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INVESTMENTS - Securities Lending (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
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Investments [Abstract] |  |
Securities loaned total | $ 202 | $ 6,122
Cash collateral on loaned securities | $ 207 | $ 6,277

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- Definition Amount of obligation to return cash collateral under master netting arrangements that has not been offset against securities loaned. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | afl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Amount of securities loaned to entities in exchange for collateral. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | afl_SecuritiesLoanedTotal
Namespace Prefix: | afl_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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