SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	667,046	665,239
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	921	1,254
Balance, end of period	667,967	666,493
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	207,633	197,453
Balance, end of period	217,468	200,783
Shares outstanding, end of period	450,499	465,710
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock Acquired In Open Market, Shares	11,070	5,571
Other purchases	132	163
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(930)	(1,080)
Exercise of stock options	(316)	(1,161)
Other dispositions	(121)	(163)