DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES - Rollforward of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred policy acquisition costs:
Capitalization	$ 1,400	$ 1,700	$ 1,600
Aflac U.S.
Deferred policy acquisition costs:
Balance, beginning of year	2,857	2,687
Capitalization	555	570
Amortization	(433)	(400)
Foreign currency translation and other	0	0
Balance, end of year	2,979	2,857
Aflac Japan
Deferred policy acquisition costs:
Balance, beginning of year	6,801	7,102
Capitalization	893	1,177
Amortization	(641)	(716)
Foreign currency translation and other	(1,234)	(762)
Balance, end of year	$ 5,819	$ 6,801