SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	671,249	669,723
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	788	1,041
Balance, end of period	672,037	670,764
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	265,439	245,343
Balance, end of period	276,038	260,649
Shares outstanding, end of period	395,999	410,115
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock Acquired In Open Market, Shares	11,155	16,026
Other purchases	170	224
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(498)	(594)
Exercise of stock options	(206)	(238)
Other dispositions	(22)	(112)