FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 10) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	$ 6,931	$ 971	$ 1,818
Fair value option credit risk gains (losses) on liabilities	(641)	420	(779)
Segment Discontinued Operations
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	586	1,300	4,900
Fair Value Option | Other long-term debt
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	(681)	(966)	(1,595)
Fair Value Option | Other liabilities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	(33)	(67)	(8)
Fair Value Option | Policyholder contract deposits
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)			(320)
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)	47	11	53
Fair Value Option | Bond and equity securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	2,339	1,273	2,060
Fair Value Option | Trading - ML II Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	246	42	513
Fair Value Option | Trading - ML III Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	2,888	(646)	1,792
Fair Value Option | Retained interest in AIA
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	2,069	1,289	(638)
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)	$ 56	$ 35	$ (39)