SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	663,639
Balance, end of period	665,239	663,639
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options	(2,476)	(1,008)	(3,066)
Shares outstanding, end of period	467,786	466,310	469,661
Common Stock
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	663,639	662,660	661,209
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,600	979	1,451
Balance, end of period	665,239	663,639	662,660
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	197,329	192,999	192,641
Open market	1,948	6,000	2,000
Other	360	182	192
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(1,670)	(1,690)	0
Exercise of stock options	(387)	(88)	(1,752)
Other	(127)	(74)	(82)
Balance, end of period	197,453	197,329	192,999