INVESTMENTS (Details 7) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets	$ 29,117	$ 40,744
Available for sale securities
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets, gross unrealized losses	68	269
AIA Group Limited (AIA)
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets		12,367
Alternative investments
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets	18,990	18,793
Mutual Funds
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets	128	258
Investment real estate
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets	3,195	2,778
Net of accumulated depreciation on investment in real estate	469	428
Aircraft asset investments
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets	984	1,100
Life settlement contracts
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets	4,357	4,006
All other investments
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS
Other invested assets	$ 1,463	$ 1,442