SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	668,132	667,046	665,239
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,591	1,086	1,807
Balance, end of period	669,723	668,132	667,046
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	225,687	207,633	197,453
Exercise of stock options	(2,013)	(1,236)	(3,281)
Balance, end of period	245,343	225,687	207,633
Shares outstanding, end of period	424,380	442,445	459,413
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock acquired in open market, shares	21,179	19,660	13,212
Other purchases	247	157	222
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(1,209)	(1,251)	(1,365)
Exercise of stock options	(465)	(391)	(1,734)
Other dispositions	(96)	(121)	(155)