SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	1,351,018	1,349,309	1,347,540
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,721	1,709	1,769
Balance, end of period	1,352,739	1,351,018	1,349,309
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	658,564	622,516	592,254
Exercise of stock options	(896)	(638)	(1,584)
Balance, end of period	700,607	658,564	622,516
Shares outstanding, end of period	652,132	692,454	726,793
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Share repurchase program	43,327	37,899	31,994
Other purchases	437	542	592
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(1,216)	(2,021)	(1,610)
Exercise of stock options	(275)	(121)	(418)
Other dispositions	(230)	(251)	(296)