SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	669,723	668,132
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	678	722
Balance, end of period	670,401	668,854
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	245,343	225,687
Balance, end of period	255,198	235,083
Shares outstanding, end of period	415,203	433,771
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock Acquired In Open Market, Shares	10,152	9,827
Other purchases	189	162
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(311)	(295)
Exercise of stock options	(64)	(192)
Other dispositions	(111)	(106)