Schedule II Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Assets:
Short-term investments	$ 28,808	$ 22,572
Other investments	347,016	387,866
Total investments	375,824	410,438
Cash	1,151	1,474	1,558	4,400
Deferred income taxes	17,466	19,615
Other assets	10,399	11,663
Total assets	548,633	553,054
Liabilities:
Outstanding debt	48,500	75,253
Total liabilities	449,630	442,138
AIG Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	4,766	4,766
Treasury stock	(13,924)	(942)
Additional paid-in capital	80,410	80,459
Retained Earnings	14,176	10,774
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	12,574	6,481
Total AIG shareholders' equity	98,002	101,538
Total liabilities and equity	548,633	553,054
Parent Company
Assets:
Short-term investments	14,764	12,868
Other investments	3,902	6,599
Total investments	18,666	19,467
Cash	81	176	49	57
Loans to subsidiaries	35,064	39,971
Due from affiliates - net	422	303
Deferred income taxes	20,601	22,944
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	70,781	80,990
Other assets	2,130	1,772
Total assets	147,745	165,623
Liabilities:
Intercompany tax payable	6,078	9,801
Loans and mortgages payable		156
Loans from subsidiaries	1,002	12,316
Other liabilities (includes intercompany derivative liabilities of $602 in 2012 and $901 in 2011)	6,297	6,062
Total liabilities	49,743	64,085
AIG Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	4,766	4,766
Treasury stock	(13,924)	(942)
Additional paid-in capital	80,410	80,459
Retained Earnings	14,176	10,774
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	12,574	6,481
Total AIG shareholders' equity	98,002	101,538
Total liabilities and equity	147,745	165,623
Parent Company | Series AIGFP
Liabilities:
Outstanding debt	3,329	3,560
Parent Company | MIP
Liabilities:
Outstanding debt	9,287	10,138
Parent Company | Notes and bonds payable
Liabilities:
Outstanding debt	14,334	12,725
Parent Company | Junior subordinated debt
Liabilities:
Outstanding debt	$ 9,416	$ 9,327