XML 80 R41.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

INVESTMENTS - Investments in Variable Interest Entities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
--- | --- | ---
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |
Amortized Cost | $ 6,545 | $ 6,997
Fair Value | 6,940 | 7,206
Variable Interest Entity, Not Consolidated |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |
Amortized Cost | 12,795 | 13,753
Fair Value | 12,832 | 13,714
Variable Interest Entities |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |
Amortized Cost | 19,340 | 20,750
Fair Value | $ 19,772 | $ 20,920

X
- Definition Total debt and perpetual securities at amortized cost. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | afl_TotalDebtAndPerpetualSecuritiesAmortizedCost
Namespace Prefix: | afl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Total debt and perpetual securities at fair value. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | afl_TotalDebtAndPerpetualSecuritiesFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | afl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration