SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	668,132	667,046
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,377	921
Balance, end of period	669,509	667,967
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	225,687	207,633
Balance, end of period	241,942	217,468
Shares outstanding, end of period	427,567	450,499
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock Acquired In Open Market, Shares	17,421	11,070
Other purchases	241	132
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(919)	(930)
Exercise of stock options	(375)	(316)
Other dispositions	(113)	(121)