SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	1,351,018	1,349,309
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,374	1,426
Balance, end of period	1,352,392	1,350,735
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	658,564	622,516
Balance, end of period	680,402	636,827
Shares outstanding, end of period	671,990	713,908
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock acquired under share repurchase program, shares	22,614	15,193
Other purchases	381	521
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(717)	(1,116)
Exercise of stock options	(223)	(45)
Other dispositions	(217)	(242)