FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 9) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	$ 902	$ 663	$ 4,371	$ 3,470
Fair value option credit risk gains (losses) on liabilities	63	57	(495)	16
Segment Discontinued Operations
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	(13)	(105)	554	921
Fair Value Option | Other long-term debt
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	(218)	(451)	(664)	(556)
Fair Value Option | Other liabilities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	26	(63)	(22)	(175)
Fair Value Option | Mortgage and other loans receivable, net of allowance
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	9	6	31	1
Fair Value Option | Bond and equity securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	263	481	907	1,437
Fair Value Option | Trading - ML II Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)		(176)	246	75
Fair Value Option | Trading - ML III Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	1,306	(667)	2,558	77
Fair Value Option | Retained interest in AIA
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	(493)	1,521	1,302	2,583
Fair Value Option | Short-term investments and other invested assets and Other assets
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	$ 9	$ 12	$ 13	$ 28