SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	669,723	668,132	667,046
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,526	1,591	1,086
Balance, end of period	671,249	669,723	668,132
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	245,343	225,687	207,633
Exercise of stock options	(2,061)	(2,013)	(1,236)
Balance, end of period	265,439	245,343	225,687
Shares outstanding, end of period	405,810	424,380	442,445
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock acquired in open market, shares	21,618	21,179	19,660
Other purchases	330	247	157
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(1,064)	(1,209)	(1,251)
Exercise of stock options	(683)	(465)	(391)
Other dispositions	(105)	(96)	(121)