SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 14.25	$ 16.84	$ 17.02
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	665,239
Balance, end of period	667,046	665,239
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options	(3,281)	(2,476)	(1,008)
Shares outstanding, end of period	459,413	467,786	466,310
Common Stock
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	665,239	663,639	662,660
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,807	1,600	979
Balance, end of period	667,046	665,239	663,639
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	197,453	197,329	192,999
Open market	13,212	1,948	6,000
Other	222	360	182
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(1,365)	(1,670)	(1,690)
Exercise of stock options	(1,734)	(387)	(88)
Other	(155)	(127)	(74)
Balance, end of period	207,633	197,453	197,329