Document_and_Entity_Informatio
Document and Entity Information (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 19, 2015 | |
Entity [Abstract] | ||
Entity Registrant Name | MetLife Policyholder Trust | |
Entity Central Index Key | 1110795 | |
Document Type | 10-K | |
Document Period End Date | 31-Dec-14 | |
Amendment Flag | FALSE | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2014 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | -19 | |
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | No | |
Entity Voluntary Filers | No | |
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | |
Entity Filer Category | Non-accelerated Filer | |
Entity Public Float | $0 | |
Trust Interests Outstanding | 178,557,513 |
Statements_of_Assets_and_Liabi
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | ||
Assets | ||
Equity securities, at estimated fair value (cost: $2,630,927 and $2,777,076 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively) | $9,762,231 | $10,295,236 |
Cash | 47 | 43 |
Receivable for equity securities sold | 4,230 | 4,208 |
Dividends receivable from MetLife, Inc. | 86,560 | 80,448 |
Total assets | 9,853,068 | 10,379,935 |
Liabilities | ||
Payable for equity securities purchased | 47 | 43 |
Payable for Trust Interests redeemed | 4,230 | 4,208 |
Dividends payable to Trust Beneficiaries | 86,560 | 80,448 |
Total liabilities | 90,837 | 84,699 |
Net assets | 9,762,231 | 10,295,236 |
Net assets consist of: | ||
Trust Interests | 2,630,927 | 2,777,076 |
Net unrealized investment gains | 7,131,304 | 7,518,160 |
Net assets available for Trust Interests outstanding | $9,762,231 | $10,295,236 |
Net asset value per Trust Interest of ($9,762,231/180,481,253) and ($10,295,236/190,935,381) at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively | $54.09 | $53.92 |
Statements_of_Assets_and_Liabi1
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Parenthetical) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | ||
Assets | ||
Cost of equity securities available-for-sale | $2,630,927 | $2,777,076 |
Trusts Interests Outstanding | 180,481,253 | 190,935,381 |
Net asset value | $9,762,231 | $10,295,236 |
Statements_of_Operations
Statements of Operations (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Income Statement [Abstract] | |||
Net investment income | $245,994 | $198,159 | $150,581 |
Net investment gains (losses): | |||
Net realized investment gains | 274,104 | 268,040 | 127,560 |
Change in net unrealized investment gains | -386,856 | 3,790,710 | 176,131 |
Total net investment gains (losses) | -112,752 | 4,058,750 | 303,691 |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | $133,242 | $4,256,909 | $454,272 |
Statement_of_Changes_in_Net_As
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Operations | |||
Net investment income | $245,994 | $198,159 | $150,581 |
Net realized investment gains | 274,104 | 268,040 | 127,560 |
Change in net unrealized investment gains | -386,856 | 3,790,710 | 176,131 |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 133,242 | 4,256,909 | 454,272 |
Distributions to holders of Trust Interests | |||
From net investment income | -245,994 | -198,159 | -150,581 |
From net realized investment gains | -274,104 | -268,040 | -127,560 |
Decrease in net assets resulting from distributions | -520,098 | -466,199 | -278,141 |
Trust Interests transactions | |||
Cost of Trust Interests issued | 3,862 | 3,049 | 2,195 |
Cost of Trust Interests redeemed | -100,669 | -129,376 | -89,697 |
Cost of Trust Interests withdrawn | -20,653 | -19,755 | -11,586 |
Cost of Trust Interests escheated | -28,689 | -14,316 | -50,070 |
Net decrease in net assets resulting from Trust Interests transactions | -146,149 | -160,398 | -149,158 |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | -533,005 | 3,630,312 | 26,973 |
Net assets | |||
Beginning of year | 10,295,236 | 6,664,924 | 6,637,951 |
End of year | $9,762,231 | $10,295,236 | $6,664,924 |
Trust Interests rollforward: | |||
Balance at January 1, | 190,935,381 | 202,335,289 | 212,891,322 |
Trust Interests issued | 73,014 | 70,001 | 65,231 |
Trust Interests redeemed | -7,064,546 | -9,078,999 | -6,294,540 |
Trust Interests withdrawn | -1,449,324 | -1,386,290 | -813,016 |
Trust Interests escheated | -2,013,272 | -1,004,620 | -3,513,708 |
Balance at December 31, | 180,481,253 | 190,935,381 | 202,335,289 |
Significant_Accounting_Policie
Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Significant Accounting Policies | 1. Significant Accounting Policies | |
Description of the Trust | ||
The MetLife Policyholder Trust (the “Trust”) was established under the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“Metropolitan Life”) plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) and pursuant to the MetLife Policyholder Trust Agreement, dated as of November 3, 1999, by and among Metropolitan Life, MetLife, Inc., Wilmington Trust Company (not in its individual capacity, but solely as trustee for the Trust, the “Trustee”) and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., as custodian (now known as Computershare Inc., the “Custodian”), as amended on November 8, 2001 (the “Trust Agreement”), in connection with the conversion of Metropolitan Life from a mutual life insurance company to a stock life insurance company. The Trust is a single-purpose trust that does not engage in any business or activity other than voting and holding the Trust Shares (as defined below) and certain closely related activities, such as distributing cash dividends. The Trust has no employees. | ||
Under the Plan and the Trust Agreement, each policyholder’s membership interest was extinguished and certain eligible policyholders of Metropolitan Life (the “Trust Eligible Policyholders”) received, in exchange for that interest, a number of interests in the Trust (“Trust Interests”) equal to the number of shares of common stock of MetLife, Inc., par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), allocated to them in accordance with the Plan. The assets of the Trust consist principally of the shares of Common Stock issued to the Trust (the “Trust Shares”) for the benefit of the Trust Eligible Policyholders and permitted transferees (collectively, the “Beneficiaries”). The Trust Shares are held in the name of the Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, which has legal title over the Trust Shares. The Beneficiaries do not have legal title to any part of the assets of the Trust. The Trust Interests represent undivided fractional interests in the Trust Shares and other assets of the Trust beneficially owned by a Trust Beneficiary through the Custodian. On April 7, 2000, the date of demutualization of Metropolitan Life, MetLife, Inc. distributed to the Trust 494,466,664 shares of Common Stock for the benefit of policyholders of Metropolitan Life. Withdrawals by Beneficiaries of Trust Shares, transactions by Beneficiaries under the Purchase and Sale Program (as defined below), and escheatment of unclaimed Trust Shares resulted in a net decrease in the number of Trust Shares from 190,935,381 at December 31, 2013 to 180,481,253 at December 31, 2014. See “— Termination of the Trust.” | ||
A Trust Interest entitles the Beneficiary to certain rights, including the right to: (i) receive dividends distributed upon Trust Shares; (ii) have Trust Shares withdrawn from the Trust to be sold for cash through a purchase and sale program established by MetLife, Inc. pursuant to the Plan (the “Purchase and Sale Program”); (iii) deposit in the Trust additional shares of Common Stock purchased through the Purchase and Sale Program; (iv) withdraw Trust Shares; and (v) instruct the Trustee to vote the Trust Shares on certain matters, each as further described in and limited by the terms of the Trust Agreement. The Trustee has no beneficial interest in the Trust Shares. | ||
The Trust accounts for Trust Interests transactions as follows: | ||
(i) | Dividends distributed upon Trust Shares are recorded as both net investment income when earned and distributions to holders of Trust Interests when due; | |
(ii) | Gains (losses) on Trust Shares withdrawn from the Trust and sold for cash through the Purchase and Sale Program are recorded as net realized investment gains (losses) relating to distributions to holders of Trust Interests and represent the difference between the sales proceeds and the cost basis of such shares. The cost basis of such shares are recorded as a reduction in Trust Interests at cost and classified as Trust Interests redeemed; | |
(iii) | Deposits into the Trust of additional shares of Common Stock purchased through the Purchase and Sale Program are recorded at acquisition cost and classified as Trust Interests issued; | |
(iv) | Withdrawals of Trust Shares are recorded as reductions in Trust Interests at cost and classified as Trust Interests withdrawn; and | |
(v) | Escheatment of unclaimed Trust Shares is recorded as a reduction in Trust Interests at cost and classified as Trust Interests escheated. | |
The Trust Agreement provides that MetLife, Inc. shall pay, or reimburse directly, each of the Trustee and the Custodian for, all costs and expenses relating to the Trust, in the case of the Trustee, and relating to the holding of Trust Interests, in the case of the Custodian, including, but not limited to, the fees and expenses as provided in the Trust Agreement. MetLife, Inc. pays the Trustee an annual fee of $50 thousand. MetLife, Inc. paid to the Trustee $17 thousand, $24 thousand and $43 thousand for out-of-pocket expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. MetLife, Inc. paid to the Trust’s independent auditors $66 thousand for audit fees for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. None of the aforementioned fees and expenses are included in the Trust’s financial statements. MetLife, Inc. also provides the Trustee with certain management and administrative services. | ||
The accompanying financial statements of the Trust have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. | ||
Termination of the Trust | ||
The Trust will be terminated on the first to occur (each, a “Termination Event”) of (i) the 90th day after the date on which the Trustee shall have received notice from MetLife, Inc. that the number of Trust Shares held by the Trust is equal to 10% or less of the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock; or (ii) the date on which the last Trust Share shall have been withdrawn, distributed or exchanged. The Trust may be terminated earlier upon the first to occur of any of the following (each, an “Early Termination Event”): | ||
(i) | on the 90th day after the date on which the Trustee receives written notice from MetLife, Inc., given at MetLife, Inc.’s discretion at any time, that the number of Trust Shares is 25% or less of the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock; | |
(ii) | on the date on which the Trustee receives written notice from MetLife, Inc. that the Board of Directors of MetLife, Inc. has determined, as a result of any amendment of, or change (including any announced prospective change) in the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any State, Commonwealth or other political subdivision or authority thereof or therein, or any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such law or regulation, or any changes in the facts or circumstances relating to the Trust, that maintaining the Trust is or is reasonably expected to become burdensome to MetLife, Inc. or the Beneficiaries; | |
(iii) | on the date on which any rights issued under a stockholder rights plan adopted by MetLife, Inc. and held by the Trust become separately tradable from the Trust Shares to which they relate; or | |
(iv) | on the date on which there is an entry of a final order for termination or dissolution of the Trust or similar relief by a court of competent jurisdiction. | |
The Trust Agreement also contains a provision which would cause termination under certain circumstances in order to comply with legal rules governing the duration of trusts. | ||
Upon a Termination Event or Early Termination Event, the Trustee and the Custodian will take such actions as may be necessary to wind up the Trust and distribute its assets to the Trust Beneficiaries pro rata in accordance with their respective Trust Interests, including the distribution in book entry form to each Beneficiary, or as otherwise directed by such Beneficiary, together with the Beneficiary’s proportionate share of all unpaid distributions and dividends and interest earned thereon, if applicable. The Trust Agreement provides that MetLife, Inc. may, at its discretion, offer to purchase such shares at the market price of the Common Stock at the time of the purchase. | ||
Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, the Trust is eligible to be terminated at MetLife, Inc.’s discretion, as the Trust Shares constitute less than 25% of the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. See “— Common Stock Issuances.” MetLife, Inc. has advised the Trustee that it currently has no intention of voluntarily terminating the Trust. | ||
Common Stock Issuances | ||
In November 2010, in connection with the financing of the acquisition of American Life Insurance Company and Delaware American Life Insurance Company, MetLife, Inc. issued 40.0 million common equity units which consisted, in part, of three series of stock purchase contracts obligating the holders to purchase, on each of three future settlement dates, a variable number of shares of Common Stock for a fixed price. In October 2014, September 2013 and October 2012, MetLife, Inc. issued 22.9 million, 22.7 million and 28.2 million new shares of its Common Stock, respectively, to settle the three series of the stock purchase contracts. No additional shares of Common Stock are issuable by MetLife, Inc. pursuant to these stock purchase contracts. | ||
The number of Trust Shares declined to 180,481,253 at December 31, 2014 as a result of withdrawals by Beneficiaries of Trust Shares, transactions by Beneficiaries under the Purchase and Sale Program and escheatment of unclaimed Trust Shares. The percentage of outstanding shares of Common Stock owned by the Trust at December 31, 2014 decreased to 15.9% as a result of these withdrawals, transactions and escheatments, as well as due to Common Stock issuances by MetLife, Inc., including those described above, partially offset by the Common Stock repurchases by MetLife, Inc. discussed in “— Common Stock Repurchase Authorizations” below. | ||
Common Stock Repurchase Authorizations | ||
In December 2014, MetLife, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors authorized an additional $1.0 billion of Common Stock repurchases, which began in January 2015, after the completion of repurchases under prior authorizations. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 18,876,363 shares of Common Stock were repurchased under these prior repurchase authorizations for $1.0 billion. No shares of Common Stock were repurchased by MetLife, Inc. during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. At December 31, 2014, MetLife, Inc. had $1.3 billion remaining under its Common Stock repurchase authorizations. | ||
See Note 5 for information regarding repurchases of Common Stock subsequent to December 31, 2014. | ||
Under these authorizations, MetLife, Inc. may purchase its Common Stock from the Trust, in the open market (including pursuant to the terms of transactions meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act) and in privately negotiated transactions. Future Common Stock repurchases will be dependent upon several factors, including MetLife, Inc.’s capital position, liquidity, financial strength and credit ratings, general market conditions, the market price of the 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. | ||
Equity Securities | ||
Equity securities, which are entirely comprised of the Common Stock, are reported at their estimated fair value based on the quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. As such, these securities are categorized as Level 1 in three-level fair value hierarchy in accordance with fair value measurement guidance. Unrealized investment gains and losses on securities are recorded in the statements of operations and statements of changes in net assets. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a first-in first-out basis. | ||
The Trust Agreement provides that regular cash dividends, if any, collected or received by the Trustee with respect to the Trust Shares shall be distributed by the Custodian semi-annually to the Beneficiaries within 90 days after receipt by the Trustee. Distributions of all other cash dividends shall be made by the Custodian to the Beneficiaries on the first business day following the 30th day after the Trust receives the dividends. Alternatively, the Trust Agreement provides that the Trustee may arrange with MetLife, Inc. for the direct payment by MetLife, Inc. of such cash dividends to the Beneficiaries. Historically, MetLife, Inc. has used the latter method. See “— Receivable from MetLife, Inc. and Dividends Payable to Trust Beneficiaries.” All security transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. See Note 5 for information on Common Stock dividends declared and paid subsequent to December 31, 2014. | ||
Receivable from MetLife, Inc. and Dividends Payable to Trust Beneficiaries. | ||
In accordance with the Trust Agreement, MetLife, Inc. distributes cash dividends directly to the Beneficiaries at the same time as the payment of dividends to MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders. In the event that dividends are undeliverable to the Beneficiaries, MetLife, Inc. retains such dividends until they are claimed by such Beneficiaries or escheated in accordance with applicable state law. Cash dividends that have been declared but are undeliverable to the Beneficiaries and the cash amounts of dividend checks that have not been cashed by the Beneficiaries have been recorded as a receivable from MetLife, Inc. and a liability of the Trust to such Beneficiaries. | ||
Income Tax | ||
As a qualified regulated trust, the Trust is not subject to income taxes to the extent that it distributes substantially all of its taxable income during each fiscal year. |
Purchase_and_Sale_Program
Purchase and Sale Program | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Purchase And Sale Program [Abstract] | |
Purchase and Sale Program | 2. Purchase and Sale Program |
Beneficiaries may instruct the program agent for the Purchase and Sale Program to withdraw their allocated shares from the Trust for sale through the Purchase and Sale Program. Trust Interests of 7,064,546, 9,078,999 and 6,294,540 were redeemed for this purpose, which generated net realized investment gains of $274,104 thousand, $268,040 thousand and $127,560 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Beneficiaries allocated less than 1,000 shares of Common Stock under the Plan are also entitled to purchase in the Purchase and Sale Program additional shares to bring their Trust Interests up to 1,000 shares, subject to a minimum of $250 per purchase (or such lesser amount that would cause the Beneficiary to hold the 1,000 maximum number of Trust Interests). Trust Interests of 73,014, 70,001 and 65,231 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were issued for this purpose. The number of Trust Interests allocated to Beneficiaries will be adjusted for any shares of Common Stock purchased or sold in the Purchase and Sale Program such that the Trust Interests held by a Beneficiary will always equal the number of shares of Common Stock allocated to the Beneficiary. | |
Beneficiaries may withdraw all, but generally not less than all, of their allocated shares of Common Stock at any time by providing written notice to the Custodian. After the passage of sufficient time, any unclaimed cash and Common Stock becomes property of the state of last known residence of the Beneficiary, as is the case with other types of unclaimed property. The schedule by which unclaimed property escheats varies by state, but is generally within three to five years of abandonment. |
Contingencies
Contingencies | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Contingencies | 3. Contingencies |
Litigation | |
There is no pending or threatened litigation, claim or assessment against the Trust. |
Beneficiary_Voting_Rights
Beneficiary Voting Rights | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Beneficiary Voting Rights [Abstract] | |
Beneficiary Voting Rights | 4. Beneficiary Voting Rights |
The Trust Agreement provides the Trustee with directions as to the manner in which to vote, assent or consent the Trust Shares at all times during the term of the Trust. On all matters brought for a vote before the stockholders of MetLife, Inc., with the exception of a Beneficiary Consent Matter (as defined in the Trust Agreement), the Trustee will vote or abstain from voting in accordance with the recommendation given by the Board of Directors of MetLife, Inc. to its stockholders or, if no such recommendation is given, as directed by the Board. On all Beneficiary Consent Matters, the Trustee will vote all of the Trust Shares in favor of, in opposition to or abstain from the matter in the same ratio as the Trust Interests of the Beneficiaries that returned voting instructions to the Trustee indicated preferences for voting in favor of, in opposition to or abstaining from such matter. The Trust Agreement also contains provisions allowing Beneficiaries to instruct the Custodian to withdraw their allocated Trust Shares to participate in any tender or exchange offer for the Common Stock and to make any cash or share election, or perfect any dissenter’s rights, in connection with a merger of MetLife, Inc. |
Subsequent_Event
Subsequent Event | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Subsequent Events [Abstract] | |
Subsequent Events | 5. Subsequent Events |
Common Stock Repurchases | |
In 2015, through February 23, 2015, MetLife, Inc. repurchased 15,081,322 shares of its Common Stock in the open market for $739 million. As of February 23, 2015, $522 million remained under MetLife, Inc.’s repurchase authorizations. | |
Common Stock Dividends | |
On January 6, 2015, MetLife, Inc.’s Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2015 Common Stock dividend of $0.350 per share. The dividends were paid on March 13, 2015 to shareholders of record as of February 6, 2015. The aggregate dividend payment to Beneficiaries was $62,958 thousand. |
Significant_Accounting_Policie1
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Basis of Accounting | The accompanying financial statements of the Trust have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
Equity Securities | Equity Securities |
Equity securities, which are entirely comprised of the Common Stock, are reported at their estimated fair value based on the quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. As such, these securities are categorized as Level 1 in three-level fair value hierarchy in accordance with fair value measurement guidance. Unrealized investment gains and losses on securities are recorded in the statements of operations and statements of changes in net assets. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a first-in first-out basis. | |
Receivable From Metlife, Inc. and Dividends Payable To Trust Beneficiaries | Receivable from MetLife, Inc. and Dividends Payable to Trust Beneficiaries. |
In accordance with the Trust Agreement, MetLife, Inc. distributes cash dividends directly to the Beneficiaries at the same time as the payment of dividends to MetLife, Inc.’s stockholders. In the event that dividends are undeliverable to the Beneficiaries, MetLife, Inc. retains such dividends until they are claimed by such Beneficiaries or escheated in accordance with applicable state law. Cash dividends that have been declared but are undeliverable to the Beneficiaries and the cash amounts of dividend checks that have not been cashed by the Beneficiaries have been recorded as a receivable from MetLife, Inc. and a liability of the Trust to such Beneficiaries. | |
Income Tax | Income Tax |
As a qualified regulated trust, the Trust is not subject to income taxes to the extent that it distributes substantially all of its taxable income during each fiscal year. |
Significant_Accounting_Policie2
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Apr. 07, 2000 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||||||
Entity Number of Employees | 0 | |||||
Demutualization by Insurance Entity, Securities Issued, Quantity of Shares | 494,466,664 | |||||
Trust Interests Outstanding | 180,481,253 | 190,935,381 | 202,335,289 | 212,891,322 | ||
Trust Termination [Abstract] | ||||||
Percentage Of Outstanding Shares Of Common Stock Owned By The Trust, Termination Required | 10.00% | |||||
Percentage Of Outstanding Shares Of Common Stock Owned By The Trust, Termination Eligible | 25.00% | |||||
Percentage Of Outstanding Shares Of Common Stock Owned By The Trust | 15.90% | |||||
MetLife, Inc. Transaction One [Member] | ||||||
Business Combinations [Abstract] | ||||||
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition | 1-Nov-10 | |||||
MetLife, Inc. Transaction Four [Member] | ||||||
Business Combinations [Abstract] | ||||||
Common Stock, Shares, Issued | 22,900,000 | 22,700,000 | 28,200,000 | |||
Common Equity Units [Member] | MetLife, Inc. Transaction One [Member] | ||||||
Business Combinations [Abstract] | ||||||
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | 40,000,000 | |||||
MetLife, Inc. [Member] | ||||||
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] | ||||||
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $0.01 | |||||
Operating Expenses [Abstract] | ||||||
Trustee Fees | $50,000 | |||||
Out-of-pocket expenses | 17,000 | 24,000 | 43,000 | |||
Audit Fees | 66,000 | 66,000 | 66,000 | |||
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract] | ||||||
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount | 1,000,000,000 | |||||
Repurchase amount outstanding | 1,300,000,000 | |||||
Repurchase Shares | 18,876,363 | 0 | 0 | |||
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method | $1,000,000,000 |
Significant_Accounting_Policie3
Significant Accounting Policies Phantom (Details) (MetLife, Inc. [Member], USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
MetLife, Inc. [Member] | |||
Operating Expenses [Abstract] | |||
Audit Fees | $66 | $66 | $66 |
Purchase_and_Sale_Program_Deta
Purchase and Sale Program (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | |
Purchase And Sale Program [Abstract] | |||
Trust Interests redeemed | 7,064,546 | 9,078,999 | 6,294,540 |
Net realized investment gains | $274,104,000 | $268,040,000 | $127,560,000 |
Maximum Trust Interests Per Beneficiary | 1,000 | ||
Amount Of Minimum Purchase Requirement | $250 | ||
Trust Interests issued | 73,014 | 70,001 | 65,231 |
Contingencies_Details
Contingencies (Details) | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number | 0 |
Subsequent_Event_Details
Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Feb. 23, 2015 | |
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |||||
Net investment income | $245,994,000 | $198,159,000 | $150,581,000 | ||
MetLife, Inc. [Member] | |||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |||||
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | 18,876,363 | 0 | 0 | ||
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method | 1,000,000,000 | ||||
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount | 1,300,000,000 | ||||
Subsequent Event [Member] | |||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |||||
Net investment income | 62,958,000 | ||||
Subsequent Event [Member] | MetLife, Inc. [Member] | |||||
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |||||
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | 15,081,322 | ||||
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method | 739,000,000 | ||||
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount | $522,000,000 | ||||
MetLife, Inc. Common Stock Dividend, Amount Per Share | $0.35 |