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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]    
Common stock, share repurchase, dollar amount $ 610us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock $ 421us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
Remaining common stock available for purchase under share repurchase authorizations 19.7us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased  
Share Repurchase Program    
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]    
Common stock, share repurchase 9.8afl_TreasuryStockSharesAcquiredInOpenMarket
/ us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis
= afl_ShareRepurchaseProgramMember
6.5afl_TreasuryStockSharesAcquiredInOpenMarket
/ us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis
= afl_ShareRepurchaseProgramMember
Common stock, share repurchase, dollar amount $ 600us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis
= afl_ShareRepurchaseProgramMember
$ 415us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
/ us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis
= afl_ShareRepurchaseProgramMember