SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	668,132	667,046
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	934	750
Balance, end of period	669,066	667,796
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	225,687	207,633
Balance, end of period	238,449	214,846
Shares outstanding, end of period	430,617	452,950
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock Acquired In Open Market, Shares	13,534	8,142
Other purchases	214	122
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(611)	(626)
Exercise of stock options	(265)	(303)
Other dispositions	(110)	(122)