Investments in Debt Securities, Perpetual Securities and Equity Securities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary non-credit-related losses	$ 1	$ 4

Name:

afl_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossUnrealizedGainsAndLossesOnOtherThanTemporarilyImpairedSecuritiesBeforeTax

Namespace Prefix:

afl

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

credit

Period Type:

instant