SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	1,352,739	1,351,018
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,041	1,261
Balance, end of period	1,353,780	1,352,279
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	700,607	658,564
Balance, end of period	708,431	671,572
Shares outstanding, end of period	645,349	680,707
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock acquired under share repurchase program, shares	8,007	13,440
Other purchases	343	378
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(259)	(387)
Exercise of stock options	(58)	(211)
Other dispositions	(209)	(212)