SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	669,723	668,132
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,261	1,377
Balance, end of period	670,984	669,509
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	245,343	225,687
Balance, end of period	262,963	241,942
Shares outstanding, end of period	408,021	427,567
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock Acquired In Open Market, Shares	18,774	17,421
Other purchases	329	241
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(822)	(919)
Exercise of stock options	(554)	(375)
Other dispositions	(107)	(113)