Derivatives and Hedge Accounting (Details) (USD $) In Millions	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	$ 112,828	$ 190,257
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	10,237	16,311
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	131,660	204,853
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	12,974	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		1,471
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value		156
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	511	626
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	43	56
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	112,828	188,786
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	10,237	16,155
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	131,149	204,227
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	12,931	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	74,079	150,966
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	8,742	14,048
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	78,232	118,783
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	7,219	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	7,006	2,495
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	165	203
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	4,073	4,105
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	189	338
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Equity contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	4,473	5,002
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	346	358
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	1,100	1,559
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	216	329
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Commodity contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	961	944
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	102	92
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	758	768
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	100	67
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Credit contracts
Notional amounts and fair values of AIG's derivative instruments:
Gross Derivative Assets, Notional Amount	957	2,046
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	91	379
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	28,235	62,715
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	3,459	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	25,352	27,333
Gross Derivative Assets, Fair Value	791	1,075
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Notional Amount	18,751	16,297
Gross Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	$ 1,748	$ 753

Total monetary amount specified by the derivative asset(s). Expressed as an absolute value.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519104

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4B

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 205G

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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