XML 35 R79.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Hierarchy Levels of Assets and Liabilities Carried at Cost or Amortized Cost (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, amortized cost $ 34,242us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities $ 44,415us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 38,497us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue 45,846us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
Liabilities:    
Other Policyholder Funds 6,031us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds 5,861us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds
Other policyholders' funds fair value disclosure 5,905afl_OtherPolicyholdersFundsFairValueDisclosure 5,715afl_OtherPolicyholdersFundsFairValueDisclosure
Notes Payable 5,268us-gaap_NotesPayable 4,891us-gaap_NotesPayable
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure 5,835us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure 5,241us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
Total Financial Instrument Liabilities Not Carried At Fair Value 11,299afl_TotalFinancialInstrumentLiabilitiesNotCarriedAtFairValue 10,752afl_TotalFinancialInstrumentLiabilitiesNotCarriedAtFairValue
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Financial Instruments Carried At Cost 11,740afl_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtCost 10,956afl_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtCost
Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, amortized cost 34,242us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
44,415us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 38,497us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
45,846us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, amortized cost 20,023us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
27,362us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 23,218us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
28,708us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, amortized cost 346us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
399us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 417us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
440us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, amortized cost 43us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
58us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 46us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
61us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Public utilities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, amortized cost 3,342us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
3,900us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 3,603us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
3,928us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Sovereign and supranational | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, amortized cost 2,556us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
2,941us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 2,814us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
3,040us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, amortized cost 4,932us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
6,310us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 5,085us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
6,128us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Other corporate | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, amortized cost 3,000us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
3,445us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 3,314us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
3,541us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 1    
Liabilities:    
Other policyholders' funds fair value disclosure 0afl_OtherPolicyholdersFundsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
0afl_OtherPolicyholdersFundsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
0us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Financial Instruments Carried At Cost 0afl_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtCost
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
0afl_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtCost
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 23,218us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
28,708us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 1 | Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 23,218us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
28,708us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 1 | Municipalities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 1 | Mortgage- and asset-backed securities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 1 | Public utilities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 1 | Sovereign and supranational | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 1 | Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 1 | Other corporate | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 2    
Liabilities:    
Other policyholders' funds fair value disclosure 0afl_OtherPolicyholdersFundsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
0afl_OtherPolicyholdersFundsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure 0us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
0us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Financial Instruments Carried At Cost 0afl_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtCost
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
0afl_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtCost
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 15,248us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
17,097us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 2 | Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 2 | Municipalities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 417us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
440us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 2 | Mortgage- and asset-backed securities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 15us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
20us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 2 | Public utilities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 3,603us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
3,928us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 2 | Sovereign and supranational | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 2,814us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
3,040us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 2 | Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 5,085us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
6,128us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 2 | Other corporate | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 3,314us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
3,541us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 3    
Liabilities:    
Other policyholders' funds fair value disclosure 5,905afl_OtherPolicyholdersFundsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
5,715afl_OtherPolicyholdersFundsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure 5,835us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
5,241us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Financial Instruments Carried At Cost 11,740afl_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtCost
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
10,956afl_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtCost
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 31us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
41us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 3 | Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 3 | Municipalities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 3 | Mortgage- and asset-backed securities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 31us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
41us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 3 | Public utilities | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 3 | Sovereign and supranational | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SovereignDebtMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 3 | Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= afl_BanksAndFinancialInstitutionsMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
Level 3 | Other corporate | Fixed Maturities    
Assets:    
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value $ 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
$ 0us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember