SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	671,249	669,723
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,420	1,261
Balance, end of period	672,669	670,984
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	265,439	245,343
Balance, end of period	278,794	262,963
Shares outstanding, end of period	393,875	408,021
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock Acquired In Open Market, Shares	13,898	18,774
Other purchases	435	329
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(696)	(822)
Exercise of stock options	(263)	(554)
Other dispositions	(19)	(107)