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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Additional Information (Detail) | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2011 | Mar. 31, 2012 Share Repurchase Authorization 2008
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items] |  |
Common stock, share repurchase | 3,100,000 |
Remaining common stock available for purchase under share repurchase authorizations |  | 24,400,000

X
- Details
Name: | afl_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | afl_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Number of shares that have been repurchased from the open market during the period and are being held in treasury. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | afl_TreasuryStockSharesAcquiredInOpenMarket
Namespace Prefix: | afl_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition The remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased by an entity's Board of Directors under a stock repurchase plan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant