INVESTMENTS (Details 6) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	$ 3,999	$ 4,638	$ 8,311	$ 11,865
Investment expenses	155	157	303	279
Net investment income	3,844	4,481	8,008	11,586
AIA Group Limited (AIA) | Change in fair value of securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		(493)		1,302
Maiden Lane II | Change in fair value of securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income				246
Maiden Lane III | Change in fair value of securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		1,306		2,558
Fixed maturity securities, including short-term investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	2,919	3,180	5,964	6,284
Equity securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	(12)	21	25	32
Interest on mortgage and other loans
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	290	264	570	529
Alternative investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	738	350	1,604	855
Real estate
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	36	32	67	58
Other investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	$ 28	$ (22)	$ 81	$ 1