SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	671,249	669,723
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	434	678
Balance, end of period	671,683	670,401
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	265,439	245,343
Balance, end of period	273,681	255,198
Shares outstanding, end of period	398,002	415,203
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock Acquired In Open Market, Shares	8,493	10,152
Other purchases	144	189
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(247)	(311)
Exercise of stock options	(128)	(64)
Other dispositions	(20)	(111)