both December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed five years. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $1.5 billion and $2.9 billion , respectively. Upon the Separation, the Company recorded a reduction of $414 million of deferred gains within AOCI. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , and 2015 , the amounts of deferred gains (losses) in AOCI from Brighthouse were $71 million and $102 million , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the amounts of income reclassified from AOCI into income (loss) from discontinued operations were $16 million , $45 million and $7 million , respectively. The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of equity. The table excludes the effects of Brighthouse derivatives prior to the Separation. Derivatives in Cash Flow Amount of Gains Amount and Location Amount and Location (Effective Portion) (Effective Portion) (Ineffective Portion) Net Derivative Net Investment Other Net Derivative (In millions) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 78 $ 24 $ 16 $ — $ 18 Interest rate forwards 210 (11 ) 2 1 (2 ) Foreign currency swaps (335 ) 974 — 2 (4 ) Credit forwards — 1 — — — Total $ (47 ) $ 988 $ 18 $ 3 $ 12 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Interest rate swaps $ 50 $ 56 $ 12 $ — $ (1 ) Interest rate forwards (366 ) (1 ) 4 1 — Foreign currency swaps 589 (350 ) (2 ) 2 1 Credit forwards — 3 1 — — Total $ 273 $ (292 ) $ 15 $ 3 $ — Year Ended December 31, 2015 Interest rate swaps $ 76 $ 84 $ 11 $ — $ 2 Interest rate forwards (3 ) 4 3 2 — Foreign currency swaps (194 ) (720 ) (1 ) 1 9 Credit forwards — 1 — — — Total $ (121 ) $ (631 ) $ 13 $ 3 $ 11 All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. At December 31, 2017 , the Company expected to reclassify ($101) million of deferred net gains (losses) on derivatives in AOCI, included in the table above, to earnings within the next 12 months. Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations The Company uses foreign currency exchange rate derivatives, which may include foreign currency forwards and currency options, to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The Company measures ineffectiveness on these derivatives based upon the change in forward rates. When net investments in foreign operations are sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in AOCI are reclassified to the statement of operations. The following table presents the effects of derivatives in net investment hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of equity: Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships (1), (2) Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Foreign currency forwards $ (155 ) $ (267 ) $ 255 Currency options (290 ) (35 ) (138 ) Total $ (445 ) $ (302 ) $ 117 __________________ (1) During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015, there were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from AOCI into earnings. (2) There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss) recorded in AOCI related to hedges of net investments in foreign operations was $309 million and $754 million , respectively. Credit Derivatives In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the nonqualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation. The Company’s maximum amount at risk, assuming the value of all referenced credit obligations is zero, was $11.4 billion and $10.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current estimated fair value of the credit default swaps. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company would have received $271 million and $152 million , respectively, to terminate all of these contracts. The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: December 31, 2017 2016 Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Weighted Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Weighted (Dollars in millions) Aaa/Aa/A Single name credit default swaps (3) $ 7 $ 375 2.6 $ 6 $ 449 3.1 Credit default swaps referencing indices 44 2,268 2.7 34 2,335 3.6 Subtotal 51 2,643 2.7 40 2,784 3.5 Baa Single name credit default swaps (3) 7 605 1.8 5 751 2.5 Credit default swaps referencing indices 183 7,662 5.0 88 6,711 5.0 Subtotal 190 8,267 4.8 93 7,462 4.8 Ba Single name credit default swaps (3) 1 115 3.4 (2 ) 135 4.1 Credit default swaps referencing indices — — — — — — Subtotal 1 115 3.4 (2 ) 135 4.1 B Single name credit default swaps (3) 2 20 3.5 1 70 1.8 Credit default swaps referencing indices 27 330 5.0 20 281 5.0 Subtotal 29 350 4.9 21 351 4.3 Total $ 271 $ 11,375 4.3 $ 152 $ 10,732 4.4 __________________ (1) The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), S&P and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used. (2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts. (3) Single name credit default swaps may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments, or state and political subdivisions. The Company has also entered into credit default swaps to purchase credit protection on certain of the referenced credit obligations in the table above. As a result, the maximum amount of potential future recoveries available to offset the $11.4 billion and $10.7 billion from the table above were $27 million and $30 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements. The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactio

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	10. Fair Value When developing estimated fair values, the Company considers three broad valuation approaches: (i) the market approach, (ii) the income approach, and (iii) the cost approach. The Company determines the most appropriate valuation approach to use, given what is being measured and the availability of sufficient inputs, giving priority to observable inputs. The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the significant input with the lowest level in its valuation. The input levels are as follows: Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company defines active markets based on average trading volume for equity securities. The size of the bid/ask spread is used as an indicator of market activity for fixed maturity securities. Level 2 Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. These inputs can include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities other than quoted prices in Level 1, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other significant inputs that are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the determination of estimated fair value of the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Financial markets are susceptible to severe events evidenced by rapid depreciation in asset values accompanied by a reduction in asset liquidity. The Company’s ability to sell securities, or the price ultimately realized for these securities, depends upon the demand and liquidity in the market and increases the use of judgment in determining the estimated fair value of certain securities. Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Recurring Fair Value Measurements The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at: December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 78,171 $ 4,490 $ 82,661 Foreign government — 61,325 209 61,534 Foreign corporate — 48,840 6,729 55,569 U.S. government and agency 26,052 21,342 — 47,394 RMBS — 25,339 3,461 28,800 State and political subdivision — 12,455 — 12,455 ABS — 11,204 1,087 12,291 CMBS — 7,934 293 8,227 Total fixed maturity securities 26,052 266,610 16,269 308,931 Equity securities 1,104 981 428 2,513 FVO securities (1) 14,028 2,355 362 16,745 Short-term investments (2) 3,001 1,252 33 4,286 Residential mortgage loans — FVO — — 520 520 Other investments 81 84 — 165 Derivative assets: (3) Interest rate 2 5,553 8 5,563 Foreign currency exchange rate 2 1,954 113 2,069 Credit — 240 38 278 Equity market 18 548 75 641 Total derivative assets 22 8,295 234 8,551 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4) — — 144 144 Separate account assets (5) 89,916 114,124 961 205,001 Total assets $ 134,204 $ 393,701 $ 18,951 $ 546,856 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (3) Interest rate $ 4 $ 638 $ 130 $ 772 Foreign currency exchange rate — 2,553 37 2,590 Credit — 43 — 43 Equity market 4 731 199 934 Total derivative liabilities 8 3,965 366 4,339 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4) — — 418 418 Separate account liabilities (5) — 7 2 9 Total liabilities $ 8 $ 3,972 $ 786 $ 4,766 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 72,811 $ 5,732 $ 78,543 Foreign government — 55,687 289 55,976 Foreign corporate — 44,858 5,805 50,663 U.S. government and agency 24,943 19,490 — 44,433 RMBS — 25,194 3,838 29,032 State and political subdivision — 12,221 10 12,231 ABS — 10,196 1,029 11,225 CMBS — 7,112 348 7,460 Total fixed maturity securities 24,943 247,569 17,051 289,563 Equity securities 1,334 1,092 468 2,894 FVO securities (1) 11,123 2,513 287 13,923 Short-term investments (2) 4,091 1,868 46 6,005 Residential mortgage loans — FVO — — 566 566 Other investments 86 71 — 157 Derivative assets: (3) Interest rate 3 7,556 2 7,561 Foreign currency exchange rate — 3,783 80 3,863 Credit — 145 30 175 Equity market 30 390 120 540 Total derivative assets 33 11,874 232 12,139 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4) — — 143 143 Separate account assets (5) 82,818 111,612 1,148 195,578 Total assets $ 124,428 $ 376,599 $ 19,941 $ 520,968 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (3) Interest rate $ 12 $ 1,713 $ 500 $ 2,225 Foreign currency exchange rate — 3,784 54 3,838 Credit — 49 — 49 Equity market 3 566 240 809 Total derivative liabilities 15 6,112 794 6,921 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4) — — 872 872 Separate account liabilities (5) — 16 7 23 Total liabilities $ 15 $ 6,128 $ 1,673 $ 7,816 __________________ (1) FVO securities were comprised of over 85% FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 . (2) Short-term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented on the consolidated balance sheets because certain short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis. (3) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables. (4) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of ($132) million and ($88) million , respectively. (5) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets. Separate account liabilities presented in the tables above represent derivative liabilities. The following describes the valuation methodologies used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. The description includes the valuation techniques and key inputs for each category of assets or liabilities that are classified within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Investments Valuation Controls and Procedures On behalf of the Company’s Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer, a pricing and valuation committee that is independent of the trading and investing functions and comprised of senior management, provides oversight of control systems and valuation policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives. On a quarterly basis, this committee reviews and approves new transaction types and markets, ensures that observable market prices and market-based parameters are used for valuation, wherever possible, and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. This committee also provides oversight of the selection of independent third party pricing providers and the controls and procedures to evaluate third party pricing. Periodically, the Chief Accounting Officer reports to the Audit Committee of MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards. The Company reviews its valuation methodologies on an ongoing basis and revises those methodologies when necessary based on changing market conditions. Assurance is gained on the overall reasonableness and consistent application of input assumptions, valuation methodologies and compliance with fair value accounting standards through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. Several controls are utilized, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparing fair value estimates to management’s knowledge of the current market, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. The Company ensures that prices received from independent brokers, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the Company’s knowledge of the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. While independent non-binding broker quotations are utilized, they are not used for a significant portion of the portfolio. For example, fixed maturity securities priced using independent non-binding broker quotations represent less than 1% of the total estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and 3% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2017 . The Company also applies a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained, or an internally developed valuation is prepared. Internally developed valuations of current estimated fair value, which reflect internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks, compared with pricing received from the independent pricing services, did not produce material differences in the estimated fair values for the majority of the portfolio; accordingly, overrides were not material. This is, in part, because internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks are generally based on available market evidence and estimates used by other market participants. In the absence of such market-based evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Securities, Short-term Investments and Other Investments When available, the estimated fair value of these financial instruments is based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. Generally, these are the most liquid of the Company’s securities holdings and valuation of these securities does not involve management’s judgment. When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies, giving priority to observable inputs. The significant inputs to the market standard valuation methodologies for certain types of securities with reasonable levels of price transparency are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation methodologies rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management’s judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though these inputs are unobservable, management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities and are considered appropriate given the circumstances. The estimated fair value of investments in certain separate accounts included in FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, FVO securities and other investments is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for securities. The valuation of most instruments listed below is determined using independent pricing sources, matrix pricing, discounted cash flow methodologies or other similar techniques that use either observable market inputs or unobservable inputs. Instrument Level 2 Observable Inputs Level 3 Unobservable Inputs Fixed maturity securities U.S. corporate and Foreign corporate securities Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches. Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. Key Inputs: Key Inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not active • illiquidity premium • benchmark yields; spreads off benchmark yields; new issuances; issuer rating • delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues • trades of identical or comparable securities; duration • credit spreads • Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2 • market yield curve; call provisions • observable prices and spreads for similar public or private securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer • independent non-binding broker quotations • delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues Foreign government, U.S. government and agency and State and political subdivision securities Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. Key Inputs: Key Inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not active • independent non-binding broker quotations • benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields • quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2 • the spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security • issuer ratings and issuer spreads; broker-dealer quotes • credit spreads • comparable securities that are actively traded Structured Securities Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches. Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches. Key Inputs: Key Inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not active • credit spreads • spreads for actively traded securities; spreads off benchmark yields • quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2 • expected prepayment speeds and volumes • current and forecasted loss severity; ratings; geographic region • independent non-binding broker quotations • weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity • average delinquency rates; debt-service coverage ratios • issuance-specific information, including, but not limited to: • collateral type; structure of the security; vintage of the loans • payment terms of the underlying assets • payment priority within the tranche; deal performance Instrument Level 2 Observable Inputs Level 3 Unobservable Inputs Equity securities Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. Valuation Approaches: Principally the market and income approaches. Key Input: Key Inputs: • quoted prices in markets that are not considered active • credit ratings; issuance structures • quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2 • independent non-binding broker quotations FVO securities, Short-term investments, and Other investments • Contractholder-directed unit-linked investments include mutual fund interests without readily determinable fair values given prices are not published publicly. Valuation of these mutual funds is based upon quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers, which were based on observable inputs. • FVO securities and short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and unobservable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above. • All other investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation approaches and observable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above. Residential mortgage loans — FVO • N/A Valuation Approaches: Principally the market approach. Valuation Techniques and Key Inputs: These investments are based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques that utilize inputs from mortgage servicers that are unobservable or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Separate account assets and Separate account liabilities (1) Mutual funds and hedge funds without readily determinable fair values as prices are not published publicly Key Input: • N/A • quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers Other limited partnership interests • N/A Valued giving consideration to the underlying holdings of the partnerships and by applying a premium or discount, if appropriate. Key Inputs: • liquidity; bid/ask spreads; performance record of the fund manager • other relevant variables that may impact the exit value of the particular partnership interest __________________ (1) Estimated fair value equals carrying value, based on the value of the underlying assets, including: mutual fund interests, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, hedge funds, other limited partnership interests, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. Fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents are similar in nature to the instruments described under “— Securities, Short-term Investments and Other Investments” and “— Derivatives — Freestanding Derivatives.” Derivatives The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives, or through the use of pricing models for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that management believes are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk, nonperformance risk, volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models. The valuation controls and procedures for derivatives are described in “— Investments.” The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income. The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period. Freestanding Derivatives Level 2 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs: This level includes all types of derivatives utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives included within Level 1 and those derivatives with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3. Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs: These valuation methodologies generally use the same inputs as described in the corresponding sections for Level 2 measurements of derivatives. However, these derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Freestanding derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models. Key inputs are as follows: Instrument Interest Rate Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Credit Equity Market Inputs common to Level 2 and Level 3 by instrument type • swap yield curves • swap yield curves • swap yield curves • swap yield curves • basis curves • basis curves • credit curves • spot equity index levels • interest rate volatility (1) • currency spot rates • recovery rates • dividend yield curves • cross currency basis curves • equity volatility (1) • currency volatility (1) Level 3 • swap yield curves (2) • swap yield curves (2) • swap yield curves (2) • dividend yield curves (2) • basis curves (2) • basis curves (2) • credit curves (2) • equity volatility (1), (2) • repurchase rates • cross currency basis curves (2) • credit spreads • correlation between model inputs (1) • currency correlation • repurchase rates • currency volatility (1) • independent non-binding broker quotations __________________ (1) Option-based only. (2) Extrapolation beyond the observable limits of the curve(s). Embedded Derivatives Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees, equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain funding agreements and annuity contracts, and those related to funds withheld on ceded reinsurance agreements. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income. The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s actuarial department calculates the fair value of these embedded derivatives, which are estimated as the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business, and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates. Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience. The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for MetLife, Inc.’s debt, including related credit default swaps. These observable spreads are then adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the priority of these liabilities and the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries as compared to MetLife, Inc. Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income. The Company ceded the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs previously described. These reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives which are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses) or policyholder benefits and claims depending on the statement of operations classification of the direct risk. The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer. The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as described in “— Investments — Securities, Short-term Investments and Other Investments.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the credit spreads on the underlying assets, interest rates and market volatility may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income. The estimated fair value of the embedded equity and bond indexed derivatives contained in certain funding agreements is determined using market standard swap valuation models and observable market inputs, including a nonperformance risk adjustment. The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives are included, along with their funding agreements host, within policyholder account balances with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in equity and bond indices, interest rates and the Company’s credit standing may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income. The Company issues certain annuity contracts which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. These equity indexed features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of the embedded equity indexed derivatives, based on the present value of future equity returns to the policyholder using actuarial and present value assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior, is calculated by the Company’s actuarial department. The calculation is based on in-force business and uses standard capital market techniques, such as Black-Scholes, to calculate the value of the portion of the embedded derivative for which the terms are set. The portion of the embedded derivative covering the period beyond where terms are set is calculated as the present value of amounts expected to be spent to provide equity indexed returns in those periods. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk. Embedded Derivatives Within Asset and Liability Host Contracts Level 3 Valuation Approaches and Key Inputs: Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations are based on option pricing techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include swap yield curves, currency exchange rates and implied volatilities. These embedded derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant unobservable inputs generally include: the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curves and implied volatilities, actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior and mortality and the potential variability in policyholder behavior and mortality, nonperformance risk and cost of capital for purposes of calculating the risk margin. Reinsurance ceded on certain guaranteed minimum benefits These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. The valuation techniques and sign

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	11. Goodwill Goodwill is the excess of cost over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. The goodwill impairment process requires a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company tests goodwill for impairment by either performing a qualitative assessment or a two-step quantitative test. The qualitative assessment is an assessment of historical information and relevant events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment for some or all of its reporting units and perform a two-step quantitative impairment test. In performing the two-step quantitative impairment test, the Company may determine the fair values of its reporting units by applying a market multiple, discounted cash flow, and/or an actuarial based valuation approach. The market multiple valuation approach utilizes market multiples of companies with similar businesses and the projected adjusted earnings of the reporting unit. The discounted cash flow valuation approach requires judgments about revenues, adjusted earnings projections, capital market assumptions and discount rates. The actuarial-based valuation approach, such as embedded value, estimates the net worth of the reporting unit and the value of existing and new business. The actuarial based approaches require judgments and assumptions about the level of economic capital required to support the mix of business, long-term growth rates, the account value of in-force business, projections of new and renewal business, as well as margins on such business, the level of interest rates, credit spreads, equity market levels, and the discount rate that the Company believes is appropriate for the respective reporting unit. When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company also considers its market capitalization in relation to the aggregate estimated fair value of its reporting units. The Company applies significant judgment when determining the estimated fair value of its reporting units and when assessing the relationship of market capitalization to the aggregate estimated fair value of its reporting units. The valuation methodologies utilized are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are sensitive to change. Estimates of fair value are inherently uncertain and represent only management’s reasonable expectation regarding future developments. These estimates and the judgments and assumptions upon which the estimates are based will, in all likelihood, differ in some respects from actual future results. Declines in the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units could result in goodwill impairments in future periods which could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment tests of its reporting units using a qualitative assessment and/or quantitative assessments under the market multiple, discounted cash flow and/or actuarial-based valuation approaches and concluded that the estimated fair values of all such reporting units were in excess of their carrying values and, therefore, goodwill was not impaired. Information regarding goodwill by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, was as follows: U.S. Asia (1) Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Balance at January 1, 2015 Goodwill $ 1,451 $ 4,615 $ 1,385 $ 1,232 $ 1,567 $ 42 $ 10,292 Accumulated impairment (2) — — — — (680 ) — (680 ) Total goodwill, net 1,451 4,615 1,385 1,232 887 42 9,612 Effect of foreign currency translation and other — (107 ) (199 ) (89 ) — — (395 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 Goodwill 1,451 4,508 1,186 1,143 1,567 42 9,897 Accumulated impairment — — — — (680 ) — (680 ) Total goodwill, net 1,451 4,508 1,186 1,143 887 42 9,217 Dispositions (3) — — — — — (42 ) (42 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other — 88 40 (83 ) — — 45 Balance at December 31, 2016 Goodwill 1,451 4,596 1,226 1,060 1,567 — 9,900 Accumulated impairment — — — — (680 ) — (680 ) Total goodwill, net 1,451 4,596 1,226 1,060 887 — 9,220 Acquisition — — — — — 103 103 Dispositions (4) — — (16 ) — — — (16 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other — 77 96 110 — — 283 Balance at December 31, 2017 Goodwill 1,451 4,673 1,306 1,170 1,567 103 10,270 Accumulated impairment — — — — (680 ) — (680 ) Total goodwill, net $ 1,451 $ 4,673 $ 1,306 $ 1,170 $ 887 $ 103 $ 9,590 __________________ (1) Includes goodwill of $4.5 billion , $4.4 billion and $4.3 billion from the Japan operations at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (2) The $680 million accumulated impairment in the MetLife Holdings segment relates to the retail annuities business impaired in 2012 that was not part of the separation of Brighthouse. See Note 3 . (3) In connection with the U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture, goodwill in Corporate & Other was reduced by $42 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. See Note 3 . (4) In connection with the disposition of Mexico Afore, goodwill was reduced by $16 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. See Note 3 .

Long-term and Short-term Debt

Long-term and Short-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term and Short-term Debt	12. Long-term and Short-term Debt Long-term and short-term debt outstanding, excluding debt relating to CSEs, was as follows: December 31, Interest Rates (1) 2017 2016 Range Weighted Maturity Face Value Unamortized Discount and Issuance Costs Carrying Value Face Value Unamortized Discount and Issuance Costs Carrying Value (In millions) Senior notes 3.00 % - 7.72% 4.84% 2018 - 2046 $ 14,685 $ (86 ) $ 14,599 $ 15,597 $ (92 ) $ 15,505 Surplus notes 7.63 % - 7.88% 7.79% 2024 - 2025 507 (5 ) 502 507 (6 ) 501 Other notes (2) 2.20 % - 7.29% 4.56% 2018 - 2058 578 $ (4 ) 574 420 (5 ) 415 Capital lease obligations 5 — 5 8 — 8 Total long-term debt 15,775 (95 ) 15,680 16,532 (103 ) 16,429 Total short-term debt 477 — 477 242 — 242 Total $ 16,252 $ (95 ) $ 16,157 $ 16,774 $ (103 ) $ 16,671 __________________ (1) Range of interest rates and weighted average interest rates are for the year ended December 31, 2017 . (2) During 2017, an affiliate issued $139 million of long-term debt to a third party. The aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2017 for the next five years and thereafter are $1.1 billion in 2018, $1.0 billion in 2019, $540 million in 2020, $999 million in 2021, $846 million in 2022 and $11.2 billion thereafter. Capital lease obligations are collateralized and rank highest in priority, followed by unsecured senior notes and other notes, followed by subordinated debt which consists of junior subordinated debt securities (see Note 14 ). Payments of interest and principal on the Company’s surplus notes, which are subordinate to all other obligations of the operating company issuing the notes and are senior to obligations of MetLife, Inc., may be made only with the prior approval of the insurance department of the state of domicile of the notes issuer. The Company’s collateral financing arrangement (see Note 13 ) is supported by surplus notes of a subsidiary and, accordingly, has priority consistent with surplus notes. Certain of the Company’s debt instruments and committed facilities, as well as its unsecured revolving credit facility, contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants. The Company believes it was in compliance with all applicable covenants at December 31, 2017 . Senior Notes In November 2015, MetLife, Inc. issued $500 million of senior notes due in November 2025 which bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.60% , payable semi-annually. Also in November 2015, MetLife, Inc. issued $750 million of senior notes due in May 2046 which bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.60% , payable semi-annually. In connection with the issuances, MetLife, Inc. incurred $10 million of issuance costs which have been capitalized and are being amortized over the terms of the senior notes. In March 2015, MetLife, Inc. issued $500 million of senior notes due in March 2025 which bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.00% , payable semi-annually. Also in March 2015, MetLife, Inc. issued $1.0 billion of senior notes due in March 2045 which bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.05% , payable semi-annually. In connection with the issuances, MetLife, Inc. incurred $12 million of issuance costs which have been capitalized and are being amortized over the terms of the senior notes. Term Loans MetLife Private Equity Holdings, LLC (“MPEH”), a wholly-owned indirect investment subsidiary of MLIC, borrowed $350 million in December 2015 under a five-year credit agreement included within other notes in the table above. In November 2017, this agreement was amended to extend the maturity to November 2022 , change the amount MPEH may borrow on a revolving basis to $75 million from $100 million , and change the interest rate to a variable rate of three-month LIBOR plus 3.25% , payable quarterly, from a variable rate of three-month LIBOR plus 3.70% . In connection with the initial borrowing in 2015, $6 million of costs were incurred, and additional costs of $1 million were incurred in connection with the 2017 amendment, which have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the loans. MPEH has pledged invested assets to secure the loans; however, these loans are non-recourse to MLIC and MetLife, Inc. Short-term Debt Short-term debt with maturities of one year or less was as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in millions) Commercial paper $ 100 $ 100 Short-term borrowings (1) 377 142 Total short-term debt $ 477 $ 242 Average daily balance $ 280 $ 135 Average days outstanding 27 days 21 days __________________ (1) Includes $374 million and $133 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, of short-term debt related to repurchase agreements, secured by assets of subsidiaries. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the weighted average interest rate on short-term debt was 2.41% , 1.32% and 0.15% , respectively. Interest Expense Interest expense included in other expenses was $841 million , $874 million and $890 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Such amounts do not include interest expense on long-term debt related to CSEs, the collateral financing arrangement, or junior subordinated debt securities. See Notes 13 and 14 . Credit and Committed Facilities At December 31, 2017 , the Company maintained a $3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) and certain committed facilities (the “Committed Facilities”) aggregating $3.7 billion . When drawn upon, these facilities bear interest at varying rates in accordance with the respective agreements. Credit Facility The Company’s Credit Facility is used for general corporate purposes, to support the borrowers’ commercial paper programs and for the issuance of letters of credit. Total fees associated with the Credit Facility were $13 million , $15 million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and were included in other expenses. Information on the Credit Facility at December 31, 2017 was as follows: Borrower(s) Expiration Maximum Letters of Drawdowns Unused (In millions) MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc. December 2021 (1) $ 3,000 (1) $ 130 $ — $ 2,870 __________________ (1) All borrowings under the Credit Facility must be repaid by December 20, 2021 , except that letters of credit outstanding upon termination may remain outstanding until December 20, 2022. Committed Facilities Letters of credit issued under the Committed Facilities are used for collateral for certain of the Company’s affiliated reinsurance liabilities. Total fees associated with the Committed Facilities, included in other expenses, were $21 million , $27 million and $29 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Total fees associated with the Committed Facilities, included in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, were $305 million , $69 million and $61 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. See Note 3 for fees associated with termination of financing arrangements included within 2017 amounts. Information on the Committed Facilities at December 31, 2017 was as follows: Account Party/Borrower(s) Expiration Maximum Capacity Letters of Drawdowns Unused (In millions) MetLife, Inc. June 2018 (1) $ 395 $ 395 $ — $ — MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont and MetLife, Inc. December 2024 (2), (3) 400 380 — 20 MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont and MetLife, Inc. December 2037 (2), (4) 2,896 2,354 — 542 Total $ 3,691 $ 3,129 $ — $ 562 __________________ (1) Capacity decreases in March 2018 and June 2018 to $200 million and $0 , respectively. (2) MetLife, Inc. is a guarantor under the applicable facility. (3) Capacity decreases in June 2022, December 2022, June 2023, December 2023 and December 2024 to $380 million , $360 million , $310 million , $260 million and $0 , respectively. (4) Capacity at December 31, 2017 of $2.6 billion increases periodically to a maximum of $2.9 billion in 2024, decreases periodically commencing in 2025 to $2.0 billion in 2037, and decreases to $0 at expiration in December 2037. Unused commitment of $542 million is based on maximum capacity. As of December 31, 2017, Brighthouse is a beneficiary of $2.4 billion of letters of credit issued under this committed facility. See Note 3 . In addition to the Committed Facilities, see also “— Term Loans” for information about the undrawn line of credit facility in the amount of $75 million .

Collateral Financing Arrangemen

Collateral Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Secured Debt [Abstract]
Collateral Financing Arrangements	13. Collateral Financing Arrangement Information related to the collateral financing arrangement associated with the closed block (see Note 7 ) was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Surplus notes outstanding (1) $ 1,121 $ 1,274 Receivable from unaffiliated financial institution (1) $ 146 $ 166 Pledged collateral (2) $ 97 $ 160 Assets held in trust (2) $ 1,248 $ 1,211 __________________ (1) Carrying value. (2) Estimated fair value. Interest expense on the collateral financing arrangement was $30 million , $24 million and $20 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, which is included in other expenses. In December 2007, MLIC reinsured a portion of its closed block liabilities to MRC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. In connection with this transaction, MRC issued, to investors placed by an unaffiliated financial institution, $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of 35 -year surplus notes to provide statutory reserve support for the assumed closed block liabilities. Interest on the surplus notes accrues at an annual rate of three-month LIBOR plus 0.55% , payable quarterly. The ability of MRC to make interest and principal payments on the surplus notes is contingent upon South Carolina regulatory approval. Simultaneously with the issuance of the surplus notes, MetLife, Inc. entered into an agreement with the unaffiliated financial institution, under which MetLife, Inc. is entitled to the interest paid by MRC on the surplus notes of three-month LIBOR plus 0.55% in exchange for the payment of three-month LIBOR plus 1.12% , payable quarterly on such amount as adjusted, as described below. MetLife, Inc. may also be required to pledge collateral or make payments to the unaffiliated financial institution related to any decline in the estimated fair value of the surplus notes. Any such payments are accounted for as a receivable and included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and do not reduce the principal amount outstanding of the surplus notes. Such payments, however, reduce the amount of interest payments due from MetLife, Inc. under the agreement. Any payment received from the unaffiliated financial institution reduces the receivable by an amount equal to such payment and also increases the amount of interest payments due from MetLife, Inc. under the agreement. In addition, the unaffiliated financial institution may be required to pledge collateral to MetLife, Inc. related to any increase in the estimated fair value of the surplus notes. MetLife, Inc. may also be required to make a payment to the unaffiliated financial institution in connection with any early termination of this agreement. During 2017 , 2016 and 2015 following regulatory approval, MRC repurchased $153 million , $68 million and $57 million , respectively, in aggregate principal amount of the surplus notes. Cumulatively, since December 2007, MRC repurchased $1.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of the surplus notes as of December 31, 2017 . Payments made by the Company in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 associated with the repurchases were exclusive of accrued interest on the surplus notes. In connection with the repurchases during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company received payments in the aggregate amount of $20 million , $8 million and $8 million , respectively, from the unaffiliated financial institution, which reduced the amount receivable from the unaffiliated financial institution by the same amounts. No other payments related to an increase or decrease in the estimated fair value of the surplus notes were made by MetLife, Inc. or received from the unaffiliated financial institution during 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . A majority of the proceeds from the offering of the surplus notes was placed in a trust, which is consolidated by the Company, to support MRC’s statutory obligations associated with the assumed closed block liabilities. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , MRC transferred $3 million , $1 million and $30 million , respectively, out of the trust to its general account. The assets are principally invested in fixed maturity securities and are presented as such within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, with the related income included within net investment income on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Junior Subordinated Debt Securi

Junior Subordinated Debt Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Junior Subordinated Notes [Abstract]
Junior Subordinated Debt Securities	14. Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Outstanding Junior Subordinated Debt Securities Outstanding junior subordinated debt securities and exchangeable surplus trust securities which are exchangeable for junior subordinated debt securities prior to redemption or repayment, were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Issuer Issue Date Interest Rate (1) Scheduled Redemption Date Interest Rate Subsequent to Scheduled Redemption Date (2) Final Maturity Face Value Unamortized Discount and Issuance Costs Carrying Value Face Unamortized Carrying Value (In millions) MetLife, Inc. December 2006 6.400% December 2036 LIBOR + 2.205% December 2066 $ 1,250 $ (21 ) $ 1,229 $ 1,250 $ (11 ) $ 1,239 MetLife Capital Trust IV (3) December 2007 7.875% December 2037 LIBOR + 3.960% December 2067 700 (17 ) 683 700 (10 ) 690 MetLife, Inc. (4) April 2008 9.250% April 2038 LIBOR + 5.540% April 2068 750 (11 ) 739 750 (6 ) 744 MetLife, Inc. July 2009 10.750% August 2039 LIBOR + 7.548% August 2069 500 (7 ) 493 500 (4 ) 496 $ 3,200 $ (56 ) $ 3,144 $ 3,200 $ (31 ) $ 3,169 _________________ (1) Prior to the scheduled redemption date, interest is payable semiannually in arrears. (2) In the event the securities are not redeemed on or before the scheduled redemption date, interest will accrue after such date at an annual rate of three-month LIBOR plus the indicated margin, payable quarterly in arrears. (3) MetLife Capital Trust IV is a VIE which is consolidated on the financial statements of the Company. The securities issued by this entity are exchangeable surplus trust securities, which are exchangeable for a like amount of MetLife, Inc.’s junior subordinated debt securities on the scheduled redemption date, mandatorily under certain circumstances, and at any time upon MetLife, Inc. exercising its option to redeem the securities. (4) On February 10, 2017, in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. exchanged $750 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.250% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2068 for $750 million aggregate liquidation preference of the 9.250% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Exchangeable Surplus Trust Securities of MetLife Capital Trust X (the “Trust”). As a result of the exchange, MetLife, Inc. became the sole beneficial owner of the Trust, a special purpose entity which issued the exchangeable surplus trust securities to third-party investors. On March 23, 2017, MetLife, Inc. dissolved the Trust. In connection with each of the securities described above, MetLife, Inc. may redeem or may cause the redemption of the securities (i) in whole or in part, at any time on or after the date five years prior to the scheduled redemption date at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption, or (ii) in certain circumstances, in whole or in part, prior to the date five years prior to the scheduled redemption date at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption or, if greater, a make-whole price. MetLife, Inc. also has the right to, and in certain circumstances the requirement to, defer interest payments on the securities for a period up to 10 years. Interest compounds during such periods of deferral. If interest is deferred for more than five consecutive years, MetLife, Inc. is required to use proceeds from the sale of its common stock or warrants on common stock to satisfy this interest payment obligation. In connection with each of the securities described above, MetLife, Inc. entered into a separate replacement capital covenant (“RCC”). As part of each RCC, MetLife, Inc. agreed that it will not repay, redeem, or purchase the securities on or before a date 10 years prior to the final maturity date of each issuance, unless, subject to certain limitations, it has received cash proceeds during a specified period from the sale of specified replacement securities. Each RCC will terminate upon the occurrence of certain events, including an acceleration of the applicable securities due to the occurrence of an event of default. The RCCs are not intended for the benefit of holders of the securities and may not be enforced by them. Rather, each RCC is for the benefit of the holders of a designated series of MetLife, Inc.’s other indebtedness (the “Covered Debt”). Initially, the Covered Debt for each of the securities described above was MetLife, Inc.’s 5.700% senior notes due 2035 (the “ 5.700% Senior Notes”). As a result of the issuance of MetLife, Inc.’s 10.750% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2069 (the “ 10.750% JSDs”), the 10.750% JSDs became the Covered Debt with respect to, and in accordance with, the terms of the RCC relating to MetLife, Inc.’s 6.40% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2066 . The 5.700% Senior Notes continue to be the Covered Debt with respect to, and in accordance with, the terms of the RCCs relating to each of MetLife Capital Trust IV’s 7.875% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Exchangeable Surplus Trust Securities, MetLife, Inc.’s 9.250% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures and the 10.750% JSDs. MetLife, Inc. also entered into a replacement capital obligation which will commence during the six month period prior to the scheduled redemption date of each of the securities described above and under which MetLife, Inc. must use reasonable commercial efforts to raise replacement capital to permit repayment of the securities through the issuance of certain qualifying capital securities. Interest expense on outstanding junior subordinated debt securities was $258 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , which is included in other expenses.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	15. Equity Preferred Stock Preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding was as follows at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 : Series Shares Shares Shares Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A 27,600,000 24,000,000 24,000,000 5.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock 10,000,000 — — Not designated 160,900,000 — — Total 200,000,000 25,500,000 25,500,000 As discussed below, MetLife, Inc. repurchased or redeemed and canceled the 6.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B preferred stock”) in 2015. On November 3, 2015, MetLife, Inc. filed a Certificate of Elimination (the “Certificate of Elimination”) of 6.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to eliminate all references to the Series B preferred stock in MetLife, Inc.’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), including the related Certificate of Designations. As a result of the filing of the Certificate of Elimination, MetLife, Inc.’s Certificate of Incorporation was amended to eliminate all references therein to the Series B preferred stock, and the shares that were designated to such series were returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MetLife, Inc., without designation as to series. In June 2015, MetLife, Inc. issued 1,500,000 shares of 5.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C (the "Series C preferred stock"), with a $0.01 par value per share and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, for aggregate proceeds of $1.5 billion . In connection with the offering of the Series C preferred stock, MetLife, Inc. incurred $17 million of issuance costs which have been recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. In June 2015, MetLife, Inc. conducted a tender offer for up to 59,850,000 of its 60,000,000 shares of Series B preferred stock, liquidation preference $25 per share, at a purchase price of $25 per share, plus an amount equal to accrued, unpaid and undeclared dividends from, and including, June 15, 2015 to, but excluding, June 29, 2015, the settlement date of the tender offer. In June 2015, MetLife, Inc. also delivered a notice of redemption to the holders of the Series B preferred stock, pursuant to which it would redeem any shares of Series B preferred stock not purchased by it in the tender offer at a redemption price of $25 per share, without any payment for accrued, unpaid and undeclared dividends on the Series B preferred stock from, and including, June 15, 2015 to, but excluding, July 1, 2015, the redemption date. On June 29, 2015, MetLife, Inc. repurchased and canceled 37,192,413 shares of Series B preferred stock in the tender offer for $932 million in cash. On July 1, 2015, MetLife, Inc. redeemed and canceled the remaining 22,807,587 shares of Series B preferred stock not tendered in the tender offer for an aggregate redemption price of $570 million in cash. In connection with the tender offer and redemption, MetLife, Inc. recognized a preferred stock repurchase premium of $42 million (calculated as the difference between the carrying value of the Series B preferred stock and the total amount paid by MetLife, Inc. to the holders of the Series B preferred stock in connection with the tender offer and redemption), which was reflected as a reduction to retained earnings on the consolidated balance sheet. The outstanding preferred stock ranks senior to MetLife, Inc.’s common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. Holders of the outstanding preferred stock are entitled to receive dividend payments only when, as and if declared by MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof. Dividends on the preferred stock are not cumulative or mandatory. Accordingly, if dividends are not declared on the preferred stock of the applicable series for any dividend period, then any accrued dividends for that dividend period will cease to accrue and be payable. If a dividend is not declared before the dividend payment date for any such dividend period, MetLife, Inc. will have no obligation to pay dividends accrued for such dividend period whether or not dividends are declared for any future period. No dividends may be paid or declared on MetLife, Inc.’s common stock (or any other securities ranking junior to the preferred stock) and MetLife, Inc. may not purchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire its common stock (or other such junior stock) unless the full dividends for the latest completed dividend period on all outstanding shares of preferred stock, and any parity stock, have been declared and paid or provided for. If dividends are declared on MetLife, Inc.’s Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A (the “Series A preferred stock”), they will be payable quarterly, in arrears, at an annual rate of the greater of: (i) 1.00% above three-month LIBOR on the related LIBOR determination date; or (ii) 4.00% . If dividends are declared on the Series C preferred stock for any dividend period, they are calculated on a non-cumulative basis at a fixed rate per annum of 5.25% from the date of original issue to, but excluding, June 15, 2020, and will be calculated at a floating rate per annum equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.575% on the related LIBOR determination date from and after June 15, 2020. Dividends on the Series C preferred stock for any dividend period are payable, if declared, semi-annually in arrears on the 15th day of June and December of each year commencing on December 15, 2015 and ending on June 15, 2020, and thereafter quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of September, December, March and June of each year. Information on payments of dividends on the Series B preferred stock is set forth in the table below. MetLife, Inc. is prohibited from declaring dividends on the outstanding preferred stock if it fails to meet specified capital adequacy, net income and stockholders’ equity levels. Beginning on January 1, 2019, MetLife, Inc. will no longer be subject to such limitations with respect to the Series C preferred stock. See “— Dividend Restrictions — MetLife, Inc.” Holders of the preferred stock do not have voting rights except in certain circumstances, including where the dividends have not been paid for an equivalent of six or more dividend payment periods whether or not those periods are consecutive. Under such circumstances, the holders of the preferred stock have certain voting rights with respect to members of the Board of Directors of MetLife, Inc. The preferred stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund, retirement fund, purchase fund or similar provisions. The Series A preferred stock is redeemable at MetLife, Inc.’s option in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $25 per share of preferred stock, plus declared and unpaid dividends. MetLife, Inc. may, at its option, redeem the Series C preferred stock, (i) in whole but not in part, at any time prior to June 15, 2020, within 90 days after the occurrence of a “regulatory capital event,” and (ii) in whole or in part, from time to time, on or after June 15, 2020, in each case, at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per Series C preferred share, plus an amount equal to any dividends per share that have accrued but not been declared and paid for the then-current dividend period to, but excluding, such redemption date. A “regulatory capital event” could occur as a result of a change or proposed change in capital adequacy rules (or the interpretation or application thereof) that would apply to MetLife, Inc. from rules (or the interpretation or application thereof) in effect with respect to bank holding companies as of June 1, 2015 that would create a more than insubstantial risk, as determined by MetLife, Inc., that the Series C preferred stock would not be treated as “Tier 1 Capital” or as capital with attributes similar to those of Tier 1 Capital. In December 2008, MetLife, Inc. entered into an RCC related to the Series A and Series B preferred stock and, in June 2015, MetLife, Inc. entered into an RCC related to the Series C preferred stock. As part of each such RCC, MetLife, Inc. agreed that it will not repay, redeem or purchase the preferred stock on or before December 31, 2018, unless, subject to certain limitations, it has received proceeds during a specified period from the sale of specified replacement securities. The repurchase and redemption of Series B preferred stock as described above was in compliance with the terms of the applicable RCC. The RCC is, in each case, for the benefit of the holders of the related Covered Debt, which is currently MetLife, Inc.’s 10.750% JSDs. The RCC will terminate upon the occurrence of certain events, including the date on which MetLife, Inc. has no series of outstanding eligible debt securities. The declaration, record and payment dates, as well as per share and aggregate dividend amounts, for the Series A, Series B and Series C preferred stock was as follows: Dividend Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Series A Per Share Series A Aggregate Series B Per Share Series B Aggregate Series C Per Share Series C Aggregate (In millions, except per share data) November 15, 2017 November 30, 2017 December 15, 2017 $ 0.253 $ 6 $ — $ — $ 26.250 $ 39 August 15, 2017 August 31, 2017 September 15, 2017 $ 0.256 6 $ — — $ — — May 15, 2017 May 31, 2017 June 15, 2017 $ 0.256 7 $ — — $ 26.250 39 March 6, 2017 February 28, 2017 March 15, 2017 $ 0.250 6 $ — — $ — — $ 25 $ — $ 78 November 15, 2016 November 30, 2016 December 15, 2016 $ 0.253 $ 6 $ — $ — $ 26.250 $ 39 August 15, 2016 August 31, 2016 September 15, 2016 $ 0.256 6 $ — — $ — — May 16, 2016 May 31, 2016 June 15, 2016 $ 0.256 7 $ — — $ 26.250 39 March 7, 2016 February 29, 2016 March 15, 2016 $ 0.253 6 $ — — $ — — $ 25 $ — $ 78 November 16, 2015 November 30, 2015 December 15, 2015 $ 0.253 $ 6 $ — $ — $ 28.292 $ 43 August 17, 2015 August 31, 2015 September 15, 2015 $ 0.256 6 $ — — $ — — May 15, 2015 May 31, 2015 June 15, 2015 $ 0.256 7 $ 0.406 24 $ — — March 5, 2015 February 28, 2015 March 16, 2015 $ 0.250 6 $ 0.406 24 $ — — $ 25 $ 48 $ 43 See Note 22 for information on subsequent preferred stock dividends declared. Common Stock Issuances During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , MetLife, Inc. issued 4,680,116 , 4,439,219 and 5,592,622 new shares of its common stock for $158 million , $166 million and $216 million , respectively, in connection with stock option exercises and other stock-based awards. There were no shares of common stock issued from treasury stock for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Repurchase Authorizations On September 22, 2015, MetLife, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors authorized $739 million of common stock repurchases in addition to previously authorized repurchases. O n November 10, 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors authorized $3.0 billion of common stock repurchases. On November 1, 2017, MetLife, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors authorized $2.0 billion of common stock repurchases. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , MetLife, Inc. repurchased 56,599,540 shares, 6,948,739 shares and 39,491,991 shares under these repurchase authorizations for $2.9 billion , $372 million , and $1.9 billion , respectively. At December 31, 2017 , MetLife, Inc. had $1.8 billion remaining under its common stock repurchase authorization. See Note 22 for information on subsequent common stock repurchases. Under these authorizations, MetLife, Inc. may purchase its common stock from the MetLife Policyholder Trust, in the open market (including pursuant to the terms of a pre-set trading plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)), and in privately negotiated transactions. Common stock repurchases are dependent upon several factors, including the Company’s capital position, liquidity, financial strength and credit ratings, general market conditions, the market price of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock compared to management’s assessment of the stock’s underlying value and applicable regulatory approvals, as well as other legal and accounting factors. Dividends The declaration, record and payment dates, as well as per share and aggregate dividend amounts, for common stock was as follows: Dividend Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Aggregate (In millions, except per share data) October 24, 2017 November 6, 2017 December 13, 2017 $ 0.400 $ 422 July 7, 2017 August 7, 2017 September 13, 2017 $ 0.400 427 April 25, 2017 May 8, 2017 June 13, 2017 $ 0.400 431 January 6, 2017 February 6, 2017 March 13, 2017 $ 0.400 437 $ 1,717 October 25, 2016 November 7, 2016 December 13, 2016 $ 0.400 $ 441 July 7, 2016 August 8, 2016 September 13, 2016 $ 0.400 441 April 26, 2016 May 9, 2016 June 13, 2016 $ 0.400 441 January 6, 2016 February 5, 2016 March 14, 2016 $ 0.375 413 $ 1,736 October 27, 2015 November 6, 2015 December 11, 2015 $ 0.375 $ 419 July 7, 2015 August 7, 2015 September 11, 2015 $ 0.375 420 April 28, 2015 May 11, 2015 June 12, 2015 $ 0.375 420 January 6, 2015 February 6, 2015 March 13, 2015 $ 0.350 394 $ 1,653 See Note 22 for information on subsequent common stock dividends declared. The funding of the cash dividends and operating expenses of MetLife, Inc. is primarily provided by cash dividends from MetLife, Inc.’s insurance subsidiaries. The statutory capital and surplus, or net assets, of MetLife, Inc.’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulatory restrictions except to the extent that dividends are allowed to be paid in a given year without prior regulatory approval. Dividends exceeding these limitations can generally be made subject to regulatory approval. The nature and amount of these dividend restrictions, as well as the statutory capital and surplus of MetLife, Inc.’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries, are disclosed in “— Statutory Equity and Income” and “— Dividend Restrictions — Insurance Operations.” MetLife, Inc.’s principal non-U.S. insurance operations are branches or subsidiaries of American Life Insurance Company (“American Life”), a U.S. insurance subsidiary of the Company. In addition, the payment of dividends by MetLife, Inc. to its shareholders is also subject to restrictions. See “— Dividend Restrictions — MetLife, Inc.” Stock-Based Compensation Plans Plans for Employees and Agents Under the MetLife, Inc. 2015 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2015 Stock Plan”), MetLife, Inc. may grant awards to employees and agents in the form of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Shares or Performance Share Units, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, Cash-Based Awards and Stock-Based Awards (each, as applicable, as defined in the 2015 Stock Plan with reference to shares of MetLife, Inc. common stock (“Shares”)). Awards under the 2015 Stock Plan and its predecessor plan, the MetLife, Inc. 2005 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2005 Stock Plan”) were outstanding at December 31, 2017 . MetLife, Inc. granted all awards to employees and agents in 2017 under the 2015 Stock Plan. The aggregate number of Shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 Stock Plan at December 31, 2017 was 36,166,517 . With the exception of performance shares granted in 2013 and after, which are re-measured quarterly, MetLife recognizes compensation expense related to awards under the 2005 Stock Plan or 2015 Stock Plan based on the number of awards it expects to vest, which represents the awards granted less expected forfeitures over the life of the award, as estimated at the date of grant. Unless a material deviation from the assumed forfeiture rate is observed during the term in which the awards are expensed, MetLife recognizes any adjustment necessary to reflect differences in actual experience in the period the award becomes payable or exercisable. Compensation expense related to awards under the 2005 Stock Plan is principally related to the issuance of Stock Options. Under the 2015 Stock Plan, compensation expense principally relates to Stock Options, Unit Options, Performance Shares, Performance Units, Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Units. MetLife, Inc. granted the majority of each year’s awards under the 2005 Stock Plan and 2015 Stock Plan in the first quarter of the year. Deferred Shares are Shares that are covered by awards that have become payable under a plan, but the issuance of which has been deferred. Deferred Shares payable to employees or agents related to awards under the 2005 Stock Plan, 2015 Stock Plan, or earlier applicable plans equaled 1,351,798 Shares at December 31, 2017 . Certain stock-based awards provide solely for cash settlement based in whole or in part on the price of Shares or changes in the price of Shares (“Phantom Stock-Based Awards”). MetLife granted such awards under the MetLife, Inc. International Unit Option Incentive Plan, the MetLife International Performance Unit Incentive Plan, and the MetLife International Restricted Unit Incentive Plan prior to 2015, and under the 2015 Stock Plan in 2015 and later. Plans for Non-Management Directors Under the MetLife, Inc. 2015 Non-Management Director Stock Compensation Plan (the “2015 Director Stock Plan”), MetLife, Inc. may grant non-management Directors of MetLife, Inc. awards in the form of nonqualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, or Stock-Based Awards (each, as applicable, as defined in the 2015 Director Stock Plan with reference to Shares). The only awards MetLife, Inc. granted under the 2015 Director Stock Plan and its predecessor plan, the MetLife, Inc. 2005 Non-Management Director Stock Compensation Plan (the “2005 Director Stock Plan”), through December 31, 2017 vested immediately and no awards under the 2005 Director Stock Plan or 2015 Director Stock Plan remained outstanding at December 31, 2017 . The aggregate number of Shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 Director Stock Plan at December 31, 2017 was 1,702,903 . MetLife recognizes compensation expense related to awards under the 2015 Director Stock Plan based on the number of Shares awarded. The only awards made under the 2005 Director Stock Plan and under the 2015 Director Stock Plan through December 31, 2017 were Stock-Based Awards that vested immediately. MetLife, Inc. granted the majority of the awards in 2015 and 2016 under the 2015 Director Stock Plan in the second quarter of each year. Deferred Shares payable to Directors related to awards under the 2005 Director Stock Plan, 2015 Director Stock Plan, or earlier applicable plans equaled 223,176 Shares at December 31, 2017 . Compensation Expense Related to Stock-Based Compensation The components of compensation expense related to stock-based compensation includes compensation expense related to Phantom Stock-Based Awards, and excludes the insignificant compensation expense related to the 2015 Director Stock Plan. Those components were: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Stock Options and Unit Options $ 8 $ 9 $ 12 Performance Shares and Performance Units (1) 62 75 59 Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Units 58 63 66 Total compensation expense $ 128 $ 147 $ 137 Income tax benefit $ 45 $ 51 $ 48 __________________ (1) Performance Shares expected to vest and the related compensation expenses may be further adjusted by the performance factor most likely to be achieved, as estimated by management, at the end of the performance period. The following table presents the total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based compensation and the expected weighted average period over which these expenses will be recognized at: December 31, 2017 Expense Weighted Average Period (In millions) (Years) Stock Options $ 4 1.77 Performance Shares $ 30 1.59 Restricted Stock Units $ 40 1.84 Equity Awards Stock Options Stock Options are the contingent right of award holders to purchase Shares at a stated price for a limited time. All Stock Options have an exercise price equal to the closing price of a Share reported on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on the date of grant, and have a maximum term of 10 years. The vast majority of Stock Options granted has become or will become exercisable at a rate of one-third of each award on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Other Stock Options have become or will become exercisable on the third anniversary of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria and in certain other limited circumstances. A summary of the activity related to Stock Options was as follows: Shares Under Option Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (Years) (In millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 19,482,388 $ 44.73 3.68 $ 218 Granted (2) 709,085 $ 46.85 Exercised (2) (3,475,198 ) $ 33.36 Expired (2) (2,913,457 ) $ 56.06 Forfeited (2) (115,670 ) $ 40.06 Other Separation adjustment (2) 2,322,606 $ 38.40 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 16,009,754 $ 38.77 3.54 $ 198 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2017 15,991,119 $ 38.76 3.13 $ 238 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 14,487,455 $ 38.46 3.02 $ 185 __________________ (1) The intrinsic value of each Stock Option is the closing price on a particular date less the exercise price of the Stock Option, so long as the difference is greater than zero. The aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding Stock Options is computed using the closing Share price on December 31, 2017 of $50.56 and December 31, 2016 of $48.02 , as applicable. (2) For Stock Options outstanding as of August 4, 2017, MetLife, Inc. increased the number of Stock Options by an adjustment ratio, and lowered their exercise price by dividing it by the same adjustment ratio, to maintain the intrinsic value of the award pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2015 Stock Plan and the 2005 Stock Plan as a result of the Separation. MetLife, Inc. determined the adjustment ratio by dividing the $53.92 closing price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 4, 2017 by the $48.17 opening price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 7, 2017, the next trading day. Each of “Granted,” “Exercised,” “Expired,” and “Forfeited” reflects the impact of this adjustment, as applicable, regardless of the date of the transaction during 2017. “Other Separation adjustment” reflects the remaining adjustment to produce the Stock Options outstanding at December 31, 2017. MetLife estimates the fair value of Stock Options on the date of grant using a binomial lattice model. The significant assumptions the Company uses in its binomial lattice model are further described below. The assumptions include: expected volatility of the price of Shares; risk-free rate of return; dividend yield on Shares; exercise multiple; and the post-vesting termination rate. Expected volatility is based upon an analysis of historical prices of Shares and call options on Shares traded on the open market. The Company uses a weighted-average of the implied volatility for publicly-traded call options with the longest remaining maturity nearest to the money as of each valuation date and the historical volatility, calculated using monthly closing prices of Shares. The Company chose a monthly measurement interval for historical volatility as this interval reflects the Company’s view that employee option exercise decisions are based on longer-term trends in the price of the underlying Shares rather than on daily price movements. The binomial lattice model used by the Company incorporates different risk-free rates based on the imputed forward rates for U.S. Treasury Strips for each year over the contractual term of the option. The table below presents the full range of rates that were used for options granted during the respective periods. Dividend yield is determined based on historical dividend distributions compared to the price of the underlying Shares as of the valuation date and held constant over the life of the Stock Option. The binomial lattice model used by the Company incorporates the term of the Stock Options. The model also factors in expected exercise behavior and a post-vesting termination rate, or the rate at which vested options are exercised or expire prematurely due to termination of employment. From these factors, the model derives an expected life of the Stock Option. The exercise behavior in the model is a multiple that reflects the ratio of stock price at the time of exercise over the exercise price of the Stock Option at the time the model expects holders to exercise. The model derives the exercise multiple from actual exercise activity. The model determines the post-vesting termination rate from actual exercise experience and expiration activity under the Incentive Plans. The following table presents the weighted average assumptions, with the exception of risk-free rate, which is expressed as a range, that the model uses to determine the fair value of unexercised Stock Options that MetLife, Inc. has granted: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield 3.05% 3.90% 2.72% Risk-free rate of return 0.94% - 3.22% 0.62% - 2.85% 0.20% - 3.04% Expected volatility 34.19% 33.58% 32.56% Exercise multiple 1.43 1.43 1.44 Post-vesting termination rate 2.94% 2.58% 2.73% Contractual term (years) 10 10 10 Expected life (years) 6 7 7 Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted $46.85 $34.33 $45.91 Weighted average fair value of stock options granted $12.36 $8.27 $11.87 The following table presents a summary of Stock Option exercise activity: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 59 $ 42 $ 44 Cash received from exercise of stock options $ 116 $ 84 $ 121 Income tax benefit realized from stock options exercised $ 20 $ 15 $ 15 Performance Shares Performance Shares are units that, if they vest, are multiplied by a performance factor to produce a number of final Performance Shares which are payable in Shares. MetLife accounts for Performance Shares as equity awards. MetLife, Inc. does not credit Performance Shares with dividend-equivalents for dividends paid on Shares. Performance Share awards normally vest in their entirety at the end of the three-year performance period. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria, and in certain other limited circumstances. For awards granted for the 2015 – 2017 and later performance periods in progress through December 31, 2017 , the vested Performance Shares will be multiplied by a performance factor of 0% to 175% . Assuming that MetLife, Inc. has met threshold performance goals related to its adjusted income or total shareholder return, the MetLife, Inc. Compensation Committee will determine the performance factor in its discretion. In doing so, the Compensation Committee may consider MetLife, Inc.’s total shareholder return relative to the performance of its competitors and adjusted return on MetLife, Inc.’s common stockholders’ equity relative to its financial plan. MetLife estimates the fair value of Performance Shares each quarter until they become payable. The performance factor for the 2014 - 2016 performance period was 44.4% . Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Units are units that, if they vest, are payable in an equal number of Shares. MetLife accounts for Restricted Stock Units as equity awards. MetLife, Inc. does not credit Restricted Stock Units with dividend-equivalents for dividends paid on Shares. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of Restricted Stock Units is based upon the closing price of Shares on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated dividends to be paid on that stock. The vast majority of Restricted Stock Units normally vest in thirds on or shortly after the first three anniversaries of their grant date. Other Restricted Stock Units normally vest in their entirety on the third or later anniversary of their grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria and in certain other limited circumstances. The following table presents a summary of Performance Share and Restricted Stock Unit activity: Performance Shares Restricted Stock Units Shares Weighted Units Weighted Outstanding at January 1, 2017 3,817,100 $ 49.88 3,422,013 $ 39.08 Granted (2) 1,225,333 $ 45.60 1,445,238 $ 42.45 Forfeited (2) (270,292 ) $ 42.94 (251,216 ) $ 35.64 Payable (2) (3) (1,192,734 ) $ 44.84 (1,720,168 ) $ 36.81 Other Separation adjustment (2) 454,353 $ 42.34 408,510 $ 37.07 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 4,033,760 $ 46.02 3,304,377 $ 37.17 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2017 3,971,002 $ 46.02 3,246,476 $ 37.14 __________________ (1) Values for shares outstanding at January 1, 2017, represent weighted average number of shares multiplied by the fair value per share at December 31, 2016. Otherwise, all values represent weighted average of number of shares multiplied by the fair value per share at December 31, 2017 . Fair value per share of Restricted Stock Units on December 31, 2017 was equal to Grant Date fair value per share. (2) For Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Units, and Deferred Shares outstanding as of August 4, 2017, MetLife, Inc. increased the number of units by an adjustment ratio to maintain the intrinsic value of the award or Deferred Shares pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2015 Stock Plan and the 2005 Stock Plan as a result of the Separation. MetLife, Inc. determined the adjustment ratio by dividing the $53.92 closing price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 4, 2017 by the $48.17 opening price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 7, 2017, the next trading day. Each of “Granted,” “Forfeited,” and “Payable” reflects the impact of this adjustment, as applicable, regardless of the date of the transaction during 2017. “Other Separation adjustment” reflects the remaining adjustment to produce the Performance Shares and Restricted Stock Units outstanding at December 31, 2017. (3) Includes both Shares paid and Deferred Shares for later payment. Performance Share amounts above represent aggregate initial target awards and do not reflect potential increases or decreases resulting from the performance factor determined after the end of the respective performance periods. At December 31, 2017 , the performance period for the 2015 — 2017 Performance Share grants was completed, but the performance factor had not yet been determined. Included in the immediately preceding table are 1,194,283 outstanding Performance Shares to which the 2015 — 2017 performance factor will be applied. Liability Awards (Phantom Stock-Based Awards) Certain MetLife subsidiaries have a liability for Phantom Stock-Based Awards in the form of Unit Options, Performance Units, and/or Restricted Units. These Share-based cash settled awards are recorded as liabilities until payout is made. Unlike Share-settled awards, which have a fixed grant-date fair value, the fair value of unsettled or unvested liability awards is re-measured at the end of each reporting period based on the change in fair value of one Share. The liability and corresponding expense are adjusted accordingly until the award is settled. Unit Options Unit Options are the contingent right of award holders to receive a cash payment equal to the closing price of a Share on the exercise date, less the closing price on the grant date, if the difference is greater than zero, for a limited time. All Unit Options have an exercise price equal to the closing price of a Share reported on the NYSE on the date of grant, and have a maximum term of 10 years. The vast majority of Unit Options has become or will become eligible for exercise at a rate of one-third of each award on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Other Unit Options have become or will become eligible for exercise on the third anniversary of the grant date. Vesting is subject to continued service, except for employees who meet specified age and service criteria and in certain other limited circumstances. Performance Units Performance Units are units that, if they vest, are multiplied by a performance factor to produce a number of final Performance

Other Expenses

Other Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses	16. Other Expenses Information on other expenses was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Employee and related costs $ 3,595 $ 3,840 $ 3,950 Professional services 1,693 1,619 1,568 General and administrative expenses 1,129 1,007 1,417 Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs 307 400 367 Premium taxes, other taxes, and licenses & fees 842 688 691 Commissions and other variable expenses 5,387 5,741 6,112 Capitalization of DAC (3,002 ) (3,152 ) (3,319 ) Amortization of DAC and VOBA 2,681 2,718 3,184 Amortization of negative VOBA (140 ) (269 ) (361 ) Interest expense on debt 1,129 1,157 1,168 Total other expenses $ 13,621 $ 13,749 $ 14,777 Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, which has been revised to align the expense categories with the Company’s businesses. The reclassifications did not result in a change to total other expenses. See Note 3 for further information on Separation-related transaction costs. Capitalization of DAC and Amortization of DAC and VOBA See Note 5 for additional information on DAC and VOBA including impacts of capitalization and amortization. See also Note 7 for a description of the DAC amortization impact associated with the closed block. Interest Expense on Debt See Notes 12 , 13 , and 14 for attribution of interest expense by debt issuance. Interest expense on debt includes interest expense related to CSEs. See Note 8 . Income Tax See Note 18 for information on the charge related to income tax for the year ended December 31, 2015. Restructuring Charges The Company commenced in 2016 a unit cost improvement program related to the Company’s refreshed enterprise strategy. This global strategy focuses on transforming the Company to become more digital, driving efficiencies and innovation to achieve competitive advantage, and simplified, decreasing the costs and risks associated with the Company’s highly complex industry to customers and shareholders. Restructuring charges related to this program are included in other expenses. As the expenses relate to an enterprise-wide initiative, they are reported in Corporate & Other. Such restructuring charges were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Severance (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 35 $ — Restructuring charges 38 35 Cash payments (51 ) — Balance at December 31, $ 22 $ 35 Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of initiative $ 73 $ 35 Management anticipates further restructuring charges through the year ending December 31, 2019. However, such restructuring plans were not sufficiently developed to enable management to make an estimate of such restructuring charges at December 31, 2017 . In 2016, the Company completed a previous enterprise-wide strategic initiative. These restructuring charges were included in other expenses. As the expenses related to an enterprise-wide initiative, they were reported in Corporate & Other. Information regarding such restructuring charges was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Severance Lease and Asset Impairment Total Severance Lease and Asset Impairment Total (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 18 $ 4 $ 22 $ 31 $ 6 $ 37 Restructuring charges — 1 1 60 4 64 Cash payments (17 ) (4 ) (21 ) (73 ) (6 ) (79 ) Balance at December 31, $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 18 $ 4 $ 22 Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of initiative $ 383 $ 47 $ 430 $ 383 $ 46 $ 429

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	17. Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. sponsor and/or administer various U.S. qualified and nonqualified defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement employee benefit plans covering employees and sales representatives who meet specified eligibility requirements. U.S. pension benefits are provided utilizing either a traditional formula or cash balance formula. The traditional formula provides benefits that are primarily based upon years of credited service and either final average or career average earnings. The cash balance formula utilizes hypothetical or notional accounts which credit participants with benefits equal to a percentage of eligible pay, as well as interest credits, determined annually based upon the annual rate of interest on 30-year U.S. Treasury securities, for each account balance. The U.S. nonqualified pension plans provide supplemental benefits in excess of limits applicable to a qualified plan. The non-U.S. pension plans generally provide benefits based upon either years of credited service and earnings preceding retirement or points earned on job grades and other factors in years of service. These subsidiaries also provide certain postemployment benefits and certain postretirement medical and life insurance benefits for U.S. retired employees. Employees of these subsidiaries who were hired prior to 2003 (or, in certain cases, rehired during or after 2003) and meet age and service criteria while working for one of the subsidiaries may become eligible for these other postretirement benefits, at various levels, in accordance with the applicable plans. Virtually all retirees, or their beneficiaries, contribute a portion of the total costs of postretirement medical benefits. Employees hired after 2003 are not eligible for any employer subsidy for postretirement medical benefits. The benefit obligations, funded status and net periodic benefit costs related to these pension and other postretirement benefits were comprised of the following: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits U.S. Plans Non- U.S. Plans Total U.S. Plans Non- U.S. Plans Total U.S. Plans Non- U.S. Plans Total U.S. Plans Non- U.S. Plans Total (In millions) Benefit obligations $ 10,500 $ 909 $ 11,409 $ 1,648 $ 26 $ 1,674 $ 9,859 $ 882 $ 10,741 $ 1,734 $ 25 $ 1,759 Estimated fair value of plan assets 9,371 317 9,688 1,426 8 1,434 8,721 288 9,009 1,379 7 1,386 Over (under) funded status $ (1,129 ) $ (592 ) $ (1,721 ) $ (222 ) $ (18 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,138 ) $ (594 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (355 ) $ (18 ) $ (373 ) Net periodic benefit costs $ 267 $ 82 $ 349 $ (12 ) $ 2 $ (10 ) $ 278 $ 81 $ 359 $ 37 $ 2 $ 39 Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2017 2016 Pension Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Other Postretirement Benefits (In millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligations at January 1, $ 10,741 $ 1,759 $ 10,293 $ 1,892 Service costs 238 6 272 9 Interest costs 429 76 423 82 Plan participants’ contributions — 33 — 30 Net actuarial (gains) losses 595 (95 ) 362 (115 ) Acquisition, divestitures, settlements and curtailments (27 ) — (37 ) 18 Change in benefits — — (11 ) (43 ) Benefits paid (600 ) (107 ) (582 ) (111 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 33 2 21 (3 ) Benefit obligations at December 31, 11,409 1,674 10,741 1,759 Change in plan assets: Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1, 9,009 1,386 8,603 1,382 Actual return on plan assets 968 125 618 75 Acquisition, divestitures and settlements (30 ) (1 ) (7 ) (1 ) Plan participants’ contributions — 33 — 30 Employer contributions 329 (2 ) 374 13 Benefits paid (600 ) (107 ) (582 ) (111 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 12 — 3 (2 ) Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31, 9,688 1,434 9,009 1,386 Over (under) funded status at December 31, $ (1,721 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (373 ) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets: Other assets $ 59 $ 160 $ 3 $ 1 Other liabilities (1,780 ) (400 ) (1,735 ) (374 ) Net amount recognized $ (1,721 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (373 ) AOCI: Net actuarial (gains) losses $ 2,917 $ (55 ) $ 2,993 $ 89 Prior service costs (credit) (11 ) (27 ) (11 ) (49 ) AOCI, before income tax $ 2,906 $ (82 ) $ 2,982 $ 40 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,996 N/A $ 10,340 N/A __________________ (1) Includes nonqualified unfunded plans, for which the aggregate PBO was $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Information for pension plans with PBOs in excess of plan assets and accumulated benefit obligations (“ABO”) in excess of plan assets was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 PBO Exceeds Estimated Fair Value of Plan Assets ABO Exceeds Estimated Fair Value of Plan Assets (In millions) Projected benefit obligations $ 2,016 $ 10,670 $ 1,996 $ 1,894 Accumulated benefit obligations $ 1,904 $ 10,318 $ 1,890 $ 1,785 Estimated fair value of plan assets $ 285 $ 8,979 $ 266 $ 228 Net Periodic Benefit Costs The components of net periodic benefit costs and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (In millions) Net periodic benefit costs: Service costs $ 238 $ 6 $ 272 $ 9 $ 275 $ 17 Interest costs 429 76 423 82 414 89 Settlement and curtailment costs (1) 4 2 2 19 (1 ) 3 Expected return on plan assets (516 ) (72 ) (527 ) (75 ) (534 ) (80 ) Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses 195 — 189 10 189 42 Amortization of prior service costs (credit) (1 ) (22 ) — (6 ) (1 ) (5 ) Total net periodic benefit costs (credit) 349 (10 ) 359 39 342 66 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI: Net actuarial (gains) losses 149 (146 ) 238 (124 ) 43 (161 ) Prior service costs (credit) (1 ) — (11 ) (41 ) — (7 ) Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses (195 ) — (189 ) (10 ) (189 ) (42 ) Amortization of prior service (costs) credit 1 22 — 6 1 5 Discontinued operations — — (1 ) 1 (2 ) (2 ) Disposal of subsidiary (30 ) 2 — — — — Total recognized in OCI (76 ) (122 ) 37 (168 ) (147 ) (207 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and OCI $ 273 $ (132 ) $ 396 $ (129 ) $ 195 $ (141 ) __________________ (1) The Company recognized curtailment charges in 2016 on certain postretirement benefit plans in connection with the U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture. See Note 3 . The estimated net actuarial (gains) losses and prior service costs (credit) for the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit costs over the next year are $171 million and ($1) million , and ($6) million and ($19) million , respectively. Assumptions Assumptions used in determining benefit obligations for the U.S. plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.65% 3.70% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A December 31, 2016 Weighted average discount rate 4.30% 4.45% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A Assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit costs for the U.S. plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Year Ended December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 4.30% 4.45% Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets 6.00% 5.36% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A Year Ended December 31, 2016 Weighted average discount rate 4.13% 4.37% Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets 6.00% 5.53% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A Year Ended December 31, 2015 Weighted average discount rate 4.10% 4.10% Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets 6.25% 5.70% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A The weighted average discount rate for the U.S. plans is determined annually based on the yield, measured on a yield to worst basis, of a hypothetical portfolio constructed of high quality debt instruments available on the valuation date, which would provide the necessary future cash flows to pay the aggregate PBO when due. The weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets for the U.S. plans is based on anticipated performance of the various asset sectors in which the plans invest, weighted by target allocation percentages. Anticipated future performance is based on long-term historical returns of the plan assets by sector, adjusted for the long-term expectations on the performance of the markets. While the precise expected rate of return derived using this approach will fluctuate from year to year, the policy is to hold this long-term assumption constant as long as it remains within reasonable tolerance from the derived rate. The weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets for use in that plan’s valuation in 2018 is currently anticipated to be 5.75% for U.S. pension benefits and 5.11% for U.S. other postretirement benefits. The assumed healthcare costs trend rates used in measuring the APBO and net periodic benefit costs were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Before Age 65 Age 65 and older Before Age 65 Age 65 and older Following year 5.6 % 6.6 % 6.8 % 13.0 % Ultimate rate to which cost increase is assumed to decline 4.0 % 4.3 % 4.0 % 4.3 % Year in which the ultimate trend rate is reached 2086 2098 2077 2092 Assumed healthcare costs trend rates may have a significant effect on the amounts reported for healthcare plans. A 1% change in assumed healthcare costs trend rates would have the following effects on the U.S. plans as of December 31, 2017 : One Percent One Percent (In millions) Effect on total of service and interest costs components $ 9 $ (8 ) Effect of accumulated postretirement benefit obligations $ 186 $ (154 ) Plan Assets Certain U.S. subsidiaries provide employees with benefits under various Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) benefit plans. These include qualified pension plans, postretirement medical plans and certain retiree life insurance coverage. The assets of these U.S. subsidiaries’ qualified pension plans are held in an insurance group annuity contract, and the vast majority of the assets of the postretirement medical plan and backing the retiree life coverage are held in a trust which largely utilizes insurance contracts to hold the assets. All of these contracts are issued by the Company’s insurance affiliates, and the assets under the contracts are held in insurance separate accounts that have been established by the Company. The underlying assets of the separate accounts are principally comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, fixed maturity and equity securities, derivatives, real estate, private equity investments and hedge fund investments. The insurance contract provider engages investment management firms (“Managers”) to serve as sub-advisors for the separate accounts based on the specific investment needs and requests identified by the plan fiduciary. These Managers have portfolio management discretion over the purchasing and selling of securities and other investment assets pursuant to the respective investment management agreements and guidelines established for each insurance separate account. The assets of the qualified pension plans and postretirement medical plans (the “Invested Plans”) are well diversified across multiple asset categories and across a number of different Managers, with the intent of minimizing risk concentrations within any given asset category or with any of the given Managers. The Invested Plans, other than those held in participant directed investment accounts, are managed in accordance with investment policies consistent with the longer-term nature of related benefit obligations and within prudent risk parameters. Specifically, investment policies are oriented toward (i) maximizing the Invested Plan’s funded status; (ii) minimizing the volatility of the Invested Plan’s funded status; (iii) generating asset returns that exceed liability increases; and (iv) targeting rates of return in excess of a custom benchmark and industry standards over appropriate reference time periods. These goals are expected to be met through identifying appropriate and diversified asset classes and allocations, ensuring adequate liquidity to pay benefits and expenses when due and controlling the costs of administering and managing the Invested Plan’s investments. Independent investment consultants are periodically used to evaluate the investment risk of the Invested Plan’s assets relative to liabilities, analyze the economic and portfolio impact of various asset allocations and management strategies and recommend asset allocations. Derivative contracts may be used to reduce investment risk, to manage duration and to replicate the risk/return profile of an asset or asset class. Derivatives may not be used to leverage a portfolio in any manner, such as to magnify exposure to an asset, asset class, interest rates or any other financial variable. Derivatives are also prohibited for use in creating exposures to securities, currencies, indices or any other financial variable that is otherwise restricted. The table below summarizes the actual weighted average allocation of the estimated fair value of total plan assets by asset class at December 31 for the years indicated and the approved target allocation by major asset class at December 31, 2017 for the Invested Plans: December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. Pension U.S. Other Postretirement Benefits (1) U.S. Pension Benefits U.S. Other Postretirement Benefits (1) Target Actual Target Actual Actual Allocation Actual Allocation Asset Class Fixed maturity securities 82 % 82 % 85 % 84 % 81 % 76 % Equity securities (2) 10 % 10 % 15 % 15 % 11 % 24 % Alternative securities (3) 8 % 8 % — % 1 % 8 % — % Total assets 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % __________________ (1) U.S. other postretirement benefits do not reflect postretirement life’s plan assets invested in fixed maturity securities. (2) Equity securities percentage includes derivative assets. (3) Alternative securities primarily include hedge, private equity and real estate funds. Estimated Fair Value The pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are categorized into a three-level fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 10 , based upon the significant input with the lowest level in its valuation. The Level 2 asset category includes certain separate accounts that are primarily invested in liquid and readily marketable securities. The estimated fair value of such separate accounts is based upon reported NAV provided by fund managers and this value represents the amount at which transfers into and out of the respective separate account are effected. These separate accounts provide reasonable levels of price transparency and can be corroborated through observable market data. Directly held investments are primarily invested in U.S. and foreign government and corporate securities. The Level 3 asset category includes separate accounts that are invested in assets that provide little or no price transparency due to the infrequency with which the underlying assets trade and generally require additional time to liquidate in an orderly manner. Accordingly, the values for separate accounts invested in these alternative asset classes are based on inputs that cannot be readily derived from or corroborated by observable market data. The pension and other postretirement plan assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows: December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Fair Value Hierarchy Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: Corporate $ — $ 3,833 $ 1 $ 3,834 $ 20 $ 362 $ — $ 382 U.S. government bonds 1,256 528 — 1,784 269 6 — 275 Foreign bonds — 1,037 — 1,037 — 102 — 102 Federal agencies 35 134 — 169 — 17 — 17 Municipals — 335 — 335 — 28 — 28 Short-term investments 135 192 — 327 8 390 — 398 Other (1) 7 388 10 405 — 68 — 68 Total fixed maturity securities 1,433 6,447 11 7,891 297 973 — 1,270 Equity securities: Common stock - domestic 480 90 — 570 80 — — 80 Common stock - foreign 317 87 3 407 74 — — 74 Total equity securities 797 177 3 977 154 — — 154 Other investments 19 144 622 785 — 9 — 9 Derivative assets 33 2 — 35 1 — — 1 Total assets $ 2,282 $ 6,770 $ 636 $ 9,688 $ 452 $ 982 $ — $ 1,434 December 31, 2016 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Fair Value Hierarchy Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: Corporate $ — $ 3,499 $ — $ 3,499 $ 20 $ 306 $ — $ 326 U.S. government bonds 1,656 4 — 1,660 210 1 — 211 Foreign bonds — 862 — 862 — 79 — 79 Federal agencies — 196 — 196 — 27 — 27 Municipals — 313 — 313 — 23 — 23 Short-term investments 118 217 — 335 13 416 — 429 Other (1) — 362 9 371 — 55 — 55 Total fixed maturity securities 1,774 5,453 9 7,236 243 907 — 1,150 Equity securities: Common stock - domestic 474 — — 474 113 — — 113 Common stock - foreign 380 69 — 449 122 — — 122 Total equity securities 854 69 — 923 235 — — 235 Other investments 30 105 637 772 — — — — Derivative assets 16 (3 ) 65 78 1 — — 1 Total assets $ 2,674 $ 5,624 $ 711 $ 9,009 $ 479 $ 907 $ — $ 1,386 __________________ (1) Other primarily includes money market securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and ABS. A rollforward of all pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs was as follows: Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Pension Benefits Fixed Maturity Securities: Equity Securities: Corporate Foreign Bonds Other (1) Common Stock - Foreign Other Investments Derivative Assets (In millions) Balance, January 1, 2016 $ 77 $ 17 $ 7 $ — $ 723 $ 76 Realized gains (losses) 2 — — — — 3 Unrealized gains (losses) 3 (3 ) — — 33 (18 ) Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net (20 ) (3 ) — — (119 ) 6 Transfers into and/or out of Level 3 (62 ) (11 ) 2 — — (2 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ 9 $ — $ 637 $ 65 Realized gains (losses) (10 ) — — 2 — (22 ) Unrealized gains (losses) 10 — — — (12 ) 6 Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net — — 8 (4 ) — (48 ) Transfers into and/or out of Level 3 1 — (7 ) 5 (3 ) (1 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1 $ — $ 10 $ 3 $ 622 $ — __________________ (1) Other includes ABS and collateralized mortgage obligations. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , there were no o ther postretirement benefit plan assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. Expected Future Contributions and Benefit Payments It is the subsidiaries’ practice to make contributions to the U.S. qualified pension plan to comply with minimum funding requirements of ERISA. In accordance with such practice, no contributions are required for 2018 . The subsidiaries expect to make discretionary contributions to the qualified pension plan of $150 million in 2018 . For information on employer contributions, see “— Obligations and Funded Status.” Benefit payments due under the U.S. nonqualified pension plans are primarily funded from the subsidiaries’ general assets as they become due under the provisions of the plans, and therefore benefit payments equal employer contributions. The U.S. subsidiaries expect to make contributions of $70 million to fund the benefit payments in 2018 . Postretirement benefits are either: (i) not vested under law; (ii) a non-funded obligation of the subsidiaries; or (iii) both. Current regulations do not require funding for these benefits. The subsidiaries use their general assets, net of participant’s contributions, to pay postretirement medical claims as they come due. As permitted under the terms of the governing trust document, the subsidiaries may be reimbursed from plan assets for postretirement medical claims paid from their general assets. The U.S. subsidiaries expect to make contributions of $50 million towards benefit obligations in 2018 to pay postretirement medical claims. Gross benefit payments for the next 10 years, which reflect expected future service where appropriate, are expected to be as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (In millions) 2018 $ 604 $ 87 2019 $ 618 $ 90 2020 $ 634 $ 90 2021 $ 645 $ 89 2022 $ 664 $ 90 2023-2027 $ 3,523 $ 450 Additional Information As previously discussed, most of the assets of the U.S. pension benefit plans are held in group annuity contracts issued by the subsidiaries while some of the assets of the U.S. postretirement benefit plans are held in a trust which largely utilizes life insurance contracts issued by the subsidiaries to hold such assets. Total revenues from these contracts recognized on the consolidated statements of operations were $56 million , $58 million and $55 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and included policy charges and net investment income from investments backing the contracts and administrative fees. Total investment income (loss), including realized and unrealized gains (losses), credited to the account balances was $1.1 billion , $660 million and ($125) million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The terms of these contracts are consistent in all material respects with those the subsidiaries offer to unaffiliated parties that are similarly situated. Defined Contribution Plans Certain subsidiaries sponsor defined contribution plans under which a portion of employee contributions are matched. These subsidiaries contributed $72 million , $81 million and $80 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Income Tax

Income Tax	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax	18. Income Tax On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law U.S. Tax Reform. U.S. Tax Reform includes numerous changes in tax law, including a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% , which took effect for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. U.S. Tax Reform moves the United States from a worldwide tax system to a participation exemption system by providing corporations a 100% dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for dividends distributed by a controlled foreign corporation. To transition to that new system, U.S. Tax Reform imposes a one-time deemed repatriation tax on unremitted earnings and profits at a rate of 8.0% for illiquid assets and 15.5% for cash and cash equivalents. The incremental financial statement impact related to U.S. Tax Reform was as follows: U.S. Tax Reform (In millions) Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax $ (289 ) Provision for income tax expense (benefit): Deemed repatriation 170 Deferred tax revaluation (1,790 ) Total provision for income tax expense (benefit) (1,620 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax 1,331 Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) 144 Increase to net equity from U.S. Tax Reform $ 1,475 In accordance with SAB 118 issued by the SEC in December 2017, the Company has recorded provisional amounts for certain items for which the income tax accounting is not complete. For these items, the Company has recorded a reasonable estimate of the tax effects of U.S. Tax Reform. The estimates will be reported as provisional amounts during a measurement period, which will not exceed one year from the date of enactment of U.S. Tax Reform. The Company may reflect adjustments to its provisional amounts upon obtaining, preparing, or analyzing additional information about facts and circumstances that existed as of the enactment date that, if known, would have affected the income tax effects initially reported as provisional amounts. The following items are considered provisional estimates due to complexities and ambiguities in U.S. Tax Reform which resulted in incomplete accounting for the tax effects of these provisions. Further guidance, either legislative or interpretive, and analysis will be required to complete the accounting for these items: • Deemed Repatriation Transition Tax - The Company has recorded a $170 million charge for this item. This charge is in addition to the $180 million charge recorded in the third quarter of 2017 resulting from the post-Separation review of the Company’s capital needs. The total transition tax liability recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017 is $350 million . • Global Intangible Low-Tax Income - U.S. Tax Reform imposes a minimum tax on global intangible low-tax income, which is generally the excess income of foreign subsidiaries over a 10% rate of routine return on tangible business assets. The Company has not yet formally adopted an accounting policy for this item. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company did not record a tax charge and tax incurred in future periods related to global intangible low-tax income will be recorded in the period incurred. • Compensation and Fringe Benefits - U.S. Tax Reform limits certain employer deductions for fringe benefit and related expenses and also repeals the exception allowing the deduction of certain performance-based compensation paid to certain senior executives. The Company has recorded an $8 million tax charge, included within the deferred tax revaluation. • Alternative Minimum Tax Credits - U.S. Tax Reform eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax and allows for minimum tax credit carryforwards to be used to offset future regular tax or to be refunded over the next few years. However, pursuant to the requirements of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended, refund payments issued for corporations claiming refundable prior year alternative minimum tax credits are subject to a sequestration rate of 6.6% . The application of this fee to refunds in future years is subject to further guidance. Additionally, the sequestration reduction rate in effect at the time is subject to uncertainty. The Company has recorded a $9 million tax charge included within the deferred tax revaluation. • Tax Credit Partnerships - Certain tax credit partnership investments derive returns in part from income tax credits. The Company recognizes changes in tax attributes at the partnership level when reported by the investee in its financial information. U.S. Tax Reform may impact the tax attributes of tax credit partnerships. However, investee financial information is not yet available to enable the Company to determine the impacts of U.S. Tax Reform. Accordingly, the Company has applied prior law to these equity method investments in accordance with SAB 118. During the one year measurement period under SAB 118, the impacts of U.S. Tax Reform will be recognized as the investee financial information is made available. U.S. Tax Reform requires the Company to recognize a transition tax on all previously unremitted foreign earnings at December 31, 2017. However, the Company has not provided for U.S. deferred taxes on the remaining excess of book bases over tax bases of certain investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of remaining deferred tax liability related to the Company’s remaining basis difference in these foreign subsidiaries. The provision for income tax from continuing operations was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Current: Federal $ (246 ) $ 520 $ 632 State and local 5 3 10 Foreign 891 628 556 Subtotal 650 1,151 1,198 Deferred: Federal (2,373 ) (827 ) 194 Foreign 253 369 198 Subtotal (2,120 ) (458 ) 392 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,470 ) $ 693 $ 1,590 The Company’s income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit) from domestic and foreign operations were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Income (loss) from continuing operations: Domestic $ 684 $ 185 $ 1,874 Foreign 2,852 4,096 3,777 Total $ 3,536 $ 4,281 $ 5,651 The reconciliation of the income tax provision at the U.S. statutory rate to the provision for income tax as reported for continuing operations was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate $ 1,238 $ 1,498 $ 1,977 Tax effect of: Dividend received deduction (67 ) (69 ) (71 ) Tax-exempt income (97 ) (86 ) (70 ) Prior year tax (1) (27 ) (13 ) 559 Low income housing tax credits (278 ) (270 ) (221 ) Other tax credits (102 ) (98 ) (67 ) Foreign tax rate differential (2), (3), (4) (95 ) (332 ) (555 ) Change in valuation allowance (8 ) (9 ) 5 Separation tax benefits (540 ) — — U.S. Tax Reform impact (5) (1,519 ) — — Other, net 25 72 33 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,470 ) $ 693 $ 1,590 __________________ (1) As discussed further below, for the year ended December 31, 2015, prior year tax includes a $557 million non-cash charge related to an uncertain tax position. (2) For the year ended December 31, 2017, foreign tax rate differential includes a net tax charge of $180 million as a result of repatriation. Included in the net tax charge of $180 million is a $444 million tax charge related to the repatriation of approximately $3.0 billion of pre-2017 earnings following the post-Separation review of the Company’s capital needs. This charge was partially offset by a $264 million tax benefit associated with dividends from other non-U.S. operations. This charge was recorded prior to U.S. Tax Reform and is incremental to the $170 million repatriation transition tax recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017. (3) For the year ended December 31, 2016, foreign tax rate differential includes a tax benefit of $110 million in Japan related to a change in tax rate, offset by a tax charge of $19 million in Chile related to a change in tax rate. (4) For the year ended December 31, 2015, foreign tax rate differential includes tax benefits of $174 million related to a Japan tax rate change, $61 million related to restructuring in Chile, $57 million related to the repatriation of earnings from Japan, $41 million related to certain non-portfolio net investment gains that were non-taxable and $31 million related to the devaluation of the peso in Argentina. These benefits were partially offset by charges of $23 million related to the impact of foreign exchange on investment gains in Argentina. (5) U.S. Tax Reform impact of ($1.5) billion excludes ($101) million of tax provision at the U.S. statutory rate for a total tax reform benefit of ($1.6) billion . Deferred income tax represents the tax effect of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Deferred income tax assets: Policyholder liabilities and receivables $ 2,654 $ 2,029 Net operating loss carryforwards 512 1,420 Employee benefits 802 1,045 Capital loss carryforwards 6 9 Tax credit carryforwards 1,322 1,375 Litigation-related and government mandated 160 268 Other 657 743 Total gross deferred income tax assets 6,113 6,889 Less: Valuation allowance 189 161 Total net deferred income tax assets 5,924 6,728 Deferred income tax liabilities: Investments, including derivatives 2,772 2,940 Intangibles 1,321 1,213 Net unrealized investment gains 4,783 5,423 DAC 3,206 3,619 Other 609 425 Total deferred income tax liabilities 12,691 13,620 Net deferred income tax asset (liability) $ (6,767 ) $ (6,892 ) The Company also has recorded a valuation allowance benefit of $8 million related to certain state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards for the year ended December 31, 2017 . In addition, a $19 million increase was related to foreign currency movement and a $17 million increase was recorded as a balance sheet reclassification with other deferred tax assets for the year ended December 31, 2017 . The valuation allowance reflects management’s assessment, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax asset for certain foreign and state net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized. The tax benefit will be recognized when management believes that it is more likely than not that these deferred income tax assets are realizable. The following table sets forth the domestic, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards and the domestic capital loss carryforwards for tax purposes at December 31, 2017 . Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Capital Loss Carryforwards Domestic State Foreign Domestic (In millions) Expiration: 2018-2022 $ 1 $ 49 $ 46 $ 27 2023-2027 — 64 28 — 2028-2032 8 13 — — 2033-2037 2,095 2 — — Indefinite — — 397 — $ 2,104 $ 128 $ 471 $ 27 The following table sets forth the general business credits, foreign tax credits, and other credit carryforwards for tax purposes at December 31, 2017 . Tax Credit Carryforwards General Business Credits Foreign Tax Credits Other (In millions) Expiration: 2018-2022 $ — $ 42 $ — 2023-2027 — 200 — 2028-2032 236 1 — 2033-2037 832 — — Indefinite — 21 263 $ 1,068 $ 264 $ 263 The Company files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state and local jurisdictions, as well as foreign jurisdictions. The Company is under continuous examination by the IRS and other tax authorities in jurisdictions in which the Company has significant business operations. The income tax years under examination vary by jurisdiction and subsidiary. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, or local income tax examinations for years prior to 2007, except for i) 2000 through 2002 where the IRS disallowance relates to certain tax credits claimed, for which in April 2015, the Company received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency (the “Notice”) and paid the tax thereon in September 2015 (see note (1) below); and ii) 2003 through 2006, where the IRS disallowance relates predominantly to certain tax credits claimed and the Company is engaged with IRS Appeals. Management believes it has established adequate tax liabilities and final resolution for the years 2000 through 2006 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The IRS audit cycle for the years 2007-2009, which began in December of 2015, is scheduled to conclude in 2018. In material foreign jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2009. The Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease in the next 12 months. For example, federal tax legislation could impact unrecognized tax benefits. A reasonable estimate of the increase or decrease cannot be made at this time. However, the Company continues to believe that the ultimate resolution of the pending issues will not result in a material change to its consolidated financial statements, although the resolution of income tax matters could impact the Company’s effective tax rate for a particular future period. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 1,146 $ 1,259 $ 719 Additions for tax positions of prior years (1) 70 24 574 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (101 ) (112 ) (24 ) Additions for tax positions of current year 33 23 24 Reductions for tax positions of current year (3 ) — — Settlements with tax authorities (43 ) (48 ) (34 ) Balance at December 31, (1) $ 1,102 $ 1,146 $ 1,259 Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective rate $ 1,073 $ 1,112 $ 1,215 __________________ (1) The significant increase in 2015 is related to a non-cash charge the Company recorded to net income of $792 million , net of tax. The charge was related to an uncertain tax position and was comprised of a $557 million charge included in provision for income tax expense (benefit) and a $362 million ( $235 million , net of tax) charge included in other expenses. This charge is the result of the Company’s consideration of certain decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upholding the disallowance of foreign tax credits claimed by other corporate entities not affiliated with the Company. The Company’s action relates to tax years from 2000 to 2009, during which MLIC held non-U.S. investments in support of its life insurance business through a United Kingdom investment subsidiary that was structured as a joint venture at the time. The Company classifies interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense, included within other expenses, while penalties are included in income tax expense. Interest was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Interest recognized on the consolidated statements of operations (1) $ 37 $ (41 ) $ 388 December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Interest included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets $ 659 $ 623 __________________ (1) The significant increase in 2015 is related to the non-cash charge discussed above. The Company had insignificant penalties for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . There has been no change in the Company’s position on the disallowance of its foreign tax credits by the IRS. The Company continues to contest the disallowance of these foreign tax credits by the IRS as management believes the facts strongly support the Company’s position. The Company will defend its position vigorously and does not expect any additional charges related to this matter. Also related to the aforementioned foreign tax credit matter, on April 9, 2015, the IRS issued the Notice to the Company. The Notice asserted that the Company owes additional taxes and interest for 2000 through 2002 primarily due to the disallowance of foreign tax credits. The transactions that are the subject of the Notice continue through 2009, and it is likely that the IRS will seek to challenge these later periods. On September 18, 2015, the Company paid the assessed tax and interest of $444 million for 2000 through 2002. On November 19, 2015, $9 million of this amount was refunded from the IRS as an overpayment of interest. On May 30, 2017, the Company filed a claim for refund with the IRS for the remaining tax and interest. Prior to U.S. Tax Reform, the DRD related to variable life insurance and annuity contracts was generally based on a company-specific percentage referred to as the company’s share. The calculation of this amount was subject to significant dispute between taxpayers and the IRS. U.S. Tax Reform eliminated this dispute by fixing the calculation to a specific percentage subsequent to 2017. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $61 million , $63 million and $66 million , respectively, related to the separate account DRD. The 2017 and 2016 benefit each included an expense of $1 million related to a true-up of the 2016 and 2015 tax returns. The 2015 benefit included a benefit of $1 million related to a true-up of the 2014 tax return .

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	19. Earnings Per Common Share The following table presents the weighted average shares, basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for each income category presented: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions, except per share data) Weighted Average Shares: Weighted average common stock outstanding for basic earnings per common share 1,069.7 1,100.5 1,117.8 Incremental common shares from assumed exercise or issuance of stock-based awards 8.8 8.0 10.5 Weighted average common stock outstanding for diluted earnings per common share 1,078.5 1,108.5 1,128.3 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 5,006 $ 3,588 $ 4,061 Less: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests 10 4 12 Less: Preferred stock dividends 103 103 116 Preferred stock repurchase premium — — 42 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 4,893 $ 3,481 $ 3,891 Basic $ 4.57 $ 3.16 $ 3.48 Diluted $ 4.53 $ 3.13 $ 3.44 Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ (986 ) $ (2,734 ) $ 1,324 Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ (986 ) $ (2,734 ) $ 1,324 Basic $ (0.92 ) $ (2.48 ) $ 1.19 Diluted $ (0.91 ) $ (2.46 ) $ 1.18 Net Income (Loss): Net income (loss) $ 4,020 $ 854 $ 5,385 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 10 4 12 Less: Preferred stock dividends 103 103 116 Preferred stock repurchase premium — — 42 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 3,907 $ 747 $ 5,215 Basic $ 3.65 $ 0.68 $ 4.67 Diluted $ 3.62 $ 0.67 $ 4.62

Contingencies, Commitments and

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	20. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees Contingencies Litigation The Company is a defendant in a large number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value. Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will view the relevant evidence and applicable law. The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities have been established for a number of the matters noted below. It is possible that some of the matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be reasonably estimated at December 31, 2017 . While the potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known to management, management does not believe any such charges are likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position. Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made For some of the matters disclosed below, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, the Company has not made an accrual. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters to be $0 to $425 million . Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made For other matters disclosed below, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews. Asbestos-Related Claims MLIC is and has been a defendant in a large number of asbestos-related suits filed primarily in state courts. These suits principally allege that the plaintiff or plaintiffs suffered personal injury resulting from exposure to asbestos and seek both actual and punitive damages. MLIC has never engaged in the business of manufacturing, producing, distributing or selling asbestos or asbestos-containing products nor has MLIC issued liability or workers’ compensation insurance to companies in the business of manufacturing, producing, distributing or selling asbestos or asbestos-containing products. The lawsuits principally have focused on allegations with respect to certain research, publication and other activities of one or more of MLIC’s employees during the period from the 1920’s through approximately the 1950’s and allege that MLIC learned or should have learned of certain health risks posed by asbestos and, among other things, improperly publicized or failed to disclose those health risks. MLIC believes that it should not have legal liability in these cases. The outcome of most asbestos litigation matters, however, is uncertain and can be impacted by numerous variables, including differences in legal rulings in various jurisdictions, the nature of the alleged injury and factors unrelated to the ultimate legal merit of the claims asserted against MLIC. MLIC employs a number of resolution strategies to manage its asbestos loss exposure, including seeking resolution of pending litigation by judicial rulings and settling individual or groups of claims or lawsuits under appropriate circumstances. Claims asserted against MLIC have included negligence, intentional tort and conspiracy concerning the health risks associated with asbestos. MLIC’s defenses (beyond denial of certain factual allegations) include that: (i) MLIC owed no duty to the plaintiffs — it had no special relationship with the plaintiffs and did not manufacture, produce, distribute or sell the asbestos products that allegedly injured plaintiffs; (ii) plaintiffs did not rely on any actions of MLIC; (iii) MLIC’s conduct was not the cause of the plaintiffs’ injuries; (iv) plaintiffs’ exposure occurred after the dangers of asbestos were known; and (v) the applicable time with respect to filing suit has expired. During the course of the litigation, certain trial courts have granted motions dismissing claims against MLIC, while other trial courts have denied MLIC’s motions. There can be no assurance that MLIC will receive favorable decisions on motions in the future. While most cases brought to date have settled, MLIC intends to continue to defend aggressively against claims based on asbestos exposure, including defending claims at trials. The approximate total number of asbestos personal injury claims pending against MLIC 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, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions, except number of claims) Asbestos personal injury claims at year end 62,930 67,223 67,787 Number of new claims during the year 3,514 4,146 3,856 Settlement payments during the year (1) $ 48.6 $ 50.2 $ 56.1 __________________ (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. The number of asbestos cases that may be brought, the aggregate amount of any liability that MLIC may incur, and the total amount paid in settlements in any given year are uncertain and may vary significantly from year to year. The ability of MLIC to estimate its ultimate asbestos exposure is subject to considerable uncertainty, and the conditions impacting its liability can be dynamic and subject to change. The availability of reliable data is limited and it is difficult to predict the numerous variables that can affect liability estimates, including the number of future claims, the cost to resolve claims, the disease mix and severity of disease in pending and future claims, the impact of the number of new claims filed in a particular jurisdiction and variations in the law in the jurisdictions in which claims are filed, the possible impact of tort reform efforts, the willingness of courts to allow plaintiffs to pursue claims against MLIC when exposure to asbestos took place after the dangers of asbestos exposure were well known, and the impact of any possible future adverse verdicts and their amounts. The ability to make estimates regarding ultimate asbestos exposure declines significantly as the estimates relate to years further in the future. In the Company’s judgment, there is a future point after which losses cease to be probable and reasonably estimable. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s total exposure to asbestos claims may be materially greater than the asbestos liability currently accrued and that future charges to income may be necessary. While the potential future charges could be material in the particular quarterly or annual periods in which they are recorded, based on information currently known by management, management does not believe any such charges are likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for asbestos-related claims. MLIC’s recorded asbestos liability is based on its estimation of the following elements, as informed by the facts presently known to it, its understanding of current law and its past experiences: (i) the probable and reasonably estimable liability for asbestos claims already asserted against MLIC, including claims settled but not yet paid; (ii) the probable and reasonably estimable liability for asbestos claims not yet asserted against MLIC, but which MLIC believes are reasonably probable of assertion; and (iii) the legal defense costs associated with the foregoing claims. Significant assumptions underlying MLIC’s analysis of the adequacy of its recorded liability with respect to asbestos litigation include: (i) the number of future claims; (ii) the cost to resolve claims; and (iii) the cost to defend claims. MLIC reevaluates on a quarterly and annual basis its exposure from asbestos litigation, including studying its claims experience, reviewing external literature regarding asbestos claims experience in the U.S., assessing relevant trends impacting asbestos liability and considering numerous variables that can affect its asbestos liability exposure on an overall or per claim basis. These variables include bankruptcies of other companies involved in asbestos litigation, legislative and judicial developments, the number of pending claims involving serious disease, the number of new claims filed against it and other defendants and the jurisdictions in which claims are pending. Based upon its regular reevaluation of its exposure from asbestos litigation, MLIC has updated its liability analysis for asbestos-related claims through December 31, 2017. MLIC increased its recorded liability for asbestos-related claims to $551 million at December 31, 2017. Regulatory Matters The Company receives and responds to subpoenas or other inquiries seeking a broad range of information from state regulators, including state insurance commissioners; state attorneys general or other state governmental authorities; federal regulators, including the SEC; federal governmental authorities, including congressional committees; and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), as well as from local and national regulators and government authorities in jurisdictions outside the United States where MetLife conducts business. The issues involved in information requests and regulatory matters vary widely. The Company cooperates in these inquiries. In the Matter of Chemform, Inc. Site, Pompano Beach, Broward County, Florida In July 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) advised MLIC that it believed payments were due under two settlement agreements, known as “Administrative Orders on Consent,” that New England Mutual Life Insurance Company (“New England Mutual”) signed in 1989 and 1992 with respect to the cleanup of a Superfund site in Florida (the “Chemform Site”). The EPA originally contacted MLIC (as successor to New England Mutual) and a third party in 2001, and advised that they owed additional clean-up costs for the Chemform Site. The matter was not resolved at that time. In September 2012, the EPA, MLIC and the third party executed an Administrative Order on Consent under which MLIC and the third party agreed to be responsible for certain environmental testing at the Chemform Site. The EPA may seek additional costs if the environmental testing identifies issues. The EPA and MLIC have reached a settlement in principal on the EPA’s claim for past costs. The Company estimates that the aggregate cost to resolve this matter, including the settlement for claims of past costs and the costs of environmental testing, will not exceed $300 thousand . Sales Practices Regulatory Matters Regulatory authorities in a number of states and FINRA, and occasionally the SEC, have had investigations or inquiries relating to sales of individual life insurance policies or annuities or other products by MLIC and GALIC, as well as former subsidiaries of the Company that are part of Brighthouse as a result of the Separation, and a former broker‑dealer subsidiary. These investigations often focus on the conduct of particular financial services representatives and the sale of unregistered or unsuitable products or the misuse of client assets. Over the past several years, these and a number of investigations by other regulatory authorities were resolved for monetary payments and certain other relief, including restitution payments. The Company may continue to resolve investigations in a similar manner. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for these sales practices-related investigations or inquiries. Unclaimed Property Litigation City of Westland Police and Fire Retirement System v. MetLife, Inc., et. al. (S.D.N.Y., filed January 12, 2012) Seeking to represent a class of persons who purchased MetLife, Inc. common shares between February 2, 2010, and October 6, 2011, the plaintiff alleges that MetLife, Inc. and several current and former directors and executive officers of MetLife, Inc. violated the Securities Act of 1933, as well as the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by issuing, or causing MetLife, Inc. to issue, materially false and misleading statements concerning MetLife, Inc.’s potential liability for millions of dollars in insurance benefits that should have been paid to beneficiaries or escheated to the states. Plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. On September 22, 2017, the Court granted plaintiff’s motion to certify its proposed class of persons who purchased or acquired MetLife, Inc. common stock in the Company’s August 3, 2010 offering or the Company’s March 4, 2011 offering. The defendants intend to defend this action vigorously. Total Asset Recovery Services, LLC. v. MetLife, Inc., et al. (Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, filed November 17, 2017) Alleging that MetLife, Inc., MLIC, and several other insurance companies violated the New York False Claims Act (the “Act”) by filing false unclaimed property reports from 1986 to 2017 with New York to avoid having to escheat the proceeds of more than 25,000 life insurance policies, including policies for which the defendants escheated funds as part of their demutualization in the late 1990s, Total Asset Recovery Services (“The Relator”) has brought an action under the qui tam provision of the Act on behalf of itself and New York. The Relator originally filed this action under seal in 2010, and the complaint was unsealed on December 19, 2017. The Relator seeks treble damages and other relief. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. Total Control Accounts Litigation MLIC is a defendant in a lawsuit related to its use of retained asset accounts, known as TCAs, as a settlement option for death benefits. Owens v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (N.D. Ga., filed April 17, 2014) Plaintiff filed this class action lawsuit on behalf of all persons for whom MLIC established a TCA to pay death benefits under an ERISA plan. The action alleges that MLIC’s use of the TCA as the settlement option for life insurance benefits under some group life insurance policies violates MLIC’s fiduciary duties under ERISA. As damages, plaintiff seeks disgorgement of profits that MLIC realized on accounts owned by members of the class. In addition, plaintiff, on behalf of a subgroup of the class, seeks interest under Georgia’s delayed settlement interest statute, alleging that the use of the TCA as the settlement option did not constitute payment. On September 27, 2016, the court denied MLIC’s summary judgment motion in full and granted plaintiff’s partial summary judgment motion. On September 29, 2017, the court certified a nationwide class. The court also certified a Georgia subclass. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. Diversified Lending Group Litigation Hartshorne v. MetLife, Inc., et al. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, filed March 25, 2015) Plaintiffs named MetLife, Inc., MSI and NELICO in 12 related lawsuits in California state court alleging various causes of action including multiple negligence and statutory claims relating to a Ponzi scheme involving the Diversified Lending Group. All but one of the plaintiffs have resolved their claims with the Company. The Company intends to vigorously defend the remaining claim. Inquiries into Pension Benefits and Assumed Variable Annuity Guarantee Reserves and Related Litigation The Company informed its primary state regulator, the New York Department of Financial Services (“NYDFS”), about its practices in connection with the payment of certain pension benefits to annuitants and related matters. The NYDFS is examining the issue. The Division of Enforcement of the SEC is also investigating this matter and several additional regulators, including, but not limited to, the Massachusetts Securities Division, have made inquiries into these practices, including as to related disclosures. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries. On February 13, 2018, the Company announced that in connection with a review of practices and procedures used to estimate reserves related to certain RIS group annuitants who have been unresponsive or missing over time, the Company had identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting related to certain RIS group annuity reserves. In conjunction with the material weakness, the Company increased reserves by $510 million pre-tax to reinstate reserves previously released, and to reflect accrued interest and other related liabilities. See Note 1 . The Company informed the SEC that as a result of its review of the calculation of reserves associated with certain variable annuity guarantees assumed from the former operating joint venture in Japan, the Company had identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting related to these reserves. In conjunction with the material weakness, the Company decreased these reserves by $896 million pre-tax. See Note 1. The SEC staff is investigating this matter and the Company has informed other regulators. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries. The Company is exposed to lawsuits and regulatory investigations, and could be exposed to additional legal actions. These may result in payments, including damages, fines, penalties, interest and other amounts assessed or awarded by courts or regulatory authorities under applicable escheat, tax, securities, ERISA, or other laws or regulations. The Company could incur significant costs in connection with these actions. The Company’s increase in reserves does not reflect, and the Company has not recorded an accrual for, any such potential amounts. An estimate of the possible loss or range of loss cannot be made at this time. Parchmann v. MetLife, Inc., et. al. (E.D.N.Y., filed February 5, 2018) Seeking to represent a class of persons who purchased MetLife, Inc. common stock from February 27, 2013 through January 29, 2018, the plaintiff alleges that MetLife, Inc., its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, and its Chief Financial Officer violated Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by issuing materially false and/or misleading statements because the defendants failed to disclose that MetLife’s practices and procedures used to estimate its reserves set aside for annuity and pension payments were inadequate, and that MetLife had inadequate internal control over financial reporting. The plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. The defendants intend to defend this action vigorously. Other Litigation Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada Indemnity Claim In 2006, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (“Sun Life”), as successor to the purchaser of MLIC’s Canadian operations, filed a lawsuit in Toronto, seeking a declaration that MLIC remains liable for “market conduct claims” related to certain individual life insurance policies sold by MLIC that were subsequently transferred to Sun Life. In January 2010, the court found that Sun Life had given timely notice of its claim for indemnification but, because it found that Sun Life had not yet incurred an indemnifiable loss, granted MLIC’s motion for summary judgment. Both parties agreed to consider the indemnity claim through arbitration. In September 2010, Sun Life notified MLIC that a purported class action lawsuit was filed against Sun Life in Toronto alleging sales practices claims regarding the policies sold by MLIC and transferred to Sun Life. On August 30, 2011, Sun Life notified MLIC that another purported class action lawsuit was filed against Sun Life in Vancouver, BC alleging sales practices claims regarding certain of the same policies sold by MLIC and transferred to Sun Life. Sun Life contends that MLIC is obligated to indemnify Sun Life for some or all of the claims in these lawsuits. These sales practices cases against Sun Life are ongoing, and the Company is unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss arising from this litigation. MetLife, Inc. v. Financial Stability Oversight Council (D. D.C., January 13, 2015). MetLife, Inc. filed this action in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (“D.C. District Court”) seeking to overturn the Financial Stability Oversight Council (“FSOC”) designation of MetLife, Inc. as a non-bank systemically important financial institution (“non-bank SIFI”). The suit was brought under the section of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act providing that a company designated as a non-bank SIFI may petition the federal courts for review, and sought an order requiring that the final determination be rescinded. On January 23, 2018, the United States District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia dismissed the FSOC’s appeal of the D.C. District Court’s March 30, 2016 decision that rescinded the Company’s designation as a non-bank SIFI. Voshall v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, April 8, 2015) Plaintiff filed this putative class action lawsuit on behalf of himself and all persons covered under a long-term group disability income insurance policy issued by MLIC to public entities in California between April 8, 2011 and April 8, 2015. Plaintiff alleges that MLIC improperly reduced benefits by including cost of living adjustments and employee paid contributions in the employer retirement benefits and other income that reduces the benefit payable under such policies. Plaintiff asserts causes of action for declaratory relief, violation of the California Business & Professions Code, breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. Martin v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, (Superior Court of the State of California, County of Contra Costa, filed December 17, 2015) Plaintiffs filed this putative class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and all California persons who have been charged compound interest by MLIC in life insurance policy and/or premium loan balances within the last four years. Plaintiffs allege that MLIC has engaged in a pattern and practice of charging compound interest on life insurance policy and premium loans without the borrower authorizing such compounding, and that this constitutes an unlawful business practice under California law. Plaintiff asserts causes of action for declaratory relief, violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law and Usury Law, and unjust enrichment. Plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, restitution of interest, and damages in an unspecified amount. On April 12, 2016, the court granted MLIC’s motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs have appealed this ruling. Lau v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (S.D.N.Y. filed, December 3, 2015) This putative class action lawsuit was filed by a single defined contribution plan participant on behalf of all ERISA plans whose assets were invested in MetLife’s “Group Annuity Contract Stable Value Funds” within the past six years. The suit alleges breaches of fiduciary duty under ERISA and challenges the “spread” with respect to the stable value fund group annuity products sold to retirement plans. The allegations focus on the methodology MetLife uses to establish and reset the crediting rate, the terms under which plan participants are permitted to transfer funds from a stable value option to another investment option, the procedures followed if an employer terminates a contract, and the level of disclosure provided. Plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as damages in an unspecified amount. The parties have settled and the court has dismissed the action. Newman v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (N.D. Ill., filed March 23, 2016) Plaintiff filed this putative class action alleging causes of action for breach of contract, fraud, and violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, based on MLIC’s class-wide increase in premiums charged for long-term care insurance policies. Plaintiff alleges a class consisting of herself and all persons over age 65 who selected a Reduced Pay at Age 65 payment feature and whose premium rates were increased after age 65. Plaintiff asserts that premiums could not be increased for these class members and/or that marketing material was misleading as to MLIC’s right to increase premiums. Plaintiff seeks unspecified compensatory, statutory and punitive damages, as well as recessionary and injunctive relief. On April 12, 2017, the court granted MLIC’s motion, dismissing the action with prejudice. Plaintiff appealed this ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and on February 6, 2018, the Seventh Circuit reversed and remanded for further proceedings, ruling that Plaintiff is entitled to relief on her contract claim. Miller, et al. v. MetLife, Inc., et al. (C.D. Cal., filed April 7, 2017) Plaintiffs filed this putative class action against MetLife, Inc. and MLIC in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, purporting to assert claims on behalf of all persons who replaced their MetLife Optional Term Life or Group Universal Life policy with a Group Variable Universal Life policy wherein MetLife allegedly charged smoker rates for certain non-smokers. Plaintiffs seek unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, as well as other relief. On September 25, 2017, plaintiffs dismissed the action and refiled the complaint in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On November 9, 2017, plaintiffs dismissed MetLife, Inc. without prejudice from the action. MLIC intends to defend this action vigorously. Julian & McKinney v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (S.D.N.Y., filed February 9, 2017) Plaintiffs filed this putative class and collective action on behalf of themselves and all current and former long-term disability (“LTD”) claims specialists between February 2011 and the present for alleged wage and hour violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the New York Labor Law, and the Connecticut Minimum Wage Act. The suit alleges that MetLife improperly reclassified the plaintiffs and similarly situated LTD claims specialists from non-exempt to exempt from overtime pay in November 2013. As a result, they and members of the putative class were no longer eligible for overtime pay even though they allege they continued to work more than 40 hours per week. The Company intends to defend this action vigorously. Sales Practices Claims Over the past several years, the Company has faced numerous claims, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds, other products or the misuse of client assets. Some of the current cases seek substantial damages, including punitive and treble damages and attorneys’ fees. The Company continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters. Summary Putative or certified class action litigation and other litigation and claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, mortgage lending bank, employer, investor, investment advisor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations. It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods. Insolvency Assessments Most of the jurisdictions in which the Company is admitted to transact business require insurers doing business within the jurisdiction to participate in guaranty associations, which are organized to pay contractual benefits owed pursuant to insurance policies issued by impaired, insolvent or failed insurers. These associations levy assessments, up to prescribed limits, on all member insurers in a particular state on the basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired, insolvent or failed insurer engaged. Some states permit member insurers to recover assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets. In addition, Japan has established the Life Insurance Policyholders Protection Corporation of Japan as a contingency to protect policyholders against the insolvency of life insurance companies in Japan through assessments to companies licensed to provide life insurance. Assets and liabilities held for insolvency assessments were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Other Assets: Premium tax offset for future discounted and undiscounted assessments $ 56 $ 30 Premium tax offsets c

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	21. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2017 and 2016 are summarized in the table below: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2017 Prior to Revision (1) Revisions (2) As Prior to Revision (1) Revisions (2) As Revised As Previously Reported Revisions (2) As Revised As Previously Reported Revisions (2) As Revised (in millions, except per share data) Total revenues $ 14,925 $ 39 $ 14,964 $ 15,286 $ 47 $ 15,333 $ 16,104 $ 67 $ 16,171 $ 15,754 $ 86 $ 15,840 Total expenses $ 13,921 $ (29 ) $ 13,892 $ 14,309 $ 6 $ 14,315 $ 15,603 $ 83 $ 15,686 $ 14,879 $ — $ 14,879 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 908 $ 44 $ 952 $ 829 $ 27 $ 856 $ 893 $ (10 ) $ 883 $ 2,134 $ 181 $ 2,315 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ (79 ) $ 3 $ (76 ) $ 58 $ — $ 58 $ (968 ) $ — $ (968 ) $ — $ — $ — Net income (loss) $ 829 $ 47 $ 876 $ 887 $ 27 $ 914 $ (75 ) $ (10 ) $ (85 ) $ 2,134 $ 181 $ 2,315 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 3 $ — $ 3 $ 3 $ — $ 3 $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ (2 ) $ — $ (2 ) Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 826 $ 47 $ 873 $ 884 $ 27 $ 911 $ (81 ) $ (10 ) $ (91 ) $ 2,136 $ 181 $ 2,317 Less: Preferred stock dividends $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ 46 $ — $ 46 $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ 45 $ — $ 45 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 820 $ 47 $ 867 $ 838 $ 27 $ 865 $ (87 ) $ (10 ) $ (97 ) $ 2,091 $ 181 $ 2,272 Basic earnings per common share Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 0.82 $ 0.05 $ 0.87 $ 0.73 $ 0.03 $ 0.76 $ 0.83 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.82 $ 1.99 $ 0.17 $ 2.16 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ (0.07 ) $ — $ (0.07 ) $ 0.05 $ — $ 0.05 $ (0.91 ) $ — $ (0.91 ) $ — $ — $ — Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 0.76 $ 0.04 $ 0.80 $ 0.82 $ 0.04 $ 0.86 $ (0.08 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.09 ) $ 2.03 $ 0.17 $ 2.20 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 0.75 $ 0.05 $ 0.80 $ 0.78 $ 0.03 $ 0.81 $ (0.08 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.09 ) $ 1.99 $ 0.17 $ 2.16 Diluted earnings per common share Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 0.82 $ 0.04 $ 0.86 $ 0.72 $ 0.03 $ 0.75 $ 0.82 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.81 $ 1.97 $ 0.17 $ 2.14 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ (0.07 ) $ — $ (0.07 ) $ 0.05 $ — $ 0.05 $ (0.90 ) $ — $ (0.90 ) $ — $ — $ — Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 0.75 $ 0.04 $ 0.79 $ 0.82 $ 0.03 $ 0.85 $ (0.08 ) $ — $ (0.08 ) $ 2.01 $ 0.17 $ 2.18 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 0.75 $ 0.04 $ 0.79 $ 0.77 $ 0.03 $ 0.80 $ (0.08 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.09 ) $ 1.97 $ 0.17 $ 2.14 Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2016 As Revisions (2) As Revised As Revisions (2) As Revised As Previously Reported Revisions (2) As Revised As Previously Reported Revisions (2) As Revised (in millions, except per share data) Total revenues $ 16,097 $ 148 $ 16,245 $ 16,025 $ 324 $ 16,349 $ 15,833 $ (27 ) $ 15,806 $ 12,635 $ (248 ) $ 12,387 Total expenses $ 13,780 $ (28 ) $ 13,752 $ 13,979 $ — $ 13,979 $ 14,674 $ 43 $ 14,717 $ 14,017 $ 41 $ 14,058 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 1,770 $ 130 $ 1,900 $ 1,475 $ 211 $ 1,686 $ 1,024 $ (51 ) $ 973 $ (795 ) $ (176 ) $ (971 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ 433 $ (1 ) $ 432 $ (1,361 ) $ — $ (1,361 ) $ (451 ) $ 16 $ (435 ) $ (1,291 ) $ (79 ) $ (1,370 ) Net income (loss) $ 2,203 $ 129 $ 2,332 $ 114 $ 211 $ 325 $ 573 $ (35 ) $ 538 $ (2,086 ) $ (255 ) $ (2,341 ) Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 2 $ — $ 2 $ 4 $ — $ 4 $ (4 ) $ — $ (4 ) $ 2 $ — $ 2 Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 2,201 $ 129 $ 2,330 $ 110 $ 211 $ 321 $ 577 $ (35 ) $ 542 $ (2,088 ) $ (255 ) $ (2,343 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ 46 $ — $ 46 $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ 45 $ — $ 45 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 2,195 $ 129 $ 2,324 $ 64 $ 211 $ 275 $ 571 $ (35 ) $ 536 $ (2,133 ) $ (255 ) $ (2,388 ) Basic earnings per common share Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 1.60 $ 0.12 $ 1.72 $ 1.30 $ 0.19 $ 1.49 $ 0.93 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.88 $ (0.77 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.92 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 0.39 $ — $ 0.39 $ (1.24 ) $ — $ (1.24 ) $ (0.41 ) $ 0.02 $ (0.39 ) $ (1.17 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (1.25 ) Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 2.00 $ 0.12 $ 2.12 $ 0.10 $ 0.19 $ 0.29 $ 0.52 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.49 $ (1.90 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (2.13 ) Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 1.99 $ 0.12 $ 2.11 $ 0.06 $ 0.19 $ 0.25 $ 0.52 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.49 $ (1.94 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (2.17 ) Diluted earnings per common share (3) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 1.59 $ 0.12 $ 1.71 $ 1.29 $ 0.19 $ 1.48 $ 0.92 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.87 $ (0.77 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.92 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 0.39 $ — $ 0.39 $ (1.23 ) $ — $ (1.23 ) $ (0.41 ) $ 0.02 $ (0.39 ) $ (1.17 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (1.25 ) Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 1.99 $ 0.11 $ 2.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.19 $ 0.29 $ 0.52 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.49 $ (1.90 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (2.13 ) Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 1.98 $ 0.12 $ 2.10 $ 0.06 $ 0.19 $ 0.25 $ 0.51 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.48 $ (1.94 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (2.17 ) __________________ (1) Results of operations were revised to reflect Brighthouse as discontinued operations. See Note 3. (2) See Note 1 information on prior period revisions. (3) For the three months ended December 31, 2016 , 9.2 million shares related to the assumed exercise or issuance of stock-based awards have been excluded from the weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted, as to include these assumed shares would be anti-dilutive to net income (loss) available to common shareholders per common share - diluted.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	22. Subsequent Events Common Stock Repurchases In 2018, through February 16, 2018 , MetLife, Inc. repurchased 7,499,116 shares of its common stock in the open market for $392 million . Disposition See Note 3 for additional information related to the disposition of MetLife Afore. Dividends Preferred Stock On February 16, 2018 , MetLife, Inc. announced a first quarter 2018 dividend of $0.25 per share, for a total of $6 million , on its Series A preferred stock, subject to the final confirmation that it has met the financial tests specified in the certificate of designation for the Series A preferred stock, which the Company anticipates will be made and announced on or about March 5, 2018 . The dividend will be payable on March 15, 2018 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2018 . Common Stock On January 5, 2018 , the MetLife, Inc. Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2018 common stock dividend of $0.40 per share payable on March 13, 2018 to shareholders of record as of February 5, 2018 . The Company estimates that the aggregate dividend payment will be $416 million .

Consolidated Summary of Investm

Consolidated Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Consolidated Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	MetLife, Inc. Schedule I Consolidated Summary of Investments — Other Than Investments in Related Parties December 31, 2017 (In millions) Types of Investments Cost or Estimated Fair Value Amount at Fixed maturity securities: Bonds: Foreign government securities $ 55,351 $ 61,534 $ 61,534 U.S. government and agency securities 43,446 47,394 47,394 Public utilities 12,087 13,581 13,581 State and political subdivision securities 10,752 12,455 12,455 All other corporate bonds 115,238 123,445 123,445 Total bonds 236,874 258,409 258,409 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 48,106 49,318 49,318 Redeemable preferred stock 1,089 1,204 1,204 Total fixed maturity securities 286,069 308,931 308,931 FVO securities 14,656 16,745 16,745 Equity securities: Common stock: Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 1,538 1,807 1,807 Banks, trust and insurance companies 83 154 154 Public utilities 66 74 74 Non-redeemable preferred stock 453 478 478 Total equity securities 2,140 2,513 2,513 Mortgage loans 68,731 68,731 Policy loans 9,669 9,669 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 9,589 9,589 Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt 48 48 Other limited partnership interests 5,708 5,708 Short-term investments 4,870 4,870 Other invested assets 17,263 17,263 Total investments $ 418,743 $ 444,067 __________________ (1) The FVO securities portfolio is mainly comprised of fixed maturity and equity securities, including mutual funds and, to a lesser extent, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. Cost or amortized cost for fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans represents original cost reduced by repayments, valuation allowances and impairments from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value that are charged to earnings and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts; for equity securities, cost represents original cost reduced by impairments from other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value; for real estate, cost represents original cost reduced by impairments and depreciation; for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests, cost represents original cost reduced for impairments or original cost adjusted for equity in earnings and distributions.

Condensed Financial Information

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company)	MetLife, Inc. Schedule II Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company Only) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (In millions, except share and per share data) 2017 2016 Condensed Balance Sheets Assets Investments: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $4,520 and $3,900, respectively) $ 4,510 $ 3,894 Fair value option securities, at estimated fair value 1,357 — Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value 30 148 Other invested assets, at estimated fair value 127 499 Total investments 6,024 4,541 Cash and cash equivalents 516 334 Accrued investment income 24 74 Investment in subsidiaries 73,274 85,429 Loans to subsidiaries 100 1,200 Other assets 1,153 1,529 Total assets $ 81,091 $ 93,107 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities Payables for collateral under derivatives transactions $ 36 $ 147 Long-term debt — unaffiliated 14,599 15,505 Long-term debt — affiliated 2,000 3,100 Collateral financing arrangement — 2,797 Junior subordinated debt securities 2,454 1,734 Other liabilities 3,326 2,294 Total liabilities 22,415 25,577 Stockholders’ Equity Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; $2,100 aggregate liquidation preference — — Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 3,000,000,000 shares authorized; 1,168,710,101 and 1,164,029,985 shares issued, respectively; 1,043,588,396 and 1,095,519,005 shares outstanding, respectively 12 12 Additional paid-in capital 31,111 30,944 Retained earnings 26,527 34,683 Treasury stock, at cost; 125,121,705 and 68,510,980 shares, respectively (6,401 ) (3,474 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 7,427 5,366 Total stockholders’ equity 58,676 67,531 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 81,091 $ 93,108 See accompanying notes to the condensed financial information. MetLife, Inc. Schedule II Condensed Financial Information — (continued) (Parent Company Only) For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (In millions) 2017 2016 2015 Condensed Statements of Operations Revenues Equity in earnings of subsidiaries $ 7,162 $ 1,833 $ 6,048 Net investment income 101 129 170 Other revenues 59 151 124 Net investment gains (losses) (1,142 ) 86 12 Net derivative gains (losses) (186 ) (68 ) (7 ) Total revenues 5,994 2,131 6,347 Expenses Interest expense 1,108 1,152 1,171 Goodwill impairment — 147 — Termination of financing arrangements 294 2 — Other expenses 657 388 180 Total expenses 2,059 1,689 1,351 Income (loss) before provision for income tax 3,935 442 4,996 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) (75 ) (408 ) (377 ) Net income (loss) 4,010 850 5,373 Less: Preferred stock dividends 103 103 116 Preferred stock repurchase premium — — 42 Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 3,907 $ 747 $ 5,215 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 7,391 $ 1,449 $ (574 ) See accompanying notes to the condensed financial information. MetLife, Inc. Schedule II Condensed Financial Information — (continued) (Parent Company Only) For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (In millions) 2017 2016 2015 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Cash flows from operating activities Net income (loss) $ 4,010 $ 850 $ 5,373 Earnings of subsidiaries (7,162 ) (1,833 ) (6,048 ) Dividends from subsidiaries 6,745 4,470 2,335 (Gains) losses on investments and from sales of businesses, net 1,142 (86 ) (12 ) Goodwill impairment — 147 — Tax separation agreement charge 1,093 — — Other, net 634 199 (42 ) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 6,462 3,747 1,606 Cash flows from investing activities Sales of fixed maturity securities 7,217 8,603 7,952 Purchases of fixed maturity securities (7,733 ) (7,409 ) (7,957 ) Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives 452 311 930 Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives (629 ) (561 ) (510 ) Sales of businesses — 291 — Expense paid on behalf of subsidiaries (42 ) (68 ) (40 ) Receipts on loans to subsidiaries — 140 761 Issuances of loans to subsidiaries — (140 ) (300 ) Returns of capital from subsidiaries 610 80 5 Capital contributions to subsidiaries (339 ) (1,733 ) (667 ) Net change in short-term investments 118 120 110 Other, net (14 ) (18 ) 2 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (360 ) (384 ) 286 Cash flows from financing activities Net change in payables for collateral under derivative transactions (111 ) (80 ) (122 ) Long-term debt issued — — 2,739 Long-term debt repaid (1,000 ) (1,250 ) (1,000 ) Fees paid for the termination of a committed facility related to Separation (244 ) (2 ) — Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases (2,927 ) (372 ) (1,930 ) Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs — — 1,483 Repurchase of preferred stock — — (1,460 ) Preferred stock repurchase premium — — (42 ) Dividends on preferred stock (103 ) (103 ) (116 ) Dividends on common stock (1,717 ) (1,736 ) (1,653 ) Other, net 182 93 187 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (5,920 ) (3,450 ) (1,914 ) Change in cash and cash equivalents 182 (87 ) (22 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 334 421 443 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 516 $ 334 $ 421 MetLife, Inc. Schedule II Condensed Financial Information — (continued) (Parent Company Only) For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (In millions) 2017 2016 2015 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Net cash paid (received) for: Interest $ 1,096 $ 1,146 $ 1,133 Income tax: Amounts paid to (received from) subsidiaries, net $ (1,552 ) $ (569 ) $ (226 ) Amounts paid to Brighthouse in accordance with the tax separation agreement 729 — — Income tax paid (received) by MetLife, Inc., net (37 ) 136 55 Total income tax, net $ (860 ) $ (433 ) $ (171 ) Non-cash transactions: Dividends from subsidiary $ — $ 2,652 $ — Returns of capital from subsidiaries $ 17,518 $ 372 $ 4,284 Capital contributions to subsidiaries $ 15,655 $ 157 $ 4,120 Distribution of Brighthouse $ 10,346 $ — $ — Payables to subsidiaries for future capital contributions $ — $ — $ 120 Allocation of interest expense to subsidiary $ 15 $ 39 $ 28 Allocation of interest income to subsidiary $ 4 $ 54 $ 57 MetLife, Inc. Schedule II Notes to the Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company Only) 1. Basis of Presentation The condensed financial information of MetLife, Inc. (the “Parent Company”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries and the notes thereto (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”). These condensed unconsolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for MetLife, Inc. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The preparation of these condensed unconsolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make certain estimates and assumptions. The most important of these estimates and assumptions relate to the fair value measurements, the accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the provision for potential losses that may arise from litigation and regulatory proceedings and tax audits, which may affect the amounts reported in the condensed unconsolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on prior period revisions. The impact of the revisions is shown in the tables below: December 31, 2016 Condensed Balance Sheets As Revisions As (In millions) Assets Investment in subsidiaries $ 85,207 $ 222 $ 85,429 Total assets $ 92,885 $ 222 $ 93,107 Stockholders’ Equity Retained earnings $ 34,480 $ 203 $ 34,683 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ 5,347 $ 19 $ 5,366 Total stockholders’ equity $ 67,309 $ 222 $ 67,531 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 92,886 $ 222 $ 93,108 For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Condensed Statements of Operations As Revisions As As Revisions As (In millions) Revenues Equity in earnings of subsidiaries $ 1,783 $ 50 $ 1,833 $ 5,985 $ 63 $ 6,048 Total revenues $ 2,081 $ 50 $ 2,131 $ 6,284 $ 63 $ 6,347 Income (loss) before provision for income tax $ 392 $ 50 $ 442 $ 4,933 $ 63 $ 4,996 Net income (loss) $ 800 $ 50 $ 850 $ 5,310 $ 63 $ 5,373 Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 697 $ 50 $ 747 $ 5,152 $ 63 $ 5,215 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,376 $ 73 $ 1,449 $ (568 ) $ (6 ) $ (574 ) For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows As Revisions As Revised As Revisions As Revised (In millions) Cash flows from operating activities Net income (loss) $ 800 $ 50 $ 850 $ 5,310 $ 63 $ 5,373 Earnings of subsidiaries $ (1,783 ) $ (50 ) $ (1,833 ) $ (5,985 ) $ (63 ) $ (6,048 ) 2. Investment in Subsidiaries On August 3, 2017, Brighthouse Financial, Inc. paid a cash dividend to MetLife, Inc. of $1.8 billion in connection with the Separation. In December 2016, MLIC transferred the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of each of NELICO and GALIC to MetLife, Inc. in the form of a non-cash extraordinary dividend of $2.7 billion . In February 2016, MetLife, Inc. paid a cash capital contribution of $1.5 billion to Brighthouse Insurance in connection with the Separation. In December 2015, MetLife, Inc. accrued $50 million , $45 million and $25 million in capital contributions payable to the following captive reinsurers: MRV, MRD and MRSC, respectively, which were included in payables to subsidiaries at December 31, 2015. The payables were settled for cash in February 2016. In December 2014, MetLife, Inc. accrued $350 million and $95 million in capital contributions payable to MRV and MRD, respectively, which were included in payables to subsidiaries at December 31, 2014. The payables were settled for cash in February 2015. 3. Loans to Subsidiaries MetLife, Inc. lends funds as necessary to its subsidiaries, some of which are regulated, to meet their capital requirements. Payments of interest and principal on surplus notes of regulated subsidiaries, which are subordinate to all other obligations of the issuing company, may be made only with the prior approval of the insurance department of the state of domicile. In April 2017, in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. repaid $750 million and $350 million senior notes to MRD due September 2032 and December 2033 , respectively, in an exchange transaction . The $750 million senior note bore interest at a fixed rate of 4.21% and the $350 million senior note bore interest at a fixed rate of 5.10% . Simultaneously, MRD repaid $750 million and $350 million surplus notes to MetLife, Inc. The $750 million surplus note bore interest at a fixed rate of 5.13% and the $350 million surplus note bore interest at a fixed rate of 6.00% (the “MRD Notes Exchange”). In April 2016, American Life issued a $140 million short-term note to MetLife, Inc. which was repaid in July 2016. The short-term note bore interest at six-month LIBOR plus 1.00% . In May 2015, American Life issued a $150 million short-term note to MetLife, Inc. which was repaid in June 2015. The short-term note bore interest at six-month LIBOR plus 1.00% . In April 2015, American Life issued a $150 million short-term note to MetLife, Inc. which was repaid in May 2015. The short-term note bore interest at six-month LIBOR plus 0.875% . In July 2013, MetLife Ireland Treasury d.a.c. (formerly known as MetLife Ireland Treasury Limited) (“MIT”) borrowed the Chilean peso equivalent of $1.5 billion from MetLife, Inc., which was due in July 2023 . The loan bore interest at a fixed rate of 8.5% , payable annually. In December, September and June 2015, MIT made loan payments of the Chilean peso equivalent of $77 million , $153 million and $231 million , respectively. At December 31, 2015, the loan was fully paid. Interest income earned on loans to subsidiaries of $44 million , $64 million and $91 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, is included in net investment income. 4. Long-term Debt Long-term debt outstanding was as follows: Interest Rates (1) December 31, Range Weighted Maturity 2017 2016 (Dollars in millions) Senior notes — unaffiliated (2) 3.00% - 7.72% 4.84% 2018 - 2046 $ 14,599 $ 15,505 Senior notes — affiliated 3.03% - 5.86% 4.58% 2019 - 2021 2,000 3,100 Total $ 16,599 $ 18,605 __________________ (1) Range of interest rates and weighted average interest rates are for the year ended December 31, 2017 . (2) Net of $86 million and $92 million of unamortized issuance costs and net premiums and discounts at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2017 for the next five years and thereafter are $1.0 billion in 2018, $1.8 billion in 2019, $789 million in 2020, $2.0 billion in 2021, $500 million in 2022 and $10.5 billion thereafter. Credit Facility – Affiliated In June 2016, MetLife, Inc. entered into a five-year agreement with an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, MIT, to borrow up to $1.3 billion on a revolving basis, at interest rates based on the IRS safe harbor interest rate in effect at the time of the borrowing. MetLife, Inc. may borrow funds under the agreement at the lender’s discretion and subject to the availability of funds. There were no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2017 . Long-term Debt – Affiliated In June 2016, March 2016 and December 2015, MetLife, Inc. repaid $204 million , $10 million and $286 million , respectively, of affiliated long-term debt to MetLife Exchange Trust I at maturity in exchange for a return of capital. The long-term notes bore interest at three-month LIBOR plus 0.7% . Senior Notes – Affiliated In September 2016, a $250 million senior note issued to MLIC matured and, subsequently, in September 2016 MetLife, Inc. issued a new $250 million senior note to MLIC. The senior note matures in September 2020 and bears interest at a rate per annum of 3.03% , payable semi-annually. See Note 3 for information on the MRD Notes Exchange in 2017. Interest Expense Interest expense was comprised of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Long-term debt — unaffiliated $ 774 $ 811 $ 833 Long-term debt — affiliated 112 160 168 Collateral financing arrangements 27 47 36 Junior subordinated debt securities 195 134 134 Total $ 1,108 $ 1,152 $ 1,171 See Notes 13 and 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the collateral financing arrangement and junior subordinated debt securities. See also Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the termination of the MRSC collateral financing arrangement. 5. Junior Subordinated Debt Securities In February 2017, in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. exchanged $750 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.250% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2068 for $750 million aggregate liquidation preference of the 9.250% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Exchangeable Surplus Trust Securities of MetLife Capital Trust X (the “Trust”). As a result of the exchange, MetLife, Inc. is the sole beneficial owner of the Trust, a special purpose entity which issued the exchangeable surplus trust securities to investors, and is the beneficiary of $750 million of 8.595% surplus notes held by the Trust that were issued by Brighthouse Insurance. In March 2017, MetLife, Inc. dissolved the Trust. In June 2017, MetLife, Inc. forgave Brighthouse Insurance’s obligation to pay the principal amount of $750 million affiliated surplus notes held by MetLife, Inc. 6. Support Agreements MetLife, Inc. is party to various capital support commitments and guarantees with certain of its subsidiaries. Under these arrangements, MetLife, Inc. has agreed to cause each such entity to meet specified capital and surplus levels or has guaranteed certain contractual obligations. MetLife, Inc. guarantees the obligations of its subsidiary, Delaware American Life Insurance Company (“DelAm”), under a stop loss reinsurance agreement with RGA Reinsurance (Barbados) Inc. (“RGARe”), pursuant to which RGARe retrocedes to DelAm a portion of the whole life medical insurance business that RGARe assumed from American Life on behalf of its Japan operations. Also, MetLife, Inc. guarantees the obligations of its subsidiary, Missouri Reinsurance, Inc. (“MoRe”), under a retrocession agreement with RGARe, pursuant to which MoRe retrocedes a portion of the closed block liabilities associated with industrial life and ordinary life insurance policies that it assumed from MLIC. MetLife, Inc. guarantees the obligations of MetLife Reinsurance Company of Bermuda, Ltd. (“MrB”), a Bermuda insurance affiliate and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. under a reinsurance agreement with Mitsui Sumitomo Primary Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”), a former affiliate that is now an unaffiliated third party, under which MrB reinsures certain variable annuity business written by Mitsui. MetLife, Inc. guarantees the obligations of MrB in an aggregate amount up to $1.0 billion , under a reinsurance agreement with MetLife Europe d.a.c. (“MEL”) (formerly known as MetLife Europe Limited), under which MrB reinsured the guaranteed living benefits and guaranteed death benefits associated with certain unit-linked annuity contracts issued by MEL. MetLife, Inc., in connection with MRV’s reinsurance of certain universal life and term life insurance risks, committed to the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration to take necessary action to cause the two protected cells of MRV to maintain total adjusted capital in an amount that is equal to or greater than 200% of each such protected cell’s authorized control level RBC, as defined in Vermont state insurance statutes. See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. MetLife, Inc., in connection with the collateral financing arrangement associated with MRC’s reinsurance of a portion of the liabilities associated with the closed block, committed to the South Carolina Department of Insurance to make capital contributions, if necessary, to MRC so that MRC may at all times maintain its total adjusted capital in an amount that is equal to or greater than 200% of the Company Action Level RBC, as defined in South Carolina state insurance statutes as in effect on the date of determination or December 31, 2007, whichever calculation produces the greater capital requirement, or as otherwise required by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. MetLife, Inc. guarantees obligations arising from derivatives of the following subsidiaries: MrB, MetLife International Holdings, LLC and MetLife Worldwide Holdings, LLC. These subsidiaries are exposed to various risks relating to their ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. These subsidiaries use a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives. Further, all of the subsidiaries’ derivatives are subject to industry standard netting agreements and collateral agreements that limit the unsecured portion of any open derivative position. On a net counterparty basis at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , derivative transactions with positive mark-to-market values (in-the-money) were $515 million and $495 million , respectively, and derivative transactions with negative mark-to-market values (out-of-the-money) were $126 million and $237 million , respectively. To secure the obligations represented by the out of-the-money transactions, the subsidiaries had provided collateral to their counterparties with an estimated fair value of $114 million and $233 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Accordingly, unsecured derivative liabilities guaranteed by MetLife, Inc. were $12 million and $4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. MetLife, Inc. also guarantees the obligations of certain of its subsidiaries under committed facilities with third-party banks. See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Supplementary Insu

Consolidated Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Consolidated Supplementary Insurance Information	MetLife, Inc. Schedule III Consolidated Supplementary Insurance Information December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (In millions) Segment DAC and VOBA Future Policy Benefits, Other Policy-Related Balances and Policyholder Dividend Obligation Policyholder Account Balances Policyholder Dividends Payable Unearned Premiums (1), (2) Unearned 2017 U.S. $ 614 $ 65,610 $ 70,455 $ — $ 1,907 $ 24 Asia 9,261 39,702 59,702 80 2,378 916 Latin America 2,050 10,397 6,361 — 115 675 EMEA 1,673 5,768 13,811 7 24 454 MetLife Holdings 4,797 73,317 32,176 595 167 205 Corporate & Other 24 816 13 — 1 — Total $ 18,419 $ 195,610 $ 182,518 $ 682 $ 4,592 $ 2,274 2016 U.S. $ 616 $ 61,578 $ 67,539 $ — $ 1,843 $ 30 Asia 8,707 36,308 53,114 95 2,167 912 Latin America 1,808 9,163 5,597 — 448 563 EMEA 1,472 5,439 12,636 6 64 372 MetLife Holdings 5,246 72,220 33,982 604 204 209 Corporate & Other (259 ) (2,739 ) (382 ) (9 ) (2 ) (27 ) Total $ 17,590 $ 181,969 $ 172,486 $ 696 $ 4,724 $ 2,059 2015 U.S. $ 615 $ 59,413 $ 63,986 $ — $ 1,820 $ 33 Asia 8,386 34,397 49,094 88 1,859 974 Latin America 1,753 8,142 5,880 — 491 597 EMEA 1,532 5,837 13,172 7 60 336 MetLife Holdings 5,436 70,764 33,320 621 171 218 Corporate & Other (292 ) (2,345 ) (322 ) (7 ) — (23 ) Total $ 17,430 $ 176,208 $ 165,130 $ 709 $ 4,401 $ 2,135 __________________ (1) Amounts are included within the future policy benefits, other policy-related balances and policyholder dividend obligation column. (2) Includes premiums received in advance. MetLife, Inc. Schedule III Consolidated Supplementary Insurance Information — (continued) December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (In millions) Segment Premiums and Net Policyholder Amortization of Other 2017 U.S. $ 24,644 $ 6,201 $ 25,103 $ 459 $ 3,235 Asia 8,352 3,299 6,799 1,310 1,802 Latin America 3,737 1,288 2,973 224 1,111 EMEA 2,492 1,157 2,012 356 966 MetLife Holdings 5,603 5,426 7,097 234 2,550 Corporate & Other (326 ) (8 ) (64 ) 98 2,507 Total $ 44,502 $ 17,363 $ 43,920 $ 2,681 $ 12,171 2016 U.S. $ 22,490 $ 5,942 $ 22,892 $ 471 $ 3,244 Asia 8,914 2,807 6,916 1,350 1,795 Latin America 3,554 1,133 2,770 184 1,007 EMEA 2,442 1,229 2,064 408 924 MetLife Holdings 6,034 5,670 7,521 424 3,392 Corporate & Other (749 ) 9 (629 ) (119 ) 1,892 Total $ 42,685 $ 16,790 $ 41,534 $ 2,718 $ 12,254 2015 U.S. $ 21,804 $ 6,020 $ 22,100 $ 471 $ 3,197 Asia 8,491 2,859 6,808 1,262 1,619 Latin America 3,702 1,046 2,853 271 1,075 EMEA 2,455 347 1,109 492 998 MetLife Holdings 6,116 5,855 7,215 722 3,597 Corporate & Other (595 ) 78 (526 ) (34 ) 2,463 Total $ 41,973 $ 16,205 $ 39,559 $ 3,184 $ 12,949 ______________ (1) Includes other expenses and policyholder dividends, excluding amortization of DAC and VOBA charged to other expenses.

Consolidated Reinsurance

Consolidated Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Consolidated Reinsurance	MetLife, Inc. Schedule IV Consolidated Reinsurance December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (Dollars in millions) Gross Amount Ceded Assumed Net Amount % Amount Assumed to Net 2017 Life insurance in-force $ 4,594,523 $ 513,091 $ 581,246 $ 4,662,678 12.5 % Insurance premium Life insurance (1) $ 22,379 $ 1,863 $ 1,531 $ 22,047 6.9 % Accident & health insurance 13,593 442 223 13,374 1.7 % Property & casualty insurance 3,623 71 19 3,571 0.5 % Total insurance premium $ 39,595 $ 2,376 $ 1,773 $ 38,992 4.5 % 2016 Life insurance in-force $ 4,098,780 $ 481,028 $ 613,693 $ 4,231,445 14.5 % Insurance premium Life insurance (1) $ 20,857 $ 1,614 $ 1,089 $ 20,332 5.4 % Accident & health insurance 13,551 447 257 13,361 1.9 % Property & casualty insurance 3,567 75 17 3,509 0.5 % Total insurance premium $ 37,975 $ 2,136 $ 1,363 $ 37,202 3.7 % 2015 Life insurance in-force $ 4,080,869 $ 546,122 $ 593,722 $ 4,128,469 14.4 % Insurance premium Life insurance (1) $ 20,854 $ 1,570 $ 1,150 $ 20,434 5.6 % Accident & health insurance 12,677 377 219 12,519 1.7 % Property & casualty insurance 3,513 76 13 3,450 0.4 % Total insurance premium $ 37,044 $ 2,023 $ 1,382 $ 36,403 3.8 % __________________ (1) Includes annuities with life contingencies.

Business, Basis of Presentati35

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Consolidation of Subsidiaries	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Prior to January 1, 2016, certain international subsidiaries had a fiscal year cutoff of November 30th. The Company’s consolidated financial statements for 2015 reflect the operating results of such subsidiaries for the year ended November 30, 2015. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company converted its Japan operations to calendar year-end reporting. The elimination of a one-month reporting lag of a subsidiary is considered a change in accounting principle and requires retrospective application. While the Company believes that eliminating the lag in the reporting of its Japan operations was preferable in order to consistently reflect events, economic conditions and global trends on the financial statements, the Company determined that it was impracticable to apply the effects of the lag elimination to financial reporting periods prior to January 1, 2015. The effect of not retroactively applying this change in accounting, however, was not material to the 2015 or 2016 consolidated financial statements. Therefore, the Company reported the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle in net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 and did not retrospectively apply the effects of this change to prior periods. Closed block assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are combined on a line-by-line basis with the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses outside the closed block based on the nature of the particular item.
Fiscal Period	Prior to January 1, 2016, certain international subsidiaries had a fiscal year cutoff of November 30th. The Company’s consolidated financial statements for 2015 reflect the operating results of such subsidiaries for the year ended November 30, 2015.
Discontinued Operations	The results of operations of a component of the Company that has either been disposed of or is classified as held-for-sale are reported in discontinued operations if certain criteria are met. A disposal of a component is reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.
Separate Accounts	Separate accounts are established in conformity with insurance laws. Generally, the assets of the separate accounts cannot be used to settle the liabilities that arise from any other business of the Company. Separate account assets are subject to general account claims only to the extent the value of such assets exceeds the separate account liabilities. The Company reports separately, as assets and liabilities, investments held in separate accounts and liabilities of the separate accounts if: • such separate accounts are legally recognized; • assets supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from the Company’s general account liabilities; • investments are directed by the contractholder; and • all investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contractholder. The Company reports separate account assets at their fair value which is based on the estimated fair values of the underlying assets comprising the individual separate account portfolios. Investment performance (including investment income, net investment gains (losses) and changes in unrealized gains (losses)) and the corresponding amounts credited to contractholders of such separate accounts are offset within the same line on the statements of operations. Separate accounts credited with a contractual investment return are combined on a line-by-line basis with the Company’s general account assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the accounting for these investments is consistent with the methodologies described herein for similar financial instruments held within the general account. Unit-linked separate account investments that are directed by contractholders but do not meet one or more of the other above criteria are included in fair value option (“FVO”) securities. The Company’s revenues reflect fees charged to the separate accounts, including mortality charges, risk charges, policy administration fees, investment management fees and surrender charges. Such fees are included in universal life and investment-type product policy fees on the statements of operations.
Future Policy Benefit Liabilities and Policyholder Account Balances	Future Policy Benefit Liabilities and Policyholder Account Balances The Company establishes liabilities for amounts payable under insurance policies. Generally, amounts are payable over an extended period of time and related liabilities are calculated as the present value of future expected benefits to be paid, reduced by the present value of future expected premiums. Such liabilities are established based on methods and underlying assumptions in accordance with GAAP and applicable actuarial standards. Principal assumptions used in the establishment of liabilities for future policy benefits are mortality, morbidity, policy lapse, renewal, retirement, disability incidence, disability terminations, investment returns, inflation, expenses and other contingent events as appropriate to the respective product type and geographical area. These assumptions are established at the time the policy is issued and are intended to estimate the experience for the period the policy benefits are payable. Utilizing these assumptions, liabilities are established on a block of business basis. For long duration insurance contracts, assumptions such as mortality, morbidity and interest rates are “locked in” upon the issuance of new business. However, significant adverse changes in experience on such contracts may require the establishment of premium deficiency reserves. Such reserves are determined based on the then current assumptions and do not include a provision for adverse deviation. Premium deficiency reserves may also be established for short-duration contracts to provide for expected future losses. These reserves are based on actuarial estimates of the amount of loss inherent in that period, including losses incurred for which claims have not been reported. The provisions for unreported claims are calculated using studies that measure the historical length of time between the incurred date of a claim and its eventual reporting to the Company. Anticipated investment income is considered in the calculation of premium deficiency losses for short-duration contracts. Liabilities for universal and variable life policies with secondary guarantees (“ULSG”) and paid-up guarantees are determined by estimating the expected value of death benefits payable when the account balance is projected to be zero and recognizing those benefits ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The assumptions used in estimating the secondary and paid-up guarantee liabilities are consistent with those used for amortizing deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), and are thus subject to the same variability and risk as further discussed herein. The assumptions of investment performance and volatility for variable products are consistent with historical experience of appropriate underlying equity indices, such as the Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) 500 Index. The benefits used in calculating the liabilities are based on the average benefits payable over a range of scenarios. The Company regularly reviews its estimates of liabilities for future policy benefits and compares them with its actual experience. Differences result in changes to the liability balances with related charges or credits to benefit expenses in the period in which the changes occur. Policyholder account balances relate to contracts or contract features where the Company has no significant insurance risk. Future policy benefits are measured as follows: Product Type: Measurement Assumptions: Participating life Aggregate of (i) net level premium reserves for death and endowment policy benefits (calculated based upon the non-forfeiture interest rate, ranging from 3% to 7% for domestic business and less than 1% to 11% for international business and mortality rates guaranteed in calculating the cash surrender values described in such contracts); and (ii) the liability for terminal dividends for domestic business. Nonparticipating life Aggregate of the present value of future expected benefit payments and related expenses less the present value of future expected net premiums. Assumptions as to mortality and persistency are based upon the Company’s experience when the basis of the liability is established. Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities range from 2% to 11% for domestic business and less than 1% to 13% for international business. I ndividual and group traditional fixed annuities after annuitization Present value of future expected payments. Interest rate assumptions used in establishing such liabilities range from 1% to 11% for domestic business and less than 1% to 12% for international business. Non-medical health insurance The net level premium method and assumptions as to future morbidity, withdrawals and interest, which provide a margin for adverse deviation. Interest rate assumptions used in establishing such liabilities range from 4% to 7% (primarily related to domestic business). Disabled lives Present value of benefits method and experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest. Interest rate assumptions used in establishing such liabilities range from 2% to 8% for domestic business and less than 1% to 9% for international business. Property & casualty insurance The amount estimated for claims that have been reported but not settled and claims incurred but not reported are based upon the Company’s historical experience and other actuarial assumptions that consider the effects of current developments, anticipated trends and risk management programs, reduced for anticipated salvage and subrogation. Policyholder account balances are equal to: (i) policy account values, which consist of an accumulation of gross premium payments and investment performance; (ii) credited interest, ranging from less than 1% to 13% for domestic business and less than 1% to 12% for international business, less expenses, mortality charges and withdrawals; and (iii) fair value adjustments relating to business combinations.
Variable Annuity Guaranteed Minimum Benefits	The Company issues directly and assumes through reinsurance certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits that provide the policyholder a minimum return based on their initial deposit (i.e., the benefit base) less withdrawals. These guarantees are accounted for as insurance liabilities or as embedded derivatives depending on how and when the benefit is paid. Specifically, a guarantee is accounted for as an embedded derivative if a guarantee is paid without requiring (i) the occurrence of specific insurable event, or (ii) the policyholder to annuitize. Alternatively, a guarantee is accounted for as an insurance liability if the guarantee is paid only upon either (i) the occurrence of a specific insurable event, or (ii) annuitization. In certain cases, a guarantee may have elements of both an insurance liability and an embedded derivative and in such cases the guarantee is split and accounted for under both models. Guarantees accounted for as insurance liabilities in future policy benefits include guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDBs”), the portion of guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) that require annuitization, and the life-contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”). Guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances include the non life-contingent portion of GMWBs, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”) and the portion of GMIBs that do not require annuitization. At inception, the Company attributes to the embedded derivative a portion of the projected future guarantee fees to be collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits. Any additional fees represent “excess” fees and are reported in universal life and investment-type product policy fees. The Company issues directly and assumes through reinsurance variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMABs and the portions of both non-life-contingent GMWBs and GMIBs that do not require annuitization are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 9 . Guarantees accounted for as insurance liabilities include: Guarantee: Measurement Assumptions: GMDBs • A return of purchase payment upon death even if the account value is reduced to zero. • Present value of expected death benefits in excess of the projected account balance recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on the present value of total expected assessments. • An enhanced death benefit may be available for an additional fee. • Assumptions are consistent with those used for amortizing DAC, and are thus subject to the same variability and risk. • Investment performance and volatility assumptions are consistent with the historical experience of the appropriate underlying equity index, such as the S&P 500 Index. • Benefit assumptions are based on the average benefits payable over a range of scenarios. GMIBs • After a specified period of time determined at the time of issuance of the variable annuity contract, a minimum accumulation of purchase payments, even if the account value is reduced to zero, that can be annuitized to receive a monthly income stream that is not less than a specified amount. • Present value of expected income benefits in excess of the projected account balance at any future date of annuitization and recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on present value of total expected assessments. • Certain contracts also provide for a guaranteed lump sum return of purchase premium in lieu of the annuitization benefit. • Assumptions are consistent with those used for estimating GMDB liabilities. • Calculation incorporates an assumption for the percentage of the potential annuitizations that may be elected by the contractholder. GMWBs • A return of purchase payment via partial withdrawals, even if the account value is reduced to zero, provided that cumulative withdrawals in a contract year do not exceed a certain limit. • Expected value of the life contingent payments and expected assessments using assumptions consistent with those used for estimating the GMDB liabilities. • Certain contracts include guaranteed withdrawals that are life contingent. The Company also issues other annuity contracts that apply a lower rate on funds deposited if the contractholder elects to surrender the contract for cash and a higher rate if the contractholder elects to annuitize. These guarantees include benefits that are payable in the event of death, maturity or at annuitization. Certain other annuity contracts contain guaranteed annuitization benefits that may be above what would be provided by the current account value of the contract. Additionally, the Company issues universal and variable life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a secondary guarantee or a guaranteed paid-up benefit.
Other Policy-Related Balances	Other Policy-Related Balances Other policy-related balances include policy and contract claims, premiums received in advance, unearned revenue liabilities, obligations assumed under structured settlements, policyholder dividends due and unpaid, policyholder dividends left on deposit and negative value of business acquired. The liability for policy and contract claims generally relates to incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) death, disability, long-term care and dental claims, as well as claims which have been reported but not yet settled. The liability for these claims is based on the Company’s estimated ultimate cost of settling all claims. The Company derives estimates for the development of IBNR claims principally from analyses of historical patterns of claims by business line. The methods used to determine these estimates are continually reviewed. Adjustments resulting from this continuous review process and differences between estimates and payments for claims are recognized in policyholder benefits and claims expense in the period in which the estimates are changed or payments are made. The Company accounts for the prepayment of premiums on its individual life, group life and health contracts as premiums received in advance and applies the cash received to premiums when due. The unearned revenue liability relates to universal life-type and investment-type products and represents policy charges for services to be provided in future periods. The charges are deferred as unearned revenue and amortized using the product’s estimated gross profits and margins, similar to DAC as discussed further herein. Such amortization is recorded in universal life and investment-type product policy fees. See Note 3 for additional information on obligations assumed under structured settlement assignments. See “— Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles” for a discussion of negative value of business acquired. For certain acquired blocks of business, the estimated fair value of the in-force contract obligations exceeded the book value of assumed in-force insurance policy liabilities, resulting in negative VOBA, which is presented separately from VOBA as an additional insurance liability. The fair value of the in-force contract obligations is based on projections by each block of business. Negative VOBA is amortized over the policy period in proportion to the approximate consumption of losses included in the liability usually expressed in terms of insurance in-force or account value. Such amortization is recorded as an offset in other expenses.
Recognition of Insurance Revenues and Deposits	Recognition of Insurance Revenues and Deposits Premiums related to traditional life, annuity contracts with life contingencies, long-duration accident & health, and credit insurance policies are recognized as revenues when due from policyholders. Policyholder benefits and expenses are provided to recognize profits over the estimated lives of the insurance policies. When premiums are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided, any excess profit is deferred and recognized into earnings in a constant relationship to insurance in-force or, for annuities, the amount of expected future policy benefit payments. Premiums related to short-duration non-medical health and disability, accident & health, and certain credit insurance contracts are recognized on a pro rata basis over the applicable contract term. Deposits related to universal life-type and investment-type products are credited to policyholder account balances. Revenues from such contracts consist of fees for mortality, policy administration and surrender charges and are recorded in universal life and investment-type product policy fees in the period in which services are provided. Amounts that are charged to earnings include interest credited and benefit claims incurred in excess of related policyholder account balances. Premiums related to property & casualty contracts are recognized as revenue on a pro rata basis over the applicable contract term. Unearned premiums, representing the portion of premium written related to the unexpired coverage, are also included in future policy benefits. All revenues and expenses are presented net of reinsurance as applicable.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance business. Costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts are capitalized as DAC. Such costs include: • incremental direct costs of contract acquisition, such as commissions; • the portion of an employee’s total compensation and benefits related to time spent selling, underwriting or processing the issuance of new and renewal insurance business only with respect to actual policies acquired or renewed; • other essential direct costs that would not have been incurred had a policy not been acquired or renewed; and • the costs of direct-response advertising, the primary purpose of which is to elicit sales to customers who could be shown to have responded specifically to the advertising and that results in probable future benefits. All other acquisition-related costs, including those related to general advertising and solicitation, market research, agent training, product development, unsuccessful sales and underwriting efforts, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred. Value of business acquired (“VOBA”) is an intangible asset resulting from a business combination that represents the excess of book value over the estimated fair value of acquired insurance, annuity, and investment-type contracts in-force at the acquisition date. The estimated fair value of the acquired liabilities is based on projections, by each block of business, of future policy and contract charges, premiums, mortality and morbidity, separate account performance, surrenders, operating expenses, investment returns, nonperformance risk adjustment and other factors. Actual experience on the purchased business may vary from these projections. DAC and VOBA are amortized as follows: Products: In proportion to the following over estimated lives of the contracts: • Nonparticipating and non-dividend-paying traditional contracts: Actual and expected future gross premiums. • Term insurance • Nonparticipating whole life insurance • Traditional group life insurance • Non-medical health insurance • Accident & health insurance • Participating, dividend-paying traditional contracts Actual and expected future gross margins. • Fixed and variable universal life contracts Actual and expected future gross profits. • Fixed and variable deferred annuity contracts • Credit insurance contracts Actual and future earned premiums. • Property & casualty insurance contracts • Other short-duration contracts See Note 5 for additional information on DAC and VOBA amortization. Amortization of DAC and VOBA is included in other expenses. The recovery of DAC and VOBA is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. DAC and VOBA are aggregated on the financial statements for reporting purposes. Nonparticipating and Non-Dividend-Paying Traditional Contracts The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to these contracts (term insurance, nonparticipating whole life insurance, traditional group life insurance, non-medical health insurance, and accident & health insurance) over the appropriate premium paying period in proportion to the actual and expected future gross premiums that were set at contract issue. The expected premiums are based upon the premium requirement of each policy and assumptions for mortality, morbidity, persistency and investment returns at policy issuance, or policy acquisition (as it relates to VOBA), include provisions for adverse deviation, and are consistent with the assumptions used to calculate future policyholder benefit liabilities. These assumptions are not revised after policy issuance or acquisition unless the DAC or VOBA balance is deemed to be unrecoverable from future expected profits. Absent a premium deficiency, variability in amortization after policy issuance or acquisition is caused only by variability in premium volumes. Participating, Dividend-Paying Traditional Contracts The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to these contracts over the estimated lives of the contracts in proportion to actual and expected future gross margins. The amortization includes interest based on rates in effect at inception or acquisition of the contracts. The future gross margins are dependent principally on investment returns, policyholder dividend scales, mortality, persistency, expenses to administer the business, creditworthiness of reinsurance counterparties and certain economic variables, such as inflation. For participating contracts within the closed block (dividend-paying traditional contracts) future gross margins are also dependent upon changes in the policyholder dividend obligation. See Note 7 . Of these factors, the Company anticipates that investment returns, expenses, persistency and other factor changes, as well as policyholder dividend scales, are reasonably likely to impact significantly the rate of DAC and VOBA amortization. Each reporting period, the Company updates the estimated gross margins with the actual gross margins for that period. When the actual gross margins change from previously estimated gross margins, the cumulative DAC and VOBA amortization is re-estimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to current operations. When actual gross margins exceed those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the actual gross margins are below the previously estimated gross margins. Each reporting period, the Company also updates the actual amount of business in-force, which impacts expected future gross margins. When expected future gross margins are below those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the expected future gross margins are above the previously estimated expected future gross margins. Each period, the Company also reviews the estimated gross margins for each block of business to determine the recoverability of DAC and VOBA balances. Fixed and Variable Universal Life Contracts and Fixed and Variable Deferred Annuity Contracts The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to these contracts over the estimated lives of the contracts in proportion to actual and expected future gross profits. The amortization includes interest based on rates in effect at inception or acquisition of the contracts. The amount of future gross profits is dependent principally upon returns in excess of the amounts credited to policyholders, mortality, persistency, interest crediting rates, expenses to administer the business, creditworthiness of reinsurance counterparties, the effect of any hedges used and certain economic variables, such as inflation. Of these factors, the Company anticipates that investment returns, expenses and persistency are reasonably likely to significantly impact the rate of DAC and VOBA amortization. Each reporting period, the Company updates the estimated gross profits with the actual gross profits for that period. When the actual gross profits change from previously estimated gross profits, the cumulative DAC and VOBA amortization is re-estimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to current operations. When actual gross profits exceed those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the actual gross profits are below the previously estimated gross profits. Each reporting period, the Company also updates the actual amount of business remaining in-force, which impacts expected future gross profits. When expected future gross profits are below those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the expected future gross profits are above the previously estimated expected future gross profits. Each period, the Company also reviews the estimated gross profits for each block of business to determine the recoverability of DAC and VOBA balances. Credit Insurance, Property & Casualty Insurance and Other Short-Duration Contracts The Company amortizes DAC for these contracts, which is primarily composed of commissions and certain underwriting expenses, in proportion to actual and future earned premium over the applicable contract term. Factors Impacting Amortization Separate account rates of return on variable universal life contracts and variable deferred annuity contracts affect in-force account balances on such contracts each reporting period, which can result in significant fluctuations in amortization of DAC and VOBA. Returns that are higher than the Company’s long-term expectation produce higher account balances, which increases the Company’s future fee expectations and decreases future benefit payment expectations on minimum death and living benefit guarantees, resulting in higher expected future gross profits. The opposite result occurs when returns are lower than the Company’s long-term expectation. The Company’s practice to determine the impact of gross profits resulting from returns on separate accounts assumes that long-term appreciation in equity markets is not changed by short-term market fluctuations, but is only changed when sustained interim deviations are expected. The Company monitors these events and only changes the assumption when its long-term expectation changes. The Company also periodically reviews other long-term assumptions underlying the projections of estimated gross margins and profits. These assumptions primarily relate to investment returns, policyholder dividend scales, interest crediting rates, mortality, persistency, policyholder behavior and expenses to administer business. Management annually updates assumptions used in the calculation of estimated gross margins and profits which may have significantly changed. If the update of assumptions causes expected future gross margins and profits to increase, DAC and VOBA amortization will decrease, resulting in a current period increase to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the assumption update causes expected future gross margins and profits to decrease. Periodically, the Company modifies product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occur by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by election or coverage within a contract. If such modification, referred to as an internal replacement, substantially changes the contract, the associated DAC or VOBA is written off immediately through income and any new deferrable costs associated with the replacement contract are deferred. If the modification does not substantially change the contract, the DAC or VOBA amortization on the original contract will continue and any acquisition costs associated with the related modification are expensed. Amortization of DAC and VOBA is attributed to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), and to other expenses for the amount of gross margins or profits originating from transactions other than investment gains and losses. Unrealized investment gains and losses represent the amount of DAC and VOBA that would have been amortized if such gains and losses had been recognized.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Intangibles The Company incurs significant costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance business. Costs that are related directly to the successful acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts are capitalized as DAC. Such costs include: • incremental direct costs of contract acquisition, such as commissions; • the portion of an employee’s total compensation and benefits related to time spent selling, underwriting or processing the issuance of new and renewal insurance business only with respect to actual policies acquired or renewed; • other essential direct costs that would not have been incurred had a policy not been acquired or renewed; and • the costs of direct-response advertising, the primary purpose of which is to elicit sales to customers who could be shown to have responded specifically to the advertising and that results in probable future benefits. All other acquisition-related costs, including those related to general advertising and solicitation, market research, agent training, product development, unsuccessful sales and underwriting efforts, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred. Value of business acquired (“VOBA”) is an intangible asset resulting from a business combination that represents the excess of book value over the estimated fair value of acquired insurance, annuity, and investment-type contracts in-force at the acquisition date. The estimated fair value of the acquired liabilities is based on projections, by each block of business, of future policy and contract charges, premiums, mortality and morbidity, separate account performance, surrenders, operating expenses, investment returns, nonperformance risk adjustment and other factors. Actual experience on the purchased business may vary from these projections. DAC and VOBA are amortized as follows: Products: In proportion to the following over estimated lives of the contracts: • Nonparticipating and non-dividend-paying traditional contracts: Actual and expected future gross premiums. • Term insurance • Nonparticipating whole life insurance • Traditional group life insurance • Non-medical health insurance • Accident & health insurance • Participating, dividend-paying traditional contracts Actual and expected future gross margins. • Fixed and variable universal life contracts Actual and expected future gross profits. • Fixed and variable deferred annuity contracts • Credit insurance contracts Actual and future earned premiums. • Property & casualty insurance contracts • Other short-duration contracts See Note 5 for additional information on DAC and VOBA amortization. Amortization of DAC and VOBA is included in other expenses. The recovery of DAC and VOBA is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. DAC and VOBA are aggregated on the financial statements for reporting purposes. Nonparticipating and Non-Dividend-Paying Traditional Contracts The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to these contracts (term insurance, nonparticipating whole life insurance, traditional group life insurance, non-medical health insurance, and accident & health insurance) over the appropriate premium paying period in proportion to the actual and expected future gross premiums that were set at contract issue. The expected premiums are based upon the premium requirement of each policy and assumptions for mortality, morbidity, persistency and investment returns at policy issuance, or policy acquisition (as it relates to VOBA), include provisions for adverse deviation, and are consistent with the assumptions used to calculate future policyholder benefit liabilities. These assumptions are not revised after policy issuance or acquisition unless the DAC or VOBA balance is deemed to be unrecoverable from future expected profits. Absent a premium deficiency, variability in amortization after policy issuance or acquisition is caused only by variability in premium volumes. Participating, Dividend-Paying Traditional Contracts The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to these contracts over the estimated lives of the contracts in proportion to actual and expected future gross margins. The amortization includes interest based on rates in effect at inception or acquisition of the contracts. The future gross margins are dependent principally on investment returns, policyholder dividend scales, mortality, persistency, expenses to administer the business, creditworthiness of reinsurance counterparties and certain economic variables, such as inflation. For participating contracts within the closed block (dividend-paying traditional contracts) future gross margins are also dependent upon changes in the policyholder dividend obligation. See Note 7 . Of these factors, the Company anticipates that investment returns, expenses, persistency and other factor changes, as well as policyholder dividend scales, are reasonably likely to impact significantly the rate of DAC and VOBA amortization. Each reporting period, the Company updates the estimated gross margins with the actual gross margins for that period. When the actual gross margins change from previously estimated gross margins, the cumulative DAC and VOBA amortization is re-estimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to current operations. When actual gross margins exceed those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the actual gross margins are below the previously estimated gross margins. Each reporting period, the Company also updates the actual amount of business in-force, which impacts expected future gross margins. When expected future gross margins are below those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the expected future gross margins are above the previously estimated expected future gross margins. Each period, the Company also reviews the estimated gross margins for each block of business to determine the recoverability of DAC and VOBA balances. Fixed and Variable Universal Life Contracts and Fixed and Variable Deferred Annuity Contracts The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to these contracts over the estimated lives of the contracts in proportion to actual and expected future gross profits. The amortization includes interest based on rates in effect at inception or acquisition of the contracts. The amount of future gross profits is dependent principally upon returns in excess of the amounts credited to policyholders, mortality, persistency, interest crediting rates, expenses to administer the business, creditworthiness of reinsurance counterparties, the effect of any hedges used and certain economic variables, such as inflation. Of these factors, the Company anticipates that investment returns, expenses and persistency are reasonably likely to significantly impact the rate of DAC and VOBA amortization. Each reporting period, the Company updates the estimated gross profits with the actual gross profits for that period. When the actual gross profits change from previously estimated gross profits, the cumulative DAC and VOBA amortization is re-estimated and adjusted by a cumulative charge or credit to current operations. When actual gross profits exceed those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the actual gross profits are below the previously estimated gross profits. Each reporting period, the Company also updates the actual amount of business remaining in-force, which impacts expected future gross profits. When expected future gross profits are below those previously estimated, the DAC and VOBA amortization will increase, resulting in a current period charge to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the expected future gross profits are above the previously estimated expected future gross profits. Each period, the Company also reviews the estimated gross profits for each block of business to determine the recoverability of DAC and VOBA balances. Credit Insurance, Property & Casualty Insurance and Other Short-Duration Contracts The Company amortizes DAC for these contracts, which is primarily composed of commissions and certain underwriting expenses, in proportion to actual and future earned premium over the applicable contract term. Factors Impacting Amortization Separate account rates of return on variable universal life contracts and variable deferred annuity contracts affect in-force account balances on such contracts each reporting period, which can result in significant fluctuations in amortization of DAC and VOBA. Returns that are higher than the Company’s long-term expectation produce higher account balances, which increases the Company’s future fee expectations and decreases future benefit payment expectations on minimum death and living benefit guarantees, resulting in higher expected future gross profits. The opposite result occurs when returns are lower than the Company’s long-term expectation. The Company’s practice to determine the impact of gross profits resulting from returns on separate accounts assumes that long-term appreciation in equity markets is not changed by short-term market fluctuations, but is only changed when sustained interim deviations are expected. The Company monitors these events and only changes the assumption when its long-term expectation changes. The Company also periodically reviews other long-term assumptions underlying the projections of estimated gross margins and profits. These assumptions primarily relate to investment returns, policyholder dividend scales, interest crediting rates, mortality, persistency, policyholder behavior and expenses to administer business. Management annually updates assumptions used in the calculation of estimated gross margins and profits which may have significantly changed. If the update of assumptions causes expected future gross margins and profits to increase, DAC and VOBA amortization will decrease, resulting in a current period increase to earnings. The opposite result occurs when the assumption update causes expected future gross margins and profits to decrease. Periodically, the Company modifies product benefits, features, rights or coverages that occur by the exchange of a contract for a new contract, or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by election or coverage within a contract. If such modification, referred to as an internal replacement, substantially changes the contract, the associated DAC or VOBA is written off immediately through income and any new deferrable costs associated with the replacement contract are deferred. If the modification does not substantially change the contract, the DAC or VOBA amortization on the original contract will continue and any acquisition costs associated with the related modification are expensed. Amortization of DAC and VOBA is attributed to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), and to other expenses for the amount of gross margins or profits originating from transactions other than investment gains and losses. Unrealized investment gains and losses represent the amount of DAC and VOBA that would have been amortized if such gains and losses had been recognized.
Deferred Sales Inducements	The Company generally has two different types of sales inducements which are included in other assets: (i) the policyholder receives a bonus whereby the policyholder’s initial account balance is increased by an amount equal to a specified percentage of the customer’s deposit; and (ii) the policyholder receives a higher interest rate using a dollar cost averaging method than would have been received based on the normal general account interest rate credited. The Company defers sales inducements and amortizes them over the life of the policy using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC. The amortization of sales inducements is included in policyholder benefits and claims. Each year, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential recoverability issue exists, the Company reviews deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) to determine the recoverability of the asset.
Value of Distribution Agreements and Customer Relationships Acquired	Value of distribution agreements acquired (“VODA”) is reported in other assets and represents the present value of expected future profits associated with the expected future business derived from the distribution agreements acquired as part of a business combination. Value of customer relationships acquired (“VOCRA”) is also reported in other assets and represents the present value of the expected future profits associated with the expected future business acquired through existing customers of the acquired company or business. The VODA and VOCRA associated with past business combinations are amortized over useful lives ranging from 10 to 40 years and such amortization is included in other expenses. Each year, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment exists, the Company reviews VODA and VOCRA to determine whether the asset is impaired.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Cessions under reinsurance agreements do not discharge the Company’s obligations as the primary insurer. The Company reviews all contractual features, including those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. For reinsurance of existing in-force blocks of long-duration contracts that transfer significant insurance risk, the difference, if any, between the amounts paid (received), and the liabilities ceded (assumed) related to the underlying contracts is considered the net cost of reinsurance at the inception of the reinsurance agreement. The net cost of reinsurance is recorded as an adjustment to DAC and recognized as a component of other expenses on a basis consistent with the way the acquisition costs on the underlying reinsured contracts would be recognized. Subsequent amounts paid (received) on the reinsurance of in-force blocks, as well as amounts paid (received) related to new business, are recorded as ceded (assumed) premiums; and ceded (assumed) premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (future policy benefits) are established. For prospective reinsurance of short-duration contracts that meet the criteria for reinsurance accounting, amounts paid (received) are recorded as ceded (assumed) premiums and ceded (assumed) unearned premiums. Unearned premiums are reflected as a component of premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (future policy benefits). Such amounts are amortized through earned premiums over the remaining contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. For retroactive reinsurance of short-duration contracts that meet the criteria of reinsurance accounting, amounts paid (received) in excess of the related insurance liabilities ceded (assumed) are recognized immediately as a loss and are reported in the appropriate line item within the statement of operations. Any gain on such retroactive agreement is deferred and is amortized as part of DAC, primarily using the recovery method. Amounts currently recoverable under reinsurance agreements are included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and amounts currently payable are included in other liabilities. Assets and liabilities relating to reinsurance agreements with the same reinsurer may be recorded net on the balance sheet, if a right of offset exists within the reinsurance agreement. In the event that reinsurers do not meet their obligations to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreements, reinsurance recoverable balances could become uncollectible. In such instances, reinsurance recoverable balances are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance. Premiums, fees and policyholder benefits and claims include amounts assumed under reinsurance agreements and are net of reinsurance ceded. Amounts received from reinsurers for policy administration are reported in other revenues. With respect to GMIBs, a portion of the directly written GMIBs are accounted for as insurance liabilities, but the associated reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives. These embedded derivatives are included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables with changes in estimated fair value reported in policyholder benefits and claims. If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the agreement using the deposit method of accounting. Deposits received are included in other liabilities and deposits made are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables. As amounts are paid or received, consistent with the underlying contracts, the deposit assets or liabilities are adjusted. Interest on such deposits is recorded as other revenues or other expenses, as appropriate. Periodically, the Company evaluates the adequacy of the expected payments or recoveries and adjusts the deposit asset or liability through other revenues or other expenses, as appropriate. Accounting for reinsurance requires extensive use of assumptions and estimates, particularly related to the future performance of the underlying business and the potential impact of counterparty credit risks. The Company periodically reviews actual and anticipated experience compared to the aforementioned assumptions used to establish assets and liabilities relating to ceded and assumed reinsurance and evaluates the financial strength of counterparties to its reinsurance agreements using criteria similar to that evaluated in the security impairment process discussed in Note 8 . The Company enters into reinsurance agreements primarily as a purchaser of reinsurance for its various insurance products and also as a provider of reinsurance for some insurance products issued by third parties.
Investments	Investments Net Investment Income and Net Investment Gains (Losses) Income from investments is reported within net investment income, unless otherwise stated herein. Gains and losses on sales of investments, impairment losses and changes in valuation allowances are reported within net investment gains (losses), unless otherwise stated herein. Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities The majority of the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and are reported at their estimated fair value. Unrealized investment gains and losses on these securities are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”), net of policy-related amounts and deferred income taxes. All security transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Investment gains and losses on sales are determined on a specific identification basis. Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Interest income is recognized using an effective yield method giving effect to amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, and is based on the estimated economic life of the securities, which for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities considers the estimated timing and amount of prepayments of the underlying loans. See Note 8 “— Investments — Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities AFS — Methodology for Amortization of Premium and Accretion of Discount on Structured Securities.” The amortization of premium and accretion of discount of fixed maturity securities also takes into consideration call and maturity dates. Dividends on equity securities are recognized when declared. The Company periodically evaluates fixed maturity and equity securities for impairment. The assessment of whether impairments have occurred is based on management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in estimated fair value, as well as an analysis of the gross unrealized losses by severity and/or age as described in Note 8 “— Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities.” For fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position, an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) is recognized in earnings when it is anticipated that the amortized cost will not be recovered. When either: (i) the Company has the intent to sell the security; or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery, the OTTI recognized in earnings is the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost and estimated fair value. If neither of these conditions exists, the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected is recognized as an OTTI in earnings (“credit loss”). If the estimated fair value is less than the present value of projected future cash flows expected to be collected, this portion of OTTI related to other-than-credit factors (“noncredit loss”) is recorded in OCI. With respect to equity securities, the Company considers in its OTTI analysis its intent and ability to hold a particular equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for the recovery of its estimated fair value to an amount equal to or greater than cost. If a sale decision is made for an equity security and recovery to an amount at least equal to cost prior to the sale is not expected, the security will be deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in the period that the sale decision was made and an OTTI loss will be recorded in earnings. The OTTI loss recognized is the entire difference between the security’s cost and its estimated fair value. FVO Securities FVO securities are stated at estimated fair value and include investments for which the FVO has been elected (“FVO Securities”). FVO Securities include: • fixed maturity and equity securities held-for-investment by the general account to support asset and liability management strategies for certain insurance products and investments in certain separate accounts (“FVO general account securities”); and • contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities which do not qualify for presentation and reporting as separate account summary total assets and liabilities. These investments are primarily mutual funds and, to a lesser extent, fixed maturity and equity securities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. The investment returns on these investments inure to contractholders and are offset by a corresponding change in policyholder account balances through interest credited to policyholder account balances (“FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments”). Investments that are actively purchased and sold (“Actively traded securities”) principally include fixed maturity securities and short sale agreement liabilities, which are included in other liabilities. The Company previously maintained a trading securities portfolio. During 2016, the Company reinvested this portfolio into other asset classes and at December 31, 2016 the Company no longer held any Actively traded securities. Changes in estimated fair value of FVO Securities and Actively traded securities are included in net investment income, except for certain securities included in FVO Securities, where changes are included in net investment gains (losses). Mortgage Loans The Company disaggregates its mortgage loan investments into three portfolio segments: commercial, agricultural and residential. The accounting policies that are applicable to all portfolio segments are presented below and the accounting policies related to each of the portfolio segments are included in Note 8 . Mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, deferred fees or expenses, and are net of valuation allowances. Interest income and prepayment fees are recognized when earned. Interest income is recognized using an effective yield method giving effect to amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Also included in mortgage loans are residential mortgage loans for which the FVO was elected, and which are stated at estimated fair value. Changes in estimated fair value are recognized in net investment income. Policy Loans Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances. Interest income is recorded as earned using the contractual interest rate. Generally, accrued interest is capitalized on the policy’s anniversary date. Valuation allowances are not established for policy loans, as they are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policies. Any unpaid principal and accrued interest is deducted from the cash surrender value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the insurance policy. Real Estate Real estate held-for-investment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset (typically 20 to 55 years ). Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective leases. The Company periodically reviews its real estate held-for-investment for impairment and tests for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable and exceeds its estimated fair value. Properties whose carrying values are greater than their undiscounted cash flows are written down to their estimated fair value, which is generally computed using the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the underlying risks. Real estate for which the Company commits to a plan to sell within one year and actively markets in its current condition for a reasonable price in comparison to its estimated fair value is classified as held-for-sale. Real estate held-for-sale is stated at the lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value less expected disposition costs and is not depreciated. Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investees”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in which it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations. The Company recognizes distributions on cost method investments when such distributions become payable or received. Because of the nature and structure of these cost method investments, they do not meet the characteristics of an equity security in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The Company routinely evaluates its equity method and cost method investments for impairment. For equity method investees, the Company considers financial and other information provided by the investee, other known information and inherent risks in the underlying investments, as well as future capital commitments, in determining whether an impairment has occurred. The Company considers its cost method investments for impairment when the carrying value of such investments exceeds the net asset value (“NAV”). The Company takes into consideration the severity and duration of this excess when determining whether the cost method investment is impaired. Short-term Investments Short-term investments include securities and other investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase and are stated at estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value. Other Invested Assets Other invested assets consist principally of the following: • Freestanding derivatives with positive estimated fair values which are described in “— Derivatives” below. • Tax credit and renewable energy partnerships which derive a significant source of investment return in the form of income tax credits or other tax incentives. Where tax credits are guaranteed by a creditworthy third party, the investment is accounted for under the effective yield method. Otherwise, the investment is accounted for under the equity method. See Note 18 . • Leveraged leases which are recorded net of non-recourse debt. Income is recognized by applying the leveraged lease’s estimated rate of return to the net investment in the lease. Leveraged leases derive investment returns in part from their income tax treatment. The Company regularly reviews residual values for impairment. • Direct financing leases gross investment is equal to the minimum lease payments plus the unguaranteed residual value. Income is recorded by applying the pre-tax internal rate of return to the investment balance. The Company regularly reviews lease receivables for impairment. Certain direct financing leases are linked to inflation. • Annuities funding structured settlement claims represent annuities funding claims assumed by the Company in its capacity as a structured settlements assignment company. The annuities are stated at their contract value, which represents the present value of the future periodic claim payments to be provided. The net investment income recognized reflects the amortization of discount of the annuity at its implied effective interest rate. See Note 3 . • Funds withheld represent a receivable for amounts contractually withheld by ceding companies in accordance with reinsurance agreements. The Company recognizes interest on funds withheld at rates defined by the terms of the agreement which may be contractually specified or directly related to the underlying investments. • Investments in operating joint ventures that engage in insurance underwriting activities are accounted for under the equity method. Securities Lending Program Securities lending transactions, whereby blocks of securities are loaned to third parties, primarily brokerage firms and commercial banks, are treated as financing arrangements and the associated liability is recorded at the amount of cash received. The Company obtains collateral at the inception of the loan, usually cash, in an amount generally equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned, and maintains it at a level greater than or equal to 100% for the duration of the loan. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or re-pledged by the transferee. The Company is liable to return to the counterparties the cash collateral received. Security collateral on deposit from counterparties in connection with securities lending transactions may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the Company’s financial statements. The Company monitors the estimated fair value of the securities loaned on a daily basis and additional collateral is obtained as necessary throughout the duration of the loan. Income and expenses associated with securities lending transactions are reported as investment income and investment expense, respectively, within net investment income. Repurchase Agreements The Company participates in short-term repurchase agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions. Under these agreements, the Company lends fixed maturity securities and receives cash as collateral in an amount generally equal to 85% to 100% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned at the inception of the transaction. The associated liability is recorded at the amount of cash received. The Company monitors the estimated fair value of the collateral and the securities loaned throughout the duration of the transaction and additional collateral is obtained as necessary. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or re-pledged by the transferee. FHLB Boston Advance Agreements A subsidiary of the Company has entered into short-term advance agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston (“FHLB Boston”) . Under these advance agreements, the subsidiary pledges fixed maturity securities as collateral and receives cash, which is segregated and reinvested, primarily into fixed maturity securities and cash equivalents. While the collateral management practices are unique to this program, these transactions are accounted for and have collateral maintenance requirements similar to securities lending and repurchase agreement transactions, as described above, but securities pledged as collateral may not be sold or re-pledged by the transferee. Investment Risks and Uncertainties Investments are exposed to the following primary sources of risk: credit, interest rate, liquidity, market valuation, currency and real estate risk. The financial statement risks, stemming from such investment risks, are those associated with the determination of estimated fair values, the diminished ability to sell certain investments in times of strained market conditions, the recognition of impairments, the recognition of income on certain investments and the potential consolidation of VIEs. The use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs relating to these financial statement risks may have a material effect on the amounts presented within the consolidated financial statements. The determination of valuation allowances and impairments is highly subjective and is based upon periodic evaluations and assessments of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. The recognition of income on certain investments (e.g. structured securities, including mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), certain structured investment transactions and FVO securities) is dependent upon certain factors such as prepayments and defaults, and changes in such factors could result in changes in amounts to be earned. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured Securities are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity. Methodology for Amortization of Premium and Accretion of Discount on Structured Securities Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on Structured Securities considers the estimated timing and amount of prepayments of the underlying loans. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. Prepayment assumptions for Structured Securities are estimated using inputs obtained from third-party specialists and based on management’s knowledge of the current market. For credit-sensitive Structured Securities and certain prepayment-sensitive securities, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. For all other Structured Securities, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. Evaluation and Measurement Methodologies Management considers a wide range of factors about the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair value of the security and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Inherent in management’s evaluation of the security are assumptions and estimates about the operations of the issuer and its future earnings potential. Considerations used in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to: (i) the length of time and the extent to which the estimated fair value has been below cost or amortized cost; (ii) the potential for impairments when the issuer is experiencing significant financial difficulties; (iii) the potential for impairments in an entire industry sector or sub-sector; (iv) the potential for impairments in certain economically depressed geographic locations; (v) the potential for impairments where the issuer, series of issuers or industry has suffered a catastrophic loss or has exhausted natural resources; (vi) with respect to fixed maturity securities, whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before the decline in estimated fair value below amortized cost recovers; (vii) with respect to Structured Securities, changes in forecasted cash flows after considering the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security; (viii) the potential for impairments due to weakening of foreign currencies on non-functional currency denominated fixed maturity securities that are near maturity; and (ix) other subjective factors, including concentrations and information obtained from regulators and rating agencies. The methodology and significant inputs used to determine the amount of credit loss on fixed maturity securities are as follows: • The Company calculates the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the present value of future cash flows. The discount rate is generally the effective interest rate of the security prior to impairment. • When determining collectability and the period over which value is expected to recover, the Company applies considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process which incorporates information regarding the specific security, fundamentals of the industry and geographic area in which the security issuer operates, and overall macroeconomic conditions. Projected future cash flows are estimated using assumptions derived from management’s best estimates of likely scenario-based outcomes after giving consideration to a variety of variables that include, but are not limited to: payment terms of the security; the likelihood that the issuer can service the interest and principal payments; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security’s position within the capital structure of the issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer; and changes to the rating of the security or the issuer by rating agencies. • Additional considerations are made when assessing the unique features that apply to certain Structured Securities including, but not limited to: the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying loans or assets backing a particular security, and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security. • When determining the amount of the credit loss for U.S. and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and state and political subdivision securities, the estimated fair value is considered the recovery value when available information does not indicate that another value is more appropriate. When information is identified that indicates a recovery value other than estimated fair value, management considers in the determination of recovery value the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process as described above, as well as any private and public sector programs to restructure such securities. With respect to securities that have attributes of debt and equity (“perpetual hybrid securities”), consideration is given in the OTTI analysis as to whether there has been any deterioration in the credit of the issuer and the likelihood of recovery in value of the securities that are in a severe and extended unrealized loss position. Consideration is also given as to whether any perpetual hybrid securities with an unrealized loss, regardless of credit rating, have deferred any dividend payments. When an OTTI loss has occurred, the OTTI loss is the entire difference between the perpetual hybrid security’s cost and its estimated fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. The cost or amortized cost of fixed maturity and equity securities is adjusted for OTTI in the period in which the determination is made. The Company does not change the revised cost basis for subsequent recoveries in value. In periods subsequent to the recognition of OTTI on a fixed maturity security, the Company accounts for the impaired security as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the impairment. Accordingly, the discount (or reduced premium) based on the new cost basis is accreted over the remaining term of the fixed maturity security in a prospective manner based on the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows. Valuation Allowance Methodology Mortgage loans are considered to be impaired when it is probable that, based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the loan agreement. Specific valuation allowances are established using the same methodology for all three portfolio segments as the excess carrying value of a loan over either (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent, or (iii) the loan’s observable market price. A common evaluation framework is used for establishing non-specific valuation allowances for all loan portfolio segments; however, a separate non-specific valuation allowance is calculated and maintained for each loan portfolio segment that is based on inputs unique to each loan portfolio segment. Non-specific valuation allowances are established for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics where a property-specific or market-specific risk has not been identified, but for which the Company expects to incur a credit loss. These evaluations are based upon several loan portfolio segment-specific factors, including the Company’s experience for loan losses, defaults and loss severity, and loss expectations for loans with similar risk characteristics. These evaluations are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. Commercial and Agricultural Mortgage Loan Portfolio Segments The Company typically uses several years of historical experience in establishing non-specific valuation allowances which capture multiple economic cycles. For evaluations of commercial mortgage loans, in addition to historical experience, management considers factors that include the impact of a rapid change to the economy, which may not be reflected in the loan portfolio, and recent loss and recovery trend experience as compared to historical loss and recovery experience. For evaluations of agricultural mortgage loans, in addition to historical experience, management considers factors that include increased stress in certain sectors, which may be evidenced by higher delinquency rates, or a change in the number of higher risk loans. On a quarterly basis, management incorporates the impact of these current market events and conditions on historical experience in determining the non-specific valuation allowance established for commercial and agricultural mortgage loans. All commercial mortgage loans are reviewed on an ongoing basis which may include an analysis of the property financial statements and rent roll, lease rollover analysis, property inspections, market analysis, estimated valuations of the underlying collateral, loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios, and tenant creditworthiness. The monitoring process focuses on higher risk loans, which include those that are classified as restructured, delinquent or in foreclosure, as well as loans with higher loan-to-value ratios and lower debt service coverage ratios. All agricultural mortgage loans are monitored on an ongoing basis. The monitoring process for agricultural mortgage loans is generally similar to the commercial mortgage loan monitoring process, with a focus on higher risk loans, including reviews on a geographic and property-type basis. Higher risk loans are reviewed individually on an ongoing basis for potential credit loss and specific valuation allowances are established using the methodology described above. Quarterly, the remaining loans are reviewed on a pool basis by aggregating groups of loans that have similar risk characteristics for potential credit loss, and non-specific valuation allowances are established as described above using inputs that are unique to each segment of the loan portfolio. For commercial mortgage loans, the primary credit quality indicator is the debt service coverage ratio, which compares a property’s net operating income to amounts needed to service the principal and interest due under the loan. Generally, the lower the debt service coverage ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss. The Company also reviews the loan-to-value ratio of its commercial mortgage loan portfolio. Loan-to-value ratios compare the unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. Generally, the higher the loan-to-value ratio, the higher the risk of experiencing a credit loss. The debt service coverage ratio and the values utilized in calculating the ratio are updated annually on a rolling basis, with a portion of the portfolio updated each quarter. In addition, the loan-to-value ratio is routinely updated for all but the lowest risk loans as part of the Company’s ongoing review of its commercial mortgage loan portfolio. For agricultural mortgage loans, the Company’s primary credit quality indicator is the loan-to-value ratio. The values utilized in calculating this ratio are developed in connection with the ongoing review of the agricultural mortgage loan portfolio and are routinely updated. Residential Mortgage Loan Portfolio Segment The Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio is comprised primarily of closed end, amortizing residential mortgage loans. For evaluations of residential mortgage loans, the key inputs of expected frequency and expected loss reflect current market conditions, with expected frequency adjusted, when appropriate, for differences from market conditions and the Company’s historical experience. In contrast to the commercial and agricultural mortgage loan portfolios, residential mortgage loans are smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment. Non-specific valuation allowances are established using the evaluation framework described above for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics from inputs that are unique to the residential segment of the loan portfolio. Loan specific valuation allowances are only established on residential mortgage loans when they have been restructured and are established using the methodology described above for all loan portfolio segments. For residential mortgage loans, the Company’s primary credit quality indicator is whether the loan is performing or nonperforming. The Company generally defines nonperforming residential mortgage loans as those that are 60 or more days past due and/or in nonaccrual status which is assessed monthly. Generally, nonperforming residential mortgage loans have a higher risk of experiencing a credit loss. Past Due and Nonaccrual Mortgage Loans The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring The Company may grant concessions related to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, which are classified as troubled debt restructurings. Generally, the types of concessions include: reduction of the contractual interest rate, extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than current market interest rates, and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The amount, timing and extent of the concessions granted are considered in determining any impairment or changes in the specific valuation allowance recorded with the restructuring. Through the continuous monitoring process, a specific valuation allowance may have been recorded prior to the quarter when the mortgage loan is modified in a troubled debt restructuring. For rental receivables, the primary credit quality indicator is whether the rental receivable is performing or nonperforming, which is assessed monthly. The Company generally defines nonperforming rental receivables as those that are 90 days or more past due. Purchased Credit Impaired Investments Investments acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and for which it is probable at the acquisition date that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments are classified as PCI investments. For each investment, the excess of the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date over its acquisition date fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized as net investment income on an effective yield basis. If, subsequently, based on current information and events, it is probable that there is a significant increase in cash flows previously expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected to be collected, the accretable yield is adjusted prospectively. The excess of the contractually required payments (including interest) as of the acquisition date over the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date is referred to as the nonaccretable difference, and this amount is not expected to be realized as net investment income. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected can result in OTTI. Variable Interest Entities The Company has invested in legal entities that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity. The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evalua
Derivatives	Derivatives Freestanding Derivatives Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses) except as follows: Statement of Operations Presentation: Derivative: Policyholder benefits and claims • Economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits Net investment income • Economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures • All derivatives held in relation to trading portfolios • Derivatives held within contractholder-directed unit-linked investments Hedge Accounting To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. Hedge designation and financial statement presentation of changes in estimated fair value of the hedging derivatives are as follows: • Fair value hedge (a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability) - in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged. • Cash flow hedge (a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability) - effectiveness in OCI (deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item); ineffectiveness in net derivative gains (losses). • Net investment in a foreign operation hedge - effectiveness in OCI, consistent with the translation adjustment for the hedged net investment in the foreign operation; ineffectiveness in net derivative gains (losses). The changes in estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported on the statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. Accruals on derivatives in net investment hedges are recognized in OCI. In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness are also subject to interpretation and estimation and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in net derivative gains (losses). In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses). Embedded Derivatives The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if: • the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings; • the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and • a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument. Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation. At inception, the Company attributes to the embedded derivative a portion of the projected future guarantee fees to be collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits. Any additional fees represent “excess” fees and are reported in universal life and investment-type product policy fees. Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps and structured interest rate swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash markets. The Company designates and accounts for the following as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate assets and liabilities to floating rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; and (iii) foreign currency forwards to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated investments. The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate assets and liabilities to fixed rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; (iii) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; (iv) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed rate investments; and (v) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge forecasted fixed rate borrowings. The Company uses foreign currency exchange rate derivatives, which may include foreign currency forwards and currency options, to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. The Company measures ineffectiveness on these derivatives based upon the change in forward rates. When net investments in foreign operations are sold or substantially liquidated, the amounts in AOCI are reclassified to the statement of operations. The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements.
Fair Value	Fair Value Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In most cases, the exit price and the transaction (or entry) price will be the same at initial recognition. Subsequent to initial recognition, fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. When such quoted prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar but not identical assets or liabilities, or other observable inputs. If these inputs are not available, or observable inputs are not determinable, unobservable inputs and/or adjustments to observable inputs requiring management’s judgment are used to determine the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities. When developing estimated fair values, the Company considers three broad valuation approaches: (i) the market approach, (ii) the income approach, and (iii) the cost approach. The Company determines the most appropriate valuation approach to use, given what is being measured and the availability of sufficient inputs, giving priority to observable inputs. The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the significant input with the lowest level in its valuation. The input levels are as follows: Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company defines active markets based on average trading volume for equity securities. The size of the bid/ask spread is used as an indicator of market activity for fixed maturity securities. Level 2 Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. These inputs can include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities other than quoted prices in Level 1, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other significant inputs that are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the determination of estimated fair value of the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Financial markets are susceptible to severe events evidenced by rapid depreciation in asset values accompanied by a reduction in asset liquidity. The Company’s ability to sell securities, or the price ultimately realized for these securities, depends upon the demand and liquidity in the market and increases the use of judgment in determining the estimated fair value of certain securities. Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from net assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and recognized. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of cost over the estimated fair value of such net assets acquired, is not amortized, and is tested for impairment based on a fair value approach at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment testing during the third quarter based upon data as of the close of the second quarter. Goodwill associated with a business acquisition is not tested for impairment during the year the business is acquired unless there is a significant identified impairment event. The impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level, which is the operating segment or a business one level below the operating segment, if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, if the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, there may be an indication of impairment. In such instances, the implied fair value of the goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be determined in a business combination. The excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill would be recognized as an impairment and recorded as a charge against net income. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates potential triggering events that may affect the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units to assess whether any goodwill impairment exists. Deteriorating or adverse market conditions for certain reporting units may have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of these reporting units and could result in future impairments of goodwill. Goodwill is the excess of cost over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. The goodwill impairment process requires a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company tests goodwill for impairment by either performing a qualitative assessment or a two-step quantitative test. The qualitative assessment is an assessment of historical information and relevant events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment for some or all of its reporting units and perform a two-step quantitative impairment test. In performing the two-step quantitative impairment test, the Company may determine the fair values of its reporting units by applying a market multiple, discounted cash flow, and/or an actuarial based valuation approach. The market multiple valuation approach utilizes market multiples of companies with similar businesses and the projected adjusted earnings of the reporting unit. The discounted cash flow valuation approach requires judgments about revenues, adjusted earnings projections, capital market assumptions and discount rates. The actuarial-based valuation approach, such as embedded value, estimates the net worth of the reporting unit and the value of existing and new business. The actuarial based approaches require judgments and assumptions about the level of economic capital required to support the mix of business, long-term growth rates, the account value of in-force business, projections of new and renewal business, as well as margins on such business, the level of interest rates, credit spreads, equity market levels, and the discount rate that the Company believes is appropriate for the respective reporting unit. When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company also considers its market capitalization in relation to the aggregate estimated fair value of its reporting units. The Company applies significant judgment when determining the estimated fair value of its reporting units and when assessing the relationship of market capitalization to the aggregate estimated fair value of its reporting units. The valuation methodologies utilized are subject to key judgments and assumptions that are sensitive to change. Estimates of fair value are inherently uncertain and represent only management’s reasonable expectation regarding future developments. These estimates and the judgments and assumptions upon which the estimates are based will, in all likelihood, differ in some respects from actual future results. Declines in the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units could result in goodwill impairments in future periods which could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment tests of its reporting units using a qualitative assessment and/or quantitative assessments under the market multiple, discounted cash flow and/or actuarial-based valuation approaches and concluded that the estimated fair values of all such reporting units were in excess of their carrying values and, therefore, goodwill was not impaired.
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. sponsor and/or administer various plans that provide defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits covering eligible employees. Measurement dates used for all of the subsidiaries’ defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans correspond with the fiscal year ends of sponsoring subsidiaries, which is December 31 for U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company recognizes the funded status of each of its defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation, which is the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) for pension benefits and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) for other postretirement benefits in other assets or other liabilities. Actuarial gains and losses result from differences between the actual experience and the assumed experience on plan assets or PBO during a particular period and are recorded in accumulated OCI (“AOCI”). To the extent such gains and losses exceed 10% of the greater of the PBO or the estimated fair value of plan assets, the excess is amortized into net periodic benefit costs, generally over the average projected future service years of the active employees. In addition, prior service costs (credit) are recognized in AOCI at the time of the amendment and then amortized to net periodic benefit costs over the average projected future service years of the active employees. Net periodic benefit costs are determined using management’s estimates and actuarial assumptions and are comprised of service cost, interest cost, settlement and curtailment costs, expected return on plan assets, amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses, and amortization of prior service costs (credit). Fair value is used to determine the expected return on plan assets. The subsidiaries also sponsor defined contribution plans for substantially all U.S. employees under which a portion of employee contributions is matched. Applicable matching contributions are made each payroll period. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation cost for current matching contributions. As all contributions are transferred currently as earned to the defined contribution plans, no liability for matching contributions is recognized on the balance sheets. Certain subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. sponsor and/or administer various U.S. qualified and nonqualified defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement employee benefit plans covering employees and sales representatives who meet specified eligibility requirements. U.S. pension benefits are provided utilizing either a traditional formula or cash balance formula. The traditional formula provides benefits that are primarily based upon years of credited service and either final average or career average earnings. The cash balance formula utilizes hypothetical or notional accounts which credit participants with benefits equal to a percentage of eligible pay, as well as interest credits, determined annually based upon the annual rate of interest on 30-year U.S. Treasury securities, for each account balance. The U.S. nonqualified pension plans provide supplemental benefits in excess of limits applicable to a qualified plan. The non-U.S. pension plans generally provide benefits based upon either years of credited service and earnings preceding retirement or points earned on job grades and other factors in years of service. These subsidiaries also provide certain postemployment benefits and certain postretirement medical and life insurance benefits for U.S. retired employees. Employees of these subsidiaries who were hired prior to 2003 (or, in certain cases, rehired during or after 2003) and meet age and service criteria while working for one of the subsidiaries may become eligible for these other postretirement benefits, at various levels, in accordance with the applicable plans. Virtually all retirees, or their beneficiaries, contribute a portion of the total costs of postretirement medical benefits. Employees hired after 2003 are not eligible for any employer subsidy for postretirement medical benefits.
Income Tax	Income Tax MetLife, Inc. and its includable life insurance and non-life insurance subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Non-includable subsidiaries file either separate individual corporate tax returns or separate consolidated tax returns. The Company’s accounting for income taxes represents management’s best estimate of various events and transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet date using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The realization of deferred tax assets depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods under the tax law in the applicable tax jurisdiction. Valuation allowances are established against deferred tax assets when management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining whether valuation allowances should be established, as well as the amount of such allowances. When making such determination, the Company considers many factors, including: • the nature, frequency, and amount of cumulative financial reporting income and losses in recent years; • the jurisdiction in which the deferred tax asset was generated; • the length of time that carryforward can be utilized in the various taxing jurisdictions; • future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; • future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; • taxable income in prior carryback years; and • tax planning strategies. The Company may be required to change its provision for income taxes when estimates used in determining valuation allowances on deferred tax assets significantly change or when receipt of new information indicates the need for adjustment in valuation allowances. Additionally, the effect of changes in tax laws, tax regulations, or interpretations of such laws or regulations, is recognized in net income tax expense (benefit) in the period of change. The Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded on the financial statements. A tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits due to tax uncertainties that do not meet the threshold are included within other liabilities and are charged to earnings in the period that such determination is made. The Company classifies interest recognized as interest expense and penalties recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Litigation Contingencies	Litigation Contingencies The Company is a party to a number of legal actions and is involved in a number of regulatory investigations. Given the inherent unpredictability of these matters, it is difficult to estimate the impact on the Company’s financial position. Liabilities are established when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Except as otherwise disclosed in Note 20 , legal costs are recognized as incurred. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to liabilities for litigation, regulatory investigations and litigation-related contingencies to be reflected on the Company’s financial statements.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company grants certain employees and directors stock-based compensation awards under various plans that are subject to specific vesting conditions. With the exception of performance shares granted in 2013 and after which are re-measured quarterly, the cost of all stock-based transactions is measured at fair value at grant date and recognized over the period during which a grantee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. Although the terms of the Company’s stock-based plans do not accelerate vesting upon the attainment of the applicable criteria for post-employment award continuation, the requisite service period subsequent to attaining such criteria is considered non-substantive. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation expense related to stock-based awards over the shorter of the requisite service period or the period to attainment of such criteria. An estimation of future forfeitures of stock-based awards is incorporated into the determination of compensation expense when recognizing expense over the requisite service period. MetLife estimates the fair value of Stock Options on the date of grant using a binomial lattice model. The significant assumptions the Company uses in its binomial lattice model are further described below. The assumptions include: expected volatility of the price of Shares; risk-free rate of return; dividend yield on Shares; exercise multiple; and the post-vesting termination rate. Expected volatility is based upon an analysis of historical prices of Shares and call options on Shares traded on the open market. The Company uses a weighted-average of the implied volatility for publicly-traded call options with the longest remaining maturity nearest to the money as of each valuation date and the historical volatility, calculated using monthly closing prices of Shares. The Company chose a monthly measurement interval for historical volatility as this interval reflects the Company’s view that employee option exercise decisions are based on longer-term trends in the price of the underlying Shares rather than on daily price movements. The binomial lattice model used by the Company incorporates different risk-free rates based on the imputed forward rates for U.S. Treasury Strips for each year over the contractual term of the option. The table below presents the full range of rates that were used for options granted during the respective periods. Dividend yield is determined based on historical dividend distributions compared to the price of the underlying Shares as of the valuation date and held constant over the life of the Stock Option. The binomial lattice model used by the Company incorporates the term of the Stock Options. The model also factors in expected exercise behavior and a post-vesting termination rate, or the rate at which vested options are exercised or expire prematurely due to termination of employment. From these factors, the model derives an expected life of the Stock Option. The exercise behavior in the model is a multiple that reflects the ratio of stock price at the time of exercise over the exercise price of the Stock Option at the time the model expects holders to exercise. The model derives the exercise multiple from actual exercise activity. The model determines the post-vesting termination rate from actual exercise experience and expiration activity under the Incentive Plans.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid securities and other investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value.
Property, Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Computer Software	Property, Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Computer Software Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, which are included in other assets, are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as appropriate. The estimated life is generally 40 years for company occupied real estate property, from one to 25 years for leasehold improvements, and from three to seven years for all other property and equipment. The cost basis of the property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $2.5 billion and $2.4 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Accumulated depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $1.1 billion at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Related depreciation and amortization expense was $207 million , $206 million and $215 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Computer software, which is included in other assets, is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Purchased software costs, as well as certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use computer software during the application development stage, are capitalized. Such costs are amortized generally over a four -year period using the straight-line method. The cost basis of computer software was $2.8 billion and $2.2 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Accumulated amortization of capitalized software was $2.0 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Related amortization expense was $250 million , $208 million and $212 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Other Revenues	Other Revenues Other revenues primarily include, in addition to items described elsewhere herein, prepaid legal plan fees, administrative service fees, and fees related to certain stable value products. Such fees are recognized in the period in which services are performed.
Policyholder Dividends	Policyholder Dividends Policyholder dividends are approved annually by the insurance subsidiaries’ boards of directors. The aggregate amount of policyholder dividends is related to actual interest, mortality, morbidity and expense experience for the year, as well as management’s judgment as to the appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by the insurance subsidiaries.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency Assets, liabilities and operations of foreign affiliates and subsidiaries are recorded based on the functional currency of each entity. The determination of the functional currency is made based on the appropriate economic and management indicators. For most of the Company’s foreign operations, the local currency is the functional currency. For certain other foreign operations, such as Japan, the local currency and one or more other currencies qualify as functional currencies. Assets and liabilities of foreign affiliates and subsidiaries are translated from the functional currency to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at each year-end and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the year. The resulting translation adjustments are charged or credited directly to OCI, net of applicable taxes. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, including the effect of re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities to the appropriate functional currency, are reported as part of net investment gains (losses) in the period in which they occur.
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per common share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares, or their equivalent, outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise or issuance of stock-based awards using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, exercise or issuance of stock-based awards is assumed to occur with the proceeds used to purchase common stock at the average market price for the period. The difference between the number of shares assumed issued and number of shares assumed purchased represents the dilutive shares.
Closed Block	On April 7, 2000 (the “Demutualization Date”), Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”) converted from a mutual life insurance company to a stock life insurance company and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. The conversion was pursuant to an order by the New York Superintendent of Insurance approving MLIC’s plan of reorganization, as amended (the “Plan of Reorganization”). On the Demutualization Date, MLIC established a closed block for the benefit of holders of certain individual life insurance policies of MLIC. Assets have been allocated to the closed block in an amount that has been determined to produce cash flows which, together with anticipated revenues from the policies included in the closed block, are reasonably expected to be sufficient to support obligations and liabilities relating to these policies, including, but not limited to, provisions for the payment of claims and certain expenses and taxes, and to provide for the continuation of policyholder dividend scales in effect for 1999, if the experience underlying such dividend scales continues, and for appropriate adjustments in such scales if the experience changes. At least annually, the Company compares actual and projected experience against the experience assumed in the then-current dividend scales. Dividend scales are adjusted periodically to give effect to changes in experience. The closed block assets, the cash flows generated by the closed block assets and the anticipated revenues from the policies in the closed block will benefit only the holders of the policies in the closed block. To the extent that, over time, cash flows from the assets allocated to the closed block and claims and other experience related to the closed block are, in the aggregate, more or less favorable than what was assumed when the closed block was established, total dividends paid to closed block policyholders in the future may be greater than or less than the total dividends that would have been paid to these policyholders if the policyholder dividend scales in effect for 1999 had been continued. Any cash flows in excess of amounts assumed will be available for distribution over time to closed block policyholders and will not be available to stockholders. If the closed block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from assets outside of the closed block. The closed block will continue in effect as long as any policy in the closed block remains in-force. The expected life of the closed block is over 100 years from the Demutualization Date. The Company uses the same accounting principles to account for the participating policies included in the closed block as it used prior to the Demutualization Date. However, the Company establishes a policyholder dividend obligation for earnings that will be paid to policyholders as additional dividends as described below. The excess of closed block liabilities over closed block assets at the Demutualization Date (adjusted to eliminate the impact of related amounts in AOCI) represents the estimated maximum future earnings from the closed block expected to result from operations attributed to the closed block after income taxes. Earnings of the closed block are recognized in income over the period the policies and contracts in the closed block remain in-force. Management believes that over time the actual cumulative earnings of the closed block will approximately equal the expected cumulative earnings due to the effect of dividend changes. If, over the period the closed block remains in existence, the actual cumulative earnings of the closed block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings of the closed block, the Company will pay the excess to closed block policyholders as additional policyholder dividends unless offset by future unfavorable experience of the closed block and, accordingly, will recognize only the expected cumulative earnings in income with the excess recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation. If over such period, the actual cumulative earnings of the closed block are less than the expected cumulative earnings of the closed block, the Company will recognize only the actual earnings in income. However, the Company may change policyholder dividend scales in the future, which would be intended to increase future actual earnings until the actual cumulative earnings equal the expected cumulative earnings. Experience within the closed block, in particular mortality and investment yields, as well as realized and unrealized gains and losses, directly impact the policyholder dividend obligation. Amortization of the closed block DAC, which resides outside of the closed block, is based upon cumulative actual and expected earnings within the closed block. Accordingly, the Company’s net income continues to be sensitive to the actual performance of the closed block.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2017, the Company early adopted guidance relating to business combinations. The new guidance clarifies the definition of a business and requires that an entity apply certain criteria in order to determine when a set of assets and activities qualifies as a business. The adoption of this standard will result in fewer acquisitions qualifying as businesses and, accordingly, acquisition costs for those acquisitions that do not qualify as businesses will be capitalized rather than expensed. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company retrospectively adopted guidance relating to consolidation. The new guidance does not change the characteristics of a primary beneficiary under current GAAP. It changes how a reporting entity evaluates whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by changing how a reporting entity that is a single decisionmaker of a VIE handles indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted guidance related to stock-based compensation. The new guidance changes several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment and award transactions, including (i) income tax consequences when awards vest or are settled; (ii) classification as either equity or liability due to statutory tax withholding requirements; and (iii) classification on the statement of cash flows. In addition, the new guidance provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than to account for them based on an estimate of expected forfeitures. The Company has elected to continue to account for forfeitures based on an estimate of expected forfeitures. In addition, the Company elected to apply the change in presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows related to excess tax benefits prospectively and prior periods have not been adjusted. The change in presentation for cash paid to a taxing authority when directly withholding equivalent shares has been classified as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The change was applied retrospectively and thus the directly withheld share equivalent amount was reclassified from an operating activity to a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company retrospectively adopted guidance relating to short-duration contracts. The new guidance requires insurance entities to provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about initial claim estimates and subsequent adjustments to these estimates, including information on: (i) reconciling from the claim development table to the balance sheet liability, (ii) methodologies and judgments in estimating claims, and (iii) the timing and frequency of claims. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than expanded disclosures in Note 4 . Effective January 1, 2016, the Company retrospectively adopted new guidance relating to the consolidation of certain entities. The objective of the new standard is to improve targeted areas of the consolidation guidance and to reduce the number of consolidation models. The new consolidation standard provides guidance on how a reporting entity (i) evaluates whether the entity should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (ii) assesses whether the fees paid to a decisionmaker or service provider are variable interests in a VIE, and (iii) assesses the variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting entity. The new guidance also eliminates the VIE consolidation model based on majority exposure to variability that applied to certain investment companies and similar entities. The adoption of the new guidance did not impact which entities are consolidated by the Company. The consolidated VIE assets and liabilities and unconsolidated VIE carrying amounts and maximum exposure to loss as of December 31, 2016, disclosed in Note 8 , reflect the application of the new guidance.

Business, Basis of Presentati36

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Prior Period Adjustment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]	A summary of the revisions to prior period net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders is shown in the table below: For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 (In millions) Assumed variable annuity guarantee reserves $ 184 $ 80 Group annuity reserves (33 ) (31 ) Other revisions to continuing operations, net (10 ) (106 ) Impact to income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax 141 (57 ) Provision for income tax expense (benefit) (1) 27 (110 ) Impact to income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax 114 53 Other revisions to discontinued operations, net of income tax (1) (64 ) 10 Impact to net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 50 $ 63 __________________ (1) Includes impact of certain tax-specific revisions. The impact of the revisions is shown in the tables below: December 31, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheets As Revisions As (In millions) Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 166,701 $ (65 ) $ 166,636 Policyholder account balances $ 173,168 $ (682 ) $ 172,486 Other policy-related balances $ 13,030 $ 372 $ 13,402 Deferred income tax liability $ 6,774 $ 118 $ 6,892 Other liabilities $ 23,700 $ 35 $ 23,735 Total liabilities $ 831,284 $ (222 ) $ 831,062 Stockholders’ Equity Retained earnings $ 34,480 $ 203 $ 34,683 Accumulated other comprehensive income $ 5,347 $ 19 $ 5,366 Total MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity $ 67,309 $ 222 $ 67,531 Total equity $ 67,480 $ 222 $ 67,702 For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Consolidated Statements of Operations As Revisions As As Revisions As (In millions, except per share data) Revenues Universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 5,482 $ 1 $ 5,483 $ 5,570 $ — $ 5,570 Net investment income $ 16,790 $ — $ 16,790 $ 16,243 $ (38 ) $ 16,205 Other net investment gains (losses) $ 412 $ 12 $ 424 $ 705 $ (37 ) $ 668 Total net investment gain (losses) $ 305 $ 12 $ 317 $ 646 $ (37 ) $ 609 Net derivatives gain (losses) $ (874 ) 184 $ (690 ) $ 545 $ 84 $ 629 Total revenues $ 60,590 $ 197 $ 60,787 $ 61,334 $ 9 $ 61,343 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims $ 36,316 $ 42 $ 36,358 $ 35,102 $ 42 $ 35,144 Other expenses $ 13,735 $ 14 $ 13,749 $ 14,753 $ 24 $ 14,777 Total expenses $ 56,450 $ 56 $ 56,506 $ 55,626 $ 66 $ 55,692 Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax $ 4,140 $ 141 $ 4,281 $ 5,708 $ (57 ) $ 5,651 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) $ 666 $ 27 $ 693 $ 1,700 $ (110 ) $ 1,590 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 3,474 $ 114 $ 3,588 $ 4,008 $ 53 $ 4,061 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ (2,670 ) $ (64 ) $ (2,734 ) $ 1,314 $ 10 $ 1,324 Net income (loss) $ 804 $ 50 $ 854 $ 5,322 $ 63 $ 5,385 Net income (loss)attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 800 $ 50 $ 850 $ 5,310 $ 63 $ 5,373 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 697 $ 50 $ 747 $ 5,152 $ 63 $ 5,215 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share: Basic $ 3.06 $ 0.10 $ 3.16 $ 3.43 $ 0.05 $ 3.48 Diluted $ 3.04 $ 0.09 $ 3.13 $ 3.40 $ 0.04 $ 3.44 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders per common share: Basic $ 0.63 $ 0.05 $ 0.68 $ 4.61 $ 0.06 $ 4.67 Diluted $ 0.63 $ 0.04 $ 0.67 $ 4.57 $ 0.05 $ 4.62 For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) As Revisions As Revised As Revisions As Revised (In millions) Net income (loss) $ 804 $ 50 $ 854 $ 5,322 $ 63 $ 5,385 Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets $ 760 $ 36 $ 796 $ (7,443 ) $ (6 ) $ (7,449 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax $ 1,101 $ 36 $ 1,137 $ (8,124 ) $ (6 ) $ (8,130 ) Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) $ (437 ) $ (13 ) $ (450 ) $ 2,266 $ (63 ) $ 2,203 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax $ 664 $ 23 $ 687 $ (5,858 ) $ (69 ) $ (5,927 ) Comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,468 $ 73 $ 1,541 $ (536 ) $ (6 ) $ (542 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 1,376 $ 73 $ 1,449 $ (568 ) $ (6 ) $ (574 ) Consolidated Statements of Equity As Revisions As Revised (In millions) Retained Earnings Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 32,020 $ 90 $ 32,110 Net income (loss) $ 5,310 $ 63 $ 5,373 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 35,519 $ 153 $ 35,672 Net income (loss) $ 800 $ 50 $ 850 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 34,480 $ 203 $ 34,683 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 10,649 $ 65 $ 10,714 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax $ (5,878 ) $ (69 ) $ (5,947 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 4,771 $ (4 ) $ 4,767 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax $ 576 $ 23 $ 599 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 5,347 $ 19 $ 5,366 Total MetLife, Inc.'s Stockholders' Equity Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 72,053 $ 155 $ 72,208 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 67,949 $ 149 $ 68,098 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 67,309 $ 222 $ 67,531 Total Equity Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 72,560 $ 155 $ 72,715 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 68,419 $ 149 $ 68,568 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 67,480 $ 222 $ 67,702 For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows As Revisions As Revised As Revisions As Revised (In millions) Cash flows from operating activities Net income (loss) $ 804 $ 50 $ 854 $ 5,322 $ 63 $ 5,385 (Gains) losses on investments and from sales of businesses, net $ (171 ) $ (12 ) $ (183 ) $ (597 ) $ 37 $ (560 ) (Gains) losses on derivatives, net $ 8,963 $ (184 ) $ 8,779 $ 1,451 $ (80 ) $ 1,371 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ (9,206 ) $ (1 ) $ (9,207 ) $ (9,507 ) $ — $ (9,507 ) Change in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ (2,125 ) $ (33 ) $ (2,158 ) $ (837 ) $ 6 $ (831 ) Change in deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net $ (949 ) $ 12 $ (937 ) $ 491 $ (3 ) $ 488 Change in income tax $ (1,557 ) $ 35 $ (1,522 ) $ 825 $ (110 ) $ 715 Change in insurance-related liabilities and policy-related balances $ 6,279 $ 42 $ 6,321 $ 6,366 $ 42 $ 6,408 Change in other liabilities $ 2,766 $ 35 $ 2,801 $ 1,134 $ 38 $ 1,172 Other, net (1) $ 136 $ 56 $ 192 $ 164 $ 7 $ 171 __________________ (1) Excludes impact related to adoption during 2017 of stock-based compensation guidance which decreased Other, net by $53 million and $77 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See “— Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements.”

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Year Ended December 31, 2017 U.S. Asia Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total Adjustments Total Consolidated (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 23,632 $ 6,755 $ 2,693 $ 2,061 $ 4,144 $ 54 $ 39,339 $ (347 ) $ 38,992 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees 1,012 1,584 1,044 405 1,361 1 5,407 103 5,510 Net investment income 6,396 2,985 1,219 309 5,607 28 16,544 819 17,363 Other revenues 806 43 32 58 244 271 1,454 (113 ) 1,341 Net investment gains (losses) — — — — — — — (308 ) (308 ) Net derivative gains (losses) — — — — — — — (590 ) (590 ) Total revenues 31,846 11,367 4,988 2,833 11,356 354 62,744 (436 ) 62,308 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends 23,627 5,075 2,535 1,077 7,000 26 39,340 204 39,544 Interest credited to policyholder account balances 1,474 1,351 369 100 1,018 1 4,313 1,294 5,607 Capitalization of DAC (458 ) (1,710 ) (364 ) (414 ) (82 ) (8 ) (3,036 ) 34 (3,002 ) Amortization of DAC and VOBA 459 1,300 224 357 302 6 2,648 33 2,681 Amortization of negative VOBA — (111 ) (1 ) (19 ) — — (131 ) (9 ) (140 ) Interest expense on debt 11 — 5 — 24 1,105 1,145 (16 ) 1,129 Other expenses 3,682 3,613 1,479 1,376 1,365 894 12,409 544 12,953 Total expenses 28,795 9,518 4,247 2,477 9,627 2,024 56,688 2,084 58,772 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 1,024 620 156 59 547 (688 ) 1,718 (3,188 ) (1,470 ) Adjusted earnings $ 2,027 $ 1,229 $ 585 $ 297 $ 1,182 $ (982 ) 4,338 Adjustments to: Total revenues (436 ) Total expenses (2,084 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 3,188 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 5,006 $ 5,006 At December 31, 2017 U.S. Asia (1) Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Total assets $ 255,428 $ 136,928 $ 79,670 $ 30,500 $ 183,160 $ 34,206 $ 719,892 Separate account assets $ 81,243 $ 10,032 $ 56,218 $ 5,975 $ 51,533 $ — $ 205,001 Separate account liabilities $ 81,243 $ 10,032 $ 56,218 $ 5,975 $ 51,533 $ — $ 205,001 __________________ (1) Total assets includes $111.0 billion of assets from the Japan operations which represents 15% of total consolidated assets. Year Ended December 31, 2016 U.S. Asia Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total Adjustments Total Consolidated (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 21,501 $ 6,902 $ 2,529 $ 2,027 $ 4,506 $ 40 $ 37,505 $ (303 ) $ 37,202 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees 989 1,488 1,025 391 1,436 2 5,331 152 5,483 Net investment income 6,206 2,707 1,084 318 5,944 178 16,437 353 16,790 Other revenues 784 61 34 73 581 110 1,643 42 1,685 Net investment gains (losses) — — — — — — — 317 317 Net derivative gains (losses) — — — — — — — (690 ) (690 ) Total revenues 29,480 11,158 4,672 2,809 12,467 330 60,916 (129 ) 60,787 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends 21,591 5,211 2,443 1,067 7,523 41 37,876 (295 ) 37,581 Interest credited to policyholder account balances 1,302 1,298 328 112 1,042 6 4,088 1,088 5,176 Capitalization of DAC (471 ) (1,668 ) (321 ) (403 ) (281 ) (7 ) (3,151 ) (1 ) (3,152 ) Amortization of DAC and VOBA 471 1,236 184 408 736 8 3,043 (325 ) 2,718 Amortization of negative VOBA — (208 ) (1 ) (13 ) — — (222 ) (47 ) (269 ) Interest expense on debt 9 — 2 — 57 1,139 1,207 (50 ) 1,157 Other expenses 3,706 3,586 1,336 1,323 2,392 597 12,940 355 13,295 Total expenses 26,608 9,455 3,971 2,494 11,469 1,784 55,781 725 56,506 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 976 479 158 42 292 (948 ) 999 (306 ) 693 Adjusted earnings $ 1,896 $ 1,224 $ 543 $ 273 $ 706 $ (506 ) 4,136 Adjustments to: Total revenues (129 ) Total expenses (725 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 306 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 3,588 $ 3,588 At December 31, 2016 U.S. Asia (1) Latin EMEA MetLife Corporate Total (In millions) Total assets $ 253,926 $ 120,656 $ 67,233 $ 25,596 $ 183,832 $ 247,521 $ 898,764 Separate account assets $ 85,950 $ 8,020 $ 48,455 $ 4,329 $ 48,823 $ 1 $ 195,578 Separate account liabilities $ 85,950 $ 8,020 $ 48,455 $ 4,329 $ 48,823 $ 1 $ 195,578 __________________ (1) Total assets includes $98.0 billion of assets from the Japan operations which represents 11% of total consolidated assets. (2) Includes assets of disposed subsidiary of $216,983 million at December 31, 2016. Year Ended December 31, 2015 U.S. Asia Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total Adjustments Total Consolidated (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 20,861 $ 6,937 $ 2,581 $ 2,036 $ 4,545 $ (92 ) $ 36,868 $ (465 ) $ 36,403 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees 943 1,542 1,117 424 1,482 (4 ) 5,504 66 5,570 Net investment income 6,183 2,675 1,038 326 6,189 260 16,671 (466 ) 16,205 Other revenues 751 105 41 61 930 69 1,957 (30 ) 1,927 Net investment gains (losses) — — — — — — — 609 609 Net derivative gains (losses) — — — — — — — 629 629 Total revenues 28,738 11,259 4,777 2,847 13,146 233 61,000 343 61,343 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends 20,899 5,266 2,408 988 7,346 (114 ) 36,793 (293 ) 36,500 Interest credited to policyholder account balances 1,216 1,309 349 120 1,062 23 4,079 336 4,415 Capitalization of DAC (493 ) (1,720 ) (341 ) (472 ) (410 ) (3 ) (3,439 ) 120 (3,319 ) Amortization of DAC and VOBA 471 1,253 271 497 577 (1 ) 3,068 116 3,184 Amortization of negative VOBA — (309 ) (1 ) (16 ) — — (326 ) (35 ) (361 ) Interest expense on debt 4 — — — 55 1,169 1,228 (60 ) 1,168 Other expenses 3,685 3,611 1,429 1,469 2,694 935 13,823 282 14,105 Total expenses 25,782 9,410 4,115 2,586 11,324 2,009 55,226 466 55,692 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 1,009 461 37 21 582 (366 ) 1,744 (154 ) 1,590 Adjusted earnings $ 1,947 $ 1,388 $ 625 $ 240 $ 1,240 $ (1,410 ) 4,030 Adjustments to: Total revenues 343 Total expenses (466 ) Provision for income tax (expense) benefit 154 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 4,061 $ 4,061
Premiums, Universal Life and Investment-Type Policy Fees and Other Revenue by Product Groups for Reportable Segment	The following table presents total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues by major product groups of the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Life insurance $ 20,330 $ 20,436 $ 20,847 Accident & health insurance 14,002 14,128 13,109 Annuities 6,999 5,552 5,730 Property & casualty insurance 3,613 3,560 3,504 Non-insurance 899 694 710 Total $ 45,843 $ 44,370 $ 43,900
Total premiums, universal life & investment-type product policy fees and other revenues associated with the Company's U.S. and foreign operations	The following table presents total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues associated with the Company’s U.S. and foreign operations: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) U.S. $ 30,971 $ 29,166 $ 29,094 Foreign: Japan 6,444 7,089 6,264 Other 8,428 8,115 8,542 Total $ 45,843 $ 44,370 $ 43,900

Dispositions - Dispositions (Ta

Dispositions - Dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Effects of Reinsurance [Table Text Block]	The Company entered into reinsurance transactions with Brighthouse in the normal course of business and such transactions will continue based upon business needs. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance transactions with Brighthouse was as follows: Included on Consolidated Statements of Operations Excluded from Consolidated Statements of Operations Year Ended December 31, Years 2017 (1) 2017 (2) 2016 2015 (In millions) Premiums Reinsurance assumed $ 183 $ 248 $ 462 $ 416 Reinsurance ceded (4 ) (7 ) (9 ) (8 ) Net premiums $ 179 $ 241 $ 453 $ 408 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Reinsurance assumed $ (4 ) $ (6 ) $ (2 ) $ 2 Reinsurance ceded (44 ) (55 ) (102 ) (114 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ (48 ) $ (61 ) $ (104 ) $ (112 ) Policyholder benefits and claims Reinsurance assumed $ 150 $ 196 $ 385 $ 330 Reinsurance ceded (22 ) (16 ) (23 ) (28 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ 128 $ 180 $ 362 $ 302 Interest credited to policyholder account balances Reinsurance assumed $ 6 $ 10 $ 16 $ 14 Reinsurance ceded (30 ) (42 ) (75 ) (78 ) Net interest credited to policyholder account balances $ (24 ) $ (32 ) $ (59 ) $ (64 ) Other expenses Reinsurance assumed $ 39 $ 10 $ 88 $ 76 Reinsurance ceded 7 (28 ) (29 ) (45 ) Net other expenses $ 46 $ (18 ) $ 59 $ 31 __________________ (1) Includes transactions after the Separation. (2) Includes transactions prior to the Separation. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance transactions with Brighthouse included on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows at: December 31, 2017 Assumed Ceded (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 167 $ 1,793 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 384 (40 ) Total assets $ 551 $ 1,753 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 1,734 $ — Other policy-related balances 119 28 Other liabilities 1,458 19 Total liabilities $ 3,311 $ 47 The amounts on the consolidated balance sheets include the impact of reinsurance. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Direct Assumed Ceded Total Direct Assumed Ceded Total (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 6,300 $ 866 $ 11,257 $ 18,423 $ 5,927 $ 543 $ 8,975 $ 15,445 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 18,350 398 (329 ) 18,419 17,878 16 (304 ) 17,590 Total assets $ 24,650 $ 1,264 $ 10,928 $ 36,842 $ 23,805 $ 559 $ 8,671 $ 33,035 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 174,694 $ 3,280 $ — $ 177,974 $ 165,121 $ 1,515 $ — $ 166,636 Policyholder account balances 182,226 293 (1 ) 182,518 171,961 527 (2 ) 172,486 Other policy-related balances 14,962 520 33 15,515 13,071 324 7 13,402 Other liabilities 17,077 1,896 5,009 23,982 18,815 405 4,515 23,735 Total liabilities $ 388,959 $ 5,989 $ 5,041 $ 399,989 $ 368,968 $ 2,771 $ 4,520 $ 376,259 The amounts on the consolidated statements of operations include the impact of reinsurance. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Premiums Direct premiums $ 39,595 $ 37,975 $ 37,044 Reinsurance assumed 1,773 1,363 1,382 Reinsurance ceded (2,376 ) (2,136 ) (2,023 ) Net premiums $ 38,992 $ 37,202 $ 36,403 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Direct universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 5,978 $ 5,884 $ 5,952 Reinsurance assumed 83 96 105 Reinsurance ceded (551 ) (497 ) (487 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 5,510 $ 5,483 $ 5,570 Policyholder benefits and claims Direct policyholder benefits and claims $ 39,354 $ 37,186 $ 36,143 Reinsurance assumed 1,388 1,085 984 Reinsurance ceded (2,429 ) (1,913 ) (1,983 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ 38,313 $ 36,358 $ 35,144 Other expenses Direct other expenses $ 13,610 $ 13,958 $ 14,934 Reinsurance assumed 246 169 146 Reinsurance ceded (235 ) (378 ) (303 ) Net other expenses $ 13,621 $ 13,749 $ 14,777
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 (1) 2016 2015 (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 820 $ 1,951 $ 2,142 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees 2,201 3,724 3,936 Net investment income 1,783 3,157 3,038 Other revenues 150 74 58 Total net investment gains (losses) (48 ) (140 ) (48 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (1,061 ) (5,886 ) (466 ) Total revenues 3,845 2,880 8,660 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims 2,217 4,487 3,612 Interest credited to policyholder account balances 620 1,107 1,195 Policyholder dividends 16 34 32 Goodwill impairment — 260 — Other expenses 853 1,333 2,043 Total expenses 3,706 7,221 6,882 Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision for income tax and loss on disposal of discontinued operations 139 (4,341 ) 1,778 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) (46 ) (1,607 ) 454 Income (loss) from discontinued operations before loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income tax 185 (2,734 ) 1,324 Transaction costs associated with the Separation, net of income tax (216 ) — — Tax charges associated with the Separation (955 ) — — Income (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income tax (1,171 ) — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ (986 ) $ (2,734 ) $ 1,324 __________________ (1) Includes transactions prior to the Separation. The following table presents the amounts related to the financial position of Brighthouse that have been reflected in the assets and liabilities of disposed subsidiary: December 31, 2016 (In millions) Assets Investments: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale $ 61,326 Equity securities available-for-sale 300 Mortgage loans 9,378 Policy loans 1,517 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 150 Other limited partnership interests 1,642 Short-term investments 1,288 Other invested assets 3,881 Total investments 79,482 Cash and cash equivalents 5,226 Accrued investment income 680 Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables 10,636 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 7,207 Other assets 709 Separate account assets 113,043 Total assets of disposed subsidiary $ 216,983 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 33,270 Policyholder account balances 37,066 Other policy-related balances 1,356 Policyholder dividends payable 12 Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions 7,390 Long-term debt 60 Collateral financing arrangements 2,797 Deferred income tax liability 2,594 Other liabilities 5,119 Separate account liabilities 113,043 Total liabilities of disposed subsidiary $ 202,707 In the consolidated statements of cash flows, the cash flows from discontinued operations are not separately classified. The following table presents selected financial information regarding cash flows of the discontinued operations. For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Net cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 1,329 $ 3,697 $ 4,559 Investing activities $ (2,732 ) $ 4,674 $ (7,042 ) Financing activities $ (367 ) $ (4,715 ) $ 2,452

Insurance (Tables)

Insurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance Liabilities	Insurance liabilities are comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances. Information regarding insurance liabilities by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) U.S. $ 136,065 $ 129,117 Asia 99,404 89,422 Latin America 16,758 14,760 EMEA 19,579 18,075 MetLife Holdings 103,372 104,271 Corporate & Other 829 (3,121 ) Total $ 376,007 $ 352,524
Liabilities for Guarantees	Information regarding the liabilities for guarantees (excluding base policy liabilities and embedded derivatives) relating to annuity and universal and variable life contracts was as follows: Annuity Contracts Universal and Variable GMDBs GMIBs Secondary Paid-Up Total (In millions) Direct and Assumed: Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 307 $ 463 $ 2,711 $ 288 $ 3,769 Incurred guaranteed benefits (1) 68 62 43 18 191 Paid guaranteed benefits (11 ) (1 ) (28 ) — (40 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 364 524 2,726 306 3,920 Incurred guaranteed benefits (1) 102 78 291 25 496 Paid guaranteed benefits (15 ) (1 ) (28 ) — (44 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 451 601 2,989 331 4,372 Incurred guaranteed benefits (1) 91 121 233 16 461 Paid guaranteed benefits (14 ) (2 ) (34 ) — (50 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 528 $ 720 $ 3,188 $ 347 $ 4,783 Ceded: Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 23 $ 6 $ 187 $ 201 $ 417 Incurred guaranteed benefits (1 ) — 31 13 43 Paid guaranteed benefits (3 ) — — — (3 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 19 6 218 214 457 Incurred guaranteed benefits — (1 ) (27 ) 17 (11 ) Paid guaranteed benefits 5 — — — 5 Balance at December 31, 2016 24 5 191 231 451 Incurred guaranteed benefits 4 1 50 11 66 Paid guaranteed benefits 6 — — — 6 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 34 $ 6 $ 241 $ 242 $ 523 Net: Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 284 $ 457 $ 2,524 $ 87 $ 3,352 Incurred guaranteed benefits 69 62 12 5 148 Paid guaranteed benefits (8 ) (1 ) (28 ) — (37 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 345 518 2,508 92 3,463 Incurred guaranteed benefits 102 79 318 8 507 Paid guaranteed benefits (20 ) (1 ) (28 ) — (49 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 427 596 2,798 100 3,921 Incurred guaranteed benefits 87 120 183 5 395 Paid guaranteed benefits (20 ) (2 ) (34 ) — (56 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 494 $ 714 $ 2,947 $ 105 $ 4,260 __________________ (1) Secondary guarantees include the effects of foreign currency translation of $78 million , $119 million and ($80) million at December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Fund Groupings	Account balances of contracts with guarantees were invested in separate account asset classes as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (1) (In millions) Fund Groupings: Equity $ 23,213 $ 21,169 Balanced 20,859 20,070 Bond 5,983 5,827 Money Market 252 218 Total $ 50,307 $ 47,284 __________________ (1) Account balances at December 31, 2016 decreased in total by $6.7 billion from those amounts previously reported to correct for the inclusion of contracts without guarantees.
Guarantees related to Annuity, Universal and Variable Life Contracts	Information regarding the Company’s guarantee exposure, which includes direct and assumed business, but excludes offsets from hedging or ceded reinsurance, if any, was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 In the At In the At (Dollars in millions) Annuity Contracts (1): Variable Annuity Guarantees: Total account value (2), (3) $ 66,724 $ 26,223 $ 66,176 $ 25,335 Separate account value $ 45,431 $ 24,336 $ 43,359 $ 23,330 Net amount at risk (2) $ 1,238 (4) $ 525 (5) $ 1,842 (4) $ 521 (5) Average attained age of contractholders 65 years 65 years 64 years 65 years Other Annuity Guarantees: Total account value (3) N/A $ 1,424 N/A $ 1,393 Net amount at risk N/A $ 569 (6 ) N/A $ 490 (6) Average attained age of contractholders N/A 50 years N/A 50 years December 31, 2017 2016 Secondary Paid-Up Secondary Paid-Up (Dollars in millions) Universal and Variable Life Contracts (1): Total account value (3) $ 9,036 $ 3,207 $ 8,363 $ 3,337 Net amount at risk (7) $ 66,956 $ 16,615 $ 70,225 $ 17,785 Average attained age of policyholders 56 years 63 years 55 years 62 years __________________ (1) The Company’s annuity and life contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive. (2) Includes amounts, which are not reported on the consolidated balance sheets, from assumed variable annuity guarantees from the Company’s former operating joint venture in Japan. (3) Includes the contractholder’s investments in the general account and separate account, if applicable. (4) Defined as the death benefit less the total account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death. (5) Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contractholders have achieved. (6) Defined as either the excess of the upper tier, adjusted for a profit margin, less the lower tier, as of the balance sheet date or the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. These amounts represent the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date. (7) Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.
Schedule of Federal Home Loan Bank, common stock holdings, by branch of FHLB Bank	Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are members of regional banks in the FHLB system (“FHLBanks”). Holdings of common stock of FHLBanks, included in equity securities, were as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) FHLB of New York $ 733 $ 748 FHLB of Des Moines $ 35 $ 35 FHLB of Pittsburgh $ 11 $ 11
Schedule of liability recorded and collateral pledged for funding agreements	Such subsidiaries have also entered into funding agreements with FHLBanks and a subsidiary of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, a federally chartered instrumentality of the U.S. (“Farmer Mac”). The liability for such funding agreements is included in policyholder account balances. Information related to such funding agreements was as follows at: Liability Collateral December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) FHLB of New York (1) $ 14,445 $ 14,445 $ 16,605 (2) $ 16,828 (2) Farmer Mac (3) $ 2,550 $ 2,550 $ 2,644 $ 2,645 FHLB of Des Moines (1) $ 625 $ 625 $ 701 (2) $ 811 (2) FHLB of Pittsburgh (1) $ 250 $ 250 $ 311 (2) $ 383 (2) __________________ (1) Represents funding agreements issued to the applicable FHLBank in exchange for cash and for which such FHLBank has been granted a lien on certain assets, some of which are in the custody of such FHLBank, including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), to collateralize obligations under advances evidenced by funding agreements. The applicable subsidiary of the Company is permitted to withdraw any portion of the collateral in the custody of such FHLBank as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. Upon any event of default by such subsidiary, the applicable FHLBank’s recovery on the collateral is limited to the amount of such subsidiary’s liability to such FHLBank. (2) Advances are collateralized by mortgage-backed securities. The amount of collateral presented is at estimated fair value. (3) Represents funding agreements issued to a subsidiary of Farmer Mac, as well as certain SPEs that have issued debt securities for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements, and such debt securities are also guaranteed as to payment of interest and principal by Farmer Mac. The obligations under these funding agreements are secured by a pledge of certain eligible agricultural mortgage loans and may, under certain circumstances, be secured by other qualified collateral. The amount of collateral presented is at carrying value. Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value for all asset classes, except mortgage loans, which are presented at carrying value at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) $ 1,879 $ 1,925 Invested assets held in trust (collateral financing arrangement and reinsurance agreements) 2,490 2,057 Invested assets pledged as collateral (1) 24,174 23,882 Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral $ 28,543 $ 27,864 __________________ (1) The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 4 ), derivative transactions (see Note 9 ), secured debt (see Note 12), and a collateral financing arrangement (see Note 13 ).
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Claims Development	Group Life - Term Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2011 $ 6,318 $ 6,290 $ 6,293 $ 6,269 $ 6,287 $ 6,295 $ 6,294 $ 1 207,301 2012 6,503 6,579 6,569 6,546 6,568 6,569 3 208,626 2013 6,637 6,713 6,719 6,720 6,730 15 210,643 2014 6,986 6,919 6,913 6,910 5 210,797 2015 7,040 7,015 7,014 12 211,597 2016 7,125 7,085 21 206,610 2017 7,432 898 186,954 Total 48,034 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (46,136 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2011, net of reinsurance 5 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,903 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2011 $ 4,982 $ 6,194 $ 6,239 $ 6,256 $ 6,281 $ 6,290 $ 6,292 2012 5,132 6,472 6,518 6,532 6,558 6,565 2013 5,216 6,614 6,664 6,678 6,711 2014 5,428 6,809 6,858 6,869 2015 5,524 6,913 6,958 2016 5,582 6,980 2017 5,761 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 46,136 Group Long-Term Disability Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2011 $ 955 $ 916 $ 894 $ 914 $ 924 $ 923 $ 918 $ — 21,642 2012 966 979 980 1,014 1,034 1,037 — 20,085 2013 1,008 1,027 1,032 1,049 1,070 — 21,123 2014 1,076 1,077 1,079 1,101 — 22,838 2015 1,082 1,105 1,093 4 21,136 2016 1,131 1,139 26 17,585 2017 1,244 585 9,258 Total 7,602 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (3,006 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2011, net of reinsurance 2,539 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 7,135 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2011 $ 44 $ 217 $ 337 $ 411 $ 478 $ 537 $ 588 2012 43 229 365 453 524 591 2013 43 234 382 475 551 2014 51 266 428 526 2015 50 264 427 2016 49 267 2017 56 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 3,006 Property & Casualty - Auto Liability Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2008 $ 818 $ 839 $ 828 $ 805 $ 799 $ 794 $ 793 $ 791 $ 790 $ 791 $ — 200,517 2009 862 877 853 826 823 817 815 815 814 — 201,579 2010 863 873 853 847 833 826 825 822 1 202,098 2011 863 876 869 855 846 843 843 2 202,513 2012 882 881 869 851 846 847 3 196,928 2013 911 900 882 878 876 6 201,297 2014 897 910 913 910 12 203,560 2015 975 984 979 30 207,485 2016 1,012 1,002 77 204,497 2017 957 161 173,607 Total 8,841 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (7,672 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2008, net of reinsurance 27 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,196 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2008 $ 304 $ 553 $ 657 $ 725 $ 764 $ 778 $ 785 $ 787 $ 788 $ 789 2009 321 563 681 755 789 803 810 813 813 2010 319 572 695 762 796 810 816 818 2011 324 590 711 777 810 825 831 2012 333 600 715 783 815 831 2013 346 618 743 809 843 2014 352 648 777 844 2015 384 691 822 2016 396 702 2017 379 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 7,672 Property & Casualty - Home Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2008 $ 644 $ 636 $ 599 $ 590 $ 588 $ 589 $ 588 $ 586 $ 585 $ 585 $ — 127,479 2009 506 523 510 507 503 501 498 497 497 — 106,616 2010 573 589 587 584 582 581 580 579 — 115,510 2011 891 868 843 840 835 835 834 — 166,455 2012 714 713 703 698 696 694 2 146,536 2013 654 652 635 635 634 4 107,525 2014 707 702 704 705 7 113,604 2015 759 753 752 12 107,073 2016 740 743 20 106,537 2017 747 66 106,915 Total 6,770 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (6,545 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2008, net of reinsurance 1 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 226 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2008 $ 446 $ 558 $ 574 $ 579 $ 582 $ 583 $ 584 $ 584 $ 584 $ 584 2009 385 476 486 492 495 495 496 496 496 2010 436 546 562 571 574 577 578 578 2011 690 804 819 825 827 830 832 2012 559 668 681 687 689 690 2013 505 604 618 626 628 2014 574 670 685 692 2015 603 717 731 2016 593 704 2017 610 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 6,545 Group Disability & Group Life Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2010 $ 82 $ 78 $ 84 $ 107 $ 107 $ 103 $ 135 $ 144 $ 24 2,490 2011 64 67 88 88 94 124 132 24 2,629 2012 98 104 103 118 119 122 10 3,962 2013 148 150 174 168 167 19 4,448 2014 297 279 256 256 54 5,020 2015 280 267 271 78 4,473 2016 234 238 102 2,314 2017 303 215 1,456 Total 1,633 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (1,108 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2010, net of reinsurance 27 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 552 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2010 $ 20 $ 40 $ 53 $ 65 $ 79 $ 89 $ 114 $ 121 2011 13 40 54 67 81 102 109 2012 30 65 85 99 106 112 2013 44 99 121 136 149 2014 69 144 180 202 2015 81 154 192 2016 66 135 2017 88 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,108 Protection Life Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2008 $ 208 $ 277 $ 281 $ 282 $ 283 $ 283 $ 283 $ 283 $ 283 $ 284 $ — 31,642 2009 236 319 324 325 325 325 326 326 327 — 31,322 2010 259 333 340 341 342 342 342 343 — 33,386 2011 150 229 236 237 238 238 235 — 28,103 2012 159 215 221 222 223 221 — 29,244 2013 176 246 253 254 253 — 33,170 2014 252 381 392 361 1 41,566 2015 330 470 440 2 47,111 2016 359 456 14 40,972 2017 372 117 25,103 Total 3,292 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (3,024 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2008, net of reinsurance 12 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 280 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2008 $ 205 $ 271 $ 276 $ 277 $ 277 $ 277 $ 277 $ 278 $ 278 $ 281 2009 234 311 316 317 317 317 317 317 321 2010 239 311 318 319 319 319 320 322 2011 147 225 231 232 232 232 234 2012 157 212 217 218 219 219 2013 172 238 243 244 244 2014 226 336 342 346 2015 271 379 404 2016 245 437 2017 216 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 3,024 Protection Health Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance At December 31, 2017 For the Years Ended December 31, Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (Dollars in millions) 2008 $ 133 $ 149 $ 151 $ 151 $ 151 $ 152 $ 152 $ 152 $ 152 $ 154 $ — 89,217 2009 153 171 173 173 174 174 174 174 177 — 92,530 2010 180 201 202 203 204 204 204 207 — 96,276 2011 216 240 242 243 243 243 240 — 105,965 2012 209 235 237 237 238 236 — 99,498 2013 226 255 257 258 255 1 103,110 2014 235 261 263 261 2 96,260 2015 202 229 231 3 84,678 2016 265 305 7 101,478 2017 383 48 101,116 Total 2,449 Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance (2,365 ) All outstanding liabilities for incurral years prior to 2008, net of reinsurance 3 Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 87 Cumulative Paid Claims and Paid Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance For the Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited) Incurral Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (In millions) 2008 $ 133 $ 149 $ 151 $ 151 $ 151 $ 152 $ 152 $ 152 $ 152 $ 154 2009 153 171 173 173 174 174 174 174 177 2010 180 201 202 203 203 204 204 207 2011 216 240 242 243 243 243 240 2012 209 235 237 237 238 236 2013 226 255 257 258 255 2014 233 259 262 258 2015 202 229 228 2016 249 298 2017 312 Total cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 2,365
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Schedule of Historical Claims Duration	The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Group Life - Term 78.3 % 20.0 % 0.7 % 0.2 % 0.4 % 0.1 % — % The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Group Long-Term Disability 4.4 % 18.8 % 13.9 % 8.5 % 7.1 % 6.4 % 5.6 % The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Auto Liability 39.3 % 31.3 % 14.0 % 7.9 % 4.0 % 1.8 % 0.9 % 0.5 % 0.1 % 0.2 % The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 $ 6 7 8 9 10 Home 80.5 % 14.8 % 2.3 % 1.0 % 0.6 % 0.3 % 0.2 % 0.1 % — % 0.1 % The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Group Disability & Group Life 23.6 % 25.8 % 13.0 % 9.3 % 8.6 % 8.9 % 11.3 % 5.5 % The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Protection Life 65.1 % 27.8 % 2.3 % 0.5 % 0.1 % — % 0.2 % 0.2 % 0.6 % 1.3 % The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017 : Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Protection Health 86.7 % 11.2 % 0.6 % 0.1 % — % — % (0.3)% 0.5 % 0.8 % 1.4 %
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability	The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses on the consolidated balance sheet was as follows at: December 31, 2017 (In millions) Short-Duration: Unpaid claims and allocated claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance: U.S.: Group Life - Term $ 1,903 Group Long-Term Disability 7,135 Property & Casualty - Auto 1,196 Property & Casualty - Home 226 Total $ 10,460 Asia - Group Disability & Group Life 552 Latin America: Protection Life 280 Protection Health 87 Total 367 Other insurance lines - all segments combined 970 Total unpaid claims and allocated claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance 12,349 Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid claims: U.S.: Group Life - Term 16 Group Long-Term Disability 95 Property & Casualty - Auto 73 Property & Casualty - Home 5 Total 189 Asia - Group Disability & Group Life 261 Latin America: Protection Life 4 Protection Health 4 Total 8 Other insurance lines - all segments combined 203 Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims 661 Total unpaid claims and allocated claims adjustment expense 13,010 Unallocated claims adjustment expenses 107 Discounting (1,328 ) Liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment liabilities - short-duration 11,789 Liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment liabilities - all long-duration lines 5,305 Total liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense (included in future policy benefits and other policy-related balances) $ 17,094
Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claim Expenses	Information regarding the liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 (1) 2015 (2) (In millions) Balance at December 31 of prior period $ 16,157 $ 9,669 $ 9,525 Less: Reinsurance recoverables 1,968 476 454 Net balance at December 31 of prior period 14,189 9,193 9,071 Cumulative adjustment (3) — 4,819 — Net balance at January 1, 14,189 14,012 9,071 Incurred related to: Current year 24,370 24,011 9,533 Prior years (4) 133 382 (78 ) Total incurred 24,503 24,393 9,455 Paid related to: Current year (18,525 ) (18,696 ) (6,759 ) Prior years (5,271 ) (5,520 ) (2,574 ) Total paid (23,796 ) (24,216 ) (9,333 ) Net balance at December 31, 14,896 14,189 9,193 Add: Reinsurance recoverables 2,198 1,968 476 Balance at December 31, $ 17,094 $ 16,157 $ 9,669 __________________ (1) In addition to the revisions discussed in Note 1 , at December 31, 2016, the Net balance decreased by $736 million and the Reinsurance recoverables increased by $742 million from those amounts previously reported primarily to correct for the improper classification of reinsurance recoverables. (2) Limited to property & casualty, group accident and non-medical health policies and contracts. (3) Reflects the accumulated adjustment, net of reinsurance, upon implementation of the new short-duration contracts guidance which clarified the requirement to include claim information for long-duration contracts. The accumulated adjustment primarily reflects unpaid claim liabilities, net of reinsurance, for long-duration contracts as of the beginning of the period presented. Prior periods have not been restated. See Note 1 . (4) During 2017 , as a result of changes in estimates of insured events in the respective prior year, claims and claim adjustment expenses associated with prior years increased due to events incurred in prior years but reported during current year . During 2016 , as a result of changes in estimates of insured events in the respective prior year, claims and claim adjustment expenses associated with prior years increased due to the implementation of new guidance related to short- duration contracts. During 2015 , as a result of changes in estimates of insured events in the respective prior year, claims and claim adjustment expenses associated with prior years decreased due to a reduction in prior year automobile bodily injury and homeowners’ severity.

Deferred Policy Acquisition C40

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Policy-Related Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired	Information regarding DAC and VOBA was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) DAC: Balance at January 1, $ 13,830 $ 13,464 $ 13,024 Capitalizations 3,002 3,152 3,319 Amortization related to: Net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) 60 229 (150 ) Other expenses (2,426 ) (2,555 ) (2,590 ) Total amortization (2,366 ) (2,326 ) (2,740 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) (525 ) (171 ) 443 Effect of foreign currency translation and other 848 (289 ) (582 ) Balance at December 31, 14,789 13,830 13,464 VOBA: Balance at January 1, 3,760 3,966 4,705 Amortization related to: Net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) — (3 ) (1 ) Other expenses (315 ) (389 ) (443 ) Total amortization (315 ) (392 ) (444 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) (4 ) 8 5 Effect of foreign currency translation and other 189 178 (300 ) Balance at December 31, 3,630 3,760 3,966 Total DAC and VOBA: Balance at December 31, $ 18,419 $ 17,590 $ 17,430
Schedule of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired	Information regarding DAC and VOBA was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) DAC: Balance at January 1, $ 13,830 $ 13,464 $ 13,024 Capitalizations 3,002 3,152 3,319 Amortization related to: Net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) 60 229 (150 ) Other expenses (2,426 ) (2,555 ) (2,590 ) Total amortization (2,366 ) (2,326 ) (2,740 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) (525 ) (171 ) 443 Effect of foreign currency translation and other 848 (289 ) (582 ) Balance at December 31, 14,789 13,830 13,464 VOBA: Balance at January 1, 3,760 3,966 4,705 Amortization related to: Net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) — (3 ) (1 ) Other expenses (315 ) (389 ) (443 ) Total amortization (315 ) (392 ) (444 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) (4 ) 8 5 Effect of foreign currency translation and other 189 178 (300 ) Balance at December 31, 3,630 3,760 3,966 Total DAC and VOBA: Balance at December 31, $ 18,419 $ 17,590 $ 17,430
Information regarding Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired by Segment	Information regarding total DAC and VOBA by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) U.S. $ 614 $ 616 Asia 9,261 8,707 Latin America 2,050 1,808 EMEA 1,673 1,472 MetLife Holdings 4,797 5,246 Corporate & Other 24 (259 ) Total $ 18,419 $ 17,590
Deferred Sales Inducements of Business Acquired	Information regarding other intangibles was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) DSI: Balance at January 1, $ 241 $ 242 $ 224 Capitalization 16 22 28 Amortization (29 ) (23 ) (30 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) (6 ) — 20 Effect of foreign currency translation (2 ) — — Balance at December 31, $ 220 $ 241 $ 242 VODA and VOCRA: Balance at January 1, $ 509 $ 583 $ 692 Amortization (51 ) (57 ) (56 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 1 (17 ) (53 ) Balance at December 31, $ 459 $ 509 $ 583 Accumulated amortization $ 345 $ 294 $ 237 Negative VOBA: Balance at January 1, $ 935 $ 1,193 $ 1,596 Amortization (140 ) (269 ) (361 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other 32 11 (42 ) Balance at December 31, $ 827 $ 935 $ 1,193 Accumulated amortization $ 3,174 $ 3,034 $ 2,765
Value of Distribution Agreements and Customer Relationships Acquired and Negative Value of Business Acquired	Information regarding other intangibles was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) DSI: Balance at January 1, $ 241 $ 242 $ 224 Capitalization 16 22 28 Amortization (29 ) (23 ) (30 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) (6 ) — 20 Effect of foreign currency translation (2 ) — — Balance at December 31, $ 220 $ 241 $ 242 VODA and VOCRA: Balance at January 1, $ 509 $ 583 $ 692 Amortization (51 ) (57 ) (56 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 1 (17 ) (53 ) Balance at December 31, $ 459 $ 509 $ 583 Accumulated amortization $ 345 $ 294 $ 237 Negative VOBA: Balance at January 1, $ 935 $ 1,193 $ 1,596 Amortization (140 ) (269 ) (361 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other 32 11 (42 ) Balance at December 31, $ 827 $ 935 $ 1,193 Accumulated amortization $ 3,174 $ 3,034 $ 2,765
Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Credit)	The estimated future amortization expense (credit) to be reported in other expenses for the next five years was as follows: VOBA VODA and VOCRA Negative VOBA (In millions) 2018 $ 293 $ 47 $ (60 ) 2019 $ 272 $ 43 $ (40 ) 2020 $ 248 $ 40 $ (41 ) 2021 $ 222 $ 36 $ (40 ) 2022 $ 208 $ 33 $ (38 )

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Effect of reinsurance	The Company entered into reinsurance transactions with Brighthouse in the normal course of business and such transactions will continue based upon business needs. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance transactions with Brighthouse was as follows: Included on Consolidated Statements of Operations Excluded from Consolidated Statements of Operations Year Ended December 31, Years 2017 (1) 2017 (2) 2016 2015 (In millions) Premiums Reinsurance assumed $ 183 $ 248 $ 462 $ 416 Reinsurance ceded (4 ) (7 ) (9 ) (8 ) Net premiums $ 179 $ 241 $ 453 $ 408 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Reinsurance assumed $ (4 ) $ (6 ) $ (2 ) $ 2 Reinsurance ceded (44 ) (55 ) (102 ) (114 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ (48 ) $ (61 ) $ (104 ) $ (112 ) Policyholder benefits and claims Reinsurance assumed $ 150 $ 196 $ 385 $ 330 Reinsurance ceded (22 ) (16 ) (23 ) (28 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ 128 $ 180 $ 362 $ 302 Interest credited to policyholder account balances Reinsurance assumed $ 6 $ 10 $ 16 $ 14 Reinsurance ceded (30 ) (42 ) (75 ) (78 ) Net interest credited to policyholder account balances $ (24 ) $ (32 ) $ (59 ) $ (64 ) Other expenses Reinsurance assumed $ 39 $ 10 $ 88 $ 76 Reinsurance ceded 7 (28 ) (29 ) (45 ) Net other expenses $ 46 $ (18 ) $ 59 $ 31 __________________ (1) Includes transactions after the Separation. (2) Includes transactions prior to the Separation. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance transactions with Brighthouse included on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows at: December 31, 2017 Assumed Ceded (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 167 $ 1,793 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 384 (40 ) Total assets $ 551 $ 1,753 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 1,734 $ — Other policy-related balances 119 28 Other liabilities 1,458 19 Total liabilities $ 3,311 $ 47 The amounts on the consolidated balance sheets include the impact of reinsurance. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Direct Assumed Ceded Total Direct Assumed Ceded Total (In millions) Assets Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 6,300 $ 866 $ 11,257 $ 18,423 $ 5,927 $ 543 $ 8,975 $ 15,445 Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired 18,350 398 (329 ) 18,419 17,878 16 (304 ) 17,590 Total assets $ 24,650 $ 1,264 $ 10,928 $ 36,842 $ 23,805 $ 559 $ 8,671 $ 33,035 Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 174,694 $ 3,280 $ — $ 177,974 $ 165,121 $ 1,515 $ — $ 166,636 Policyholder account balances 182,226 293 (1 ) 182,518 171,961 527 (2 ) 172,486 Other policy-related balances 14,962 520 33 15,515 13,071 324 7 13,402 Other liabilities 17,077 1,896 5,009 23,982 18,815 405 4,515 23,735 Total liabilities $ 388,959 $ 5,989 $ 5,041 $ 399,989 $ 368,968 $ 2,771 $ 4,520 $ 376,259 The amounts on the consolidated statements of operations include the impact of reinsurance. Information regarding the significant effects of reinsurance was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Premiums Direct premiums $ 39,595 $ 37,975 $ 37,044 Reinsurance assumed 1,773 1,363 1,382 Reinsurance ceded (2,376 ) (2,136 ) (2,023 ) Net premiums $ 38,992 $ 37,202 $ 36,403 Universal life and investment-type product policy fees Direct universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 5,978 $ 5,884 $ 5,952 Reinsurance assumed 83 96 105 Reinsurance ceded (551 ) (497 ) (487 ) Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees $ 5,510 $ 5,483 $ 5,570 Policyholder benefits and claims Direct policyholder benefits and claims $ 39,354 $ 37,186 $ 36,143 Reinsurance assumed 1,388 1,085 984 Reinsurance ceded (2,429 ) (1,913 ) (1,983 ) Net policyholder benefits and claims $ 38,313 $ 36,358 $ 35,144 Other expenses Direct other expenses $ 13,610 $ 13,958 $ 14,934 Reinsurance assumed 246 169 146 Reinsurance ceded (235 ) (378 ) (303 ) Net other expenses $ 13,621 $ 13,749 $ 14,777

Closed Block (Tables)

Closed Block (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Closed Block Disclosure [Abstract]
Closed block liabilities and assets	Information regarding the closed block liabilities and assets designated to the closed block was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Closed Block Liabilities Future policy benefits $ 40,463 $ 40,834 Other policy-related balances 222 257 Policyholder dividends payable 437 443 Policyholder dividend obligation 2,121 1,931 Current income tax payable — 4 Other liabilities 212 196 Total closed block liabilities 43,455 43,665 Assets Designated to the Closed Block Investments: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value 27,904 27,220 Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value 70 100 Mortgage loans 5,878 5,935 Policy loans 4,548 4,553 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 613 655 Other invested assets 731 1,246 Total investments 39,744 39,709 Accrued investment income 477 467 Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables; cash and cash equivalents 14 86 Current income tax recoverable 35 — Deferred income tax assets 36 177 Total assets designated to the closed block 40,306 40,439 Excess of closed block liabilities over assets designated to the closed block 3,149 3,226 Amounts included in AOCI: Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax 1,863 1,517 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of income tax (7 ) 95 Allocated to policyholder dividend obligation, net of income tax (1,379 ) (1,255 ) Total amounts included in AOCI 477 357 Maximum future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and liabilities $ 3,626 $ 3,583
Closed block policyholder dividend obligation	Information regarding the closed block policyholder dividend obligation was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 1,931 $ 1,783 $ 3,155 Change in unrealized investment and derivative gains (losses) 190 148 (1,372 ) Balance at December 31, $ 2,121 $ 1,931 $ 1,783
Closed block revenues and expenses	Information regarding the closed block revenues and expenses was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Revenues Premiums $ 1,736 $ 1,804 $ 1,850 Net investment income 1,818 1,902 1,982 Net investment gains (losses) 1 (10 ) (23 ) Net derivative gains (losses) (32 ) 25 27 Total revenues 3,523 3,721 3,836 Expenses Policyholder benefits and claims 2,453 2,563 2,564 Policyholder dividends 976 953 1,015 Other expenses 125 133 143 Total expenses 3,554 3,649 3,722 Revenues, net of expenses before provision for income tax expense (benefit) (31 ) 72 114 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 12 24 41 Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit) $ (43 ) $ 48 $ 73

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale	The following table presents the fixed maturity and equity securities AFS by sector. Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred stock is reported within equity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including RMBS, ABS and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (collectively, “Structured Securities”). December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Temporary OTTI Gains Temporary OTTI (In millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 76,005 $ 7,007 $ 351 $ — $ 82,661 $ 73,280 $ 6,027 $ 764 $ — $ 78,543 Foreign government 55,351 6,495 312 — 61,534 49,864 6,485 373 — 55,976 Foreign corporate 52,409 3,836 676 — 55,569 49,308 2,926 1,572 (1 ) 50,663 U.S. government and agency 43,446 4,227 279 — 47,394 41,294 3,682 543 — 44,433 RMBS 27,846 1,145 233 (42 ) 28,800 28,393 1,039 410 (10 ) 29,032 State and political subdivision 10,752 1,717 13 1 12,455 10,977 1,340 85 1 12,231 ABS 12,213 116 39 (1 ) 12,291 11,266 90 128 3 11,225 CMBS 8,047 222 42 — 8,227 7,294 237 71 — 7,460 Total fixed maturity securities $ 286,069 $ 24,765 $ 1,945 $ (42 ) $ 308,931 $ 271,676 $ 21,826 $ 3,946 $ (7 ) $ 289,563 Equity securities: Common stock $ 1,687 $ 364 $ 16 $ — $ 2,035 $ 1,827 $ 464 $ 13 $ — $ 2,278 Non-redeemable preferred stock 453 29 4 — 478 637 19 40 — 616 Total equity securities $ 2,140 $ 393 $ 20 $ — $ 2,513 $ 2,464 $ 483 $ 53 $ — $ 2,894 __________________ (1) Noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI in an unrealized gain position are due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).”
Available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity date	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at December 31, 2017 : Due in One Year or Less Due After One Year Through Five Years Due After Five Years Through Ten Years Due After Ten Years Structured Securities Total Fixed Maturity Securities (In millions) Amortized cost $ 11,378 $ 62,647 $ 61,043 $ 102,895 $ 48,106 $ 286,069 Estimated fair value $ 11,437 $ 65,423 $ 64,499 $ 118,254 $ 49,318 $ 308,931
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale	The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Less than 12 Months Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (Dollars in millions) Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ 5,604 $ 92 $ 4,115 $ 259 $ 11,471 $ 466 $ 2,938 $ 298 Foreign government 4,234 83 3,251 229 5,955 260 918 113 Foreign corporate 4,422 99 6,802 577 10,147 573 5,493 998 U.S. government and agency 18,273 93 3,560 186 9,104 523 141 20 RMBS 6,359 50 4,159 141 9,449 291 1,800 109 State and political subdivision 182 2 346 12 1,747 80 56 6 ABS 1,695 7 729 31 2,224 28 2,328 103 CMBS 1,174 9 413 33 998 22 564 49 Total fixed maturity securities $ 41,943 $ 435 $ 23,375 $ 1,468 $ 51,095 $ 2,243 $ 14,238 $ 1,696 Equity securities: Common stock $ 126 $ 16 $ 4 $ — $ 105 $ 13 $ 11 $ — Non-redeemable preferred stock 42 1 41 3 139 7 125 33 Total equity securities $ 168 $ 17 $ 45 $ 3 $ 244 $ 20 $ 136 $ 33 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 2,651 1,965 3,580 1,307
Disclosure of Mortgage Loans Net of Valuation Allowance	Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Carrying % of Carrying % of (Dollars in millions) Mortgage loans: Commercial $ 44,375 64.6 % $ 41,512 63.7 % Agricultural 13,014 18.9 12,564 19.3 Residential 11,136 16.2 10,829 16.6 Subtotal (1) 68,525 99.7 64,905 99.6 Valuation allowances (314 ) (0.5 ) (304 ) (0.5 ) Subtotal mortgage loans, net 68,211 99.2 64,601 99.1 Residential — FVO 520 0.8 566 0.9 Total mortgage loans, net $ 68,731 100.0 % $ 65,167 100.0 % __________________ (1) Purchases of mortgage loans, primarily residential, were $3.1 billion and $2.9 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Provision for Loss, Net	The changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment, were as follows: Commercial Agricultural Residential Total (In millions) Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 202 $ 35 $ 42 $ 279 Provision (release) 5 2 30 37 Charge-offs, net of recoveries (19 ) — (16 ) (35 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 188 37 56 281 Provision (release) (1) 157 3 23 183 Charge-offs, net of recoveries (1) (143 ) (1 ) (16 ) (160 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 202 39 63 304 Provision (release) 12 4 8 24 Charge-offs, net of recoveries — (2 ) (12 ) (14 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 214 $ 41 $ 59 $ 314 __________________ (1) In connection with an acquisition in 2010, certain impaired commercial mortgage loans were acquired and accordingly, were not originated by the Company. Such commercial mortgage loans have been accounted for as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) commercial mortgage loans. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected on PCI commercial mortgage loans can result in provisions for losses on mortgage loans. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , in connection with the maturity of an acquired PCI commercial mortgage loan, an increase to the commercial mortgage loan valuation allowance of $143 million was recorded and charged-off upon maturity. The Company has recovered a substantial portion of the loss on the loan incurred through an indemnification agreement entered into in connection with the acquisition in 2010 .
Schedule of Financing Receivables, Non Accrual Status	The past due and nonaccrual mortgage loans at recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by portfolio segment, were as follows at: Past Due Greater than 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Interest Nonaccrual December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Commercial $ — $ 3 $ — $ 3 $ — $ — Agricultural 134 127 125 104 36 23 Residential 514 381 33 37 481 344 Total $ 648 $ 511 $ 158 $ 144 $ 517 $ 367
Impaired mortgage loans held-for-investment	Mortgage loans by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, impaired mortgage loans including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related valuation allowances, were as follows at and for the years ended: Evaluated Individually for Credit Losses Evaluated Collectively for Credit Losses Impaired Loans Impaired Loans with a Valuation Allowance Impaired Loans without a Valuation Allowance Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Valuation Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Recorded Valuation Carrying Average (In millions) December 31, 2017 Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 44,375 $ 214 $ — $ 5 Agricultural 22 21 2 27 27 12,966 39 46 32 Residential — — — 358 324 10,812 59 324 285 Total $ 22 $ 21 $ 2 $ 385 $ 351 $ 68,153 $ 312 $ 370 $ 322 December 31, 2016 Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ 12 $ 12 $ 41,500 $ 202 $ 12 $ 90 Agricultural 11 10 1 27 27 12,527 38 36 49 Residential — — — 265 241 10,588 63 241 188 Total $ 11 $ 10 $ 1 $ 304 $ 280 $ 64,615 $ 303 $ 289 $ 327
Investment in leveraged leases	Investment in leveraged and direct financing leases consisted of the following at: December 31, 2017 2016 Leveraged Leases Direct Financing Leases Leveraged Leases Direct Financing Leases (In millions) Rental receivables, net $ 912 $ 2,303 $ 1,172 $ 1,683 Estimated residual values 838 42 952 71 Subtotal 1,750 2,345 2,124 1,754 Unearned income (472 ) (1,022 ) (603 ) (639 ) Investment in leases, net of non-recourse debt $ 1,278 $ 1,323 $ 1,521 $ 1,115
Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in AOCI were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Fixed maturity securities $ 22,645 $ 20,330 $ 18,158 Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI 41 8 (76 ) Total fixed maturity securities 22,686 20,338 18,082 Equity securities 421 485 422 Derivatives 1,453 2,923 2,350 Other 46 23 287 Subtotal 24,606 23,769 21,141 Amounts allocated from: Future policy benefits (77 ) (1,114 ) (163 ) DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI — (3 ) — DAC, VOBA and DSI (1,768 ) (1,430 ) (1,273 ) Policyholder dividend obligation (2,121 ) (1,931 ) (1,783 ) Subtotal (3,966 ) (4,478 ) (3,219 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (12 ) (1 ) 27 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (6,958 ) (6,634 ) (6,149 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) 13,670 12,656 11,800 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests (8 ) (6 ) (31 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 13,662 $ 12,650 $ 11,769 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc. in the above table include, on a net of income tax basis, $1,250 million and $1,554 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, related to assets and liabilities of a disposed subsidiary. The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 12,650 $ 11,769 $ 16,300 Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized 33 84 36 Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the year 804 2,544 (11,668 ) Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to: Future policy benefits 1,037 (951 ) 2,723 DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI 3 (3 ) 4 DAC, VOBA and DSI (338 ) (157 ) 673 Policyholder dividend obligation (190 ) (148 ) 1,372 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI (11 ) (28 ) (15 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (324 ) (485 ) 2,342 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) 13,664 12,625 11,767 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests (2 ) 25 2 Balance at December 31, $ 13,662 $ 12,650 $ 11,769 Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 1,014 $ 856 $ (4,533 ) Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests (2 ) 25 2 Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 1,012 $ 881 $ (4,531 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc. in the above table include, on a net of income tax basis, ($304) million and ($1,128) million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, related to assets and liabilities of a disposed subsidiary.
Securities Lending	Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Securities on loan: (1) Amortized cost $ 17,801 $ 18,798 Estimated fair value $ 19,028 $ 19,753 Cash collateral received from counterparties (2) $ 19,417 $ 20,114 Security collateral received from counterparties (3) $ 19 $ 20 Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value $ 19,508 $ 20,133 __________________ (1) Included within fixed maturity securities. (2) Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions. (3) Security collateral received from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected on the consolidated financial statements. The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements was as follows at: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements Open (1) 1 Month or Less Over 1 to 6 Months Total Open (1) 1 Month or Less Over 1 to 6 Months Total (In millions) Cash collateral liability by loaned security type: U.S. government and agency $ 3,753 $ 6,031 $ 8,607 $ 18,391 $ 4,480 $ 6,496 $ 8,383 $ 19,359 Foreign government — 192 834 1,026 — 569 143 712 U.S. corporate — — — — — 43 — 43 Total $ 3,753 $ 6,223 $ 9,441 $ 19,417 $ 4,480 $ 7,108 $ 8,526 $ 20,114 __________________ (1) The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day, which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.
Schedule of Repurchase Agreements [Table Text Block]	Elements of the short-term repurchase agreements are presented below at: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In millions) Securities on loan: (1) Amortized cost $ 994 $ 98 Estimated fair value $ 1,141 $ 113 Cash collateral received from counterparties (2) $ 1,102 $ 102 Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value $ 1,102 $ 100 __________________ (1) Included within fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and cash equivalents. (2) Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions and other liabilities. The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements was as follows at: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Remaining Tenor of Repurchase Agreements Remaining Tenor of Repurchase Agreements 1 Month or Less Over 1 to 6 Months Total 1 Month or Less Over 1 to 6 Months Total (In millions) Cash collateral liability by loaned security type: U.S. government and agency $ 1,005 $ — $ 1,005 $ 5 $ — $ 5 All other corporate and government 44 53 97 46 51 97 Total $ 1,049 $ 53 $ 1,102 $ 51 $ 51 $ 102
Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral	Such subsidiaries have also entered into funding agreements with FHLBanks and a subsidiary of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, a federally chartered instrumentality of the U.S. (“Farmer Mac”). The liability for such funding agreements is included in policyholder account balances. Information related to such funding agreements was as follows at: Liability Collateral December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (In millions) FHLB of New York (1) $ 14,445 $ 14,445 $ 16,605 (2) $ 16,828 (2) Farmer Mac (3) $ 2,550 $ 2,550 $ 2,644 $ 2,645 FHLB of Des Moines (1) $ 625 $ 625 $ 701 (2) $ 811 (2) FHLB of Pittsburgh (1) $ 250 $ 250 $ 311 (2) $ 383 (2) __________________ (1) Represents funding agreements issued to the applicable FHLBank in exchange for cash and for which such FHLBank has been granted a lien on certain assets, some of which are in the custody of such FHLBank, including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), to collateralize obligations under advances evidenced by funding agreements. The applicable subsidiary of the Company is permitted to withdraw any portion of the collateral in the custody of such FHLBank as long as there is no event of default and the remaining qualified collateral is sufficient to satisfy the collateral maintenance level. Upon any event of default by such subsidiary, the applicable FHLBank’s recovery on the collateral is limited to the amount of such subsidiary’s liability to such FHLBank. (2) Advances are collateralized by mortgage-backed securities. The amount of collateral presented is at estimated fair value. (3) Represents funding agreements issued to a subsidiary of Farmer Mac, as well as certain SPEs that have issued debt securities for which payment of interest and principal is secured by such funding agreements, and such debt securities are also guaranteed as to payment of interest and principal by Farmer Mac. The obligations under these funding agreements are secured by a pledge of certain eligible agricultural mortgage loans and may, under certain circumstances, be secured by other qualified collateral. The amount of collateral presented is at carrying value. Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value for all asset classes, except mortgage loans, which are presented at carrying value at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits) $ 1,879 $ 1,925 Invested assets held in trust (collateral financing arrangement and reinsurance agreements) 2,490 2,057 Invested assets pledged as collateral (1) 24,174 23,882 Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral $ 28,543 $ 27,864 __________________ (1) The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 4 ), derivative transactions (see Note 9 ), secured debt (see Note 12), and a collateral financing arrangement (see Note 13 ).
Purchased credit impaired investments, by invested asset class, held	The following table presents information about PCI investments acquired during the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Fixed Maturity Securities (In millions) Contractually required payments (including interest) $ 95 $ 1,464 Cash flows expected to be collected (1) $ 73 $ 1,338 Fair value of investments acquired $ 67 $ 984 __________________ (1) Represents undiscounted principal and interest cash flow expectations, at the date of acquisition. The Company’s PCI investments were as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Fixed Maturity Securities (In millions) Outstanding principal and interest balance (1) $ 4,763 $ 5,624 Carrying value (2) $ 3,954 $ 4,427 __________________ (1) Represents the contractually required payments, which include contractual principal, whether or not currently due, and accrued interest. (2) Estimated fair value plus accrued interest. The following table presents activity for the accretable yield on PCI investments: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Fixed Maturity Securities (In millions) Accretable yield, January 1, $ 1,733 $ 1,780 Investments purchased 6 354 Accretion recognized in earnings (281 ) (269 ) Disposals (42 ) (2 ) Reclassification (to) from nonaccretable difference 104 (130 ) Accretable yield, December 31, $ 1,520 $ 1,733
The Components of Net Investment Income	The components of net investment income were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Investment income: Fixed maturity securities $ 11,497 $ 11,721 $ 11,809 Equity securities 129 121 124 FVO securities — FVO general account securities (1) 68 37 21 Mortgage loans 3,082 2,858 2,772 Policy loans 517 511 525 Real estate and real estate joint ventures 646 652 872 Other limited partnership interests 798 478 535 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 228 153 140 Operating joint ventures 28 33 25 Other 192 248 200 Subtotal 17,185 16,812 17,023 Less: Investment expenses 1,122 972 1,082 Subtotal, net 16,063 15,840 15,941 FVO securities — FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments (1) 1,300 950 264 Net investment income $ 17,363 $ 16,790 $ 16,205 __________________ (1) Changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase for securities still held as of the end of the respective periods included in net investment income were principally from FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, and were $662 million , $427 million and ($456) million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.
The components of net investment gains (losses)	The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities: Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector and industry: U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry: Consumer $ (4 ) $ — $ (20 ) Industrial — (63 ) (2 ) Utility — (21 ) (15 ) Communications — (3 ) — Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities (4 ) (87 ) (37 ) ABS (3 ) (2 ) — RMBS — (18 ) (16 ) State and political subdivision (3 ) — (6 ) OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings (10 ) (107 ) (59 ) Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals (1) 328 251 318 Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities 318 144 259 Total gains (losses) on equity securities: Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector: Common stock (24 ) (75 ) (36 ) Non-redeemable preferred stock (1 ) — (1 ) OTTI losses on equity securities recognized in earnings (25 ) (75 ) (37 ) Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals 117 19 43 Total gains (losses) on equity securities 92 (56 ) 6 FVO securities — FVO general account securities — — — Mortgage loans (2) 14 (231 ) (93 ) Real estate and real estate joint ventures 603 182 433 Other limited partnership interests (59 ) (64 ) (66 ) Other (113 ) (130 ) 1 Subtotal 855 (155 ) 540 FVO CSEs: Securities — 1 — Long-term debt — related to securities (1 ) — — Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) (3) (4) (5) (6) (1,162 ) 471 69 Subtotal (1,163 ) 472 69 Total net investment gains (losses) $ (308 ) $ 317 $ 609 __________________ (1) Fixed maturity securities net gains (losses) on sales and disposals for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes $276 million in previously deferred gains on prior period transfers of securities to Brighthouse, as such gains are no longer eliminated in consolidation after the Separation. See Note 3 . (2) Mortgage loans gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2017 include $47 million of previously deferred gains on prior period transfers of mortgage loans to Brighthouse as such gains are no longer eliminated in consolidation after the Separation. See Note 3 . (3) Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes a loss of $1,016 million which represents a mark-to-market loss attributable to the FVO Brighthouse Common Stock held by the Company at Separation. See Note 3 . (4) Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes a loss of $95 million which represents the change in estimated fair value of FVO Brighthouse Common Stock held by the Company from the date of Separation to December 31, 2017 . See Note 3 . (5) Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes a $98 million loss due to the disposition of MetLife Afore. See Note 3 . (6) Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes a gain of $102 million in connection with the U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture. See Note 3 .
Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains and losses	Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the table below. Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Fixed Maturity Securities Equity Securities (In millions) Proceeds $ 56,509 $ 86,179 $ 82,871 $ 1,255 $ 278 $ 278 Gross investment gains $ 753 $ 1,048 $ 1,144 $ 131 $ 36 $ 73 Gross investment losses (425 ) (797 ) (826 ) (14 ) (17 ) (30 ) OTTI losses (10 ) (107 ) (59 ) (25 ) (75 ) (37 ) Net investment gains (losses) $ 318 $ 144 $ 259 $ 92 $ (56 ) $ 6
Rollforward of the Cumulative Credit Loss Component of OTTI income (loss)	The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 187 $ 211 Additions: Initial impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities not previously impaired — 1 Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired — 18 Reductions: Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI (48 ) (43 ) Securities impaired to net present value of expected future cash flows — (1 ) Increase in cash flows — accretion of previous credit loss OTTI (1 ) 1 Balance at December 31, $ 138 $ 187
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	Consolidated VIEs Creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, as the Company’s obligation to the VIEs is limited to the amount of its committed investment. The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to investment related VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at December 31, 2017 and 2016 . December 31, 2017 2016 Total Total Total Total (In millions) Renewable energy partnership (1) $ 116 $ 3 $ — $ — Securitization entities (assets (primarily FVO securities) and liabilities (primarily debt)) (2) 7 6 9 12 Other investments (3) 25 — 50 — Total $ 148 $ 9 $ 59 $ 12 __________________ (1) Assets of the renewable energy partnership, primarily consisting of other invested assets, were consolidated in earlier periods as the two investors are subsidiaries of MLIC and Brighthouse, respectively. As a result of the Separation and a reassessment in 2017, the renewable energy partnership was determined to be a consolidated VIE. (2) The Company consolidates entities that are structured as collateralized debt obligations. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. (3) Other investments is primarily comprised of other invested assets.
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	Unconsolidated VIEs The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Carrying Maximum Carrying Maximum (In millions) Fixed maturity securities AFS: Structured Securities (2) $ 47,614 $ 47,614 $ 46,773 $ 46,773 U.S. and foreign corporate 1,560 1,560 1,940 1,940 Other limited partnership interests 4,834 8,543 4,714 8,990 Other invested assets 2,291 2,625 2,206 2,777 Other (3) 82 87 199 215 Total $ 56,381 $ 60,429 $ 55,832 $ 60,695 __________________ (1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of income tax credits which are guaranteed by creditworthy third parties. For such investments, the maximum exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments, reduced by income tax credits guaranteed by third parties of $117 million and $150 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee. (2) For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity. (3) Other is primarily comprised of real estate joint ventures and a joint venture related loan.
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories	The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at: Recorded Investment Estimated % of Debt Service Coverage Ratios Total % of Total > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x (Dollars in millions) December 31, 2017 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 37,073 $ 1,483 $ 201 $ 38,757 87.4 % $ 39,528 87.7 % 65% to 75% 4,183 98 119 4,400 9.9 4,408 9.8 76% to 80% 235 210 57 502 1.1 476 1.0 Greater than 80% 401 168 147 716 1.6 672 1.5 Total $ 41,892 $ 1,959 $ 524 $ 44,375 100.0 % $ 45,084 100.0 % December 31, 2016 Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 36,067 $ 1,077 $ 707 $ 37,851 91.2 % $ 38,237 91.5 % 65% to 75% 3,044 — 202 3,246 7.8 3,185 7.6 76% to 80% 195 — — 195 0.5 182 0.4 Greater than 80% 118 27 75 220 0.5 213 0.5 Total $ 39,424 $ 1,104 $ 984 $ 41,512 100.0 % $ 41,817 100.0 %
Agricultural Portfolio Segment [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories	The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Recorded Investment % of Total Recorded Investment % of Total (Dollars in millions) Loan-to-value ratios: Less than 65% $ 12,347 94.9 % $ 12,023 95.7 % 65% to 75% 618 4.7 436 3.5 76% to 80% 40 0.3 17 0.1 Greater than 80% 9 0.1 88 0.7 Total $ 13,014 100.0 % $ 12,564 100.0 %
Residential mortgage loans portfolio segment [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Disclosure of the mortgage loans portfolio segment by the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator categories	The credit quality of residential mortgage loans was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Recorded % of Recorded % of (Dollars in millions) Performance indicators: Performing $ 10,622 95.4 % $ 10,448 96.5 % Nonperforming 514 4.6 381 3.5 Total $ 11,136 100.0 % $ 10,829 100.0 %

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table presents the primary underlying risk exposure, gross notional amount, and estimated fair value of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at: Primary Underlying Risk Exposure December 31, 2017 2016 Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Gross Notional Amount Assets Liabilities Gross Notional Amount Assets Liabilities (In millions) Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate $ 3,843 $ 2,289 $ 3 $ 5,021 $ 2,221 $ 6 Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 1,116 50 18 1,221 34 224 Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 3,253 2 37 1,085 — 54 Subtotal 8,212 2,341 58 7,327 2,255 284 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 3,584 235 4 2,040 325 34 Interest rate forwards Interest rate 3,332 — 128 4,032 — 370 Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 32,152 1,142 1,665 26,680 1,877 2,054 Subtotal 39,068 1,377 1,797 32,752 2,202 2,458 Foreign operations hedges: Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 332 2 5 1,394 47 5 Currency options Foreign currency exchange rate 9,408 44 163 8,878 148 45 Subtotal 9,740 46 168 10,272 195 50 Total qualifying hedges 57,020 3,764 2,023 50,351 4,652 2,792 Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments: Interest rate swaps Interest rate 60,485 2,203 576 53,349 4,089 1,641 Interest rate floors Interest rate 7,201 92 — 12,101 181 7 Interest rate caps Interest rate 53,079 78 2 78,358 112 2 Interest rate futures Interest rate 4,366 2 4 4,793 3 12 Interest rate options Interest rate 12,009 656 11 5,334 628 1 Interest rate forwards Interest rate 217 — 42 613 — 25 Interest rate total return swaps Interest rate 1,048 8 2 1,549 2 127 Synthetic GICs Interest rate 11,318 — — 5,566 — — Foreign currency swaps Foreign currency exchange rate 9,902 693 506 11,651 1,445 462 Foreign currency forwards Foreign currency exchange rate 12,238 79 190 15,422 117 977 Currency futures Foreign currency exchange rate 846 2 — 915 — — Currency options Foreign currency exchange rate 3,123 55 6 3,615 195 17 Credit default swaps — purchased Credit 2,020 7 43 2,001 14 40 Credit default swaps — written Credit 11,375 271 — 10,732 161 9 Equity futures Equity market 4,005 18 4 4,457 30 3 Equity index options Equity market 19,886 569 690 16,527 426 523 Equity variance swaps Equity market 4,661 54 199 8,263 83 240 Equity total return swaps Equity market 1,117 — 41 1,046 1 43 Total non-designated or nonqualifying derivatives 218,896 4,787 2,316 236,292 7,487 4,129 Total $ 275,916 $ 8,551 $ 4,339 $ 286,643 $ 12,139 $ 6,921
Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)	The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Freestanding derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1) $ (1,389 ) $ (509 ) $ 429 Embedded derivatives gains (losses) 799 (181 ) 200 Total net derivative gains (losses) $ (590 ) $ (690 ) $ 629 __________________ (1) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and nonqualifying hedging relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note.
Earned Income On Derivatives And Income Statement Location	The following table presents earned income on derivatives: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Qualifying hedges: Net investment income $ 299 $ 267 $ 206 Interest credited to policyholder account balances (64 ) (1 ) 27 Other expenses (10 ) (12 ) (6 ) Nonqualifying hedges: Net investment income — (1 ) (6 ) Net derivative gains (losses) 551 705 663 Policyholder benefits and claims 9 7 2 Total $ 785 $ 965 $ 886
Amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that are not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments	The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or not qualifying as hedging instruments: Net Net Policyholder (In millions) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Interest rate derivatives $ (549 ) $ 1 $ (1 ) Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives (742 ) — 5 Credit derivatives — purchased (24 ) — — Credit derivatives — written 145 — — Equity derivatives (1,046 ) (9 ) (252 ) Total $ (2,216 ) $ (8 ) $ (248 ) Year Ended December 31, 2016 Interest rate derivatives $ (990 ) $ — $ 46 Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 882 — (18 ) Credit derivatives — purchased (40 ) — — Credit derivatives — written 71 — — Equity derivatives (681 ) (16 ) (138 ) Total $ (758 ) $ (16 ) $ (110 ) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Interest rate derivatives $ (354 ) $ — $ — Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives 502 — — Credit derivatives — purchased 7 (3 ) — Credit derivatives — written (69 ) — — Equity derivatives (340 ) (10 ) — Total $ (254 ) $ (13 ) $ — __________________ (1) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures, derivatives held in relation to trading portfolios and derivatives held within contractholder-directed unit-linked investments. As of D ecember 31 , 2016, the Company no longer maintained a trading portfolio for derivatives. (2) Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits.
Net derivatives gains (losses) recognized on fair value derivatives and the related hedged items	The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table presents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses): Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships Hedged Items in Fair Value Hedging Relationships Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses) (In millions) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ 4 $ (4 ) $ — Policyholder liabilities (1) (69 ) 134 65 Foreign currency swaps: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities (27 ) 29 2 Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2) 65 (44 ) 21 Foreign currency forwards: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities 13 (11 ) 2 Total $ (14 ) $ 104 $ 90 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ 7 $ (9 ) $ (2 ) Policyholder liabilities (1) (108 ) 90 (18 ) Foreign currency swaps: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities 13 (12 ) 1 Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2) (95 ) 92 (3 ) Foreign currency forwards: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities 127 (119 ) 8 Total $ (56 ) $ 42 $ (14 ) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Interest rate swaps: Fixed maturity securities $ 4 $ (1 ) $ 3 Policyholder liabilities (1) (4 ) (6 ) (10 ) Foreign currency swaps: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities 15 (7 ) 8 Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2) (240 ) 232 (8 ) Foreign currency forwards: Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities (75 ) 68 (7 ) Total $ (300 ) $ 286 $ (14 ) __________________ (1) Fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits. (2) Fixed rate or floating rate liabilities.
Derivatives and Non-Derivative Hedging Instruments in Net Investment Hedging Relationships	The following table presents the effects of derivatives in net investment hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of equity: Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships (1), (2) Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Foreign currency forwards $ (155 ) $ (267 ) $ 255 Currency options (290 ) (35 ) (138 ) Total $ (445 ) $ (302 ) $ 117 __________________ (1) During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015, there were no sales or substantial liquidations of net investments in foreign operations that would have required the reclassification of gains or losses from AOCI into earnings. (2) There was no ineffectiveness recognized for the Company’s hedges of net investments in foreign operations. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Schedule of estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps	The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: December 31, 2017 2016 Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1) Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Weighted Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps Maximum Weighted (Dollars in millions) Aaa/Aa/A Single name credit default swaps (3) $ 7 $ 375 2.6 $ 6 $ 449 3.1 Credit default swaps referencing indices 44 2,268 2.7 34 2,335 3.6 Subtotal 51 2,643 2.7 40 2,784 3.5 Baa Single name credit default swaps (3) 7 605 1.8 5 751 2.5 Credit default swaps referencing indices 183 7,662 5.0 88 6,711 5.0 Subtotal 190 8,267 4.8 93 7,462 4.8 Ba Single name credit default swaps (3) 1 115 3.4 (2 ) 135 4.1 Credit default swaps referencing indices — — — — — — Subtotal 1 115 3.4 (2 ) 135 4.1 B Single name credit default swaps (3) 2 20 3.5 1 70 1.8 Credit default swaps referencing indices 27 330 5.0 20 281 5.0 Subtotal 29 350 4.9 21 351 4.3 Total $ 271 $ 11,375 4.3 $ 152 $ 10,732 4.4 __________________ (1) The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), S&P and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used. (2) The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts. (3) Single name credit default swaps may be referenced to the credit of corporations, foreign governments, or state and political subdivisions.
Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral	The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement (1) Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In millions) Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: OTC-bilateral (1) $ 7,955 $ 4,059 $ 9,976 $ 5,721 OTC-cleared (1), (6) 649 223 2,275 1,142 Exchange-traded 22 8 33 15 Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1) 8,626 4,290 12,284 6,878 Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets — — — — Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1), (6) 8,626 4,290 12,284 6,878 Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets: Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2) OTC-bilateral (2,528 ) (2,528 ) (3,787 ) (3,787 ) OTC-cleared (35 ) (35 ) (903 ) (903 ) Exchange-traded (1 ) (1 ) (5 ) (5 ) Cash collateral: (3), (4) OTC-bilateral (4,169 ) — (4,244 ) (84 ) OTC-cleared (584 ) (179 ) (1,335 ) (234 ) Exchange-traded — (5 ) — (9 ) Securities collateral: (5) OTC-bilateral (1,004 ) (1,474 ) (1,640 ) (1,818 ) OTC-cleared — (9 ) — — Exchange-traded — (2 ) — — Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral $ 305 $ 57 $ 370 $ 38 __________________ (1) At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , derivative assets included income or (expense) accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $75 million and $145 million , respectively, and derivative liabilities included (income) or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of ($49) million and ($43) million , respectively. (2) Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals. (3) Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet. (4) The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company received excess cash collateral of $253 million and $164 million , respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $272 million and $461 million , respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (5) Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at December 31, 2017 , none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $108 million and $82 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $305 million and $189 million , respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, $522 million and $544 million , respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and $89 million and $116 million , respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. (6) Effective January 3, 2017, the CME amended its rulebook, resulting in the characterization of variation margin transfers as settlement payments, as opposed to adjustments to collateral. See Note 1 for further information on the CME amendments.
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of equity. The table excludes the effects of Brighthouse derivatives prior to the Separation. Derivatives in Cash Flow Amount of Gains Amount and Location Amount and Location (Effective Portion) (Effective Portion) (Ineffective Portion) Net Derivative Net Investment Other Net Derivative (In millions) Year Ended December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps $ 78 $ 24 $ 16 $ — $ 18 Interest rate forwards 210 (11 ) 2 1 (2 ) Foreign currency swaps (335 ) 974 — 2 (4 ) Credit forwards — 1 — — — Total $ (47 ) $ 988 $ 18 $ 3 $ 12 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Interest rate swaps $ 50 $ 56 $ 12 $ — $ (1 ) Interest rate forwards (366 ) (1 ) 4 1 — Foreign currency swaps 589 (350 ) (2 ) 2 1 Credit forwards — 3 1 — — Total $ 273 $ (292 ) $ 15 $ 3 $ — Year Ended December 31, 2015 Interest rate swaps $ 76 $ 84 $ 11 $ — $ 2 Interest rate forwards (3 ) 4 3 2 — Foreign currency swaps (194 ) (720 ) (1 ) 1 9 Credit forwards — 1 — — — Total $ (121 ) $ (631 ) $ 13 $ 3 $ 11
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	OTC-bilateral derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are excluded from this table. December 31, 2017 2016 Derivatives Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions Derivatives Not Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions Total Derivatives Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions Derivatives Not Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions Total (In millions) Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in a Net Liability Position (1) $ 1,508 $ 24 $ 1,532 $ 1,909 $ 25 $ 1,934 Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided: Fixed maturity securities $ 1,675 $ 26 $ 1,701 $ 1,965 $ 31 $ 1,996 Cash $ — $ — $ — $ 91 $ — $ 91 Estimated Fair Value of Incremental Collateral Provided Upon: One-notch downgrade in the Company’s credit or financial strength rating, as applicable $ 15 $ — $ 15 $ 6 $ — $ 6 Downgrade in the Company’s credit or financial strength rating, as applicable, to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position $ 20 $ — $ 20 $ 9 $ — $ 9 __________________ (1) After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Net derivative gains (losses) (1) $ 799 $ (181 ) $ 200 __________________ (1) The valuation of guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were ($190) million , $156 million and $52 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table presents the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivatives that have been separated from their host contracts at: December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2017 2016 (In millions) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts: Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 144 $ 143 Options embedded in debt or equity securities Investments (132 ) (88 ) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts $ 12 $ 55 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts: Direct guaranteed minimum benefits Policyholder account balances $ 32 $ 361 Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits Policyholder account balances 291 523 Funds withheld on ceded reinsurance Other liabilities 25 (30 ) Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns Policyholder account balances 70 18 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts $ 418 $ 872

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Recurring Fair Value Measurements	The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below at: December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 78,171 $ 4,490 $ 82,661 Foreign government — 61,325 209 61,534 Foreign corporate — 48,840 6,729 55,569 U.S. government and agency 26,052 21,342 — 47,394 RMBS — 25,339 3,461 28,800 State and political subdivision — 12,455 — 12,455 ABS — 11,204 1,087 12,291 CMBS — 7,934 293 8,227 Total fixed maturity securities 26,052 266,610 16,269 308,931 Equity securities 1,104 981 428 2,513 FVO securities (1) 14,028 2,355 362 16,745 Short-term investments (2) 3,001 1,252 33 4,286 Residential mortgage loans — FVO — — 520 520 Other investments 81 84 — 165 Derivative assets: (3) Interest rate 2 5,553 8 5,563 Foreign currency exchange rate 2 1,954 113 2,069 Credit — 240 38 278 Equity market 18 548 75 641 Total derivative assets 22 8,295 234 8,551 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4) — — 144 144 Separate account assets (5) 89,916 114,124 961 205,001 Total assets $ 134,204 $ 393,701 $ 18,951 $ 546,856 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (3) Interest rate $ 4 $ 638 $ 130 $ 772 Foreign currency exchange rate — 2,553 37 2,590 Credit — 43 — 43 Equity market 4 731 199 934 Total derivative liabilities 8 3,965 366 4,339 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4) — — 418 418 Separate account liabilities (5) — 7 2 9 Total liabilities $ 8 $ 3,972 $ 786 $ 4,766 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: U.S. corporate $ — $ 72,811 $ 5,732 $ 78,543 Foreign government — 55,687 289 55,976 Foreign corporate — 44,858 5,805 50,663 U.S. government and agency 24,943 19,490 — 44,433 RMBS — 25,194 3,838 29,032 State and political subdivision — 12,221 10 12,231 ABS — 10,196 1,029 11,225 CMBS — 7,112 348 7,460 Total fixed maturity securities 24,943 247,569 17,051 289,563 Equity securities 1,334 1,092 468 2,894 FVO securities (1) 11,123 2,513 287 13,923 Short-term investments (2) 4,091 1,868 46 6,005 Residential mortgage loans — FVO — — 566 566 Other investments 86 71 — 157 Derivative assets: (3) Interest rate 3 7,556 2 7,561 Foreign currency exchange rate — 3,783 80 3,863 Credit — 145 30 175 Equity market 30 390 120 540 Total derivative assets 33 11,874 232 12,139 Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (4) — — 143 143 Separate account assets (5) 82,818 111,612 1,148 195,578 Total assets $ 124,428 $ 376,599 $ 19,941 $ 520,968 Liabilities Derivative liabilities: (3) Interest rate $ 12 $ 1,713 $ 500 $ 2,225 Foreign currency exchange rate — 3,784 54 3,838 Credit — 49 — 49 Equity market 3 566 240 809 Total derivative liabilities 15 6,112 794 6,921 Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (4) — — 872 872 Separate account liabilities (5) — 16 7 23 Total liabilities $ 15 $ 6,128 $ 1,673 $ 7,816 __________________ (1) FVO securities were comprised of over 85% FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 . (2) Short-term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented on the consolidated balance sheets because certain short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis. (3) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables. (4) Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , debt and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of ($132) million and ($88) million , respectively. (5) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets. Separate account liabilities presented in the tables above represent derivative liabilities.
Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information	The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Impact of Valuation Techniques Significant Unobservable Inputs Range Weighted Range Weighted Fixed maturity securities (3) U.S. corporate and foreign corporate • Matrix pricing • Offered quotes (4) 83 - 142 110 18 - 138 106 Increase • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 10 - 443 121 6 - 700 116 Increase • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 97 - 104 101 37 - 120 102 Increase RMBS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) — - 126 94 19 - 137 91 Increase (5) ABS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 5 - 117 100 5 - 106 99 Increase (5) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 100 - 103 100 96 - 102 100 Increase (5) Derivatives Interest rate • Present value techniques • Swap yield (6) 200 - 300 200 - 300 Increase (7) • Repurchase rates (8) (5) - 5 (44) - 18 Decrease (7) Foreign currency exchange rate • Present value techniques • Swap yield (6) (14) - 309 50 - 328 Increase (7) Credit • Present value techniques • Credit spreads (9) — - — 97 - 98 Decrease (7) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (10) Equity market • Present value techniques or option pricing models • Volatility (11) 11% - 31% 12% - 32% Increase (7) • Correlation (12) 10% - 30% 40% - 40% Embedded derivatives Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits • Option pricing techniques • Mortality rates: Ages 0 - 40 0% - 0.21% 0% - 0.21% Decrease (13) Ages 41 - 60 0.03% - 0.75% 0.01% - 0.78% Decrease (13) Ages 61 - 115 0.15% - 100% 0.04% - 100% Decrease (13) • Lapse rates: Durations 1 - 10 0.25% - 100% 0.25% - 100% Decrease (14) Durations 11 - 20 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (14) Durations 21 - 116 1.25% - 100% 1.25% - 100% Decrease (14) • Utilization rates 0% - 25% 0% - 25% Increase (15) • Withdrawal rates 0% - 20% 0% - 20% (16) • Long-term equity volatilities 8.25% - 33% 9.95% - 33% Increase (17) • Nonperformance risk spread 0.02% - 1.32% 0.04% - 1.70% Decrease (18) __________________ (1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities. (2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions. (3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. (4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par. (5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default are accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates. (6) Ranges represent the rates across different yield curves and are presented in basis points. The swap yield curves are utilized among different types of derivatives to project cash flows, as well as to discount future cash flows to present value. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across a yield curve to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. (7) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions. (8) Ranges represent different repurchase rates utilized as components within the valuation methodology and are presented in basis points. (9) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps. (10) At both December 31, 2017 and 2016 , independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of less than 1% of the total net derivative estimated fair value. (11) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. (12) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations. (13) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (14) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (15) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contractholders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (16) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value. (17) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (18) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
Fair Value Inputs, Quantitative Information	The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Impact of Valuation Techniques Significant Unobservable Inputs Range Weighted Range Weighted Fixed maturity securities (3) U.S. corporate and foreign corporate • Matrix pricing • Offered quotes (4) 83 - 142 110 18 - 138 106 Increase • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 10 - 443 121 6 - 700 116 Increase • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 97 - 104 101 37 - 120 102 Increase RMBS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) — - 126 94 19 - 137 91 Increase (5) ABS • Market pricing • Quoted prices (4) 5 - 117 100 5 - 106 99 Increase (5) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (4) 100 - 103 100 96 - 102 100 Increase (5) Derivatives Interest rate • Present value techniques • Swap yield (6) 200 - 300 200 - 300 Increase (7) • Repurchase rates (8) (5) - 5 (44) - 18 Decrease (7) Foreign currency exchange rate • Present value techniques • Swap yield (6) (14) - 309 50 - 328 Increase (7) Credit • Present value techniques • Credit spreads (9) — - — 97 - 98 Decrease (7) • Consensus pricing • Offered quotes (10) Equity market • Present value techniques or option pricing models • Volatility (11) 11% - 31% 12% - 32% Increase (7) • Correlation (12) 10% - 30% 40% - 40% Embedded derivatives Direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits • Option pricing techniques • Mortality rates: Ages 0 - 40 0% - 0.21% 0% - 0.21% Decrease (13) Ages 41 - 60 0.03% - 0.75% 0.01% - 0.78% Decrease (13) Ages 61 - 115 0.15% - 100% 0.04% - 100% Decrease (13) • Lapse rates: Durations 1 - 10 0.25% - 100% 0.25% - 100% Decrease (14) Durations 11 - 20 2% - 100% 2% - 100% Decrease (14) Durations 21 - 116 1.25% - 100% 1.25% - 100% Decrease (14) • Utilization rates 0% - 25% 0% - 25% Increase (15) • Withdrawal rates 0% - 20% 0% - 20% (16) • Long-term equity volatilities 8.25% - 33% 9.95% - 33% Increase (17) • Nonperformance risk spread 0.02% - 1.32% 0.04% - 1.70% Decrease (18) __________________ (1) The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities. (2) The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions; changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions. (3) Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations. (4) Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par. (5) Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default are accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates. (6) Ranges represent the rates across different yield curves and are presented in basis points. The swap yield curves are utilized among different types of derivatives to project cash flows, as well as to discount future cash flows to present value. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across a yield curve to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. (7) Changes in estimated fair value are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions. (8) Ranges represent different repurchase rates utilized as components within the valuation methodology and are presented in basis points. (9) Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps. (10) At both December 31, 2017 and 2016 , independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of less than 1% of the total net derivative estimated fair value. (11) Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. (12) Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations. (13) Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (14) Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (15) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contractholders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (16) The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value. (17) Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. (18) Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fixed Maturity Securities Corporate (1) Foreign Structured Securities State and Equity FVO (In millions) Balance, January 1, 2016 $ 10,311 $ 829 $ 5,121 $ 34 $ 334 $ 270 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3) 5 12 103 1 (24 ) 2 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 59 (42 ) 56 2 19 — Purchases (4) 2,754 44 2,221 — 23 99 Sales (4) (996 ) (45 ) (1,483 ) — (15 ) (35 ) Issuances (4) — — — — — — Settlements (4) — — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (5) 969 3 25 7 327 18 Transfers out of Level 3 (5) (1,565 ) (512 ) (828 ) (34 ) (196 ) (67 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 11,537 289 5,215 10 468 287 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3) 3 4 94 — — 22 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 708 — 133 — 19 — Purchases (4) 3,830 30 1,376 — 25 292 Sales (4) (1,763 ) (53 ) (1,598 ) — (51 ) (141 ) Issuances (4) — — — — — — Settlements (4) — — — — — — Transfers into Level 3 (5) 72 5 70 — 1 8 Transfers out of Level 3 (5) (3,168 ) (66 ) (449 ) (10 ) (34 ) (106 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 11,219 $ 209 $ 4,841 $ — $ 428 $ 362 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at December 31, 2015: (6) $ 13 $ 12 $ 103 $ — $ — $ (27 ) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at December 31, 2016: (6) $ 6 $ 12 $ 103 $ 1 $ (29 ) $ 3 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at December 31, 2017: (6) $ 1 $ 4 $ 84 $ — $ (17 ) $ 19 Gains (Losses) Data for the year ended December 31, 2015: Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3) $ 53 $ 13 $ 103 $ — $ 11 $ (30 ) Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI $ (637 ) $ (23 ) $ (77 ) $ 1 $ (54 ) $ — Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Short-term Investments Residential Mortgage Loans - FVO Net Derivatives (7) Net Embedded Derivatives (8) Separate Accounts (9) (In millions) Balance, January 1, 2016 $ 244 $ 314 $ (179 ) $ (178 ) $ 1,558 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3) 1 8 (31 ) (214 ) (2 ) Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI 4 — (367 ) (20 ) — Purchases (4) 50 297 28 — 375 Sales (4) (50 ) (11 ) — — (512 ) Issuances (4) — — — — 62 Settlements (4) — (42 ) (13 ) (317 ) (51 ) Transfers into Level 3 (5) — — — — 19 Transfers out of Level 3 (5) (203 ) — — — (308 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 46 566 (562 ) (729 ) 1,141 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3) — 40 87 823 (8 ) Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI — — 216 (46 ) — Purchases (4) 32 175 — — 187 Sales (4) (1 ) (179 ) — — (80 ) Issuances (4) — — (7 ) — 1 Settlements (4) — (82 ) 134 (322 ) (93 ) Transfers into Level 3 (5) — — — — 35 Transfers out of Level 3 (5) (44 ) — — — (224 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 33 $ 520 $ (132 ) $ (274 ) $ 959 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at December 31, 2015: (6) $ — $ 20 $ (170 ) $ 216 $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at December 31, 2016: (6) $ 1 $ 8 $ (56 ) $ (242 ) $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at December 31, 2017: (6) $ — $ 27 $ 53 $ 793 $ — Gains (Losses) Data for the year ended December 31, 2015: Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) (2) (3) $ 1 $ 20 $ (149 ) $ 155 $ 14 Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI $ (1 ) $ — $ (2 ) $ 1 $ — __________________ (1) Comprised of U.S. and foreign corporate securities. (2) Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses), while changes in estimated fair value of residential mortgage loans — FVO are included in net investment income. Lapses associated with net embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses). Substantially all realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivatives gains (losses). (3) Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward. (4) Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements. (5) Gains and losses in net income (loss) and OCI are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. (6) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods. Substantially all changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for net derivatives and net embedded derivatives are reported in net derivative gains (losses). (7) Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward. (8) Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward. (9) Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income (loss). For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses). Separate account assets and liabilities are presented net for the purposes of the rollforward.
Fair Value Option	The following table presents information for residential mortgage loans which are accounted for under the FVO and were initially measured at fair value. December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Unpaid principal balance $ 650 $ 794 Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance (130 ) (228 ) Carrying value at estimated fair value $ 520 $ 566 Loans in nonaccrual status $ 198 $ 214 Loans more than 90 days past due $ 94 $ 137 Loans in nonaccrual status or more than 90 days past due, or both — difference between aggregate estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance $ (102 ) $ (150 )
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements	The following table presents information for assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the periods and still held at the reporting dates (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The estimated fair values for these assets were determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). At December 31, Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Carrying Value After Measurement Gains (Losses) (In millions) Other limited partnership interests (1) $ 58 $ 96 $ 57 $ (65 ) $ (64 ) $ (31 ) Other assets (2) $ — $ — $ — $ 10 $ (30 ) $ — __________________ (1) For these cost method investments, estimated fair value is determined from information provided on the financial statements of the underlying entities including NAV data. These investments include private equity and debt funds that typically invest primarily in various strategies including domestic and international leveraged buyout funds; power, energy, timber and infrastructure development funds; venture capital funds; and below investment grade debt and mezzanine debt funds. Distributions will be generated from investment gains, from operating income from the underlying investments of the funds and from liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. The Company estimates that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated over the next two to 10 years . Unfunded commitments for these investments at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 were not significant. (2) As discussed in Note 3 , during the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized an impairment of computer software in connection with the U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value	The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at: December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value (In millions) Assets Mortgage loans $ 68,211 $ — $ — $ 69,797 $ 69,797 Policy loans $ 9,669 $ — $ 336 $ 11,176 $ 11,512 Other limited partnership interests $ 219 $ — $ — $ 216 $ 216 Other invested assets $ 443 $ — $ — $ 443 $ 443 Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 4,155 $ — $ 1,283 $ 3,056 $ 4,339 Other assets $ 285 $ — $ 189 $ 139 $ 328 Liabilities Policyholder account balances $ 114,355 $ — $ — $ 116,534 $ 116,534 Long-term debt $ 15,675 $ — $ 17,773 $ — $ 17,773 Collateral financing arrangement $ 1,121 $ — $ — $ 894 $ 894 Junior subordinated debt securities $ 3,144 $ — $ 4,319 $ — $ 4,319 Other liabilities $ 3,208 $ — $ 1,496 $ 2,345 $ 3,841 Separate account liabilities $ 124,011 $ — $ 124,011 $ — $ 124,011 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Estimated Fair Value (In millions) Assets Mortgage loans $ 64,601 $ — $ — $ 65,742 $ 65,742 Policy loans $ 9,511 $ — $ 335 $ 10,921 $ 11,256 Other limited partnership interests $ 340 $ — $ — $ 371 $ 371 Other invested assets $ 497 $ 145 $ — $ 352 $ 497 Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables $ 4,088 $ — $ 1,152 $ 3,127 $ 4,279 Other assets $ 237 $ — $ 198 $ 71 $ 269 Liabilities Policyholder account balances $ 108,255 $ — $ — $ 110,359 $ 110,359 Long-term debt $ 16,422 $ — $ 17,972 $ — $ 17,972 Collateral financing arrangement $ 1,274 $ — $ — $ 978 $ 978 Junior subordinated debt securities $ 3,169 $ — $ 3,982 $ — $ 3,982 Other liabilities $ 1,767 $ — $ 1,493 $ 275 $ 1,768 Separate account liabilities $ 118,385 $ — $ 118,385 $ — $ 118,385

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill Rollforward and by Segment	Information regarding goodwill by segment, as well as Corporate & Other, was as follows: U.S. Asia (1) Latin America EMEA MetLife Holdings Corporate & Other Total (In millions) Balance at January 1, 2015 Goodwill $ 1,451 $ 4,615 $ 1,385 $ 1,232 $ 1,567 $ 42 $ 10,292 Accumulated impairment (2) — — — — (680 ) — (680 ) Total goodwill, net 1,451 4,615 1,385 1,232 887 42 9,612 Effect of foreign currency translation and other — (107 ) (199 ) (89 ) — — (395 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 Goodwill 1,451 4,508 1,186 1,143 1,567 42 9,897 Accumulated impairment — — — — (680 ) — (680 ) Total goodwill, net 1,451 4,508 1,186 1,143 887 42 9,217 Dispositions (3) — — — — — (42 ) (42 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other — 88 40 (83 ) — — 45 Balance at December 31, 2016 Goodwill 1,451 4,596 1,226 1,060 1,567 — 9,900 Accumulated impairment — — — — (680 ) — (680 ) Total goodwill, net 1,451 4,596 1,226 1,060 887 — 9,220 Acquisition — — — — — 103 103 Dispositions (4) — — (16 ) — — — (16 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other — 77 96 110 — — 283 Balance at December 31, 2017 Goodwill 1,451 4,673 1,306 1,170 1,567 103 10,270 Accumulated impairment — — — — (680 ) — (680 ) Total goodwill, net $ 1,451 $ 4,673 $ 1,306 $ 1,170 $ 887 $ 103 $ 9,590 __________________ (1) Includes goodwill of $4.5 billion , $4.4 billion and $4.3 billion from the Japan operations at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (2) The $680 million accumulated impairment in the MetLife Holdings segment relates to the retail annuities business impaired in 2012 that was not part of the separation of Brighthouse. See Note 3 . (3) In connection with the U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture, goodwill in Corporate & Other was reduced by $42 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. See Note 3 . (4) In connection with the disposition of Mexico Afore, goodwill was reduced by $16 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. See Note 3 .

Long-term and Short-term Debt (

Long-term and Short-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term and Short-term debt outstanding	Long-term and short-term debt outstanding, excluding debt relating to CSEs, was as follows: December 31, Interest Rates (1) 2017 2016 Range Weighted Maturity Face Value Unamortized Discount and Issuance Costs Carrying Value Face Value Unamortized Discount and Issuance Costs Carrying Value (In millions) Senior notes 3.00 % - 7.72% 4.84% 2018 - 2046 $ 14,685 $ (86 ) $ 14,599 $ 15,597 $ (92 ) $ 15,505 Surplus notes 7.63 % - 7.88% 7.79% 2024 - 2025 507 (5 ) 502 507 (6 ) 501 Other notes (2) 2.20 % - 7.29% 4.56% 2018 - 2058 578 $ (4 ) 574 420 (5 ) 415 Capital lease obligations 5 — 5 8 — 8 Total long-term debt 15,775 (95 ) 15,680 16,532 (103 ) 16,429 Total short-term debt 477 — 477 242 — 242 Total $ 16,252 $ (95 ) $ 16,157 $ 16,774 $ (103 ) $ 16,671 __________________ (1) Range of interest rates and weighted average interest rates are for the year ended December 31, 2017 . (2) During 2017, an affiliate issued $139 million of long-term debt to a third party.
Schedule of Short-term Debt	Short-term debt with maturities of one year or less was as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (Dollars in millions) Commercial paper $ 100 $ 100 Short-term borrowings (1) 377 142 Total short-term debt $ 477 $ 242 Average daily balance $ 280 $ 135 Average days outstanding 27 days 21 days __________________ (1) Includes $374 million and $133 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, of short-term debt related to repurchase agreements, secured by assets of subsidiaries.
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities	Information on the Credit Facility at December 31, 2017 was as follows: Borrower(s) Expiration Maximum Letters of Drawdowns Unused (In millions) MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc. December 2021 (1) $ 3,000 (1) $ 130 $ — $ 2,870 __________________ (1) All borrowings under the Credit Facility must be repaid by December 20, 2021 , except that letters of credit outstanding upon termination may remain outstanding until December 20, 2022.
Committed Facilities	Information on the Committed Facilities at December 31, 2017 was as follows: Account Party/Borrower(s) Expiration Maximum Capacity Letters of Drawdowns Unused (In millions) MetLife, Inc. June 2018 (1) $ 395 $ 395 $ — $ — MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont and MetLife, Inc. December 2024 (2), (3) 400 380 — 20 MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont and MetLife, Inc. December 2037 (2), (4) 2,896 2,354 — 542 Total $ 3,691 $ 3,129 $ — $ 562 __________________ (1) Capacity decreases in March 2018 and June 2018 to $200 million and $0 , respectively. (2) MetLife, Inc. is a guarantor under the applicable facility. (3) Capacity decreases in June 2022, December 2022, June 2023, December 2023 and December 2024 to $380 million , $360 million , $310 million , $260 million and $0 , respectively. (4) Capacity at December 31, 2017 of $2.6 billion increases periodically to a maximum of $2.9 billion in 2024, decreases periodically commencing in 2025 to $2.0 billion in 2037, and decreases to $0 at expiration in December 2037. Unused commitment of $542 million is based on maximum capacity. As of December 31, 2017, Brighthouse is a beneficiary of $2.4 billion of letters of credit issued under this committed facility. See Note 3 .

Collateral Financing Arrangem48

Collateral Financing Arrangements Collateral Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Secured Debt [Abstract]
CFA Associated with Closed Block	Information related to the collateral financing arrangement associated with the closed block (see Note 7 ) was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Surplus notes outstanding (1) $ 1,121 $ 1,274 Receivable from unaffiliated financial institution (1) $ 146 $ 166 Pledged collateral (2) $ 97 $ 160 Assets held in trust (2) $ 1,248 $ 1,211 __________________ (1) Carrying value. (2) Estimated fair value.

Junior Subordinated Debt Secu49

Junior Subordinated Debt Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Junior Subordinated Notes [Abstract]
Outstanding Junior Subordinated Debt Securities	Outstanding junior subordinated debt securities and exchangeable surplus trust securities which are exchangeable for junior subordinated debt securities prior to redemption or repayment, were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Issuer Issue Date Interest Rate (1) Scheduled Redemption Date Interest Rate Subsequent to Scheduled Redemption Date (2) Final Maturity Face Value Unamortized Discount and Issuance Costs Carrying Value Face Unamortized Carrying Value (In millions) MetLife, Inc. December 2006 6.400% December 2036 LIBOR + 2.205% December 2066 $ 1,250 $ (21 ) $ 1,229 $ 1,250 $ (11 ) $ 1,239 MetLife Capital Trust IV (3) December 2007 7.875% December 2037 LIBOR + 3.960% December 2067 700 (17 ) 683 700 (10 ) 690 MetLife, Inc. (4) April 2008 9.250% April 2038 LIBOR + 5.540% April 2068 750 (11 ) 739 750 (6 ) 744 MetLife, Inc. July 2009 10.750% August 2039 LIBOR + 7.548% August 2069 500 (7 ) 493 500 (4 ) 496 $ 3,200 $ (56 ) $ 3,144 $ 3,200 $ (31 ) $ 3,169 _________________ (1) Prior to the scheduled redemption date, interest is payable semiannually in arrears. (2) In the event the securities are not redeemed on or before the scheduled redemption date, interest will accrue after such date at an annual rate of three-month LIBOR plus the indicated margin, payable quarterly in arrears. (3) MetLife Capital Trust IV is a VIE which is consolidated on the financial statements of the Company. The securities issued by this entity are exchangeable surplus trust securities, which are exchangeable for a like amount of MetLife, Inc.’s junior subordinated debt securities on the scheduled redemption date, mandatorily under certain circumstances, and at any time upon MetLife, Inc. exercising its option to redeem the securities. (4) On February 10, 2017, in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. exchanged $750 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.250% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2068 for $750 million aggregate liquidation preference of the 9.250% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Exchangeable Surplus Trust Securities of MetLife Capital Trust X (the “Trust”). As a result of the exchange, MetLife, Inc. became the sole beneficial owner of the Trust, a special purpose entity which issued the exchangeable surplus trust securities to third-party investors. On March 23, 2017, MetLife, Inc. dissolved the Trust.

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	Preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding was as follows at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 : Series Shares Shares Shares Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A 27,600,000 24,000,000 24,000,000 5.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock 10,000,000 — — Not designated 160,900,000 — — Total 200,000,000 25,500,000 25,500,000
Schedule of Dividends Paid, Preferred Stock	The declaration, record and payment dates, as well as per share and aggregate dividend amounts, for the Series A, Series B and Series C preferred stock was as follows: Dividend Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Series A Per Share Series A Aggregate Series B Per Share Series B Aggregate Series C Per Share Series C Aggregate (In millions, except per share data) November 15, 2017 November 30, 2017 December 15, 2017 $ 0.253 $ 6 $ — $ — $ 26.250 $ 39 August 15, 2017 August 31, 2017 September 15, 2017 $ 0.256 6 $ — — $ — — May 15, 2017 May 31, 2017 June 15, 2017 $ 0.256 7 $ — — $ 26.250 39 March 6, 2017 February 28, 2017 March 15, 2017 $ 0.250 6 $ — — $ — — $ 25 $ — $ 78 November 15, 2016 November 30, 2016 December 15, 2016 $ 0.253 $ 6 $ — $ — $ 26.250 $ 39 August 15, 2016 August 31, 2016 September 15, 2016 $ 0.256 6 $ — — $ — — May 16, 2016 May 31, 2016 June 15, 2016 $ 0.256 7 $ — — $ 26.250 39 March 7, 2016 February 29, 2016 March 15, 2016 $ 0.253 6 $ — — $ — — $ 25 $ — $ 78 November 16, 2015 November 30, 2015 December 15, 2015 $ 0.253 $ 6 $ — $ — $ 28.292 $ 43 August 17, 2015 August 31, 2015 September 15, 2015 $ 0.256 6 $ — — $ — — May 15, 2015 May 31, 2015 June 15, 2015 $ 0.256 7 $ 0.406 24 $ — — March 5, 2015 February 28, 2015 March 16, 2015 $ 0.250 6 $ 0.406 24 $ — — $ 25 $ 48 $ 43
Schedule of Dividends Paid, Common Stock	The declaration, record and payment dates, as well as per share and aggregate dividend amounts, for common stock was as follows: Dividend Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share Aggregate (In millions, except per share data) October 24, 2017 November 6, 2017 December 13, 2017 $ 0.400 $ 422 July 7, 2017 August 7, 2017 September 13, 2017 $ 0.400 427 April 25, 2017 May 8, 2017 June 13, 2017 $ 0.400 431 January 6, 2017 February 6, 2017 March 13, 2017 $ 0.400 437 $ 1,717 October 25, 2016 November 7, 2016 December 13, 2016 $ 0.400 $ 441 July 7, 2016 August 8, 2016 September 13, 2016 $ 0.400 441 April 26, 2016 May 9, 2016 June 13, 2016 $ 0.400 441 January 6, 2016 February 5, 2016 March 14, 2016 $ 0.375 413 $ 1,736 October 27, 2015 November 6, 2015 December 11, 2015 $ 0.375 $ 419 July 7, 2015 August 7, 2015 September 11, 2015 $ 0.375 420 April 28, 2015 May 11, 2015 June 12, 2015 $ 0.375 420 January 6, 2015 February 6, 2015 March 13, 2015 $ 0.350 394 $ 1,653
Components of compensation expense related to stock based compensation	The components of compensation expense related to stock-based compensation includes compensation expense related to Phantom Stock-Based Awards, and excludes the insignificant compensation expense related to the 2015 Director Stock Plan. Those components were: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Stock Options and Unit Options $ 8 $ 9 $ 12 Performance Shares and Performance Units (1) 62 75 59 Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Units 58 63 66 Total compensation expense $ 128 $ 147 $ 137 Income tax benefit $ 45 $ 51 $ 48 __________________ (1) Performance Shares expected to vest and the related compensation expenses may be further adjusted by the performance factor most likely to be achieved, as estimated by management, at the end of the performance period.
Total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock based compensation and the expected weighted average period over which the expenses will be recognized	The following table presents the total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based compensation and the expected weighted average period over which these expenses will be recognized at: December 31, 2017 Expense Weighted Average Period (In millions) (Years) Stock Options $ 4 1.77 Performance Shares $ 30 1.59 Restricted Stock Units $ 40 1.84
Activity related to Stock Options	The following table presents a summary of Stock Option exercise activity: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 59 $ 42 $ 44 Cash received from exercise of stock options $ 116 $ 84 $ 121 Income tax benefit realized from stock options exercised $ 20 $ 15 $ 15 A summary of the activity related to Stock Options was as follows: Shares Under Option Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (Years) (In millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2017 19,482,388 $ 44.73 3.68 $ 218 Granted (2) 709,085 $ 46.85 Exercised (2) (3,475,198 ) $ 33.36 Expired (2) (2,913,457 ) $ 56.06 Forfeited (2) (115,670 ) $ 40.06 Other Separation adjustment (2) 2,322,606 $ 38.40 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 16,009,754 $ 38.77 3.54 $ 198 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2017 15,991,119 $ 38.76 3.13 $ 238 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 14,487,455 $ 38.46 3.02 $ 185 __________________ (1) The intrinsic value of each Stock Option is the closing price on a particular date less the exercise price of the Stock Option, so long as the difference is greater than zero. The aggregate intrinsic value of all outstanding Stock Options is computed using the closing Share price on December 31, 2017 of $50.56 and December 31, 2016 of $48.02 , as applicable. (2) For Stock Options outstanding as of August 4, 2017, MetLife, Inc. increased the number of Stock Options by an adjustment ratio, and lowered their exercise price by dividing it by the same adjustment ratio, to maintain the intrinsic value of the award pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2015 Stock Plan and the 2005 Stock Plan as a result of the Separation. MetLife, Inc. determined the adjustment ratio by dividing the $53.92 closing price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 4, 2017 by the $48.17 opening price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 7, 2017, the next trading day. Each of “Granted,” “Exercised,” “Expired,” and “Forfeited” reflects the impact of this adjustment, as applicable, regardless of the date of the transaction during 2017. “Other Separation adjustment” reflects the remaining adjustment to produce the Stock Options outstanding at December 31, 2017.
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the fair value of Stock Options issued	The following table presents the weighted average assumptions, with the exception of risk-free rate, which is expressed as a range, that the model uses to determine the fair value of unexercised Stock Options that MetLife, Inc. has granted: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield 3.05% 3.90% 2.72% Risk-free rate of return 0.94% - 3.22% 0.62% - 2.85% 0.20% - 3.04% Expected volatility 34.19% 33.58% 32.56% Exercise multiple 1.43 1.43 1.44 Post-vesting termination rate 2.94% 2.58% 2.73% Contractual term (years) 10 10 10 Expected life (years) 6 7 7 Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted $46.85 $34.33 $45.91 Weighted average fair value of stock options granted $12.36 $8.27 $11.87
Performance Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The following table presents a summary of Performance Share and Restricted Stock Unit activity: Performance Shares Restricted Stock Units Shares Weighted Units Weighted Outstanding at January 1, 2017 3,817,100 $ 49.88 3,422,013 $ 39.08 Granted (2) 1,225,333 $ 45.60 1,445,238 $ 42.45 Forfeited (2) (270,292 ) $ 42.94 (251,216 ) $ 35.64 Payable (2) (3) (1,192,734 ) $ 44.84 (1,720,168 ) $ 36.81 Other Separation adjustment (2) 454,353 $ 42.34 408,510 $ 37.07 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 4,033,760 $ 46.02 3,304,377 $ 37.17 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2017 3,971,002 $ 46.02 3,246,476 $ 37.14 __________________ (1) Values for shares outstanding at January 1, 2017, represent weighted average number of shares multiplied by the fair value per share at December 31, 2016. Otherwise, all values represent weighted average of number of shares multiplied by the fair value per share at December 31, 2017 . Fair value per share of Restricted Stock Units on December 31, 2017 was equal to Grant Date fair value per share. (2) For Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Units, and Deferred Shares outstanding as of August 4, 2017, MetLife, Inc. increased the number of units by an adjustment ratio to maintain the intrinsic value of the award or Deferred Shares pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2015 Stock Plan and the 2005 Stock Plan as a result of the Separation. MetLife, Inc. determined the adjustment ratio by dividing the $53.92 closing price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 4, 2017 by the $48.17 opening price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 7, 2017, the next trading day. Each of “Granted,” “Forfeited,” and “Payable” reflects the impact of this adjustment, as applicable, regardless of the date of the transaction during 2017. “Other Separation adjustment” reflects the remaining adjustment to produce the Performance Shares and Restricted Stock Units outstanding at December 31, 2017. (3) Includes both Shares paid and Deferred Shares for later payment.
Liability Award Unit Activity	The following table presents a summary of Liability Awards activity: Unit Options Performance Restricted Outstanding at January 1, 2017 855,897 615,356 763,723 Granted (1) 24,175 238,487 375,414 Exercised (1) (200,687 ) — — Forfeited (1) (100,439 ) (53,499 ) (82,940 ) Paid (1) — (185,178 ) (368,049 ) Other Separation adjustment (1) 102,066 73,063 90,928 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 681,012 688,229 779,076 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2017 612,911 619,406 701,168 __________________ (1) For Unit Options, Performance Units, and Restricted Units outstanding as of August 4, 2017, MetLife, Inc. increased the number of units, and for Units Options lowered the exercise price by an adjustment ratio to maintain the intrinsic value of the award pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2015 Stock Plan and the 2005 Stock Plan as a result of the Separation. MetLife, Inc. determined the adjustment ratio by dividing the $53.92 closing price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 4, 2017 by the $48.17 opening price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on August 7, 2017, the next trading day. Each of “Granted,” “Exercised,” “Forfeited,” and “Paid” reflects the impact of this adjustment, as applicable, regardless of the date of the transaction during 2017. “Other Separation adjustment” reflects the remaining adjustment to produce the Unit Options, Performance Units, and Restricted Units outstanding at December 31, 2017.
Schedules of statutory net income, capital and surplus and reserve strengthening by subsidiary	Statutory net income (loss) was as follows: Years Ended December 31, Company State of Domicile 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (1) New York $ 1,982 $ 3,444 $ 3,703 American Life Insurance Company Delaware $ 3,077 $ 341 $ 335 Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (2) Delaware N/A $ 1,186 $ (1,022 ) Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company Rhode Island $ 197 $ 171 $ 204 Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company Delaware $ 74 $ 8 $ (42 ) New England Life Insurance Company (2) Massachusetts N/A $ 109 $ 157 General American Life Insurance Company Missouri $ 90 $ (2 ) $ 204 Other (3) Various $ 11 $ (70 ) $ 20 __________________ (1) In December 2016, MLIC transferred all of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of each of New England Life Insurance Company (“NELICO”) and General American Life Insurance Company (“GALIC”) to MetLife, Inc., in the form of a non-cash extraordinary dividend. (2) Effective April 28, 2017 in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. contributed all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of each of Brighthouse Insurance and NELICO to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC. As a result of the Separation, Brighthouse Insurance and NELICO ceased to be subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. (3) Effective April 28, 2017 in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. contributed all of the issued and outstanding shares of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (“Brighthouse NY”) to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC. As a result of the Separation, Brighthouse NY ceased to be a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, statutory net income (loss) of Brighthouse NY was ($87) million and $17 million , respectively. Statutory capital and surplus was as follows at: December 31, Company 2017 2016 (In millions) Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (1) $ 10,384 $ 11,195 American Life Insurance Company $ 6,548 $ 5,895 Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (2) N/A $ 4,374 Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company $ 2,266 $ 2,271 Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company $ 733 $ 669 New England Life Insurance Company (2) N/A $ 455 General American Life Insurance Company $ 988 $ 923 Other (3) $ 100 $ 303 __________________ (1) In December 2016, MLIC transferred all of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of each of NELICO and GALIC to MetLife, Inc. in the form of a non-cash extraordinary dividend. (2) Effective April 28, 2017 in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. contributed all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of each of Brighthouse Insurance and NELICO to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC. As a result of the Separation, Brighthouse Insurance and NELICO ceased to be subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. (3) Effective April 28, 2017 in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. contributed all of the issued and outstanding shares of Brighthouse NY to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC. As a result of the Separation, Brighthouse NY ceased to be a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. At December 31, 2016, Brighthouse NY statutory capital and surplus was $196 million .
Dividend Payment Restrictions	The table below sets forth the dividends permitted to be paid by MetLife, Inc.’s primary insurance subsidiaries without insurance regulatory approval and dividends paid: 2018 2017 2016 Company Permitted Without Paid (2) Paid (2) (In millions) Metropolitan Life Insurance Company $ 3,075 $ 2,523 $ 5,740 (3 ) American Life Insurance Company $ — $ 2,200 (4) $ — Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (5) N/A $ — $ 261 Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company $ 125 $ 185 $ 228 Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company $ 73 $ — $ 60 New England Life Insurance Company (5) N/A $ — $ 295 (6 ) General American Life Insurance Company $ 118 $ 1 $ — __________________ (1) Reflects dividend amounts that may be paid during 2018 without prior regulatory approval. However, because dividend tests may be based on dividends previously paid over rolling 12-month periods, if paid before a specified date during 2018, some or all of such dividends may require regulatory approval. (2) Reflects all amounts paid, including those requiring regulatory approval. (3) In 2016, MLIC paid an ordinary cash dividend to MetLife, Inc. in the amount of $3.6 billion . In addition, in December 2016, MLIC distributed all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of each of NELICO and GALIC to MetLife, Inc. in the form of a non-cash extraordinary dividend in the amount of $981 million and $1.2 billion , respectively, as calculated on a statutory basis. (4) Represents an extraordinary dividend. (5) Effective April 28, 2017 in connection with the Separation, MetLife, Inc. contributed all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of each of Brighthouse Insurance and NELICO to Brighthouse Holdings, LLC. As a result of the Separation, Brighthouse Insurance and NELICO ceased to be subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc. See Note 3 for other Brighthouse dividend transactions prior to the Separation. (6) Represents an extraordinary dividend paid by NELICO in 2016 to MetLife, Inc.
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI attributable to MetLife, Inc., was as follows: Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets (1) Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Total (In millions) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 15,224 $ 1,076 $ (3,303 ) $ (2,283 ) $ 10,714 OCI before reclassifications (7,224 ) (19 ) (1,646 ) 125 (8,764 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 2,456 6 (1 ) (43 ) 2,418 AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 10,456 1,063 (4,950 ) (2,201 ) 4,368 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (223 ) 608 — 229 614 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 78 (213 ) — (80 ) (215 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (145 ) 395 — 149 399 Balance at December 31, 2015 10,311 1,458 (4,950 ) (2,052 ) 4,767 OCI before reclassifications 800 344 (476 ) (62 ) 606 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (338 ) (100 ) 114 24 (300 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 10,773 1,702 (5,312 ) (2,090 ) 5,073 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 21 229 — 193 443 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (9 ) (66 ) — (75 ) (150 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax 12 163 — 118 293 Balance at December 31, 2016 10,785 1,865 (5,312 ) (1,972 ) 5,366 OCI before reclassifications 5,392 (140 ) 765 (23 ) 5,994 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (1,732 ) 47 125 8 (1,552 ) AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax 14,445 1,772 (4,422 ) (1,987 ) 9,808 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (289 ) (1,025 ) — 167 (1,147 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 87 356 — (43 ) 400 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax (202 ) (669 ) — 124 (747 ) Disposal of subsidiary (2) (2,286 ) (305 ) 51 28 (2,512 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 800 107 (19 ) (10 ) 878 Disposal of subsidiary, net of income tax (1,486 ) (198 ) 32 18 (1,634 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 12,757 $ 905 $ (4,390 ) $ (1,845 ) $ 7,427 __________________ (1) See Note 8 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI, and the policyholder dividend obligation. (2) See Note 3.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows: AOCI Components Amounts Reclassified from AOCI Consolidated Statements of Operations Locations Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Net unrealized investment gains (losses): Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 404 $ 78 $ 263 Net investment gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) 20 39 35 Net investment income Net unrealized investment gains (losses) (49 ) (37 ) 56 Net derivative gains (losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) (86 ) (101 ) (131 ) Discontinued operations Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax 289 (21 ) 223 Income tax (expense) benefit (87 ) 9 (78 ) Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax 202 (12 ) 145 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps 24 56 84 Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate swaps 16 12 11 Net investment income Interest rate swaps 2 36 2 Discontinued operations Interest rate forwards (11 ) (1 ) 4 Net derivative gains (losses) Interest rate forwards 2 4 3 Net investment income Interest rate forwards 1 1 2 Other expenses Interest rate forwards 3 4 4 Discontinued operations Foreign currency swaps 974 (350 ) (720 ) Net derivative gains (losses) Foreign currency swaps — (2 ) (1 ) Net investment income Foreign currency swaps 2 2 1 Other expenses Foreign currency swaps 11 5 — Discontinued operations Credit forwards 1 3 1 Net derivative gains (losses) Credit forwards — 1 — Net investment income Credit forwards — — 1 Discontinued operations Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax 1,025 (229 ) (608 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (356 ) 66 213 Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax 669 (163 ) (395 ) Defined benefit plans adjustment: (1) Amortization of net actuarial gains (losses) (190 ) (199 ) (231 ) Amortization of prior service (costs) credit 23 6 6 Discontinued operations — — (4 ) Amortization of defined benefit plan items, before income tax (167 ) (193 ) (229 ) Income tax (expense) benefit 43 75 80 Amortization of defined benefit plan items, net of income tax (124 ) (118 ) (149 ) Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ 747 $ (293 ) $ (399 ) __________________ (1) These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs. See Note 17 .

Other Expenses (Tables)

Other Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses	Information on other expenses was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Employee and related costs $ 3,595 $ 3,840 $ 3,950 Professional services 1,693 1,619 1,568 General and administrative expenses 1,129 1,007 1,417 Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit costs 307 400 367 Premium taxes, other taxes, and licenses & fees 842 688 691 Commissions and other variable expenses 5,387 5,741 6,112 Capitalization of DAC (3,002 ) (3,152 ) (3,319 ) Amortization of DAC and VOBA 2,681 2,718 3,184 Amortization of negative VOBA (140 ) (269 ) (361 ) Interest expense on debt 1,129 1,157 1,168 Total other expenses $ 13,621 $ 13,749 $ 14,777 Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, which has been revised to align the expense categories with the Company’s businesses. The reclassifications did not result in a change to total other expenses. See Note 3 for further information on Separation-related transaction costs. Capitalization of DAC and Amortization of DAC and VOBA See Note 5 for additional information on DAC and VOBA including impacts of capitalization and amortization. See also Note 7 for a description of the DAC amortization impact associated with the closed block. Interest Expense on Debt See Notes 12 , 13 , and 14 for attribution of interest expense by debt issuance. Interest expense on debt includes interest expense related to CSEs. See Note 8 . Income Tax See Note 18 for information on the charge related to income tax for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Restructuring charges	In 2016, the Company completed a previous enterprise-wide strategic initiative. These restructuring charges were included in other expenses. As the expenses related to an enterprise-wide initiative, they were reported in Corporate & Other. Information regarding such restructuring charges was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Severance Lease and Asset Impairment Total Severance Lease and Asset Impairment Total (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 18 $ 4 $ 22 $ 31 $ 6 $ 37 Restructuring charges — 1 1 60 4 64 Cash payments (17 ) (4 ) (21 ) (73 ) (6 ) (79 ) Balance at December 31, $ 1 $ 1 $ 2 $ 18 $ 4 $ 22 Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of initiative $ 383 $ 47 $ 430 $ 383 $ 46 $ 429 The Company commenced in 2016 a unit cost improvement program related to the Company’s refreshed enterprise strategy. This global strategy focuses on transforming the Company to become more digital, driving efficiencies and innovation to achieve competitive advantage, and simplified, decreasing the costs and risks associated with the Company’s highly complex industry to customers and shareholders. Restructuring charges related to this program are included in other expenses. As the expenses relate to an enterprise-wide initiative, they are reported in Corporate & Other. Such restructuring charges were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Severance (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 35 $ — Restructuring charges 38 35 Cash payments (51 ) — Balance at December 31, $ 22 $ 35 Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of initiative $ 73 $ 35 Management anticipates further restructuring charges through the year ending December 31, 2019. However, such restructuring plans were not sufficiently developed to enable management to make an estimate of such restructuring charges at December 31, 2017 .

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Plan Obligations, Assets, Funded Status, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Benefit Obligation	December 31, 2017 2016 Pension Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Other Postretirement Benefits (In millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligations at January 1, $ 10,741 $ 1,759 $ 10,293 $ 1,892 Service costs 238 6 272 9 Interest costs 429 76 423 82 Plan participants’ contributions — 33 — 30 Net actuarial (gains) losses 595 (95 ) 362 (115 ) Acquisition, divestitures, settlements and curtailments (27 ) — (37 ) 18 Change in benefits — — (11 ) (43 ) Benefits paid (600 ) (107 ) (582 ) (111 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 33 2 21 (3 ) Benefit obligations at December 31, 11,409 1,674 10,741 1,759 Change in plan assets: Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1, 9,009 1,386 8,603 1,382 Actual return on plan assets 968 125 618 75 Acquisition, divestitures and settlements (30 ) (1 ) (7 ) (1 ) Plan participants’ contributions — 33 — 30 Employer contributions 329 (2 ) 374 13 Benefits paid (600 ) (107 ) (582 ) (111 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 12 — 3 (2 ) Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31, 9,688 1,434 9,009 1,386 Over (under) funded status at December 31, $ (1,721 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (373 ) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets: Other assets $ 59 $ 160 $ 3 $ 1 Other liabilities (1,780 ) (400 ) (1,735 ) (374 ) Net amount recognized $ (1,721 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (373 ) AOCI: Net actuarial (gains) losses $ 2,917 $ (55 ) $ 2,993 $ 89 Prior service costs (credit) (11 ) (27 ) (11 ) (49 ) AOCI, before income tax $ 2,906 $ (82 ) $ 2,982 $ 40 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,996 N/A $ 10,340 N/A __________________ (1) Includes nonqualified unfunded plans, for which the aggregate PBO was $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Benefit Plan Obligations, Assets, Funded Status, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Benefit Obligation	December 31, 2017 2016 Pension Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Other Postretirement Benefits (In millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligations at January 1, $ 10,741 $ 1,759 $ 10,293 $ 1,892 Service costs 238 6 272 9 Interest costs 429 76 423 82 Plan participants’ contributions — 33 — 30 Net actuarial (gains) losses 595 (95 ) 362 (115 ) Acquisition, divestitures, settlements and curtailments (27 ) — (37 ) 18 Change in benefits — — (11 ) (43 ) Benefits paid (600 ) (107 ) (582 ) (111 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 33 2 21 (3 ) Benefit obligations at December 31, 11,409 1,674 10,741 1,759 Change in plan assets: Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1, 9,009 1,386 8,603 1,382 Actual return on plan assets 968 125 618 75 Acquisition, divestitures and settlements (30 ) (1 ) (7 ) (1 ) Plan participants’ contributions — 33 — 30 Employer contributions 329 (2 ) 374 13 Benefits paid (600 ) (107 ) (582 ) (111 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 12 — 3 (2 ) Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31, 9,688 1,434 9,009 1,386 Over (under) funded status at December 31, $ (1,721 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (373 ) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets: Other assets $ 59 $ 160 $ 3 $ 1 Other liabilities (1,780 ) (400 ) (1,735 ) (374 ) Net amount recognized $ (1,721 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (373 ) AOCI: Net actuarial (gains) losses $ 2,917 $ (55 ) $ 2,993 $ 89 Prior service costs (credit) (11 ) (27 ) (11 ) (49 ) AOCI, before income tax $ 2,906 $ (82 ) $ 2,982 $ 40 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,996 N/A $ 10,340 N/A __________________ (1) Includes nonqualified unfunded plans, for which the aggregate PBO was $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Benefit Plan Obligations, Assets, Funded Status, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Benefit Obligation	December 31, 2017 2016 Pension Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Other Postretirement Benefits (In millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligations at January 1, $ 10,741 $ 1,759 $ 10,293 $ 1,892 Service costs 238 6 272 9 Interest costs 429 76 423 82 Plan participants’ contributions — 33 — 30 Net actuarial (gains) losses 595 (95 ) 362 (115 ) Acquisition, divestitures, settlements and curtailments (27 ) — (37 ) 18 Change in benefits — — (11 ) (43 ) Benefits paid (600 ) (107 ) (582 ) (111 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 33 2 21 (3 ) Benefit obligations at December 31, 11,409 1,674 10,741 1,759 Change in plan assets: Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1, 9,009 1,386 8,603 1,382 Actual return on plan assets 968 125 618 75 Acquisition, divestitures and settlements (30 ) (1 ) (7 ) (1 ) Plan participants’ contributions — 33 — 30 Employer contributions 329 (2 ) 374 13 Benefits paid (600 ) (107 ) (582 ) (111 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 12 — 3 (2 ) Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31, 9,688 1,434 9,009 1,386 Over (under) funded status at December 31, $ (1,721 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (373 ) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets: Other assets $ 59 $ 160 $ 3 $ 1 Other liabilities (1,780 ) (400 ) (1,735 ) (374 ) Net amount recognized $ (1,721 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (373 ) AOCI: Net actuarial (gains) losses $ 2,917 $ (55 ) $ 2,993 $ 89 Prior service costs (credit) (11 ) (27 ) (11 ) (49 ) AOCI, before income tax $ 2,906 $ (82 ) $ 2,982 $ 40 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 10,996 N/A $ 10,340 N/A __________________ (1) Includes nonqualified unfunded plans, for which the aggregate PBO was $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Accumulated benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets	Information for pension plans with PBOs in excess of plan assets and accumulated benefit obligations (“ABO”) in excess of plan assets was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 PBO Exceeds Estimated Fair Value of Plan Assets ABO Exceeds Estimated Fair Value of Plan Assets (In millions) Projected benefit obligations $ 2,016 $ 10,670 $ 1,996 $ 1,894 Accumulated benefit obligations $ 1,904 $ 10,318 $ 1,890 $ 1,785 Estimated fair value of plan assets $ 285 $ 8,979 $ 266 $ 228
Defined benefit plan pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets	Information for pension plans with PBOs in excess of plan assets and accumulated benefit obligations (“ABO”) in excess of plan assets was as follows at: December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 PBO Exceeds Estimated Fair Value of Plan Assets ABO Exceeds Estimated Fair Value of Plan Assets (In millions) Projected benefit obligations $ 2,016 $ 10,670 $ 1,996 $ 1,894 Accumulated benefit obligations $ 1,904 $ 10,318 $ 1,890 $ 1,785 Estimated fair value of plan assets $ 285 $ 8,979 $ 266 $ 228
Net periodic benefit costs and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	The benefit obligations, funded status and net periodic benefit costs related to these pension and other postretirement benefits were comprised of the following: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits U.S. Plans Non- U.S. Plans Total U.S. Plans Non- U.S. Plans Total U.S. Plans Non- U.S. Plans Total U.S. Plans Non- U.S. Plans Total (In millions) Benefit obligations $ 10,500 $ 909 $ 11,409 $ 1,648 $ 26 $ 1,674 $ 9,859 $ 882 $ 10,741 $ 1,734 $ 25 $ 1,759 Estimated fair value of plan assets 9,371 317 9,688 1,426 8 1,434 8,721 288 9,009 1,379 7 1,386 Over (under) funded status $ (1,129 ) $ (592 ) $ (1,721 ) $ (222 ) $ (18 ) $ (240 ) $ (1,138 ) $ (594 ) $ (1,732 ) $ (355 ) $ (18 ) $ (373 ) Net periodic benefit costs $ 267 $ 82 $ 349 $ (12 ) $ 2 $ (10 ) $ 278 $ 81 $ 359 $ 37 $ 2 $ 39 The components of net periodic benefit costs and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (In millions) Net periodic benefit costs: Service costs $ 238 $ 6 $ 272 $ 9 $ 275 $ 17 Interest costs 429 76 423 82 414 89 Settlement and curtailment costs (1) 4 2 2 19 (1 ) 3 Expected return on plan assets (516 ) (72 ) (527 ) (75 ) (534 ) (80 ) Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses 195 — 189 10 189 42 Amortization of prior service costs (credit) (1 ) (22 ) — (6 ) (1 ) (5 ) Total net periodic benefit costs (credit) 349 (10 ) 359 39 342 66 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI: Net actuarial (gains) losses 149 (146 ) 238 (124 ) 43 (161 ) Prior service costs (credit) (1 ) — (11 ) (41 ) — (7 ) Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses (195 ) — (189 ) (10 ) (189 ) (42 ) Amortization of prior service (costs) credit 1 22 — 6 1 5 Discontinued operations — — (1 ) 1 (2 ) (2 ) Disposal of subsidiary (30 ) 2 — — — — Total recognized in OCI (76 ) (122 ) 37 (168 ) (147 ) (207 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and OCI $ 273 $ (132 ) $ 396 $ (129 ) $ 195 $ (141 ) __________________ (1) The Company recognized curtailment charges in 2016 on certain postretirement benefit plans in connection with the U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture. See Note 3 .
Net periodic benefit costs and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of net periodic benefit costs and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (In millions) Net periodic benefit costs: Service costs $ 238 $ 6 $ 272 $ 9 $ 275 $ 17 Interest costs 429 76 423 82 414 89 Settlement and curtailment costs (1) 4 2 2 19 (1 ) 3 Expected return on plan assets (516 ) (72 ) (527 ) (75 ) (534 ) (80 ) Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses 195 — 189 10 189 42 Amortization of prior service costs (credit) (1 ) (22 ) — (6 ) (1 ) (5 ) Total net periodic benefit costs (credit) 349 (10 ) 359 39 342 66 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI: Net actuarial (gains) losses 149 (146 ) 238 (124 ) 43 (161 ) Prior service costs (credit) (1 ) — (11 ) (41 ) — (7 ) Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses (195 ) — (189 ) (10 ) (189 ) (42 ) Amortization of prior service (costs) credit 1 22 — 6 1 5 Discontinued operations — — (1 ) 1 (2 ) (2 ) Disposal of subsidiary (30 ) 2 — — — — Total recognized in OCI (76 ) (122 ) 37 (168 ) (147 ) (207 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and OCI $ 273 $ (132 ) $ 396 $ (129 ) $ 195 $ (141 ) __________________ (1) The Company recognized curtailment charges in 2016 on certain postretirement benefit plans in connection with the U.S. Retail Advisor Force Divestiture. See Note 3 .
Assumptions used in determining benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs	Assumptions used in determining benefit obligations for the U.S. plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 3.65% 3.70% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A December 31, 2016 Weighted average discount rate 4.30% 4.45% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A Assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit costs for the U.S. plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Year Ended December 31, 2017 Weighted average discount rate 4.30% 4.45% Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets 6.00% 5.36% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A Year Ended December 31, 2016 Weighted average discount rate 4.13% 4.37% Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets 6.00% 5.53% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A Year Ended December 31, 2015 Weighted average discount rate 4.10% 4.10% Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets 6.25% 5.70% Rate of compensation increase 2.25 % - 8.50% N/A
Assumed healthcare costs trend rates	The assumed healthcare costs trend rates used in measuring the APBO and net periodic benefit costs were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Before Age 65 Age 65 and older Before Age 65 Age 65 and older Following year 5.6 % 6.6 % 6.8 % 13.0 % Ultimate rate to which cost increase is assumed to decline 4.0 % 4.3 % 4.0 % 4.3 % Year in which the ultimate trend rate is reached 2086 2098 2077 2092
One-percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates	Assumed healthcare costs trend rates may have a significant effect on the amounts reported for healthcare plans. A 1% change in assumed healthcare costs trend rates would have the following effects on the U.S. plans as of December 31, 2017 : One Percent One Percent (In millions) Effect on total of service and interest costs components $ 9 $ (8 ) Effect of accumulated postretirement benefit obligations $ 186 $ (154 )
Plan Assets	The table below summarizes the actual weighted average allocation of the estimated fair value of total plan assets by asset class at December 31 for the years indicated and the approved target allocation by major asset class at December 31, 2017 for the Invested Plans: December 31, 2017 2016 U.S. Pension U.S. Other Postretirement Benefits (1) U.S. Pension Benefits U.S. Other Postretirement Benefits (1) Target Actual Target Actual Actual Allocation Actual Allocation Asset Class Fixed maturity securities 82 % 82 % 85 % 84 % 81 % 76 % Equity securities (2) 10 % 10 % 15 % 15 % 11 % 24 % Alternative securities (3) 8 % 8 % — % 1 % 8 % — % Total assets 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % __________________ (1) U.S. other postretirement benefits do not reflect postretirement life’s plan assets invested in fixed maturity securities. (2) Equity securities percentage includes derivative assets. (3) Alternative securities primarily include hedge, private equity and real estate funds. The pension and other postretirement plan assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows: December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Fair Value Hierarchy Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: Corporate $ — $ 3,833 $ 1 $ 3,834 $ 20 $ 362 $ — $ 382 U.S. government bonds 1,256 528 — 1,784 269 6 — 275 Foreign bonds — 1,037 — 1,037 — 102 — 102 Federal agencies 35 134 — 169 — 17 — 17 Municipals — 335 — 335 — 28 — 28 Short-term investments 135 192 — 327 8 390 — 398 Other (1) 7 388 10 405 — 68 — 68 Total fixed maturity securities 1,433 6,447 11 7,891 297 973 — 1,270 Equity securities: Common stock - domestic 480 90 — 570 80 — — 80 Common stock - foreign 317 87 3 407 74 — — 74 Total equity securities 797 177 3 977 154 — — 154 Other investments 19 144 622 785 — 9 — 9 Derivative assets 33 2 — 35 1 — — 1 Total assets $ 2,282 $ 6,770 $ 636 $ 9,688 $ 452 $ 982 $ — $ 1,434 December 31, 2016 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Fair Value Hierarchy Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In millions) Assets Fixed maturity securities: Corporate $ — $ 3,499 $ — $ 3,499 $ 20 $ 306 $ — $ 326 U.S. government bonds 1,656 4 — 1,660 210 1 — 211 Foreign bonds — 862 — 862 — 79 — 79 Federal agencies — 196 — 196 — 27 — 27 Municipals — 313 — 313 — 23 — 23 Short-term investments 118 217 — 335 13 416 — 429 Other (1) — 362 9 371 — 55 — 55 Total fixed maturity securities 1,774 5,453 9 7,236 243 907 — 1,150 Equity securities: Common stock - domestic 474 — — 474 113 — — 113 Common stock - foreign 380 69 — 449 122 — — 122 Total equity securities 854 69 — 923 235 — — 235 Other investments 30 105 637 772 — — — — Derivative assets 16 (3 ) 65 78 1 — — 1 Total assets $ 2,674 $ 5,624 $ 711 $ 9,009 $ 479 $ 907 $ — $ 1,386 __________________ (1) Other primarily includes money market securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and ABS.
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable outputs (level 3)	A rollforward of all pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs was as follows: Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Pension Benefits Fixed Maturity Securities: Equity Securities: Corporate Foreign Bonds Other (1) Common Stock - Foreign Other Investments Derivative Assets (In millions) Balance, January 1, 2016 $ 77 $ 17 $ 7 $ — $ 723 $ 76 Realized gains (losses) 2 — — — — 3 Unrealized gains (losses) 3 (3 ) — — 33 (18 ) Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net (20 ) (3 ) — — (119 ) 6 Transfers into and/or out of Level 3 (62 ) (11 ) 2 — — (2 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ 9 $ — $ 637 $ 65 Realized gains (losses) (10 ) — — 2 — (22 ) Unrealized gains (losses) 10 — — — (12 ) 6 Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net — — 8 (4 ) — (48 ) Transfers into and/or out of Level 3 1 — (7 ) 5 (3 ) (1 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1 $ — $ 10 $ 3 $ 622 $ — __________________ (1) Other includes ABS and collateralized mortgage obligations.
Defined benefit plan estimated future benefit payments	Gross benefit payments for the next 10 years, which reflect expected future service where appropriate, are expected to be as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits (In millions) 2018 $ 604 $ 87 2019 $ 618 $ 90 2020 $ 634 $ 90 2021 $ 645 $ 89 2022 $ 664 $ 90 2023-2027 $ 3,523 $ 450

Income Tax (Tables)

Income Tax (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Impact of U.S. Tax Reform [Table Text Block]	The incremental financial statement impact related to U.S. Tax Reform was as follows: U.S. Tax Reform (In millions) Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax $ (289 ) Provision for income tax expense (benefit): Deemed repatriation 170 Deferred tax revaluation (1,790 ) Total provision for income tax expense (benefit) (1,620 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax 1,331 Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) 144 Increase to net equity from U.S. Tax Reform $ 1,475 The incremental financial statement impact related to U.S. Tax Reform was as follows: U.S. Tax Reform (In millions) Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax $ (289 ) Provision for income tax expense (benefit): Deemed repatriation 170 Deferred tax revaluation (1,790 ) Total provision for income tax expense (benefit) (1,620 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax 1,331 Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) 144 Increase to net equity from U.S. Tax Reform $ 1,475
Provision for income tax from continuing operations	The provision for income tax from continuing operations was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Current: Federal $ (246 ) $ 520 $ 632 State and local 5 3 10 Foreign 891 628 556 Subtotal 650 1,151 1,198 Deferred: Federal (2,373 ) (827 ) 194 Foreign 253 369 198 Subtotal (2,120 ) (458 ) 392 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,470 ) $ 693 $ 1,590
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit) from domestic and foreign operations	The Company’s income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit) from domestic and foreign operations were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Income (loss) from continuing operations: Domestic $ 684 $ 185 $ 1,874 Foreign 2,852 4,096 3,777 Total $ 3,536 $ 4,281 $ 5,651
Income tax for continuing operations effective rate reconciliation	The reconciliation of the income tax provision at the U.S. statutory rate to the provision for income tax as reported for continuing operations was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate $ 1,238 $ 1,498 $ 1,977 Tax effect of: Dividend received deduction (67 ) (69 ) (71 ) Tax-exempt income (97 ) (86 ) (70 ) Prior year tax (1) (27 ) (13 ) 559 Low income housing tax credits (278 ) (270 ) (221 ) Other tax credits (102 ) (98 ) (67 ) Foreign tax rate differential (2), (3), (4) (95 ) (332 ) (555 ) Change in valuation allowance (8 ) (9 ) 5 Separation tax benefits (540 ) — — U.S. Tax Reform impact (5) (1,519 ) — — Other, net 25 72 33 Provision for income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,470 ) $ 693 $ 1,590 __________________ (1) As discussed further below, for the year ended December 31, 2015, prior year tax includes a $557 million non-cash charge related to an uncertain tax position. (2) For the year ended December 31, 2017, foreign tax rate differential includes a net tax charge of $180 million as a result of repatriation. Included in the net tax charge of $180 million is a $444 million tax charge related to the repatriation of approximately $3.0 billion of pre-2017 earnings following the post-Separation review of the Company’s capital needs. This charge was partially offset by a $264 million tax benefit associated with dividends from other non-U.S. operations. This charge was recorded prior to U.S. Tax Reform and is incremental to the $170 million repatriation transition tax recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017. (3) For the year ended December 31, 2016, foreign tax rate differential includes a tax benefit of $110 million in Japan related to a change in tax rate, offset by a tax charge of $19 million in Chile related to a change in tax rate. (4) For the year ended December 31, 2015, foreign tax rate differential includes tax benefits of $174 million related to a Japan tax rate change, $61 million related to restructuring in Chile, $57 million related to the repatriation of earnings from Japan, $41 million related to certain non-portfolio net investment gains that were non-taxable and $31 million related to the devaluation of the peso in Argentina. These benefits were partially offset by charges of $23 million related to the impact of foreign exchange on investment gains in Argentina. (5) U.S. Tax Reform impact of ($1.5) billion excludes ($101) million of tax provision at the U.S. statutory rate for a total tax reform benefit of ($1.6) billion .
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	Deferred income tax represents the tax effect of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Deferred income tax assets: Policyholder liabilities and receivables $ 2,654 $ 2,029 Net operating loss carryforwards 512 1,420 Employee benefits 802 1,045 Capital loss carryforwards 6 9 Tax credit carryforwards 1,322 1,375 Litigation-related and government mandated 160 268 Other 657 743 Total gross deferred income tax assets 6,113 6,889 Less: Valuation allowance 189 161 Total net deferred income tax assets 5,924 6,728 Deferred income tax liabilities: Investments, including derivatives 2,772 2,940 Intangibles 1,321 1,213 Net unrealized investment gains 4,783 5,423 DAC 3,206 3,619 Other 609 425 Total deferred income tax liabilities 12,691 13,620 Net deferred income tax asset (liability) $ (6,767 ) $ (6,892 )
Summary of net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes	The following table sets forth the domestic, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards and the domestic capital loss carryforwards for tax purposes at December 31, 2017 . Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Capital Loss Carryforwards Domestic State Foreign Domestic (In millions) Expiration: 2018-2022 $ 1 $ 49 $ 46 $ 27 2023-2027 — 64 28 — 2028-2032 8 13 — — 2033-2037 2,095 2 — — Indefinite — — 397 — $ 2,104 $ 128 $ 471 $ 27
Summary of Tax Credit Carryforwards	The following table sets forth the general business credits, foreign tax credits, and other credit carryforwards for tax purposes at December 31, 2017 . Tax Credit Carryforwards General Business Credits Foreign Tax Credits Other (In millions) Expiration: 2018-2022 $ — $ 42 $ — 2023-2027 — 200 — 2028-2032 236 1 — 2033-2037 832 — — Indefinite — 21 263 $ 1,068 $ 264 $ 263
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Balance at January 1, $ 1,146 $ 1,259 $ 719 Additions for tax positions of prior years (1) 70 24 574 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (101 ) (112 ) (24 ) Additions for tax positions of current year 33 23 24 Reductions for tax positions of current year (3 ) — — Settlements with tax authorities (43 ) (48 ) (34 ) Balance at December 31, (1) $ 1,102 $ 1,146 $ 1,259 Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective rate $ 1,073 $ 1,112 $ 1,215 __________________ (1) The significant increase in 2015 is related to a non-cash charge the Company recorded to net income of $792 million , net of tax. The charge was related to an uncertain tax position and was comprised of a $557 million charge included in provision for income tax expense (benefit) and a $362 million ( $235 million , net of tax) charge included in other expenses. This charge is the result of the Company’s consideration of certain decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upholding the disallowance of foreign tax credits claimed by other corporate entities not affiliated with the Company. The Company’s action relates to tax years from 2000 to 2009, during which MLIC held non-U.S. investments in support of its life insurance business through a United Kingdom investment subsidiary that was structured as a joint venture at the time. Interest was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions) Interest recognized on the consolidated statements of operations (1) $ 37 $ (41 ) $ 388 December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Interest included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets $ 659 $ 623 __________________ (1) The significant increase in 2015 is related to the non-cash charge discussed above.

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	The following table presents the weighted average shares, basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for each income category presented: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions, except per share data) Weighted Average Shares: Weighted average common stock outstanding for basic earnings per common share 1,069.7 1,100.5 1,117.8 Incremental common shares from assumed exercise or issuance of stock-based awards 8.8 8.0 10.5 Weighted average common stock outstanding for diluted earnings per common share 1,078.5 1,108.5 1,128.3 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 5,006 $ 3,588 $ 4,061 Less: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests 10 4 12 Less: Preferred stock dividends 103 103 116 Preferred stock repurchase premium — — 42 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 4,893 $ 3,481 $ 3,891 Basic $ 4.57 $ 3.16 $ 3.48 Diluted $ 4.53 $ 3.13 $ 3.44 Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ (986 ) $ (2,734 ) $ 1,324 Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ (986 ) $ (2,734 ) $ 1,324 Basic $ (0.92 ) $ (2.48 ) $ 1.19 Diluted $ (0.91 ) $ (2.46 ) $ 1.18 Net Income (Loss): Net income (loss) $ 4,020 $ 854 $ 5,385 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 10 4 12 Less: Preferred stock dividends 103 103 116 Preferred stock repurchase premium — — 42 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 3,907 $ 747 $ 5,215 Basic $ 3.65 $ 0.68 $ 4.67 Diluted $ 3.62 $ 0.67 $ 4.62

Contingencies, Commitments an55

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, automobiles, and other equipment. Future minimum gross rental payments relating to these lease arrangements are as follows: Amount (In millions) 2018 $ 302 2019 265 2020 256 2021 237 2022 209 Thereafter 993 Total $ 2,262
Asbestos Related Claims
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency	The approximate total number of asbestos personal injury claims pending against MLIC 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, 2017 2016 2015 (In millions, except number of claims) Asbestos personal injury claims at year end 62,930 67,223 67,787 Number of new claims during the year 3,514 4,146 3,856 Settlement payments during the year (1) $ 48.6 $ 50.2 $ 56.1 __________________ (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.
Insurance-related Assessments
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency	Assets and liabilities held for insolvency assessments were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In millions) Other Assets: Premium tax offset for future discounted and undiscounted assessments $ 56 $ 30 Premium tax offsets currently available for paid assessments 50 33 Total $ 106 $ 63 Other Liabilities: Insolvency assessments $ 75 $ 47

Quarterly Results of Operatio56

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2017 Prior to Revision (1) Revisions (2) As Prior to Revision (1) Revisions (2) As Revised As Previously Reported Revisions (2) As Revised As Previously Reported Revisions (2) As Revised (in millions, except per share data) Total revenues $ 14,925 $ 39 $ 14,964 $ 15,286 $ 47 $ 15,333 $ 16,104 $ 67 $ 16,171 $ 15,754 $ 86 $ 15,840 Total expenses $ 13,921 $ (29 ) $ 13,892 $ 14,309 $ 6 $ 14,315 $ 15,603 $ 83 $ 15,686 $ 14,879 $ — $ 14,879 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 908 $ 44 $ 952 $ 829 $ 27 $ 856 $ 893 $ (10 ) $ 883 $ 2,134 $ 181 $ 2,315 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ (79 ) $ 3 $ (76 ) $ 58 $ — $ 58 $ (968 ) $ — $ (968 ) $ — $ — $ — Net income (loss) $ 829 $ 47 $ 876 $ 887 $ 27 $ 914 $ (75 ) $ (10 ) $ (85 ) $ 2,134 $ 181 $ 2,315 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 3 $ — $ 3 $ 3 $ — $ 3 $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ (2 ) $ — $ (2 ) Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 826 $ 47 $ 873 $ 884 $ 27 $ 911 $ (81 ) $ (10 ) $ (91 ) $ 2,136 $ 181 $ 2,317 Less: Preferred stock dividends $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ 46 $ — $ 46 $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ 45 $ — $ 45 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 820 $ 47 $ 867 $ 838 $ 27 $ 865 $ (87 ) $ (10 ) $ (97 ) $ 2,091 $ 181 $ 2,272 Basic earnings per common share Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 0.82 $ 0.05 $ 0.87 $ 0.73 $ 0.03 $ 0.76 $ 0.83 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.82 $ 1.99 $ 0.17 $ 2.16 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ (0.07 ) $ — $ (0.07 ) $ 0.05 $ — $ 0.05 $ (0.91 ) $ — $ (0.91 ) $ — $ — $ — Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 0.76 $ 0.04 $ 0.80 $ 0.82 $ 0.04 $ 0.86 $ (0.08 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.09 ) $ 2.03 $ 0.17 $ 2.20 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 0.75 $ 0.05 $ 0.80 $ 0.78 $ 0.03 $ 0.81 $ (0.08 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.09 ) $ 1.99 $ 0.17 $ 2.16 Diluted earnings per common share Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 0.82 $ 0.04 $ 0.86 $ 0.72 $ 0.03 $ 0.75 $ 0.82 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.81 $ 1.97 $ 0.17 $ 2.14 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ (0.07 ) $ — $ (0.07 ) $ 0.05 $ — $ 0.05 $ (0.90 ) $ — $ (0.90 ) $ — $ — $ — Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 0.75 $ 0.04 $ 0.79 $ 0.82 $ 0.03 $ 0.85 $ (0.08 ) $ — $ (0.08 ) $ 2.01 $ 0.17 $ 2.18 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 0.75 $ 0.04 $ 0.79 $ 0.77 $ 0.03 $ 0.80 $ (0.08 ) $ (0.01 ) $ (0.09 ) $ 1.97 $ 0.17 $ 2.14 Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2016 As Revisions (2) As Revised As Revisions (2) As Revised As Previously Reported Revisions (2) As Revised As Previously Reported Revisions (2) As Revised (in millions, except per share data) Total revenues $ 16,097 $ 148 $ 16,245 $ 16,025 $ 324 $ 16,349 $ 15,833 $ (27 ) $ 15,806 $ 12,635 $ (248 ) $ 12,387 Total expenses $ 13,780 $ (28 ) $ 13,752 $ 13,979 $ — $ 13,979 $ 14,674 $ 43 $ 14,717 $ 14,017 $ 41 $ 14,058 Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax $ 1,770 $ 130 $ 1,900 $ 1,475 $ 211 $ 1,686 $ 1,024 $ (51 ) $ 973 $ (795 ) $ (176 ) $ (971 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax $ 433 $ (1 ) $ 432 $ (1,361 ) $ — $ (1,361 ) $ (451 ) $ 16 $ (435 ) $ (1,291 ) $ (79 ) $ (1,370 ) Net income (loss) $ 2,203 $ 129 $ 2,332 $ 114 $ 211 $ 325 $ 573 $ (35 ) $ 538 $ (2,086 ) $ (255 ) $ (2,341 ) Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 2 $ — $ 2 $ 4 $ — $ 4 $ (4 ) $ — $ (4 ) $ 2 $ — $ 2 Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 2,201 $ 129 $ 2,330 $ 110 $ 211 $ 321 $ 577 $ (35 ) $ 542 $ (2,088 ) $ (255 ) $ (2,343 ) Less: Preferred stock dividends $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ 46 $ — $ 46 $ 6 $ — $ 6 $ 45 $ — $ 45 Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 2,195 $ 129 $ 2,324 $ 64 $ 211 $ 275 $ 571 $ (35 ) $ 536 $ (2,133 ) $ (255 ) $ (2,388 ) Basic earnings per common share Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 1.60 $ 0.12 $ 1.72 $ 1.30 $ 0.19 $ 1.49 $ 0.93 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.88 $ (0.77 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.92 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 0.39 $ — $ 0.39 $ (1.24 ) $ — $ (1.24 ) $ (0.41 ) $ 0.02 $ (0.39 ) $ (1.17 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (1.25 ) Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 2.00 $ 0.12 $ 2.12 $ 0.10 $ 0.19 $ 0.29 $ 0.52 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.49 $ (1.90 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (2.13 ) Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 1.99 $ 0.12 $ 2.11 $ 0.06 $ 0.19 $ 0.25 $ 0.52 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.49 $ (1.94 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (2.17 ) Diluted earnings per common share (3) Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 1.59 $ 0.12 $ 1.71 $ 1.29 $ 0.19 $ 1.48 $ 0.92 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.87 $ (0.77 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.92 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 0.39 $ — $ 0.39 $ (1.23 ) $ — $ (1.23 ) $ (0.41 ) $ 0.02 $ (0.39 ) $ (1.17 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (1.25 ) Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc. $ 1.99 $ 0.11 $ 2.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.19 $ 0.29 $ 0.52 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.49 $ (1.90 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (2.13 ) Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders $ 1.98 $ 0.12 $ 2.10 $ 0.06 $ 0.19 $ 0.25 $ 0.51 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.48 $ (1.94 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (2.17 ) __________________ (1) Results of operations were revised to reflect Brighthouse as discontinued operations. See Note 3. (2) See Note 1 information on prior period revisions. (3) For the three months ended December 31, 2016 , 9.2 million shares related to the assumed exercise or issuance of stock-based awards have been excluded from the weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted, as to include these assumed shares would be anti-dilutive to net income (loss) available to common shareholders per common share - diluted.

Business, Basis of Presentati57

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Restatement Adjustments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Reserves for Group Annuity products										$ 510
Assumed variable annuity guarantee reserves										896
Restatement of Prior Year Income [Abstract]
Assumed variable annuity guarantee reserves										896
Reserves for Group Annuity products										510
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax										3,536	$ 4,281	$ 5,651
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)										(1,470)	693	1,590
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax		$ 2,315	$ 883	$ 856	$ 952	$ (971)	$ 973	$ 1,686	$ 1,900	5,006	3,588	4,061
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax		0	(968)	58	(76)	(1,370)	(435)	(1,361)	432	(986)	(2,734)	1,324
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		2,272	(97)	865	867	(2,388)	536	275	2,324	3,907	747	5,215
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Future policy benefits		177,974				166,636				177,974	166,636
Policyholder account balances		182,518				172,486				182,518	172,486	165,130
Other Policy-Related Balances		15,515				13,402				15,515	13,402
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net		6,767				6,892				6,767	6,892
Other Liabilities		23,982				23,735				23,982	23,735
Liabilities		661,022				831,062				661,022	831,062
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		26,527				34,683				26,527	34,683	35,672	$ 32,110
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		7,427				5,366				7,427	5,366	4,767	10,714
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		58,676				67,531				58,676	67,531	68,098	72,208
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		58,870				67,702				58,870	67,702	68,568	72,715
Income Statement Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Insurance Commissions and Fees										5,510	5,483	5,570
Net Investment Income										17,363	16,790	16,205
Other net investment gains (losses)										(298)	424	668
Net investment gains (losses)										(308)	317	609
Net derivative gains (losses)										(590)	(690)	629
Revenues		15,840	16,171	15,333	14,964	12,387	15,806	16,349	16,245	62,308	60,787	61,343
Policyholder benefits and claims										38,313	36,358	35,144
Other expenses										13,621	13,749	14,777
Total expenses		14,879	15,686	14,315	13,892	14,058	14,717	13,979	13,752	58,772	56,506	55,692
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax										3,536	4,281	5,651
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)										(1,470)	693	1,590
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax		2,315	883	856	952	(971)	973	1,686	1,900	5,006	3,588	4,061
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax		0	(968)	58	(76)	(1,370)	(435)	(1,361)	432	(986)	(2,734)	1,324
Net income (loss)		2,315	(85)	914	876	(2,341)	538	325	2,332	4,020	854	5,385
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.		2,317	(91)	911	873	(2,343)	542	321	2,330	4,010	850	5,373
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		$ 2,272	$ (97)	$ 865	$ 867	$ (2,388)	$ 536	$ 275	$ 2,324	$ 3,907	$ 747	$ 5,215
Basic		$ 2.16	$ 0.82	$ 0.76	$ 0.87	$ (0.92)	$ 0.88	$ 1.49	$ 1.72	$ 4.57	$ 3.16	$ 3.48
Diluted		2.14	0.81	0.75	0.86	(0.92)	0.87	1.48	1.71	4.53	3.13	3.44
Basic		2.16	(0.09)	0.81	0.80	(2.17)	0.49	0.25	2.11	3.65	0.68	4.67
Diluted		$ 2.14	$ (0.09)	$ 0.80	$ 0.79	$ (2.17)	$ 0.48	$ 0.25	$ 2.10	$ 3.62	$ 0.67	$ 4.62
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 2,315	$ (85)	$ 914	$ 876	$ (2,341)	$ 538	$ 325	$ 2,332	$ 4,020	$ 854	$ 5,385
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax										4,623	796	(7,449)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax										4,369	1,137	(8,130)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax										(984)	(450)	2,203
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax										3,385	687	(5,927)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest										7,405	1,541	(542)
Comprehensive income (loss)										7,391	1,449	(574)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		26,527				34,683				26,527	34,683	35,672	32,110
Net income (loss)		2,317	(91)	911	873	(2,343)	542	321	2,330	4,010	850	5,373
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		7,427				5,366				7,427	5,366	4,767	10,714
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax										3,385	687	(5,927)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		58,676				67,531				58,676	67,531	68,098	72,208
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		58,870				67,702				58,870	67,702	68,568	72,715
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		2,315	(85)	914	876	(2,341)	538	325	2,332	4,020	854	5,385
(Gains) losses on investments and from sales of businesses, net										363	(183)	(560)
(Gains) losses on derivatives, net										3,610	8,779	1,371
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees										(7,708)	(9,207)	(9,507)
Change in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables										(991)	(2,158)	(831)
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs										(693)	(937)	488
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable										(2,796)	(1,522)	715
Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Liabilities										8,511	6,321	6,408
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities										1,603	2,801	1,172
Other, net										184	139	94
Scenario, Previously Reported
Restatement of Prior Year Income [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax											4,140	5,708
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)											666	1,700
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax		2,134	893	829	908	(795)	1,024	1,475	1,770		3,474	4,008
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax		0	(968)	58	(79)	(1,291)	(451)	(1,361)	433		(2,670)	1,314
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		2,091	(87)	838	820	(2,133)	571	64	2,195		697	5,152
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Future policy benefits						166,701					166,701
Policyholder account balances						173,168					173,168
Other Policy-Related Balances						13,030					13,030
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net						6,774					6,774
Other Liabilities						23,700					23,700
Liabilities						831,284					831,284
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)						34,480					34,480	35,519	32,020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						5,347					5,347
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent						67,309					67,309	67,949	72,053
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest						67,480					67,480	68,419	72,560
Income Statement Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Insurance Commissions and Fees											5,482	5,570
Net Investment Income											16,790	16,243
Other net investment gains (losses)											412	705
Net investment gains (losses)											305	646
Net derivative gains (losses)											(874)	545
Revenues		15,754	16,104	15,286	14,925	12,635	15,833	16,025	16,097		60,590	61,334
Policyholder benefits and claims											36,316	35,102
Other expenses											13,735	14,753
Total expenses		14,879	15,603	14,309	13,921	14,017	14,674	13,979	13,780		56,450	55,626
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax											4,140	5,708
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)											666	1,700
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax		2,134	893	829	908	(795)	1,024	1,475	1,770		3,474	4,008
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax		0	(968)	58	(79)	(1,291)	(451)	(1,361)	433		(2,670)	1,314
Net income (loss)		2,134	(75)	887	829	(2,086)	573	114	2,203		804	5,322
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.		2,136	(81)	884	826	(2,088)	577	110	2,201		800	5,310
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		$ 2,091	$ (87)	$ 838	$ 820	$ (2,133)	$ 571	$ 64	$ 2,195		$ 697	$ 5,152
Basic		$ 1.99	$ 0.83	$ 0.73	$ 0.82	$ (0.77)	$ 0.93	$ 1.30	$ 1.60		$ 3.06	$ 3.43
Diluted		1.97	0.82	0.72	0.82	(0.77)	0.92	1.29	1.59		3.04	3.40
Basic		1.99	(0.08)	0.78	0.75	(1.94)	0.52	0.06	1.99		0.63	4.61
Diluted		$ 1.97	$ (0.08)	$ 0.77	$ 0.75	$ (1.94)	$ 0.51	$ 0.06	$ 1.98		$ 0.63	$ 4.57
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 2,134	$ (75)	$ 887	$ 829	$ (2,086)	$ 573	$ 114	$ 2,203		$ 804	$ 5,322
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax											760	(7,443)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax											1,101	(8,124)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax											(437)	2,266
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax											664	(5,858)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest											1,468	(536)
Comprehensive income (loss)											1,376	(568)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)						34,480					34,480	35,519	32,020
Net income (loss)		2,136	(81)	884	826	(2,088)	577	110	2,201		800	5,310
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						5,347					5,347
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax											664	(5,858)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent						67,309					67,309	67,949	72,053
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest						67,480					67,480	68,419	72,560
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		2,134	(75)	887	829	(2,086)	573	114	2,203		804	5,322
(Gains) losses on investments and from sales of businesses, net											(171)	(597)
(Gains) losses on derivatives, net											8,963	1,451
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees											(9,206)	(9,507)
Change in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables											(2,125)	(837)
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs											(949)	491
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable											(1,557)	825
Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Liabilities											6,279	6,366
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities											2,766	1,134
Other, net											136	164
Restatement Adjustment
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Reserves for Group Annuity products		372
Assumed variable annuity guarantee reserves		682
Restatement of Prior Year Income [Abstract]
Assumed variable annuity guarantee reserves		682
Reserves for Group Annuity products		372
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax											141	(57)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)											27	(110)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax		181	(10)	27	44	(176)	(51)	211	130		114	53
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax		0	0	0	3	(79)	16	0	(1)		(64)	10
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		181	(10)	27	47	(255)	(35)	211	129		50	63
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Future policy benefits						(65)					(65)
Policyholder account balances						(682)					(682)
Other Policy-Related Balances						372					372
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net						118					118
Other Liabilities						35					35
Liabilities						(222)					(222)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)						203					203	153	90
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						19					19
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent						222					222	149	155
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest						222					222	149	155
Income Statement Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Insurance Commissions and Fees											1	0
Net Investment Income											0	(38)
Other net investment gains (losses)											12	(37)
Net investment gains (losses)											12	(37)
Net derivative gains (losses)											184	84
Revenues		86	67	47	39	(248)	(27)	324	148		197	9
Policyholder benefits and claims											42	42
Other expenses											14	24
Total expenses		0	83	6	(29)	41	43	0	(28)		56	66
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax											141	(57)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)											27	(110)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax		181	(10)	27	44	(176)	(51)	211	130		114	53
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax		0	0	0	3	(79)	16	0	(1)		(64)	10
Net income (loss)		181	(10)	27	47	(255)	(35)	211	129		50	63
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.		181	(10)	27	47	(255)	(35)	211	129		50	63
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		$ 181	$ (10)	$ 27	$ 47	$ (255)	$ (35)	$ 211	$ 129		$ 50	$ 63
Basic		$ 0.17	$ (0.01)	$ 0.03	$ 0.05	$ (0.15)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.19	$ 0.12		$ 0.10	$ 0.05
Diluted		0.17	(0.01)	0.03	0.04	(0.15)	(0.05)	0.19	0.12		0.09	0.04
Basic		0.17	(0.01)	0.03	0.05	(0.23)	(0.03)	0.19	0.12		0.05	0.06
Diluted		$ 0.17	$ (0.01)	$ 0.03	$ 0.04	$ (0.23)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.19	$ 0.12		$ 0.04	$ 0.05
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ 181	$ (10)	$ 27	$ 47	$ (255)	$ (35)	$ 211	$ 129		$ 50	$ 63
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax											36	(6)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax											36	(6)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax											(13)	(63)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax											23	(69)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest											73	(6)
Comprehensive income (loss)											73	(6)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)						203					203	153	90
Net income (loss)		181	(10)	27	47	(255)	(35)	211	129		50	63
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						19					19
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax											23	(69)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent						222					222	149	155
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest						222					222	149	155
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		181	$ (10)	$ 27	$ 47	(255)	$ (35)	$ 211	$ 129		50	63
(Gains) losses on investments and from sales of businesses, net											(12)	37
(Gains) losses on derivatives, net											(184)	(80)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees											(1)	0
Change in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables											(33)	6
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs											12	(3)
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable											35	(110)
Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Liabilities											42	42
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities											35	38
Other, net											56	7
Excludes impact of ASU 2016-09 [Member]
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Other, net	[1]										192	171
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						5,366					5,366	4,767	10,714
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		7,427				5,366				7,427	5,366	4,767	10,714
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax										3,381	599	(5,947)	(5,947)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						5,366					5,366	4,767	10,714
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax										3,381	599	(5,947)	(5,947)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		$ 7,427				5,366				$ 7,427	5,366	4,767	10,714
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						5,347					5,347	4,771	10,649
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest													10,649
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax												576	(5,878)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						5,347					5,347	4,771	10,649
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax												576	(5,878)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest													10,649
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] | Restatement Adjustment
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						19					19	(4)	65
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest													65
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax												23	(69)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax						$ 19					19	(4)	65
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax												23	(69)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest													$ 65
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Cash Flow - Operating Activities											53	77
Restatement impact in Net Income (loss)
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Reserves for Group Annuity products											(33)	(31)
Assumed variable annuity guarantee reserves											184	80
Restatement of Prior Year Income [Abstract]
Assumed variable annuity guarantee reserves											184	80
Reserves for Group Annuity products											(33)	(31)
Other revisions to continuing operations, net											(10)	(106)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax											141	(57)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)											27	(110)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax											114	53
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax											(64)	10
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic											50	63
Income Statement Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax											141	(57)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)											27	(110)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax											114	53
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax											(64)	10
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic											$ 50	$ 63
[1]	Excludes impact related to adoption during 2017 of stock-based compensation guidance which decreased Other, net by $53 million and $77 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See “— Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements.”

Business, Basis of Presentati58

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of segments | Segment	5
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost basis of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$ 2,500	$ 2,400
Accumulated depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	1,100	1,100
Depreciation and amortization expense	207	206	$ 215
Cost basis of computer software	2,800	2,200
Accumulated amortization of computer software	2,000	1,500
Amortization expense related to computer software	$ 250	$ 208	$ 212
Minimum
Real Estate Held-for-investment And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real Estate Held-for-investment And Accumulated Depreciation Life Used For Depreciation	20 years
Maximum
Real Estate Held-for-investment And Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real Estate Held-for-investment And Accumulated Depreciation Life Used For Depreciation	55 years
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	1 year
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	25 years
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period	4 years
VODA and VOCRA [Member] | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period	10 years
VODA and VOCRA [Member] | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period	40 years

Business, Basis of Presentati59

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies- Discontinued Operations (Details)	Aug. 04, 2017shares
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Impact of Separation [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	96,776,670

Business, Basis of Presentati60

Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net		$ 18,423		$ 15,445
Payables For Collateral Under Securities Loaned And Other Transactions		25,723		25,873
Derivative assets		8,551		12,139
Derivative liabilities		4,339		6,921
Accrued Investment Income Receivable		3,524		3,308
Other Liabilities		23,982		23,735
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		26,527		34,683	$ 35,672	$ 32,110
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		7,427		$ 5,366	$ 4,767	$ 10,714
CME update impact
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net			$ 991
Payables For Collateral Under Securities Loaned And Other Transactions			816
Derivative assets			1,800
Derivative liabilities			2,000
Accrued Investment Income Receivable			101
Other Liabilities			$ 14
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement | Subsequent Event
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	$ 1,200
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ 1,200
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Equity		$ 280

Segment Information (Earnings)

Segment Information (Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues
Premiums									$ 38,992	$ 37,202	$ 36,403
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									5,510	5,483	5,570
Net investment income									17,363	16,790	16,205
Other revenues									1,341	1,685	1,927
Net investment gains (losses)									(308)	317	609
Net derivative gains (losses)									(590)	(690)	629
Total revenues	$ 15,840	$ 16,171	$ 15,333	$ 14,964	$ 12,387	$ 15,806	$ 16,349	$ 16,245	62,308	60,787	61,343
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends									39,544	37,581	36,500
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									5,607	5,176	4,415
Capitalization of DAC									(3,002)	(3,152)	(3,319)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									2,681	2,718	3,184
Amortization of negative VOBA									(140)	(269)	(361)
Interest expense on debt									1,129	1,157	1,168
Other expenses									12,953	13,295	14,105
Total expenses	14,879	15,686	14,315	13,892	14,058	14,717	13,979	13,752	58,772	56,506	55,692
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									(1,470)	693	1,590
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	$ 2,315	$ 883	$ 856	$ 952	$ (971)	$ 973	$ 1,686	$ 1,900	5,006	3,588	4,061
U.S.
Expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									459	471	471
Asia
Expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									1,310	1,350	1,262
Latin America
Expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									224	184	271
EMEA
Expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									356	408	492
MetLife Holdings
Expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									234	424	722
Corporate & Other
Expenses
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									98	(119)	(34)
Operating Segments
Revenues
Premiums									39,339	37,505	36,868
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									5,407	5,331	5,504
Net investment income									16,544	16,437	16,671
Other revenues									1,454	1,643	1,957
Net investment gains (losses)									0	0	0
Net derivative gains (losses)									0	0	0
Total revenues									62,744	60,916	61,000
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends									39,340	37,876	36,793
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									4,313	4,088	4,079
Capitalization of DAC									(3,036)	(3,151)	(3,439)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									2,648	3,043	3,068
Amortization of negative VOBA									(131)	(222)	(326)
Interest expense on debt									1,145	1,207	1,228
Other expenses									12,409	12,940	13,823
Total expenses									56,688	55,781	55,226
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									1,718	999	1,744
Adjusted earnings									4,338	4,136	4,030
Operating Segments | U.S.
Revenues
Premiums									23,632	21,501	20,861
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									1,012	989	943
Net investment income									6,396	6,206	6,183
Other revenues									806	784	751
Net investment gains (losses)									0	0	0
Net derivative gains (losses)									0	0	0
Total revenues									31,846	29,480	28,738
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends									23,627	21,591	20,899
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									1,474	1,302	1,216
Capitalization of DAC									(458)	(471)	(493)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									459	471	471
Amortization of negative VOBA									0	0	0
Interest expense on debt									11	9	4
Other expenses									3,682	3,706	3,685
Total expenses									28,795	26,608	25,782
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									1,024	976	1,009
Adjusted earnings									2,027	1,896	1,947
Operating Segments | Asia
Revenues
Premiums									6,755	6,902	6,937
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									1,584	1,488	1,542
Net investment income									2,985	2,707	2,675
Other revenues									43	61	105
Net investment gains (losses)									0	0	0
Net derivative gains (losses)									0	0	0
Total revenues									11,367	11,158	11,259
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends									5,075	5,211	5,266
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									1,351	1,298	1,309
Capitalization of DAC									(1,710)	(1,668)	(1,720)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									1,300	1,236	1,253
Amortization of negative VOBA									(111)	(208)	(309)
Interest expense on debt									0	0	0
Other expenses									3,613	3,586	3,611
Total expenses									9,518	9,455	9,410
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									620	479	461
Adjusted earnings									1,229	1,224	1,388
Operating Segments | Latin America
Revenues
Premiums									2,693	2,529	2,581
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									1,044	1,025	1,117
Net investment income									1,219	1,084	1,038
Other revenues									32	34	41
Net investment gains (losses)									0	0	0
Net derivative gains (losses)									0	0	0
Total revenues									4,988	4,672	4,777
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends									2,535	2,443	2,408
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									369	328	349
Capitalization of DAC									(364)	(321)	(341)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									224	184	271
Amortization of negative VOBA									(1)	(1)	(1)
Interest expense on debt									5	2	0
Other expenses									1,479	1,336	1,429
Total expenses									4,247	3,971	4,115
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									156	158	37
Adjusted earnings									585	543	625
Operating Segments | EMEA
Revenues
Premiums									2,061	2,027	2,036
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									405	391	424
Net investment income									309	318	326
Other revenues									58	73	61
Net investment gains (losses)									0	0	0
Net derivative gains (losses)									0	0	0
Total revenues									2,833	2,809	2,847
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends									1,077	1,067	988
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									100	112	120
Capitalization of DAC									(414)	(403)	(472)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									357	408	497
Amortization of negative VOBA									(19)	(13)	(16)
Interest expense on debt									0	0	0
Other expenses									1,376	1,323	1,469
Total expenses									2,477	2,494	2,586
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									59	42	21
Adjusted earnings									297	273	240
Operating Segments | MetLife Holdings
Revenues
Premiums									4,144	4,506	4,545
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									1,361	1,436	1,482
Net investment income									5,607	5,944	6,189
Other revenues									244	581	930
Net investment gains (losses)									0	0	0
Net derivative gains (losses)									0	0	0
Total revenues									11,356	12,467	13,146
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends									7,000	7,523	7,346
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									1,018	1,042	1,062
Capitalization of DAC									(82)	(281)	(410)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									302	736	577
Amortization of negative VOBA									0	0	0
Interest expense on debt									24	57	55
Other expenses									1,365	2,392	2,694
Total expenses									9,627	11,469	11,324
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									547	292	582
Adjusted earnings									1,182	706	1,240
Operating Segments | Corporate & Other
Revenues
Premiums									54	40	(92)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									1	2	(4)
Net investment income									28	178	260
Other revenues									271	110	69
Net investment gains (losses)									0	0	0
Net derivative gains (losses)									0	0	0
Total revenues									354	330	233
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends									26	41	(114)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									1	6	23
Capitalization of DAC									(8)	(7)	(3)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									6	8	(1)
Amortization of negative VOBA									0	0	0
Interest expense on debt									1,105	1,139	1,169
Other expenses									894	597	935
Total expenses									2,024	1,784	2,009
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									(688)	(948)	(366)
Adjusted earnings									(982)	(506)	(1,410)
Significant Reconciling Items
Revenues
Premiums									(347)	(303)	(465)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees									103	152	66
Net investment income									819	353	(466)
Other revenues									(113)	42	(30)
Net investment gains (losses)									(308)	317	609
Net derivative gains (losses)									(590)	(690)	629
Total revenues									(436)	(129)	343
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims and policyholder dividends									204	(295)	(293)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances									1,294	1,088	336
Capitalization of DAC									34	(1)	120
Amortization of DAC and VOBA									33	(325)	116
Amortization of negative VOBA									(9)	(47)	(35)
Interest expense on debt									(16)	(50)	(60)
Other expenses									544	355	282
Total expenses									2,084	725	466
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									$ (3,188)	$ (306)	$ (154)

Segment Information (Total Asse

Segment Information (Total Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 719,892	$ 898,764
Separate account assets	205,001	195,578
Separate account liabilities	205,001	195,578
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	255,428	253,926
Separate account assets	81,243	85,950
Separate account liabilities	81,243	85,950
Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	136,928	120,656
Separate account assets	10,032	8,020
Separate account liabilities	10,032	8,020
Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	79,670	67,233
Separate account assets	56,218	48,455
Separate account liabilities	56,218	48,455
EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	30,500	25,596
Separate account assets	5,975	4,329
Separate account liabilities	5,975	4,329
MetLife Holdings
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	183,160	183,832
Separate account assets	51,533	48,823
Separate account liabilities	51,533	48,823
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	34,206	247,521
Separate account assets	0	1
Separate account liabilities	$ 0	$ 1

Segment Information (Premiums,

Segment Information (Premiums, Universal Life and Investment-Type Policy Fees and Other Revenues by Major Product Groups) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	$ 45,843	$ 44,370	$ 43,900
Life insurance (1)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	20,330	20,436	20,847
Accident & health insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	14,002	14,128	13,109
Annuities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	6,999	5,552	5,730
Property & casualty insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	3,613	3,560	3,504
Non-insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	$ 899	$ 694	$ 710

Segment Information (Premiums64

Segment Information (Premiums, Universal Life and Investment-Type Policy Fees and Other Revenues by US and Foreign Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	$ 45,843	$ 44,370	$ 43,900
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	30,971	29,166	29,094
Japan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	6,444	7,089	6,264
Other Foreign
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total premiums, universal life and investment-type product policy fees and other revenues	$ 8,428	$ 8,115	$ 8,542

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments | Segment	5
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 719,892	$ 898,764
Percent of total assets from Japan operations	10.00%	10.00%
Assets of disposed subsidiary	$ 0	$ 216,983
Japan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 111,000	$ 98,000
Assets, Total | Geographic Concentration Risk | Japan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percent of total assets from Japan operations	15.00%	11.00%
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		$ 216,983

Dispositions - 2017 Pending Dis

Dispositions - 2017 Pending Disposition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	$ 0	$ 216,983
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	0	$ 202,707
MetLife Afore [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gross Profit (Loss)	(98)
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	(73)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill	(16)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	3,900
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	3,700
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Separate account assets	3,700
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Separate account liabilities	$ 3,700

Dispositions - Separation of Br

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Aug. 04, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	1,168,710,101				1,164,029,985				1,168,710,101	1,164,029,985
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	3,000,000,000				3,000,000,000				3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent									$ (986)	$ (2,734)	$ 1,324
Discontinued Operation, Separation Costs									470	212
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax									3,536	4,281	5,651
Policyholder benefits and claims									38,313	36,358	35,144
Other expenses									13,621	13,749	14,777
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(1,470)	693	1,590
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	$ 0	$ (968)	$ 58	$ (76)	$ (1,370)	$ (435)	$ (1,361)	$ 432	(986)	(2,734)	1,324
Net investment gains (losses)									(308)	317	609
Goodwill impairment									0	260	0
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax									(1,171)	0	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									$ (986)	(2,734)	$ 1,324
Common Stock, Shares, Owned by MetLife, INC.	22,996,436								22,996,436
Discontinued Operation, Equity Method Investment Retained after Disposal, Ownership Interest after Disposal									19.20%
Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value	$ 1,300								$ 1,300
Net investment gains (losses)									(1,016)
Gain (loss) in equity investment value									(95)
Goodwill impairment										260
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Net of Tax										$ 223
Impact of Separation [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax									(1,302)
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation									42
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent									(1,016)
Realized intercompany gains upon Separation									61
Discontinued Operation, Tax separation agreement Expense									1,093
Discontinued Operation, Tax Benefit from Provision for (Gain) Loss on Disposal									1,051
Discontinued Operation, Separation Costs									306
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax									(131)
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)									(693)
Policyholder benefits and claims									147
Other expenses									218
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(927)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									(1,171)
Discontinued Operation, Other fees and costs required									$ 333
Impact of Separation [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued												96,776,670
Common Stock, Shares Authorized												119,773,106
BHF Common Stock												80.80%

Dispositions - Separation of 68

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse - Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income Taxes Receivable		$ 0	$ 20
Net cash paid (received) for Income tax		1,530	672	$ 1,127
Other Assets		8,167	$ 7,058
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Income Taxes Receivable		1,400
Net cash paid (received) for Income tax	$ 729
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party		(1,400)
Discontinued Operation, Tax separation agreement Expense		1,093
Decrease to current income tax recoverable		1,093
Other Assets		333
Impact of U.S. Tax Reform | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other Assets		$ 222

Dispositions - Separation of 69

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse - Transactions Prior to Separation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 03, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Aug. 02, 2017	Jul. 21, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt				$ 1,121	$ 1,274
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued				25,500,000	25,500,000
Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs				$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,483
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				3,200	3,200
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	$ 1,800
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 536	$ 3,000					$ 600
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity								$ 500
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates			590
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		50,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Payment Rate, Variable		0.065
Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs		$ 49
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 500
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | 2027 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 1,500
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jun. 30, 2027
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.70%
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | 2047 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 1,500
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Jun. 30, 2047
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.70%
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | MetLife Reinsurance Company Of South Carolina | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other General and Administrative Expense			37
Invested Assets On Deposit Held In Trust And Pledged As Collateral			2,800
Secured Debt			2,800
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Brighthouse Reinsurance Company of Delaware [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			10,000
Committed Credit Facility Five [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			3,500
Committed Credit Facility Seven [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			4,300
Committed Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				3,700
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount				21	27	29
Committed Credit Facility [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount			$ 257	$ 305	$ 69	$ 61

Dispositions - Separation of 70

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse - Ongoing Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 21, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Revenue	$ 48
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	57
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 600	$ 536	$ 3,000
Committed Credit Facility Six [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	2,896
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	2,354
Committed Credit Facility Six [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	2,900
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 2,400

Dispositions - Separation of 71

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse - Ongoing Reinsurance Transactions (Effects of Reinsurance on Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Premiums:
Reinsurance assumed	$ 1,773	$ 1,363	$ 1,382
Reinsurance ceded	(2,376)	(2,136)	(2,023)
Net premiums	38,992	37,202	36,403
Fees and Commissions [Abstract]
Assumed Insurance Commissions And Fees	83	96	105
Ceded Insurance Commissions And Fees	551	497	487
Net universal life and investment product policy fees	5,510	5,483	5,570
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance assumed	1,388	1,085	984
Reinsurance ceded	(2,429)	(1,913)	(1,983)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	38,313	36,358	35,144
Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract]
Interest Credited to Policyholders Account Balances	5,607	5,176	4,415
Other expenses:
Reinsurance assumed	246	169	146
Reinsurance ceded	235	378	303
Total other expenses	13,621	13,749	14,777
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Assumed Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums:
Reinsurance assumed	183
Fees and Commissions [Abstract]
Assumed Insurance Commissions And Fees	(4)
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance assumed	150
Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract]
Assumed Interest Credited To Policyholders Account Balances	6
Other expenses:
Reinsurance assumed	39
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Ceded Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums:
Reinsurance ceded	(4)
Fees and Commissions [Abstract]
Ceded Insurance Commissions And Fees	44
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance ceded	(22)
Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract]
Ceded Interest Credited To Policyholders Account Balances	30
Other expenses:
Reinsurance ceded	7
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums:
Net premiums	179
Fees and Commissions [Abstract]
Net universal life and investment product policy fees	(48)
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	128
Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract]
Interest Credited to Policyholders Account Balances	(24)
Other expenses:
Total other expenses	46
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Assumed Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums:
Reinsurance assumed	248	462	416
Fees and Commissions [Abstract]
Assumed Insurance Commissions And Fees	(6)	(2)	2
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance assumed	196	385	330
Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract]
Assumed Interest Credited To Policyholders Account Balances	10	16	14
Other expenses:
Reinsurance assumed	10	88	76
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Ceded Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums:
Reinsurance ceded	(7)	(9)	(8)
Fees and Commissions [Abstract]
Ceded Insurance Commissions And Fees	55	102	114
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Reinsurance ceded	(16)	(23)	(28)
Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract]
Ceded Interest Credited To Policyholders Account Balances	42	75	78
Other expenses:
Reinsurance ceded	(28)	(29)	(45)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums:
Net premiums	241	453	408
Fees and Commissions [Abstract]
Net universal life and investment product policy fees	(61)	(104)	(112)
Policyholder benefits and claims:
Net policyholder benefits and claims	180	362	302
Interest Credited To Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract]
Interest Credited to Policyholders Account Balances	(32)	(59)	(64)
Other expenses:
Total other expenses	$ (18)	$ 59	$ 31

Dispositions - Separation of 72

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse - Ongoing Reinsurance Transactions (Effects of Reinsurance on Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	$ 18,423	$ 15,445
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	18,419	17,590	$ 17,430
Total assets	36,842	33,035
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	177,974	166,636
Policyholder account balances	182,518	172,486	$ 165,130
Other policy-related balances	15,515	13,402
Other Liabilities	23,982	23,735
Total liabilities	399,989	376,259
Direct
Assets
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	6,300	5,927
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	18,350	17,878
Total assets	24,650	23,805
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	174,694	165,121
Policyholder account balances	182,226	171,961
Other policy-related balances	14,962	13,071
Other Liabilities	17,077	18,815
Total liabilities	388,959	368,968
Assumed
Assets
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	866	543
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	398	16
Total assets	1,264	559
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	3,280	1,515
Policyholder account balances	293	527
Other policy-related balances	520	324
Other Liabilities	1,896	405
Total liabilities	5,989	2,771
Ceded
Assets
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	11,257	8,975
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	(329)	(304)
Total assets	10,928	8,671
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	0	0
Policyholder account balances	(1)	(2)
Other policy-related balances	33	7
Other Liabilities	5,009	4,515
Total liabilities	5,041	$ 4,520
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Assumed
Assets
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	167
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	384
Total assets	551
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	1,734
Other policy-related balances	119
Other Liabilities	1,458
Total liabilities	3,311
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Ceded
Assets
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	1,793
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	(40)
Total assets	1,753
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	0
Other policy-related balances	28
Other Liabilities	19
Total liabilities	$ 47

Dispositions - Separation of 73

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse - Service Agreements and Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Revenue	$ 48
Other Policy-Related Balances	15,515	$ 13,402
Insurance Commissions and Fees	5,510	$ 5,483	$ 5,570
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party	(1,400)
Administrative Services [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	73
Insurance Commissions and Fees	$ 54
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Discontinued Operation, Period of Continuing Involvement after Disposal	36 months
Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Revenue	$ 140
Revenue from Related Parties	191
Employee matters agreement, impact of Separation	186
Other Policy-Related Balances	1,300
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party	97
Related Party Transaction, Payment to affiliate	$ 50

Dispositions - Separation of 74

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse - Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	$ 0	$ (968)	$ 58	$ (76)	$ (1,370)	$ (435)	$ (1,361)	$ 432	$ (986)	$ (2,734)	$ 1,324
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue									3,845	2,880	8,660
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income									150	74	58
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expenses									853	1,333	2,043
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expenses									3,706	7,221	6,882
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision for income tax and loss on disposal of discontinued operations									139	(4,341)	1,778
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation									(46)	(1,607)	454
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income tax									185	(2,734)	1,324
Discontinued Operation, Separation cost, net									(216)	0	0
Tax charges associated with the Separation									(955)	0	0
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax									(1,171)	0	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									(986)	(2,734)	1,324
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Premiums
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue									820	1,951	2,142
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue									2,201	3,724	3,936
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Net investment income
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue									1,783	3,157	3,038
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Total net investment gains (losses)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue									(48)	(140)	(48)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue									(1,061)	(5,886)	(466)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Policyholder benefits and claims
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expenses									2,217	4,487	3,612
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Interest credited to policyholder account balances
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expenses									620	1,107	1,195
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Policyholder dividend expense
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expenses									16	34	32
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Goodwill impairment
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expenses									$ 0	$ 260	$ 0

Dispositions - Separation of 75

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary	$ 0	$ 216,983
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	5,226	$ 1,570	$ 1,603
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary	$ 0	202,707
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		216,983
Cash and Cash Equivalents		5,226
Other Assets		709
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary		202,707
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current		2,594
Other Liabilities, Current		5,119
Fixed maturity securities | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		61,326
Equity securities | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		300
Mortgage Loans | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		9,378
Policy loans | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		1,517
Real estate and real estate joint ventures | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		150
Other limited partnership interests | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		1,642
Short-term Investments | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		1,288
Other invested assets | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		3,881
Investments | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		79,482
Accrued investment income | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents		680
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		10,636
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		7,207
Separate Account assets | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets of disposed subsidiary		113,043
Future policy benefits | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary		33,270
Policyholder Account Balances | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary		37,066
Other Policy-Related Balances | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary		1,356
Policyholder dividends payable | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary		12
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary		7,390
Long-term Debt | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary		60
Secured Debt | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary		2,797
Separate account liabilities | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities of disposed subsidiary		$ 113,043

Dispositions - Separation of 76

Dispositions - Separation of Brighthouse - Cash Flows (Details) - Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating activities	$ 1,329	$ 3,697	$ 4,559
Investing activities	(2,732)	4,674	(7,042)
Financing activities	$ (367)	$ (4,715)	$ 2,452

Dispositions - 2016 Disposition

Dispositions - 2016 Disposition (Details) - MetLife U.S. Retail Advisor Force - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration		$ 291
Gain on Disposition of Business	$ 103
Gain on Disposition of Business, Net of Tax	$ 58

Insurance (Insurance Liabilitie

Insurance (Insurance Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance liabilities comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances	$ 376,007	$ 352,524
U.S.
Insurance Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance liabilities comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances	136,065	129,117
Asia
Insurance Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance liabilities comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances	99,404	89,422
Latin America
Insurance Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance liabilities comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances	16,758	14,760
EMEA
Insurance Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance liabilities comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances	19,579	18,075
MetLife Holdings
Insurance Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance liabilities comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances	103,372	104,271
Corporate & Other
Insurance Liabilities [Line Items]
Insurance liabilities comprised of future policy benefits, policyholder account balances and other policy-related balances	$ 829	$ (3,121)

Insurance (Insurance Liabilit79

Insurance (Insurance Liabilities Assumptions and Ratios - Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholder Account Balances [Abstract]
Participating business as a percentage of gross life insurance policies in-force	3.00%	4.00%
Participating business as a percentage of the gross life insurance premiums	15.00%	16.00%	17.00%
Domestic Business | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for individual and group traditional fixed annuities after annuitization	2.00%
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for non-medical health insurance	4.00%
Interest rate range credited to policyholder account balances	1.00%
Domestic Business | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for individual and group traditional fixed annuities after annuitization	11.00%
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for non-medical health insurance	7.00%
Interest rate range credited to policyholder account balances	13.00%
Domestic Business | Participating Life Insurance Policies | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	3.00%
Domestic Business | Participating Life Insurance Policies | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	7.00%
Domestic Business | Nonparticipating Life Insurance Policies | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	2.00%
Domestic Business | Nonparticipating Life Insurance Policies | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	11.00%
Domestic Business | Group Long-Term Disability | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	2.00%
Domestic Business | Group Long-Term Disability | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	8.00%
International Business | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for individual and group traditional fixed annuities after annuitization	1.00%
Interest rate range credited to policyholder account balances	1.00%
International Business | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for individual and group traditional fixed annuities after annuitization	12.00%
Interest rate range credited to policyholder account balances	12.00%
International Business | Participating Life Insurance Policies | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	1.00%
International Business | Participating Life Insurance Policies | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	11.00%
International Business | Nonparticipating Life Insurance Policies | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	1.00%
International Business | Nonparticipating Life Insurance Policies | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	13.00%
International Business | Group Long-Term Disability | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	1.00%
International Business | Group Long-Term Disability | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Interest rate assumptions for the aggregate future policy benefit liabilities for traditional life insurance policies	9.00%

Insurance (Liabilities for Guar

Insurance (Liabilities for Guarantees) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	$ 4,372	$ 3,920	$ 3,769
Incurred guaranteed benefits	461	496	191
Paid guaranteed benefits	(50)	(44)	(40)
Balance at December 31,	4,783	4,372	3,920
Variable Annuity Guarantees: | Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	451	364	307
Incurred guaranteed benefits	91	102	68
Paid guaranteed benefits	(14)	(15)	(11)
Balance at December 31,	528	451	364
Variable Annuity Guarantees: | Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	601	524	463
Incurred guaranteed benefits	121	78	62
Paid guaranteed benefits	(2)	(1)	(1)
Balance at December 31,	720	601	524
Universal and Variable Life Contracts | Secondary Guarantees
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	2,989	2,726	2,711
Incurred guaranteed benefits	233	291	43
Paid guaranteed benefits	(34)	(28)	(28)
Balance at December 31,	3,188	2,989	2,726
Universal and Variable Life Contracts | Secondary Guarantees | Foreign Currency Translation
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Incurred guaranteed benefits	78	119	(80)
Universal and Variable Life Contracts | Paid-Up Guarantees
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	331	306	288
Incurred guaranteed benefits	16	25	18
Paid guaranteed benefits	0	0	0
Balance at December 31,	347	331	306
Ceded
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	451	457	417
Incurred guaranteed benefits	66	(11)	43
Paid guaranteed benefits	6	5	(3)
Balance at December 31,	523	451	457
Ceded | Secondary Guarantees
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	191	218	187
Incurred guaranteed benefits	50	(27)	31
Paid guaranteed benefits	0	0	0
Balance at December 31,	241	191	218
Ceded | Paid-Up Guarantees
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	231	214	201
Incurred guaranteed benefits	11	17	13
Paid guaranteed benefits	0	0	0
Balance at December 31,	242	231	214
Ceded | Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	24	19	23
Incurred guaranteed benefits	4	0	(1)
Paid guaranteed benefits	6	5	(3)
Balance at December 31,	34	24	19
Ceded | Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	5	6	6
Incurred guaranteed benefits	1	(1)	0
Paid guaranteed benefits	0	0	0
Balance at December 31,	6	5	6
Net
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	3,921	3,463	3,352
Incurred guaranteed benefits	395	507	148
Paid guaranteed benefits	(56)	(49)	(37)
Balance at December 31,	4,260	3,921	3,463
Net | Secondary Guarantees
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	2,798	2,508	2,524
Incurred guaranteed benefits	183	318	12
Paid guaranteed benefits	(34)	(28)	(28)
Balance at December 31,	2,947	2,798	2,508
Net | Paid-Up Guarantees
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	100	92	87
Incurred guaranteed benefits	5	8	5
Paid guaranteed benefits	0	0	0
Balance at December 31,	105	100	92
Net | Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	427	345	284
Incurred guaranteed benefits	87	102	69
Paid guaranteed benefits	(20)	(20)	(8)
Balance at December 31,	494	427	345
Net | Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross Rollforward
Balance at January 1,	596	518	457
Incurred guaranteed benefits	120	79	62
Paid guaranteed benefits	(2)	(1)	(1)
Balance at December 31,	$ 714	$ 596	$ 518

Insurance (Guarantees Related t

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Annuity Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Annuity Guarantees: | Guaranteed Death Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value	$ 66,724	$ 66,176
Separate account value	45,431	43,359
Net amount at risk	$ 1,238	$ 1,842
Average attained age of contractholders	65 years	64 years
Variable Annuity Guarantees: | Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value	$ 26,223	$ 25,335
Separate account value	24,336	23,330
Net amount at risk	$ 525	$ 521
Average attained age of contractholders	65 years	65 years
Other Annuity Guarantees: | Guaranteed Annuitization Benefits
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value	$ 1,424	$ 1,393
Net amount at risk	$ 569	$ 490
Average attained age of contractholders	50 years	50 years

Insurance (Guarantees Related82

Insurance (Guarantees Related to Universal and Variable Life Contracts) (Details) - Universal and Variable Life Contracts - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Secondary Guarantees
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 9,036	$ 8,363
Net amount at risk (7)	$ 66,956	$ 70,225
Average attained age of policyholders	56 years	55 years
Paid-Up Guarantees
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Total account value (3)	$ 3,207	$ 3,337
Net amount at risk (7)	$ 16,615	$ 17,785
Average attained age of policyholders	63 years	62 years

Insurance (Fund Groupings) (Det

Insurance (Fund Groupings) (Details) - Variable Annuity and Variable Life - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fund Groupings	$ 50,307	$ 47,284	[1]
Equity
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fund Groupings	23,213	21,169
Balanced
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fund Groupings	20,859	20,070
Bond
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fund Groupings	5,983	5,827
Money Market
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fund Groupings	$ 252	218
Restatement Adjustment
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fund Groupings		$ 6,700
[1]	$6.7 billion

Insurance (Obligations Under Fu

Insurance (Obligations Under Funding Agreements - FHLB Common Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	$ 733	$ 748
Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	35	35
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	$ 11	$ 11

Insurance (Obligations Under 85

Insurance (Obligations Under Funding Agreements - Liability and Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank amount of advances by branch for funding agreements	$ 300	$ 0
Collateral pledged relating to obligations under funding agreements	564
Fixed and Floating Rate Funding Agreements by Type [Line Items]
Outstanding funding agreements to certain SPEs	34,200	30,800
Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral	24,174	23,882
Funding agreements - Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
Fixed and Floating Rate Funding Agreements by Type [Line Items]
Outstanding funding agreements to certain SPEs	2,550	2,550
Invested Assets Pledged As Collateral	2,644	2,645
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank amount of advances by branch for funding agreements	14,445	14,445
Collateral pledged relating to obligations under funding agreements	16,605	16,828
Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank amount of advances by branch for funding agreements	625	625
Collateral pledged relating to obligations under funding agreements	701	811
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank amount of advances by branch for funding agreements	250	250
Collateral pledged relating to obligations under funding agreements	$ 311	$ 383

Insurance (Obligations Under 86

Insurance (Obligations Under Funding Agreements - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Funding agreements issued to certain SPEs	$ 42.7	$ 39.7	$ 35.1
Funding agreements repaid to certain SPEs	41.4	38.5	$ 35.5
Outstanding funding agreements to certain SPEs	$ 34.2	$ 30.8

Insurance (Liabilities for Unpa

Insurance (Liabilities for Unpaid Claims and Claims Expense - Development Tables) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Claims	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)
Claims Development [Line Items]
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 12,349
Group Life - Term
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	48,034
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	46,136
All outstanding liabilities for incurral years not separately stated, net of reinsurance	5
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	1,903
Group Life - Term | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2011
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	6,294	$ 6,295	$ 6,287	$ 6,269	$ 6,293	$ 6,290	$ 6,318
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 1
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	207,301
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 6,292	6,290	6,281	6,256	6,239	6,194	4,982
Group Life - Term | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2012
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	6,569	6,568	6,546	6,569	6,579	6,503
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 3
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	208,626
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 6,565	6,558	6,532	6,518	6,472	5,132
Group Life - Term | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2013
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	6,730	6,720	6,719	6,713	6,637
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 15
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	210,643
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 6,711	6,678	6,664	6,614	5,216
Group Life - Term | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2014
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	6,910	6,913	6,919	6,986
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 5
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	210,797
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 6,869	6,858	6,809	5,428
Group Life - Term | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2015
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	7,014	7,015	7,040
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 12
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	211,597
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 6,958	6,913	5,524
Group Life - Term | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2016
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	7,085	7,125
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 21
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	206,610
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 6,980	5,582
Group Life - Term | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2017
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	7,432
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 898
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	186,954
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 5,761
Group Life - Term | Asia
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	1,633
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	1,108
All outstanding liabilities for incurral years not separately stated, net of reinsurance	27
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	552
Group Life - Term | Asia | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2010
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	144	135	103	107	107	84	78	$ 82
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 24
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	2,490
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 121	114	89	79	65	53	40	20
Group Life - Term | Asia | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2011
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	132	124	94	88	88	67	64
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 24
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	2,629
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 109	102	81	67	54	40	13
Group Life - Term | Asia | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2012
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	122	119	118	103	104	98
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 10
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	3,962
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 112	106	99	85	65	30
Group Life - Term | Asia | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2013
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	167	168	174	150	148
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 19
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	4,448
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 149	136	121	99	44
Group Life - Term | Asia | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2014
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	256	256	279	297
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 54
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	5,020
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 202	180	144	69
Group Life - Term | Asia | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2015
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	271	267	280
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 78
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	4,473
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 192	154	81
Group Life - Term | Asia | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2016
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	238	234
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 102
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	2,314
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 135	66
Group Life - Term | Asia | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2017
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	303
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 215
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	1,456
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 88
Group Long-Term Disability
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	7,602
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	3,006
All outstanding liabilities for incurral years not separately stated, net of reinsurance	2,539
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	7,135
Group Long-Term Disability | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2011
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	918	923	924	914	894	916	955
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	21,642
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 588	537	478	411	337	217	44
Group Long-Term Disability | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2012
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	1,037	1,034	1,014	980	979	966
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	20,085
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 591	524	453	365	229	43
Group Long-Term Disability | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2013
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	1,070	1,049	1,032	1,027	1,008
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	21,123
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 551	475	382	234	43
Group Long-Term Disability | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2014
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	1,101	1,079	1,077	1,076
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	22,838
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 526	428	266	51
Group Long-Term Disability | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2015
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	1,093	1,105	1,082
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 4
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	21,136
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 427	264	50
Group Long-Term Disability | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2016
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	1,139	1,131
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 26
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	17,585
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 267	49
Group Long-Term Disability | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2017
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	1,244
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 585
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	9,258
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 56
Property & Casualty - Auto
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	8,841
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	7,672
All outstanding liabilities for incurral years not separately stated, net of reinsurance	27
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	1,196
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2008
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	791	790	791	793	794	799	805	828	$ 839	$ 818
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	200,517
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 789	788	787	785	778	764	725	657	553	304
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2009
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	814	815	815	817	823	826	853	877	862
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	201,579
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 813	813	810	803	789	755	681	563	321
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2010
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	822	825	826	833	847	853	873	863
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 1
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	202,098
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 818	816	810	796	762	695	572	319
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2011
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	843	843	846	855	869	876	863
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 2
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	202,513
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 831	825	810	777	711	590	324
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2012
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	847	846	851	869	881	882
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 3
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	196,928
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 831	815	783	715	600	333
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2013
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	876	878	882	900	911
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 6
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	201,297
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 843	809	743	618	346
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2014
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	910	913	910	897
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 12
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	203,560
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 844	777	648	352
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2015
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	979	984	975
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 30
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	207,485
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 822	691	384
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2016
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	1,002	1,012
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 77
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	204,497
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 702	396
Property & Casualty - Auto | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2017
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	957
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 161
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	173,607
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 379
Property & Casualty - Home
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	6,770
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	6,545
All outstanding liabilities for incurral years not separately stated, net of reinsurance	1
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	226
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2008
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	585	585	586	588	589	588	590	599	636	644
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	127,479
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 584	584	584	584	583	582	579	574	558	446
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2009
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	497	497	498	501	503	507	510	523	506
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	106,616
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 496	496	496	495	495	492	486	476	385
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2010
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	579	580	581	582	584	587	589	573
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	115,510
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 578	578	577	574	571	562	546	436
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2011
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	834	835	835	840	843	868	891
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	166,455
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 832	830	827	825	819	804	690
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2012
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	694	696	698	703	713	714
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 2
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	146,536
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 690	689	687	681	668	559
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2013
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	634	635	635	652	654
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 4
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	107,525
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 628	626	618	604	505
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2014
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	705	704	702	707
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 7
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	113,604
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 692	685	670	574
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2015
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	752	753	759
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 12
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	107,073
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 731	717	603
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2016
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	743	740
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 20
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	106,537
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 704	593
Property & Casualty - Home | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2017
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	747
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 66
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	106,915
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 610
Protection Life
Claims Development [Line Items]
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	280
Protection Life | Latin America
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	3,292
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	3,024
All outstanding liabilities for incurral years not separately stated, net of reinsurance	12
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	280
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2008
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	284	283	283	283	283	283	282	281	277	208
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	31,642
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 281	278	278	277	277	277	277	276	271	205
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2009
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	327	326	326	325	325	325	324	319	236
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	31,322
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 321	317	317	317	317	317	316	311	234
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2010
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	343	342	342	342	341	340	333	259
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	33,386
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 322	320	319	319	319	318	311	239
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2011
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	235	238	238	237	236	229	150
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	28,103
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 234	232	232	232	231	225	147
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2012
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	221	223	222	221	215	159
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	29,244
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 219	219	218	217	212	157
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2013
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	253	254	253	246	176
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	33,170
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 244	244	243	238	172
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2014
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	361	392	381	252
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 1
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	41,566
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 346	342	336	226
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2015
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	440	470	330
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 2
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	47,111
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 404	379	271
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2016
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	456	359
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 14
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	40,972
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 437	245
Protection Life | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2017
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	372
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 117
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	25,103
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 216
Protection Health
Claims Development [Line Items]
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	87
Protection Health | Latin America
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	2,449
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	2,365
All outstanding liabilities for incurral years not separately stated, net of reinsurance	3
Total unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	87
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2008
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	154	152	152	152	152	151	151	151	149	133
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	89,217
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 154	152	152	152	152	151	151	151	149	$ 133
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2009
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	177	174	174	174	174	173	173	171	153
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	92,530
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 177	174	174	174	174	173	173	171	$ 153
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2010
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	207	204	204	204	203	202	201	180
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	96,276
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 207	204	204	203	203	202	201	$ 180
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2011
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	240	243	243	243	242	240	216
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	105,965
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 240	243	243	243	242	240	$ 216
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2012
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	236	238	237	237	235	209
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	99,498
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 236	238	237	237	235	$ 209
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2013
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	255	258	257	255	226
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 1
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	103,110
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 255	258	257	255	$ 226
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2014
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	261	263	261	235
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 2
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	96,260
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 258	262	259	$ 233
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2015
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	231	229	202
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 3
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	84,678
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 228	229	$ 202
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2016
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	305	265
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 7
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	101,478
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 298	$ 249
Protection Health | Latin America | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurral Year 2017
Claims Development [Line Items]
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance	383
Total IBNR Liabilities Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 48
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | Claims	101,116
Cumulative paid claims and paid allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 312

Insurance (Short-Duration Contr

Insurance (Short-Duration Contracts Historical Claims) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017
Group Life - Term
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	78.30%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	20.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	0.70%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	0.20%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	0.40%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	0.10%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	0.00%
Group Life - Term | Asia
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	23.60%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	25.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	13.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	9.30%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	8.60%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	8.90%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	11.30%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Eight	5.50%
Group Long-Term Disability
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	4.40%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	18.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	13.90%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	8.50%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	7.10%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	6.40%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	5.60%
Property & Casualty - Auto
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	39.30%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	31.30%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	14.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	7.90%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	4.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	1.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	0.90%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Eight	0.50%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Nine	0.10%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Ten	0.20%
Property & Casualty - Home
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	80.50%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	14.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	2.30%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	1.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	0.60%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	0.30%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	0.20%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Eight	0.10%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Nine	0.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Ten	0.10%
Protection Life | Latin America
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	65.10%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	27.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	2.30%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	0.50%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	0.10%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	0.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	0.20%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Eight	0.20%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Nine	0.60%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Ten	1.30%
Protection Health | Latin America
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	86.70%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	11.20%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	0.60%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	0.10%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	0.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	0.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	(0.30%)
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Eight	0.50%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Nine	0.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Ten	1.40%

Insurance (Liabilities for Un89

Insurance (Liabilities for Unpaid Claims - Methodology) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Aggregate Discount	$ (1,328)
Group Long-Term Disability
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Short-Duration Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Amount	6,000	$ 5,800
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Aggregate Discount	1,300	1,300
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Interest Accretion	$ 510	565	$ 517
Group Long-Term Disability | Minimum
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Short-Duration Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Discount Rate	3.00%
Group Long-Term Disability | Maximum
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Short-Duration Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Discount Rate	8.00%
Group Life - Term | Asia
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Short-Duration Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Amount	$ 756	627
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Aggregate Discount	57	42
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Interest Accretion	$ 26	$ 22	$ 20
Group Life - Term | Minimum | Asia
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Short-Duration Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Discount Rate	3.00%
Group Life - Term | Maximum | Asia
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Short-Duration Contracts, Discounted Liabilities, Discount Rate	7.00%

Insurance (Reconciliation of Di

Insurance (Reconciliation of Disclosure to Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	$ 12,349
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	661
Total unpaid claims and allocated claims adjustment expense	13,010
Unallocated claims adjustment expenses	107
Discounting	(1,328)
Liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment liabilities - short-duration	11,789
Liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment liabilities - long-duration	5,305
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	17,094	$ 16,157	$ 9,669	$ 9,525
U.S.
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	10,460
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	189
Latin America
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	367
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	8
Group Life - Term
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	1,903
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	16
Group Life - Term | Asia
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	552
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	261
Group Long-Term Disability
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	7,135
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	95
Discounting	1,300	$ 1,300
Property & Casualty - Auto
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	1,196
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	73
Property & Casualty - Home
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	226
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	5
Protection Life
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	280
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	4
Protection Health
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	87
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	4
Other insurance lines - all segments combined
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability [Line Items]
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net	970
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments	$ 203

Insurance (Rollforward of Unpai

Insurance (Rollforward of Unpaid Claims) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Balance at January 1,	$ 16,157	$ 9,669	$ 9,525
Less: Reinsurance recoverables	1,968	476	454
Net Balance at January 1,	14,189	14,012	9,071
Incurred related to:
Current year	24,370	24,011	9,533
Prior years	133	382	(78)
Total incurred	24,503	24,393	9,455
Paid related to:
Current year	(18,525)	(18,696)	(6,759)
Prior years	(5,271)	(5,520)	(2,574)
Total paid	(23,796)	(24,216)	(9,333)
Net Balance at December 31,	14,896	14,189	14,012
Add: Reinsurance recoverables	2,198	1,968	476
Balance at December 31,	17,094	16,157	9,669
Scenario, Previously Reported
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Net Balance at January 1,	14,189	9,193	9,071
Paid related to:
Net Balance at December 31,		14,189	9,193
Cumulative adjustment
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Net Balance at January 1,	0	4,819	0
Paid related to:
Net Balance at December 31,		0	$ 4,819
Restatement Adjustment
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Less: Reinsurance recoverables	742
Net Balance at January 1,	$ 736
Paid related to:
Net Balance at December 31,		736
Add: Reinsurance recoverables		$ 742

Insurance (Separate Accounts -

Insurance (Separate Accounts - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Separate account assets	$ 205,001	$ 195,578
Gain (Loss) Recognized on Assets Transferred to Separate Account	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Participating Policies as Percentage of Gross Insurance in Force	3.00%	4.00%
Funding Agreements and Participating Close Out Contracts Included in Separate Accounts with a Guaranteed Minimum Return or Account Value
Schedule Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Average interest rate credited on separate accounts with a guaranteed minimum return or account value	2.34%	2.35%
Pass Through Separate Accounts
Schedule Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Separate account assets	$ 148,200	$ 134,500
Separate Accounts With Minimum Return Or Account Value
Schedule Separate Accounts [Line Items]
Separate account assets	$ 56,800	$ 61,100

Deferred Policy Acquisition C93

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Policy-Related Intangibles (DAC and VOBA) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net [Abstract]
Beginning Balance of DAC	$ 13,830	$ 13,464	$ 13,024
Capitalization of DAC	3,002	3,152	3,319
Net investment gains (losses) of DAC and net derivative gains (losses) of DAC	60	229	(150)
Other expenses of DAC	(2,426)	(2,555)	(2,590)
Total amortization of DAC	(2,366)	(2,326)	(2,740)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) of DAC	(525)	(171)	443
Effect of foreign currency translation and other of DAC	848	(289)	(582)
Ending Balance of DAC	14,789	13,830	13,464
Beginning Balance of VOBA	3,760	3,966	4,705
Net investment gains (losses) of VOBA and net derivative gains (losses) of VOBA	0	(3)	(1)
Other expenses of VOBA	(315)	(389)	(443)
Total amortization of VOBA	(315)	(392)	(444)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) of VOBA	(4)	8	5
Effect of foreign currency translation and other of VOBA	189	178	(300)
Ending Balance of VOBA	3,630	3,760	3,966
Balance at December 31,	$ 18,419	$ 17,590	$ 17,430

Deferred Policy Acquisition C94

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Policy-Related Intangibles (DAC and VOBA by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	$ 18,419	$ 17,590	$ 17,430
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	614	616	615
Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	9,261	8,707	8,386
Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	2,050	1,808	1,753
EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	1,673	1,472	1,532
MetLife Holdings
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	4,797	5,246	5,436
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	$ 24	$ (259)	$ (292)

Deferred Policy Acquisition C95

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Policy-Related Intangibles (Deferred Sales Inducements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
DSI:
Balance at January 1,	$ 241	$ 242	$ 224
Capitalization	16	22	28
Amortization	(29)	(23)	(30)
Unrealized investment gains (losses)	(6)	0	20
Effect of foreign currency translation	(2)	0	0
Balance at December 31,	$ 220	$ 241	$ 242

Deferred Policy Acquisition C96

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Policy-Related Intangibles (VODA and VOCRA) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Balance at January 1,	$ 509	$ 583	$ 692
Amortization	(51)	(57)	(56)
Effect of foreign currency translation	1	(17)	(53)
Balance at December 31,	459	509	583
Accumulated amortization	$ 345	$ 294	$ 237

Deferred Policy Acquisition C97

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Policy-Related Intangibles (Negative VOBA) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities
Balance at January 1,	$ 935	$ 1,193	$ 1,596
Amortization of negative VOBA	(140)	(269)	(361)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other	32	11	(42)
Balance at December 31,	827	935	1,193
Accumulated amortization	$ 3,174	$ 3,034	$ 2,765

Deferred Policy Acquisition C98

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Other Policy-Related Intangibles (Estimated Future Amortization) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Estimated future amortization expense allocated to other expenses for VOBA [Abstract]
VOBA 2,018	$ 293
VOBA 2,019	272
VOBA 2,020	248
VOBA 2,021	222
VOBA 2,022	208
Value of Distribution Agreements and Customer Relationships Acquired [Abstract]
VODA and VOCRA 2018	47
VODA and VOCRA 2019	43
VODA and VOCRA 2020	40
VODA and VOCRA 2021	36
VODA and VOCRA 2022	33
Negative Value of Business Acquired [Abstract]
Negative VOBA 2018	(60)
Negative VOBA 2019	(40)
Negative VOBA 2020	(41)
Negative VOBA 2021	(40)
Negative VOBA 2022	$ (38)

Reinsurance (Effects of Reinsur

Reinsurance (Effects of Reinsurance on Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Premiums:
Direct Premiums	$ 39,595	$ 37,975	$ 37,044
Reinsurance assumed	1,773	1,363	1,382
Reinsurance ceded	(2,376)	(2,136)	(2,023)
Net premiums	38,992	37,202	36,403
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
Direct universal life and investment-type product policy fees	5,978	5,884	5,952
Reinsurance assumed	83	96	105
Reinsurance ceded	(551)	(497)	(487)
Net universal life and investment product policy fees	5,510	5,483	5,570
Policyholder Benefits and Claims:
Direct policyholder benefits and claims	39,354	37,186	36,143
Reinsurance assumed	1,388	1,085	984
Reinsurance ceded	(2,429)	(1,913)	(1,983)
Net policyholder benefits and claims	38,313	36,358	35,144
Other expenses:
Direct other expenses	13,610	13,958	14,934
Reinsurance assumed	246	169	146
Reinsurance ceded	235	378	303
Total other expenses	$ 13,621	$ 13,749	$ 14,777

Reinsurance (Effects of Rein100

Reinsurance (Effects of Reinsurance on Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (includes $3 and $2, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	$ 18,423	$ 15,445
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	18,419	17,590	$ 17,430
Total assets	36,842	33,035
Liabilities
Liability for Future Policy Benefits	177,974	166,636
Policyholder Contract Deposits	182,518	172,486	$ 165,130
Other Policy-Related Balances	15,515	13,402
Other Liabilities	23,982	23,735
Total liabilities	399,989	376,259
Direct Reinsurance [Member]
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (includes $3 and $2, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	6,300	5,927
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	18,350	17,878
Total assets	24,650	23,805
Liabilities
Liability for Future Policy Benefits	174,694	165,121
Policyholder Contract Deposits	182,226	171,961
Other Policy-Related Balances	14,962	13,071
Other Liabilities	17,077	18,815
Total liabilities	388,959	368,968
Assumed Reinsurance [Member]
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (includes $3 and $2, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	866	543
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	398	16
Total assets	1,264	559
Liabilities
Liability for Future Policy Benefits	3,280	1,515
Policyholder Contract Deposits	293	527
Other Policy-Related Balances	520	324
Other Liabilities	1,896	405
Total liabilities	5,989	2,771
Ceded Reinsurance [Member]
Assets
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (includes $3 and $2, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)	11,257	8,975
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Insurance Profits, Net	(329)	(304)
Total assets	10,928	8,671
Liabilities
Liability for Future Policy Benefits	0	0
Policyholder Contract Deposits	(1)	(2)
Other Policy-Related Balances	33	7
Other Liabilities	5,009	4,515
Total liabilities	$ 5,041	$ 4,520

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Detail

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Deposit assets in premiums, reinsurance, and other receivables or secondary guarantee risk for reinsurance	$ 2,800	$ 2,900
Deposit liabilities in other liabilities for reinsurance	1,400	31
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables	$ 7,200	5,300
Modified Coinsurance of Closed Block [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsured risk percentage	59.25%
Mortality Risk on Yearly Renewable Term Basis [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Retention amount	$ 5
Mortality Risk [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of reinsured risk in excess of stated amount	90.00%
Retention amount	$ 2
Mortality Risk on Case by Case Basis [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Percentage of reinsured risk in excess of stated amount	100.00%
Retention amount	$ 20
Ceded Credit Risk, Unsecured [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables	3,500	3,400
Five Largest Ceded Reinsurers [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Five largest reinsurers, reinsurance recoverables amount	$ 4,400	$ 3,000
Five largest reinsurers, reinsurance recoverables percentage	61.00%	57.00%
Five Largest Ceded Reinsurers [Member] | Ceded Credit Risk, Unsecured [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Five largest reinsurers, reinsurance recoverables amount	$ 1,500	$ 1,800

Closed Block (Liabilities and A

Closed Block (Liabilities and Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Closed Block Liabilities
Future policy benefits	$ 40,463	$ 40,834
Other policy-related balances	222	257
Policyholder dividends payable	437	443
Policyholder dividend obligation	2,121	1,931	$ 1,783	$ 3,155
Current income tax payable	0	4
Other liabilities	212	196
Total closed block liabilities	43,455	43,665
Assets Designated to the Closed Block
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value	27,904	27,220
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value	70	100
Mortgage loans	5,878	5,935
Policy loans	4,548	4,553
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	613	655
Other invested assets	731	1,246
Total investments	39,744	39,709
Accrued investment income	477	467
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables; cash and cash equivalents	14	86
Current income tax recoverable	35	0
Deferred income tax assets	36	177
Total assets designated to the closed block	40,306	40,439
Excess of closed block liabilities over assets designated to the closed block	3,149	3,226
Amounts included in AOCI:
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax	1,863	1,517
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net of income tax	(7)	95
Allocated to policyholder dividend obligation, net of income tax	(1,379)	(1,255)
Total amounts included in AOCI	477	357
Maximum future earnings to be recognized from closed block assets and liabilities	$ 3,626	$ 3,583

Closed Block (Policyholder Divi

Closed Block (Policyholder Dividend Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Closed block policyholder dividend obligation
Balance at January 1,	$ 1,931	$ 1,783	$ 3,155
Change in unrealized investment and derivative gains (losses)	190	148	(1,372)
Balance at December 31,	$ 2,121	$ 1,931	$ 1,783

Closed Block (Revenues and Expe

Closed Block (Revenues and Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues
Premiums	$ 1,736	$ 1,804	$ 1,850
Net investment income	1,818	1,902	1,982
Net investment gains (losses)	1	(10)	(23)
Net derivative gains (losses)	(32)	25	27
Total revenues	3,523	3,721	3,836
Expenses
Policyholder benefits and claims	2,453	2,563	2,564
Policyholder dividends	976	953	1,015
Other expenses	125	133	143
Total expenses	3,554	3,649	3,722
Revenues, net of expenses before provision for income tax expense (benefit)	(31)	72	114
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	12	24	41
Revenues, net of expenses and provision for income tax expense (benefit)	$ (43)	$ 48	$ 73

Investments (Fixed Maturity and

Investments (Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale by Sector) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 286,069	$ 271,676
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,140	2,464
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(41)	(8)	$ 76
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	308,931	289,563
Equity securities	2,513	2,894
Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Gain	24,765	21,826
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	1,945	3,946
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(42)	(7)
U.S. corporate
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	76,005	73,280
Gross Unrealized Gain	7,007	6,027
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	351	764
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	82,661	78,543
Foreign corporate
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	52,409	49,308
Gross Unrealized Gain	3,836	2,926
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	676	1,572
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	(1)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	55,569	50,663
Foreign government
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	55,351	49,864
Gross Unrealized Gain	6,495	6,485
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	312	373
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	61,534	55,976
RMBS
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	27,846	28,393
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,145	1,039
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	233	410
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(42)	(10)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	28,800	29,032
U.S. government and agency
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	43,446	41,294
Gross Unrealized Gain	4,227	3,682
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	279	543
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	47,394	44,433
CMBS
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	8,047	7,294
Gross Unrealized Gain	222	237
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	42	71
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	8,227	7,460
ABS
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	12,213	11,266
Gross Unrealized Gain	116	90
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	39	128
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	(1)	3
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	12,291	11,225
State and political subdivision
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	10,752	10,977
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,717	1,340
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	13	85
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	1	1
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	12,455	12,231
Equity securities
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Gain	393	483
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	20	53
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Equity securities	2,513	2,894
Common stock
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,687	1,827
Gross Unrealized Gain	364	464
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	16	13
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Equity securities	2,035	2,278
Non-redeemable preferred stock
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost or Amortized Cost	453	637
Gross Unrealized Gain	29	19
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	4	40
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	0	0
Equity securities	$ 478	$ 616

Investments (Maturities of Fixe

Investments (Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$ 11,378
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	62,647
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	61,043
Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	102,895
Amortized Cost, Subtotal	286,069	$ 271,676
Amortized Cost, RMBS, CMBS and ABS	48,106
Estimated Fair Value, Due in one year or less	11,437
Estimated Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	65,423
Estimated Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	64,499
Estimated Fair Value, Due after ten years	118,254
Estimated fair value, Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	49,318
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $286,069 and $271,676, respectively)	$ 308,931	$ 289,563

Investments (Continuous Gross U

Investments (Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position less than 12 months	2,651	3,580
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position equal to or greater than 12 months	1,965	1,307
Fixed Maturity Securities
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	$ 41,943	$ 51,095
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	435	2,243
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	23,375	14,238
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	1,468	1,696
U.S. corporate
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	5,604	11,471
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	92	466
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	4,115	2,938
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	259	298
Foreign corporate
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	4,422	10,147
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	99	573
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	6,802	5,493
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	577	998
Foreign government
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	4,234	5,955
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	83	260
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	3,251	918
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	229	113
RMBS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	6,359	9,449
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	50	291
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	4,159	1,800
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	141	109
U.S. government and agency
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	18,273	9,104
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	93	523
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	3,560	141
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	186	20
CMBS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	1,174	998
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	9	22
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	413	564
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	33	49
ABS
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	1,695	2,224
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	7	28
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	729	2,328
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	31	103
State and political subdivision
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	182	1,747
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	2	80
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	346	56
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	12	6
Equity securities
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	168	244
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	17	20
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	45	136
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	3	33
Common Stock
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	126	105
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	16	13
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	4	11
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Non-redeemable preferred stock
Continuous Gross Unrealized Loss and OTTI Loss for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Less than 12 months Estimated Fair Value	42	139
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	1	7
Equal to or Greater than 12 Months Estimated Fair Value	41	125
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	$ 3	$ 33

Investments (Mortgage Loans by

Investments (Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 44,375	$ 41,512
Percentage of loans receivable on commercial mortgage loans	64.60%	63.70%
Agricultural mortgage loans	$ 13,014	$ 12,564
Percentage of loans receivable on agricultural mortgage loans	18.90%	19.30%
Residential mortgage loans	$ 11,136	$ 10,829
Percentage of loans receivable on residential mortgage loans	16.20%	16.60%
Subtotal	$ 68,525	$ 64,905
Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal	99.70%	99.60%
Valuation allowances	$ (314)	$ (304)	$ (281)	$ (279)
Percentage of loans receivable on valuation allowances	0.50%	0.50%
Subtotal mortgage loans, net	$ 68,211	$ 64,601
Percentage of loans receivable on subtotal mortgage loans held-for-investment, net	99.20%	99.10%
Percentage of residential mortgage loans - FVO	0.80%	0.90%
Total mortgage loans, net	$ 68,731	$ 65,167
Percentage of loans held for sale on total mortgage loans, net	100.00%	100.00%
Residential — FVO
Company-held mortgage loans held-for-investment, net
Total mortgage loans, net	$ 520	$ 566

Investments (Mortgage Loans and

Investments (Mortgage Loans and Valuation Allowance by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 22	$ 11
Recorded Investment	21	10
Valuation Allowances	2	1
Unpaid Principal Balance	385	304
Recorded Investment	351	280
Recorded Investment	68,153	64,615
Valuation Allowances	312	303
Carrying Value	370	289
Average Recorded Investment	322	327
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	12
Recorded Investment	0	12
Recorded Investment	44,375	41,500
Valuation Allowances	214	202
Carrying Value	0	12
Average Recorded Investment	5	90	$ 127
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	22	11
Recorded Investment	21	10
Valuation Allowances	2	1
Unpaid Principal Balance	27	27
Recorded Investment	27	27
Recorded Investment	12,966	12,527
Valuation Allowances	39	38
Carrying Value	46	36
Average Recorded Investment	32	49	60
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Recorded Investment	0	0
Valuation Allowances	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	358	265
Recorded Investment	324	241
Recorded Investment	10,812	10,588
Valuation Allowances	59	63
Carrying Value	324	241
Average Recorded Investment	$ 285	$ 188	$ 84

Investments (Valuation Allowanc

Investments (Valuation Allowance Rollforward by Portfolio Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 304	$ 281	$ 279
Provision (release)	24	183	37
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	(14)	(160)	(35)
Ending Balance	314	304	281
Commercial
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	202	188	202
Provision (release)	12	157	5
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	0	(143)	(19)
Ending Balance	214	202	188
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	39	37	35
Provision (release)	4	3	2
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	(2)	(1)	0
Ending Balance	41	39	37
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	63	56	42
Provision (release)	8	23	30
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	(12)	(16)	(16)
Ending Balance	$ 59	$ 63	$ 56

Investments (Credit Quality of

Investments (Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 44,375	$ 41,512
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 45,084	$ 41,817
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 38,757	$ 37,851
% of Total	87.40%	91.20%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 39,528	$ 38,237
% of Total	87.70%	91.50%
65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 4,400	$ 3,246
% of Total	9.90%	7.80%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 4,408	$ 3,185
% of Total	9.80%	7.60%
76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 502	$ 195
% of Total	1.10%	0.50%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 476	$ 182
% of Total	1.00%	0.40%
Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 716	$ 220
% of Total	1.60%	0.50%
Estimated Fair Value	$ 672	$ 213
% of Total	1.50%	0.50%
Greater than 1.20x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 41,892	$ 39,424
Greater than 1.20x | Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	37,073	36,067
Greater than 1.20x | 65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	4,183	3,044
Greater than 1.20x | 76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	235	195
Greater than 1.20x | Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	401	118
1.00x - 1.20x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	1,959	1,104
1.00x - 1.20x | Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	1,483	1,077
1.00x - 1.20x | 65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	98	0
1.00x - 1.20x | 76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	210	0
1.00x - 1.20x | Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	168	27
Less than 1.00x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	524	984
Less than 1.00x | Less than 65%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	201	707
Less than 1.00x | 65% to 75%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	119	202
Less than 1.00x | 76% to 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	57	0
Less than 1.00x | Greater than 80%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 147	$ 75

Investments (Credit Quality 112

Investments (Credit Quality of Agricultural and Residential Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded investment in Mortgage Loan	$ 13,014	$ 12,564
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Residential Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded investment in Mortgage Loan	$ 11,136	$ 10,829
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 65%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded investment in Mortgage Loan	$ 12,347	$ 12,023
% of Total	94.90%	95.70%
65% to 75%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded investment in Mortgage Loan	$ 618	$ 436
% of Total	4.70%	3.50%
76% to 80%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded investment in Mortgage Loan	$ 40	$ 17
% of Total	0.30%	0.10%
Greater than 80%
Agricultural Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded investment in Mortgage Loan	$ 9	$ 88
% of Total	0.10%	0.70%
Performing
Residential Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded investment in Mortgage Loan	$ 10,622	$ 10,448
% of Total	95.40%	96.50%
Nonperforming
Residential Mortgage Loans - by Credit Quality Indicator:
Recorded investment in Mortgage Loan	$ 514	$ 381
% of Total	4.60%	3.50%

Investments (Past Due and Inter

Investments (Past Due and Interest Accrual Status of Mortgage Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Past Due	$ 648	$ 511
Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Accrual of Interest	158	144
Nonaccrual	517	367
Commercial
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Past Due	0	3
Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Accrual of Interest	0	3
Nonaccrual	0	0
Agricultural
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Past Due	134	127
Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Accrual of Interest	125	104
Nonaccrual	36	23
Residential
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Past Due	514	381
Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonperforming, Accrual of Interest	33	37
Nonaccrual	$ 481	$ 344

Investments (Investment in Leve

Investments (Investment in Leverage Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment in leveraged leases
Rental receivables, net	$ 912	$ 1,172
Estimated residual values	838	952
Subtotal	1,750	2,124
Unearned income	(472)	(603)
Investment in leases, net of non-recourse debt	1,278	1,521
Rental receivables, net	2,303	1,683
Estimated residual values	42	71
Subtotal	2,345	1,754
Unearned income	(1,022)	(639)
Investment in leases, net of non-recourse debt	$ 1,323	$ 1,115

Investments (Net Unrealized Inv

Investments (Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Components of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Fixed maturity securities	$ 22,645	$ 20,330	$ 18,158
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI	41	8	(76)
Total fixed maturity securities	22,686	20,338	18,082
Equity securities	421	485	422
Derivatives	1,453	2,923	2,350
Other	46	23	287
Subtotal	24,606	23,769	21,141
Future policy benefits	(77)	(1,114)	(163)
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	0	(3)	0
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(1,768)	(1,430)	(1,273)
Policyholder dividend obligation	(2,121)	(1,931)	(1,783)
Subtotal	(3,966)	(4,478)	(3,219)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	(12)	(1)	27
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(6,958)	(6,634)	(6,149)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	13,670	12,656	11,800
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(8)	(6)	(31)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ 13,662	12,650	11,769	$ 16,300
Net unrealized gains (losses) attributable to MetLife related to investments, derivatives , DAC, VOBA, DSI, and future policy benefits		$ 1,250	$ 1,554

Investments (Changes in Net Unr

Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Changes In Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Balance at January 1,	$ 12,650	$ 11,769	$ 16,300
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized	33	84	36
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the year	804	2,544	(11,668)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
Future policy benefits	1,037	(951)	2,723
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	3	(3)	4
DAC, VOBA and DSI	(338)	(157)	673
Policyholder dividend obligation	(190)	(148)	1,372
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI	(11)	(28)	(15)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(324)	(485)	2,342
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	13,664	12,625	11,767
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2)	25	2
Balance at December 31,	13,662	12,650	11,769
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	1,014	856	(4,533)
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2)	25	2
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ 1,012	881	(4,531)
Changes in Net unrealized gains (losses) attributable to MetLife related to investments, derivatives, DAC, VOBA, DSI, and future policy benefits		$ (304)	$ (1,128)

Investments (Securities Lending

Investments (Securities Lending) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties	$ 19,417	$ 20,114
Security collateral on deposit from counterparties	19	20
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value	19,508	20,133
Amortized cost
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities loaned	17,801	18,798
Estimated fair value
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities loaned	$ 19,028	$ 19,753

Investments (Securities Lend118

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 19,417	$ 20,114
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	18,391	19,359
Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,026	712
U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	43
Open
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	3,753	4,480
Open | U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	3,753	4,480
Open | Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Open | U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
1 Month or Less
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	6,223	7,108
1 Month or Less | U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	6,031	6,496
1 Month or Less | Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	192	569
1 Month or Less | U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	43
Over 1 to 6 Months
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	9,441	8,526
Over 1 to 6 Months | U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	8,607	8,383
Over 1 to 6 Months | Foreign government
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	834	143
Over 1 to 6 Months | U.S. corporate
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Repurchase Agreeme

Investments (Repurchase Agreements - Securities Lending) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 19,417	$ 20,114
Securities Lending Reinvestment Portfolio Estimated Fair Value	19,508	20,133
Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,102	102
Securities Lending Reinvestment Portfolio Estimated Fair Value	1,102	100
Estimated fair value | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase	1,141	113
Amortized cost | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase	$ 994	$ 98

Investments (Repurchase Agre120

Investments (Repurchase Agreements - Securities Lending Remaining Tenor) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 19,417	$ 20,114
Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,102	102
Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	6,223	7,108
Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member] | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,049	51
Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	9,441	8,526
Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member] | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	53	51
U.S. government and agency
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	18,391	19,359
U.S. government and agency | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,005	5
U.S. government and agency | Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	6,031	6,496
U.S. government and agency | Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member] | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	1,005	5
U.S. government and agency | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	8,607	8,383
U.S. government and agency | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member] | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	0	0
Other Debt Obligations [Member] | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	97	97
Other Debt Obligations [Member] | Maturity Less than 30 Days [Member] | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	44	46
Other Debt Obligations [Member] | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member] | Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Total	$ 53	$ 51

Investments (Invested Assets on

Investments (Invested Assets on Deposit, Held In Trust and Pledged as Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)	$ 1,879	$ 1,925
Invested assets held in trust (collateral financing arrangement and reinsurance agreements)	2,490	2,057
Invested assets pledged as collateral	24,174	23,882
Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral	$ 28,543	$ 27,864

Investments (PCI Investments by

Investments (PCI Investments by Invested Asset Class) (Details) - Fixed Maturity Securities - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Purchased credit impaired investments, by invested asset class, held:
Outstanding principal and interest balance	$ 4,763	$ 5,624
Carrying value	$ 3,954	$ 4,427

Investments (PCI Investments Ac

Investments (PCI Investments Acquired) (Details) - Fixed Maturity Securities - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Purchased credit impaired investments as of their respective acquisition dates
Contractually required payments (including interest)	$ 95	$ 1,464
Cash flows expected to be collected	73	1,338
Fair value of investments acquired	$ 67	$ 984

Investments (Activity For Accre

Investments (Activity For Accretable Yield on PCI Investments) (Details) - Fixed Maturity Securities - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accretable yield on purchased distressed assets acquired
Accretable yield, January 1,	$ 1,733	$ 1,780
Accretion recognized in earnings	(281)	(269)
Disposals	(42)	(2)
Reclassification (to) from nonaccretable difference	104	(130)
Accretable yield, December 31,	1,520	1,733
Investments purchased
Accretable yield on purchased distressed assets acquired
Investments purchased	$ 6	$ 354

Investments (Consolidated Varia

Investments (Consolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Securitization of Financial Assets	$ 20
Total Assets	148	$ 59
Total Liabilities	9	12
Operating joint venture
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	116	0
Total Liabilities	3	0
CSEs (assets (primarily loans) and liabilities (primarily debt))
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	7	9
Total Liabilities	6	12
Other
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	25	50
Total Liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Unconsolidated Var

Investments (Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	$ 56,381	$ 55,832
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	60,429	60,695
Other limited partnership interests
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	4,834	4,714
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	8,543	8,990
Other invested assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	2,291	2,206
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	2,625	2,777
Other
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	82	199
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	87	215
Structured securities (RMBS, CMBS, and ABS)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	47,614	46,773
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	47,614	46,773
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying Amount Asset	1,560	1,940
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 1,560	$ 1,940

Investments (Net Investment Inc

Investments (Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net	$ 14	$ (231)	$ (93)
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	(1,162)	471	69
Less: Investment expenses	1,122	972	1,082
Net Investment Income	17,363	16,790	16,205
Securities Investment
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	17,185	16,812	17,023
Net Investment Income	16,063	15,840	15,941
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net Investment Income	1,300	950	264
Changes in estimated fair value included in net investment income	662	427	(456)
Fixed Maturity Securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	11,497	11,721	11,809
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	129	121	124
FVO securities — FVO general account securities (1)
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	68	37	21
Mortgage Loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	3,082	2,858	2,772
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	517	511	525
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	646	652	872
Other limited partnership interests
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	798	478	535
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	228	153	140
Operating joint ventures
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	28	33	25
Other
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Subtotal	192	248	$ 200
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net	47
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	1,016
MetLife U.S. Retail Advisor Force
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets		$ 102
MetLife Afore [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	98
FVO Common Stock [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	$ 95

Investments (Components of Net

Investments (Components of Net Investment Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals (1)	$ 328	$ 251	$ 318
Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals	117	19	43
Other net investment gains (losses):
FVO securities — FVO general account securities	0	0	0
Mortgage Loans	14	(231)	(93)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures	603	182	433
Other limited partnership interests	(59)	(64)	(66)
Other	(113)	(130)	1
Subtotal - investment portfolio gains (losses)	855	(155)	540
FVO CSEs - changes in estimated fair value subsequent to consolidation:
Securities	0	1	0
Long-term debt — related to securities	(1)	0	0
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	(1,162)	471	69
Subtotal	(1,163)	472	69
Total net investment gains (losses)	(308)	317	609
Fixed Maturity Securities
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(10)	(107)	(59)
Net investment gains (losses)	318	144	259
Consumer
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(63)	(2)
Industrial
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(21)	(15)
Communications
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(4)	0	(20)
Communications
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(3)	0
Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(4)	(87)	(37)
RMBS
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	0	(18)	(16)
ABS
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(3)	(2)	0
State and political subdivision
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(3)	0	(6)
Equity securities
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(25)	(75)	(37)
Net investment gains (losses)	92	(56)	6
Common stock
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	(24)	(75)	(36)
Non-redeemable preferred stock
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings	$ (1)	$ 0	$ (1)

Investments (Sales or Disposals

Investments (Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed Maturity Securities
Components of Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Proceeds	$ 56,509	$ 86,179	$ 82,871
Gross investment gains	753	1,048	1,144
Gross investment losses	(425)	(797)	(826)
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
OTTI losses	(10)	(107)	(59)
Net investment gains (losses)	318	144	259
Equity securities
Components of Sales or Disposals of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Proceeds	1,255	278	278
Gross investment gains	131	36	73
Gross investment losses	(14)	(17)	(30)
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
OTTI losses	(25)	(75)	(37)
Net investment gains (losses)	$ 92	$ (56)	$ 6

Investments (Credit Loss Rollfo

Investments (Credit Loss Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	$ 187	$ 211
Additions:
Initial impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities not previously impaired	0	1
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired	0	18
Reductions:
Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI	(48)	(43)
Securities impaired to net present value of expected future cash flows	0	(1)
Increase in cash flows — accretion of previous credit loss OTTI	(1)	1
Balance at December 31,	$ 138	$ 187

Investments (Fixed Maturity 131

Investments (Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-For-Sale - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Gross Unrealized OTTI Loss	$ (41)	$ (8)	$ 76
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	308,931	289,563
Non-income producing fixed maturity securities
Summary of Certain Fixed Maturity Securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6	1
Available For Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated Investments	$ (4)	$ (3)

Investments (Evaluation of Avai

Investments (Evaluation of Available-For-Sale Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities - Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Contracts
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity Securities Available For Sale With Gross Unrealized Loss Of Equal To Or Greater Than Stated Percentage	20.00%
Fixed Maturity Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	$ 2,000
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	1,900
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	33
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	20
20% or more | Six months or greater | Fixed Maturity Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	$ 117
Number of Securities | Contracts	31
20% or more | Six months or greater | Fixed Maturity Securities | Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	$ 73
Number of Securities | Contracts	12
Percentage of gross unrealized loss	62.00%
20% or more | Six months or greater | Fixed Maturity Securities | Below Investment Grade
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Temporary Loss	$ 44
Number of Securities | Contracts	19
Percentage of gross unrealized loss	38.00%

Investments (Mortgage Loans - N

Investments (Mortgage Loans - Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Contracts	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Contracts	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Write-offs	$ 14	$ 160	$ 35
Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases	3,100	2,900
Average Recorded Investment	$ 322	$ 327
Percentage of Mortgage Loans Classified as Performing	99.00%	99.00%
Agricultural
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Write-offs	$ 2	$ 1	0
Average Recorded Investment	32	49	60
Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment	13,100	12,700
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Write-offs	12	16	16
Average Recorded Investment	285	188	84
Estimated fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment	11,600	11,200
Commercial mortgage loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Write-offs	0	143	19
Average Recorded Investment	$ 5	$ 90	$ 127
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts | Contracts	0	0
Residential
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Number of Contracts | Contracts	500	557
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Pre-Modification Recorded Investment	$ 120	$ 136
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Post-Modification Recorded Investment	$ 108	$ 122

Investments (Other Invested Ass

Investments (Other Invested Assets - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Leveraged Leases, Net Investment in Leveraged Leases Disclosure, Deferred Taxes Arising from Leveraged Leases	$ 934	$ 1,400
Carrying value of Tax Credits	1,800	1,700
Losses From Tax Credits	$ 259	$ 167	$ 163

Investments (Leverage Leases -

Investments (Leverage Leases - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loans and Leases Receivable, Other Information	The payment periods for leveraged leases generally range from one to 15 years but in certain circumstances can be over 25 years, while the payment periods for direct financing leases range from one to 20 years.
Percentage of rental receivables performing	100.00%	100.00%
Leveraged Leases [Abstract]
Deferred income tax liability related to leveraged leases	$ 934	$ 1,400
Performing Financing Receivable [Member] | Minimum
Percentage of rental receivables performing	99.00%	99.00%

Investments (Cash Equivalents -

Investments (Cash Equivalents - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 6.2	$ 7.4

Investments (Concentrations of

Investments (Concentrations of Credit Risk - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, General Debt Obligations, Disclosures, Collateral Pledged	$ 564
Securities holdings exposure in single issuer greater than stated percentage of Company's equity	10.00%	10.00%
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Amount of Advances	$ 300	$ 0
Foreign government | Japan
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Government and agency fixed maturity securities	27,500	$ 24,700
Foreign government | KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Securities holdings exposure in single issuer greater than stated percentage of Company's equity		10.00%
Government and agency fixed maturity securities	6,500
U.S. government and agency
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Amount of Advances	300
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, Branch of FHLB Bank, Amount of Advances	$ 12
Securities Investment [Member] | Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities	59.00%
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Securities Financing Transaction, Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities	63.00%

Investments (Securities Lend138

Investments (Securities Lending Remaining Tenor - Narrative) (Details) - Estimated fair value $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Securities Loaned, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	$ 3.7
Securities Investment
Securities Financing Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of Reinvestment Portfolio in Fixed Maturity Securities	59.00%

Investments (Collectively Signi

Investments (Collectively Significant Equity Method Investments - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss)
Carrying Value of investments accounted for under the equity method			$ 13,800
Unfunded commitments for investments accounted for under the equity method			4,800
Total assets for investments accounted for under the equity method			505,600	$ 436,900
Total liabilities for investments accounted for under the equity method			68,900	56,400
Net Income (loss) for investments accounted for under the equity method			$ 37,900	26,800	$ 25,800
Aggregate Net income Exceeded Stated Percentage Of The Pre Tax Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations	10.00%		10.00%
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss)
Total assets for investments accounted for under the equity method				9,600
Total liabilities for investments accounted for under the equity method				177
Net Income (loss) for investments accounted for under the equity method		$ 1,100		$ 270

Investments (Consolidated Va140

Investments (Consolidated Variable Interest Entities - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Proceeds From Securitizations of Loans Held-for-Investment, Carry Value	$ 319
Tax credits guaranteed by third parties that reduce maximum exposure to loss related to other invested assets	117	$ 150
Proceeds from Securitizations of Loans Held-for-investment	339
Financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs	0	0	$ 0
Transfers Of Financial Assets Accounted For As Sale Initial Fair Value Of Assets Obtained As Proceeds In Period	52
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	60,429	$ 60,695
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 51

Investments (Net Investment Gai

Investments (Net Investment Gains Losses - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments	$ 328	$ 251	$ 318
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses)	113	130	(1)
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net	14	(231)	(93)
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	(1,162)	471	69
Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions	(6)	225	$ 57
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments	276
Gain (Loss) on Sales of Loans, Net	47
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	1,016
MetLife U.S. Retail Advisor Force [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets		$ 102
MetLife Afore [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	98
FVO Common Stock [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	$ 95

Investments (Net Investment 142

Investments (Net Investment Income - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Debt Investments	$ 328	$ 251	$ 318
Fair Value Option Contractholder Directed Unit Linked Investments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	$ 662	$ 427	$ (456)

Derivatives (Primary Risks) (De

Derivatives (Primary Risks) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	$ 275,916	$ 286,643
Estimated Fair Value Assets	8,551	12,139
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	4,339	6,921
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	57,020	50,351
Estimated Fair Value Assets	3,764	4,652
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	2,023	2,792
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	8,212	7,327
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2,341	2,255
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	58	284
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	3,843	5,021
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2,289	2,221
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	3	6
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,116	1,221
Estimated Fair Value Assets	50	34
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	18	224
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	3,253	1,085
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2	0
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	37	54
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	39,068	32,752
Estimated Fair Value Assets	1,377	2,202
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	1,797	2,458
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	3,584	2,040
Estimated Fair Value Assets	235	325
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	4	34
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest rate forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	3,332	4,032
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	0
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	128	370
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	32,152	26,680
Estimated Fair Value Assets	1,142	1,877
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	1,665	2,054
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Operations Hedges [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	9,740	10,272
Estimated Fair Value Assets	46	195
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	168	50
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Operations Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	332	1,394
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2	47
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	5	5
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign Operations Hedges [Member] | Currency options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	9,408	8,878
Estimated Fair Value Assets	44	148
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	163	45
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	218,896	236,292
Estimated Fair Value Assets	4,787	7,487
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	2,316	4,129
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	60,485	53,349
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2,203	4,089
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	576	1,641
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest rate forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	217	613
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	0
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	42	25
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest rate floors
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	7,201	12,101
Estimated Fair Value Assets	92	181
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	7
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest rate caps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	53,079	78,358
Estimated Fair Value Assets	78	112
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	2	2
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest rate futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	4,366	4,793
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2	3
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	4	12
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest rate options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	12,009	5,334
Estimated Fair Value Assets	656	628
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	11	1
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Synthetic GICs
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	11,318	5,566
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	0
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	9,902	11,651
Estimated Fair Value Assets	693	1,445
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	506	462
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	12,238	15,422
Estimated Fair Value Assets	79	117
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	190	977
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Currency futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	846	915
Estimated Fair Value Assets	2	0
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Currency options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	3,123	3,615
Estimated Fair Value Assets	55	195
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	6	17
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Credit default swaps — purchased
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	2,020	2,001
Estimated Fair Value Assets	7	14
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	43	40
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Credit default swaps — written
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	11,375	10,732
Estimated Fair Value Assets	271	161
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	0	9
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Equity futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	4,005	4,457
Estimated Fair Value Assets	18	30
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	4	3
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Equity index options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	19,886	16,527
Estimated Fair Value Assets	569	426
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	690	523
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Equity variance swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	4,661	8,263
Estimated Fair Value Assets	54	83
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	199	240
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Total rate of return swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,048	1,549
Estimated Fair Value Assets	8	2
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	2	127
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Equity Total Return Swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Notional Amount	1,117	1,046
Estimated Fair Value Assets	0	1
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	$ 41	$ 43

Derivatives (Net Derivative Gai

Derivatives (Net Derivative Gains Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of Net Derivatives Gains (Losses)
Derivatives and hedging gains (losses)	$ (1,389)	$ (509)	$ 429
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	799	(181)	200
Total net derivative gains (losses)	$ (590)	$ (690)	$ 629

Derivatives (Earned Income On D

Derivatives (Earned Income On Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	$ 785	$ 965	$ 886
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	299	267	206
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Interest credited to policyholder account balances
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	(64)	(1)	27
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	(10)	(12)	(6)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	0	(1)	(6)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	551	705	663
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total earned income	$ 9	$ 7	$ 2

Derivatives (Gains Losses Recog

Derivatives (Gains Losses Recognized in Income Not Designated or Qualifying) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ (14)	$ (56)	$ (300)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(2,216)	(758)	(254)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses) | Interest rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(549)	(990)	(354)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses) | Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(742)	882	502
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses) | Credit derivatives — purchased
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(24)	(40)	7
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses) | Credit derivatives — written
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	145	71	(69)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses) | Equity derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1,046)	(681)	(340)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(8)	(16)	(13)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net Investment Income | Interest rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	1	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net Investment Income | Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net Investment Income | Credit derivatives — purchased
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	(3)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net Investment Income | Credit derivatives — written
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Net Investment Income | Equity derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(9)	(16)	(10)
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Policyholder benefits and claims
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(248)	(110)	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Policyholder benefits and claims | Interest rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(1)	46	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Policyholder benefits and claims | Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	5	(18)	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Policyholder benefits and claims | Credit derivatives — purchased
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Policyholder benefits and claims | Credit derivatives — written
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Policyholder benefits and claims | Equity derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ (252)	$ (138)	$ 0

Derivatives (Fair Value Hedges)

Derivatives (Fair Value Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	$ (14)	$ (56)	$ (300)
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	104	42	286
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	90	(14)	(14)
Interest rate swaps | Fixed Maturity Securities
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	4	7	4
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	(4)	(9)	(1)
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	0	(2)	3
Interest rate swaps | Policyholder account balances [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(69)	(108)	(4)
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	134	90	(6)
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	65	(18)	(10)
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	(27)	13	15
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	29	(12)	(7)
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	2	1	8
Foreign currency swaps | Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	65	(95)	(240)
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	(44)	92	232
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	21	(3)	(8)
Foreign currency forwards | Foreign-denominated fixed maturity securities
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Derivatives	13	127	(75)
Net Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized for Hedged Items	(11)	(119)	68
Ineffectiveness Recognized in Net Derivative Gains (Losses)	$ 2	$ 8	$ (7)

Derivatives (Cash Flow Hedges)

Derivatives (Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 4 months	4 years 5 months
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	$ 414
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	(47)	$ 273	$ (121)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	78	50	76
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	(335)	589	(194)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	210	(366)	(3)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses)
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	988	(292)	(631)
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized In Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	12	0	11
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses) | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	24	56	84
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized In Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	18	(1)	2
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses) | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	974	(350)	(720)
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized In Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	(4)	1	9
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses) | Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	(11)	(1)	4
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized In Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	(2)	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net derivative gains (losses) | Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	1	3	1
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized In Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net Investment Income
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	18	15	13
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net Investment Income | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	16	12	11
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net Investment Income | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	0	(2)	(1)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net Investment Income | Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	2	4	3
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Net Investment Income | Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	0	1	0
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Other expenses
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	3	3	3
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Other expenses | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	0	0	0
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Other expenses | Foreign currency swaps
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	2	2	1
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Other expenses | Interest rate forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	1	1	2
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Other expenses | Credit forwards
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	0	0	0
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Reduction of Deferred Gains within AOCI		71	102
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	$ 16	$ 45	$ 7
B [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	4 years 11 months	4 years 4 months
B [Member] | Single name credit default swaps (3)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity	3 years 6 months	1 year 10 months

Derivatives (Hedges of Net Inve

Derivatives (Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount And Location Of Gains Losses Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Into Income Loss Effective Portion On Net Investment In Foreign Operation Hedges	$ 0		$ 0
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	414
Foreign Operations Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	(445)	$ (302)	117
Foreign Operations Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency forwards
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	(155)	(267)	255
Foreign Operations Hedges [Member] | Currency options
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI	$ (290)	$ (35)	$ (138)

Derivatives (Credit Derivatives

Derivatives (Credit Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 271	$ 152
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 11,375	$ 10,732
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 4 months	4 years 5 months
Aaa/Aa/A
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 51	$ 40
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 2,643	$ 2,784
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	2 years 8 months	3 years 6 months
Aaa/Aa/A | Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 7	$ 6
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 375	$ 449
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	2 years 7 months	3 years 1 month
Aaa/Aa/A | Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 44	$ 34
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 2,268	$ 2,335
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	2 years 8 months	3 years 7 months
Baa
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 190	$ 93
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 8,267	$ 7,462
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 10 months	4 years 10 months
Baa | Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 7	$ 5
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 605	$ 751
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	1 year 10 months	2 years 6 months
Baa | Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 183	$ 88
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 7,662	$ 6,711
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	5 years	5 years
Ba
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 1	$ (2)
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 115	$ 135
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	3 years 5 months	4 years 1 month
Ba | Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 1	$ (2)
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 115	$ 135
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	3 years 5 months	4 years 1 month
Ba | Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	0 years	0 years
B [Member]
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 29	$ 21
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 350	$ 351
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 11 months	4 years 4 months
B [Member] | Single name credit default swaps (3)
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 2	$ 1
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 20	$ 70
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	3 years 6 months	1 year 10 months
B [Member] | Credit default swaps referencing indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	$ 27	$ 20
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	$ 330	$ 281
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	5 years	5 years

Derivatives (Estimated Fair Val

Derivatives (Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities after Master Netting Agreements and Cash Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	$ 8,626	$ 12,284
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	4,290	6,878
Amounts offset in the consolidated balance sheet, Assets	0	0
Amounts offset in the consolidated balance sheet, Liabilities	0	0
Estimated fair value of derivative assets presented in the consolidated balance sheets	8,626	12,284
Estimated fair value of derivative liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets	4,290	6,878
Net amount of derivative assets after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral	305	370
Net amount of derivative liabilities after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral	57	38
Over the Counter [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	7,955	9,976
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	4,059	5,721
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(2,528)	(3,787)
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(2,528)	(3,787)
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(4,169)	(4,244)
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	0	(84)
Securities collateral on derivative assets	(1,004)	(1,640)
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	(1,474)	(1,818)
Exchange Traded [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	22	33
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	8	15
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(1)	(5)
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(1)	(5)
Cash collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	(5)	(9)
Securities collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	(2)	0
Cleared [Member]
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Excluding Accruals	649	2,275
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Excluding Accruals	223	1,142
Gross estimated fair value of derivative assets	(35)	(903)
Gross estimated fair value of derivative liabilities	(35)	(903)
Cash collateral on derivative assets	(584)	(1,335)
Cash collateral on derivative liabilities	(179)	(234)
Securities collateral on derivative assets	0	0
Securities collateral on derivative liabilities	$ (9)	$ 0

Derivatives (Credit Risk on Fre

Derivatives (Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in a Net Liability Position (1)	$ 1,532	$ 1,934
Estimated Fair Value of Incremental Collateral Provided Upon:	15	6
Downgrade in the company's credit rating to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position	20	9
Fixed maturity securities
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided:	1,701	1,996
Cash
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided:	0	91
Derivatives Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in a Net Liability Position (1)	1,508	1,909
Estimated Fair Value of Incremental Collateral Provided Upon:	15	6
Downgrade in the company's credit rating to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position	20	9
Derivatives Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions | Fixed maturity securities
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided:	1,675	1,965
Derivatives Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions | Cash
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided:	0	91
Derivatives Not Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Derivatives in a Net Liability Position (1)	24	25
Estimated Fair Value of Incremental Collateral Provided Upon:	0	0
Downgrade in the company's credit rating to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position	0	0
Derivatives Not Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions | Fixed maturity securities
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided:	26	31
Derivatives Not Subject to Credit-Contingent Provisions | Cash
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Collateral Provided:	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives (Embedded Derivativ

Derivatives (Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	$ 12	$ 55
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	418	872
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	144	143
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits | Policyholder account balances [Member]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	32	361
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits | Policyholder account balances [Member]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	291	523
Funds withheld on ceded reinsurance | Other liabilities
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	25	(30)
Fixed annuities with equity indexed returns | Policyholder account balances [Member]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	70	18
Options embedded in debt or equity securities [Member] | Investments
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net [Abstract]
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	$ (132)	$ (88)

Derivatives (Changes in Estimat

Derivatives (Changes in Estimated Fair Value Related to Embedded Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives gains (losses)	$ 799	$ (181)	$ 200
Net Derivative Gain (Loss) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net derivatives gains (losses)	$ 799	$ (181)	$ 200

Derivatives (Narrative) (Detail

Derivatives (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Assets	$ 8,551	$ 12,139
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	4,339	6,921
Maximum Amount of Future Payments under Credit Default Swaps	11,375	10,732
Estimated Fair Value of Credit Default Swaps	271	152
Excess cash collateral received on derivatives	253	164
Securities collateral received which the company is permitted to sell or repledge, amount that has been sold or repledged	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)	(308)	317	$ 609
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	799	(181)	200
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]
Net amounts reclassified into net derivatives gains (losses) on discontinued cash flow hedges	$ 13	$ 12	8
Hedging exposure to variability in future cash flows for specific length of time	5 years	5 years
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss	$ 1,500	$ 2,900
Deferred net gains (losses) expected to be reclassified to earnings	(101)
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss) (Effective Portion)	$ 0		0
Immateriality of cash flow effectiveness	no
Cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for net investment in foreign operations hedges	$ 300	754
Potential future recoveries available to offset maximum amount of future payments under credit default swaps	27	30
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	272	461
Change in fair value of derivatives excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness	(40)	(23)	(11)
Over the Counter [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	4,169	4,244
Excess securities collateral received on derivatives	(108)	(82)
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	(305)	(189)
Exchange Cleared [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	584	1,335
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	(522)	(544)
Exchange Traded [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	0	0
Excess securities collateral provided on derivatives	(89)	(116)
Nonperformance Risk [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives gains (losses)	(190)	156	$ 52
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value Assets	75	145
Estimated Fair Value Liabilities	$ (49)	$ (43)

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Valu

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 308,931	$ 289,563
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	2,513	2,894
Fair Value Option And Trading Securities	16,745	13,923
Short-term investments	4,870	6,523
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value	68,731	65,167
Derivative assets	8,551	12,139
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	12	55
Separate account assets	205,001	195,578
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	4,339	6,921
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	418	872
Separate account liabilities	205,001	195,578
Residential mortgage loans - FVO
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value	520	566
Recurring
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	308,931	289,563
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	2,513	2,894
Fair Value Option And Trading Securities	16,745	13,923
Short-term investments	4,286	6,005
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value	520
Other investments	165	157
Derivative assets	8,551	12,139
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	144	143
Separate account assets	205,001	195,578
Total assets	546,856	520,968
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	4,339	6,921
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	418	872
Separate account liabilities	9	23
Total liabilities	4,766	7,816
Recurring | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	5,563	7,561
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	772	2,225
Recurring | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	2,069	3,863
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,590	3,838
Recurring | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	278	175
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	43	49
Recurring | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	641	540
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	934	809
Recurring | Residential mortgage loans - FVO
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value		566
Recurring | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	82,661	78,543
Recurring | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	61,534	55,976
Recurring | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	55,569	50,663
Recurring | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	47,394	44,433
Recurring | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	28,800	29,032
Recurring | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	12,455	12,231
Recurring | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	12,291	11,225
Recurring | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	8,227	7,460
Recurring | Level 1
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	26,052	24,943
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	1,104	1,334
Fair Value Option And Trading Securities	14,028	11,123
Short-term investments	3,001	4,091
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value	0
Other investments	81	86
Derivative assets	22	33
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	89,916	82,818
Total assets	134,204	124,428
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	8	15
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Separate account liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	8	15
Recurring | Level 1 | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	2	3
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	4	12
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	2	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	18	30
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	4	3
Recurring | Level 1 | Residential mortgage loans - FVO
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value		0
Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	26,052	24,943
Recurring | Level 1 | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 2
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	266,610	247,569
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	981	1,092
Fair Value Option And Trading Securities	2,355	2,513
Short-term investments	1,252	1,868
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value	0
Other investments	84	71
Derivative assets	8,295	11,874
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	0	0
Separate account assets	114,124	111,612
Total assets	393,701	376,599
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	3,965	6,112
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	0	0
Separate account liabilities	7	16
Total liabilities	3,972	6,128
Recurring | Level 2 | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	5,553	7,556
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	638	1,713
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	1,954	3,783
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,553	3,784
Recurring | Level 2 | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	240	145
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	43	49
Recurring | Level 2 | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	548	390
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	731	566
Recurring | Level 2 | Residential mortgage loans - FVO
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value		0
Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	78,171	72,811
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	61,325	55,687
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	48,840	44,858
Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	21,342	19,490
Recurring | Level 2 | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	25,339	25,194
Recurring | Level 2 | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	12,455	12,221
Recurring | Level 2 | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	11,204	10,196
Recurring | Level 2 | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	7,934	7,112
Recurring | Level 3
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	16,269	17,051
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	428	468
Fair Value Option And Trading Securities	362	287
Short-term investments	33	46
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value	520
Other investments	0	0
Derivative assets	234	232
Embedded derivatives within asset host contracts	144	143
Separate account assets	961	1,148
Total assets	18,951	19,941
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	366	794
Embedded derivatives within liability host contracts	418	872
Separate account liabilities	2	7
Total liabilities	786	1,673
Recurring | Level 3 | Interest rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	8	2
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	130	500
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign currency exchange rate contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	113	80
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	37	54
Recurring | Level 3 | Credit contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	38	30
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Equity market contracts
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative assets	75	120
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	199	240
Recurring | Level 3 | Residential mortgage loans - FVO
Assets [Abstract]
Mortgage loans at estimated fair value		566
Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	4,490	5,732
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign government
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	209	289
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	6,729	5,805
Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. government and agency
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | RMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,461	3,838
Recurring | Level 3 | State and political subdivision
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	10
Recurring | Level 3 | ABS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,087	1,029
Recurring | Level 3 | CMBS
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 293	$ 348

Fair Value (Quantitative Inform

Fair Value (Quantitative Information) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest rate contracts | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Swap yield	2.00%	2.00%
Repurchase Rate	(0.05%)	(0.44%)
Interest rate contracts | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Swap yield	3.00%	3.00%
Repurchase Rate	0.05%	0.18%
Foreign currency exchange rate contracts | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Swap yield	(0.14%)	0.50%
Foreign currency exchange rate contracts | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Swap yield	3.09%	3.28%
Credit contracts | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	0.00%	0.97%
Credit contracts | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Credit spreads	0.00%	0.98%
Equity market contracts | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Correlation	10.00%	40.00%
Volatility	11.00%	12.00%
Equity market contracts | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Correlation	30.00%	40.00%
Volatility	31.00%	32.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Utilization rates	0.00%	0.00%
Withdrawal rates	0.00%	0.00%
Long-term equity volatilities	8.25%	9.95%
Nonperformance risk spread	0.02%	0.04%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 1 - 10
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	0.25%	0.25%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 11 - 20
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	2.00%	2.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 21 - 116
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	1.25%	1.25%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 0 - 40
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 41 - 60
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.03%	0.01%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Minimum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 61 - 115
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.15%	0.04%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Utilization rates	25.00%	25.00%
Withdrawal rates	20.00%	20.00%
Long-term equity volatilities	33.00%	33.00%
Nonperformance risk spread	1.32%	1.70%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 1 - 10
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 11 - 20
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Durations 21 - 116
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Lapse Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 0 - 40
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.21%	0.21%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 41 - 60
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	0.75%	0.78%
Embedded derivatives direct, assumed and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits | Maximum | Income Approach Valuation Technique | Ages 61 - 115
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Mortality Rate	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities | Minimum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Matrix Pricing - Offered quotes	$ 83	$ 18
Offered quotes	97	37
Quoted prices	10	6
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities | Maximum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Matrix Pricing - Offered quotes	142	138
Offered quotes	104	120
Quoted prices	443	700
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities | Weighted Average | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Matrix Pricing - Offered quotes	110	106
Offered quotes	101	102
Quoted prices	121	116
RMBS | Minimum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Quoted prices	0	19
RMBS | Maximum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Quoted prices	126	137
RMBS | Weighted Average | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Quoted prices	94	91
ABS | Minimum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	100	96
Quoted prices	5	5
ABS | Maximum | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	103	102
Quoted prices	117	106
ABS | Weighted Average | Market Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Offered quotes	100	100
Quoted prices	$ 100	$ 99

Fair Value (Unobservable Input

Fair Value (Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Residential mortgage loans - FVO
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	$ 566	$ 314
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	40	8	$ 20
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0
Purchases	175	297
Sales	(179)	(11)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(82)	(42)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance at December 31,	520	566	314
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	27	8	20
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	27	8	20
Net Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	53	(56)	(170)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	(562)	(179)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	87	(31)	(149)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	216	(367)	(2)
Purchases	0	28
Sales	0	0
Issuances	(7)	0
Settlements	134	(13)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance at December 31,	(132)	(562)	(179)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	53	(56)	(170)
Net Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	793	(242)	216
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	(729)	(178)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	823	(214)	155
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	(46)	(20)	1
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(322)	(317)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Balance at December 31,	(274)	(729)	(178)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	793	(242)	216
Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	11,537	10,311
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	3	5	53
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	708	59	(637)
Purchases	3,830	2,754
Sales	(1,763)	(996)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	72	969
Transfers out of Level 3	(3,168)	(1,565)
Balance at December 31,	11,219	11,537	10,311
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	1	6	13
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	1	6	13
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	289	829
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	4	12	13
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	(42)	(23)
Purchases	30	44
Sales	(53)	(45)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	5	3
Transfers out of Level 3	(66)	(512)
Balance at December 31,	209	289	829
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	4	12	12
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	4	12	12
Structured Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	5,215	5,121
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	94	103	103
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	133	56	(77)
Purchases	1,376	2,221
Sales	(1,598)	(1,483)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	70	25
Transfers out of Level 3	(449)	(828)
Balance at December 31,	4,841	5,215	5,121
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	84	103	103
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	84	103	103
State and political subdivision
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	10	34
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	1	0
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	2	1
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	7
Transfers out of Level 3	(10)	(34)
Balance at December 31,	0	10	34
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	1	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	1	0
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	468	334
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	(24)	11
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	19	19	(54)
Purchases	25	23
Sales	(51)	(15)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	1	327
Transfers out of Level 3	(34)	(196)
Balance at December 31,	428	468	334
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	(17)	(29)	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	(17)	(29)	0
FVO And Trading Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	287	270
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	22	2	(30)
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0
Purchases	292	99
Sales	(141)	(35)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	8	18
Transfers out of Level 3	(106)	(67)
Balance at December 31,	362	287	270
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	19	3	(27)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	19	3	(27)
Short-term Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	46	244
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	0	1	1
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	4	(1)
Purchases	32	50
Sales	(1)	(50)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	(44)	(203)
Balance at December 31,	33	46	244
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	1	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	1	0
Separate Accounts
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	1,141	1,558
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss)	(8)	(2)	14
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in AOCI	0	0	0
Purchases	187	375
Sales	(80)	(512)
Issuances	1	62
Settlements	(93)	(51)
Transfers into Level 3	35	19
Transfers out of Level 3	(224)	(308)
Balance at December 31,	959	1,141	1,558
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	0	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) for the instruments still held at end of period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Fair Value Option f

Fair Value (Fair Value Option for Certain Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Carrying value at estimated fair value	$ 68,731	$ 65,167
Residential mortgage loans - FVO
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Unpaid principal balance	650	794
Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance	(130)	(228)
Carrying value at estimated fair value	520	566
Loans in nonaccrual status	198	214
Loans more than 90 days past due	94	137
Loans in nonaccrual status or more than 90 days past due, or both - difference between aggregate estimate fair value and unpaid principal balance	$ (102)	$ (150)

Fair Value (Nonrecurring Fair V

Fair Value (Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Level 3 | Other limited partnership interests
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value After Measurement	$ 58	$ 96	$ 57
Level 3 | Other Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Value After Measurement	0	0	0
Nonrecurring | Other limited partnership interests
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gains (Losses)	(65)	(64)	(31)
Nonrecurring | Other Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gains (Losses)	$ 10	$ (30)	$ 0

Fair Value (Financial Instrumen

Fair Value (Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Policy loans	$ 9,669	$ 9,511
Liabilities
Collateral financing arrangement	1,121	1,274
Junior subordinated debt securities	3,144	3,169
Separate account liabilities	205,001	195,578
Carrying Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	68,211	64,601
Policy loans	9,669	9,511
Other limited partnership interests	219	340
Other invested assets	443	497
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	4,155	4,088
Other assets	285	237
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	114,355	108,255
Long-term debt	15,675	16,422
Collateral financing arrangement	1,121	1,274
Junior subordinated debt securities	3,144	3,169
Other liabilities	3,208	1,767
Separate account liabilities	124,011	118,385
Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Mortgage loans	69,797	65,742
Policy loans	11,512	11,256
Other limited partnership interests	216	371
Other invested assets	443	497
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	4,339	4,279
Other assets	328	269
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	116,534	110,359
Long-term debt	17,773	17,972
Collateral financing arrangement	894	978
Junior subordinated debt securities	4,319	3,982
Other liabilities	3,841	1,768
Separate account liabilities	124,011	118,385
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Other limited partnership interests	0	0
Other invested assets	0	145
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Collateral financing arrangement	0	0
Junior subordinated debt securities	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Separate account liabilities	0	0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2
Assets
Mortgage loans	0	0
Policy loans	336	335
Other limited partnership interests	0	0
Other invested assets	0	0
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	1,283	1,152
Other assets	189	198
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	0	0
Long-term debt	17,773	17,972
Collateral financing arrangement	0	0
Junior subordinated debt securities	4,319	3,982
Other liabilities	1,496	1,493
Separate account liabilities	124,011	118,385
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3
Assets
Mortgage loans	69,797	65,742
Policy loans	11,176	10,921
Other limited partnership interests	216	371
Other invested assets	443	352
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	3,056	3,127
Other assets	139	71
Liabilities
Policyholder account balances	116,534	110,359
Long-term debt	0	0
Collateral financing arrangement	894	978
Junior subordinated debt securities	0	0
Other liabilities	2,345	275
Separate account liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Recurring Fair V162

Fair Value (Recurring Fair Value Measurements) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Embedded Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ (132)	$ (88)

Fair Value Fair Value (Transfer

Fair Value Fair Value (Transfers Between Levels) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Transferred Between Levels 1 And Levels 2	$ 0

Fair Value (Nonrecurring Fai164

Fair Value (Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements) (Narrative) (Details) - Private Equity And Debt Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Minimum
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Liquidation period	2 years
Maximum
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Liquidation period	10 years

Goodwill (Goodwill) (Details)

Goodwill (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill Rollforward and by Segment
Goodwill	$ 9,900	$ 9,897	$ 10,292
Accumulated impairment	(680)	(680)	(680)
Total goodwill, net	9,220	9,217	9,612
Acquisition	103
Dispositions	(16)	(42)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other	283	45	(395)
Goodwill	10,270	9,900	9,897
Accumulated impairment	(680)	(680)	(680)
Total goodwill, net	9,590	9,220	9,217
U.S.
Goodwill Rollforward and by Segment
Goodwill	1,451	1,451	1,451
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	1,451	1,451	1,451
Acquisition	0
Dispositions	0	0
Effect of foreign currency translation and other	0	0	0
Goodwill	1,451	1,451	1,451
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	1,451	1,451	1,451
Asia
Goodwill Rollforward and by Segment
Goodwill	4,596	4,508	4,615
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	4,596	4,508	4,615
Acquisition	0
Dispositions	0	0
Effect of foreign currency translation and other	77	88	(107)
Goodwill	4,673	4,596	4,508
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	4,673	4,596	4,508
Latin America
Goodwill Rollforward and by Segment
Goodwill	1,226	1,186	1,385
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	1,226	1,186	1,385
Acquisition	0
Dispositions	(16)	0
Effect of foreign currency translation and other	96	40	(199)
Goodwill	1,306	1,226	1,186
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	1,306	1,226	1,186
EMEA
Goodwill Rollforward and by Segment
Goodwill	1,060	1,143	1,232
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	1,060	1,143	1,232
Acquisition	0
Dispositions	0	0
Effect of foreign currency translation and other	110	(83)	(89)
Goodwill	1,170	1,060	1,143
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	1,170	1,060	1,143
MetLife Holdings
Goodwill Rollforward and by Segment
Goodwill	1,567	1,567	1,567
Accumulated impairment	(680)	(680)	(680)
Total goodwill, net	887	887	887
Acquisition	0
Dispositions	0	0
Effect of foreign currency translation and other	0	0	0
Goodwill	1,567	1,567	1,567
Accumulated impairment	(680)	(680)	(680)
Total goodwill, net	887	887	887
Corporate & Other
Goodwill Rollforward and by Segment
Goodwill	0	42	42
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	0	42	42
Acquisition	103
Dispositions	0	(42)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other	0	0	0
Goodwill	103	0	42
Accumulated impairment	0	0	0
Total goodwill, net	$ 103	$ 0	$ 42

Goodwill (Narrative) (Details)

Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 9,590	$ 9,220	$ 9,217	$ 9,612
Impairment (5)	0	(260)	0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(680)	(680)	(680)	(680)
Goodwill Disposition	16	42
Japan
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	4,500	4,400	4,300
Corporate & Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	103	0	42	42
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0	0	0
Goodwill Disposition	0	42
MetLife Holdings
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	887	887	887	887
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(680)	(680)	(680)	$ (680)
Goodwill Disposition	0	0
Parent Company
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment (5)	$ 0	$ (147)	$ 0

Long-term and Short-term Deb167

Long-term and Short-term Debt (Long-term and Short-term Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (95)	$ (103)
Capital lease obligations	5	8
Long Term Debt Excluding Consolidated Securitization Entities Face Value	15,775	16,532
Long-term debt	15,680	16,429
Short-term debt	477	242
Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Face Value	16,252	16,774
Total	$ 16,157	16,671
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.84%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Aug. 15, 2018
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	May 13, 2046
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 14,685	15,597
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	(86)	(92)
Long-term Debt	$ 14,599	15,505
Surplus notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate	7.79%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Jan. 15, 2024
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	Nov. 1, 2025
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 507	507
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	(5)	(6)
Long-term Debt	$ 502	501
Other notes (2)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.56%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Jul. 7, 2018
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	Jan. 28, 2058
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 578	420
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	(4)	(5)
Long-term Debt	574	415
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	0	0
Short-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Range Minimum	3.00%
Minimum | Surplus notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Range Minimum	7.63%
Minimum | Other notes (2)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Range Minimum	2.20%
Maximum | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Range Minimum	7.72%
Maximum | Surplus notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Range Minimum	7.88%
Maximum | Other notes (2)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Range Minimum	7.29%

Long-term and Short-term Deb168

Long-term and Short-term Debt (Short-term with Maturities of Year or Less) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Commercial paper	$ 100	$ 100
Other Short-term Borrowings	377	142
Short-term Debt	477	242
Average daily balance	$ 280	$ 135
Average days outstanding	27 days	21 days

Long-term and Short-term Deb169

Long-term and Short-term Debt (Credit Facilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Collateral financing arrangement	$ 1,121	$ 1,274
Committed Credit Facility Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowers	MetLife, Inc.
Expiration	Jun. 20, 2018
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 395
Letters of Credit Issued	395
Collateral financing arrangement	0
Unused Commitments	$ 0
General Credit Facility Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowers	MetLife, Inc. and MetLife Funding, Inc.
Expiration	Dec. 20, 2021
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 3,000
Letters of Credit Issued	130
Collateral financing arrangement	0
Unused Commitments	$ 2,870

Long-term and Short-term Deb170

Long-term and Short-term Debt (Committed Facilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 21, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Collateral financing arrangement	$ 1,121				$ 1,274
Committed Credit Facility Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowers	MetLife, Inc.
Expiration	Jun. 20, 2018
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 395
Letters of Credit Issued	395
Collateral financing arrangement	0
Unused Commitments	$ 0
Committed Credit Facility Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowers	MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont and MetLife, Inc.
Expiration	Dec. 28, 2024
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 400
Letters of Credit Issued	380
Collateral financing arrangement	0
Unused Commitments	$ 20
Committed Credit Facility Six [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowers	MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont and MetLife, Inc.
Expiration	Dec. 31, 2037
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 2,896
Letters of Credit Issued	2,354
Collateral financing arrangement	0
Unused Commitments	542
Committed Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	3,691
Letters of Credit Issued	3,129
Collateral financing arrangement	0
Unused Commitments	562
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 600	$ 536	$ 3,000
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Committed Credit Facility Five [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				3,500
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Committed Credit Facility Six [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	2,900
Letters of Credit Issued	$ 2,400
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Committed Credit Facility Seven [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 4,300

Long-term and Short-term Deb171

Long-term and Short-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2017	Aug. 02, 2017	Jul. 21, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Dec. 11, 2015	Nov. 13, 2015	Mar. 05, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other Short-term Borrowings	$ 377		$ 377	$ 142
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time	2.41%		2.41%	1.32%	0.15%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 3,200		$ 3,200	$ 3,200
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross												$ 10
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	95		95	103
Long Term Debt Aggregate Maturities, Year One	1,100		1,100
Long Term Debt Aggregate Maturities, Year Two	1,000		1,000
Long Term Debt Aggregate Maturities, Year Three	540		540
Long Term Debt Aggregate Maturities, Year Four	999		999
Long Term Debt Aggregate Maturities, Year Five	846		846
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	11,200		11,200
Interest Expense, Debt			841	874	$ 890
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	14,685		14,685	15,597
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	86		86	92
Other Notes MPEH [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount											$ 350
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	75		75
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross											6
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		three-month LIBOR plus 3.70%
Other Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	578		578	420
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 4		$ 4	5
Senior Debt 500 Million November 2025 [Member] | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount												$ 500
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Nov. 13, 2025
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage												3.60%
Senior Debt 750 Million May 2046 [Member] | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount												$ 750
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			May 13, 2046
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage												4.60%
Senior Debt $500 Million March 2025 [Member] | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount													$ 500
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Mar. 1, 2025
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage													3.00%
Senior Debt $1.0 Billion March 2045 [Member] | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount													$ 1,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Mar. 1, 2045
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage													4.05%
Senior Debt March 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross													$ 12
Amendment [Member] | Other Notes MPEH [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Nov. 15, 2022
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 75					$ 100
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross						$ 1
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	three-month LIBOR plus 3.25%
Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other Short-term Borrowings	$ 374		$ 374	$ 133
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Other Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	139		139
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 500
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity								$ 600	$ 536	$ 3,000
Committed Credit Facility Six [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	2,354		2,354
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	2,896		2,896
Committed Credit Facility Six [Member] | Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	2,400		2,400
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 2,900		$ 2,900

Long-term and Short-term Debt L

Long-term and Short-term Debt Long-term and Short-term Debt (Narrative - Line of Credit) (Details) - USD ($)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2017

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2037

Dec. 01, 2037

Dec. 31, 2024

Dec. 31, 2023

Jun. 30, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Jun. 30, 2022

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Nov. 01, 2017

Jul. 21, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

Dec. 11, 2015

Committed Credit Facility Six [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Dec. 31, 2037

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

$ 542,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

2,896,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity

$ 2,600,000,000

Committed Credit Facility Four [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Jun. 20, 2018

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

$ 0

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 395,000,000

General Credit Facility Three [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Dec. 20, 2021

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

$ 2,870,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 3,000,000,000

Committed Credit Facility Three [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Dec. 28, 2024

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

$ 20,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

400,000,000

Committed Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

562,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

3,691,000,000

Other Notes MPEH [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

75,000,000

Amendment [Member] | Other Notes MPEH [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 75,000,000

$ 100,000,000

Committed Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

3,700,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount

21,000,000

$ 27,000,000

$ 29,000,000

General Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount

13,000,000

15,000,000

13,000,000

Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 3,000,000,000

$ 600,000,000

$ 536,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity

$ 500,000,000

Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Committed Credit Facility Six [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

2,900,000,000

Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Committed Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount

$ 257,000,000

$ 305,000,000

$ 69,000,000

$ 61,000,000

Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Committed Credit Facility Six [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 0

$ 2,000,000,000

Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Committed Credit Facility Four [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 0

$ 200,000,000

Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Committed Credit Facility Three [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 0

$ 260,000,000

$ 310,000,000

$ 360,000,000

$ 380,000,000

Collateral Financing Arrange173

Collateral Financing Arrangements Collateral Financing Arrangements (Associated with Closed Block) (Details) - Secured Debt [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Parent Company [Member] | Secured Debt Mrc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.12%
Met Life Reinsurance Company Of Charleston [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.55%
Debt Instrument, Principal Outstanding		$ 1,121	$ 1,274
Other Receivables		146	166
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Securities Pledged for Other Debt Obligations, at Fair Value		97	160
Invested Assets On Deposit Held In Trust And Pledged As Collateral		$ 1,248	$ 1,211

Collateral Financing Arrange174

Collateral Financing Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2007
Collateral Financing Arrangements (Textuals) [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 3,200	$ 3,200
Parent Company
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	six-month LIBOR plus 1.00%
Collateral Financing Arrangements (Textuals) [Abstract]
Interest expense		1,108	1,152	$ 1,171
MRC [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Collateral Financing Arrangements (Textuals) [Abstract]
Interest expense		30	24	20
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 2,500
Debt Instrument, Term in Years					35 years
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.55%
Partial repurchase		153	68	57
Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables		20	0	8
Invested Assets On Deposit Held In Trust And Pledged As Collateral		1,248	1,211
MRC [Member] | Cash Received (Paid) Collateral Financing Arrangements MRC [Member]
Collateral Financing Arrangements (Textuals) [Abstract]
Cash Received (Paid) In Connection With Collateral Financing Arrangements		$ 20	8	8
MRC [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms		3-month LIBOR plus 0.55%
MRC [Member] | Parent Company | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms		3-month LIBOR plus 1.12%
Collateral Financing Arrangements (Textuals) [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.12%
Cumulative Repayment [Member] | MRC [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Collateral Financing Arrangements (Textuals) [Abstract]
Partial repurchase		$ 1,400
Transfer Assets Held In Trust [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Collateral Financing Arrangements (Textuals) [Abstract]
Invested Assets On Deposit Held In Trust And Pledged As Collateral		$ 3	$ 1	$ 30

Junior Subordinated Debt Sec175

Junior Subordinated Debt Securities (Junior Subordinated Debt Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 10, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face Value	$ 3,200		$ 3,200
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	(95)		(103)
Junior Subordinated Notes	$ 3,144		3,169
MetLife Inc $500M Maturing 2069 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	Jul. 8, 2009
Face Value	$ 500		500
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (7)		(4)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	10.75%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR + 7.548%
Final Maturity	Aug. 1, 2069
Junior Subordinated Notes	$ 493		496
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Expiration or Due Date, Month and Year	2039-08
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	7.548%
MetLife Capital Trust X $750M Maturing 2068 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	Apr. 8, 2008
Face Value	$ 750	$ 750	750
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (11)		(6)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.25%	9.25%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR + 5.540%
Final Maturity	Apr. 8, 2068
Junior Subordinated Notes	$ 739		744
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Expiration or Due Date, Month and Year	2038-04
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	5.54%
MetLife Capital Trust IV $700M Maturing 2067 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	Dec. 15, 2007
Face Value	$ 700		700
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (17)		(10)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.875%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR + 3.960%
Final Maturity	Dec. 15, 2067
Junior Subordinated Notes	$ 683		690
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Expiration or Due Date, Month and Year	2037-12
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.96%
MetLife Inc $1,250M Maturing 2066 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	Dec. 19, 2006
Face Value	$ 1,250		1,250
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (21)		(11)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.40%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR + 2.205%
Final Maturity	Dec. 15, 2066
Junior Subordinated Notes	$ 1,229		1,239
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Expiration or Due Date, Month and Year	2036-12
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.205%
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (56)		$ (31)

Junior Subordinated Debt Sec176

Junior Subordinated Debt Securities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 10, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 3,200	$ 3,200
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	95	103
Interest Expense, Junior Subordinated Debentures	258	258	$ 258
Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 56	31
Senior Note MLINC $1B maturing in June 2035 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.70%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Jun. 30, 2035
Junior Subordinated Debt Instrument One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 500	500
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 7	4
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	10.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Aug. 1, 2069
Junior Subordinated Debt Instrument Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 1,250	1,250
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 21	11
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.40%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 15, 2066
Junior Subordinated Debt Instrument Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 700	700
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 17	10
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.875%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Dec. 15, 2067
Junior Subordinated Debt Instrument Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 750	750		$ 750
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 11	$ 6
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.25%			9.25%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 8, 2068

Equity (Preferred Stock) (Detai

Equity (Preferred Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 12, 2015	Jun. 01, 2015
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000				200,000,000								200,000,000	200,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	25,500,000				25,500,000								25,500,000	25,500,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	25,500,000				25,500,000								25,500,000	25,500,000
Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock
Declaration Date	Nov. 15, 2017	Aug. 15, 2017	May 15, 2017	Mar. 6, 2017	Nov. 15, 2016	Aug. 15, 2016	May 16, 2016	Mar. 7, 2016	Nov. 16, 2015	Aug. 17, 2015	May 15, 2015	Mar. 5, 2015
Record Date	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015
Payment Date	Dec. 15, 2017	Sep. 15, 2017	Jun. 15, 2017	Mar. 15, 2017	Dec. 15, 2016	Sep. 15, 2016	Jun. 15, 2016	Mar. 15, 2016	Dec. 15, 2015	Sep. 15, 2015	Jun. 15, 2015	Mar. 16, 2015
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	27,600,000				27,600,000								27,600,000	27,600,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	24,000,000				24,000,000								24,000,000	24,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	24,000,000				24,000,000								24,000,000	24,000,000
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, dividend rate	$ 0.253	$ 0.256	$ 0.256	$ 0.250	$ 0.253	$ 0.256	$ 0.256	$ 0.253	$ 0.253	$ 0.256	$ 0.256	$ 0.250
Preferred stock, dividends	$ 6	$ 6	$ 7	$ 6	$ 6	$ 6	$ 7	$ 6	$ 6	$ 6	$ 7	$ 6	$ 25	$ 25	$ 25
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding																60,000,000
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, dividend rate	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.406	$ 0.406
Preferred stock, dividends	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 24	$ 24	$ 0	$ 0	48
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	1,500,000				1,500,000								1,500,000	1,500,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	1,500,000				1,500,000								1,500,000	1,500,000			1,500,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,500,000				1,500,000								1,500,000	1,500,000
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, dividend rate	$ 26.250	$ 0	$ 26.250	$ 0	$ 26.250	$ 0	$ 26.250	$ 0	$ 28.292	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, dividends	$ 39	$ 0	$ 39	$ 0	$ 39	$ 0	$ 39	$ 0	$ 43	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 78	$ 78	$ 43
Series A Junior Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000				10,000,000								10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0				0								0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0				0								0	0
Not Designated Preferred Stock [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	160,900,000				160,900,000								160,900,000	160,900,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0				0								0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0				0								0	0

Equity (Preferred Stock - Narra

Equity (Preferred Stock - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jul. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 12, 2015	Jun. 01, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		25,500,000	25,500,000
Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs		$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,483
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs				$ 17
Tender Offer Number Of Shares					59,850,000
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares	22,807,587			37,192,413
Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount	$ 570			$ 932
Preferred stock repurchase premium		$ 0	$ 0	$ 42
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares outstanding		25,500,000	25,500,000
Preferred stock, par value		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference		$ 2,100	$ 2,100
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		1,500,000	1,500,000			1,500,000
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares outstanding		1,500,000	1,500,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Payment Rate, Variable				5.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate
Preferred stock, par value						$ 0.01
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference						$ 1,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued		24,000,000	24,000,000
Preferred stock redemption price per share		$ 25
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares outstanding		24,000,000	24,000,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Payment Rate, Variable		(i) 1.00% above three-month LIBOR on the related LIBOR determination date; or (ii) 4.00%
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage				6.50%
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares outstanding					60,000,000
Preferred stock, par value				$ 0.01
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference					$ 25
Fixed Rate [Member] | Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Payment Rate, Variable		0.0525
Variable Rate [Member] | Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Payment Rate, Variable		three-month LIBOR plus 3.575%

Equity (Common Stock) (Details)

Equity (Common Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Sep. 30, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

Mar. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Dividend Per Share

$ 1.600

$ 1.575

$ 1.475

Dividend Aggregate

$ 1,717

$ 1,736

$ 1,653

Common stock

Dividends Payable [Line Items]

Declaration Date

Oct. 24, 2017

Jul. 7, 2017

Apr. 25, 2017

Jan. 6, 2017

Oct. 25, 2016

Jul. 7, 2016

Apr. 26, 2016

Jan. 6, 2016

Oct. 27, 2015

Jul. 7, 2015

Apr. 28, 2015

Jan. 6, 2015

Record Date

Nov. 6, 2017

Aug. 7, 2017

May 8, 2017

Feb. 6, 2017

Nov. 7, 2016

Aug. 8, 2016

May 9, 2016

Feb. 5, 2016

Nov. 6, 2015

Aug. 7, 2015

May 11, 2015

Feb. 6, 2015

Payment Date

Dec. 13, 2017

Sep. 13, 2017

Jun. 13, 2017

Mar. 13, 2017

Dec. 13, 2016

Sep. 13, 2016

Jun. 13, 2016

Mar. 14, 2016

Dec. 11, 2015

Sep. 11, 2015

Jun. 12, 2015

Mar. 13, 2015

Dividend Per Share

$ 0.4

$ 0.400

$ 0.400

$ 0.400

$ 0.400

$ 0.400

$ 0.400

$ 0.375

$ 0.375

$ 0.375

$ 0.375

$ 0.350

Dividend Aggregate

$ 422

$ 427

$ 431

$ 437

$ 441

$ 441

$ 441

$ 413

$ 419

$ 420

$ 420

$ 394

$ 1,717

$ 1,736

$ 1,653

Equity (Common Stock - Narrativ

Equity (Common Stock - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 01, 2017	Nov. 10, 2016	Sep. 22, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	1,168,710,101	1,164,029,985
Cost of shares issued	$ 167	$ 195	$ 182
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 2,000	$ 3,000
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Repurchase amount outstanding	$ 1,800
Repurchase Shares	56,599,540	6,948,739	39,491,991
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$ 2,927	$ 372	$ 1,930
Common Shares Issued For Stock Options [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued	4,680,116	4,439,219	5,592,622
Cost of shares issued	$ 158	$ 166	$ 216
Treasury Shares Issued For Stock Options [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Issued Treasury Stock	0	0	0
Board Increase Of Repurchase Program [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount						$ 739

Equity (Compensation Expense Re

Equity (Compensation Expense Related to Stock-Based Compensation - Related to Phantom Stock-Based Awards) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation Expense	$ 128	$ 147	$ 137
Income tax benefit	45	51	48
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation Expense	8	9	12
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation Expense	62	75	59
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation Expense	$ 58	$ 63	$ 66

Equity (Unrecognized Compensati

Equity (Unrecognized Compensation Expense Related to Stock-Based Compensation) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense	$ 4
Weighted Average Period	1 year 9 months 7 days
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense	$ 30
Weighted Average Period	1 year 7 months 1 day
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense	$ 40
Weighted Average Period	1 year 10 months 4 days

Equity (Summary of Activity Rel

Equity (Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Aug. 07, 2017	Aug. 04, 2017
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Share Price				$ 48.17	$ 53.92
Stock Options
Shares Under Option
Shares Under Option Outstanding at January 1,	19,482,388
Granted Shares Under Option	709,085
Exercised Shares Under Option	(3,475,198)
Expired Shares Under Option	(2,913,457)
Forfeited Shares Under Option	(115,670)
Other Separation Adjustment Under Option	2,322,606
Shares Under Option Outstanding at December 31,	16,009,754	19,482,388
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,	15,991,119
Shares Under Option Exercisable at December 31,	14,487,455
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at January 1,	$ 44.73
Granted Weighted Average Exercise Price	46.85	$ 34.33	$ 45.91
Exercised Weighted Average Exercise Price	33.36
Expired Weighted Average Exercise Price	56.06
Forfeited Weighted Average Exercise Price	40.06
Other Separation Adjustment	38.40
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31,	38.77	$ 44.73
Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate number of stock options expected to vest at December 31,	38.76
Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at December 31,	$ 38.46
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at January 1,	3 years 6 months 13 days	3 years 8 months 4 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate number of stock options expected to vest at December 31,	3 years 46 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at December 31,	3 years 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 1,	$ 218
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 31,	198	$ 218
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Aggregate number of stock options expected to vest at December 31,	238
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable at December 31,	$ 185
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share	$ 50.56	$ 48.02

Equity (Weighted Average Assump

Equity (Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Fair Value of Stock Options) (Details) - Stock Options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Dividend yield	3.05%	3.90%	2.72%
Risk-free rate of return, Minimum	0.94%	0.62%	0.20%
Risk-free rate of return, Maximum	3.22%	2.85%	3.04%
Expected volatility	34.19%	33.58%	32.56%
Exercise multiple	1.43	1.43	1.44
Post-vesting termination rate	2.94%	2.58%	2.73%
Contractual term (years)	10 years	10 years	10 years
Expected life (years)	6 years	7 years	7 years
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 46.85	$ 34.33	$ 45.91
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted	$ 12.36	$ 8.27	$ 11.87

Equity (Summary of Stock Option

Equity (Summary of Stock Option Exercise Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 59	$ 42	$ 44
Cash received from exercise of stock options	116	84	121
Income tax benefit realized from stock options exercised	$ 20	$ 15	$ 15

Equity (Performance Share and R

Equity (Performance Share and Restricted Stock Unit) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 07, 2017	Aug. 04, 2017
Summary of Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share Price		$ 48.17	$ 53.92
Performance Shares
Summary of performance share activity
Shares Outstanding at January 1,	3,817,100
Granted Shares	1,225,333
Forfeited Shares	(270,292)
Paid	(1,192,734)
Other Separation adjustment	454,353
Shares Outstanding at December 31,	4,033,760
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,	3,971,002
Summary of Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding January 1,	$ 49.88
Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	45.60
Forfeited Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	42.94
Payable Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	44.84
Other Separation adjustment	42.34
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding December 31,	46.02
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share expected to vest at December 31,	$ 46.02
Restricted Stock Units
Summary of performance share activity
Shares Outstanding at January 1,	3,422,013
Granted Shares	1,445,238
Forfeited Shares	(251,216)
Paid	(1,720,168)
Other Separation adjustment	408,510
Shares Outstanding at December 31,	3,304,377
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,	3,246,476
Summary of Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding January 1,	$ 39.08
Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	42.45
Forfeited Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	35.64
Payable Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	36.81
Other Separation adjustment	37.07
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding December 31,	37.17
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share expected to vest at December 31,	$ 37.14

Equity (Liability Award Activit

Equity (Liability Award Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 07, 2017	Aug. 04, 2017
Summary of performance share activity
Share Price		$ 48.17	$ 53.92
Stock Options
Summary of performance share activity
Exercised Shares Under Option	(3,475,198)
Stock Options | Minimum
Summary of performance share activity
Vesting period	1 year
Stock Options | Maximum
Summary of performance share activity
Vesting period	3 years
Performance Shares
Summary of performance share activity
Shares Outstanding at January 1,	3,817,100
Granted Shares	1,225,333
Forfeited Shares	(270,292)
Paid	(1,192,734)
Other Separation adjustment	454,353
Shares Outstanding at December 31,	4,033,760
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,	3,971,002
Restricted Stock Units
Summary of performance share activity
Shares Outstanding at January 1,	3,422,013
Granted Shares	1,445,238
Forfeited Shares	(251,216)
Paid	(1,720,168)
Other Separation adjustment	408,510
Shares Outstanding at December 31,	3,304,377
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,	3,246,476
Vesting period	3 years
Liability Awards Plan | Stock Options
Summary of performance share activity
Shares Outstanding at January 1,	855,897
Granted Shares	24,175
Exercised Shares Under Option	(200,687)
Forfeited Shares	(100,439)
Paid	0
Other Separation adjustment	102,066
Shares Outstanding at December 31,	681,012
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,	612,911
Liability Awards Plan | Performance Shares
Summary of performance share activity
Shares Outstanding at January 1,	615,356
Granted Shares	238,487
Exercised Shares Under Option	0
Forfeited Shares	(53,499)
Paid	(185,178)
Other Separation adjustment	73,063
Shares Outstanding at December 31,	688,229
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,	619,406
Liability Awards Plan | Restricted Stock Units
Summary of performance share activity
Shares Outstanding at January 1,	763,723
Granted Shares	375,414
Exercised Shares Under Option	0
Forfeited Shares	(82,940)
Paid	(368,049)
Other Separation adjustment	90,928
Shares Outstanding at December 31,	779,076
Vested and expected to vest at December 31,	701,168

Equity (Stock-Based Compensatio

Equity (Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
2015 Stock Plan
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares authorized for issuance		36,166,517
Other Stock And Incentive Plans
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Deferred shares		1,351,798
2015 Director Stock Plan
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares authorized for issuance		1,702,903
Other Director Stock Plans
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Deferred shares		223,176
Stock Options
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Award Expiration Date		10 years	10 years	10 years
Stock Options | Minimum
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period		1 year
Stock Options | Maximum
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Stock Options | Liability Awards Plan
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Paid		0
Performance Shares
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Paid		(1,192,734)
Performance Factor			44.40%
Performance Shares | Scenario, Forecast
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Paid	(1,194,283)
Performance Shares | Minimum
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Future Performance Factor		0.00%
Performance Shares | Maximum
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Future Performance Factor		175.00%
Performance Shares | Liability Awards Plan
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Paid		(185,178)
Restricted Stock Units
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Paid		(1,720,168)
Restricted Stock Units | Liability Awards Plan
Equity - Stock-based Compensation Plans [Line Items]
Paid		(368,049)

Equity (Statutory Net Income (L

Equity (Statutory Net Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	$ 1,982	$ 3,444	$ 3,703
Statutory capital and surplus	10,384	11,195
American Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	3,077	341	335
Statutory capital and surplus	6,548	5,895
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)		1,186	(1,022)
Statutory capital and surplus		4,374
Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	197	171	204
Statutory capital and surplus	2,266	2,271
Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	74	8	(42)
Statutory capital and surplus	733	669
New England Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)		109	157
Statutory capital and surplus		455
General American Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	90	(2)	204
Statutory capital and surplus	988	923
Other
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)	11	(70)	20
Statutory capital and surplus	$ 100	303
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)		(87)	$ 17
Statutory capital and surplus		$ 196

Equity (Statutory Equity & Inco

Equity (Statutory Equity & Income and Dividend Restrictions - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
American Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory capital and surplus	$ 6,548	$ 5,895
Statutory net income (loss)	3,077	341	$ 335
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	2,200	0
MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Prescribed Practice, Amount	2,700	5,600
MetLife's Domestic Captive Life Reinsurance Subsidiaries
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory capital and surplus	1,700	4,400
Statutory net income (loss)	$ 2,100	$ (344)	(336)
Principal U.S. Insurance Subsidiaries, Excluding American Life
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Combined RBC ratio of the principal U.S. insurance subsidiaries, including Brighthouse		in excess of 400%
Combined RBC ratio of the principal U.S. insurance subsidiaries, excluding Brighthouse	in excess of 390%	in excess of 400%
MetLife Reinsurance Company of Delaware
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Prescribed Practice, Amount		$ 260
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory capital and surplus	$ 10,384	11,195
Statutory Accounting Practices, Prescribed Practice, Amount	1,100	909
Statutory net income (loss)	1,982	3,444	$ 3,703
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	2,523	$ 3,600
Other Foreign Operations, Excluding Japan
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory capital and surplus required	3,700
Statutory capital and surplus	$ 10,500
Japan
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Adjusted capital	in excess of four times the 200% solvency margin ratio	in excess of four times the 200% solvency margin ratio

Equity (Dividend Restrictions)

Equity (Dividend Restrictions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Dividends		$ 5,740
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	$ 2,523	3,600
Non-Cash Extraordinary Dividend of NELICO		981
Non-Cash Extraordinary Dividend of GALIC		1,200
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			$ 3,075
American Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	2,200	0
American Life Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			0
Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	185	228
Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			125
Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	0	60
Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			73
New England Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	0	295
General American Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	1	0
General American Life Insurance Company | Scenario, Forecast
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Permitted w/o Approval			$ 118
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries	$ 0	$ 261

Equity (Components of Accumulat

Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	$ 5,366	$ 4,767	$ 10,714
OCI before reclassifications	5,994	606	(8,764)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(1,552)	(300)	2,418
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	9,808	5,073	4,368
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(1,147)	443	614
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	400	(150)	(215)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(747)	293	399
Balance end of period	7,427	5,366	4,767
Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	10,785	10,311	15,224
OCI before reclassifications	5,392	800	(7,224)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(1,732)	(338)	2,456
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	14,445	10,773	10,456
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(289)	21	(223)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	87	(9)	78
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(202)	12	(145)
Balance end of period	12,757	10,785	10,311
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	1,865	1,458	1,076
OCI before reclassifications	(140)	344	(19)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	47	(100)	6
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	1,772	1,702	1,063
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(1,025)	229	608
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	356	(66)	(213)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(669)	163	395
Balance end of period	905	1,865	1,458
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	(5,312)	(4,950)	(3,303)
OCI before reclassifications	765	(476)	(1,646)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	125	114	(1)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	(4,422)	(5,312)	(4,950)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	0	0	0
Balance end of period	(4,390)	(5,312)	(4,950)
Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance beginning of period	(1,972)	(2,052)	(2,283)
OCI before reclassifications	(23)	(62)	125
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	8	24	(43)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax	(1,987)	(2,090)	(2,201)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	167	193	229
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(43)	(75)	(80)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	124	118	149
Balance end of period	(1,845)	$ (1,972)	$ (2,052)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2,512)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	878
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(1,634)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2,286)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	800
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(1,486)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(305)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	107
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	(198)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	51
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(19)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	32
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	28
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	(10)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax	$ 18

Equity (Reclassifications Out o

Equity (Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)									$ (308)	$ 317	$ 609
Net investment income									17,363	16,790	16,205
Net derivative gains (losses)									(590)	(690)	629
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	$ 0	$ (968)	$ 58	$ (76)	$ (1,370)	$ (435)	$ (1,361)	$ 432	(986)	(2,734)	1,324
Other expenses									(13,621)	(13,749)	(14,777)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax									3,536	4,281	5,651
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									1,470	(693)	(1,590)
Net income (loss)	$ 2,315	$ (85)	$ 914	$ 876	$ (2,341)	$ 538	$ 325	$ 2,332	4,020	854	5,385
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									747	(293)	(399)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)									404	78	263
Net investment income									20	39	35
Net derivative gains (losses)									(49)	(37)	56
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax									289	(21)	223
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									(87)	9	(78)
Net income (loss)									202	(12)	145
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax									1,025	(229)	(608)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									(356)	66	213
Net income (loss)									669	(163)	(395)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Interest rate swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									16	12	11
Net derivative gains (losses)									24	56	84
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Interest rate forwards
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									2	4	3
Net derivative gains (losses)									(11)	(1)	4
Other expenses									1	1	2
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Foreign currency swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									0	(2)	(1)
Net derivative gains (losses)									974	(350)	(720)
Other expenses									2	2	1
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Credit forwards
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment income									0	1	0
Net derivative gains (losses)									1	3	1
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of net actuarial gains (losses)									(190)	(199)	(231)
Amortization of prior service (costs) credit									23	6	6
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax									(167)	(193)	(229)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									43	75	80
Net income (loss)									(124)	(118)	(149)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)									(1,016)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									(986)	(2,734)	1,324
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses), Net of Related Offsets
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									(86)	(101)	(131)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Interest rate swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									2	36	2
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Interest rate forwards
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									3	4	4
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Foreign currency swaps
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									11	5	0
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives | Credit forwards
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									0	0	1
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									$ 0	$ 0	$ (4)

Other Expenses (Other Expenses)

Other Expenses (Other Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Labor and Related Expense	$ 3,595	$ 3,840	$ 3,950
Professional Fees	1,693	1,619	1,568
General and administrative expenses	1,129	1,007	1,417
Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit cost	307	400	367
Premium taxes, licenses and fees	842	688	691
Commissions and other variable expenses	5,387	5,741	6,112
Capitalization of DAC	(3,002)	(3,152)	(3,319)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	2,681	2,718	3,184
Amortization of negative VOBA	(140)	(269)	(361)
Interest expense on debt	1,129	1,157	1,168
Total other expenses	$ 13,621	$ 13,749	$ 14,777

Other Expenses (Restructuring C

Other Expenses (Restructuring Charges) (Details) - Other expenses - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Charges
Balance at January 1,	$ 2	$ 22	$ 37
Restructuring charges		1	64
Cash payments		(21)	(79)
Balance at December 31,		2	22
Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of initiative		430	429
Severance
Restructuring Charges
Balance at January 1,	1	18	31
Restructuring charges		0	60
Cash payments		(17)	(73)
Balance at December 31,		1	18
Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of initiative		383	383
Lease and Asset Impairment
Restructuring Charges
Balance at January 1,	1	4	6
Restructuring charges		1	4
Cash payments		(4)	(6)
Balance at December 31,		1	4
Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of initiative		47	46
Unit Cost Initiative | Severance
Restructuring Charges
Balance at January 1,	35	0
Restructuring charges	38	35
Cash payments	(51)	0
Balance at December 31,	22	35	$ 0
Total restructuring charges incurred since inception of initiative	$ 73	$ 35

Employee Benefit Plans Employee

Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans (Obligations, Funded Status, and Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligations	$ 11,409	$ 10,741	$ 10,293
Estimated fair value of plan assets	9,688	9,009	8,603
Over (under) funded status	(1,721)	(1,732)
Net periodic benefit costs	349	359	342
Pension Benefits | U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligations	10,500	9,859
Estimated fair value of plan assets	9,371	8,721
Over (under) funded status	(1,129)	(1,138)
Net periodic benefit costs	267	278
Pension Benefits | Non- U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligations	909	882
Estimated fair value of plan assets	317	288
Over (under) funded status	(592)	(594)
Net periodic benefit costs	82	81
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligations	1,674	1,759	1,892
Estimated fair value of plan assets	1,434	1,386	1,382
Over (under) funded status	(240)	(373)
Net periodic benefit costs	(10)	39	$ 66
Other Postretirement Benefits | U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligations	1,648	1,734
Estimated fair value of plan assets	1,426	1,379
Over (under) funded status	(222)	(355)
Net periodic benefit costs	(12)	37
Other Postretirement Benefits | Non- U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligations	26	25
Estimated fair value of plan assets	8	7
Over (under) funded status	(18)	(18)
Net periodic benefit costs	$ 2	$ 2

Employee Benefit Plans (Obligat

Employee Benefit Plans (Obligations and Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefits
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligations at January 1,	$ 10,741	$ 10,293
Service costs	238	272	$ 275
Interest costs	429	423	414
Plan participants’ contributions	0	0
Net actuarial (gains) losses	595	362
Acquisition, divestitures, settlements and curtailments	(27)	(37)
Change in benefits	0	(11)
Benefits paid	(600)	(582)
Effect of foreign currency translation	33	21
Benefit obligations at December 31,	11,409	10,741	10,293
Change in plan assets
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	9,009	8,603
Actual return on plan assets	968	618
Acquisition, divestitures and settlements	(30)	(7)
Plan participants’ contributions	0	0
Employer contributions	329	374
Benefits paid	(600)	(582)
Effect of foreign currency translation	12	3
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	9,688	9,009	8,603
Over (under) funded status at December 31,	(1,721)	(1,732)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
Other assets	59	3
Other liabilities	(1,780)	(1,735)
Net amount recognized	(1,721)	(1,732)
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss:
Net actuarial (gains) losses	2,917	2,993
Prior service costs (credit)	(11)	(11)
AOCI, before income tax	2,906	2,982
Accumulated benefit obligation	10,996	10,340
Other Postretirement Benefits
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligations at January 1,	1,759	1,892
Service costs	6	9	17
Interest costs	76	82	89
Plan participants’ contributions	33	30
Net actuarial (gains) losses	(95)	(115)
Acquisition, divestitures, settlements and curtailments	0	18
Change in benefits	0	(43)
Benefits paid	(107)	(111)
Effect of foreign currency translation	2	(3)
Benefit obligations at December 31,	1,674	1,759	1,892
Change in plan assets
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	1,386	1,382
Actual return on plan assets	125	75
Acquisition, divestitures and settlements	(1)	(1)
Plan participants’ contributions	33	30
Employer contributions	(2)	13
Benefits paid	(107)	(111)
Effect of foreign currency translation	0	(2)
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	1,434	1,386	$ 1,382
Over (under) funded status at December 31,	(240)	(373)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
Other assets	160	1
Other liabilities	(400)	(374)
Net amount recognized	(240)	(373)
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss:
Net actuarial (gains) losses	(55)	89
Prior service costs (credit)	(27)	(49)
AOCI, before income tax	$ (82)	$ 40

Employee Benefit Plans (Paid Be

Employee Benefit Plans (Paid Benefit Obligations and Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated benefit obligation [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligations	$ 1,996	$ 1,894
Accumulated benefit obligations	1,890	1,785
Estimated fair value of plan assets	266	228
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligations	2,016	10,670
Accumulated benefit obligations	1,904	10,318
Estimated fair value of plan assets	$ 285	$ 8,979

Employee Benefit Plans (Net Per

Employee Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Benefit Costs and Other Changes Recognized in OCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amortized From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	$ 0	$ (968)	$ 58	$ (76)	$ (1,370)	$ (435)	$ (1,361)	$ 432	$ (986)	$ (2,734)	$ 1,324
Total recognized in OCI									(144)	(131)	(354)
Pension Benefits
Net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Service costs									238	272	275
Interest costs									429	423	414
Settlement and curtailment costs									4	2	(1)
Expected return on plan assets									(516)	(527)	(534)
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses									195	189	189
Amortization of prior service costs (credit)									(1)	0	(1)
Total net periodic benefit costs (credit)									349	359	342
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amortized From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net actuarial (gains) losses									149	238	43
Prior service costs (credit)									(1)	(11)	0
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses									(195)	(189)	(189)
Amortization of prior service (costs) credit									1	0	1
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									0	(1)	(2)
Disposal of subsidiary									(30)	0	0
Total recognized in OCI									(76)	37	(147)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and OCI									273	396	195
Other Postretirement Benefits
Net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Service costs									6	9	17
Interest costs									76	82	89
Settlement and curtailment costs									2	19	3
Expected return on plan assets									(72)	(75)	(80)
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses									0	10	42
Amortization of prior service costs (credit)									(22)	(6)	(5)
Total net periodic benefit costs (credit)									(10)	39	66
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Amortized From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net actuarial (gains) losses									(146)	(124)	(161)
Prior service costs (credit)									0	(41)	(7)
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses									0	(10)	(42)
Amortization of prior service (costs) credit									22	6	5
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax									0	1	(2)
Disposal of subsidiary									2	0	0
Total recognized in OCI									(122)	(168)	(207)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit costs and OCI									$ (132)	$ (129)	$ (141)

Employee Benefit Plans (Assumpt

Employee Benefit Plans (Assumptions in Determining Benefit Obligations) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension Benefits
Assumptions used in determining benefit obligations [Abstract]
Weighted average discount rate	3.65%	4.30%
Pension Benefits | Minimum
Assumptions used in determining benefit obligations [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase	2.25%	2.25%
Pension Benefits | Maximum
Assumptions used in determining benefit obligations [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase	8.50%	8.50%
Other Postretirement Benefits
Assumptions used in determining benefit obligations [Abstract]
Weighted average discount rate	3.70%	4.45%

Employee Benefit Plans (Assu201

Employee Benefit Plans (Assumptions in Determining Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefits
Assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Weighted average discount rate	4.30%	4.13%	4.10%
Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%	6.25%
Pension Benefits | Minimum
Assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%
Pension Benefits | Maximum
Assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase	8.50%	8.50%	8.50%
Other Postretirement Benefits
Assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Weighted average discount rate	4.45%	4.37%	4.10%
Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets	5.36%	5.53%	5.70%

Employee Benefit Plans (Assumed

Employee Benefit Plans (Assumed Healthcare Cost Trend Rates) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Before Age 65
Assumed healthcare costs trend rates
Following year	5.60%	6.80%
Ultimate rate to which cost increase is assumed to decline	4.00%	4.00%
Year in which the ultimate trend rate is reached	2,086	2,077
Age 65 and older
Assumed healthcare costs trend rates
Following year	6.60%	13.00%
Ultimate rate to which cost increase is assumed to decline	4.30%	4.30%
Year in which the ultimate trend rate is reached	2,098	2,092

Employee Benefit Plans (One Per

Employee Benefit Plans (One Percent Change in Assumed Healthcare Cost Trend Rates) (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits - U.S. Plans $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
One-percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates [Abstract]
Effect on total of service and interest costs components, one percent increase	$ 9
Effect on total of service and interest costs components, one percent decrease	(8)
Effect of accumulated postretirement benefit obligations, one percent increase	186
Effect of accumulated postretirement benefit obligations, one percent decrease	$ (154)

Employee Benefit Plans (Actual

Employee Benefit Plans (Actual & Target Allocation of Fair Value by Asset Class) (Details) - U.S. Plans	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension Benefits
Actual weighted average asset allocation by major asset class for the Invested Plans [Abstract]
Actual	100.00%	100.00%
Pension Benefits | Fixed Maturity Securities
Actual weighted average asset allocation by major asset class for the Invested Plans [Abstract]
Target	82.00%
Actual	82.00%	81.00%
Pension Benefits | Equity securities
Actual weighted average asset allocation by major asset class for the Invested Plans [Abstract]
Target	10.00%
Actual	10.00%	11.00%
Pension Benefits | Alternative Securities
Actual weighted average asset allocation by major asset class for the Invested Plans [Abstract]
Target	8.00%
Actual	8.00%	8.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits
Actual weighted average asset allocation by major asset class for the Invested Plans [Abstract]
Actual	100.00%	100.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | Fixed Maturity Securities
Actual weighted average asset allocation by major asset class for the Invested Plans [Abstract]
Target	85.00%
Actual	84.00%	76.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | Equity securities
Actual weighted average asset allocation by major asset class for the Invested Plans [Abstract]
Target	15.00%
Actual	15.00%	24.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits | Alternative Securities
Actual weighted average asset allocation by major asset class for the Invested Plans [Abstract]
Target	0.00%
Actual	1.00%	0.00%

Employee Benefit Plans (Estimat

Employee Benefit Plans (Estimated Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 9,688	$ 9,009	$ 8,603
Pension Benefits | Fixed Maturity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7,891	7,236
Pension Benefits | Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,834	3,499
Pension Benefits | U.S. government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,784	1,660
Pension Benefits | Foreign government
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,037	862
Pension Benefits | Federal agencies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	169	196
Pension Benefits | Municipals securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	335	313
Pension Benefits | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	327	335
Pension Benefits | Other (1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	405	371
Pension Benefits | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	977	923
Pension Benefits | Common stock - domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	570	474
Pension Benefits | Common stock - foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	407	449
Pension Benefits | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	785	772
Pension Benefits | Derivative assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	35	78
Pension Benefits | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,282	2,674
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Fixed Maturity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,433	1,774
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | U.S. government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,256	1,656
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Foreign government
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Federal agencies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	35	0
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Municipals securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	135	118
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Other (1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7	0
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	797	854
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Common stock - domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	480	474
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Common stock - foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	317	380
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	19	30
Pension Benefits | Level 1 | Derivative assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	33	16
Pension Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,770	5,624
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Fixed Maturity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,447	5,453
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,833	3,499
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | U.S. government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	528	4
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Foreign government
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,037	862
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Federal agencies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	134	196
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Municipals securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	335	313
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	192	217
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Other (1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	388	362
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	177	69
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Common stock - domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	90	0
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Common stock - foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	87	69
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	144	105
Pension Benefits | Level 2 | Derivative assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2	(3)
Pension Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	636	711
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Fixed Maturity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	11	9
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1	0	77
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | U.S. government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Foreign government
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	17
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Federal agencies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Municipals securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Other (1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	10	9	7
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3	0
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Common stock - domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Common stock - foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3	0	0
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	622	637	723
Pension Benefits | Level 3 | Derivative assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	65	76
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,434	1,386	$ 1,382
Other Postretirement Benefits | Fixed Maturity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,270	1,150
Other Postretirement Benefits | Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	382	326
Other Postretirement Benefits | U.S. government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	275	211
Other Postretirement Benefits | Foreign government
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	102	79
Other Postretirement Benefits | Federal agencies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	17	27
Other Postretirement Benefits | Municipals securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	28	23
Other Postretirement Benefits | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	398	429
Other Postretirement Benefits | Other (1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	68	55
Other Postretirement Benefits | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	154	235
Other Postretirement Benefits | Common stock - domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	80	113
Other Postretirement Benefits | Common stock - foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	74	122
Other Postretirement Benefits | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	9	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Derivative assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1	1
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	452	479
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Fixed Maturity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	297	243
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	20	20
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | U.S. government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	269	210
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Foreign government
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Federal agencies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Municipals securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8	13
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Other (1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	154	235
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Common stock - domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	80	113
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Common stock - foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	74	122
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 1 | Derivative assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1	1
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	982	907
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Fixed Maturity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	973	907
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	362	306
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | U.S. government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6	1
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Foreign government
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	102	79
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Federal agencies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	17	27
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Municipals securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	28	23
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	390	416
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Other (1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	68	55
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Common stock - domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Common stock - foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	9	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 2 | Derivative assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Fixed Maturity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | U.S. government bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Foreign government
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Federal agencies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Municipals securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Other (1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Common stock - domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Common stock - foreign
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3 | Derivative assets
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Employee Benefit Plans (Signifi

Employee Benefit Plans (Significant Unobservable Inputs) (Details) - Pension Benefits - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	$ 9,009	$ 8,603
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	(30)	(7)
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	9,688	9,009
Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	3,499
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	3,834	3,499
Foreign government
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	862
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	1,037	862
Other (1)
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	371
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	405	371
Common Stock - Foreign
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	449
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	407	449
Other investments
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	772
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	785	772
Derivative assets
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	78
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	35	78
Level 3
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	711
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	636	711
Level 3 | Corporate fixed maturity securities [Member]
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	0	77
Realized gains (losses)	(10)	2
Unrealized gains (losses)	10	3
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	0	(20)
Transfers into and/or out of Level 3	1	(62)
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	1	0
Level 3 | Foreign government
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	0	17
Realized gains (losses)	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses)	0	(3)
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	0	(3)
Transfers into and/or out of Level 3	0	(11)
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	0	0
Level 3 | Other (1)
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	9	7
Realized gains (losses)	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses)	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	8	0
Transfers into and/or out of Level 3	(7)	2
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	10	9
Level 3 | Common Stock - Foreign
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	0	0
Realized gains (losses)	2	0
Unrealized gains (losses)	0	0
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	(4)	0
Transfers into and/or out of Level 3	5	0
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	3	0
Level 3 | Other investments
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	637	723
Realized gains (losses)	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses)	(12)	33
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	0	(119)
Transfers into and/or out of Level 3	(3)	0
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	622	637
Level 3 | Derivative assets
Rollforward fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of plan assets at January 1,	65	76
Realized gains (losses)	(22)	3
Unrealized gains (losses)	6	(18)
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net	(48)	6
Transfers into and/or out of Level 3	(1)	(2)
Estimated fair value of plan assets at December 31,	$ 0	$ 65

Employee Benefit Plans (Expecte

Employee Benefit Plans (Expected Gross Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Pension Benefits
Defined benefit plan estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2,018	$ 604
2,019	618
2,020	634
2,021	645
2,022	664
2023-2027	3,523
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined benefit plan estimated future benefit payments [Abstract]
2,018	87
2,019	90
2,020	90
2,021	89
2,022	90
2023-2027	$ 450

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total revenue from annuity and life insurance contracts recognized		$ 56	$ 58	$ 55
Total investment income (loss) from annuity and life insurance contracts		1,100	660	(125)
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost		72	81	80
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Aggregate projected benefit obligations		11,409	$ 10,741	$ 10,293
Estimated net actuarial losses amortized into net periodic benefit cost over the next year		171
Estimated prior service cost amortized into net periodic benefit cost over the next year		$ (1)
Weighted average expected return on plan assets		6.00%	6.00%	6.25%
Pension Benefits | U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Aggregate projected benefit obligations		$ 10,500	$ 9,859
Pension Benefits | Non- U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Aggregate projected benefit obligations		909	882
Pension Benefits | Scenario, Forecast | U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average expected return on plan assets	5.75%
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Aggregate projected benefit obligations		1,674	$ 1,759	$ 1,892
Estimated net actuarial losses amortized into net periodic benefit cost over the next year		(6)
Estimated prior service cost amortized into net periodic benefit cost over the next year		$ (19)
Weighted average expected return on plan assets		5.36%	5.53%	5.70%
Other Postretirement Benefits | U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Aggregate projected benefit obligations		$ 1,648	$ 1,734
Expected future discretionary contributions		50
Other Postretirement Benefits | Non- U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Aggregate projected benefit obligations		26	25
Other Postretirement Benefits | Scenario, Forecast | U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average expected return on plan assets	5.11%
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Qualified [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected future discretionary contributions		150
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Non Qualified [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Aggregate projected benefit obligations		1,200	$ 1,100
Expected future discretionary contributions		$ 70

Income Tax (Impact of U.S. Tax

Income Tax (Impact of U.S. Tax Reform) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest									$ 3,536	$ 4,281	$ 5,651
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(2,373)	(827)	194
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(1,470)	693	1,590
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 2,315	$ 883	$ 856	$ 952	$ (971)	$ 973	$ 1,686	$ 1,900	5,006	3,588	4,061
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	58,870				$ 67,702				58,870	$ 67,702	$ 68,568	$ 72,715
Impact of U.S. Tax Reform
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest									(289)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	170								170
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(1,790)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(1,620)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									1,331
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									144
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 1,475								$ 1,475

Income Tax (Provision for Incom

Income Tax (Provision for Income Tax from Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current:
Federal	$ (246)	$ 520	$ 632
State and local	5	3	10
Foreign	891	628	556
Subtotal	650	1,151	1,198
Deferred:
Federal	(2,373)	(827)	194
Foreign	253	369	198
Subtotal	(2,120)	(458)	392
Current and Deferred:
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,470)	$ 693	$ 1,590

Income Tax (Income Loss from Co

Income Tax (Income Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Tax Expense from Domestic and Foreign Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income (loss) from continuing operations:
Domestic	$ 684	$ 185	$ 1,874
Foreign	2,852	4,096	3,777
Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income tax	$ 3,536	$ 4,281	$ 5,651

Income Tax (Reconciliation of I

Income Tax (Reconciliation of Income Tax Provision between US Statutory Rate and As Reported for Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate			$ 1,238	$ 1,498	$ 1,977
Dividend received deduction			(67)	(69)	(71)
Tax-exempt income			(97)	(86)	(70)
Prior year tax (1)			(27)	(13)	559
Low income housing tax credits			(278)	(270)	(221)
Other tax credits			(102)	(98)	(67)
Foreign tax rate differential			(95)	(332)	(555)
Change in valuation allowance			(8)	(9)	5
Other, net			25	72	33
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)			(1,470)	693	1,590
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount					(41)
Possible Change in Tax Assessment [Member]
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)	$ 557				557
Foreign Tax Authority
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Foreign tax rate differential			350
Tax charge related to future repatriation of earnings		$ 444
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries			3,000
JAPAN
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Foreign tax rate differential				110	174
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount					57
CHILE
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Foreign tax rate differential					61
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount				19
ARGENTINA
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Foreign tax rate differential					31
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount					23
Impact of U.S. Tax Reform
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate			(101)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)			(1,620)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings			170
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount			(1,519)	0	0
Impact of U.S. Tax Reform | Foreign Tax Authority
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount			170
Impact of U.S. Tax Reform, including US Statutory impact [Member]
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount			(1,600)
Impact of Separation [Member]
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)			(927)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount			(540)	$ 0	$ 0
Foreign dividends [Member]
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Tax benefit on dividends from non-us operations			264
Foreign dividends [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority
Income tax expense benefit continuing operations income tax reconciliation
Foreign tax rate differential			$ 180

Income Tax (Net Deferred Income

Income Tax (Net Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred income tax assets:
Policyholder liabilities and receivables	$ 2,654	$ 2,029
Net operating loss carryforwards	512	1,420
Employee benefits	802	1,045
Capital loss carryforwards	6	9
Tax credit carryforwards	1,322	1,375
Litigation-related and government mandated	160	268
Other	657	743
Total gross deferred income tax assets	6,113	6,889
Less: Valuation allowance	189	161
Total net deferred income tax assets	5,924	6,728
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Investments, including derivatives	2,772	2,940
Intangibles	1,321	1,213
Net unrealized investment gains	4,783	5,423
DAC	3,206	3,619
Other	609	425
Total deferred income tax liabilities	12,691	13,620
Deferred tax assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)	$ (6,767)	$ (6,892)

Income Tax (Net Operating and C

Income Tax (Net Operating and Capital Loss Carryforwards for Tax Purposes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital loss carryforwards	$ 1,322	$ 1,375
Domestic Tax Authority
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,104
Domestic Tax Authority | Capital Loss Carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards	27
Domestic Tax Authority | 2018-2022
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	1
Domestic Tax Authority | 2018-2022 | Capital Loss Carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards	27
Domestic Tax Authority | 2023-2027
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	0
Domestic Tax Authority | 2023-2027 | Capital Loss Carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards	0
Domestic Tax Authority | 2028-2032
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	8
Domestic Tax Authority | 2028-2032 | Capital Loss Carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards	0
Domestic Tax Authority | 2033-2037
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,095
Domestic Tax Authority | 2033-2037 | Capital Loss Carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards	0
Domestic Tax Authority | Indefinite
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	0
Domestic Tax Authority | Indefinite | Capital Loss Carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards	0
State and Local Jurisdiction
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	128
State and Local Jurisdiction | 2018-2022
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	49
State and Local Jurisdiction | 2023-2027
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	64
State and Local Jurisdiction | 2028-2032
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	13
State and Local Jurisdiction | 2033-2037
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	2
State and Local Jurisdiction | Indefinite
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	0
Foreign Tax Authority
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	471
Capital loss carryforwards	264
Foreign Tax Authority | 2018-2022
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	46
Capital loss carryforwards	42
Foreign Tax Authority | 2023-2027
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	28
Capital loss carryforwards	200
Foreign Tax Authority | 2028-2032
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	0
Capital loss carryforwards	1
Foreign Tax Authority | 2033-2037
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	0
Capital loss carryforwards	0
Foreign Tax Authority | Indefinite
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	397
Capital loss carryforwards	$ 21

Income Tax (Tax Credit Carryfor

Income Tax (Tax Credit Carryforwards) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 1,322	$ 1,375
Foreign Tax Authority
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	264
Foreign Tax Authority | 2018-2022
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	42
Foreign Tax Authority | 2023-2027
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	200
Foreign Tax Authority | 2028-2032
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	1
Foreign Tax Authority | 2033-2037
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	0
Foreign Tax Authority | Indefinite
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	21
General business tax credit carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	1,068
General business tax credit carryforward | 2018-2022
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	0
General business tax credit carryforward | 2023-2027
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	0
General business tax credit carryforward | 2028-2032
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	236
General business tax credit carryforward | 2033-2037
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	832
General business tax credit carryforward | Indefinite
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	0
Other tax credit carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	263
Other tax credit carryforward | 2018-2022
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	0
Other tax credit carryforward | 2023-2027
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	0
Other tax credit carryforward | 2028-2032
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	0
Other tax credit carryforward | 2033-2037
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	0
Other tax credit carryforward | Indefinite
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 263

Income Tax (Reconciliation of U

Income Tax (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ (1,470)	$ 693	$ 1,590
Operating Expenses		13,621	13,749	14,777
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Balance at January 1,		1,146	1,259	719
Additions for tax positions of prior years (1)		70	24	574
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	$ (792)	(101)	(112)	(24)
Additions for tax positions of current year		33	23	24
Reductions for tax positions of current year		(3)	0	0
Settlements with tax authorities		(43)	(48)	(34)
Balance at December 31, (1)		1,102	1,146	1,259
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective rate		$ 1,073	$ 1,112	1,215
Possible Change in Tax Assessment [Member]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	557			$ 557
Operating Expenses	362
Operating Expenses Net	$ 235

Income Tax (Interest Accrued Re

Income Tax (Interest Accrued Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest recognized on the consolidated statements of operations (1)	$ 37	$ (41)	$ 388
Interest included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets	$ 659	$ 623

Income Tax (Narrative) (Details

Income Tax (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 19, 2015	Sep. 18, 2015	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Federal corporate income tax rate				35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount						$ (41)
Foreign tax rate differential				$ (95)	$ (332)	(555)
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				(2,373)	(827)	194
Income Tax Assessment, Income Taxes and Interest Paid		$ 444
Other expenses				13,621	13,749	14,777
Income Tax Reconciliation, Deductions, Dividends, Related To Separate Accounts				61	63	66
Subsequent Event [Member]
Federal corporate income tax rate			21.00%
Impact of U.S. Tax Reform
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount				(1,519)	$ 0	0
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				(1,790)
Foreign Tax Authority
Foreign tax rate differential				350
Foreign Tax Authority | Impact of U.S. Tax Reform
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount				170
Foreign dividends [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority
Foreign tax rate differential				180
Compensation and fringe benefits [Member] | Impact of U.S. Tax Reform
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				8
Alternative Minimum Tax Credits [Member] | Impact of U.S. Tax Reform
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				$ 9
Other Assets [Member]
Transition tax rate				8.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Transition tax rate				15.50%
Alternative Minimum Tax Credits [Member]
Transition tax rate				6.60%
Income Tax Refund [Member]
Other expenses	$ 9
Maximum
True Up Of Prior Year Tax Return Included In Current Year Benefit Associated With Dividend Received Deduction Related to Separate Accounts				$ 1		$ 1
Certain State and Foreign Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member]
Valuation allowance, change during year				8
Foreign Currency Movement [Member]
Valuation allowance, change during year				19
Balance Sheet Reclassification With Other Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation allowance, change during year				$ 17

Earnings Per Common Share (Earn

Earnings Per Common Share (Earnings Per Common Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Weighted Average Shares:
Weighted average common stock outstanding for basic earnings per common share									1,069,700,000	1,100,500,000	1,117,800,000
Incremental common shares from assumed:
Incremental common shares from assumed exercise or issuance of stock-based awards					9,200,000				8,800,000	8,000,000	10,500,000
Weighted average common stock outstanding for diluted earnings per common share									1,078,500,000	1,108,500,000	1,128,300,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	$ 2,315	$ 883	$ 856	$ 952	$ (971)	$ 973	$ 1,686	$ 1,900	$ 5,006	$ 3,588	$ 4,061
Less: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests									10	4	12
Less: Preferred stock dividends	$ 45	$ 6	$ 46	$ 6	$ 45	$ 6	$ 46	$ 6	103	103	116
Preferred stock repurchase premium									0	0	42
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders									$ 4,893	$ 3,481	$ 3,891
Basic	$ 2.16	$ 0.82	$ 0.76	$ 0.87	$ (0.92)	$ 0.88	$ 1.49	$ 1.72	$ 4.57	$ 3.16	$ 3.48
Diluted	$ 2.14	$ 0.81	$ 0.75	$ 0.86	$ (0.92)	$ 0.87	$ 1.48	$ 1.71	$ 4.53	$ 3.13	$ 3.44
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	$ 0	$ (968)	$ 58	$ (76)	$ (1,370)	$ (435)	$ (1,361)	$ 432	$ (986)	$ (2,734)	$ 1,324
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders									$ (986)	$ (2,734)	$ 1,324
Basic	$ 0	$ (0.91)	$ 0.05	$ (0.07)	$ (1.25)	$ (0.39)	$ (1.24)	$ 0.39	$ (0.92)	$ (2.48)	$ 1.19
Diluted	$ 0	$ (0.90)	$ 0.05	$ (0.07)	$ (1.25)	$ (0.39)	$ (1.23)	$ 0.39	$ (0.91)	$ (2.46)	$ 1.18
Net Income (Loss):
Net income (loss)	$ 2,315	$ (85)	$ 914	$ 876	$ (2,341)	$ 538	$ 325	$ 2,332	$ 4,020	$ 854	$ 5,385
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2)	6	3	3	2	(4)	4	2	10	4	12
Less: Preferred stock dividends	45	6	46	6	45	6	46	6	103	103	116
Preferred stock repurchase premium									0	0	42
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 2,272	$ (97)	$ 865	$ 867	$ (2,388)	$ 536	$ 275	$ 2,324	$ 3,907	$ 747	$ 5,215
Basic	$ 2.16	$ (0.09)	$ 0.81	$ 0.80	$ (2.17)	$ 0.49	$ 0.25	$ 2.11	$ 3.65	$ 0.68	$ 4.67
Diluted	$ 2.14	$ (0.09)	$ 0.80	$ 0.79	$ (2.17)	$ 0.48	$ 0.25	$ 2.10	$ 3.62	$ 0.67	$ 4.62

Contingencies, Commitments a220

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Asbestos Claims) (Details) - Asbestos Related Claims $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Claims	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Claims	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Claims
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Asbestos personal injury claims at year end | Claims	62,930	67,223	67,787
Number of new claims during the year | Claims	3,514	4,146	3,856
Settlement payments during the year | $	$ 48.6	$ 50.2	$ 56.1
Asbestos-related claims liability, ending balance | $	$ 551

Contingencies, Commitments a221

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Insolvency Assessments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Assets:
Premium tax offset for future discounted and undiscounted assessments	$ 56	$ 30
Premium tax offsets currently available for paid assessments	50	33
Other Liabilities:
Insolvency assessments	75	47
Insurance-related Assessments
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total assets held for insolvency assessments	$ 106	$ 63

Contingencies, Commitments a222

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Gross rental payments 2018	$ 302
Gross rental payments 2019	265
Gross rental payments 2020	256
Gross rental payments 2021	237
Gross rental payments 2022	209
Gross rental payments, thereafter	993
Gross rental payments, total	2,262
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals	572
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$ 374	$ 383	$ 364

Contingencies, Commitments a223

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Contingencies - Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Claims
Loss Contingencies
Reserves for Group Annuity products	$ 510,000,000
Assumed variable annuity guarantee reserves	896,000,000
Minimum
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	0
Maximum
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	$ 425,000,000
Superfund Site Settlement Agreements
Loss Contingencies
Number of regulatory matters and other claims | Claims	2
Superfund Site Settlement Agreements | Maximum
Loss Contingencies
Maximum estimate of aggregate costs to resolve matter	$ 300,000

Contingencies, Commitments a224

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Commitments and Guarantees - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Liabilities for indemnities, guarantees and commitments	$ 5	$ 10
Cumulative maximum indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation	750
Minimum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	1
Maximum
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Indemnities and guarantees contractual limitation range	329
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments, Bank Credit Facilities, Bridge Loans and Private Corporate Bond Investments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	6,100	8,200
Mortgage Loan Commitments
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability	$ 3,400	$ 4,300

Quarterly Results of Operati225

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Quarterly Results of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Total revenues	$ 15,840	$ 16,171	$ 15,333	$ 14,964	$ 12,387	$ 15,806	$ 16,349	$ 16,245	$ 62,308	$ 60,787	$ 61,343
Total expenses	14,879	15,686	14,315	13,892	14,058	14,717	13,979	13,752	58,772	56,506	55,692
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	2,315	883	856	952	(971)	973	1,686	1,900	5,006	3,588	4,061
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	0	(968)	58	(76)	(1,370)	(435)	(1,361)	432	(986)	(2,734)	1,324
Net income (loss)	2,315	(85)	914	876	(2,341)	538	325	2,332	4,020	854	5,385
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2)	6	3	3	2	(4)	4	2	10	4	12
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	2,317	(91)	911	873	(2,343)	542	321	2,330	4,010	850	5,373
Less: Preferred stock dividends	45	6	46	6	45	6	46	6	103	103	116
Preferred stock repurchase premium									0	0	42
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 2,272	$ (97)	$ 865	$ 867	$ (2,388)	$ 536	$ 275	$ 2,324	$ 3,907	$ 747	$ 5,215
Basic earnings per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 2.16	$ 0.82	$ 0.76	$ 0.87	$ (0.92)	$ 0.88	$ 1.49	$ 1.72	$ 4.57	$ 3.16	$ 3.48
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc.	0	(0.91)	0.05	(0.07)	(1.25)	(0.39)	(1.24)	0.39	(0.92)	(2.48)	1.19
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	2.20	(0.09)	0.86	0.80	(2.13)	0.49	0.29	2.12
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	2.16	(0.09)	0.81	0.80	(2.17)	0.49	0.25	2.11	3.65	0.68	4.67
Diluted earnings per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	2.14	0.81	0.75	0.86	(0.92)	0.87	1.48	1.71	4.53	3.13	3.44
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc.	0	(0.90)	0.05	(0.07)	(1.25)	(0.39)	(1.23)	0.39	(0.91)	(2.46)	1.18
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	2.18	(0.08)	0.85	0.79	(2.13)	0.49	0.29	2.10
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 2.14	$ (0.09)	$ 0.80	$ 0.79	$ (2.17)	$ 0.48	$ 0.25	$ 2.10	$ 3.62	$ 0.67	$ 4.62
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements					9,200,000				8,800,000	8,000,000	10,500,000
Scenario, Previously Reported
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Total revenues	$ 15,754	$ 16,104	$ 15,286	$ 14,925	$ 12,635	$ 15,833	$ 16,025	$ 16,097		$ 60,590	$ 61,334
Total expenses	14,879	15,603	14,309	13,921	14,017	14,674	13,979	13,780		56,450	55,626
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	2,134	893	829	908	(795)	1,024	1,475	1,770		3,474	4,008
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	0	(968)	58	(79)	(1,291)	(451)	(1,361)	433		(2,670)	1,314
Net income (loss)	2,134	(75)	887	829	(2,086)	573	114	2,203		804	5,322
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2)	6	3	3	2	(4)	4	2
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	2,136	(81)	884	826	(2,088)	577	110	2,201		800	5,310
Less: Preferred stock dividends	45	6	46	6	45	6	46	6
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 2,091	$ (87)	$ 838	$ 820	$ (2,133)	$ 571	$ 64	$ 2,195		$ 697	$ 5,152
Basic earnings per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 1.99	$ 0.83	$ 0.73	$ 0.82	$ (0.77)	$ 0.93	$ 1.30	$ 1.60		$ 3.06	$ 3.43
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc.	0	(0.91)	0.05	(0.07)	(1.17)	(0.41)	(1.24)	0.39
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	2.03	(0.08)	0.82	0.76	(1.90)	0.52	0.10	2
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	1.99	(0.08)	0.78	0.75	(1.94)	0.52	0.06	1.99		0.63	4.61
Diluted earnings per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	1.97	0.82	0.72	0.82	(0.77)	0.92	1.29	1.59		3.04	3.40
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc.	0	(0.90)	0.05	(0.07)	(1.17)	(0.41)	(1.23)	0.39
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	2.01	(0.08)	0.82	0.75	(1.90)	0.52	0.10	1.99
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 1.97	$ (0.08)	$ 0.77	$ 0.75	$ (1.94)	$ 0.51	$ 0.06	$ 1.98		$ 0.63	$ 4.57
Restatement Adjustment
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Total revenues	$ 86	$ 67	$ 47	$ 39	$ (248)	$ (27)	$ 324	$ 148		$ 197	$ 9
Total expenses	0	83	6	(29)	41	43	0	(28)		56	66
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax	181	(10)	27	44	(176)	(51)	211	130		114	53
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	0	0	0	3	(79)	16	0	(1)		(64)	10
Net income (loss)	181	(10)	27	47	(255)	(35)	211	129		50	63
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	181	(10)	27	47	(255)	(35)	211	129		50	63
Less: Preferred stock dividends	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 181	$ (10)	$ 27	$ 47	$ (255)	$ (35)	$ 211	$ 129		$ 50	$ 63
Basic earnings per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 0.17	$ (0.01)	$ 0.03	$ 0.05	$ (0.15)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.19	$ 0.12		$ 0.10	$ 0.05
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc.	0	0	0	0	(0.08)	0.02	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	0.17	(0.01)	0.04	0.04	(0.23)	(0.03)	0.19	0.12
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	0.17	(0.01)	0.03	0.05	(0.23)	(0.03)	0.19	0.12		0.05	0.06
Diluted earnings per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income tax, available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	0.17	(0.01)	0.03	0.04	(0.15)	(0.05)	0.19	0.12		0.09	0.04
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax, attributable to MetLife, Inc.	0	0	0	0	(0.08)	0.02	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	0.17	0	0.03	0.04	(0.23)	(0.03)	0.19	0.11
Net income (loss) available to MetLife, Inc.’s common shareholders	$ 0.17	$ (0.01)	$ 0.03	$ 0.04	$ (0.23)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.19	$ 0.12		$ 0.04	$ 0.05

Subsequent Events Subsequent Ev

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Common Stock Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 16, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		56,599,540	6,948,739	39,491,991
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 2,927	$ 372	$ 1,930
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	7,499,116
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$ 392

Subsequent Events (Dividends -

Subsequent Events (Dividends - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended													12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated aggregate dividend payment														$ 1,717	$ 1,736	$ 1,653
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividends		$ 6	$ 6	$ 7	$ 6	$ 6	$ 6	$ 7	$ 6	$ 6	$ 6	$ 7	$ 6	25	25	25
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividends		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	24	24	0	0	48
Common stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated aggregate dividend payment		$ 422	$ 427	$ 431	$ 437	$ 441	$ 441	$ 441	$ 413	$ 419	$ 420	$ 420	$ 394	$ 1,717	$ 1,736	$ 1,653
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated aggregate dividend payment	$ 416
Subsequent Event [Member] | Dividends Declared [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Preferred stock, dividend rate	$ 0.250
Preferred stock, dividends	$ 6
Subsequent Event [Member] | Dividends Declared [Member] | Common stock
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Approved annual dividend, amount per share	$ 0.400

Subsequent Events (Junior Subor

Subsequent Events (Junior Subordinated Debt Securities - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 10, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 3,200		$ 3,200
Junior Subordinated Debt Instrument Two [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 750	$ 750	$ 750
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.25%	9.25%

Consolidated Summary of Inve229

Consolidated Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 418,743
Estimated Fair Value	444,067
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	286,069
Estimated Fair Value	308,931
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	308,931
Foreign government
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	55,351
Estimated Fair Value	61,534
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	61,534
U.S. government and agency
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	43,446
Estimated Fair Value	47,394
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	47,394
Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	12,087
Estimated Fair Value	13,581
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	13,581
State and political subdivision
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	10,752
Estimated Fair Value	12,455
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	12,455
All other corporate bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	115,238
Estimated Fair Value	123,445
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	123,445
Total bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	236,874
Estimated Fair Value	258,409
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	258,409
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	48,106
Estimated Fair Value	49,318
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	49,318
Redeemable preferred stock
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,089
Estimated Fair Value	1,204
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	1,204
FVO securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	14,656
Estimated Fair Value	16,745
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	16,745
Equity Securities, Investment Summary [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,140
Estimated Fair Value	2,513
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	2,513
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,538
Estimated Fair Value	1,807
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	1,807
Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	66
Estimated Fair Value	74
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	74
Banks, trust and insurance companies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	83
Estimated Fair Value	154
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	154
Non-redeemable preferred stock
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	453
Estimated Fair Value	478
Amount at Which Shown on Balance Sheet	478
Held-for-investment
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	68,731
Estimated Fair Value	68,731
Policy loans
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	9,669
Estimated Fair Value	9,669
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	9,589
Estimated Fair Value	9,589
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	48
Estimated Fair Value	48
Other limited partnership interests
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	5,708
Estimated Fair Value	5,708
Short-term investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	4,870
Estimated Fair Value	4,870
Other invested assets
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	17,263
Estimated Fair Value	$ 17,263

Condensed Financial Informat230

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Condensed Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 01, 2017	Feb. 10, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$ 308,931			$ 289,563
Fair Value Option And Trading Securities	16,745			13,923
Short-term investments	4,870			6,523
Other Investments	17,263			19,303
Total investments	444,067			420,911
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	12,701			12,651		$ 11,182	$ 9,205
Accrued Investment Income Receivable	3,524			3,308
Other Assets	8,167			7,058
Total assets	719,892			898,764
Liabilities
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	25,723			25,873
Collateral financing arrangement	1,121			1,274
Junior subordinated debt securities	3,144			3,169
Other Liabilities	23,982			23,735
Total liabilities	661,022			831,062
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; $2,100 aggregate liquidation preference	0			0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 3,000,000,000 shares authorized; 1,168,710,101 and 1,164,029,985 shares issued, respectively; 1,043,588,396 and 1,095,519,005 shares outstanding, respectively	12			12
Additional paid-in capital	31,111			30,944
Retained earnings	26,527			34,683		35,672	32,110
Treasury stock, at cost; 125,121,705 and 68,510,980 shares, respectively	(6,401)			(3,474)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7,427			5,366		4,767	10,714
Total stockholders’ equity	58,676			67,531		68,098	72,208
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	719,892			898,764
Parent Company
Investments:
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	4,510			3,894
Fair Value Option And Trading Securities	1,357			0
Short-term investments	30			148
Other Investments	127			499
Total investments	6,024			4,541
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	516			334		$ 421	$ 443
Accrued Investment Income Receivable	24			74
Investment in subsidiaries	73,274			85,429
Loans to subsidiaries	100	$ 750	$ 750	1,200	$ 140
Other Assets	1,153			1,529
Total assets	81,091			93,107
Liabilities
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions	36			147
Long-term debt — unaffiliated	14,599			15,505
Long-term debt — affiliated	2,000			3,100
Collateral financing arrangement	0			2,797
Junior subordinated debt securities	2,454			1,734
Other Liabilities	3,326			2,294
Total liabilities	22,415			25,577
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; $2,100 aggregate liquidation preference	0			0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 3,000,000,000 shares authorized; 1,168,710,101 and 1,164,029,985 shares issued, respectively; 1,043,588,396 and 1,095,519,005 shares outstanding, respectively	12			12
Additional paid-in capital	31,111			30,944
Retained earnings	26,527			34,683
Treasury stock, at cost; 125,121,705 and 68,510,980 shares, respectively	(6,401)			(3,474)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7,427			5,366
Total stockholders’ equity	58,676			67,531
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 81,091			$ 93,108

Condensed Financial Informat231

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Condensed Balance Sheet - Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 286,069	$ 271,676
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference	2,100	2,100
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,168,710,101	1,164,029,985
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,043,588,396	1,095,519,005
Treasury stock, shares	125,121,705	68,510,980
Parent Company
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Amortized cost of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 4,520	$ 3,900
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference	2,100	2,100
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,168,710,101	1,164,029,985
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,043,588,396	1,095,519,005
Treasury stock, shares	125,121,705	68,510,980

Condensed Financial Informat232

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Condensed Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Investment Income									$ 17,363	$ 16,790	$ 16,205
Other revenues									1,341	1,685	1,927
Net investment gains (losses)									(308)	317	609
Net derivative gains (losses)									(590)	(690)	629
Total revenues	$ 15,840	$ 16,171	$ 15,333	$ 14,964	$ 12,387	$ 15,806	$ 16,349	$ 16,245	62,308	60,787	61,343
Expenses
Goodwill impairment									0	260	0
Other expenses									13,621	13,749	14,777
Total expenses	14,879	15,686	14,315	13,892	14,058	14,717	13,979	13,752	58,772	56,506	55,692
Income (loss) from before provision for income tax									3,536	4,281	5,651
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									(1,470)	693	1,590
Net income (loss)	2,317	(91)	911	873	(2,343)	542	321	2,330	4,010	850	5,373
Less: Preferred stock dividends	45	6	46	6	45	6	46	6	103	103	116
Preferred stock repurchase premium									0	0	42
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 2,272	$ (97)	$ 865	$ 867	$ (2,388)	$ 536	$ 275	$ 2,324	3,907	747	5,215
Comprehensive income (loss)									7,391	1,449	(574)
Parent Company
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries									7,162	1,833	6,048
Net Investment Income									101	129	170
Other revenues									59	151	124
Net investment gains (losses)									(1,142)	86	12
Net derivative gains (losses)									(186)	(68)	(7)
Total revenues									5,994	2,131	6,347
Expenses
Interest expense									1,108	1,152	1,171
Goodwill impairment									0	147	0
Other expenses									657	388	180
Total expenses									2,059	1,689	1,351
Income (loss) from before provision for income tax									3,935	442	4,996
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)									(75)	(408)	(377)
Net income (loss)									4,010	850	5,373
Less: Preferred stock dividends									103	103	116
Preferred stock repurchase premium									0	0	42
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic									3,907	747	5,215
Comprehensive income (loss)									7,391	1,449	(574)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net investment gains (losses)									(1,016)
Expenses
Goodwill impairment										260
Brighthouse Financial, Inc [Member] | Parent Company
Expenses
Termination of financing arrangements									$ 294	$ 2	$ 0

Condensed Financial Informat233

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Condensed Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 2,317	$ (91)	$ 911	$ 873	$ (2,343)	$ 542	$ 321	$ 2,330	$ 4,010	$ 850	$ 5,373
(Gains) losses on investments and from sales of businesses, net									363	(183)	(560)
Goodwill impairment									0	260	0
Other, net									184	139	94
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities									12,283	14,774	14,052
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales of fixed maturity securities									95,945	150,658	146,732
Purchases of fixed maturity securities									(105,683)	(146,397)	(148,799)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives									5,315	4,259	2,690
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives									(8,696)	(6,963)	(4,211)
Net change in short-term investments									2,087	1,270	(777)
Other, net									(346)	(457)	(59)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities									(16,876)	(5,850)	(10,398)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions									903	(3,636)	1,544
Long-term debt issued									3,657	0	3,893
Long-term debt repaid									(1,073)	(1,279)	(1,438)
Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases									(2,927)	(372)	(1,930)
Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs									0	0	1,483
Repurchase of preferred stock									0	0	(1,460)
Preferred stock repurchase premium									0	0	(42)
Dividends on preferred stock									(103)	(103)	(116)
Dividends on common stock									(1,717)	(1,736)	(1,653)
Other, net									118	139	94
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									(906)	(3,497)	(1,218)
Change in cash and cash equivalents									(5,176)	5,125	1,944
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, beginning of year				12,651				11,182	12,651	11,182	9,205
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, end of year	12,701				12,651				12,701	12,651	11,182
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Net cash paid for Interest									1,118	1,202	1,178
Net cash paid (received) for Income tax									1,530	672	1,127
Non-cash transactions
Distribution of Brighthouse									(11,666)
Parent Company
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)									4,010	850	5,373
Earnings of subsidiaries									(7,162)	(1,833)	(6,048)
Dividends from subsidiaries									6,745	4,470	2,335
(Gains) losses on investments and from sales of businesses, net									1,142	(86)	(12)
Goodwill impairment									0	147	0
Tax separation agreement charge									1,093	0	0
Other, net									634	199	(42)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities									6,462	3,747	1,606
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales of fixed maturity securities									7,217	8,603	7,952
Purchases of fixed maturity securities									(7,733)	(7,409)	(7,957)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives									452	311	930
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives									(629)	(561)	(510)
Sales of businesses									0	291	0
Expense paid on behalf of subsidiaries									(42)	(68)	(40)
Receipts on loans to subsidiaries									0	140	761
Issuances of loans to subsidiaries									0	(140)	(300)
Returns of capital from subsidiaries									610	80	5
Capital contributions to subsidiaries									(339)	(1,733)	(667)
Net change in short-term investments									118	120	110
Other, net									(14)	(18)	2
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities									(360)	(384)	286
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions									(111)	(80)	(122)
Long-term debt issued									0	0	2,739
Long-term debt repaid									(1,000)	(1,250)	(1,000)
Fees paid for the termination of a committed facility related to Separation									(244)	(2)	0
Treasury stock acquired in connection with share repurchases									(2,927)	(372)	(1,930)
Preferred stock issued, net of issuance costs									0	0	1,483
Repurchase of preferred stock									0	0	(1,460)
Preferred stock repurchase premium									0	0	(42)
Dividends on preferred stock									(103)	(103)	(116)
Dividends on common stock									(1,717)	(1,736)	(1,653)
Other, net									182	93	187
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									(5,920)	(3,450)	(1,914)
Change in cash and cash equivalents									182	(87)	(22)
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, beginning of year				$ 334				$ 421	334	421	443
Cash and cash equivalents, from continuing operations, end of year	$ 516				$ 334				516	334	421
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Net cash paid for Interest									1,096	1,146	1,133
Net cash paid (received) for Income tax									(860)	(433)	(171)
Non-cash transactions
Dividends from subsidiary									0	2,652	0
Returns of capital from subsidiaries									17,518	372	4,284
Capital contributions to subsidiaries									15,655	157	4,120
Distribution of Brighthouse									10,346	0	0
Payables to subsidiaries for future capital contributions									0	0	120
Allocation of interest expense to subsidiary									15	39	28
Allocation of interest income to subsidiary									4	54	57
Amounts paid to (received from) subsidiaries, net | Parent Company
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Net cash paid (received) for Income tax									(1,552)	(569)	(226)
Amounts paid to Brighthouse in accordance with the tax separation agreements | Parent Company
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Net cash paid (received) for Income tax									729	0	0
Income tax paid (received) by MetLife, Inc., net | Parent Company
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Net cash paid (received) for Income tax									$ (37)	$ 136	$ 55

Condensed Financial Informat234

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Basis of Presentation Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	$ 719,892	$ 898,764
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	26,527	34,683	$ 35,672	$ 32,110
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	7,427	5,366	4,767	10,714
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	58,676	67,531	68,098	72,208
Liabilities and Equity	719,892	898,764
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value	73,274	85,429
Assets	81,091	93,107
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	26,527	34,683
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	7,427	5,366
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	58,676	67,531
Liabilities and Equity	$ 81,091	93,108
Scenario, Previously Reported
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		34,480	35,519	32,020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		5,347
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		67,309	67,949	72,053
Scenario, Previously Reported | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value		85,207
Assets		92,885
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		34,480
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		5,347
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		67,309
Liabilities and Equity		92,886
Restatement Adjustment
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		203	153	90
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		19
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		222	$ 149	$ 155
Restatement Adjustment | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value		222
Assets		222
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)		203
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		19
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		222
Liabilities and Equity		$ 222

Condensed Financial Informat235

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Basis of Presentation Income Statement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 2,272	$ (97)	$ 865	$ 867	$ (2,388)	$ 536	$ 275	$ 2,324	$ 3,907	$ 747	$ 5,215
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent									7,391	1,449	(574)
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	2,317	(91)	911	873	(2,343)	542	321	2,330	4,010	850	5,373
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest									3,536	4,281	5,651
Revenues	15,840	16,171	15,333	14,964	12,387	15,806	16,349	16,245	62,308	60,787	61,343
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic									3,907	747	5,215
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent									7,391	1,449	(574)
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.									4,010	850	5,373
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest									3,935	442	4,996
Revenues									5,994	2,131	6,347
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax									$ 7,162	1,833	6,048
Restatement Adjustment
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	181	(10)	27	47	(255)	(35)	211	129		50	63
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent										73	(6)
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	181	(10)	27	47	(255)	(35)	211	129		50	63
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest										141	(57)
Revenues	86	67	47	39	(248)	(27)	324	148		197	9
Restatement Adjustment | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic										50	63
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent										73	(6)
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.										50	63
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest										50	63
Revenues										50	63
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax										50	63
Scenario, Previously Reported
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	2,091	(87)	838	820	(2,133)	571	64	2,195		697	5,152
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent										1,376	(568)
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	2,136	(81)	884	826	(2,088)	577	110	2,201		800	5,310
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest										4,140	5,708
Revenues	$ 15,754	$ 16,104	$ 15,286	$ 14,925	$ 12,635	$ 15,833	$ 16,025	$ 16,097		60,590	61,334
Scenario, Previously Reported | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic										697	5,152
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent										1,376	(568)
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.										800	5,310
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest										392	4,933
Revenues										2,081	6,284
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax										$ 1,783	$ 5,985

Condensed Financial Informat236

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Basis of Presentation Cash Flow Statement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ 2,317	$ (91)	$ 911	$ 873	$ (2,343)	$ 542	$ 321	$ 2,330	$ 4,010	$ 850	$ 5,373
Scenario, Previously Reported
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	2,136	(81)	884	826	(2,088)	577	110	2,201		800	5,310
Restatement Adjustment
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.	$ 181	$ (10)	$ 27	$ 47	$ (255)	$ (35)	$ 211	$ 129		50	63
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.									4,010	850	5,373
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax									$ 7,162	1,833	6,048
Parent Company [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.										800	5,310
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax										1,783	5,985
Parent Company [Member] | Restatement Adjustment
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to MetLife, Inc.										50	63
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax										$ 50	$ 63

Condensed Financial Informat237

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Long-term Debt Outstanding) (Details) - Parent Company - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Senior Notes	$ 14,599	$ 15,505
Notes Payable, Related Parties	2,000	3,100
Long-term Debt	$ 16,599	18,605
Senior Notes, Unaffiliated [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.84%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Aug. 15, 2018
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	May 13, 2046
Senior Notes	$ 14,599	15,505
Senior Notes, Affiliated [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage			3.03%
Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.58%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start	Jun. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	Dec. 16, 2021
Senior Notes			$ 250
Notes Payable, Related Parties	$ 2,000	$ 3,100
Minimum | Senior Notes, Unaffiliated [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.00%
Minimum | Senior Notes, Affiliated [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.03%
Maximum | Senior Notes, Unaffiliated [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	7.72%
Maximum | Senior Notes, Affiliated [Member]
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	5.86%

Condensed Financial Informat238

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Interest Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Total interest expense	$ 841	$ 874	$ 890
Parent Company
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Total interest expense	1,108	1,152	1,171
Parent Company | Long-term Debt
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Total interest expense	774	811	833
Parent Company | Long-term Debt | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Total interest expense	112	160	168
Parent Company | Secured Debt [Member]
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Total interest expense	27	47	36
Parent Company | Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Total interest expense	$ 195	$ 134	$ 134

Condensed Financial Informat239

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Investment in Subsidiaries - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 03, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends Paid To Registrant's Parent Company By Affiliates	$ 1,800
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued			$ 0	$ 0
Common Stock, Value, Issued			12	12
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Non Cash Dividends From Subsidiaries			0	2,652	$ 0
Capital Contributions To Subsidiaries			339	1,733	667
Investment in subsidiaries			73,274	85,429
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued			0	0
Common Stock, Value, Issued			12	12
Returns of capital from subsidiaries			17,518	372	4,284
Capital contributions to subsidiaries			$ 15,655	$ 157	4,120
MetLife Insurance Company USA | Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Capital Contributions To Subsidiaries		$ 1,500
Metlife Reinsurance Company of Vermont | Parent Company | Investments in Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investment in subsidiaries					50	$ 350
MetLife Reinsurance Company of Delaware | Parent Company | Investments in Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investment in subsidiaries					45	$ 95
MetLife Reinsurance Company Of South Carolina | Parent Company | Investments in Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investment in subsidiaries					$ 25

Condensed Financial Informat240

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Loans to Subsidiaries - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2017

Jul. 31, 2016

Apr. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

May 31, 2015

Apr. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 01, 2017

Feb. 10, 2017

Jun. 30, 2016

Apr. 01, 2016

Parent Company

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates

$ 100

$ 1,200

$ 750

$ 750

$ 140

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms

six-month LIBOR plus 1.00%

Advances To Affiliate Repayment

$ 140

Senior Notes

14,599

15,505

Loans to Subsidiaries, Repayment Amount

0

140

$ 761

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 1,300

Parent Company | Interest Income [Member]

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Loans to Subsidiaries, Interest Income

$ 44

$ 64

91

Parent Company | Surplus Note September 2032 [Member]

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates

$ 750

Advances To Affiliate Instrument Interest Rate Effective Percentage

5.13%

Parent Company | Surplus Note December 2033 [Member]

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates

$ 350

Advances To Affiliate Instrument Interest Rate Effective Percentage

6.00%

Parent Company | American Life $150 Million May 2015 [Member]

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates

$ 150

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms

six-month LIBOR plus 1.00%

Advances To Affiliate Repayment

$ 150

Parent Company | American Life $150 Million April 2015 [Member]

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates

$ 150

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms

six-month LIBOR plus 0.875%

Advances To Affiliate Repayment

$ 150

Parent Company | MetLife Ireland Treasury Limited loan from MetLife, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates

$ 1,500

Advances To Affiliate Instrument Interest Rate Effective Percentage

8.50%

Loans to subsidiaries, maturity date

Jul. 1, 2023

Loans to Subsidiaries, Repayment Amount

$ 231

$ 153

$ 77

Junior Subordinated Debt Instrument Two [Member]

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

Apr. 8, 2068

Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis

LIBOR + 5.540%

Junior Subordinated Debt Instrument Two [Member] | Parent Company

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

Apr. 8, 2068

Senior Note Issued To Metlife Reinsurance Company Of Delaware [Member] | Senior Notes Affiliated December 2033 [Member] | Parent Company

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Senior Notes

$ 350

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

5.10%

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

Dec. 31, 2033

Senior Note Issued To Metlife Reinsurance Company Of Delaware [Member] | Senior Notes Affiliated September 2032 [Member] | Parent Company

Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company (Textuals) [Abstract]

Senior Notes

$ 750

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

4.21%

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

Sep. 30, 2032

Condensed Financial Informat241

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Long-term Debt - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net					$ 95		$ 103
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months					1,100
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two					1,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three					540
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four					999
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five					846
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five					11,200
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months					1,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two					1,800
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three					789
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four					2,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five					500
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five					10,500
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 1,300
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms			six-month LIBOR plus 1.00%
Senior Notes					14,599		15,505
Parent Company | Senior Notes Unaffiliated [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net					86		92
Senior Notes					$ 14,599		$ 15,505
Parent Company | Senior Notes, Affiliated [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 250
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.03%
MetLife Exchange Trust I [Member] | Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Repayments of affiliated debt		$ 204		$ 10		$ 286
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms					three-month LIBOR plus 0.7%

Condensed Financial Informat242

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Support Agreements - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Fair Value, Net	$ 8,626	$ 12,284
Unsecured derivative liability positions guaranteed by MetLife, Inc.	4,290	6,878
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	57	38
Parent Company | Support Agreement Exeter Obligations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Amount guaranteed under support agreement	$ 1,000
Parent Company | Support Agreement MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Guaranteed adjusted capital levels	equal to or greater than 200% of authorized control level risk-based capital
Parent Company | Support Agreement MetLife Reinsurance Company of Charleston [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Guaranteed adjusted capital levels	equal to or greater than 200% of the company action level risk-based capital
Parent Company | Support Agreement - Guarantees of Subsidiary Derivative Obligations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Fair Value, Net	$ 515	495
Unsecured derivative liability positions guaranteed by MetLife, Inc.	126	237
Estimated fair value of collateral provided to counterparties by the subsidiaries	114	233
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	$ 12	$ 4

Condensed Financial Informat243

Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company) (Junior Subordinated Debt- Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 01, 2017	Feb. 10, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 3,200			$ 3,200
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.595%
Advances to Affiliate	100	$ 750	$ 750	1,200	$ 140
Junior Subordinated Debt Instrument Two [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 750		$ 750	$ 750
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.25%		9.25%
Junior Subordinated Debt Instrument Two [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 750
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			9.25%

Consolidated Supplementary I244

Consolidated Supplementary Insurance Information (Balance Sheet Items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	$ 18,419	$ 17,590	$ 17,430
Future Policy Benefits, Other Policy-Related Balances and Policyholder Dividend Obligation	195,610	181,969	176,208
Policyholder account balances	182,518	172,486	165,130
Policyholder Dividends Payable	682	696	709
Unearned Premiums	4,592	4,724	4,401
Unearned Revenue	2,274	2,059	2,135
U.S.
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	614	616	615
Future Policy Benefits, Other Policy-Related Balances and Policyholder Dividend Obligation	65,610	61,578	59,413
Policyholder account balances	70,455	67,539	63,986
Policyholder Dividends Payable	0	0	0
Unearned Premiums	1,907	1,843	1,820
Unearned Revenue	24	30	33
Asia
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	9,261	8,707	8,386
Future Policy Benefits, Other Policy-Related Balances and Policyholder Dividend Obligation	39,702	36,308	34,397
Policyholder account balances	59,702	53,114	49,094
Policyholder Dividends Payable	80	95	88
Unearned Premiums	2,378	2,167	1,859
Unearned Revenue	916	912	974
Latin America
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	2,050	1,808	1,753
Future Policy Benefits, Other Policy-Related Balances and Policyholder Dividend Obligation	10,397	9,163	8,142
Policyholder account balances	6,361	5,597	5,880
Policyholder Dividends Payable	0	0	0
Unearned Premiums	115	448	491
Unearned Revenue	675	563	597
EMEA
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	1,673	1,472	1,532
Future Policy Benefits, Other Policy-Related Balances and Policyholder Dividend Obligation	5,768	5,439	5,837
Policyholder account balances	13,811	12,636	13,172
Policyholder Dividends Payable	7	6	7
Unearned Premiums	24	64	60
Unearned Revenue	454	372	336
MetLife Holdings
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	4,797	5,246	5,436
Future Policy Benefits, Other Policy-Related Balances and Policyholder Dividend Obligation	73,317	72,220	70,764
Policyholder account balances	32,176	33,982	33,320
Policyholder Dividends Payable	595	604	621
Unearned Premiums	167	204	171
Unearned Revenue	205	209	218
Corporate & Other
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
DAC and VOBA	24	(259)	(292)
Future Policy Benefits, Other Policy-Related Balances and Policyholder Dividend Obligation	816	(2,739)	(2,345)
Policyholder account balances	13	(382)	(322)
Policyholder Dividends Payable	0	(9)	(7)
Unearned Premiums	1	(2)	0
Unearned Revenue	$ 0	$ (27)	$ (23)

Consolidated Supplementary I245

Consolidated Supplementary Insurance Information (Income Statement Items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees	$ 44,502	$ 42,685	$ 41,973
Net Investment Income	17,363	16,790	16,205
Policyholder Benefits and Claims and Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances	43,920	41,534	39,559
Amortization of DAC and VOBA Charged to Other Expenses	2,681	2,718	3,184
Other Expenses (1)	12,171	12,254	12,949
U.S.
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees	24,644	22,490	21,804
Net Investment Income	6,201	5,942	6,020
Policyholder Benefits and Claims and Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances	25,103	22,892	22,100
Amortization of DAC and VOBA Charged to Other Expenses	459	471	471
Other Expenses (1)	3,235	3,244	3,197
Asia
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees	8,352	8,914	8,491
Net Investment Income	3,299	2,807	2,859
Policyholder Benefits and Claims and Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances	6,799	6,916	6,808
Amortization of DAC and VOBA Charged to Other Expenses	1,310	1,350	1,262
Other Expenses (1)	1,802	1,795	1,619
Latin America
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees	3,737	3,554	3,702
Net Investment Income	1,288	1,133	1,046
Policyholder Benefits and Claims and Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances	2,973	2,770	2,853
Amortization of DAC and VOBA Charged to Other Expenses	224	184	271
Other Expenses (1)	1,111	1,007	1,075
EMEA
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees	2,492	2,442	2,455
Net Investment Income	1,157	1,229	347
Policyholder Benefits and Claims and Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances	2,012	2,064	1,109
Amortization of DAC and VOBA Charged to Other Expenses	356	408	492
Other Expenses (1)	966	924	998
MetLife Holdings
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees	5,603	6,034	6,116
Net Investment Income	5,426	5,670	5,855
Policyholder Benefits and Claims and Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances	7,097	7,521	7,215
Amortization of DAC and VOBA Charged to Other Expenses	234	424	722
Other Expenses (1)	2,550	3,392	3,597
Corporate & Other
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and Universal Life and Investment-Type Product Policy Fees	(326)	(749)	(595)
Net Investment Income	(8)	9	78
Policyholder Benefits and Claims and Interest Credited to Policyholder Account Balances	(64)	(629)	(526)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA Charged to Other Expenses	98	(119)	(34)
Other Expenses (1)	$ 2,507	$ 1,892	$ 2,463

Consolidated Reinsurance (Conso

Consolidated Reinsurance (Consolidated Reinsurance) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	$ 4,594,523	$ 4,098,780	$ 4,080,869
Ceded Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	513,091	481,028	546,122
Assumed Premiums, Life Insurance in Force	581,246	613,693	593,722
Premiums, Net, Life Insurance in Force	$ 4,662,678	$ 4,231,445	$ 4,128,469
Life Insurance in Force Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	12.50%	14.50%	14.40%
Consolidated Reinsurance
Gross Amount	$ 39,595	$ 37,975	$ 37,044
Ceded	2,376	2,136	2,023
Assumed	1,773	1,363	1,382
Premiums	$ 38,992	$ 37,202	$ 36,403
% Amount Assumed to Net	4.50%	3.70%	3.80%
Life insurance (1)
Consolidated Reinsurance
Gross Amount	$ 22,379	$ 20,857	$ 20,854
Ceded	1,863	1,614	1,570
Assumed	1,531	1,089	1,150
Premiums	$ 22,047	$ 20,332	$ 20,434
% Amount Assumed to Net	6.90%	5.40%	5.60%
Accident & health insurance
Consolidated Reinsurance
Gross Amount	$ 13,593	$ 13,551	$ 12,677
Ceded	442	447	377
Assumed	223	257	219
Premiums	$ 13,374	$ 13,361	$ 12,519
% Amount Assumed to Net	1.70%	1.90%	1.70%
Property & casualty insurance
Consolidated Reinsurance
Gross Amount	$ 3,623	$ 3,567	$ 3,513
Ceded	71	75	76
Assumed	19	17	13
Premiums	$ 3,571	$ 3,509	$ 3,450
% Amount Assumed to Net	0.50%	0.50%	0.40%