Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net income (loss)	$ 18,506	$ 10,013	$ (12,313)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of fixed maturity investments on which other-than-temporary credit impairments were taken	(74)	1,229	1,324
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of all other investments	(1,499)	2,111	18,089
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,204)	(1,252)	1,927
Change in net derivative gains (losses) arising from cash flow hedging activities	17	94	63
Change in retirement plan liabilities adjustment	(70)	275	354
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,830)	2,457	21,757
Comprehensive income	15,676	12,470	9,444
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling nonvoting, callable, junior and senior preferred interests	634	1,818	140
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests	(47)	590	(1,116)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	587	2,408	(976)
Comprehensive income attributable to AIG	$ 15,089	$ 10,062	$ 10,420