Derivatives and Hedge Accounting (Details) (USD $) In Millions	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	$ 113,409	$ 190,257
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	9,330	16,311
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	139,126	204,853
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	11,103	15,380
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	1,171	1,471
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	255	156
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	553	626
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	48	56
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	112,238	188,786
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	9,075	16,155
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	138,573	204,227
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	11,055	15,324
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	78,014	150,966
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	7,565	14,048
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	83,394	118,783
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	6,198	9,657
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	1,545	2,495
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	121	203
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	3,763	4,105
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	233	338
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	4,108	5,002
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	275	358
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	1,357	1,559
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	233	329
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Commodity contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	824	944
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	70	92
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	857	768
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	65	67
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Credit contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	1,894	2,046
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	117	379
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	31,464	62,715
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	3,450	4,180
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	25,853	27,333
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	927	1,075
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	17,738	16,297
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	$ 876	$ 753