Aflac (AFL) 10-K 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 18, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'AFL	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AFLAC INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000004977	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	455,815,182	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$26,607,872,046

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'		'		'
Net Premiums, principally supplemental health insurance	$20,135		$22,148		$20,362
Net investment income	3,293		3,473		3,280
Realized investment gains (losses):	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	-199	[1]	-977	[1]	-1,901	[1]
Sales and redemptions	262		474		594
Derivative and other gains (losses)	336		154		-245
Total realized investment gains (losses)	399		-349		-1,552
Other income	112		92		81
Total revenues	23,939		25,364		22,171
Benefits and expenses:	'		'		'
Benefits and claims, net	13,813		15,330		13,749
Acquisition and operating expenses:	'		'		'
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	1,074		1,117		1,033
Insurance commissions	1,528		1,744		1,725
Insurance expenses	2,222		2,415		2,336
Interest expense	293		261		196
Other operating expenses	193		195		182
Total acquisition and operating expenses	5,310		5,732		5,472
Total benefits and expenses	19,123		21,062		19,221
Earnings before income taxes	4,816		4,302		2,950
Income Tax Expense:	'		'		'
Current	1,236		816		891
Deferred	422		620		122
Total income tax expense	1,658		1,436		1,013
Net earnings	$3,158		$2,866		$1,937
Net earnings per share:	'		'		'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$6.80		$6.14		$4.16
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$6.76		$6.11		$4.12
Weighted-average outstanding common shares used in computing earnings per share (In thousands):	'		'		'
Basic (in shares)	464,502		466,868		466,519
Diluted (in shares)	467,408		469,287		469,370
[1]	Includes $45, $597 and $1,286 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for credit-related impairments; $26 and $27 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for impairments due to severity and duration of decline in fair value; and $128, $353 and $615 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from change in intent to sell securities

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net earnings	$3,158	$2,866	$1,937
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	-1,588	-287	-18
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities during period	-2,362	1,660	566
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on investment securities included in net earnings	-56	497	1,154
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period	-10	-22	-33
Pension liability adjustment during period	157	-20	-65
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	-3,859	1,828	1,604
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-581	1,078	392
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-3,278	750	1,212
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($120)	$3,616	$3,149

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Securities available for sale, at fair value:	'		'
Equity securities (cost $17 in 2013 and $20 in 2012)	$21		$23
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost:	'		'
Fixed maturities	44,415		54,426
Other investments	463		174
Cash and cash equivalents	2,543		2,041
Total investments and cash	108,459		118,219
Receivables	1,165		976
Accrued investment income	798		842
Deferred policy acquisition costs	8,798		9,658
Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation	481		564
Other	1,606	[1]	835	[1]
Total assets	121,307		131,094
Policy liabilities:	'		'
Future policy benefits	69,136		76,463
Unpaid policy claims	3,763		4,034
Unearned premiums	10,642		11,904
Other policyholders' funds	5,861		5,319
Total policy liabilities	89,402		97,720
Income taxes	3,718		3,858
Payables for return of cash collateral on loaned securities	5,820		6,277
Notes payable	4,897		4,352
Other	2,850	[2]	2,909	[2]
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 14)	'		'
Total liabilities	106,687		115,116
Shareholders' equity:	'		'
Common stock of $.10 par value. In thousands: authorized 1,900,000 shares in 2013 and 2012; issued 667,046 shares in 2013 and 665,239 shares in 2012	67		67
Additional paid-in capital	1,644		1,505
Retained earnings	19,885		17,387
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'		'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	-1,505		333
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities	1,035		2,570
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	-12		-5
Pension liability adjustment	-81		-183
Treasury stock, at average cost	-6,413		-5,696
Total shareholders' equity	14,620		15,978
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	121,307		131,094
Investments Other Than Consolidated Variable Interest Entities	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value:	'		'
Fixed maturities	53,227		51,466
Perpetual securities	2,479		3,728
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost:	'		'
Fixed maturities	44,178		54,137
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated	'		'
Securities available for sale, at fair value:	'		'
Fixed maturities	4,843		5,787
Perpetual securities	468		574
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost:	'		'
Fixed maturities	$237		$289
[1]	Includes $106 in 2013 and $191 in 2012 of derivatives from consolidated variable interest entities
[2]	Includes $207 in 2013 and $399 in 2012 of derivatives from consolidated variable interest entities

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Securities available for sale, equity securities, cost	$17	$20
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	45,846	54,841
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,900,000	1,900,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	667,046	665,239
Asset derivatives	488	345
Liability derivatives	837	934
Investments Other Than Consolidated Variable Interest Entities	'	'
Securities available for sale, fixed maturities, amortized cost	52,402	48,355
Securities available for sale, perpetual securities, amortized cost	2,524	3,654
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	45,610	54,554
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated	'	'
Securities available for sale, fixed maturities, amortized cost	4,109	5,058
Securities available for sale, perpetual securities, amortized cost	463	559
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	236	287
Asset derivatives	106	191
Liability derivatives	$207	$399

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock:	Additional paid-in capital:	Retained earnings:	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	Treasury stock:
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2010	'	$66	$1,320	$13,787	$753	($5,386)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	'	0	21	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	'	37	'	'	'
Net earnings	1,937	'	'	1,937	'	'
Dividends to shareholders ($1.42 per share in 2013, $1.34 per share in 2012, and $1.23 per share in 2011)	'	'	'	-576	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period, net of income taxes:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	167	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities during period, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustments:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities not other-than-temporarily impaired, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	1,107	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on other-than-temporarily impaired investment securities, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	3	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	-22	'
Pension liability adjustment during period, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	-43	'
Purchases of treasury stock	'	'	'	'	'	-308
Treasury stock reissued	'	'	30	'	'	53
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2011	12,946	66	1,408	15,148	1,965	-5,641
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	'	1	31	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	'	34	'	'	'
Net earnings	2,866	'	'	2,866	'	'
Dividends to shareholders ($1.42 per share in 2013, $1.34 per share in 2012, and $1.23 per share in 2011)	'	'	'	-627	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period, net of income taxes:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	-651	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities during period, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustments:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities not other-than-temporarily impaired, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	1,427	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on other-than-temporarily impaired investment securities, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	0	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	-14	'
Pension liability adjustment during period, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	-12	'
Purchases of treasury stock	'	'	'	'	'	-118
Treasury stock reissued	'	'	32	'	'	63
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2012	15,978	67	1,505	17,387	2,715	-5,696
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	'	0	50	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	'	32	'	'	'
Net earnings	3,158	'	'	3,158	'	'
Dividends to shareholders ($1.42 per share in 2013, $1.34 per share in 2012, and $1.23 per share in 2011)	'	'	'	-660	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period, net of income taxes:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	-1,838	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities during period, net of income taxes and reclassification adjustments:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities not other-than-temporarily impaired, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	-1,535	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on other-than-temporarily impaired investment securities, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	0	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	-7	'
Pension liability adjustment during period, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	102	'
Purchases of treasury stock	'	'	'	'	'	-813
Treasury stock reissued	'	'	57	'	'	96
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	$14,620	$67	$1,644	$19,885	($563)	($6,413)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (Retained earnings:, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Retained earnings:	'	'	'
Dividends to shareholders (in dollars per share)	$1.42	$1.34	$1.23

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'		'
Net earnings	$3,158		$2,866		$1,937
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'		'
Change in receivables and advance premiums	-8		-199		25
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	-404		-643		-505
Increase in policy liabilities	6,806		12,005		7,402
Change in income tax liabilities	993		712		266
Realized investment (gains) losses	-399		349		1,552
Other, net	401		-138		165
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	10,547		14,952		10,842
Securities available for sale:	'		'		'
Fixed maturities sold	9,631		7,385		14,385
Fixed maturities matured or called	2,907		1,959		170
Perpetual securities sold	264		1,599		690
Perpetual securities matured or called	256		376		0
Securities held to maturity:	'		'		'
Fixed maturities matured or called	6,515		1,859		728
Costs of investments acquired:	'		'		'
Available for sale fixed maturities acquired	-22,967		-19,533		-8,392
Held to maturity fixed maturities acquired	-6,756		-16,550		-18,995
Settlement of derivatives	-1,624		0		0
Cash received as collateral, net	1,037		5,439		647
Other, net	-354		514		-62
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	-11,091		-16,952		-10,829
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'		'
Purchases of treasury stock	-813		-118		-308
Proceeds from borrowings	700		1,506		620
Principal payments under debt obligations	0		-341		-462
Dividends paid to shareholders	-635		-603		-552
Change in investment-type contracts, net	1,790		1,457		733
Treasury stock reissued	88		32		26
Other, net	6		12		7
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	1,136		1,945		64
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-90		-153		51
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	502		-208		128
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,041		2,249		2,121
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,543		2,041		2,249
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'		'		'
Income taxes paid	754		788		828
Interest paid	210		178		164
Noncash interest	82	[1]	83	[1]	32	[1]
Impairment losses included in realized investment losses	199	[2]	977	[2]	1,901	[2]
Noncash financing activities:	'		'		'
Capitalized lease obligations	0		4		6
Associate stock bonus	'		'		'
Treasury stock issued for:	'		'		'
Treasury stock issued	36		35		32
Shareholder dividend reinvestment	'		'		'
Treasury stock issued for:	'		'		'
Treasury stock issued	25		24		23
Share-based compensation grants	'		'		'
Treasury stock issued for:	'		'		'
Treasury stock issued	$4		$4		$2
[1]	Consists primarily of accreted interest on discounted advance premiums
[2]	Includes $45, $597 and $1,286 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for credit-related impairments; $26 and $27 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for impairments due to severity and duration of decline in fair value; and $128, $353 and $615 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from change in intent to sell securities

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Description of Business
	Aflac Incorporated (the Parent Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) primarily sell supplemental health and life insurance in the United States and Japan. The Company's insurance business is marketed and administered through American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac), which operates in the United States (Aflac U.S.) and as a branch in Japan (Aflac Japan). American Family Life Assurance Company of New York (Aflac New York) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aflac. Most of Aflac's policies are individually underwritten and marketed through independent agents. Additionally, Aflac U.S. markets and administers group products through Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), branded as Aflac Group Insurance. Our insurance operations in the United States and our branch in Japan service the two markets for our insurance business. Aflac Japan's revenues, including realized gains and losses on its investment portfolio, accounted for 74% of the Company's total revenues in 2013, compared with 77% in 2012 and 75% in 2011. The percentage of the Company's total assets attributable to Aflac Japan was 85% at December 31, 2013, compared with 87% at December 31, 2012.
	Basis of Presentation
	We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). In these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, references to GAAP issued by the FASB are derived from the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (ASC). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates when recording transactions resulting from business operations based on currently available information. The most significant items on our balance sheet that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates and actuarial determinations subject to changes in the future are the valuation of investments, deferred policy acquisition costs, liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims, and income taxes. These accounting estimates and actuarial determinations are sensitive to market conditions, investment yields, mortality, morbidity, commission and other acquisition expenses, and terminations by policyholders. As additional information becomes available, or actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates will be revised and reflected in operating results. Although some variability is inherent in these estimates, we believe the amounts provided are adequate.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company, its subsidiaries and those entities required to be consolidated under applicable accounting standards. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Translation of Foreign Currencies: The functional currency of Aflac Japan's insurance operations is the Japanese yen. We translate our yen-denominated financial statement accounts into U.S. dollars as follows. Assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period exchange rates. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are translated at the exchange rate on the trade date of each transaction. Other revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated using average exchange rates for the period. The resulting currency translation adjustments are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. We include in earnings the realized currency exchange gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions.
	Prior to October 1, 2013, Aflac Japan maintained an investment portfolio of dollar-denominated securities on behalf of Aflac U.S., which served as an economic currency hedge of a portion of our investment in Aflac Japan. The functional currency for these investments was the U.S. dollar. The related investment income and realized/unrealized investment gains and losses were denominated in U.S. dollars. Since the functional currency of this portfolio was the U.S. dollar, there was no translation adjustment to record in other comprehensive income for these investments when the yen/dollar exchange rate changed. However, the foreign exchange gains and losses related to this portfolio are taxable in Japan and the U.S. when the securities matured or were sold. Until maturity or sale, deferred tax expense or benefit associated with the foreign exchange gains or losses is recognized in income tax expense on other comprehensive income. As of October 1, 2013, these investments were transferred into the Aflac Japan investment portfolio. These investments began to have translation effects recorded in other comprehensive income in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	We have designated a majority of the Parent Company's yen-denominated liabilities (Samurai and Uridashi notes and yen-denominated loans) as non-derivative hedges and designated foreign currency forwards and options as derivative hedges of the foreign currency exposure of our investment in Aflac Japan. Outstanding principal and related accrued interest on these Parent Company liabilities and the fair value of these derivatives are translated into U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates. Currency translation adjustments and changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded as unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) in other comprehensive income and are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	Insurance Revenue and Expense Recognition: The supplemental health and life insurance policies we issue are classified as long-duration contracts. The contract provisions generally cannot be changed or canceled during the contract period; however, we may adjust premiums for supplemental health policies issued in the United States within prescribed guidelines and with the approval of state insurance regulatory authorities.
	Insurance premiums for most of the Company's health and life policies are recognized ratably as earned income over the premium payment periods of the policies. When revenues are reported, the related amounts of benefits and expenses are charged against such revenues, so that profits are recognized in proportion to premium revenues during the period the policies are expected to remain in force. This association is accomplished by means of annual additions to the liability for future policy benefits and the deferral and subsequent amortization of policy acquisition costs.
	Premiums from the Company's products with limited-pay features are collected over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided. Premiums for these products are recognized ratably over the scheduled premium payment period. At the policyholder's option, customers can also pay discounted advanced premiums for certain of these products. Advanced premiums are deferred and recognized ratably over the regularly scheduled premium payment period. For the Company's limited-pay products, any gross premium in excess of the net premium is deferred during the scheduled premium payment period and recognized into benefits in a constant relationship with insurance in force. Benefits are recorded as an expense when they are incurred. A liability for future policy benefits is recorded when premiums are recognized using the net premium method.
	The calculation of deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC) and the liability for future policy benefits requires the use of estimates based on sound actuarial valuation techniques. For new policy issues, we review our actuarial assumptions and deferrable acquisition costs each year and revise them when necessary to more closely reflect recent experience and studies of actual acquisition costs. For policies in force, we evaluate DAC by major product groupings to determine that they are recoverable from future revenues, and any amounts determined not to be recoverable are charged against net earnings. We have not had any material charges to earnings for DAC that was determined not to be recoverable in any of the years presented in this Form 10-K.
	Advertising expense is reported as incurred in insurance expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments and other debt instruments with a maturity of 90 days or less when purchased.
	Investments: Our debt securities consist of fixed-maturity securities, which are classified as either held to maturity or available for sale. Securities classified as held to maturity are securities that we have the ability and intent to hold to maturity or redemption and are carried at amortized cost. All other fixed-maturity debt securities, our perpetual securities and our equity securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value. If the fair value is higher than the amortized cost for debt and perpetual securities, or the purchase cost for equity securities, the excess is an unrealized gain, and if lower than cost, the difference is an unrealized loss. The net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, plus the unamortized unrealized gains and losses on debt securities transferred to the held-to-maturity portfolio, less related deferred income taxes, are recorded through other comprehensive income and included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	Amortized cost of debt and perpetual securities is based on our purchase price adjusted for accrual of discount, or amortization of premium, and recognition of impairment charges, if any. The amortized cost of debt and perpetual securities we purchase at a discount or premium will equal the face or par value at maturity or the call date, if applicable. Interest is reported as income when earned and is adjusted for amortization of any premium or discount.
	We have investments in variable interest entities (VIEs). Criteria for evaluating VIEs for consolidation focuses on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. We are the primary beneficiary of certain VIEs. While the VIEs generally operate within a defined set of documents, there are certain powers that are retained by us that are considered significant in our conclusion that we are the primary beneficiary. These powers vary by structure but generally include the initial selection of the underlying collateral or, for collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), the reference credits to include in the structure; the ability to obtain the underlying collateral in the event of default; and the ability to appoint or dismiss key parties in the structure. In particular, our powers surrounding the underlying collateral were the most significant powers since those most significantly impact the economics of the VIE. We have no obligation to provide any continuing financial support to any of the entities in which we are the primary beneficiary. Our maximum loss is limited to our original investment. Neither we nor any of our creditors have the ability to obtain the underlying collateral, nor do we have control over the instruments in the VIEs, unless there is an event of default. For those entities where we are the primary beneficiary, the assets consolidated are fixed-maturity securities, perpetual securities and derivative instruments; collateral is reported separately under the captions fixed maturities- and perpetual securities- consolidated variable interest entities on our balance sheet.
	For the collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) held in our fixed-maturity securities portfolio, we recognize income using a constant effective yield, which is based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. The net investment in CMO securities is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied at the time of acquisition. This adjustment is reflected in net investment income.
	We use the specific identification method to determine the gain or loss from securities transactions and report the realized gain or loss in the consolidated statements of earnings. Securities transactions are accounted for based on values as of the trade date of the transaction.
	An investment in a fixed maturity or perpetual security is impaired if the fair value falls below book value. We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in value. The majority of our investments are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment using our debt impairment model. Our debt impairment model focuses on the ultimate collection of the cash flows from our investments. The determination of the amount of impairments under this model is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective securities. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.
	The determination of whether an impairment in value is other than temporary is based largely on our evaluation of the issuer's creditworthiness. Our team of experienced credit professionals must apply considerable judgment in determining the likelihood of the security recovering in value while we own it. Factors that may influence this include the overall level of interest rates, credit spreads, the credit quality of the underlying issuer, and other factors. This process requires consideration of risks which can be controlled to a certain extent, such as credit risk, and risks which cannot be controlled, such as interest rate risk.
	If, after monitoring and analyses, management believes that fair value will not recover to amortized cost prior to the disposal of the security, we recognize an other-than-temporary impairment of the security. Once a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the impairment loss is separated into two separate components: the portion of the impairment related to credit and the portion of the impairment related to factors other than credit. We automatically recognize a charge to earnings for the credit-related portion of other-than-temporary impairments. Impairments related to factors other than credit are charged to earnings in the event we intend to sell the security prior to the recovery of its amortized cost or if it is more likely than not that we would be required to dispose of the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost; otherwise, non-credit-related other-than-temporary impairments are charged to other comprehensive income.
	Our investments in perpetual securities that are rated below investment grade are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment under our equity impairment model. Our equity impairment model focuses on the severity of a security's decline in fair value coupled with the length of time the fair value of the security has been below amortized cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.
	We lend fixed-maturity securities to financial institutions in short-term security lending transactions. These securities continue to be carried as investment assets on our balance sheet during the terms of the loans and are not reported as sales. We receive cash or other securities as collateral for such loans. For loans involving unrestricted cash or securities as collateral, the collateral is reported as an asset with a corresponding liability for the return of the collateral.
	For further information regarding our investments, see Note 3.
	Derivatives and Hedging: Freestanding derivative instruments are reported in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and are reported in other assets and other liabilities, with changes in value reported in earnings and/or other comprehensive income. These freestanding derivatives are interest rate swaps, foreign currency swaps, credit default swaps (CDSs), foreign currency forwards, foreign currency options, and options on interest rate swaps (or interest rate swaptions). Interest rate and foreign currency swaps are used within VIEs to hedge the risk arising from interest rate and currency exchange risk, while the CDSs are used to increase the yield and improve the diversification of the portfolio. Foreign currency forward contracts are used in hedging foreign exchange risk on U.S. dollar-denominated securities in Aflac Japan's portfolio. Foreign currency forwards and options are used to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen. Interest rate swaps are used to hedge the variability of interest cash flows associated with our variable interest rate notes, and cross-currency interest rate swaps, also referred to as foreign currency swaps, are used to economically convert certain dollar-denominated note obligations into yen-denominated principal and interest obligations. Interest rate swaptions are used to hedge interest rate risk for certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities. We do not use derivatives for trading purposes, nor do we engage in leveraged derivative transactions.
	From time to time, we purchase certain investments that contain an embedded derivative. We assess whether this embedded derivative is clearly and closely related to the asset that serves as its host contract. If we deem that the embedded derivative's terms are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, and a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the derivative is separated from that contract, held at fair value and reported with the host instrument in the consolidated balance sheet, with changes in fair value reported in earnings. If we have elected the fair value option, the embedded derivative is not bifurcated, and the entire investment is held at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings.
	For those relationships where we seek hedge accounting, we formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking derivatives and nonderivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. We also assess, both at inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives and nonderivatives used in hedging activities are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The assessment of hedge effectiveness determines the accounting treatment of noncash changes in fair value.
	Changes in the fair value of any of our derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income as long as they are deemed effective. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded immediately in current period earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). Periodic derivative net coupon settlements are recorded in the line item of the consolidated statements of earnings in which the cash flows of the hedged item are recorded.
	Changes in the estimated fair value of derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, including amounts measured as ineffectiveness, and changes in the estimated fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged, are reported in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses).
	We have designated the majority of the Parent Company's yen-denominated liabilities (Samurai and Uridashi notes and yen-denominated loans) as nonderivative hedges and designated derivatives as hedges of the foreign currency exposure to our investment in Aflac Japan. At the beginning of each quarter, we make our net investment hedge designation. If the total of the designated Parent Company non-derivative and derivatives notional is equal to or less than our net investment in Aflac Japan, the hedge is deemed to be effective, and the exchange effect on the yen-denominated liabilities and the change in estimated fair value of the derivatives are reported in the unrealized foreign currency component of other comprehensive income. Should these designated net investment hedge positions exceed our net investment in Aflac Japan, the foreign exchange effect on the portion that exceeds our investment in Aflac Japan would be recognized in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses).
	Derivatives that are not designated as hedges are carried at fair value with all changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). We include the fair value of all freestanding derivatives in either other assets or other liabilities on the balance sheet.
	For further information regarding derivatives and hedging, see Note 4.
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs: See the Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements section of this Note 1 for a discussion of the change in accounting policy for DAC that we adopted retrospectively as of January 1, 2012.
	Certain direct and incremental costs of acquiring new business are deferred and amortized with interest over the premium payment periods in proportion to the ratio of annual premium income to total anticipated premium income. Anticipated premium income is estimated by using the same mortality, persistency and interest assumptions used in computing liabilities for future policy benefits. In this manner, the related acquisition expenses are matched with revenues. Deferred costs include the excess of current-year commissions over ultimate renewal-year commissions and certain incremental direct policy issue, underwriting and sales expenses. All of these incremental costs are directly related to successful policy acquisition.
	For some products, policyholders can elect to modify product benefits, features, rights or coverages by exchanging a contract for a new contract or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. These transactions are known as internal replacements. For internal replacement transactions where the resulting contract is substantially unchanged, the policy is accounted for as a continuation of the replaced contract. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs from the original policy continue to be amortized over the expected life of the new policy, and the costs of replacing the policy are accounted for as policy maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Internal replacement transactions that result in a policy that is not substantially unchanged are accounted for as an extinguishment of the original policy and the issuance of a new policy. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs on the original policy that was replaced are immediately expensed, and the costs of acquiring the new policy are capitalized and amortized in accordance with our accounting policies for deferred acquisition costs.
	We measure the recoverability of DAC and the adequacy of our policy reserves annually by performing gross premium valuations on our business. Our testing indicates that our DAC is recoverable and our policy liabilities are adequate. (See the following discussion for further information regarding policy liabilities.)
	Policy Liabilities: Future policy benefits represent claims that are expected to occur in the future and are computed by a net level premium method using estimated future investment yields, persistency and recognized morbidity and mortality tables modified to reflect our experience, including a provision for adverse deviation. These assumptions are generally established at the time a policy is issued.
	Unpaid policy claims are estimates computed on an undiscounted basis using statistical analyses of historical claims experience adjusted for current trends and changed conditions. The ultimate liability may vary significantly from such estimates. We regularly adjust these estimates as new claims experience emerges and reflect the changes in operating results in the year such adjustments are made.
	Other policy liabilities consist primarily of discounted advance premiums on deposit from policyholders in conjunction with their purchase of certain Aflac Japan limited-pay insurance products. These advanced premiums are deferred upon collection and recognized as premium revenue over the contractual premium payment period.
	For internal replacements that are determined to not be substantially unchanged, policy liabilities related to the original policy that was replaced are immediately released, and policy liabilities are established for the new insurance contract.
	Reinsurance: We enter into reinsurance agreements with other companies in the normal course of business. For each of our reinsurance agreements, we determine if the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Reinsurance premiums and benefits paid or provided are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums, benefits and DAC are reported net of insurance ceded. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
	Income Taxes: Income tax provisions are generally based on pretax earnings reported for financial statement purposes, which differ from those amounts used in preparing our income tax returns. Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which we expect the temporary differences to reverse. We record deferred tax assets for tax positions taken based on our assessment of whether the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that an amount will not be realized.
	As discussed in the Translation of Foreign Currencies section above, Aflac Japan maintains certain dollar-denominated investments that, prior to October 1, 2013, did not have any foreign currency translation adjustments recognized in other comprehensive income. However, the deferred tax expense or benefit associated with foreign exchange gains or losses on these investments is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the securities mature or are sold. Total income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) included a deferred tax expense of $614 million in 2013, compared with a deferred tax expense of $492 million in 2012 and a deferred tax benefit of $152 million in 2011 for these dollar-denominated investments. Excluding these amounts from total taxes on other comprehensive income would result in an effective income tax rate on pretax other comprehensive income (loss) of 31% in 2013, 32% in 2012, and 34% in 2011.
	Policyholder Protection Corporation and State Guaranty Association Assessments: In Japan, the government has required the insurance industry to contribute to a policyholder protection corporation. We recognize a charge for our estimated share of the industry's obligation once it is determinable. We review the estimated liability for policyholder protection corporation contributions on an annual basis and report any adjustments in Aflac Japan's expenses.
	In the United States, each state has a guaranty association that supports insolvent insurers operating in those states. To date, our state guaranty association assessments have not been material.
	Treasury Stock: Treasury stock is reflected as a reduction of shareholders' equity at cost. We use the weighted-average purchase cost to determine the cost of treasury stock that is reissued. We include any gains and losses in additional paid-in capital when treasury stock is reissued.
	Share-Based Compensation: We measure compensation cost related to our share-based payment transactions at fair value on the grant date, and we recognize those costs in the financial statements over the vesting period during which the employee provides service in exchange for the award.
	Earnings Per Share: We compute basic earnings per share (EPS) by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of unrestricted shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period plus the shares representing the dilutive effect of share-based awards.
	Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-year amounts to conform to current-year reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or total shareholders' equity.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	Derivatives and hedging: In July 2013, the FASB issued an update which allows entities to use the Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate, also referred to as the Overnight Index Swap Rate (OIS), as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. Previously the only acceptable benchmark rates for hedge accounting purposes under GAAP were U.S. Treasury rates and the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rate. This update reflects the evolution of market hedging practices and is intended to provide more flexibility for hedge accounting purposes. We adopted this guidance in the third quarter of 2013 on a prospective basis for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after the effective date of July 17, 2013. The adoption of the guidance had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income: In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance that requires reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income to be presented in statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented or in the footnotes to the financial statements. Additionally, the amendment requires cross-referencing to other disclosures currently required for other reclassification items. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance impacted our financial statement disclosures, but it did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities: In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend the disclosure requirements about offsetting assets and liabilities. The new guidance essentially clarifies the FASB's intent concerning the application of existing offsetting disclosure requirements. Entities are required to disclose gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions when those activities are subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The scope of this guidance was clarified and revised in January 2013 to apply to derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The objective of this disclosure is to move toward consistency between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance impacted our financial statement disclosures, but it did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Presentation of comprehensive income: In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend the presentation of comprehensive income. The amendment requires that all non-owner changes in shareholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2012 and elected the option to report comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Fair value measurements and disclosures: In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. Most of the amendments are clarifications of the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements. The new fair value measurement disclosures include additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures for Level 3 measurements, including a qualitative sensitivity analysis of fair value to changes in unobservable inputs, and categorization by fair value hierarchy level for items for which the fair value is only disclosed. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance impacted our financial statement disclosures, but it did not affect our financial position or results of operations.
	Accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts: In October 2010, the FASB issued amended accounting guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. Under the previous guidance, costs that varied with and were primarily related to the acquisition of a policy were deferrable. Under the amended guidance, only incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of a new or renewal contract may be capitalized, and direct-response advertising costs may be capitalized only if they meet certain criteria. This guidance is effective on a prospective or retrospective basis for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We retrospectively adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2012. The retrospective adoption of this accounting standard resulted in an after-tax cumulative reduction to retained earnings of $391 million and an after-tax cumulative reduction to unrealized foreign currency translation gains in accumulated other comprehensive income of $67 million, resulting in a total reduction to shareholders' equity of $458 million as of December 31, 2009, the opening balance sheet date in the period of adoption. The adoption of this accounting standard had an immaterial impact on net income in 2011 and all preceding years.
	Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption
	Presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists: In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance to amend the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The new guidance essentially states that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. However, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This accounting standard applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods and requires prospective presentation for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on our financial statements.
	Fees paid to the federal government by health insurers: In July 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for fees owed by health insurers as mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (the Acts). The Acts impose an annual fee on health insurers for each calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2014. A health insurer's portion of the annual fee is payable by September 30 of the applicable calendar year once the entity provides health insurance for any U.S. health risk in that year. The annual fee for the health insurance industry will be allocated to individual health insurers based on the ratio of the amount of an entity's net premiums written during the preceding calendar year to the amount of health insurance for any U.S. health risk that is written during the preceding calendar year. The accounting guidance specifies that the liability for the fee should be estimated and recorded in full in the applicable calendar year in which the fee is payable with a corresponding deferred cost that is amortized to expense using a straight-line method of allocation unless another method better allocates the fee over the calendar year that it is payable. This guidance is effective for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2013. The adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Recent accounting guidance not discussed above is not applicable, did not have, or is not expected to have a material impact to our business.

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_AND_FOREIGN_I

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION
	The Company consists of two reportable insurance business segments: Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S., both of which sell supplemental health and life insurance. Operating business segments that are not individually reportable and business activities not included in Aflac Japan or Aflac U.S. are included in the "Other business segments" category.
	We do not allocate corporate overhead expenses to business segments. We evaluate and manage our business segments using a financial performance measure called pretax operating earnings. Our definition of operating earnings includes interest cash flows associated with notes payable and excludes the following items from net earnings on an after-tax basis: realized investment gains/losses (securities transactions, impairments, and the impact of derivative and hedging activities), nonrecurring items, and other non-operating income (loss). We then exclude income taxes related to operations to arrive at pretax operating earnings. Information regarding operations by segment for the years ended December 31 follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Revenues:
	Aflac Japan:
	Net earned premiums:
	Cancer		$	6,123				$	7,537			$	7,541
	Medical and other health		4,282					5,244				5,158
	Life insurance		4,577					4,370				2,920
	Net investment income		2,651					2,845				2,688
	Other income		55					57				46
	Total Aflac Japan		17,688					20,053				18,353
	Aflac U.S.:
	Earned premiums:
	Accident/disability		2,284					2,213				2,194
	Cancer		1,283					1,282				1,258
	Other health		1,334					1,259				1,061
	Life insurance		252					242				230
	Net investment income		632					613				588
	Other income		6					19				10
	Total Aflac U.S.		5,791					5,628				5,341
	Other business segments		49					46				54
	Total business segment revenues		23,528					25,727				23,748
	Realized investment gains (losses)		389			(1)		(349		)		(1,552		)
	Corporate		302					262				241
	Intercompany eliminations		(308		)			(276		)		(266		)
	Other non-operating income (loss)		28					0				0
	Total revenues		$	23,939				$	25,364			$	22,171
	(1) Excluding a gain of $10 in 2013 related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which is classified as an operating gain when analyzing segment operations
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Pretax earnings:
	Aflac Japan		$	3,628				$	3,904			$	3,829
	Aflac U.S.		1,038					997				904
	Other business segments		(1		)			(3		)		1
	Total business segment pretax operating earnings		4,665					4,898				4,734
	Interest expense, noninsurance operations		(198		)			(184		)		(168		)
	Corporate and eliminations		(68		)			(56		)		(64		)
	Pretax operating earnings		4,399					4,658				4,502
	Realized investment gains (losses)		389			(1)		(349		)		(1,552		)
	Other non-operating income (loss)		28					(7		)		0
	Total earnings before income taxes		$	4,816				$	4,302			$	2,950
	Income taxes applicable to pretax operating earnings		$	1,512				$	1,561			$	1,556
	Effect of foreign currency translation on operating earnings		(357		)			8				169
	(1) Excluding a gain of $10 in 2013 related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which is classified as an operating gain when analyzing segment operations
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
	Assets as of December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Assets:
	Aflac Japan		$	102,973				$	113,678			$	101,692
	Aflac U.S.		16,112					16,122				13,942
	Other business segments		155					154				160
	Total business segment assets		119,240					129,954				115,794
	Corporate		19,909					20,318				16,182
	Intercompany eliminations		(17,842		)			(19,178		)		(15,739		)
	Total assets		$	121,307				$	131,094			$	116,237
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
	Yen-Translation Effects: The following table shows the yen/dollar exchange rates used for or during the periods ended December 31. Exchange effects were calculated using the same yen/dollar exchange rate for the current year as for each respective prior year.
		2013					2012				2011
	Statements of Earnings:
	Weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate		97.54					79.81				79.75
	Yen percent strengthening (weakening)		(18.2		)%			(.1		)%		10		%
	Exchange effect on net earnings (in millions)		$	(312	)			$	38			$	160
Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
	2013					2012
Balance Sheets:
Yen/dollar exchange rate at December 31		105.39					86.58
Yen percent strengthening (weakening)		(17.8		)%			(10.2		)%
Exchange effect on total assets (in millions)		$	(17,836	)			$	(10,861	)
Exchange effect on total liabilities (in millions)		(19,806		)			(11,441		)
Transfers of funds from Aflac Japan: Aflac Japan makes payments to the Parent Company for management fees and to Aflac U.S. for allocated expenses and profit repatriations. Information on transfers for each of the years ended December 31 is shown below. See Note 13 for information concerning restrictions on transfers from Aflac Japan.
(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
Management fees		$	37				$	30			$	28
Allocated expenses		74					58				43
Profit repatriation		771					422				143
Total transfers from Aflac Japan		$	882				$	510			$	214
Property and Equipment: The costs of buildings, furniture and equipment are depreciated principally on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (maximum of 50 years for buildings and 20 years for furniture and equipment). Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; expenditures for betterments are capitalized and depreciated. Classes of property and equipment as of December 31 were as follows:
(In millions)	2013					2012
Property and equipment:
Land		$	168				$	161
Buildings		444					535
Equipment and furniture		329					326
Total property and equipment		941					1,022
Less accumulated depreciation		460					458
Net property and equipment		$	481				$	564
Receivables: Receivables consist primarily of monthly insurance premiums due from individual policyholders or their employers for payroll deduction of premiums, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. At December 31, 2013, $731 million, or 82.9% of total receivables, were related to Aflac Japan's operations, compared with $566 million, or 58.2%, at December 31, 2012.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS	'
	INVESTMENTS
	Net Investment Income
	The components of net investment income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	2013						2012						2011
	Fixed-maturity securities		$	3,210					$	3,248					$	3,026
	Perpetual securities		153						253						274
	Equity securities and other		7						17						5
	Short-term investments and cash equivalents		1						2						4
	Gross investment income		3,371						3,520						3,309
	Less investment expenses		78						47						29
	Net investment income		$	3,293					$	3,473					$	3,280
	Investment Holdings
	The amortized cost for our investments in debt and perpetual securities, the cost for equity securities and the fair values of these investments at December 31 are shown in the following tables.
		2013
	(In millions)	Cost or						Gross						Gross						Fair
		Amortized						Unrealized						Unrealized						Value
		Cost						Gains						Losses
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Yen-denominated:
	Japan government and agencies		$	14,936					$	431					$	33					$	15,334
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		558						29						0						587
	Public utilities		2,261						100						18						2,343
	Sovereign and supranational		978						85						28						1,035
	Banks/financial institutions		2,799						220						242						2,777
	Other corporate		3,956						151						185						3,922
	Total yen-denominated		25,488						1,016						506						25,998
	Dollar-denominated:
	U.S. government and agencies		92						10						4						98
	Municipalities		992						71						12						1,051
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		163						21						0						184
	Public utilities		4,931						471						183						5,219
	Sovereign and supranational		404						85						1						488
	Banks/financial institutions		3,318						447						33						3,732
	Other corporate		21,123						1,347						1,170						21,300
	Total dollar-denominated		31,023						2,452						1,403						32,072
	Total fixed maturities		56,511						3,468						1,909						58,070
	Perpetual securities:
	Yen-denominated:
	Banks/financial institutions		2,582						151						217						2,516
	Other corporate		209						0						0						209
	Dollar-denominated:
	Banks/financial institutions		196						35						9						222
	Total perpetual securities		2,987						186						226						2,947
	Equity securities		17						5						1						21
	Total securities available for sale		$	59,515					$	3,659					$	2,136					$	61,038
		2013
	(In millions)	Cost or						Gross						Gross						Fair
		Amortized						Unrealized						Unrealized						Value
		Cost						Gains						Losses
	Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
	Fixed maturities:
	Yen-denominated:
	Japan government and agencies		$	27,362					$	1,347					$	1					$	28,708
	Municipalities		399						41						0						440
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		58						3						0						61
	Public utilities		3,900						150						122						3,928
	Sovereign and supranational		2,941						171						72						3,040
	Banks/financial institutions		6,310						146						328						6,128
	Other corporate		3,445						183						87						3,541
	Total yen-denominated		44,415						2,041						610						45,846
	Total securities held to maturity		$	44,415					$	2,041					$	610					$	45,846
		2012
(In millions)	Cost or						Gross						Gross						Fair
	Amortized						Unrealized						Unrealized						Value
	Cost						Gains						Losses
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturities:
Yen-denominated:
Japan government and agencies		$	12,612					$	349					$	81					$	12,880
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		746						40						1						785
Public utilities		3,608						116						72						3,652
Sovereign and supranational		1,404						71						0						1,475
Banks/financial institutions		3,455						233						180						3,508
Other corporate		5,656						241						153						5,744
Total yen-denominated		27,481						1,050						487						28,044
Dollar-denominated:
U.S. government and agencies		93						24						0						117
Municipalities		1,045						156						6						1,195
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		188						58						0						246
Public utilities		4,204						658						17						4,845
Sovereign and supranational		476						123						2						597
Banks/financial institutions		3,626						506						6						4,126
Other corporate		16,300						1,878						95						18,083
Total dollar-denominated		25,932						3,403						126						29,209
Total fixed maturities		53,413						4,453						613						57,253
Perpetual securities:
Yen-denominated:
Banks/financial institutions		3,635						193						161						3,667
Other corporate		309						43						0						352
Dollar-denominated:
Banks/financial institutions		269						23						9						283
Total perpetual securities		4,213						259						170						4,302
Equity securities		20						4						1						23
Total securities available for sale		$	57,646					$	4,716					$	784					$	61,578
	2012
(In millions)	Cost or						Gross						Gross						Fair
	Amortized						Unrealized						Unrealized						Value
	Cost						Gains						Losses
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturities:
Yen-denominated:
Japan government and agencies		$	32,043					$	356					$	67					$	32,332
Municipalities		492						30						2						520
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		90						4						0						94
Public utilities		4,924						233						106						5,051
Sovereign and supranational		3,209						192						84						3,317
Banks/financial institutions		9,211						211						431						8,991
Other corporate		4,457						187						108						4,536
Total yen-denominated		54,426						1,213						798						54,841
Total securities held to maturity		$	54,426					$	1,213					$	798					$	54,841
The methods of determining the fair values of our investments in fixed-maturity securities, perpetual securities and equity securities, including a change in the valuation methodology for determining fair value of privately issued securities as of the first quarter of 2013, are described in Note 5.
During 2013, we reclassified two investments from the held-to-maturity portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio as a result of the issuer being downgraded to below investment grade. At the time of the transfer, the securities had an aggregate amortized cost of $492 million and an aggregate unrealized loss of $153 million. During 2012, we reclassified seven investments from the held-to-maturity portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio as a result of the issuers being downgraded to below investment grade. At the time of the transfer, the securities had an aggregate amortized cost of $1.2 billion and an aggregate unrealized loss of $290 million. During 2011, we reclassified 13 investments from the held-to-maturity portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio as a result of the issuers being downgraded to below investment grade. At the time of the transfer, the securities had an aggregate amortized cost of $2.5 billion and an aggregate unrealized loss of $334 million.
Contractual and Economic Maturities
The contractual maturities of our investments in fixed maturities at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	Aflac Japan												Aflac U.S.
(In millions)	Amortized						Fair						Amortized						Fair
	Cost						Value						Cost						Value
Available for sale:
Due in one year or less		$	646					$	653					$	50					$	52
Due after one year through five years		1,820						1,960						474						552
Due after five years through 10 years		9,713						9,657						1,557						1,624
Due after 10 years		32,752						33,514						8,517						9,016
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		622						664						38						46
Total fixed maturities available for sale		$	45,553					$	46,448					$	10,636					$	11,290
Held to maturity:
Due in one year or less		$	4,547					$	4,547					$	0					$	0
Due after one year through five years		1,473						1,598						0						0
Due after five years through 10 years		1,967						2,062						0						0
Due after 10 years		36,370						37,578						0						0
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		58						61						0						0
Total fixed maturities held to maturity		$	44,415					$	45,846					$	0					$	0
At December 31, 2013, the Parent Company had a portfolio of available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities totaling $322 million at amortized cost and $332 million at fair value, which is not included in the table above.
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
The majority of our perpetual securities are subordinated to other debt obligations of the issuer, but rank higher than the issuer's equity securities. Perpetual securities have characteristics of both debt and equity investments, along with unique features that create economic maturity dates for the securities. Although perpetual securities have no contractual maturity date, they have stated interest coupons that were fixed at their issuance and subsequently change to a floating short-term interest rate of 125 to more than 300 basis points above an appropriate market index, generally by the 25th year after issuance, thereby creating an economic maturity date. The economic maturities of our investments in perpetual securities, which were all reported as available for sale at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	Aflac Japan												Aflac U.S.
(In millions)	Amortized						Fair						Amortized						Fair
	Cost						Value						Cost						Value
Due in one year or less		$	142					$	128					$	0					$	0
Due after one year through five years		855						829						5						5
Due after five years through 10 years		209						209						0						0
Due after 10 years		1,677						1,673						99						103
Total perpetual securities available for sale		$	2,883					$	2,839					$	104					$	108
Investment Concentrations
Our investment process begins with an independent approach to underwriting each issuer's fundamental credit quality. We evaluate independently those factors which we believe could influence an issuer's ability to make payments under the contractual terms of our instruments. This includes a thorough analysis of a variety of items including the issuer's country of domicile (including political, legal, and financial considerations); the industry in which the issuer competes (with an analysis of industry structure, end-market dynamics, and regulation); company specific issues (such as management, assets, earnings, cash generation, and capital needs); and contractual provisions of the instrument (such as financial covenants and position in the capital structure). We further evaluate the investment considering broad business and portfolio management objectives, including asset/liability needs, portfolio diversification, and expected income.
Investment exposures that individually exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity as of December 31 were as follows:
	2013						2012
(In millions)	Credit		Amortized		Fair		Credit		Amortized		Fair
	Rating		Cost		Value		Rating		Cost		Value
Japan National Government(1)	AA		$41,924		$43,619		AA		$44,081		$44,580
(1)JGBs or JGB-backed securities
Banks and Financial Institutions
One of our largest investment sector concentrations as of December 31, 2013, was banks and financial institutions. Within the countries we approve for investment opportunities, we primarily invest in financial institutions that are strategically crucial to each approved country's economy. The bank and financial institution sector is a highly regulated industry and plays a strategic role in the global economy.
Our total investments in the bank and financial institution sector as of December 31, including those classified as perpetual securities, were as follows:
	2013											2012
	Total Investments in						Percentage of					Total Investments in						Percentage of
	Banks and Financial						Total Investment					Banks and Financial						Total Investment
	Institutions Sector						Portfolio					Institutions Sector						Portfolio
	(in millions)											(in millions)
Fixed maturities:
Amortized cost		$	12,427					12	%				$	16,292					14	%
Fair value		12,637						12					16,625						14
Perpetual securities:
Upper Tier II:
Amortized cost		$	1,920					2	%				$	2,825					3	%
Fair value		1,913						2					2,919						3
Tier I:
Amortized cost		858						1					1,079						1
Fair value		825						1					1,031						1
Total:
Amortized cost		$	15,205					15	%				$	20,196					18	%
Fair value		15,375						15					20,575						18
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
Information regarding pretax realized gains and losses from investments for the years ended December 31 follows:
(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
Realized investment gains (losses) on securities:
Fixed maturities:
Available for sale:
Gross gains from sales	$	316			$	427			$	992
Gross losses from sales	(87		)		(48		)		(465		)
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	34				2				69
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(128		)		(734		)		(1,335		)
Held to maturity:
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0				4				0
Total fixed maturities	135				(349		)		(739		)
Perpetual securities:
Available for sale:
Gross gains from sales	0				127				102
Gross losses from sales	(1		)		(98		)		(109		)
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0				60				0
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(70		)		(243		)		(565		)
Total perpetual securities	(71		)		(154		)		(572		)
Equity securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(1		)		0				(1		)
Total equity securities	(1		)		0				(1		)
Derivatives and other:
Derivative gains (losses)	326				151				(257		)
Other	10				3				17
Total derivatives and other	336				154				(240		)
Total realized investment gains (losses)	$	399			$	(349	)		$	(1,552	)
Other-than-temporary Impairment
The fair values of our debt and perpetual security investments fluctuate based on changes in interest rates, foreign exchange, and credit spreads in the global financial markets. Fair values can also be heavily influenced by the values of the assets of the issuer and expected ultimate recovery values upon a default, bankruptcy or other financial restructuring. Credit spreads are most impacted by the general credit environment and global market liquidity. Interest rates are driven by numerous factors including, but not limited to, supply and demand, governmental monetary actions, expectations of inflation and economic growth. We believe that fluctuations in the fair values of our investment securities related to general changes in the level of credit spreads or interest rates have little bearing on underlying credit quality of the issuer, and whether our investment is ultimately recoverable. Generally, we consider such declines in fair values to be temporary even in situations where an investment remains in an unrealized loss position for a year or more.
However, in the course of our credit review process, we may determine that it is unlikely that we will recover our investment in an issuer due to factors specific to an individual issuer, as opposed to general changes in global credit spreads or interest rates. In this event, we consider such a decline in the investment's fair value, to the extent it is below the investment's cost or amortized cost, to be an other-than-temporary impairment of the investment and reduce the book value of the investment to its fair value.
In addition to the usual investment risk associated with a debt instrument, our perpetual security holdings are largely issued by banks that are integral to the financial markets of the sovereign country of the issuer. As a result of the issuer's position within the economy of the sovereign country, our perpetual securities may be subject to a higher risk of nationalization of their issuers in connection with capital injections from an issuer's sovereign government. We cannot be assured that such capital support will extend to all levels of an issuer's capital structure. In addition, certain governments or regulators may consider imposing interest and principal payment restrictions on issuers of hybrid securities to preserve cash and preserve the issuer's capital. Beyond the cash flow impact that additional deferrals would have on our portfolio, such deferrals could result in ratings downgrades of the affected securities, which in turn could result in a reduction of fair value of the securities and increase our regulatory capital requirements. We consider these factors in our credit review process.
When determining our intention to sell a security prior to recovery of its fair value to amortized cost, we evaluate facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, future cash flow needs, decisions to reposition our security portfolio, and risk profile of individual investment holdings. We perform ongoing analyses of our liquidity needs, which includes cash flow testing of our policy liabilities, debt maturities, projected dividend payments and other cash flow and liquidity needs. Our cash flow testing includes extensive duration analysis of our investment portfolio and policy liabilities. Based on our analyses, we have concluded that we have sufficient excess cash flows to meet our liquidity needs without selling any of our investments prior to their maturity.
The following table details our pretax other-than-temporary impairment losses by investment category that resulted from our impairment evaluation process for the years ended December 31.
(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
Perpetual securities	$	70			$	243			$	565
Corporate bonds	102				345				1,316
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	0				3				17
Municipalities	0				0				2
Sovereign and supranational	26				386				0
Equity securities	1				0				1
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses realized (1)	$	199			$	977			$	1,901
(1) Includes $45, $597 and $1,286 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for credit-related impairments;
$26 and $27 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for impairments due to severity and duration of decline
in fair value; and $128, $353 and $615 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from change in intent to
sell securities
Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses
Information regarding changes in unrealized gains and losses from investments for the years ended December 31 follows:
(In millions)	2013						2012						2011
Changes in unrealized gains (losses):
Fixed maturities:
Available for sale		$	(2,281	)				$	1,624					$	1,963
Transferred to held to maturity		(9		)				(14		)				(101		)
Perpetual securities:
Available for sale		(129		)				547						(143		)
Equity securities		1						0						2
Total change in unrealized gains (losses)		$	(2,418	)				$	2,157					$	1,721
Effect on Shareholders' Equity
The net effect on shareholders' equity of unrealized gains and losses from investment securities at December 31 was as follows:
(In millions)	2013						2012
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale		$	1,523					$	3,932
Unamortized unrealized gains on securities transferred to held to maturity		11						20
Deferred income taxes		(499		)				(1,382		)
Shareholders’ equity, unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities		$	1,035					$	2,570
Gross Unrealized Loss Aging
The following tables show the fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments that were in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31.
	2013
	Total												Less than 12 months											12 months or longer
(In millions)	Fair						Unrealized						Fair						Unrealized					Fair					Unrealized
	Value						Losses						Value						Losses					Value					Losses
Fixed Maturities:
Japan government and agencies:
Yen-denominated		$	8,869					$	34					$	8,869					$	34				$	0				$	0
Municipalities:
Dollar-denominated		177						12						145						8					32					4
Public utilities:
Dollar-denominated		2,023						183						1,740						143					283					40
Yen-denominated		2,519						140						1,816						54					703					86
Sovereign and supranational:
Dollar-denominated		12						1						12						1					0					0
Yen-denominated		1,152						100						791						34					361					66
Banks/financial institutions:
Dollar-denominated		547						33						454						23					93					10
Yen-denominated		4,533						570						2,322						107					2,211					463
Other corporate:
Dollar-denominated		11,588						1,170						8,504						733					3,084					437
Yen-denominated		3,372						272						2,296						152					1,076					120
U.S. government and agencies:
Dollar-denominated		36						4						36						4					0					0
Total fixed maturities		34,828						2,519						26,985						1,293					7,843					1,226
Perpetual securities:
Dollar-denominated		59						9						52						8					7					1
Yen-denominated		1,322						217						748						74					574					143
Total perpetual securities		1,381						226						800						82					581					144
Equity securities		5						1						5						1					0					0
Total		$	36,214					$	2,746					$	27,790					$	1,376				$	8,424				$	1,370
	2012
	Total												Less than 12 months											12 months or longer
(In millions)	Fair						Unrealized						Fair						Unrealized					Fair					Unrealized
	Value						Losses						Value						Losses					Value					Losses
Fixed Maturities:
Japan government and agencies:
Yen-denominated		$	17,342					$	148					$	17,342					$	148				$	0				$	0
Municipalities:
Dollar-denominated		34						6						1						0					33					6
Yen-denominated		56						2						56						2					0					0
Mortgage- and asset- backed
securities:
Yen-denominated		136						1						0						0					136					1
Public utilities:
Dollar-denominated		736						17						736						17					0					0
Yen-denominated		3,920						178						1,339						31					2,581					147
Sovereign and supranational:
Dollar-denominated		31						2						0						0					31					2
Yen-denominated		1,244						84						507						13					737					71
Banks/financial institutions:
Dollar-denominated		276						6						180						3					96					3
Yen-denominated		6,918						611						1,935						28					4,983					583
Other corporate:
Dollar-denominated		4,534						95						4,404						86					130					9
Yen-denominated		4,013						261						1,635						40					2,378					221
Total fixed maturities		39,240						1,411						28,135						368					11,105					1,043
Perpetual securities:
Dollar-denominated		136						9						120						0					16					9
Yen-denominated		1,315						161						0						0					1,315					161
Total perpetual securities		1,451						170						120						0					1,331					170
Equity securities		6						1						3						0					3					1
Total		$	40,697					$	1,582					$	28,258					$	368				$	12,439				$	1,214
Analysis of Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions
The unrealized losses on our investments have been primarily related to general market changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and/or the levels of credit spreads rather than specific concerns with the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal. In addition, in the first quarter of 2013, we refined our methodology for valuing certain privately issued securities (see Note 5).
For any significant declines in fair value, we perform a more focused review of the related issuers' credit profile. For corporate issuers, we evaluate their assets, business profile including industry dynamics and competitive positioning, financial statements and other available financial data. For non-corporate issuers, we analyze all sources of credit support, including issuer-specific factors. We utilize information available in the public domain and, for certain private placement issuers, from consultations with the issuers directly. We also consider ratings from Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs), as well as the specific characteristics of the security we own including seniority in the issuer's capital structure, covenant predictions, or other relevant features. From these reviews, we evaluate the issuers' continued ability to service our investment through payment of interest and principal.
The following table provides more information on our unrealized loss position as of December 31.
	2013												2012
(In millions)	Percentage of				Percentage of				Percentage of				Percentage of				Percentage of				Percentage of
	Total Investments				Gross				Gross				Total Investments				Gross				Gross
	in an Unrealized				Unrealized				Unrealized				in an Unrealized				Unrealized				Unrealized
	Loss Position				Losses				Losses for Investment Grade Securities				Loss Position				Losses				Losses for Investment Grade Securities
Fixed Maturities:
Japan government		25	%			1	%			100	%			43	%			9	%			100	%
and agencies
Public utilities		13				12				98				11				12				69
Sovereign and		3				4				100				3				6				96
supranational
Banks/financial		14				22				64				18				39				76
institutions
Other corporate		41				53				91				21				23				72
Total fixed		96	%			92	%							96	%			89	%
maturities
Perpetual securities		4				8				90				4				11				100
Total		100	%			100	%							100	%			100	%
The decline in the percentage of banks and financial securities in an unrealized loss position that are investment grade is due primarily to a downgrade of a yen-denominated security. The decline in the percentage of perpetual securities in an unrealized loss position that are investment grade is due primarily to a refinement in our methodology for valuing privately issued securities, including perpetual securities, that was implemented in the first quarter of 2013 and was not indicative of credit-related changes or downgrades. The refinement, as discussed further in Note 5, resulted in lower valuations for some of our perpetual investments.
Assuming no credit-related factors, as investments near maturity, the unrealized gains and losses can be expected to diminish. Based on our credit analysis, we believe that the issuers of our investments in the sectors shown in the table above have the ability to service their obligations to us.
Perpetual Securities
The majority of our investments in Upper Tier II and Tier I perpetual securities are in highly-rated global financial institutions. Upper Tier II securities have more debt-like characteristics than Tier I securities and are senior to Tier I securities, preferred stock, and common equity of the issuer. Conversely, Tier I securities have more equity-like characteristics, but are senior to the common equity of the issuer, and they may also be senior to certain preferred shares; depending on the individual security; the issuer's capital structure and the regulatory jurisdiction of the issuer.
Details of our holdings of perpetual securities as of December 31 were as follows:
Perpetual Securities
			2013																		2012
(In millions)	Credit		Amortized						Fair						Unrealized						Amortized					Fair					Unrealized
	Rating		Cost						Value						Gain (Loss)						Cost					Value					Gain (Loss)
Upper Tier II:
	A			$	145					$	183					$	38					$	460				$	488				$	28
	BBB			1,563						1,532						(31		)				2,077					2,129					52
	BB or lower			212						198						(14		)				288					302					14
Total Upper Tier II				1,920						1,913						(7		)				2,825					2,919					94
Tier I:
	BBB			746						706						(40		)				966					904					(62		)
	BB or lower			112						119						7						113					127					14
Total Tier I				858						825						(33		)				1,079					1,031					(48		)
Other subordinated
- non-banks:
	BBB			0						0						0						309					352					43
	BB or lower			209						209						0						0					0					0
Total other				209						209						0						309					352					43
subordinated -
non-banks
Total				$	2,987					$	2,947					$	(40	)				$	4,213				$	4,302				$	89
During 2013, our aggregate holdings in perpetual securities moved from a unrealized gain of $89 million to an unrealized loss of $40 million. This change is primarily due to a refinement in our methodology for valuing privately issued securities, including perpetual securities, that was implemented in the first quarter of 2013 (see Note 5).
Assuming no credit-related factors develop, as investments near maturity, the unrealized gains or losses can be expected to diminish. Based on our credit analysis, we believe that the issuers of our investments in these sectors have the ability to service their obligations to us.
Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)
As a condition to our involvement or investment in a VIE, we enter into certain protective rights and covenants that preclude changes in the structure of the VIE that would alter the creditworthiness of our investment or our beneficial interest in the VIE.
Our involvement with all of the VIEs in which we have an interest is passive in nature, and we are not the arranger of these entities. We have not been involved in establishing these entities, except as it relates to our review and evaluation of the structure of these VIEs in the normal course of our investment decision-making process. Further, we are not, nor have we been, required to purchase any securities issued in the future by these VIEs.
Our ownership interest in the VIEs is limited to holding the obligations issued by them. All of the VIEs in which we invest are static with respect to funding and have no ongoing forms of funding after the initial funding date. We have no direct or contingent obligations to fund the limited activities of these VIEs, nor do we have any direct or indirect financial guarantees related to the limited activities of these VIEs. We have not provided any assistance or any other type of financing support to any of the VIEs we invest in, nor do we have any intention to do so in the future. The weighted-average lives of our notes are very similar to the underlying collateral held by these VIEs where applicable.
Our risk of loss related to our interests in any of our VIEs is limited to our investment in the debt securities issued by them.
VIEs - Consolidated
The following table presents the amortized cost, fair value and balance sheet caption in which the assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs are reported as of December 31.
Investments in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
	2013												2012
(In millions)	Amortized						Fair						Amortized						Fair
	Cost						Value						Cost						Value
Assets:
Fixed maturities, available for sale		$	4,109					$	4,843					$	5,058					$	5,787
Perpetual securities, available for sale		463						468						559						574
Fixed maturities, held to maturity		237						236						289						287
Other assets		106						106						191						191
Total assets of consolidated VIEs		$	4,915					$	5,653					$	6,097					$	6,839
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		$	207					$	207					$	399					$	399
Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs		$	207					$	207					$	399					$	399
We are substantively the only investor in the consolidated VIEs listed in the table above. As the sole investor in these VIEs, we have the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and are therefore considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs that we consolidate. We also participate in substantially all of the variability created by these VIEs. The activities of these VIEs are limited to holding debt and perpetual securities and interest rate, foreign currency, and/or CDSs, as appropriate, and utilizing the cash flows from these securities to service our investment. Neither we nor any of our creditors are able to obtain the underlying collateral of the VIEs unless there is an event of default or other specified event. For those VIEs that contain a swap, we are not a direct counterparty to the swap contracts and have no control over them. Our loss exposure to these VIEs is limited to our original investment. Our consolidated VIEs do not rely on outside or ongoing sources of funding to support their activities beyond the underlying collateral and swap contracts, if applicable. With the exception of our investment in senior secured bank loans through unit trust structures, the underlying collateral assets and funding of our consolidated VIEs are generally static in nature and the underlying collateral and the reference corporate entities covered by any CDS contracts were all investment grade at the time of issuance.
We are exposed to credit losses within any consolidated CDOs that could result in principal losses to our investments. We have mitigated our risk of credit loss through the structure of the VIE, which contractually requires the subordinated tranches within these VIEs to absorb the majority of the expected losses from the underlying credit default swaps. We currently own only senior mezzanine CDO tranches. Based on our statistical analysis models and the current subordination levels in our CDOs, each of these VIEs can sustain a reasonable number of defaults in the underlying reference entities in the CDSs with no loss to our investment.
VIEs - Not Consolidated
The table below reflects the amortized cost, fair value and balance sheet caption in which our investment in VIEs not consolidated are reported as of December 31.
Investments in Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated
	2013												2012
(In millions)	Amortized						Fair						Amortized						Fair
	Cost						Value						Cost						Value
Assets:
Fixed maturities, available for sale		$	6,724					$	6,916					$	7,738					$	8,350
Perpetual securities, available for sale		370						378						736						751
Fixed maturities, held to maturity		2,949						3,039						3,829						3,922
Total investments in VIEs not consolidated		$	10,043					$	10,333					$	12,303					$	13,023
The VIEs that we are not required to consolidate are investments that are in the form of debt obligations from the VIEs that are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed by their corporate parents or sponsors. These VIEs are the primary financing vehicles used by their corporate sponsors to raise financing in the international capital markets. The variable interests created by these VIEs are principally or solely a result of the debt instruments issued by them. We do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance, nor do we have (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. As such, we are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and are therefore not required to consolidate them. These VIE investments comprise securities from 173 separate issuers with an average credit rating of BBB.
Securities Lending and Pledged Securities
We lend fixed-maturity securities to financial institutions in short-term security-lending transactions. These short-term security-lending arrangements increase investment income with minimal risk. Our security lending policy requires that the fair value of the securities and/or unrestricted cash received as collateral be 102% or more of the fair value of the loaned securities. The following table presents our security loans outstanding and the corresponding collateral held as of December 31:
(In millions)	2013						2012
Security loans outstanding, fair value		$	5,656					$	6,122
Cash collateral on loaned securities		5,820						6,277
At December 31, 2013, debt securities with a fair value of $15 million were on deposit with regulatory authorities in the United States and Japan. We retain ownership of all securities on deposit and receive the related investment income.
For general information regarding our investment accounting policies, see Note 1.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	'
	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	Our freestanding derivative financial instruments consist of: (1) foreign currency swaps, credit default swaps, and interest rate swaps that are associated with investments in special-purpose entities, including VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary; (2) foreign currency forward contracts used in hedging foreign exchange risk on U.S. dollar-denominated securities in Aflac Japan's portfolio; (3) foreign currency forwards and options used to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen; (4) swaps associated with our notes payable, consisting of an interest rate swap for our variable interest rate yen-denominated debt and cross-currency interest rate swaps, also referred to as foreign currency swaps, associated with certain senior notes and our subordinated debentures; and (5) options on interest rate swaps (or interest rate swaptions) used to hedge interest rate risk for certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes, nor do we engage in leveraged derivative transactions. Some of our derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges, fair value hedges or net investment hedges; however, other derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting. We utilize a net investment hedge to mitigate foreign exchange exposure resulting from our net investment in Aflac Japan. In addition to designating derivatives as hedging instruments, we have designated the majority of our yen-denominated Samurai and Uridashi notes and yen-denominated loans as nonderivative hedging instruments for this net investment hedge.
	Derivative Types
	We enter into foreign currency swaps pursuant to which we exchange an initial principal amount in one currency for an initial principal amount of another currency, with an agreement to re-exchange the currencies at a future date at an agreed upon exchange rate. There may also be periodic exchanges of payments at specified intervals based on the agreed upon rates and notional amounts. Foreign currency swaps are used primarily in the consolidated VIEs in our Aflac Japan portfolio to convert foreign-denominated cash flows to yen, the functional currency of Aflac Japan, in order to minimize cash flow fluctuations. We also use foreign currency swaps to economically convert certain of our dollar-denominated senior note and subordinated debenture principal and interest obligations into yen-denominated obligations.
	Foreign currency forwards with short-term maturities are executed for the Aflac Japan segment in order to hedge the currency risk on the fair value of certain fixed-maturity dollar-denominated securities. In these transactions, Aflac Japan agrees with another party to buy a fixed amount of yen and sell a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars at a specified future date. The foreign currency forwards are used in fair value hedging relationships to mitigate the foreign exchange risk associated with dollar-denominated investments supporting yen-denominated liabilities. Aflac also utilizes foreign currency forwards to hedge the currency risk associated with the net investment in Aflac Japan. In these transactions, Aflac agrees with another party to buy a fixed amount of U.S. dollars and sell a corresponding amount of yen at a specified future date.
	Foreign currency options are executed in order to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows that are denominated in yen, i.e. primarily profit repatriation from Aflac Japan. We use a combination of options to protect expected future cash flows by simultaneously purchasing call options (options that limit exposure to increasing foreign exchange rates) and selling put options (options that limit exposure to decreasing foreign exchange rates). The combination of these two actions results in no net premium being paid (i.e. a costless or zero-cost collar). Aflac also enters into foreign currency options that give it the right, but not the obligation, to sell yen and buy U.S. dollars at specified future dates at contracted prices.
	Our CDSs are used to assume credit risk related to an individual security or an index. The only CDS derivatives that we have entered into relate to components of certain of our investments in VIEs. These CDS contracts entitle the consolidated VIE to receive periodic fees in exchange for an obligation to compensate the derivative counterparties should the reference security issuers experience a credit event, as defined in the contract.
	Interest rate swaps involve the periodic exchange of cash flows with other parties, at specified intervals, calculated using agreed upon rates or other financial variables and notional principal amounts. Typically, at the time a swap is entered into, the cash flow streams exchanged by the counterparties are equal in value. No cash or principal payments are exchanged at the inception of the contract. Interest rate swaps are primarily used to convert interest receipts on floating-rate fixed-maturity securities contracts to fixed rates. These derivatives are predominantly used to better match cash receipts from assets with cash disbursements required to fund liabilities.
	Interest rate swaptions are options on interest rate swaps. Interest rate collars are combinations of two swaption positions and are executed in order to hedge certain dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities that are held in the Aflac Japan segment. We use collars to protect against significant changes in the fair value associated with interest rate changes of our dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities. In order to maximize the efficiency of the collars while minimizing cost, we set the strike price on each collar so that the premium paid for the ‘payer leg’ is offset by the premium received for having sold the ‘receiver leg’.
	Credit Risk Assumed through Derivatives
	For the interest rate, foreign currency, and credit default swaps associated with our VIE investments for which we are the primary beneficiary, we bear the risk of foreign exchange or interest rate loss due to counterparty default even though we are not a direct counterparty to those contracts. We are a direct counterparty to the interest rate and foreign currency swaps that we have on certain of our senior notes, subordinated debentures, and Samurai notes; foreign currency forwards; foreign currency options; and interest rate swaptions, therefore we are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties in those contracts. The risk of counterparty default for our VIE swaps, foreign currency swaps, certain foreign currency forwards, foreign currency options, and interest rate swaptions is mitigated by collateral posting requirements the counterparty must meet. As of December 31, 2013, there were 11 counterparties to our derivative agreements, with five comprising 86% of the aggregate notional amount. The counterparties to these derivatives are financial institutions with the following credit ratings as of December 31:
		2013															2012
	(In millions)	Notional Amount					Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives					Notional Amount					Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives
		of Derivatives					Fair Value					Fair Value					of Derivatives					Fair Value					Fair Value
	Counterparties' credit rating:
	AA		$	161				$	1				$	(7	)			$	161				$	6				$	(7	)
	A		22,314					487					(830		)			13,209					339					(927		)
	Total		$	22,475				$	488				$	(837	)			$	13,370				$	345				$	(934	)
	We engage in derivative transactions directly with unaffiliated third parties under International Swaps and Derivative Association, Inc. (ISDA) agreements and other documentation. Most of the ISDA agreements also include Credit Support Annex (CSA) provisions, which generally provide for two-way collateral postings, in certain cases at the first dollar of exposure and in other cases once various rating and exposure threshold levels are triggered. We mitigate the risk that counterparties to transactions might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring counterparty credit exposure and collateral value while generally requiring that collateral be posted at the outset of the transaction or that additional collateral be posted upon the occurrence of certain events or circumstances. In addition, a significant portion of the derivative transactions have provisions that require collateral to be posted upon a downgrade of our long-term debt ratings or give the counterparty the right to terminate the transaction upon a downgrade of Aflac’s financial strength rating. The actual amount of collateral required to be posted to counterparties in the event of such downgrades, or the aggregate amount of payments that we could be required to make, depends on market conditions, the fair value of outstanding affected transactions, and other factors prevailing at and after the time of the downgrade.
	Collateral posted by us to third parties for derivative transactions was $8 million at December 31, 2013, which consisted of $7 million of pledged JGBs and $1 million of cash. There was no collateral posted to third parties for derivative transactions at December 31, 2012. This collateral can generally be repledged or resold by the counterparties. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position by counterparty was $18 million as of December 31, 2013. There were no derivative instruments with credit-risk related contingent features in a net liability position by counterparty as of December 31, 2012. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements had been triggered on December 31, 2013, we estimate that we would be required to post a maximum of $10 million of additional collateral to these derivative counterparties. Collateral obtained by us from third parties for derivative transactions was $295 million at December 31, 2013. There was no collateral obtained from third parties at December 31, 2012. We generally can repledge or resell collateral obtained by us, although we do not typically exercise such rights.
	Certain of our consolidated VIEs have credit default swap contracts that require them to assume credit risk from an asset pool. Those consolidated VIEs will receive periodic payments based on an agreed upon rate and notional amount and will only make a payment by delivery of associated collateral, which consists of highly rated asset-backed securities, if there is a credit event. A credit event payment will typically be equal to the notional value of the swap contract less the value of the referenced obligations. A credit event is generally defined as a default on contractually obligated interest or principal payments or bankruptcy of the referenced entity. The diversified portfolios of corporate issuers are established within sector concentration limits.
	The following tables present the maximum potential risk, fair value, weighted-average years to maturity, and underlying referenced credit obligation type for credit default swaps within consolidated VIE structures as of December 31.
	2013
			Less than								One to								Three to								Five to								Total
			one year								three years								five years								ten years
	(In millions)	Credit	Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum			Estimated
		Rating	potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential			fair value
			risk								risk								risk								risk								risk
	Index exposure:
	Corporate bonds:
		A	$	0			$	0			$	(112	)		$	1			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	(112	)	$	1
		BBB	0				0				0				0				0				0				(95		)		(4		)		(95		)	(4		)
	Total		$	0			$	0			$	(112	)		$	1			$	0			$	0			$	(95	)		$	(4	)		$	(207	)	$	(3	)
	2012
			Less than								One to								Three to								Five to								Total
			one year								three years								five years								ten years
	(In millions)	Credit	Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum			Estimated
		Rating	potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential			fair value
			risk								risk								risk								risk								risk
	Index exposure:
	Corporate bonds:
		A	$	0			$	0			$	(133	)		$	2			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	(133	)	$	2
		BB or lower	0				0				0				0				(106		)		(47		)		(116		)		(20		)		(222		)	(67		)
	Total		$	0			$	0			$	(133	)		$	2			$	(106	)		$	(47	)		$	(116	)		$	(20	)		$	(355	)	$	(65	)
	Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments
	Freestanding derivatives are carried in our consolidated balance sheets either as assets within other assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. See Note 5 for a discussion on how we determine the fair value of our derivatives. Accruals on derivatives are recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are generally reported within derivative and other gains(losses), which is a component of realized investment gains (losses). The fluctuations in estimated fair value of derivatives that have not been designated for hedge accounting can result in volatility in net earnings.
	Hedge Documentation and Effectiveness Testing
	To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated risk of the hedged item. At the inception of the hedging relationship, we formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking each hedge transaction. We document the designation of each hedge as either (i) a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability or the hedge of a forecasted transaction ("cash flow hedge"); (ii) a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability ("fair value hedge"); or (iii) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. The documentation process includes linking derivatives and nonderivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets or groups of assets or liabilities on the statement of financial position or to specific forecasted transactions and defining the effectiveness and ineffectiveness testing methods to be used. At the hedge's inception and on an ongoing quarterly basis, we also formally assess whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions have been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective in offsetting their designated risk. Hedge effectiveness is assessed using qualitative and quantitative methods.
	For assessing hedge effectiveness of cash flow hedges, qualitative methods may include the comparison of critical terms of the derivative to the hedged item, and quantitative methods include regression or other statistical analysis of changes in cash flows associated with the hedge relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness of the hedge relationships is measured each reporting period using the “Hypothetical Derivative Method.” For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). All components of each derivative's gain or loss are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
	For assessing hedge effectiveness of fair value hedges, qualitative methods may include the comparison of critical terms of the derivative to the hedged item, and quantitative methods include regression or other statistical analysis of changes in cash flows associated with the hedge relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness of the hedge relationships is measured each reporting period using the dollar offset method. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative, including amounts measured as ineffectiveness, and changes in the estimated fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged, are reported in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses).
	For the hedge of our net investment in Aflac Japan, we have designated Parent Company yen-denominated liabilities as non-derivative hedging instruments and have designated certain foreign currency forwards and options as derivative hedging instruments. We make our net investment hedge designation at the beginning of each quarter. For assessing hedge effectiveness of net investment hedges, if the total of the designated Parent Company non-derivative and derivatives notional is equal to or less than our net investment in Aflac Japan, the hedge is deemed to be effective. If the hedge is effective, the related exchange effect on the yen-denominated liabilities is reported in the unrealized foreign currency component of other comprehensive income. For derivatives designated as net investment hedges, Aflac follows the forward-rate method. According to that method, all changes in fair value, including changes related to the forward-rate component of foreign currency forward contracts and the time value of foreign currency options, are reported in the unrealized foreign currency component of other comprehensive income. Should these designated net investment hedge positions exceed our net investment in Aflac Japan, the foreign exchange effect on the portion that exceeds our investment in Aflac Japan would be recognized in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses).
	Discontinuance of Hedge Accounting
	We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when (1) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated cash flows or fair value of a hedged item; (2) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument; or (3) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised.
	When hedge accounting is discontinued on a cash flow hedge or fair value hedge, the derivative is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in current period earnings. For discontinued cash flow hedges, including those where the derivative is sold, terminated or exercised, amounts previously deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified into earnings when earnings are impacted by the cash flow of the hedged item.
	Derivative Balance Sheet Classification
	The tables below summarize the balance sheet classification of our derivative fair value amounts, as well as the gross asset and liability fair value amounts, at December 31. The fair value amounts presented do not include income accruals. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated. Notional amounts are not reflective of credit risk.
		2013
	(In millions)	Net Derivatives												Asset						Liability
														Derivatives						Derivatives
	Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type	Notional						Fair Value						Fair Value						Fair Value
		Amount
	Cash flow hedges:
Foreign currency swaps		$	75					$	3					$	3					$	0
Interest rate swaps		52						0						0						0
Total cash flow hedges		127						3						3						0
Fair value hedges:
Foreign currency forwards		11,249						(582		)				0						(582		)
Interest rate swaptions		4,500						(12		)				20						(32		)
Total fair value hedges		15,749						(594		)				20						(614		)
Net investment hedge:
Foreign currency forwards		356						17						17						0
Foreign currency options		95						3						4						(1		)
Total net investment hedge		451						20						21						(1		)
Non-qualifying strategies:
Foreign currency swaps		5,829						224						442						(218		)
Credit default swaps		207						(3		)				1						(4		)
Interest rate swaps		112						1						1						0
Total non-qualifying strategies		6,148						222						444						(222		)
Total derivatives		$	22,475					$	(349	)				$	488					$	(837	)
Balance Sheet Location
Other assets		$	5,308					$	488					$	488					$	0
Other liabilities		17,167						(837		)				0						(837		)
Total derivatives		$	22,475					$	(349	)				$	488					$	(837	)
	2012
(In millions)	Net Derivatives												Asset						Liability
													Derivatives						Derivatives
Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type	Notional						Fair Value						Fair Value						Fair Value
	Amount
Cash flow hedges:
Foreign currency swaps		$	75					$	14					$	14					$	0
Interest rate swaps		64						0						0						0
Total cash flow hedges		139						14						14						0
Fair value hedges:
Foreign currency forwards		6,944						(535		)				0						(535		)
Total fair value hedges		6,944						(535		)				0						(535		)
Non-qualifying strategies:
Foreign currency swaps		5,577						(32		)				297						(329		)
Credit default swaps		355						(65		)				2						(67		)
Interest rate swaps		355						29						32						(3		)
Total non-qualifying strategies		6,287						(68		)				331						(399		)
Total derivatives		$	13,370					$	(589	)				$	345					$	(934	)
Balance Sheet Location
Other assets		$	2,585					$	345					$	345					$	0
Other liabilities		10,785						(934		)				0						(934		)
Total derivatives		$	13,370					$	(589	)				$	345					$	(934	)
Cash Flow Hedges
Certain of our consolidated VIEs have foreign currency swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment. For those that have qualified, we have designated the derivative as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a forecasted transaction or of amounts to be received or paid related to a recognized asset (“cash flow” hedge). We expect to continue this hedging activity for a weighted-average period of approximately 12 years. The remaining derivatives in our consolidated VIEs that have not qualified for hedge accounting have been designated as held for other investment purposes (“non-qualifying strategies”).
We have an interest rate swap agreement related to 5.5 billion yen variable interest rate Samurai notes that we issued in July 2011 (see Note 9). By entering into this contract, we swapped the variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 1.475%. We have designated this interest rate swap as a hedge of the variability in our interest cash flows associated with the variable interest rate Samurai notes. The notional amount and terms of the swap match the principal amount and terms of the variable interest rate Samurai notes, and the swap had no value at inception. Changes in the fair value of the swap contract are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as long as the hedge is deemed effective. Should any portion of the hedge be deemed ineffective, that ineffective portion would be reported in net earnings.
Fair Value Hedges
We designate and account for certain foreign currency forwards as fair value hedges when they meet the requirements for hedge accounting. These foreign currency forwards hedge the foreign currency exposure of certain dollar-denominated fixed maturity securities within the investment portfolio of our Aflac Japan segment. We recognize gains and losses on these derivatives and the related hedged items in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). The change in the fair value of the foreign currency forwards related to the changes in the difference between the spot rate and the forward price is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
We designate and account for interest rate swaptions as fair value hedges when they meet the requirements for hedge accounting. These interest rate swaptions hedge the interest rate exposure of certain dollar-denominated fixed maturity securities within the investment portfolio of our Aflac Japan segment. We recognize gains and losses on these derivatives and the related hedged items in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). The change in the fair value of the interest rate swaptions related to time to expiry is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
The following table presents the gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges for the year ended December 31.
Fair Value Hedging Relationships
(In millions)			Hedging Derivatives												Hedged Items
Hedging Derivatives	Hedged Items		Total				Gains (Losses)				Gains (Losses)				Gains (Losses)				Ineffectiveness
			Gains (Losses)				Excluded from Effectiveness Testing				Included in Effectiveness Testing								Recognized for Fair Value Hedge
2013:00:00
Foreign currency forwards	Fixed-maturity securities		$	(1,735	)		$	(25	)		$	(1,710	)		$	1,700			$	(10	)
Interest rate	Fixed-maturity securities		17				17				0				0				0
swaptions
2012:00:00
Foreign currency	Fixed-maturity securities		$	(535	)		$	(8	)		$	(527	)		$	528			$	1
forwards
Net Investment Hedge
Our primary exposure to be hedged is our net investment in Aflac Japan, which is affected by changes in the yen/dollar exchange rate. To mitigate this exposure, we have designated a majority of the Parent Company's yen-denominated liabilities (Samurai and Uridashi notes and yen-denominated loans - see Note 9) as nonderivative hedges and designated foreign currency forwards and options, as described below, as derivative hedges of the foreign currency exposure of our net investment in Aflac Japan.
We had foreign exchange forwards and options to economically hedge foreign exchange risk on 65 billion yen of the 2013 repatriation received from Aflac Japan in July 2013. As of December 31, 2013, we had foreign exchange forwards and options as part of an economic hedge on 47.5 billion yen of the profit repatriation expected to be received in July 2014. In January 2014, we restructured this hedge with a new 52.5 billion yen foreign exchange forward contract.
Our net investment hedge was effective for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Non-qualifying Strategies
For our derivative instruments in consolidated VIEs that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, all changes in their fair value are reported in current period earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). The amount of gain or loss recognized in earnings for our VIEs is attributable to the derivatives in those investment structures. While the change in value of the swaps is recorded through current period earnings, the change in value of the available-for-sale fixed income or perpetual securities associated with these swaps is recorded through other comprehensive income.
We have cross-currency interest rate swap agreements related to our $700 million senior notes due June 2023, $400 million senior notes due February 2017, $350 million senior notes due February 2022, and $500 million subordinated debentures due September 2052. Changes in the values of these swaps are recorded through current period earnings. For additional information regarding these swaps, see Note 9.
Impact of Derivatives and Hedging Instruments
The following table summarizes the impact to realized investment gains (losses) and other comprehensive income (loss) from all derivatives and hedging instruments for the years ended December 31.
	2013										2012										2011
(In millions)	Realized Investment					Other					Realized Investment					Other					Realized					Other
	Gains (Losses)					Comprehensive					Gains (Losses)					Comprehensive					Investment					Comprehensive
						Income (Loss)(1)										Income (Loss)(1)					Gains (Losses)					Income (Loss)(1)
Qualifying
hedges:
Cash flow
hedges:
Foreign		$	(2	)			$	(10	)			$	(3	)			$	(22	)			$	0				$	(35	)
currency
swaps
Interest rate		0					0					0					0					0					2
swaps
Total cash flow		(2		)			(10		)			(3		)			(22		)			0					(33		)
hedges
Fair value
hedges:
Foreign		(35		)			0					(7		)			0					0					0
currency
forwards(2)
Interest rate		17					0					0					0					0					0
swaptions
Total fair value		(18		)			0					(7		)			0					0					0
hedges
Net investment
hedge:
Non-		0					155					0					96					0					(54		)
derivative
hedging
instruments
Foreign		0					(104		)			0					0					0					0
currency
swaps
Foreign		0					24					0					0					0					0
currency
forwards
Foreign		0					4					0					0					0					0
currency
options
Total net		0					79					0					96					0					(54		)
investment
hedge
Non-qualifying
strategies:
Foreign		346					0					111					0					(160		)			0
currency
swaps
Foreign		11					0					0					0					0					0
currency
options
Credit		31					0					64					0					(64		)			0
default
swaps
Interest rate		(8		)			0					(14		)			0					(33		)			0
swaps
Interest rate		(29		)			0					0					0					0					0
swaptions
Other		(5		)			0					0					0					0					0
Total non-		346					0					161					0					(257		)			0
qualifying
strategies
Total		$	326				$	69				$	151				$	74				$	(257	)			$	(87	)
(1) Cash flow hedge items are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and net investment hedge items are recorded in the unrealized
foreign currency translation gains (losses) line in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).
(2) Impact shown net of effect of hedged items (see Fair Value Hedges section of this Note 4 for further detail)
There was no gain or loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings related to our designated cash flow hedges and net investment hedge for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. As of December 31, 2013, deferred gains and losses on derivative instruments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income that are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are immaterial.
Offsetting of Financial Instruments and Derivatives
Certain of the Company's derivative instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide for the net settlement of all derivative contracts between the Company and a counterparty in the event of default or upon the occurrence of certain termination events. Collateral support agreements with certain of the master netting arrangements provide that the Company will receive or pledge financial collateral in the event either minimum thresholds, or in certain cases ratings levels, have been reached.
We have securities lending agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions that post collateral to us in return for the use of our fixed maturity securities (see Note 3). When we have entered into securities lending agreements with the same counterparty, the agreements generally provide for net settlement in the event of default by the counterparty. This right of set-off would allow us to keep and apply collateral received if the counterparty failed to return the securities borrowed from us as contractually agreed. For additional information on the Company's accounting policy for securities lending, see
Note 1.
The tables below summarize our derivatives and securities lending transactions as of December 31, and as reflected in the tables, in accordance with GAAP, our policy is to not offset these financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
2013
																			Gross Amounts Not Offset
																			in Balance Sheet
(in millions)	Gross Amount of Recognized Assets						Gross Amount						Net Amount of Assets Presented in Balance Sheet						Carrying Value of Financial Instruments					Collateral Received						Net Amount
							Offset in
							Balance Sheet
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency swaps		$	445					$	0					$	445					$	0				$	(276	)				$	169
Foreign currency forwards		17						0						17						0					(16		)				1
Foreign currency options		4						0						4						0					(3		)				1
Credit default swaps		1						0						1						0					0						1
Interest rate swaps		1						0						1						0					0						1
Interest rate swaptions		20						0						20						0					0						20
Total derivative assets,		488						0						488						0					(295		)	(1)			193
subject to a master
netting arrangement
or offsetting
arrangement
Securities lending and		5,656						0						5,656						0					(5,656		)				0
similar arrangements
Total		$	6,144					$	0					$	6,144					$	0				$	(5,951	)				$	193
(1) Consists entirely of cash.
2012
																			Gross Amounts Not Offset
																			in Balance Sheet
(In millions)	Gross Amount of Recognized Assets						Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet						Net Amount of Assets Presented in Balance Sheet						Carrying Value of Financial Instruments					Collateral Received						Net Amount
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency swaps		$	311					$	0					$	311					$	0				$	0					$	311
Credit default swaps		2						0						2						0					0						2
Interest rate swaps		32						0						32						0					0						32
Total derivative assets,		345						0						345						0					0						345
subject to a master
netting arrangement
or offsetting
arrangement
Securities lending and		6,122						0						6,122						0					(6,122		)				0
similar arrangements
Total		$	6,467					$	0					$	6,467					$	0				$	(6,122	)				$	345
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
2013
																			Gross Amounts Not Offset
																			in Balance Sheet
(In millions)	Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities						Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet						Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet						Carrying Value of Financial Instruments					Collateral Pledged						Net Amount
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency swaps		$	(218	)				$	0					$	(218	)				$	0				$	1					$	(217	)
Foreign currency forwards		(582		)				0						(582		)				0					0						(582		)
Foreign currency options		(1		)				0						(1		)				0					0						(1		)
Credit default swaps		(4		)				0						(4		)				0					0						(4		)
Interest rate swaptions		(32		)				0						(32		)				0					7						(25		)
Total derivative liabilities,		(837		)				0						(837		)				0					8			(1)			(829		)
subject to a master
netting arrangement
or offsetting
arrangement
Securities lending and		(5,820		)				0						(5,820		)				5,656					0						(164		)
similar arrangements
Total		$	(6,657	)				$	0					$	(6,657	)				$	5,656				$	8					$	(993	)
(1) Consists of $7 of pledged JGBs and $1 of cash.
2012
																			Gross Amounts Not Offset
																			in Balance Sheet
(In millions)	Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities						Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet						Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet						Carrying Value of Financial Instruments					Collateral Pledged						Net Amount
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency swaps		$	(329	)				$	0					$	(329	)				$	0				$	0					$	(329	)
Foreign currency forwards		(535		)				0						(535		)				0					0						(535		)
Credit default swaps		(67		)				0						(67		)				0					0						(67		)
Interest rate swaps		(3		)				0						(3		)				0					0						(3		)
Total derivative liabilities,		(934		)				0						(934		)				0					0						(934		)
subject to a master
netting arrangement
or offsetting
arrangement
Securities lending and		(6,277		)				0						(6,277		)				6,122					0						(155		)
similar arrangements
Total		$	(7,211	)				$	0					$	(7,211	)				$	6,122				$	0					$	(1,089	)
For additional information on our financial instruments, see the accompanying Notes 1, 3 and 5.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. These two types of inputs create three valuation hierarchy levels. Level 1 valuations reflect quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 valuations reflect quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets or model-derived valuations in which all significant valuation inputs are observable in active markets. Level 3 valuations reflect valuations in which one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in an active market.
	The following tables present the fair value hierarchy levels of the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31.
		2013
	(In millions)	Quoted Prices in						Significant						Significant						Total
		Active Markets						Observable						Unobservable						Fair
		for Identical						Inputs						Inputs						Value
		Assets						(Level 2)						(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Securities available for sale, carried at
	fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Government and agencies		$	14,928					$	504					$	0					$	15,432
	Municipalities		0						1,051						0						1,051
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		0						402						369						771
	Public utilities		0						7,562						0						7,562
	Sovereign and supranational		0						1,523						0						1,523
	Banks/financial institutions		0						6,486						23						6,509
	Other corporate		0						25,222						0						25,222
	Total fixed maturities		14,928						42,750						392						58,070
	Perpetual securities:
	Banks/financial institutions		0						2,686						52						2,738
	Other corporate		0						209						0						209
	Total perpetual securities		0						2,895						52						2,947
	Equity securities		14						4						3						21
	Other assets:
	Foreign currency swaps		0						341						104						445
	Foreign currency forwards		0						17						0						17
	Foreign currency options		0						4						0						4
	Credit default swaps		0						0						1						1
	Interest rate swaps		0						0						1						1
	Interest rate swaptions		0						20						0						20
	Total other assets		0						382						106						488
	Cash and cash equivalents		2,543						0						0						2,543
	Total assets		$	17,485					$	46,031					$	553					$	64,069
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency swaps		$	0					$	15					$	203					$	218
	Foreign currency forwards		0						582						0						582
	Foreign currency options		0						1						0						1
	Credit default swaps		0						0						4						4
	Interest rate swaptions		0						32						0						32
	Total liabilities		$	0					$	630					$	207					$	837
		2012
	(In millions)	Quoted Prices in						Significant						Significant						Total
		Active Markets						Observable						Unobservable						Fair
		for Identical						Inputs						Inputs						Value
		Assets						(Level 2)						(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Securities available for sale, carried at
	fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Government and agencies		$	12,265					$	732					$	0					$	12,997
	Municipalities		0						1,195						0						1,195
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		0						693						338						1,031
	Public utilities		0						8,077						420						8,497
	Sovereign and supranational		0						1,654						418						2,072
	Banks/financial institutions		0						6,610						1,024						7,634
	Other corporate		0						22,841						986						23,827
	Total fixed maturities		12,265						41,802						3,186						57,253
	Perpetual securities:
Banks/financial institutions		0						3,735						215						3,950
Other corporate		0						352						0						352
Total perpetual securities		0						4,087						215						4,302
Equity securities		13						6						4						23
Other assets:
Foreign currency swaps		0						154						157						311
Credit default swaps		0						0						2						2
Interest rate swaps		0						0						32						32
Total other assets		0						154						191						345
Cash and cash equivalents		2,041						0						0						2,041
Total assets		$	14,319					$	46,049					$	3,596					$	63,964
Liabilities:
Foreign currency swaps		$	0					$	0					$	329					$	329
Foreign currency forwards		0						535						0						535
Credit default swaps		0						0						67						67
Interest rate swaps		0						0						3						3
Total liabilities		$	0					$	535					$	399					$	934
The following tables present the carrying amount and fair value categorized by fair value hierarchy level for the Company's financial instruments that are not carried at fair value as of December 31.
	2013
(In millions)	Carrying					Quoted Prices in						Significant						Significant					Total
	Value					Active Markets						Observable						Unobservable					Fair
						for Identical						Inputs						Inputs					Value
						Assets						(Level 2)						(Level 3)
						(Level 1)
Assets:
Securities held to maturity,
carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturities:
Government and agencies		$	27,362				$	28,708					$	0					$	0					$	28,708
Municipalities		399					0						440						0						440
Mortgage and asset-backed		58					0						20						41						61
securities
Public utilities		3,900					0						3,928						0						3,928
Sovereign and		2,941					0						3,040						0						3,040
supranational
Banks/financial institutions		6,310					0						6,128						0						6,128
Other corporate		3,445					0						3,541						0						3,541
Total assets		$	44,415				$	28,708					$	17,097					$	41					$	45,846
Liabilities:
Other policyholders’ funds		$	5,861				$	0					$	0					$	5,715					$	5,715
Notes payable		4,891					0						0						5,241						5,241
(excluding capital leases)
Total liabilities		$	10,752				$	0					$	0					$	10,956					$	10,956
						2012
(In millions)	Carrying					Quoted Prices in						Significant						Significant						Total
	Value					Active Markets						Observable						Unobservable						Fair
						for Identical						Inputs						Inputs						Value
						Assets						(Level 2)						(Level 3)
						(Level 1)
Assets:
Securities held to maturity,
carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturities:
Government and agencies		$	32,043				$	32,332					$	0					$	0					$	32,332
Municipalities		492					0						520						0						520
Mortgage and asset-backed		90					0						30						64						94
securities
Public utilities		4,924					0						5,051						0						5,051
Sovereign and		3,209					0						3,317						0						3,317
supranational
Banks/financial institutions		9,211					0						8,991						0						8,991
Other corporate		4,457					0						4,536						0						4,536
Total assets		$	54,426				$	32,332					$	22,445					$	64					$	54,841
Liabilities:
Other policyholders’ funds		$	5,319				$	0					$	0					$	5,151					$	5,151
Notes payable		4,343					0						0						4,992						4,992
(excluding capital leases)
Obligation to Japanese		23					0						0						23						23
policyholder protection
corporation
Total liabilities		$	9,685				$	0					$	0					$	10,166					$	10,166
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
U.S. GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of certain financial instruments including those that are not carried at fair value. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued investment income, accounts payable, cash collateral and payables for security transactions approximated their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims are not financial instruments as defined by GAAP.
Fixed maturities, perpetual securities, and equity securities
We determine the fair values of our fixed maturity securities, perpetual securities, and privately issued equity securities using the following approaches or techniques: price quotes and valuations from third party pricing vendors (including quoted market prices readily available from public exchange markets) and non-binding price quotes we obtain from outside brokers.
Prior to March 31, 2013, we had used a discounted cash flow (DCF) pricing model to value certain of our privately issued securities. Our DCF pricing model incorporated an option adjusted spread and utilized various market inputs we obtained from both active and inactive markets. The estimated fair values developed by the DCF pricing model were most sensitive to prevailing credit spreads, the level of interest rates (yields) and interest rate volatility. Credit spreads were derived from a widely used global bond index to create a credit matrix which took into account the current credit spread, ratings and remaining time to maturity, and subordination levels for securities that were included in the bond index. The index provided a broad-based measure of the global fixed-income bond market. Beginning March 31, 2013, we engaged a third party pricing vendor to develop valuation models to determine fair values of these securities to reflect the impact of the persistent economic environment and the changing regulatory framework. These models are also DCF models, but also use information from related markets, specifically the CDS market to estimate expected cash flows. These models take into consideration any unique characteristics of the securities and make various adjustments to arrive at an appropriate issuer-specific loss adjusted credit curve. This credit curve is then used with the relevant recovery rates to estimate expected cash flows and modeling of additional features, including illiquidity adjustments, if necessary, to price the security by discounting those loss adjusted cash flows. In cases where a credit curve cannot be developed from the specific security features, the valuation methodology takes into consideration other market observable inputs, including: 1) the most appropriate comparable security(ies) of the issuer; 2) issuer-specific CDS spreads; 3) bonds or CDS spreads of comparable issuers with similar characteristics such as rating, geography, or sector; or 4) bond indices that are comparative in rating, industry, maturity and region.
The pricing data and market quotes we obtain from outside sources, including third party pricing services, are reviewed internally for reasonableness. If a fair value appears unreasonable, we will re-examine the inputs and assess the reasonableness of the pricing data with the vendor. Additionally, we may compare the inputs to relevant market indices and other performance measurements. The output of this analysis is presented to the Company's Valuations and Classifications Subcommittee, or VCS. Based on the analysis provided to the VCS, the valuation is confirmed or may be revised if there is evidence of a more appropriate estimate of fair value based on available market data. With the implementation of the change in pricing methodology associated with privately issued securities previously noted, we have performed verification of the inputs and calculations in the models to confirm that the valuations represent reasonable estimates of fair value.
The fixed maturities classified as Level 3 consist of securities for which there are limited or no observable valuation inputs. For Level 3 securities that are investment grade, we estimate the fair value of these securities by obtaining non-binding broker quotes from a limited number of brokers. These brokers base their quotes on a combination of their knowledge of the current pricing environment and market conditions. We consider these inputs to be unobservable. For Level 3 investments that are below-investment-grade securities, we consider a variety of significant valuation inputs in the valuation process, including forward exchange rates, yen swap rates, dollar swap rates, interest rate volatilities, credit spread data on specific issuers, assumed default and default recovery rates, and certain probability assumptions. In obtaining these valuation inputs, we have determined that certain pricing assumptions and data used by our pricing sources are difficult to validate or corroborate by the market and/or appear to be internally developed rather than observed in or corroborated by the market. The use of these unobservable valuation inputs causes more subjectivity in the valuation process for these securities.
Historically, we have not adjusted the quotes or prices we obtain from the pricing services and brokers we use.
The following tables present the pricing sources for the fair values of our fixed maturities, perpetual securities, and equity securities as of December 31.
		2013
(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets						Significant Observable Inputs						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
		(Level 1)						(Level 2)						(Level 3)						Fair
																				Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturities:
Government and agencies:
Third party pricing vendor			$	14,928					$	504					$	0					$	15,432
Total government and agencies			14,928						504						0						15,432
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						1,051						0						1,051
Total municipalities			0						1,051						0						1,051
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						402						0						402
Broker/other			0						0						369						369
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities			0						402						369						771
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						7,562						0						7,562
Total public utilities			0						7,562						0						7,562
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor			0						1,523						0						1,523
Total sovereign and supranational			0						1,523						0						1,523
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor			0						6,486						0						6,486
Broker/other			0						0						23						23
Total banks/financial institutions			0						6,486						23						6,509
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor			0						25,220						0						25,220
Broker/other			0						2						0						2
Total other corporate			0						25,222						0						25,222
Total fixed maturities			14,928						42,750						392						58,070
Perpetual securities:
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor			0						2,686						52						2,738
Total banks/financial institutions			0						2,686						52						2,738
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor			0						209						0						209
Total other corporate			0						209						0						209
Total perpetual securities			0						2,895						52						2,947
Equity securities:
Third party pricing vendor			14						4						0						18
Broker/other			0						0						3						3
Total equity securities			14						4						3						21
Total securities available for sale			$	14,942					$	45,649					$	447					$	61,038
		2013
(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets						Significant Observable Inputs						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
		(Level 1)						(Level 2)						(Level 3)						Fair
																				Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturities:
Government and agencies:
Third party pricing vendor			$	28,708					$	0					$	0					$	28,708
Total government and agencies			28,708						0						0						28,708
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						440						0						440
Total municipalities			0						440						0						440
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						20						0						20
Broker/other			0						0						41						41
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities			0						20						41						61
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						3,928						0						3,928
Total public utilities			0						3,928						0						3,928
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor			0						3,040						0						3,040
Total sovereign and supranational			0						3,040						0						3,040
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor			0						6,128						0						6,128
Total banks/financial institutions			0						6,128						0						6,128
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor			0						3,509						0						3,509
Broker/other			0						32						0						32
Total other corporate			0						3,541						0						3,541
Total securities held to maturity			$	28,708					$	17,097					$	41					$	45,846
		2012
(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets						Significant Observable						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
		for Identical Assets						Inputs						(Level 3)						Fair
		(Level 1)						(Level 2)												Value
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturities:
Government and agencies:
Third party pricing vendor			$	12,265					$	685					$	0					$	12,950
DCF pricing model			0						47						0						47
Total government and agencies			12,265						732						0						12,997
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						1,177						0						1,177
DCF pricing model			0						18						0						18
Total municipalities			0						1,195						0						1,195
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						682						0						682
DCF pricing model			0						11						0						11
Broker/other			0						0						338						338
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities			0						693						338						1,031
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						5,169						0						5,169
DCF pricing model			0						2,908						420						3,328
Total public utilities			0						8,077						420						8,497
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor			0						540						0						540
DCF pricing model			0						619						418						1,037
Broker/other			0						495						0						495
Total sovereign and supranational			0						1,654						418						2,072
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor			0						4,257						0						4,257
DCF pricing model			0						2,136						444						2,580
Broker/other			0						217						580						797
Total banks/financial institutions			0						6,610						1,024						7,634
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor			0						18,093						0						18,093
DCF pricing model			0						4,747						575						5,322
Broker/other			0						1						411						412
Total other corporate			0						22,841						986						23,827
Total fixed maturities			12,265						41,802						3,186						57,253
Perpetual securities:
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor			0						283						0						283
DCF pricing model			0						3,452						215						3,667
Total banks/financial institutions			0						3,735						215						3,950
(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets						Significant Observable						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
		for Identical Assets						Inputs						(Level 3)						Fair
		(Level 1)						(Level 2)												Value
Other corporate:
DCF pricing model			0						352						0						352
Total other corporate			0						352						0						352
Total perpetual securities			0						4,087						215						4,302
Equity securities:
Third party pricing vendor			13						0						0						13
DCF pricing model			0						6						0						6
Broker/other			0						0						4						4
Total equity securities			13						6						4						23
Total securities available for sale			$	12,278					$	45,895					$	3,405					$	61,578
		2012
(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets						Significant Observable						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
		for Identical Assets						Inputs						(Level 3)						Fair
		(Level 1)						(Level 2)												Value
Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
Fixed maturities:
Government and agencies:
Third party pricing vendor			$	32,332					$	0					$	0					$	32,332
Total government and agencies			32,332						0						0						32,332
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						464						0						464
DCF pricing model			0						56						0						56
Total municipalities			0						520						0						520
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						30						0						30
Broker/other			0						0						64						64
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities			0						30						64						94
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						58						0						58
DCF pricing model			0						4,993						0						4,993
Total public utilities			0						5,051						0						5,051
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor			0						370						0						370
DCF pricing model			0						2,947						0						2,947
Total sovereign and supranational			0						3,317						0						3,317
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor			0						254						0						254
DCF pricing model			0						8,737						0						8,737
Total banks/financial institutions			0						8,991						0						8,991
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor			0						122						0						122
DCF pricing model			0						4,414						0						4,414
Total other corporate			0						4,536						0						4,536
Total securities held to maturity			$	32,332					$	22,445					$	64					$	54,841
The following is a discussion of the determination of fair value of our remaining financial instruments.
Derivatives
We use derivative instruments to manage the risk associated with certain assets. However, the derivative instrument may not be classified in the same fair value hierarchy level as the associated asset. Inputs used to value derivatives include, but are not limited to, interest rates, credit spreads, foreign currency forward and spot rates, and interest volatility.
The fair values of the foreign currency forwards and interest rate swaptions associated with certain fixed-maturity securities, the foreign currency options, the foreign currency swaps associated with our senior notes and subordinated debentures, and the interest rate swap associated with our yen-denominated notes are based on the amounts we would expect to receive or pay. The determination of the fair value of these derivatives is based on observable market inputs, therefore they are classified as Level 2.
For derivatives associated with VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary, we are not the direct counterparty to the swap contracts. As a result, the fair value measurements incorporate the credit risk of the collateral associated with the VIE. We receive valuations from a third party pricing vendor for these derivatives. Based on an analysis of these derivatives and a review of the methodology employed by the pricing vendor, we determined that due to the long duration of these swaps and the need to extrapolate from short-term observable data to derive and measure long-term inputs, certain inputs, assumptions and judgments are required to value future cash flows that cannot be corroborated by current inputs or current observable market data. As a result, the derivatives associated with our consolidated VIEs are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Other policyholders' funds
The largest component of the other policyholders' funds liability is our annuity line of business in Aflac Japan. Our annuities have fixed benefits and premiums, with short payouts that are almost all annuity-certain. For this product, we estimated the fair value to be equal to the cash surrender value. This is analogous to the value paid to policyholders on the valuation date if they were to surrender their policy. We periodically check the cash value against discounted cash flow projections for reasonableness. We consider our inputs for this valuation to be unobservable and have accordingly classified this valuation as Level 3.
Notes payable
The fair values of our publicly issued notes payable classified as Level 3 were obtained from a limited number of independent brokers. These brokers base their quotes on a combination of their knowledge of the current pricing environment and market conditions. We consider these inputs to be unobservable. The fair values of our yen-denominated loans approximate their carrying values.
Obligation to Japanese policyholder protection corporation
The fair value of the obligation to the Japanese policyholder protection corporation classified as Level 3 is our estimated share of the industry's obligation calculated on a pro rata basis by projecting our percentage of the industry's premiums and reserves and applying that percentage to the total industry obligation payable in future years. We consider our inputs for this valuation to be unobservable. As of December 31, 2013, we did not have an accrued obligation to the Japanese policyholder protection corporation.
Level 3 Rollforward and Transfers between Hierarchy Levels
The following tables present the changes in fair value of our available-for-sale investments and derivatives classified as Level 3 as of December 31.
2013
	Fixed Maturities																				Perpetual				Equity			Derivatives(1)
																					Securities				Securities
(In millions)	Mortgage-				Public				Sovereign				Banks/				Other				Banks/							Interest			Foreign			Credit			Total
	and				Utilities				and				Financial				Corporate				Financial							Rate			Currency			Default
	Asset-								Supranational				Institutions								Institutions							Swaps			Swaps			Swaps
	Backed
	Securities
Balance, beginning of period	$	338			$	420			$	418			$	1,024			$	986			$	215			$	4		$	29		$	(172	)	$	(65	)	$	3,197
Realized investment gains (losses) included	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			(8		)	84			29			105
in earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other	(72		)		(20		)		0				(4		)		0				3				(1		)	0			(11		)	0			(105		)
comprehensive income (loss)
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
Purchases	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
Issuances	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
Sales	0				(400		)		0				0				0				0				0			(20		)	0			33			(387		)
Settlements	(13		)		0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			(13		)
Transfers into Level 3(2)	125				0				0				0				0				49				0			0			0			0			174
Transfers out of Level 3(3)	(9		)		0				(418		)		(997		)		(986		)		(215		)		0			0			0			0			(2,625		)
Balance, end of period	$	369			$	0			$	0			$	23			$	0			$	52			$	3		$	1		$	(99	)	$	(3	)	$	346
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating	$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0		$	(8	)	$	84		$	29		$	105
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in realized
investment gains (losses)
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net
(2) Due to a lack of visibility to observe significant inputs to price
(3) A result of changing our pricing methodology to a valuation method that uses observable market data as significant inputs to estimate fair value
2012
	Fixed Maturities																				Perpetual				Equity			Derivatives(1)
																					Securities				Securities
(In millions)	Mortgage-				Public				Sovereign				Banks/				Other				Banks/							Interest			Foreign			Credit			Total
	and				Utilities				and				Financial				Corporate				Financial							Rate			Currency			Default
	Asset-								Supranational				Institutions								Institutions							Swaps			Swaps			Swaps
	Backed
	Securities
Balance, beginning of period	$	394			$	422			$	434			$	1,074			$	1,105			$	526			$	4		$	30		$	(56	)	$	(130	)	$	3,803
Realized investment gains (losses) included	(3		)		0				0				0				2				49				0			(1		)	(61		)	65			51
in earnings
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other	(33		)		(2		)		(16		)		70				(87		)		33				0			0			(22		)	0			(57		)
comprehensive income (loss)
Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
Purchases	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
Issuances	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
Sales	0				0				0				(326		)		(34		)		(393		)		0			0			0			0			(753		)
Settlements	(20		)		0				0				0				0				0				0			0			(33		)	0			(53		)
Transfers into Level 3	0				0				0				206			(2)	0				0				0			0			0			0			206
Transfers out of Level 3	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
Balance, end of period	$	338			$	420			$	418			$	1,024			$	986			$	215			$	4		$	29		$	(172	)	$	(65	)	$	3,197
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating	$	(3	)		$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0		$	(1	)	$	(61	)	$	65		$	0
to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
the end of the period included in realized
investment gains (losses)
(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net
(2) Due to a lack of visibility to observe significant inputs to price
Transfers into and/or out of Level 3 are attributable to a change in the observability of inputs. The most significant transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013 related to our callable reverse dual-currency bonds (RDCs). RDCs are securities that have principal denominated in yen while paying U.S. dollar (USD) coupons. The market standard approach is to use implied volatility to value options or instruments with optionality because historical volatility may not represent current market participants' expectations about future volatility. Under our previous valuation approach, we used historical foreign exchange volatility as an input for valuing these investments. Given the importance of this input to the overall valuation of these RDCs and the determination of this input to be unobservable, we made the decision at December 31, 2011 to move these holdings to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. During the first quarter of 2013, we implemented a new valuation methodology for these securities that relies on comparable securities in the market, the observable forward foreign exchange curve and other market inputs. Given that the significant inputs to the valuation of these items are now based on observable data, in the first quarter of 2013, we transferred these bonds from Level 3 to Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
In addition to the callable RDCs, we transferred certain other corporate securities from Level 3 to Level 2 in the first quarter of 2013. Prices for these securities were previously obtained from brokers and/or arrangers with minimal transparency around how the valuation was determined. Similar to the RDCs, these securities are now valued using the same methodology described above for our other privately issued securities.
There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Fair Value Sensitivity
Level 3 Significant Unobservable Input Sensitivity
The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of our Level 3 available-for-sale investments and derivatives for the years ended December 31. Included in the tables are the inputs or range of possible inputs that have an effect on the overall valuation of the financial instruments.
2013
(In millions)		Fair Value						Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range
												(Weighted Average)
Assets:
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturities:
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			$	369				Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
Banks/financial institutions			23					Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
Perpetual securities:
Banks/financial institutions			52					Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
Equity securities			3					Net asset value		Offered quotes		$1-$774 ($7)
Other assets:
Foreign currency swaps			30					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
										CDS spreads		16 - 141 bps
										Foreign exchange rates		21.16%	(d)
			9					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
										CDS spreads		17 - 149 bps
			65					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
										Foreign exchange rates		21.16%	(d)
Credit default swaps			1					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		65% - 76% (72%)	(a)
										CDS spreads		65 - 106 (92) bps
										Recovery rate		37.00%
Interest rate swaps			1					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		65% - 76% (72%)	(a)
										CDS spreads		65 - 106 (92) bps
										Recovery rate		37.00%
Total assets			$	553
(a) Weighted-average range of base correlations for our bespoke tranches for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(d) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
(e) N/A represents securities where we receive unadjusted broker quotes and for which there is no transparency into the providers' valuation techniques or unobservable inputs.
2013
(In millions)		Fair Value						Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range
												(Weighted Average)
Liabilities:
Foreign currency swaps			$	99				Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
										CDS spreads		16 - 141 bps
										Foreign exchange rates		21.16%	(d)
			24					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
										CDS spreads		11 - 189 bps
			80					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
										Foreign exchange rates		21.16%	(d)
Credit default swaps			4					Discounted cash flow		Base correlations		65% - 76% (72%)	(a)
										CDS spreads		65 - 106 (92) bps
										Recovery rate		37.00%
Total liabilities			$	207
(a) Weighted-average range of base correlations for our bespoke tranches for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(d) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
2012
(In millions)		Fair Value						Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range
												(Weighted Average)
Assets:
Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturities:
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			$	338				Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
Public utilities			420					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
Sovereign and supranational			418					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
Banks/financial institutions			444					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
			580					Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
Other corporate			575					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
			411					Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
Perpetual securities:
Banks/financial institutions			215					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
Equity securities			4					Net asset value		Offered quotes		$2-$943 ($8)
Other assets:
Foreign currency swaps			51					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
										CDS spreads		12 - 117 bps
										Foreign exchange rates		20.65%	(d)
			4					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
										CDS spreads		12 - 126 bps
			102					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
										Foreign exchange rates		20.65%	(d)
Credit default swaps			2					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		49% - 50%	(a)
										CDS spreads		91 - 152 bps
										Recovery rate		37.00%
Interest rate swaps			32					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		49% - 50%	(a)
										CDS spreads		91 - 152 bps
										Recovery rate		37.00%
Total assets			$	3,596
(a) Weighted-average range of base correlations for our bespoke tranches for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(d) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
(e) N/A represents securities where we receive unadjusted broker quotes and for which there is no transparency into the providers' valuation techniques or unobservable inputs.
2012
(In millions)		Fair Value						Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range
												(Weighted Average)
Liabilities:
Foreign currency swaps			$	118				Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
										CDS spreads		22 - 141 bps
										Foreign exchange rates		20.65%	(d)
			60					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
										CDS spreads		25 - 186 bps
			151					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
										Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
										Foreign exchange rates		20.65%	(d)
Credit default swaps			67					Discounted cash flow		Base correlations		49% - 50%	(a)
										CDS spreads		91 - 152 bps
										Recovery rate		37.00%
Interest rate swaps			3					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		49% - 50%	(a)
										CDS spreads		91 - 152 bps
										Recovery rate		37.00%
Total liabilities			$	399
(a) Weighted-average range of base correlations for our bespoke tranches for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(d) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
The following is a discussion of the significant unobservable inputs or valuation technique used in determining the fair value of securities and derivatives classified as Level 3.
Annualized Historical Foreign Exchange Volatility
We own a portfolio of callable RDCs. RDCs are securities that have principal denominated in yen while paying U.S. dollar (USD) coupons. The market standard approach is to use implied volatility to value options or instruments with optionality because historical volatility may not represent current market participants' expectations about future volatility. Our use of historical foreign exchange volatility as an input for valuing these investments could result in a significant increase or decrease in fair value measurement, given the importance of this input to the overall valuation. Prior to the first quarter of 2013, historical volatility was an unobservable input in the determination of fair value of public utilities, sovereign and supranational, certain banks/financial institutions, and certain other corporate investments. As of the first quarter of 2013, we are no longer using this input in the valuation of these securities due to a change in valuation methodology as discussed previously.
Net Asset Value
We hold certain unlisted equity securities whose fair value is derived based on the financial statements published by the investee. These securities do not trade on an active market and the valuations derived are dependent on the availability of timely financial reporting of the investee. Net asset value is an unobservable input in the determination of fair value of equity securities.
Offered Quotes
In circumstances where our valuation model price is overridden because it implies a value that is not consistent with current market conditions, we will solicit bids from a limited number of brokers. We also receive unadjusted prices from brokers for our mortgage and asset-backed securities. These quotes are non-binding but are reflective of valuation best estimates at that particular point in time. Offered quotes are an unobservable input in the determination of fair value of mortgage- and asset-backed securities, certain banks/financial institutions, certain other corporate, and equity securities investments.
Interest Rates, CDS Spreads, Foreign Exchange Rates
The significant drivers of the valuation of the interest and foreign exchange swaps are interest rates, foreign exchange rates and CDS spreads. Our swaps have long maturities that increase the sensitivity of the swaps to interest rate fluctuations. Since most of our yen-denominated cross currency swaps are in a net liability position, an increase in interest rates will decrease the liabilities and increase the value of the swap.
Foreign exchange swaps also have a lump-sum final settlement of foreign exchange principal receivables at the termination of the swap. An increase in yen interest rates will decrease the value of the final settlement foreign exchange receivables and decrease the value of the swap, and an increase in USD interest rates increase the swap value.
A similar sensitivity pattern is observed for the foreign exchange rates. When the spot U.S. dollar/Japanese yen (USD/JPY) foreign exchange rate decreases and the swap is receiving a final exchange payment in JPY, the swap value will increase due to the appreciation of the JPY. Most of our swaps are designed to receive payments in JPY at the termination and will thus be impacted by the USD/JPY foreign exchange rate in this way. In cases where there is no final foreign exchange receivable in JPY and we are paying JPY as interest payments and receiving USD, a decrease in the foreign exchange rate will lead to a decrease in the swap value.
The extinguisher feature in most of our swaps results in a cessation of cash flows and no further payments between the parties to the swap in the event of a default on the referenced or underlying collateral. To price this feature, we apply the survival probability of the referenced entity to the projected cash flows. The survival probability uses the CDS spreads and recovery rates to adjust the present value of the cash flows. For extinguisher swaps with positive values, an increase in CDS spreads decreases the likelihood of receiving the final exchange payments and reduces the value of the swap.
Due to the long duration of these swaps and the need to extrapolate from short-term observable data to derive and measure long-term inputs, certain inputs, assumptions and judgments are required to value future cash flows that cannot be corroborated by current inputs or current observable market data.
Interest rates, CDS spreads, and foreign exchange rates are unobservable inputs in the determination of fair value of foreign currency swaps.
Base Correlations, CDS Spreads, Recovery Rates
Our CDOs are tranches on baskets of single-name credit default swaps. The risks in these types of synthetic CDOs come from the single-name CDS risk and the correlations between the single names. The valuation of synthetic CDOs is dependent on the calibration of market prices for interest rates, single name CDS default probabilities and base correlation using financial modeling tools. Since there is limited or no observable data available for these tranches, these base correlations must be obtained from commonly traded market tranches such as the CDX and iTraxx indices. From the historical prices of these indices, base correlations can be obtained to develop a pricing curve of CDOs with different seniorities. Since the reference entities of the market indices do not match those in our portfolio underlying the synthetic CDO to be valued, several processing steps are taken to map the securities in our portfolio to the indices. With the base correlation determined and the appropriate spreads selected, a valuation is calculated. An increase in the CDS spreads in the underlying portfolio leads to a decrease in the value due to higher probability of defaults and losses. The impact on the valuation due to base correlation depends on a number of factors, including the riskiness between market tranches and the modeled tranche based on our portfolio and the equivalence between detachment points in these tranches. Generally speaking, an increase in base correlation will decrease the value of the senior tranches while increasing the value of junior tranches. This may result in a positive or negative value change.
The CDO tranches in our portfolio are junior tranches and, due to the low level of credit support for these tranches, exhibit equity-like behavior. As a result, an increase in recovery rates tends to cause their values to decrease.
Our interest rate swaps are linked to the underlying synthetic CDOs. The valuation of these swaps is performed using a similar approach to that of the synthetic CDOs themselves; that is, the base correlation model is used to ensure consistency between the synthetic CDOs and the swaps.
Base correlations, CDS spreads, and recovery rates are unobservable inputs in the determination of fair value of credit default swaps and interest rate swaps.
For additional information on our investments and financial instruments, see the accompanying Notes 1, 3 and 4.

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Insurance Expense Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES	'
	DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES
	As discussed in Note 1, effective January 1, 2012 we retrospectively adopted amended accounting guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. As a result, amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of this new accounting guidance for deferred policy acquisition costs.
	Consolidated policy acquisition costs deferred during the year were $1.4 billion in 2013, compared with $1.7 billion in 2012 and $1.6 billion in 2011. The following table presents a rollforward of deferred policy acquisition costs by segment for the years ended December 31.
		2013								2012
	(In millions)	Japan				U.S.				Japan				U.S.
	Deferred policy acquisition costs:
	Balance, beginning of year		$	6,801			$	2,857			$	7,102			$	2,687
	Capitalization		893				555				1,177				570
	Amortization		(641		)		(433		)		(716		)		(400		)
	Foreign currency translation and other		(1,234		)		0				(762		)		0
	Balance, end of year		$	5,819			$	2,979			$	6,801			$	2,857
	Commissions deferred as a percentage of total acquisition costs deferred were 81% in 2013, compared with 84% in 2012 and 82% in 2011.
	Personnel, compensation and benefit expenses as a percentage of insurance expenses were 51% in 2013 and 2012 and 49% in 2011. Advertising expense, which is included in insurance expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings, was as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
	Advertising expense:
	Aflac Japan		$	112			$	127			$	128
	Aflac U.S.		128				127				130
	Total advertising expense		$	240			$	254			$	258
	Depreciation and other amortization expenses, which are included in insurance expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings, were as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
	Depreciation expense		$	56			$	60			$	59
	Other amortization expense		13				7				5
	Total depreciation and other amortization expense		$	69			$	67			$	64
	Lease and rental expense, which are included in insurance expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings, were as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
	Lease and rental expense:
	Aflac Japan		$	55			$	71			$	73
	Aflac U.S.		10				9				8
	Other		1				1				1
	Total lease and rental expense		$	66			$	81			$	82
	Advertising, lease and rental expense decreased for Aflac Japan in 2013 due to the weakening of the yen relative to the U.S. dollar.

POLICY_LIABILITIES

POLICY LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Policy liabilities [Abstract]	'
POLICY LIABILITIES	'
	POLICY LIABILITIES
	Policy liabilities consist of future policy benefits, unpaid policy claims, unearned premiums, and other policyholders' funds, which accounted for 77%, 4%, 12% and 7% of total policy liabilities at December 31, 2013, respectively. We regularly review the adequacy of our policy liabilities in total and by component.
	The liability for future policy benefits as of December 31 consisted of the following:
				Liability Amounts						Interest Rates
	(In millions)	Policy		2013		2012				Year of			In 20
		Issue Year								Issue			Years
	Health insurance:
	Japan:	2002 - 2013		$	3,370	$	2,518			1.25 - 2.5	%		1.25 - 2.5	%
		1974 - 2013		3,889		4,624				2.7 - 2.75			2.25 - 2.75
		1998 - 2013		11,763		13,685				3			3
		1997 - 1999		2,842		3,482				3.5			3.5
		1994 - 1996		3,483		4,261				4.0 - 4.5			4.0 - 4.5
		1987 - 1994		16,727		20,635				5.5			5.5
		1985 - 1991		2,262		2,824				5.25 - 6.75			5.25 - 5.5
		1978 - 1984		2,699		3,416				6.5			5.5
	U.S.:	2013		124		0				3.0 - 3.5			3.0 - 3.5
		2012		221		127				3.75			3.75
		2011		243		202				4.75			4.75
		2005 - 2010		2,897		2,775				5.5			5.5
		1988 - 2004		725		748				8			6
		1986 - 2004		1,301		1,317				6			6
		1981 - 1986		190		198				6.5 - 7.0			5.5 - 6.5
		1998 - 2004		1,237		1,200				7			7
		Other		22		23
	Life insurance:
	Japan:	2013		59		0				1.5 - 1.75			1.5 - 1.75
		2001 - 2013		3,009		2,238				1.65 - 1.85			1.65 - 1.85
		2011 - 2013		1,584		733				2			2
		2009 - 2011		1,648		1,374				2.25			2.25
		2005 - 2011		1,211		1,231				2.5			2.5
		1985 - 2006		2,303		2,791				2.7			2.25
		2007 - 2011		1,025		1,049				2.75			2.75
		1999 - 2011		2,164		2,547				3			3
		1996 - 2009		721		872				3.5			3.5
		1994 - 1996		1,021		1,250				4.0 - 4.5			4.0 - 4.5
	U.S.:	1956 - 2013		396		343				4.0 - 6.0			4.0 - 6.0
	Total			$	69,136	$	76,463
	The weighted-average interest rates reflected in the consolidated statements of earnings for future policy benefits for Japanese policies were 3.9% in 2013, compared with 4.0% in 2012 and 2011; and for U.S. policies, 5.8% in 2013, compared with 6.0% in 2012 and 2011.
	Changes in the liability for unpaid policy claims were as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(In millions)	2013				2012					2011
	Unpaid supplemental health claims, beginning of year		$	3,781			$	3,749				$	3,524
	Less reinsurance recoverables		10				0					0
	Net balance, beginning of year		3,771				3,749					3,524
	Add claims incurred during the year related to:
	Current year		7,215				8,013					7,703
	Prior years		(236		)		(173		)			(256		)
	Total incurred		6,979				7,840					7,447
	Less claims paid during the year on claims incurred during:
	Current year		4,834				5,453					5,401
	Prior years		1,931				2,082					1,944
	Total paid		6,765				7,535					7,345
	Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on unpaid claims		(457		)		(283		)			123
	Net balance, end of year		3,528				3,771					3,749
	Add reinsurance recoverables		9				10					0
	Unpaid supplemental health claims, end of year		3,537				3,781					3,749
	Unpaid life claims, end of year		226				253					232
	Total liability for unpaid policy claims		$	3,763			$	4,034				$	3,981
	The incurred claims development related to prior years reflects favorable development in the unpaid policy claims
	liability. This favorable development is primarily in our lines of business in Japan.
	On January 1, 2013, discounted advanced premiums were reclassified, retrospectively, from the other policyholders' funds line item to the unearned premiums line item in our balance sheet. Discounted advance premiums are premiums on deposit from policyholders in conjunction with their purchase of certain Aflac Japan limited-pay insurance products. These advanced premiums are deferred upon collection and recognized as premium revenue over the contractual premium payment period. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, unearned premiums consisted primarily of discounted advance premiums on deposit. These advanced premiums represented 82% of the December 31, 2013 and 2012 unearned premiums balances, respectively.

REINSURANCE_REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE REINSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
REINSURANCE	'
	REINSURANCE
	Effective as of September 30, 2013, we entered into a coinsurance reinsurance transaction whereby we ceded 33.3% of the hospital benefit of one of Aflac Japan's closed medical in-force blocks of business. We recorded the gain related to the transaction as a deferred profit liability on business sold through reinsurance on our consolidated balance sheets. The deferred profit liability of $607 million, as of December 31, 2013, included in future policy benefits in the consolidated balance sheet, is being amortized into income over the expected lives of the policies. The corresponding reinsurance recoverable is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet and totaled $612 million as of December 31, 2013.
	The following table outlines the effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned and on benefits and claims for the year ended December 31.
	(In millions)	2013
	Direct premium income		$	20,211
	Reinsurance ceded		(76		)
	Net premium income		$	20,135
	Direct benefits and claims		$	13,880
	Ceded benefits and change in reserves for future benefits		(67		)
	Benefits and claims, net		$	13,813
	Reinsurance does not relieve us from our obligations to policyholders. In the event that the reinsurer is unable to meet their obligations, we remain liable for the reinsured claims.

NOTES_PAYABLE

NOTES PAYABLE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
NOTES PAYABLE	'
	NOTES PAYABLE
	A summary of notes payable as of December 31 follows:
	(In millions)	2013				2012
	3.45% senior notes due August 2015		$	300			$	300
	2.65% senior notes due February 2017		655		(1)		657		(1)
	8.50% senior notes due May 2019		850				850
	4.00% senior notes due February 2022		349		(2)		349		(2)
	3.625% senior notes due June 2023		700				0
	6.90% senior notes due December 2039		396		(2)		396		(2)
	6.45% senior notes due August 2040		448		(2)		448		(2)
	5.50% subordinated debentures due September 2052		500				500
	Yen-denominated Uridashi notes:
	2.26% notes due September 2016 (principal amount 8 billion yen)		76				92
	Yen-denominated Samurai notes:
	1.47% notes due July 2014 (principal amount 28.7 billion yen)		272				331
	1.84% notes due July 2016 (principal amount 15.8 billion yen)		150				182
	Variable interest rate notes due July 2014 (1.30% in 2013 and		52				64
	1.34% in 2012, principal amount 5.5 billion yen)
	Yen-denominated loans:
	3.60% loan due July 2015 (principal amount 10 billion yen)		95				116
	3.00% loan due August 2015 (principal amount 5 billion yen)		48				58
	Capitalized lease obligations payable through 2022		6				9
	Total notes payable		$	4,897			$	4,352
	(1) Principal amount plus an issuance premium that is being amortized over the life of the notes
	(2) Principal amount net of an issuance discount that is being amortized over the life of the notes
	In June 2013, the Parent Company issued $700 million of senior notes through a U.S. public debt offering. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.625% per annum, payable semi-annually, and have a ten-year maturity. These notes are redeemable at our option in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or (ii) the amount equal to the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments for principal of and interest on the notes to be redeemed, not including any portion of the payments of interest accrued as of such redemption date, discounted to such redemption date on a semiannual basis at the treasury rate plus 20 basis points, plus in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, such redemption date. We entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps to reduce interest expense by converting the dollar-denominated principal and interest on the senior notes we issued into yen-denominated obligations. By entering into these swaps, we economically converted our $700 million liability into a 69.8 billion yen liability and reduced the interest rate on this debt from 3.625% in dollars to 1.50% in yen.
	In September 2012, the Parent Company issued $450 million of subordinated debentures through a U.S. public debt offering. The debentures bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.50% per annum, payable quarterly, and have a 40-year maturity. In five years, on or after September 26, 2017, we may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, at their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption; provided that if the debentures are not redeemed in whole, at least $25 million aggregate principal amount of the debentures must remain outstanding after giving effect to such redemption. The debentures may only be redeemed prior to September 26, 2017, in whole but not in part, upon the occurrence of certain tax events or certain rating agency events, as specified in the indenture governing the terms of the debentures. We entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps to convert the dollar-denominated principal and interest on the subordinated debentures we issued into yen-denominated obligations. By entering into these swaps, we economically converted our $450 million liability into a 35.3 billion yen liability and reduced the interest rate on this debt from 5.50% in dollars to 4.41% in yen. The swaps will expire after the initial five-year non-callable period for the debentures. In October 2012, the underwriters exercised their option, pursuant to the underwriting agreement, to purchase an additional $50 million principal amount of the debentures discussed above. We entered into a cross-currency interest rate swap to economically convert this $50 million liability into a 3.9 billion yen liability and reduce the interest rate from 5.50% in dollars to 4.42% in yen. The swap will expire after the initial five-year non-callable period for the debentures.
	In February 2012, the Parent Company issued two series of senior notes totaling $750 million through a U.S. public debt offering. The first series, which totaled $400 million, bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.65% per annum, payable semiannually, and has a five-year maturity. The second series, which totaled $350 million, bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.00% per annum, payable semiannually, and has a 10-year maturity. These notes are redeemable at our option in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i) the principal amount of the notes or (ii) the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest to be redeemed, discounted to the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest. We entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps to reduce interest expense by converting the dollar-denominated principal and interest on the senior notes we issued into yen-denominated obligations. By entering into these swaps, we economically converted our $400 million liability into a 30.9 billion yen liability and reduced the interest rate on this debt from 2.65% in dollars to 1.22% in yen. We also economically converted our $350 million liability into a 27.0 billion yen liability and reduced the interest rate on this debt from 4.00% in dollars to 2.07% in yen. In July 2012, the Parent Company issued $250 million of senior notes that are an addition to the original first series of senior notes issued in February 2012. These notes have a five-year maturity and a fixed rate of 2.65% per annum, payable semiannually.
	In July 2011, the Parent Company issued three series of Samurai notes totaling 50 billion yen through a public debt offering. The first series, which totaled 28.7 billion yen, bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.47% per annum, payable semiannually, and has a three-year maturity. The second series, which totaled 15.8 billion yen, bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.84% per annum, payable semiannually, and has a five-year maturity. The third series, which totaled 5.5 billion yen, bears interest at a variable rate of three-month yen LIBOR plus a spread, payable quarterly, and has a three-year maturity. We have entered into an interest rate swap related to the 5.5 billion yen variable interest rate notes to swap the variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 1.475% (see Note 4). These Samurai notes are not available to U.S. persons.
	In 2010 and 2009, we issued senior notes through U.S. public debt offerings; the details of these notes are as follows. In August 2010, we issued $450 million and $300 million of senior notes that have 30-year and five-year maturities, respectively. In December 2009, we issued $400 million of senior notes that have a 30-year maturity. In May 2009, we issued $850 million of senior notes that have a 10-year maturity. These senior notes pay interest semiannually and are redeemable at our option in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i) the principal amount of the notes or (ii) the present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest to be redeemed, discounted to the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	In September 2006, the Parent Company issued a tranche of Uridashi notes totaling 10 billion yen with a 10-year maturity. These Uridashi notes pay interest semiannually, may only be redeemed prior to maturity upon the occurrence of a tax event as specified in the respective bond agreement and are not available to U.S. persons. During 2009, we extinguished 2.0 billion yen (par value) of these Uridashi notes by buying the notes on the open market at a cost of 1.4 billion yen, yielding a gain of .6 billion yen.
	In June 2007, the Parent Company issued yen-denominated Samurai notes totaling 30 billion yen. These Samurai notes had a five-year maturity, paid interest semiannually, could only be redeemed prior to maturity upon the occurrence of a tax event as specified in the respective bond agreement and were not available to U.S. persons. During 2009, we extinguished 3.4 billion yen (par value) of these Samurai notes by buying the notes on the open market at a cost of 2.5 billion yen, yielding a gain of .9 billion yen. In June 2012, we paid $337 million to redeem the remaining 26.6 billion yen of our Samurai notes upon their maturity.
	For our yen-denominated notes and loans, the principal amount as stated in dollar terms will fluctuate from period to period due to changes in the yen/dollar exchange rate. We have designated the majority of our yen-denominated notes payable as a nonderivative hedge of the foreign currency exposure of our investment in Aflac Japan. We have also designated the interest rate swap on our variable interest rate Samurai notes as a hedge of the variability in our interest cash flows associated with these notes.
	The aggregate contractual maturities of notes payable during each of the years after December 31, 2013, are as follows:
	(In millions)	Long-term				Capitalized				Total
		Debt				Lease				Notes
						Obligations				Payable
	2014		$	324			$	2			$	326
	2015		443				2				445
	2016		226				1				227
	2017		650				1				651
	2018		0				0				0
	Thereafter		3,250				0				3,250
	Total		$	4,893			$	6			$	4,899
	In March 2013, we terminated our senior unsecured revolving credit facility that was due to expire in June 2013, and the Parent Company and Aflac entered into a 5-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions that provides for borrowings in the amount of 50 billion yen. This credit agreement provides for borrowings in Japanese yen or the equivalent of Japanese yen in U.S. dollars on a revolving basis. Borrowings will bear interest at LIBOR plus the applicable margin of 1.125%. In addition, the Parent Company and Aflac are required to pay a facility fee of .125% on the commitments. As of December 31, 2013, we did not have any borrowings outstanding under our 50 billion yen revolving credit agreement. Borrowings under the credit agreement may be used for general corporate purposes, including a capital contingency plan for our Japanese operations. Borrowings under the financing agreement mature at the termination date of the credit agreement. The agreement requires compliance with certain financial covenants on a quarterly basis. This credit agreement will expire on the earlier of (a) March 29, 2018, or (b) the date of termination of the commitments upon an event of default as defined in the agreement.
	We were in compliance with all of the covenants of our notes payable and line of credit at December 31, 2013. No events of default or defaults occurred during 2013 and 2012.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The components of income tax expense (benefit) applicable to pretax earnings for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	Foreign					U.S.				Total
	2013:00:00
	Current		$	934				$	302			$	1,236
	Deferred		299					123				422
	Total income tax expense		$	1,233				$	425			$	1,658
	2012:00:00
	Current		$	513				$	303			$	816
	Deferred		950					(330		)		620
	Total income tax expense		$	1,463				$	(27	)		$	1,436
	2011:00:00
	Current		$	358				$	533			$	891
	Deferred		(301		)			423				122
	Total income tax expense		$	57				$	956			$	1,013
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
	Japan has enacted an income tax rate reduction effective for fiscal years beginning after March 31, 2012. The rate was reduced to 33.3% effective April 1, 2012, and an additional reduction to 30.8% will be effective April 1, 2015. The estimated reversal of the temporary differences resulted in a decrease to deferred taxes in Japan of $744 million and a corresponding increase in U.S. deferred taxes, due to the loss of foreign tax credits, of $744 million as of December 31, 2011. Based on the actual reversal pattern of these temporary differences, we revised our estimate of the impact of the tax rate reduction, resulting in an increase to deferred taxes in Japan of $374 million and a corresponding decrease in U.S. deferred taxes of $374 million as of December 31, 2012.
	Income tax expense in the accompanying statements of earnings varies from the amount computed by applying the expected U.S. tax rate of 35% to pretax earnings. The principal reasons for the differences and the related tax effects for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Income taxes based on U.S. statutory rates		$	1,685				$	1,506			$	1,032
	Utilization of foreign tax credit		(37		)			(53		)		(36		)
	Nondeductible expenses		6					8				10
	Other, net		4					(25		)		7
	Income tax expense		$	1,658				$	1,436			$	1,013
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
	Total income tax expense for the years ended December 31 was allocated as follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Statements of earnings		$	1,658				$	1,436			$	1,013
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period		253					363				(185		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
	Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment		(904		)			904				1,016
	securities during period
	Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses		19					(174		)		(404		)
	on investment securities included in net earnings
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period		(4		)			(8		)		(12		)
	Pension liability adjustment during period		55					(7		)		(23		)
	Total income tax expense (benefit) related to items of		(581		)			1,078				392
	other comprehensive income (loss)
	Additional paid-in capital (exercise of stock options)		(8		)			(12		)		(7		)
	Total income taxes		$	1,069				$	2,502			$	1,398
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
	The tax effect on other comprehensive income (loss) shown in the table above included a deferred income tax expense of $614 million in 2013 and $492 million in 2012, compared with a deferred income tax benefit of $152 million in 2011, related to certain dollar-denominated investments that Aflac Japan maintained on behalf of Aflac U.S. As discussed in Note 1, prior to October 1, 2013, there was no translation adjustment to record in pretax other comprehensive income for the portfolio when the yen/dollar exchange rate changed, however deferred tax expense or benefit associated with the foreign exchange translation gains or losses on these dollar-denominated investments is recognized in total income tax expense on other comprehensive income until the securities mature or are sold. Excluding the tax amounts for these dollar-denominated investments from total taxes on other comprehensive income would result in an effective income tax rate on pretax other comprehensive income (loss) of 31% in 2013, 32% in 2012, and 34% in 2011.
	The income tax effects of the temporary differences that gave rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		$	2,484				$	2,731
	Unrealized gains on investment securities		1,034					1,522
	Policyholder protection corporation obligation		15					10
	Difference in tax basis of investment in Aflac Japan		188					288
	Premiums receivable		153					164
	Policy benefit reserves		1,859					1,995
	Total deferred income tax liabilities		5,733					6,710
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Depreciation		85					124
	Other basis differences in investment securities		1,629					1,471
	Unfunded retirement benefits		42					45
	Other accrued expenses		65					60
	Policy and contract claims		73					67
	Unrealized exchange loss on yen-denominated notes payable		41					36
	Deferred compensation		149					203
	Capital loss carryforwards		502					716
	Other		383					438
Total deferred income tax assets		2,969					3,160
Net deferred income tax liability		2,764					3,550
Current income tax liability		954					308
Total income tax liability		$	3,718				$	3,858
Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
Under U.S. income tax rules, only 35% of non-life operating losses can be offset against life insurance taxable income each year. For current U.S. income tax purposes, there were non-life operating loss carryforwards of $50 million and $54 million expiring in 2031 and 2032, respectively, and no tax credit carryforwards available at December 31, 2013. The Company has capital loss carryforwards of $1.4 billion available to offset capital gains, of which $123 million expires in 2015 and $1.3 billion expires in 2016.
We file federal income tax returns in the United States and Japan as well as state or prefecture income tax returns in various jurisdictions in the two countries. U.S. federal income tax returns for years before 2010 are no longer subject to examination. In Japan, the National Tax Agency (NTA) has completed exams through tax year 2011.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for the years ended December 31:
(In millions)		2013				2012
Balance, beginning of year		$	21		(1)	$	31		(1)
Additions for tax positions of prior years		7				7
Settlements		0				(3		)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		0				(14		)
Balance, end of year		$	28		(1)	$	21		(1)
(1)Amounts do not include tax deductions of $10 at December 31, 2013, $7 at December 31, 2012, and $10 at January 1, 2012.
Included in the balance of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013, are $28 million of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility, compared with $21 million at December 31, 2012. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the annual effective tax rate, but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period. The Company has accrued approximately $3 million as of December 31, 2013, for permanent uncertainties, which if reversed would not have a material effect on the annual effective rate.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. We recognized approximately $4 million in interest and penalties in 2013, compared with $7 million in 2012 and $5 million in 2011. The Company has accrued approximately $16 million for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2013, compared with $12 million a year ago.
As of December 31, 2013, there were no material uncertain tax positions for which the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	The following table is a reconciliation of the number of shares of the Company's common stock for the years ended December 31.
	(In thousands of shares)	2013		2012		2011
	Common stock - issued:
	Balance, beginning of period	665,239		663,639		662,660
	Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,807		1,600		979
	Balance, end of period	667,046		665,239		663,639
	Treasury stock:
	Balance, beginning of period	197,453		197,329		192,999
	Purchases of treasury stock:
	Open market	13,212		1,948		6,000
	Other	222		360		182
	Dispositions of treasury stock:
	Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	-1,365		-1,670		-1,690
	Exercise of stock options	-1,734		-387		-88
	Other	-155		-127		-74
	Balance, end of period	207,633		197,453		197,329
	Shares outstanding, end of period	459,413		467,786		466,310
	Outstanding share-based awards are excluded from the calculation of weighted-average shares used in the computation of basic earnings per share (EPS). The following table presents the approximate number of share-based awards to purchase shares, on a weighted-average basis, that were considered to be anti-dilutive and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share at December 31:
	(In thousands)	2013					2012					2011
	Anti-dilutive share-based awards		2,198					5,880					6,145
	The weighted-average shares used in calculating earnings per share for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(In thousands of shares)	2013			2012			2011
	Weighted-average outstanding shares used for calculating basic EPS	464,502			466,868			466,519
	Dilutive effect of share-based awards	2,906			2,419			2,851
	Weighted-average outstanding shares used for calculating diluted EPS	467,408			469,287			469,370
	Share Repurchase Program: During 2013, we purchased 13.2 million shares of our common stock in the open market, compared with 1.9 million shares in 2012 and 6.0 million shares in 2011.
	In November 2013, our board of directors authorized the purchase of an additional 40 million shares of our common stock. As of December 31, 2013, a remaining balance of 49.2 million shares of our common stock was available for purchase under share repurchase authorizations by our board of directors.
	Voting Rights: In accordance with the Parent Company's articles of incorporation, shares of common stock are generally entitled to one vote per share until they have been held by the same beneficial owner for a continuous period of 48 months, at which time they become entitled to 10 votes per share.
	Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The table below is a reconciliation of accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the year ended December 31.
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	2013
	(In millions)	Unrealized Foreign						Unrealized						Unrealized				Pension Liability Adjustment				Total
		Currency Translation						Gains (Losses)						Gains (Losses)
		Gains (Losses)						on Investment Securities						on Derivatives
	Balance, beginning of period		$	333					$	2,570					$	(5	)		$	(183	)		$	2,715
	Other comprehensive		(1,833		)				(1,499		)				(7		)		92				(3,247		)
	income before
	reclassification
	Amounts reclassified from		(5		)				(36		)				0				10				(31		)
	accumulated other
	comprehensive income
	Net current-period other		(1,838		)				(1,535		)				(7		)		102				(3,278		)
	comprehensive
	income
	Balance, end of period		$	(1,505	)				$	1,035					$	(12	)		$	(81	)		$	(563	)
	All amounts in the table above are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
	The table below summarizes the amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on source for the year ended December 31.
	Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	(In millions)	2013
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(1)					Affected Line Item in the
							Statements of Earnings
	Unrealized foreign currency translation gains		$	7			Sales and redemptions
	(losses)
			(2		)		Tax (expense) or benefit(2)
			$	5			Net of tax
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale		$	255			Sales and redemptions
	securities
			(199		)		Other-than-temporary impairment
							losses realized
			56				Total before tax
			(20		)		Tax (expense) or benefit(2)
		$	36			Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
Actuarial gains (losses)		$	(19	)		Acquisition and operating expenses(3)
Prior service cost		4				Acquisition and operating expenses(3)
		5				Tax (expense) or benefit(2)
		$	(10	)		Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period		$	31			Net of tax
(1)Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
(2) Based on 35% tax rate
(3) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see
Note 14 for additional details).

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has outstanding share-based awards under two long-term incentive compensation plans.
	The first plan, which expired in February 2007, is a stock option plan which allowed grants for incentive stock options (ISOs) to employees and non-qualifying stock options (NQSOs) to employees and non-employee directors. The options have a term of 10 years. The exercise price of options granted under this plan is equal to the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. Options granted before the plan's expiration date remain outstanding in accordance with their terms.
	The second long-term incentive compensation plan allows awards to Company employees for ISOs, NQSOs, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock appreciation rights. Non-employee directors are eligible for grants of NQSOs, restricted stock, and stock appreciation rights. The ISOs and NQSOs have a term of 10 years, and the share-based awards generally vest upon time-based conditions or time- and performance-based conditions. Time-based vesting generally occurs after three years. Performance-based vesting conditions generally include the attainment of goals related to Company financial performance. As of December 31, 2013, approximately 12.4 million shares were available for future grants under this plan, and the only performance-based awards issued and outstanding were restricted stock awards.
	Share-based awards granted to U.S.-based grantees are settled with authorized but unissued Company stock, while those issued to Japan-based grantees are settled with treasury shares.
	The following table presents the impact of the expense recognized in connection with share-based awards for the periods ended December 31.
	(In millions, except for per-share amounts)	2013						2012						2011
	Impact on earnings from continuing operations		$	37					$	37					$	39
	Impact on earnings before income taxes		37						37						39
	Impact on net earnings		25						26						27
	Impact on net earnings per share:
	Basic		$	0.05					$	0.06					$	0.06
	Diluted		0.05						0.06						0.06
	We estimate the fair value of each stock option granted using the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple option approach. Expected volatility is based on historical periods generally commensurate with the estimated terms of the options. We use historical data to estimate option exercise and termination patterns within the model. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise patterns are stratified and considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of our option model and represents the weighted-average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. We base the risk-free interest rate on the Treasury note rate with a term comparable to that of the estimated term of the options. The weighted-average fair value of options at their grant date was $14.25 per share for 2013, compared with $16.84 for 2012 and $17.02 in 2011. The following table presents the assumptions used in valuing options granted during the years ended December 31.
		2013				2012				2011
	Expected term (years)		6.6				6.5				6.9
	Expected volatility		34	%			38	%			30	%
	Annual forfeiture rate		1.6				1.6				1.6
	Risk-free interest rate		1.8				2.1				3.4
	Dividend yield		2.6				1.3				1.3
	The following table summarizes stock option activity.
	(In thousands of shares)	Stock					Weighted-Average
		Option					Exercise Price
		Shares					Per Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010		14,506					$	41.06
	Granted in 2011		1,216					52.32
	Canceled in 2011		(151	)				41.43
	Exercised in 2011		(1,008	)				30
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011		14,563					42.76
	Granted in 2012		784					47.25
	Canceled in 2012		(134	)				48.59
	Exercised in 2012		(2,476	)				32.27
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		12,737					45
	Granted in 2013		703					52.86
	Canceled in 2013		(179	)				44.79
	Exercised in 2013		(3,281	)				40.52
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		9,980					$	47.03
	(In thousands of shares)	2013					2012					2011
	Shares exercisable, end of year		8,042					10,635					11,246
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013.
	(In thousands of shares)										Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
		Range of									Stock Option					Wgtd.-Avg.		Wgtd.-Avg.			Stock Option		Wgtd.-Avg.
		Exercise Prices									Shares					Remaining		Exercise			Shares		Exercise
		Per Share									Outstanding					Contractual		Price			Exercisable		Price
																Life (Yrs.)		Per Share					Per Share
		$	14.99		-	$	40.23					2,053					4.3		$	32.69		2,017		$	32.61
		40.3			-	47.06						2,655					4		44.39			2,336		44.42
		47.23			-	49.5						2,189					5.1		48.15			1,368		47.62
		49.57			-	61.81						2,848					5.5		57.56			2,225		57.83
		61.84			-	67.67						235					7.5		64.05			96		65.09
		$	14.99		-	$	67.67					9,980					4.8		$	47.03		8,042		$	45.96
	The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the quoted closing common stock price of $66.80 as of December 31, 2013, for those awards that have an exercise price currently below the closing price. As of December 31, 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding was $197 million, with a weighted-average remaining term of 4.8 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable at that same date was $168 million, with a weighted-average remaining term of 4.0 years.
	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the years ended December 31.
	(In millions)	2013						2012						2011
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised		$	66					$	41					$	23
	Cash received from options exercised		113						35						18
	Tax benefit realized as a result of options exercised and		30						24						14
	restricted stock releases
	The value of restricted stock awards is based on the fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant. The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the years ended December 31.
	(In thousands of shares)	Shares					Weighted-Average
							Grant-Date
							Fair Value
							Per  Share
Restricted stock at December 31, 2010		1,274					$	40.26
Granted in 2011		405					56.22
Canceled in 2011		(35	)				42.44
Vested in 2011		(294	)				59.02
Restricted stock at December 31, 2011		1,350					40.92
Granted in 2012		637					48.18
Canceled in 2012		(56	)				48.22
Vested in 2012		(568	)				26.13
Restricted stock at December 31, 2012		1,363					50.19
Granted in 2013		782					52.77
Canceled in 2013		(56	)				48.63
Vested in 2013		(418	)				47.49
Restricted stock at December 31, 2013		1,671					$	52.12
As of December 31, 2013, total compensation cost not yet recognized in our financial statements related to restricted stock awards was $42 million, of which $23 million (887 thousand shares) was related to restricted stock awards with a performance-based vesting condition. We expect to recognize these amounts over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years. There are no other contractual terms covering restricted stock awards once vested.

STATUTORY_ACCOUNTING_AND_DIVID

STATUTORY ACCOUNTING AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
STATUTORY ACCOUNTING AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS	'
	STATUTORY ACCOUNTING AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
	Our insurance subsidiaries are required to report their results of operations and financial position to state insurance regulatory authorities on the basis of statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by such authorities. Statutory accounting practices primarily differ from U.S. GAAP by charging policy acquisition costs to expense as incurred, establishing future policy benefit liabilities using different actuarial assumptions as well as valuing investments and certain assets and accounting for deferred taxes on a different basis.
	Aflac, the Company's most significant insurance subsidiary, reports statutory financial statements that are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Nebraska Department of Insurance (NEDOI). The NEDOI recognizes statutory accounting principles and practices prescribed or permitted by the state of Nebraska for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of operations of an insurance company, and for determining a company's solvency under Nebraska insurance law. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual (SAP) has been adopted by the state of Nebraska as a component of those prescribed or permitted practices. Additionally, the Director of the NEDOI has the right to permit other specific practices which deviate from prescribed practices. Aflac has been given explicit permission by the Director of the NEDOI for two such permitted practices. These permitted practices, which do not impact the calculation of net income on a statutory basis or prevent the triggering of a regulatory event in the Company's risk-based capital calculation, are as follows:
	•	Aflac has reported as admitted assets the refundable lease deposits on the leases of commercial office space which house Aflac Japan's sales operations. These lease deposits are unique and part of the ordinary course of doing business in the country of Japan; these assets would be non-admitted under SAP.
	•	Aflac utilized book value accounting for certain guaranteed separate account funding agreements instead of fair value accounting as required by SAP.  The underlying separate account assets had an unrealized gain of $35 million as of December 31, 2013, compared with an unrealized gain of $46 million as of December 31, 2012.
	A reconciliation of Aflac's capital and surplus between SAP and practices permitted by the state of Nebraska is shown below:
	(In millions)	2013				2012
	Capital and surplus, Nebraska state basis		$	9,630			$	8,892
	State Permitted Practice:
	Refundable lease deposits – Japan		(41		)		(49		)
	Separate Account Funding Agreements		35				46
	Capital and surplus, NAIC basis		$	9,624			$	8,889
	As of December 31, 2013, Aflac's capital and surplus significantly exceeded the required company action level capital and surplus of $1.3 billion. As determined on a U.S. statutory accounting basis, Aflac's net income was $2.4 billion in 2013, $2.3 billion in 2012 and $444 million in 2011.
	Aflac Japan must report its results of operations and financial position to the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) on a Japanese regulatory accounting basis as prescribed by the FSA. Capital and surplus of the Japan branch, based on Japanese regulatory accounting practices, was $4.2 billion at December 31, 2013, compared with $3.9 billion at December 31, 2012. Japanese regulatory accounting practices differ in many respects from U.S. GAAP. Under Japanese regulatory accounting practices, policy acquisition costs are expensed immediately; deferred income tax liabilities are recognized on a different basis; policy benefit and claim reserving methods and assumptions are different; the carrying value of securities transferred to held to maturity is different; policyholder protection corporation obligations are not accrued; premium income is recognized on a cash basis; reinsurance is recognized on a different basis; and investments can have a separate accounting classification and treatment referred to as “policy reserve matching bonds,” or “PRM.”
	The Parent Company depends on its subsidiaries for cash flow, primarily in the form of dividends and management fees. Consolidated retained earnings in the accompanying financial statements largely represent the undistributed earnings of our insurance subsidiary. Amounts available for dividends, management fees and other payments to the Parent Company by its insurance subsidiary may fluctuate due to different accounting methods required by regulatory authorities. These payments are also subject to various regulatory restrictions and approvals related to safeguarding the interests of insurance policyholders. Our insurance subsidiary must maintain adequate risk-based capital for U.S. regulatory authorities and our Japan branch must maintain adequate solvency margins for Japanese regulatory authorities. Additionally, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid to the Parent Company by Aflac without prior approval of Nebraska's director of insurance is the greater of the net income from operations, which excludes net realized investment gains, for the previous year determined under statutory accounting principles, or 10% of statutory capital and surplus as of the previous year-end. Dividends declared by Aflac during 2014 in excess of $2.4 billion would require such approval. Aflac declared dividends of $962 million during 2013.
	A portion of Aflac Japan earnings, as determined on a Japanese regulatory accounting basis, can be repatriated each year to Aflac U.S. after complying with solvency margin provisions and satisfying various conditions imposed by Japanese regulatory authorities for protecting policyholders. Profit repatriations to the United States can fluctuate due to changes in the amounts of Japanese regulatory earnings. Among other items, factors affecting regulatory earnings include Japanese regulatory accounting practices and fluctuations in currency translation of Aflac Japan's dollar-denominated investments and related investment income into yen. Profits repatriated by Aflac Japan to Aflac U.S. were as follows for the years ended December 31:
		In Dollars											In Yen
	(In millions of dollars and billions of yen)	2013				2012				2011			2013		2012		2011
	Profit repatriation		$	771			$	422			$	143		76.8		33.1		11
	We had entered into foreign exchange forwards and options as part of an economic hedge on 65.0 billion yen of the 2013 repatriation, resulting in $24 million of additional funds received when the yen was exchanged into dollars in July 2013. As of December 31, 2013, we had foreign exchange forwards and options as part of a hedging strategy on 47.5 billion yen of the profit repatriation expected to be received in July 2014. In January 2014, we restructured this hedging strategy with a new 52.5 billion yen foreign exchange forward contract.

BENEFIT_PLANS

BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]	'
BENEFIT PLANS	'
	BENEFIT PLANS
	Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
	We have funded defined benefit plans in Japan and the United States, which cover substantially all of our full-time employees. Additionally, we maintain non-qualified, unfunded supplemental retirement plans that provide defined pension benefits in excess of limits imposed by federal tax law for certain Japanese, U.S. and former employees. Effective October 1, 2013, the U.S. defined benefit plan was frozen to new employees hired on or after October 1, 2013 and to employees rehired on or after October 1, 2013. During the fourth quarter of 2013, active participants in the U.S. defined benefit plan were given the option to exit the benefit plan and receive a nonelective 401(k) contribution. The active participants who selected this opt out election had an immaterial impact on our accumulated benefit obligation. For further information see the 401(k) plan section below.
	We provide certain health care benefits for eligible U.S. retired employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents ("other postretirement benefits"). The health care plan is contributory and unfunded. Substantially all of our U.S. employees may become eligible to receive other postretirement benefits if they retire at age 55 or older with at least 15 years of service or if they retire when their age plus service, in years, equals or exceeds 80 (rule of 80). At retirement, an employee is given an opportunity to elect continuation of coverage under our medical plan until age 65. For certain employees and former employees, additional coverage is provided for all medical expenses for life.
	On October 1, 2013, a change was made to postretirement medical benefits to limit the eligibility for the benefits beginning January 1, 2014 to include the following: (1) active employees who have met the rule of 80; (2) active employees who are age 55 or older and have met the 15 years of service requirement; (3) active employees who will meet the rule of 80 in the next five; (4) active employees who will be age 55 or older and who will meet the 15 years of service requirement with the next five; and (5) current retirees. Effective October 1, 2013, this change was accounted for as a negative plan amendment and resulted in a reduction to the postretirement benefit obligation of $51 million, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). This reduction will be amortized as a reduction to net periodic benefit cost over three years beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013. The postretirement plan obligation was remeasured using a discount rate of 4.75% as of October 1, 2013.
	Information with respect to our benefit plans' assets and obligations as of December 31 was as follows:
			Pension Benefits																						Other
			Japan											U.S.											Postretirement Benefits
	(In millions)		2013					2012						2013					2012						2013					2012
	Projected benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year			$	313				$	329					$	613				$	525					$	98				$	83
	Service cost			16					18						22					18						5					6
	Interest cost			10					7						23					24						3					4
	Plan amendments			0					0						(4		)			0						(51		)			2
	Actuarial (gain) loss			(3		)			3						(37		)			60						(7		)			5
	Benefits and expenses paid			(8		)			(8		)				(16		)			(14		)				(2		)			(2		)
	Effect of foreign exchange			(58		)			(36		)				0					0						0					0
	rate changes
	Benefit obligation, end of year			270					313						601					613						46					98
	Plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets,			187					171						261					224						0					0
	beginning of year
	Actual return on plan assets			13					17						39					31						0					0
	Employer contributions			26					27						29					20						2					2
	Benefits and expenses paid			(8		)			(8		)				(16		)			(14		)				(2		)			(2		)
	Effect of foreign exchange			(36		)			(20		)				0					0						0					0
	rate changes
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year			182					187						313					261						0					0
	Funded status of the plans(1)			$	(88	)			$	(126	)				$	(288	)			$	(352	)				$	(46	)			$	(98	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other
	comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial (gain) loss			$	33				$	57					$	111				$	185					$	25				$	34
	Prior service (credit) cost			(2		)			(3		)				(4		)			0						(45		)			2
	Transition obligation			1					1						0					0						0					0
	Total included in accumulated			$	32				$	55					$	107				$	185					$	(20	)			$	36
	other comprehensive income
	Accumulated benefit obligation			$	239				$	276					$	514				$	516					N/A			(2)		N/A			(2)
	(1) Recognized in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets
	(2) Not applicable
		Pension Benefits																				Other
		Japan										U.S.										Postretirement Benefits
		2013			2012			2011				2013			2012			2011				2013			2012			2011
	Weighted-average actuarial assumptions:
	Discount rate - net periodic benefit cost	2.25	%		2.25	%		2.25	%			4.25	%		4.75	%		5.5	%			4.25	%		4.75	%		5.5	%
	Discount rate - benefit obligations	2.25			2.25			2.25				4.75			4.25			4.75				4.75			4.25			4.75
	Expected long-term return on plan assets	2			2.5			2.5				7.5			7.5			7.5				N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)		4			4			4				N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)
	Health care cost trend rates	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)		N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)		6.4		(2)	5.7		(2)	7.3		(2)
	(1) Not applicable
	(2)For the years 2013, 2012 and 2011, the health care cost trend rates are expected to trend down to 4.6% in 78 years, 4.7% in
	79 years, and 4.2% in 75 years, respectively.
	We determine our discount rate assumption for our pension retirement obligations based on indices for AA corporate bonds with an average duration of approximately 20 years for the Japan pension plans and 17 years for the U.S. pension plans, and determination of the U.S. pension plans discount rate utilizes the 85-year extrapolated yield curve. In Japan, participant salary and future salary increases are not factors in determining pension benefit cost or the related pension benefit obligation.
	We base our assumption for the long-term rate of return on assets on historical trends (10-year or longer historical rates of return for the Japanese plan assets and 15-year historical rates of return for the U.S. plan assets), expected future market movement, as well as the portfolio mix of securities in the asset portfolio including, but not limited to, style, class and equity and fixed income allocations. In addition, our consulting actuaries evaluate our assumptions for long-term rates of return under Actuarial Standards of Practice (ASOP). Under the ASOP, the actual portfolio type, mix and class is modeled to determine a range of long-term rates of return. We in turn use those results to further validate our own assumptions.
	Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage point increase and decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of December 31, 2013:
	(In millions)
	One percentage point increase:
	Increase in total service and interest costs			$	0
	Increase in postretirement benefit obligation			3
	One percentage point decrease:
	Decrease in total service and interest costs			$	0
	Decrease in postretirement benefit obligation			3
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Pension and other postretirement benefit expenses, included in acquisition and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended December 31, included the following components:
		Pension Benefits																																		Other
			Japan																	U.S.																Postretirement Benefits
(In millions)		2013						2012						2011						2013						2012						2011				2013				2012				2011
Service cost			$	16					$	18					$	17					$	22					$	18					$	14			$	5			$	6			$	4
Interest cost			10						7						12						23						24						28				3				4				3
Expected return on plan			(3		)				(4		)				(4		)				(17		)				(16		)				(14		)		0				0				0
assets
Amortization of net actuarial			2						3						3						15						11						6				2				1				1
loss
Amortization of prior service			0						0						0						0						0						0				(4		)		0				0
cost
Net periodic (benefit) cost			$	25					$	24					$	28					$	43					$	37					$	34			$	6			$	11			$	8
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) for the years ended December 31:
		Pension Benefits																																		Other
		Japan																		U.S.																Postretirement Benefits
(In millions)		2013						2012						2011						2013						2012						2011				2013				2012				2011
Net actuarial loss (gain)			$	(14	)				$	(10	)				$	5					$	(59	)				$	45					$	57			$	(7	)		$	5			$	10
Amortization of net actuarial loss			(2		)				(3		)				(3		)				(15		)				(11		)				(6		)		(2		)		(1		)		(1		)
Prior service cost (credit)			0						0						0						(4		)				(1		)				0				(51		)		2				0
Amortization of prior			0						0						0						0						0						0				4				0				0
service cost
Total			$	(16	)				$	(13	)				$	2					$	(78	)				$	33					$	51			$	(56	)		$	6			$	9
Prior service credits of $51 million were incurred in 2013 for the plan amendment related to the change in eligibility for postretirement medical benefits mentioned above. No transition obligations arose during 2013, and the transition obligations amortized to expense were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Amortization of actuarial losses to expense in 2014 is estimated to be $1 million for the Japanese plans, $10 million for the U.S. plans and $3 million for the other postretirement benefits plan. Amortization of prior service credits in 2014 is estimated to be $17 million for the other postretirement benefits plan due to the negative plan amendment in 2013. The amortization of prior service costs and credits for other plans and transition obligations for all plans is expected to be negligible.
Benefit Payments
The following table provides expected benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate.
		Pension Benefits											Other
(In millions)		Japan					U.S.						Postretirement Benefits
2014			$	10				$	21					$	2
2015			8					22						2
2016			7					23						3
2017			10					30						3
2018			8					31						4
2019-2023			66					184						22
Funding
We plan to make contributions of $22 million to the Japanese funded defined benefit plan and $10 million to the U.S. funded defined benefit plan in 2014. The funding policy for our non-qualified supplemental defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefits plan is to contribute the amount of the benefit payments made during the year.
Plan Assets
The investment objective of our Japanese and U.S. funded defined benefit plans is to preserve the purchasing power of the plan's assets and earn a reasonable inflation-adjusted rate of return over the long term. Furthermore, we seek to accomplish these objectives in a manner that allows for the adequate funding of plan benefits and expenses. In order to achieve these objectives, our goal is to maintain a conservative, well-diversified and balanced portfolio of high-quality equity, fixed-income and money market securities. As a part of our strategy, we have established strict policies covering quality, type and concentration of investment securities. For our Japanese plan, these policies include limitations on investments in derivatives including futures, options and swaps, and low-liquidity investments such as real estate, venture capital investments, and privately issued securities. For our U.S. plan, these policies prohibit investments in precious metals, limited partnerships, venture capital, and direct investments in real estate. We are also prohibited from trading on margin.
The plan fiduciaries for our funded defined benefit plans have developed guidelines for asset allocations reflecting a percentage of total assets by asset class, which are reviewed on an annual basis. Asset allocation targets as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Japan Pension					U.S. Pension
Domestic equities			0	%				43	%
International equities			15					22
Fixed income securities			59					35
Mutual funds			11					0
Other			15					0
Total			100	%				100	%
The following table presents the fair value of Aflac Japan's pension plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31. All of these assets are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
(In millions)	2013						2012
Japan pension plan assets:
Equities:
Japanese equity securities		$	0					$	15
International equity securities		34						42
Fixed income securities:
Japanese bonds		60						62
International bonds		43						44
Mutual funds		21						0
Insurance contracts		24						24
Total		$	182					$	187
The following table presents the fair value of Aflac U.S.'s pension plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31. All of these assets are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
(In millions)	2013						2012
U.S. pension plan assets:
Mutual funds:
Large cap equity funds		$	110					$	87
Mid cap equity funds		19						16
Real estate equity funds		9						8
International equity funds		68						59
Fixed income bond funds		103						88
Aflac Incorporated common stock		4						3
Total		$	313					$	261
The fair values of our pension plan investments categorized as Level 1, consisting of mutual funds and common stock, are based on quoted market prices for identical securities traded in active markets that are readily and regularly available to us. The fair values of our pension plan investments classified as Level 2 are based on quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are not active, other inputs that are observable, such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates, or other market-corroborated inputs.
401(k) Plan
The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan in which we match a portion of U.S. employees' contributions. The plan provides for salary reduction contributions by employees and, in 2013, 2012, and 2011, provided matching contributions by the Company of 50% of each employee's contributions which were not in excess of 6% of the employee's annual cash compensation. The matching contributions by the Company, included in acquisition and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings, were $5 million in 2013, $5 million in 2012 and $4 million in 2011. The plan trustee held approximately two million shares of our common stock for plan participants at December 31, 2013.
Beginning on January 1, 2014, the Company will provide a nonelective contribution to the 401(k) plan of 2% of annual cash compensation for employees who elected to opt out of the future benefits of the U.S. defined benefit plan during the election period provided during the fourth quarter of 2013 and for new U.S. employees who started working for the Company after September 30, 2013.
Stock Bonus Plan
Aflac U.S. maintains a stock bonus plan for eligible U.S. sales associates. Plan participants receive shares of Aflac Incorporated common stock based on their new annualized premium sales and their first-year persistency of substantially all new insurance policies. The cost of this plan, which was capitalized as deferred policy acquisition costs, amounted to $38 million in 2013 and 2012, compared with $35 million in 2011.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENT_LIA

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
	We have three outsourcing agreements with a technology and consulting corporation. The first agreement provides mainframe computer operations and support for Aflac Japan. It has a remaining term of two years and an aggregate remaining cost of 8.8 billion yen ($84 million using the December 31, 2013, exchange rate). The second agreement provides distributed mid-range server computer operations and support for Aflac Japan. It has a remaining term of two years and an aggregate remaining cost of 7.4 billion yen ($71 million using the December 31, 2013, exchange rate). The third agreement provides application maintenance and development services for Aflac Japan. It has a remaining term of four years and an aggregate remaining cost of 6.5 billion yen ($62 million using the December 31, 2013, exchange rate).
	We have an outsourcing agreement with a management consulting and technology services company to provide application maintenance and development services for our Japanese operation. The agreement has a remaining term of four years with an aggregate remaining cost of 5.4 billion yen ($51 million using the December 31, 2013, exchange rate).
	We have an outsourcing agreement with an information technology and data services company to provide application maintenance and development services for our Japanese operation. The agreement has a remaining term of three years with an aggregate remaining cost of 3.9 billion yen ($37 million using the December 31, 2013, exchange rate).
	We lease office space and equipment under agreements that expire in various years through 2019. Future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	(In millions)
	2014	$	51
	2015	37
	2016	16
	2017	12
	2018	4
	Thereafter	1
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	121
	We are a defendant in various lawsuits considered to be in the normal course of business. Members of our senior legal and financial management teams review litigation on a quarterly and annual basis. The final results of any litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. Although some of this litigation is pending in states where large punitive damages,
	bearing little relation to the actual damages sustained by plaintiffs, have been awarded in recent years, we believe the outcome of pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Unaudited_Consolidated_Quarter

Unaudited Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Unaudited Consolidated Financial Quarterly Data [Abstract]	'
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA	'
	UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
	In management's opinion, the following quarterly financial information fairly presents the results of operations for such periods and is prepared on a basis consistent with our annual audited financial statements.
	(In millions, except for per-share amounts)	March 31,				June 30,				September 30,			December 31,
		2013				2013				2013			2013
	Net premium income		$	5,184			$	5,013			$	5,028		$	4,910
	Net investment income		833				813				821			826
	Realized investment gains (losses)		156				201				22			20
	Other income		35				17				15			45
	Total revenues		6,208				6,044				5,886			5,801
	Total benefits and expenses, net		4,847				4,686				4,817			4,773
	Earnings before income taxes		1,361				1,358				1,069			1,028
	Total income tax		469				469				367			353
	Net earnings		$	892			$	889			$	702		$	675
	Net earnings per basic share		$	1.91			$	1.91			$	1.51		$	1.46
	Net earnings per diluted share		1.9				1.9				1.5			1.45
	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.
	(In millions, except for per-share amounts)	March 31,				June 30,				September 30,			December 31,
		2012				2012				2012			2012
	Premium income		$	5,378			$	5,467			$	5,660		$	5,643
	Net investment income		882				845				869			876
	Realized investment gains (losses)		(45		)		(418		)		286			(171		)
	Other income		25				8				32			27
	Total revenues		6,240				5,902				6,847			6,375
	Total benefits and expenses		5,038				5,161				5,367			5,495
	Earnings before income taxes		1,202				741				1,480			880
	Total income tax		417				258				463			299
	Net earnings		$	785			$	483			$	1,017		$	581
	Net earnings per basic share		$	1.68			$	1.04			$	2.17		$	1.24
	Net earnings per diluted share		1.68				1.03				2.16			1.24
	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.

SCHEDULE_II_CONDENSED_FINANCIA

SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT	'
	SCHEDULE II
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
	Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only)
	Condensed Statements of Earnings
		Years ended December 31,
	(In millions)	2013					2012					2011
	Revenues:
	Dividends from subsidiaries(1)		$	962				$	0				$	282
	Management and service fees from subsidiaries(1)		292					249					230
	Net investment income		11					20					10
	Interest from subsidiaries(1)		7					7					8
	Realized investment gains (losses)		10					1					(1		)
	Change in fair value of the cross-currency interest rate swaps		274					154					0
	Other income (loss)		1					(7		)			1
	Total revenues		1,557					424					530
	Operating expenses:
	Interest expense		208					184					168
	Other operating expenses		79					72					69
	Total operating expenses		287					256					237
	Earnings before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of		1,270					168					293
	subsidiaries
	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Current		0					1					0
	Deferred		98					50					(2		)
	Total income taxes		98					51					(2		)
	Earnings before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		1,172					117					295
	Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries(1)		1,986					2,749					1,642
	Net earnings		$	3,158				$	2,866				$	1,937
	(1)Eliminated in consolidation
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
	See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
	See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
	SCHEDULE II
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
	Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only)
	Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Years ended December 31,
	(In millions)	2013					2012					2011
	Net earnings		$	3,158				$	2,866				$	1,937
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)		48					95					(54		)
	during period - parent only
	Equity in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) of		(1,636		)			(382		)			36
	subsidiaries during period
	Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
	Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities		(12		)			15					11
	during period - parent only
	Equity in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities		(2,350		)			1,645					555
	held by subsidiaries during period
	Equity in reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses of		(56		)			497					1,154
	subsidiaries included in net earnings
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period		(10		)			(22		)			(33		)
	Pension liability adjustment during period		157					(20		)			(65		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss) before		(3,859		)			1,828					1,604
	income taxes
	Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive		(581		)			1,078					392
	income (loss)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes		(3,278		)			750					1,212
	Total comprehensive income (loss)		$	(120	)			$	3,616				$	3,149
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
	See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
	See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
SCHEDULE II
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only)
Condensed Balance Sheets
	December 31,
(In millions, except for share and per-share amounts)	2013					2012
Assets:
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value		$	332				$	156
(amortized cost $322 in 2013 and $131 in 2012)
Investments in subsidiaries(1)		17,678					19,001
Other investments		313					14
Cash and cash equivalents		1,081					830
Total investments and cash		19,404					20,001
Due from subsidiaries(1)		128					156
Other assets		464					257
Total assets		$	19,996				$	20,414
Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
Liabilities:
Income taxes		$	(120	)			$	(232	)
Employee benefit plans		246					255
Notes payable		4,910					4,367
Other liabilities		340					46
Total liabilities		5,376					4,436
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $.10 par value. In thousands: authorized 1,900,000 shares in		67					67
2013 and 2012; issued 667,046 shares in 2013 and 665,239 shares in 2012
Additional paid-in capital		1,644					1,505
Retained earnings		19,885					17,387
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains		(1,505		)			333
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities		1,035					2,570
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives		(12		)			(5		)
Pension liability adjustment		(81		)			(183		)
Treasury stock, at average cost		(6,413		)			(5,696		)
Total shareholders' equity		14,620					15,978
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$	19,996				$	20,414
(1)Eliminated in consolidation
See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
SCHEDULE II
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
	Years ended December 31,
(In millions)	2013					2012					2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings		$	3,158				$	2,866				$	1,937
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided from
operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries(1)		(1,986		)			(2,749		)			(1,642		)
Change in income tax liabilities		155					111					(52		)
Other, net		11					(242		)			145
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities		1,338					(14		)			388
Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturity securities sold		8					13					4
Fixed maturity securities purchased		(206		)			(26		)			(10		)
Other investments sold (purchased)		(298		)			(3		)			0
Additional capitalization of subsidiaries(1)		0					0					(40		)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities		(496		)			(16		)			(46		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock		(813		)			(118		)			(308		)
Proceeds from borrowings		700					1,506					620
Principal payments under debt obligations		0					(380		)			(459		)
Dividends paid to shareholders		(635		)			(603		)			(552		)
Treasury stock reissued		88					70					26
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		41					21					14
Net change in amount due to/from subsidiaries(1)		28					(21		)			9
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(591		)			475					(650		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		251					445					(308		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		830					385					693
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	1,081				$	830				$	385
(1)Eliminated in consolidation
Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
(A) Notes Payable
A summary of notes payable as of December 31 follows:
(In millions)	2013					2012
3.45% senior notes due August 2015		$	300				$	300
2.65% senior notes due February 2017		655			(1)		657			(1)
8.50% senior notes due May 2019		850					850
4.00% senior notes due February 2022		349			(2)		349			(2)
3.625% senior notes due June 2023		700					0
6.90% senior notes due December 2039		396			(2)		396			(2)
6.45% senior notes due August 2040		448			(2)		448			(2)
5.50% subordinated debentures due September 2052		500					500
Yen-denominated Uridashi notes:
2.26% notes due September 2016 (principal amount 10 billion yen)		95					116
Yen-denominated Samurai notes:
1.47% notes due July 2014 (principal amount 28.7 billion yen)		272					331
1.84% notes due July 2016 (principal amount 15.8 billion yen)		150					182
Variable interest rate notes due July 2014 (1.30% in 2013 and		52					64
1.34% in 2012, principal amount 5.5 billion yen)
Yen-denominated loans:
3.60% loan due July 2015 (principal amount 10 billion yen)		95					116
3.00% loan due August 2015 (principal amount 5 billion yen)		48					58
Total notes payable		$	4,910				$	4,367
(1) Principal amount plus an issuance premium that is being amortized over the life of the notes
(2) Principal amount net of an issuance discount that is being amortized over the life of the notes
During 2009, Aflac Japan bought on the open market 2.0 billion yen of yen-denominated Uridashi notes issued by the Parent Company which are outstanding as of December 31, 2013. In consolidation, those notes have been extinguished; however, they remain an outstanding liability for the Parent Company until their maturity date.
The aggregate contractual maturities of notes payable during each of the years after December 31, 2013, are as follows:
(In millions)
2014	$	324
2015	443
2016	245
2017	650
2018	0
Thereafter	3,250
Total	$	4,912
For further information regarding notes payable, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(B) Derivatives
At December 31, 2013, the Parent Company's outstanding freestanding derivative contracts were swaps associated with our notes payable, consisting of an interest rate swap for our variable interest rate yen-denominated debt and cross-currency interest rate swaps, also referred to as foreign currency swaps, associated with our senior notes due in June 2023, February 2017 and February 2022 and subordinated debentures due in September 2052. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes, nor do we engage in leveraged derivative transactions. For further information regarding these derivatives, see Notes 1, 4 and 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(C) Income Taxes
The Parent Company and its eligible U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. Income tax liabilities or benefits are recorded by each principal subsidiary based upon separate return calculations, and any difference between the consolidated provision and the aggregate amounts recorded by the subsidiaries is reflected in the Parent Company financial statements. For further information on income taxes, see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(D) Dividend Restrictions
See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding dividend restrictions.
(E) Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
(In millions)	2013					2012					2011
Interest paid		$	205				$	181				$	163
Noncash financing activities:
Treasury stock issued for shareholder dividend reinvestment		25					25					23

SCHEDULE_III_SUPPLEMENTARY_INS

SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION	'
	SCHEDULE III
	SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
	Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
	Years ended December 31,
	(In millions)	Deferred Policy					Future Policy					Unearned					Other
		Acquisition					Benefits & Unpaid					Premiums					Policyholders'
		Costs					Policy Claims										Funds
	2013:00:00
	Aflac Japan		$	5,819				$	64,122				$	10,520				$	5,660
	Aflac U.S.		2,979					8,775					122					201
	All other		0					2					0					0
	Total		$	8,798				$	72,899				$	10,642				$	5,861
	2012:00:00
	Aflac Japan		$	6,801				$	72,286				$	11,779				$	5,118
	Aflac U.S.		2,857					8,209					125					201
	All other		0					2					0					0
	Total		$	9,658				$	80,497				$	11,904				$	5,319
	Segment amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding consolidated amounts due to rounding.
	Years Ended December 31,
	(In millions)	Net			Net					Benefits and					Amortization of					Other			Premiums
		Premium			Investment					Claims, net					Deferred Policy					Operating			Written
		Revenue			Income										Acquisition Costs					Expenses
	2013:00:00
	Aflac Japan	$	14,982			$	2,651				$	10,924				$	641				$	2,495	$	15,960
	Aflac U.S.	5,153				632					2,889					433					1,431		5,144
	All other	0				10					0					0					310		0
	Total	$	20,135			$	3,293				$	13,813				$	1,074				$	4,236	$	21,104
	2012:00:00
	Aflac Japan	$	17,151			$	2,845				$	12,496				$	716				$	2,937	$	23,662
	Aflac U.S.	4,996				613					2,834					400					1,397		4,988
	All other	1				15					0					1					281		0
	Total	$	22,148			$	3,473				$	15,330				$	1,117				$	4,615	$	28,650
	2011:00:00
	Aflac Japan	$	15,619			$	2,688				$	11,037				$	650				$	2,837	$	19,034
	Aflac U.S.	4,743				588					2,713					383					1,341		4,733
	All other	0				4					(1		)			0					261		0
	Total	$	20,362			$	3,280				$	13,749				$	1,033				$	4,439	$	23,767
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
	Segment amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding consolidated amounts due to rounding.
	See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

SCHEDULE_IV_REINSURANCE

SCHEDULE IV REINSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE IV REINSURANCE	'
	SCHEDULE IV
	REINSURANCE
	Aflac Incorporated and Subsidiaries
	Years Ended December 31,
	(In millions)	Gross		Ceded to			Assumed			Net		Percentage
		Amount		Other			from Other			Amount		of Amount
				Companies			companies					Assumed
												to Net
	2013:00:00
	Life insurance in force	$	157,022		$	3,245		$	0	$	153,777		0	%
	Premiums:
	Health insurance	$	15,393		$	98		$	12	$	15,307		0	%
	Life insurance	4,840			12			0		4,828			0
	Total earned premiums	$	20,233		$	110		$	12	$	20,135		0	%
	2012:00:00
	Life insurance in force	$	173,791		$	3,867		$	0	$	169,924		0	%
	Premiums:
	Health insurance	$	17,541		$	19		$	14	$	17,536		0	%
	Life insurance	4,626			14			0		4,612			0
	Total earned premiums	$	22,167		$	33		$	14	$	22,148		0	%
	2011:00:00
	Life insurance in force	$	168,355		$	4,159		$	3	$	164,199		0	%
	Premiums:
	Health insurance	$	17,210		$	14		$	12	$	17,208		0	%
	Life insurance	3,163			13			4		3,154			0
	Total earned premiums	$	20,373		$	27		$	16	$	20,362		0	%
	Premiums by type may not agree in total to the corresponding consolidated amounts due to rounding.
	See the accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	'
	Description of Business
	Aflac Incorporated (the Parent Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) primarily sell supplemental health and life insurance in the United States and Japan. The Company's insurance business is marketed and administered through American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac), which operates in the United States (Aflac U.S.) and as a branch in Japan (Aflac Japan). American Family Life Assurance Company of New York (Aflac New York) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aflac. Most of Aflac's policies are individually underwritten and marketed through independent agents. Additionally, Aflac U.S. markets and administers group products through Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC), branded as Aflac Group Insurance. Our insurance operations in the United States and our branch in Japan service the two markets for our insurance business. Aflac Japan's revenues, including realized gains and losses on its investment portfolio, accounted for 74% of the Company's total revenues in 2013, compared with 77% in 2012 and 75% in 2011. The percentage of the Company's total assets attributable to Aflac Japan was 85% at December 31, 2013, compared with 87% at December 31, 2012.
	Basis of Presentation
	We prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These principles are established primarily by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). In these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, references to GAAP issued by the FASB are derived from the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (ASC). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates when recording transactions resulting from business operations based on currently available information. The most significant items on our balance sheet that involve a greater degree of accounting estimates and actuarial determinations subject to changes in the future are the valuation of investments, deferred policy acquisition costs, liabilities for future policy benefits and unpaid policy claims, and income taxes. These accounting estimates and actuarial determinations are sensitive to market conditions, investment yields, mortality, morbidity, commission and other acquisition expenses, and terminations by policyholders. As additional information becomes available, or actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates will be revised and reflected in operating results. Although some variability is inherent in these estimates, we believe the amounts provided are adequate.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company, its subsidiaries and those entities required to be consolidated under applicable accounting standards. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	'
	Translation of Foreign Currencies: The functional currency of Aflac Japan's insurance operations is the Japanese yen. We translate our yen-denominated financial statement accounts into U.S. dollars as follows. Assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period exchange rates. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are translated at the exchange rate on the trade date of each transaction. Other revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated using average exchange rates for the period. The resulting currency translation adjustments are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. We include in earnings the realized currency exchange gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions.
	Prior to October 1, 2013, Aflac Japan maintained an investment portfolio of dollar-denominated securities on behalf of Aflac U.S., which served as an economic currency hedge of a portion of our investment in Aflac Japan. The functional currency for these investments was the U.S. dollar. The related investment income and realized/unrealized investment gains and losses were denominated in U.S. dollars. Since the functional currency of this portfolio was the U.S. dollar, there was no translation adjustment to record in other comprehensive income for these investments when the yen/dollar exchange rate changed. However, the foreign exchange gains and losses related to this portfolio are taxable in Japan and the U.S. when the securities matured or were sold. Until maturity or sale, deferred tax expense or benefit associated with the foreign exchange gains or losses is recognized in income tax expense on other comprehensive income. As of October 1, 2013, these investments were transferred into the Aflac Japan investment portfolio. These investments began to have translation effects recorded in other comprehensive income in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	We have designated a majority of the Parent Company's yen-denominated liabilities (Samurai and Uridashi notes and yen-denominated loans) as non-derivative hedges and designated foreign currency forwards and options as derivative hedges of the foreign currency exposure of our investment in Aflac Japan. Outstanding principal and related accrued interest on these Parent Company liabilities and the fair value of these derivatives are translated into U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates. Currency translation adjustments and changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded as unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) in other comprehensive income and are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Insurance Revenue and Expense Recognition	'
	Insurance Revenue and Expense Recognition: The supplemental health and life insurance policies we issue are classified as long-duration contracts. The contract provisions generally cannot be changed or canceled during the contract period; however, we may adjust premiums for supplemental health policies issued in the United States within prescribed guidelines and with the approval of state insurance regulatory authorities.
	Insurance premiums for most of the Company's health and life policies are recognized ratably as earned income over the premium payment periods of the policies. When revenues are reported, the related amounts of benefits and expenses are charged against such revenues, so that profits are recognized in proportion to premium revenues during the period the policies are expected to remain in force. This association is accomplished by means of annual additions to the liability for future policy benefits and the deferral and subsequent amortization of policy acquisition costs.
	Premiums from the Company's products with limited-pay features are collected over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided. Premiums for these products are recognized ratably over the scheduled premium payment period. At the policyholder's option, customers can also pay discounted advanced premiums for certain of these products. Advanced premiums are deferred and recognized ratably over the regularly scheduled premium payment period. For the Company's limited-pay products, any gross premium in excess of the net premium is deferred during the scheduled premium payment period and recognized into benefits in a constant relationship with insurance in force. Benefits are recorded as an expense when they are incurred. A liability for future policy benefits is recorded when premiums are recognized using the net premium method.
	The calculation of deferred policy acquisition costs (DAC) and the liability for future policy benefits requires the use of estimates based on sound actuarial valuation techniques. For new policy issues, we review our actuarial assumptions and deferrable acquisition costs each year and revise them when necessary to more closely reflect recent experience and studies of actual acquisition costs. For policies in force, we evaluate DAC by major product groupings to determine that they are recoverable from future revenues, and any amounts determined not to be recoverable are charged against net earnings. We have not had any material charges to earnings for DAC that was determined not to be recoverable in any of the years presented in this Form 10-K.
	Advertising expense is reported as incurred in insurance expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments and other debt instruments with a maturity of 90 days or less when purchased.
Investments	'
	Investments: Our debt securities consist of fixed-maturity securities, which are classified as either held to maturity or available for sale. Securities classified as held to maturity are securities that we have the ability and intent to hold to maturity or redemption and are carried at amortized cost. All other fixed-maturity debt securities, our perpetual securities and our equity securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value. If the fair value is higher than the amortized cost for debt and perpetual securities, or the purchase cost for equity securities, the excess is an unrealized gain, and if lower than cost, the difference is an unrealized loss. The net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, plus the unamortized unrealized gains and losses on debt securities transferred to the held-to-maturity portfolio, less related deferred income taxes, are recorded through other comprehensive income and included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	Amortized cost of debt and perpetual securities is based on our purchase price adjusted for accrual of discount, or amortization of premium, and recognition of impairment charges, if any. The amortized cost of debt and perpetual securities we purchase at a discount or premium will equal the face or par value at maturity or the call date, if applicable. Interest is reported as income when earned and is adjusted for amortization of any premium or discount.
	We have investments in variable interest entities (VIEs). Criteria for evaluating VIEs for consolidation focuses on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. We are the primary beneficiary of certain VIEs. While the VIEs generally operate within a defined set of documents, there are certain powers that are retained by us that are considered significant in our conclusion that we are the primary beneficiary. These powers vary by structure but generally include the initial selection of the underlying collateral or, for collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), the reference credits to include in the structure; the ability to obtain the underlying collateral in the event of default; and the ability to appoint or dismiss key parties in the structure. In particular, our powers surrounding the underlying collateral were the most significant powers since those most significantly impact the economics of the VIE. We have no obligation to provide any continuing financial support to any of the entities in which we are the primary beneficiary. Our maximum loss is limited to our original investment. Neither we nor any of our creditors have the ability to obtain the underlying collateral, nor do we have control over the instruments in the VIEs, unless there is an event of default. For those entities where we are the primary beneficiary, the assets consolidated are fixed-maturity securities, perpetual securities and derivative instruments; collateral is reported separately under the captions fixed maturities- and perpetual securities- consolidated variable interest entities on our balance sheet.
	For the collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) held in our fixed-maturity securities portfolio, we recognize income using a constant effective yield, which is based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. The net investment in CMO securities is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied at the time of acquisition. This adjustment is reflected in net investment income.
	We use the specific identification method to determine the gain or loss from securities transactions and report the realized gain or loss in the consolidated statements of earnings. Securities transactions are accounted for based on values as of the trade date of the transaction.
	An investment in a fixed maturity or perpetual security is impaired if the fair value falls below book value. We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in value. The majority of our investments are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment using our debt impairment model. Our debt impairment model focuses on the ultimate collection of the cash flows from our investments. The determination of the amount of impairments under this model is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective securities. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available.
	The determination of whether an impairment in value is other than temporary is based largely on our evaluation of the issuer's creditworthiness. Our team of experienced credit professionals must apply considerable judgment in determining the likelihood of the security recovering in value while we own it. Factors that may influence this include the overall level of interest rates, credit spreads, the credit quality of the underlying issuer, and other factors. This process requires consideration of risks which can be controlled to a certain extent, such as credit risk, and risks which cannot be controlled, such as interest rate risk.
	If, after monitoring and analyses, management believes that fair value will not recover to amortized cost prior to the disposal of the security, we recognize an other-than-temporary impairment of the security. Once a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the impairment loss is separated into two separate components: the portion of the impairment related to credit and the portion of the impairment related to factors other than credit. We automatically recognize a charge to earnings for the credit-related portion of other-than-temporary impairments. Impairments related to factors other than credit are charged to earnings in the event we intend to sell the security prior to the recovery of its amortized cost or if it is more likely than not that we would be required to dispose of the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost; otherwise, non-credit-related other-than-temporary impairments are charged to other comprehensive income.
	Our investments in perpetual securities that are rated below investment grade are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment under our equity impairment model. Our equity impairment model focuses on the severity of a security's decline in fair value coupled with the length of time the fair value of the security has been below amortized cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.
	We lend fixed-maturity securities to financial institutions in short-term security lending transactions. These securities continue to be carried as investment assets on our balance sheet during the terms of the loans and are not reported as sales. We receive cash or other securities as collateral for such loans. For loans involving unrestricted cash or securities as collateral, the collateral is reported as an asset with a corresponding liability for the return of the collateral.
	For further information regarding our investments, see Note 3.
Derivatives and Hedging	'
	Derivatives and Hedging: Freestanding derivative instruments are reported in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and are reported in other assets and other liabilities, with changes in value reported in earnings and/or other comprehensive income. These freestanding derivatives are interest rate swaps, foreign currency swaps, credit default swaps (CDSs), foreign currency forwards, foreign currency options, and options on interest rate swaps (or interest rate swaptions). Interest rate and foreign currency swaps are used within VIEs to hedge the risk arising from interest rate and currency exchange risk, while the CDSs are used to increase the yield and improve the diversification of the portfolio. Foreign currency forward contracts are used in hedging foreign exchange risk on U.S. dollar-denominated securities in Aflac Japan's portfolio. Foreign currency forwards and options are used to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in yen. Interest rate swaps are used to hedge the variability of interest cash flows associated with our variable interest rate notes, and cross-currency interest rate swaps, also referred to as foreign currency swaps, are used to economically convert certain dollar-denominated note obligations into yen-denominated principal and interest obligations. Interest rate swaptions are used to hedge interest rate risk for certain U.S. dollar-denominated available-for-sale securities. We do not use derivatives for trading purposes, nor do we engage in leveraged derivative transactions.
	From time to time, we purchase certain investments that contain an embedded derivative. We assess whether this embedded derivative is clearly and closely related to the asset that serves as its host contract. If we deem that the embedded derivative's terms are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, and a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the derivative is separated from that contract, held at fair value and reported with the host instrument in the consolidated balance sheet, with changes in fair value reported in earnings. If we have elected the fair value option, the embedded derivative is not bifurcated, and the entire investment is held at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings.
	For those relationships where we seek hedge accounting, we formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking derivatives and nonderivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. We also assess, both at inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives and nonderivatives used in hedging activities are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. The assessment of hedge effectiveness determines the accounting treatment of noncash changes in fair value.
	Changes in the fair value of any of our derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income as long as they are deemed effective. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded immediately in current period earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). Periodic derivative net coupon settlements are recorded in the line item of the consolidated statements of earnings in which the cash flows of the hedged item are recorded.
	Changes in the estimated fair value of derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, including amounts measured as ineffectiveness, and changes in the estimated fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged, are reported in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses).
	We have designated the majority of the Parent Company's yen-denominated liabilities (Samurai and Uridashi notes and yen-denominated loans) as nonderivative hedges and designated derivatives as hedges of the foreign currency exposure to our investment in Aflac Japan. At the beginning of each quarter, we make our net investment hedge designation. If the total of the designated Parent Company non-derivative and derivatives notional is equal to or less than our net investment in Aflac Japan, the hedge is deemed to be effective, and the exchange effect on the yen-denominated liabilities and the change in estimated fair value of the derivatives are reported in the unrealized foreign currency component of other comprehensive income. Should these designated net investment hedge positions exceed our net investment in Aflac Japan, the foreign exchange effect on the portion that exceeds our investment in Aflac Japan would be recognized in current earnings within derivative and other gains (losses).
	Derivatives that are not designated as hedges are carried at fair value with all changes in fair value recorded in current period earnings within derivative and other gains (losses). We include the fair value of all freestanding derivatives in either other assets or other liabilities on the balance sheet.
	For further information regarding derivatives and hedging, see Note 4.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs: See the Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements section of this Note 1 for a discussion of the change in accounting policy for DAC that we adopted retrospectively as of January 1, 2012.
	Certain direct and incremental costs of acquiring new business are deferred and amortized with interest over the premium payment periods in proportion to the ratio of annual premium income to total anticipated premium income. Anticipated premium income is estimated by using the same mortality, persistency and interest assumptions used in computing liabilities for future policy benefits. In this manner, the related acquisition expenses are matched with revenues. Deferred costs include the excess of current-year commissions over ultimate renewal-year commissions and certain incremental direct policy issue, underwriting and sales expenses. All of these incremental costs are directly related to successful policy acquisition.
	For some products, policyholders can elect to modify product benefits, features, rights or coverages by exchanging a contract for a new contract or by amendment, endorsement, or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. These transactions are known as internal replacements. For internal replacement transactions where the resulting contract is substantially unchanged, the policy is accounted for as a continuation of the replaced contract. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs from the original policy continue to be amortized over the expected life of the new policy, and the costs of replacing the policy are accounted for as policy maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Internal replacement transactions that result in a policy that is not substantially unchanged are accounted for as an extinguishment of the original policy and the issuance of a new policy. Unamortized deferred acquisition costs on the original policy that was replaced are immediately expensed, and the costs of acquiring the new policy are capitalized and amortized in accordance with our accounting policies for deferred acquisition costs.
	We measure the recoverability of DAC and the adequacy of our policy reserves annually by performing gross premium valuations on our business. Our testing indicates that our DAC is recoverable and our policy liabilities are adequate. (See the following discussion for further information regarding policy liabilities.)
Policy Liabilities - Future Policy Benefits	'
	Policy Liabilities: Future policy benefits represent claims that are expected to occur in the future and are computed by a net level premium method using estimated future investment yields, persistency and recognized morbidity and mortality tables modified to reflect our experience, including a provision for adverse deviation. These assumptions are generally established at the time a policy is issued.
Policy Liabilities - Unpaid Policy Claims	'
	Unpaid policy claims are estimates computed on an undiscounted basis using statistical analyses of historical claims experience adjusted for current trends and changed conditions. The ultimate liability may vary significantly from such estimates. We regularly adjust these estimates as new claims experience emerges and reflect the changes in operating results in the year such adjustments are made.
Other Policy Liabilities [Policy Text Block]	'
	Other policy liabilities consist primarily of discounted advance premiums on deposit from policyholders in conjunction with their purchase of certain Aflac Japan limited-pay insurance products. These advanced premiums are deferred upon collection and recognized as premium revenue over the contractual premium payment period.
Internal Replacements of Insurance Contracts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	For internal replacements that are determined to not be substantially unchanged, policy liabilities related to the original policy that was replaced are immediately released, and policy liabilities are established for the new insurance contract.
Reinsurance Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Reinsurance: We enter into reinsurance agreements with other companies in the normal course of business. For each of our reinsurance agreements, we determine if the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Reinsurance premiums and benefits paid or provided are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums, benefits and DAC are reported net of insurance ceded. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes: Income tax provisions are generally based on pretax earnings reported for financial statement purposes, which differ from those amounts used in preparing our income tax returns. Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which we expect the temporary differences to reverse. We record deferred tax assets for tax positions taken based on our assessment of whether the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that an amount will not be realized.
	As discussed in the Translation of Foreign Currencies section above, Aflac Japan maintains certain dollar-denominated investments that, prior to October 1, 2013, did not have any foreign currency translation adjustments recognized in other comprehensive income. However, the deferred tax expense or benefit associated with foreign exchange gains or losses on these investments is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the securities mature or are sold. Total income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) included a deferred tax expense of $614 million in 2013, compared with a deferred tax expense of $492 million in 2012 and a deferred tax benefit of $152 million in 2011 for these dollar-denominated investments. Excluding these amounts from total taxes on other comprehensive income would result in an effective income tax rate on pretax other comprehensive income (loss) of 31% in 2013, 32% in 2012, and 34% in 2011.
Policyholder Protection Corporation and State Guaranty Association Assessments	'
	Policyholder Protection Corporation and State Guaranty Association Assessments: In Japan, the government has required the insurance industry to contribute to a policyholder protection corporation. We recognize a charge for our estimated share of the industry's obligation once it is determinable. We review the estimated liability for policyholder protection corporation contributions on an annual basis and report any adjustments in Aflac Japan's expenses.
	In the United States, each state has a guaranty association that supports insolvent insurers operating in those states. To date, our state guaranty association assessments have not been material.
Treasury Stock	'
	Treasury Stock: Treasury stock is reflected as a reduction of shareholders' equity at cost. We use the weighted-average purchase cost to determine the cost of treasury stock that is reissued. We include any gains and losses in additional paid-in capital when treasury stock is reissued.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation: We measure compensation cost related to our share-based payment transactions at fair value on the grant date, and we recognize those costs in the financial statements over the vesting period during which the employee provides service in exchange for the award.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share: We compute basic earnings per share (EPS) by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of unrestricted shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period plus the shares representing the dilutive effect of share-based awards.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-year amounts to conform to current-year reporting classifications. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or total shareholders' equity.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	Derivatives and hedging: In July 2013, the FASB issued an update which allows entities to use the Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate, also referred to as the Overnight Index Swap Rate (OIS), as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. Previously the only acceptable benchmark rates for hedge accounting purposes under GAAP were U.S. Treasury rates and the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rate. This update reflects the evolution of market hedging practices and is intended to provide more flexibility for hedge accounting purposes. We adopted this guidance in the third quarter of 2013 on a prospective basis for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after the effective date of July 17, 2013. The adoption of the guidance had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income: In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance that requires reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income to be presented in statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented or in the footnotes to the financial statements. Additionally, the amendment requires cross-referencing to other disclosures currently required for other reclassification items. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance impacted our financial statement disclosures, but it did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities: In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend the disclosure requirements about offsetting assets and liabilities. The new guidance essentially clarifies the FASB's intent concerning the application of existing offsetting disclosure requirements. Entities are required to disclose gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions when those activities are subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The scope of this guidance was clarified and revised in January 2013 to apply to derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The objective of this disclosure is to move toward consistency between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance impacted our financial statement disclosures, but it did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Presentation of comprehensive income: In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend the presentation of comprehensive income. The amendment requires that all non-owner changes in shareholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2012 and elected the option to report comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Fair value measurements and disclosures: In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance to amend the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. Most of the amendments are clarifications of the FASB's intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements. The new fair value measurement disclosures include additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures for Level 3 measurements, including a qualitative sensitivity analysis of fair value to changes in unobservable inputs, and categorization by fair value hierarchy level for items for which the fair value is only disclosed. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance impacted our financial statement disclosures, but it did not affect our financial position or results of operations.
	Accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts: In October 2010, the FASB issued amended accounting guidance on accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. Under the previous guidance, costs that varied with and were primarily related to the acquisition of a policy were deferrable. Under the amended guidance, only incremental direct costs associated with the successful acquisition of a new or renewal contract may be capitalized, and direct-response advertising costs may be capitalized only if they meet certain criteria. This guidance is effective on a prospective or retrospective basis for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We retrospectively adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2012. The retrospective adoption of this accounting standard resulted in an after-tax cumulative reduction to retained earnings of $391 million and an after-tax cumulative reduction to unrealized foreign currency translation gains in accumulated other comprehensive income of $67 million, resulting in a total reduction to shareholders' equity of $458 million as of December 31, 2009, the opening balance sheet date in the period of adoption. The adoption of this accounting standard had an immaterial impact on net income in 2011 and all preceding years.
Description of Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption	'
	Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption
	Presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists: In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance to amend the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The new guidance essentially states that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. However, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This accounting standard applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods and requires prospective presentation for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on our financial statements.
	Fees paid to the federal government by health insurers: In July 2011, the FASB issued guidance on the accounting for fees owed by health insurers as mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (the Acts). The Acts impose an annual fee on health insurers for each calendar year beginning on or after January 1, 2014. A health insurer's portion of the annual fee is payable by September 30 of the applicable calendar year once the entity provides health insurance for any U.S. health risk in that year. The annual fee for the health insurance industry will be allocated to individual health insurers based on the ratio of the amount of an entity's net premiums written during the preceding calendar year to the amount of health insurance for any U.S. health risk that is written during the preceding calendar year. The accounting guidance specifies that the liability for the fee should be estimated and recorded in full in the applicable calendar year in which the fee is payable with a corresponding deferred cost that is amortized to expense using a straight-line method of allocation unless another method better allocates the fee over the calendar year that it is payable. This guidance is effective for calendar years beginning after December 31, 2013. The adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_AND_FOREIGN_I1

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated	'
	Information regarding operations by segment for the years ended December 31 follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Revenues:
	Aflac Japan:
	Net earned premiums:
	Cancer		$	6,123				$	7,537			$	7,541
	Medical and other health		4,282					5,244				5,158
	Life insurance		4,577					4,370				2,920
	Net investment income		2,651					2,845				2,688
	Other income		55					57				46
	Total Aflac Japan		17,688					20,053				18,353
	Aflac U.S.:
	Earned premiums:
	Accident/disability		2,284					2,213				2,194
	Cancer		1,283					1,282				1,258
	Other health		1,334					1,259				1,061
	Life insurance		252					242				230
	Net investment income		632					613				588
	Other income		6					19				10
	Total Aflac U.S.		5,791					5,628				5,341
	Other business segments		49					46				54
	Total business segment revenues		23,528					25,727				23,748
	Realized investment gains (losses)		389			(1)		(349		)		(1,552		)
	Corporate		302					262				241
	Intercompany eliminations		(308		)			(276		)		(266		)
	Other non-operating income (loss)		28					0				0
	Total revenues		$	23,939				$	25,364			$	22,171
	(1) Excluding a gain of $10 in 2013 related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which is classified as an operating gain when analyzing segment operations
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	'
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Pretax earnings:
	Aflac Japan		$	3,628				$	3,904			$	3,829
	Aflac U.S.		1,038					997				904
	Other business segments		(1		)			(3		)		1
	Total business segment pretax operating earnings		4,665					4,898				4,734
	Interest expense, noninsurance operations		(198		)			(184		)		(168		)
	Corporate and eliminations		(68		)			(56		)		(64		)
	Pretax operating earnings		4,399					4,658				4,502
	Realized investment gains (losses)		389			(1)		(349		)		(1,552		)
	Other non-operating income (loss)		28					(7		)		0
	Total earnings before income taxes		$	4,816				$	4,302			$	2,950
	Income taxes applicable to pretax operating earnings		$	1,512				$	1,561			$	1,556
	Effect of foreign currency translation on operating earnings		(357		)			8				169
	(1) Excluding a gain of $10 in 2013 related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which is classified as an operating gain when analyzing segment operations
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	'
	Assets as of December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Assets:
	Aflac Japan		$	102,973				$	113,678			$	101,692
	Aflac U.S.		16,112					16,122				13,942
	Other business segments		155					154				160
	Total business segment assets		119,240					129,954				115,794
	Corporate		19,909					20,318				16,182
	Intercompany eliminations		(17,842		)			(19,178		)		(15,739		)
	Total assets		$	121,307				$	131,094			$	116,237
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
Foreign Currency Disclosure	'
	Yen-Translation Effects: The following table shows the yen/dollar exchange rates used for or during the periods ended December 31. Exchange effects were calculated using the same yen/dollar exchange rate for the current year as for each respective prior year.
		2013					2012				2011
	Statements of Earnings:
	Weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate		97.54					79.81				79.75
	Yen percent strengthening (weakening)		(18.2		)%			(.1		)%		10		%
	Exchange effect on net earnings (in millions)		$	(312	)			$	38			$	160
	Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.
		2013					2012
	Balance Sheets:
	Yen/dollar exchange rate at December 31		105.39					86.58
	Yen percent strengthening (weakening)		(17.8		)%			(10.2		)%
	Exchange effect on total assets (in millions)		$	(17,836	)			$	(10,861	)
	Exchange effect on total liabilities (in millions)		(19,806		)			(11,441		)
Schedule of Intercompany Transfers of Funds	'
	Information on transfers for each of the years ended December 31 is shown below. See Note 13 for information concerning restrictions on transfers from Aflac Japan.
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Management fees		$	37				$	30			$	28
	Allocated expenses		74					58				43
	Profit repatriation		771					422				143
	Total transfers from Aflac Japan		$	882				$	510			$	214
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Classes of property and equipment as of December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012
	Property and equipment:
	Land		$	168				$	161
	Buildings		444					535
	Equipment and furniture		329					326
	Total property and equipment		941					1,022
	Less accumulated depreciation		460					458
	Net property and equipment		$	481				$	564

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Net Investment Income	'
	The components of net investment income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	2013						2012						2011
	Fixed-maturity securities		$	3,210					$	3,248					$	3,026
	Perpetual securities		153						253						274
	Equity securities and other		7						17						5
	Short-term investments and cash equivalents		1						2						4
	Gross investment income		3,371						3,520						3,309
	Less investment expenses		78						47						29
	Net investment income		$	3,293					$	3,473					$	3,280
Available-for-sale Securities	'
	The amortized cost for our investments in debt and perpetual securities, the cost for equity securities and the fair values of these investments at December 31 are shown in the following tables.
		2013
	(In millions)	Cost or						Gross						Gross						Fair
		Amortized						Unrealized						Unrealized						Value
		Cost						Gains						Losses
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Yen-denominated:
	Japan government and agencies		$	14,936					$	431					$	33					$	15,334
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		558						29						0						587
	Public utilities		2,261						100						18						2,343
	Sovereign and supranational		978						85						28						1,035
	Banks/financial institutions		2,799						220						242						2,777
	Other corporate		3,956						151						185						3,922
	Total yen-denominated		25,488						1,016						506						25,998
	Dollar-denominated:
	U.S. government and agencies		92						10						4						98
	Municipalities		992						71						12						1,051
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		163						21						0						184
	Public utilities		4,931						471						183						5,219
	Sovereign and supranational		404						85						1						488
	Banks/financial institutions		3,318						447						33						3,732
	Other corporate		21,123						1,347						1,170						21,300
	Total dollar-denominated		31,023						2,452						1,403						32,072
	Total fixed maturities		56,511						3,468						1,909						58,070
	Perpetual securities:
	Yen-denominated:
	Banks/financial institutions		2,582						151						217						2,516
	Other corporate		209						0						0						209
	Dollar-denominated:
	Banks/financial institutions		196						35						9						222
	Total perpetual securities		2,987						186						226						2,947
	Equity securities		17						5						1						21
	Total securities available for sale		$	59,515					$	3,659					$	2,136					$	61,038
		2012
	(In millions)	Cost or						Gross						Gross						Fair
		Amortized						Unrealized						Unrealized						Value
		Cost						Gains						Losses
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Yen-denominated:
	Japan government and agencies		$	12,612					$	349					$	81					$	12,880
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		746						40						1						785
	Public utilities		3,608						116						72						3,652
	Sovereign and supranational		1,404						71						0						1,475
	Banks/financial institutions		3,455						233						180						3,508
	Other corporate		5,656						241						153						5,744
	Total yen-denominated		27,481						1,050						487						28,044
	Dollar-denominated:
	U.S. government and agencies		93						24						0						117
	Municipalities		1,045						156						6						1,195
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		188						58						0						246
	Public utilities		4,204						658						17						4,845
	Sovereign and supranational		476						123						2						597
	Banks/financial institutions		3,626						506						6						4,126
	Other corporate		16,300						1,878						95						18,083
	Total dollar-denominated		25,932						3,403						126						29,209
	Total fixed maturities		53,413						4,453						613						57,253
	Perpetual securities:
	Yen-denominated:
	Banks/financial institutions		3,635						193						161						3,667
	Other corporate		309						43						0						352
	Dollar-denominated:
Banks/financial institutions		269						23						9						283
Total perpetual securities		4,213						259						170						4,302
Equity securities		20						4						1						23
Total securities available for sale		$	57,646					$	4,716					$	784					$	61,578
Held-to-maturity Securities	'
		2013
	(In millions)	Cost or						Gross						Gross						Fair
		Amortized						Unrealized						Unrealized						Value
		Cost						Gains						Losses
	Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
	Fixed maturities:
	Yen-denominated:
	Japan government and agencies		$	27,362					$	1,347					$	1					$	28,708
	Municipalities		399						41						0						440
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		58						3						0						61
	Public utilities		3,900						150						122						3,928
	Sovereign and supranational		2,941						171						72						3,040
	Banks/financial institutions		6,310						146						328						6,128
	Other corporate		3,445						183						87						3,541
	Total yen-denominated		44,415						2,041						610						45,846
	Total securities held to maturity		$	44,415					$	2,041					$	610					$	45,846
		2012
	(In millions)	Cost or						Gross						Gross						Fair
		Amortized						Unrealized						Unrealized						Value
		Cost						Gains						Losses
	Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
	Fixed maturities:
	Yen-denominated:
	Japan government and agencies		$	32,043					$	356					$	67					$	32,332
	Municipalities		492						30						2						520
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		90						4						0						94
	Public utilities		4,924						233						106						5,051
	Sovereign and supranational		3,209						192						84						3,317
	Banks/financial institutions		9,211						211						431						8,991
	Other corporate		4,457						187						108						4,536
	Total yen-denominated		54,426						1,213						798						54,841
	Total securities held to maturity		$	54,426					$	1,213					$	798					$	54,841
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	'
	The contractual maturities of our investments in fixed maturities at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
		Aflac Japan												Aflac U.S.
	(In millions)	Amortized						Fair						Amortized						Fair
		Cost						Value						Cost						Value
	Available for sale:
	Due in one year or less		$	646					$	653					$	50					$	52
	Due after one year through five years		1,820						1,960						474						552
	Due after five years through 10 years		9,713						9,657						1,557						1,624
	Due after 10 years		32,752						33,514						8,517						9,016
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		622						664						38						46
	Total fixed maturities available for sale		$	45,553					$	46,448					$	10,636					$	11,290
	Held to maturity:
	Due in one year or less		$	4,547					$	4,547					$	0					$	0
	Due after one year through five years		1,473						1,598						0						0
	Due after five years through 10 years		1,967						2,062						0						0
	Due after 10 years		36,370						37,578						0						0
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		58						61						0						0
	Total fixed maturities held to maturity		$	44,415					$	45,846					$	0					$	0
Economic Maturities of Investments in Perpetual Securities	'
	The economic maturities of our investments in perpetual securities, which were all reported as available for sale at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
		Aflac Japan												Aflac U.S.
	(In millions)	Amortized						Fair						Amortized						Fair
		Cost						Value						Cost						Value
	Due in one year or less		$	142					$	128					$	0					$	0
	Due after one year through five years		855						829						5						5
	Due after five years through 10 years		209						209						0						0
	Due after 10 years		1,677						1,673						99						103
	Total perpetual securities available for sale		$	2,883					$	2,839					$	104					$	108
Investment Exposures Exceeding 10 Percent Shareholders Equity	'
	Investment exposures that individually exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity as of December 31 were as follows:
		2013						2012
	(In millions)	Credit		Amortized		Fair		Credit		Amortized		Fair
		Rating		Cost		Value		Rating		Cost		Value
	Japan National Government(1)	AA		$41,924		$43,619		AA		$44,081		$44,580
	(1)JGBs or JGB-backed securities
Bank and Financial Institution Investments	'
	Our total investments in the bank and financial institution sector as of December 31, including those classified as perpetual securities, were as follows:
		2013											2012
		Total Investments in						Percentage of					Total Investments in						Percentage of
		Banks and Financial						Total Investment					Banks and Financial						Total Investment
		Institutions Sector						Portfolio					Institutions Sector						Portfolio
		(in millions)											(in millions)
	Fixed maturities:
	Amortized cost		$	12,427					12	%				$	16,292					14	%
	Fair value		12,637						12					16,625						14
	Perpetual securities:
	Upper Tier II:
	Amortized cost		$	1,920					2	%				$	2,825					3	%
	Fair value		1,913						2					2,919						3
	Tier I:
	Amortized cost		858						1					1,079						1
	Fair value		825						1					1,031						1
	Total:
	Amortized cost		$	15,205					15	%				$	20,196					18	%
	Fair value		15,375						15					20,575						18
Gain (Loss) on Investments	'
	Information regarding pretax realized gains and losses from investments for the years ended December 31 follows:
	(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
	Realized investment gains (losses) on securities:
	Fixed maturities:
	Available for sale:
	Gross gains from sales	$	316			$	427			$	992
	Gross losses from sales	(87		)		(48		)		(465		)
	Net gains (losses) from redemptions	34				2				69
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(128		)		(734		)		(1,335		)
	Held to maturity:
	Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0				4				0
	Total fixed maturities	135				(349		)		(739		)
	Perpetual securities:
	Available for sale:
	Gross gains from sales	0				127				102
	Gross losses from sales	(1		)		(98		)		(109		)
	Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0				60				0
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(70		)		(243		)		(565		)
	Total perpetual securities	(71		)		(154		)		(572		)
	Equity securities:
	Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(1		)		0				(1		)
	Total equity securities	(1		)		0				(1		)
	Derivatives and other:
	Derivative gains (losses)	326				151				(257		)
	Other	10				3				17
	Total derivatives and other	336				154				(240		)
	Total realized investment gains (losses)	$	399			$	(349	)		$	(1,552	)
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses on Investment Securities	'
	The following table details our pretax other-than-temporary impairment losses by investment category that resulted from our impairment evaluation process for the years ended December 31.
	(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
	Perpetual securities	$	70			$	243			$	565
	Corporate bonds	102				345				1,316
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	0				3				17
	Municipalities	0				0				2
	Sovereign and supranational	26				386				0
	Equity securities	1				0				1
	Total other-than-temporary impairment losses realized (1)	$	199			$	977			$	1,901
	(1) Includes $45, $597 and $1,286 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for credit-related impairments;
	$26 and $27 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for impairments due to severity and duration of decline
	in fair value; and $128, $353 and $615 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from change in intent to
	sell securities
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	'
	Information regarding changes in unrealized gains and losses from investments for the years ended December 31 follows:
	(In millions)	2013						2012						2011
	Changes in unrealized gains (losses):
	Fixed maturities:
	Available for sale		$	(2,281	)				$	1,624					$	1,963
	Transferred to held to maturity		(9		)				(14		)				(101		)
	Perpetual securities:
	Available for sale		(129		)				547						(143		)
	Equity securities		1						0						2
	Total change in unrealized gains (losses)		$	(2,418	)				$	2,157					$	1,721
Net Effect on Shareholders' Equity of Unrealized Gains and Losses from Investment Securities	'
	The net effect on shareholders' equity of unrealized gains and losses from investment securities at December 31 was as follows:
	(In millions)	2013						2012
	Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale		$	1,523					$	3,932
	Unamortized unrealized gains on securities transferred to held to maturity		11						20
	Deferred income taxes		(499		)				(1,382		)
	Shareholders’ equity, unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities		$	1,035					$	2,570
Investments Gross Unrealized Loss Aging	'
	The following tables show the fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments that were in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31.
		2013
		Total												Less than 12 months											12 months or longer
	(In millions)	Fair						Unrealized						Fair						Unrealized					Fair					Unrealized
		Value						Losses						Value						Losses					Value					Losses
	Fixed Maturities:
	Japan government and agencies:
	Yen-denominated		$	8,869					$	34					$	8,869					$	34				$	0				$	0
	Municipalities:
	Dollar-denominated		177						12						145						8					32					4
	Public utilities:
	Dollar-denominated		2,023						183						1,740						143					283					40
	Yen-denominated		2,519						140						1,816						54					703					86
	Sovereign and supranational:
	Dollar-denominated		12						1						12						1					0					0
	Yen-denominated		1,152						100						791						34					361					66
	Banks/financial institutions:
	Dollar-denominated		547						33						454						23					93					10
	Yen-denominated		4,533						570						2,322						107					2,211					463
	Other corporate:
	Dollar-denominated		11,588						1,170						8,504						733					3,084					437
	Yen-denominated		3,372						272						2,296						152					1,076					120
	U.S. government and agencies:
	Dollar-denominated		36						4						36						4					0					0
	Total fixed maturities		34,828						2,519						26,985						1,293					7,843					1,226
	Perpetual securities:
	Dollar-denominated		59						9						52						8					7					1
	Yen-denominated		1,322						217						748						74					574					143
	Total perpetual securities		1,381						226						800						82					581					144
	Equity securities		5						1						5						1					0					0
	Total		$	36,214					$	2,746					$	27,790					$	1,376				$	8,424				$	1,370
		2012
		Total												Less than 12 months											12 months or longer
	(In millions)	Fair						Unrealized						Fair						Unrealized					Fair					Unrealized
		Value						Losses						Value						Losses					Value					Losses
	Fixed Maturities:
	Japan government and agencies:
	Yen-denominated		$	17,342					$	148					$	17,342					$	148				$	0				$	0
	Municipalities:
	Dollar-denominated		34						6						1						0					33					6
	Yen-denominated		56						2						56						2					0					0
	Mortgage- and asset- backed
	securities:
	Yen-denominated		136						1						0						0					136					1
	Public utilities:
	Dollar-denominated		736						17						736						17					0					0
	Yen-denominated		3,920						178						1,339						31					2,581					147
	Sovereign and supranational:
	Dollar-denominated		31						2						0						0					31					2
	Yen-denominated		1,244						84						507						13					737					71
	Banks/financial institutions:
	Dollar-denominated		276						6						180						3					96					3
	Yen-denominated		6,918						611						1,935						28					4,983					583
	Other corporate:
	Dollar-denominated		4,534						95						4,404						86					130					9
	Yen-denominated		4,013						261						1,635						40					2,378					221
	Total fixed maturities		39,240						1,411						28,135						368					11,105					1,043
	Perpetual securities:
	Dollar-denominated		136						9						120						0					16					9
	Yen-denominated		1,315						161						0						0					1,315					161
	Total perpetual securities		1,451						170						120						0					1,331					170
	Equity securities		6						1						3						0					3					1
	Total		$	40,697					$	1,582					$	28,258					$	368				$	12,439				$	1,214
Investments in Unrealized Loss Position	'
	The following table provides more information on our unrealized loss position as of December 31.
		2013												2012
	(In millions)	Percentage of				Percentage of				Percentage of				Percentage of				Percentage of				Percentage of
		Total Investments				Gross				Gross				Total Investments				Gross				Gross
		in an Unrealized				Unrealized				Unrealized				in an Unrealized				Unrealized				Unrealized
		Loss Position				Losses				Losses for Investment Grade Securities				Loss Position				Losses				Losses for Investment Grade Securities
	Fixed Maturities:
	Japan government		25	%			1	%			100	%			43	%			9	%			100	%
	and agencies
	Public utilities		13				12				98				11				12				69
	Sovereign and		3				4				100				3				6				96
	supranational
	Banks/financial		14				22				64				18				39				76
	institutions
	Other corporate		41				53				91				21				23				72
	Total fixed		96	%			92	%							96	%			89	%
	maturities
	Perpetual securities		4				8				90				4				11				100
	Total		100	%			100	%							100	%			100	%
Securities Lending	'
	The following table presents our security loans outstanding and the corresponding collateral held as of December 31:
	(In millions)	2013						2012
	Security loans outstanding, fair value		$	5,656					$	6,122
	Cash collateral on loaned securities		5,820						6,277
Perpetual securities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	'
	Details of our holdings of perpetual securities as of December 31 were as follows:
	Perpetual Securities
				2013																		2012
	(In millions)	Credit		Amortized						Fair						Unrealized						Amortized					Fair					Unrealized
		Rating		Cost						Value						Gain (Loss)						Cost					Value					Gain (Loss)
	Upper Tier II:
		A			$	145					$	183					$	38					$	460				$	488				$	28
		BBB			1,563						1,532						(31		)				2,077					2,129					52
		BB or lower			212						198						(14		)				288					302					14
	Total Upper Tier II				1,920						1,913						(7		)				2,825					2,919					94
	Tier I:
		BBB			746						706						(40		)				966					904					(62		)
		BB or lower			112						119						7						113					127					14
	Total Tier I				858						825						(33		)				1,079					1,031					(48		)
	Other subordinated
	- non-banks:
		BBB			0						0						0						309					352					43
		BB or lower			209						209						0						0					0					0
	Total other				209						209						0						309					352					43
	subordinated -
	non-banks
	Total				$	2,987					$	2,947					$	(40	)				$	4,213				$	4,302				$	89
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated	'
Investments in Variable Interest Entities	'
	The following table presents the amortized cost, fair value and balance sheet caption in which the assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs are reported as of December 31.
	Investments in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
		2013												2012
	(In millions)	Amortized						Fair						Amortized						Fair
		Cost						Value						Cost						Value
	Assets:
	Fixed maturities, available for sale		$	4,109					$	4,843					$	5,058					$	5,787
	Perpetual securities, available for sale		463						468						559						574
	Fixed maturities, held to maturity		237						236						289						287
	Other assets		106						106						191						191
	Total assets of consolidated VIEs		$	4,915					$	5,653					$	6,097					$	6,839
	Liabilities:
	Other liabilities		$	207					$	207					$	399					$	399
	Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs		$	207					$	207					$	399					$	399
Variable Interest Entity, Not Consolidated	'
Investments in Variable Interest Entities	'
	The table below reflects the amortized cost, fair value and balance sheet caption in which our investment in VIEs not consolidated are reported as of December 31.
	Investments in Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated
		2013												2012
	(In millions)	Amortized						Fair						Amortized						Fair
		Cost						Value						Cost						Value
	Assets:
	Fixed maturities, available for sale		$	6,724					$	6,916					$	7,738					$	8,350
	Perpetual securities, available for sale		370						378						736						751
	Fixed maturities, held to maturity		2,949						3,039						3,829						3,922
	Total investments in VIEs not consolidated		$	10,043					$	10,333					$	12,303					$	13,023

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Value and Notional Amount of Derivatives with Counterparty Credit Risk	'
	The counterparties to these derivatives are financial institutions with the following credit ratings as of December 31:
		2013															2012
	(In millions)	Notional Amount					Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives					Notional Amount					Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives
		of Derivatives					Fair Value					Fair Value					of Derivatives					Fair Value					Fair Value
	Counterparties' credit rating:
	AA		$	161				$	1				$	(7	)			$	161				$	6				$	(7	)
	A		22,314					487					(830		)			13,209					339					(927		)
	Total		$	22,475				$	488				$	(837	)			$	13,370				$	345				$	(934	)
Maximum Potential Risk, Fair Value, Weighted Average Years to Maturity, and Underlying Referenced Credit Obligation Type for Credit Derivatives	'
	The following tables present the maximum potential risk, fair value, weighted-average years to maturity, and underlying referenced credit obligation type for credit default swaps within consolidated VIE structures as of December 31.
	2013
			Less than								One to								Three to								Five to								Total
			one year								three years								five years								ten years
	(In millions)	Credit	Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum			Estimated
		Rating	potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential			fair value
			risk								risk								risk								risk								risk
	Index exposure:
	Corporate bonds:
		A	$	0			$	0			$	(112	)		$	1			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	(112	)	$	1
		BBB	0				0				0				0				0				0				(95		)		(4		)		(95		)	(4		)
	Total		$	0			$	0			$	(112	)		$	1			$	0			$	0			$	(95	)		$	(4	)		$	(207	)	$	(3	)
	2012
			Less than								One to								Three to								Five to								Total
			one year								three years								five years								ten years
	(In millions)	Credit	Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum				Estimated				Maximum			Estimated
		Rating	potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential				fair value				potential			fair value
			risk								risk								risk								risk								risk
	Index exposure:
	Corporate bonds:
		A	$	0			$	0			$	(133	)		$	2			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	(133	)	$	2
		BB or lower	0				0				0				0				(106		)		(47		)		(116		)		(20		)		(222		)	(67		)
	Total		$	0			$	0			$	(133	)		$	2			$	(106	)		$	(47	)		$	(116	)		$	(20	)		$	(355	)	$	(65	)
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	'
	The tables below summarize the balance sheet classification of our derivative fair value amounts, as well as the gross asset and liability fair value amounts, at December 31. The fair value amounts presented do not include income accruals. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated. Notional amounts are not reflective of credit risk.
		2013
	(In millions)	Net Derivatives												Asset						Liability
														Derivatives						Derivatives
	Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type	Notional						Fair Value						Fair Value						Fair Value
		Amount
	Cash flow hedges:
	Foreign currency swaps		$	75					$	3					$	3					$	0
	Interest rate swaps		52						0						0						0
	Total cash flow hedges		127						3						3						0
	Fair value hedges:
	Foreign currency forwards		11,249						(582		)				0						(582		)
	Interest rate swaptions		4,500						(12		)				20						(32		)
	Total fair value hedges		15,749						(594		)				20						(614		)
	Net investment hedge:
	Foreign currency forwards		356						17						17						0
	Foreign currency options		95						3						4						(1		)
	Total net investment hedge		451						20						21						(1		)
	Non-qualifying strategies:
	Foreign currency swaps		5,829						224						442						(218		)
	Credit default swaps		207						(3		)				1						(4		)
	Interest rate swaps		112						1						1						0
	Total non-qualifying strategies		6,148						222						444						(222		)
	Total derivatives		$	22,475					$	(349	)				$	488					$	(837	)
	Balance Sheet Location
	Other assets		$	5,308					$	488					$	488					$	0
	Other liabilities		17,167						(837		)				0						(837		)
	Total derivatives		$	22,475					$	(349	)				$	488					$	(837	)
		2012
	(In millions)	Net Derivatives												Asset						Liability
														Derivatives						Derivatives
	Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type	Notional						Fair Value						Fair Value						Fair Value
		Amount
	Cash flow hedges:
	Foreign currency swaps		$	75					$	14					$	14					$	0
	Interest rate swaps		64						0						0						0
	Total cash flow hedges		139						14						14						0
	Fair value hedges:
	Foreign currency forwards		6,944						(535		)				0						(535		)
	Total fair value hedges		6,944						(535		)				0						(535		)
	Non-qualifying strategies:
	Foreign currency swaps		5,577						(32		)				297						(329		)
	Credit default swaps		355						(65		)				2						(67		)
	Interest rate swaps		355						29						32						(3		)
	Total non-qualifying strategies		6,287						(68		)				331						(399		)
	Total derivatives		$	13,370					$	(589	)				$	345					$	(934	)
	Balance Sheet Location
	Other assets		$	2,585					$	345					$	345					$	0
	Other liabilities		10,785						(934		)				0						(934		)
	Total derivatives		$	13,370					$	(589	)				$	345					$	(934	)
		2013
	(In millions)	Net Derivatives												Asset						Liability
														Derivatives						Derivatives
	Hedge Designation/ Derivative Type	Notional						Fair Value						Fair Value						Fair Value
		Amount
	Cash flow hedges:
	Foreign currency swaps		$	75					$	3					$	3					$	0
	Interest rate swaps		52						0						0						0
	Total cash flow hedges		127						3						3						0
	Fair value hedges:
	Foreign currency forwards		11,249						(582		)				0						(582		)
	Interest rate swaptions		4,500						(12		)				20						(32		)
	Total fair value hedges		15,749						(594		)				20						(614		)
Net investment hedge:
Foreign currency forwards		356						17						17						0
Foreign currency options		95						3						4						(1		)
Total net investment hedge		451						20						21						(1		)
Non-qualifying strategies:
Foreign currency swaps		5,829						224						442						(218		)
Credit default swaps		207						(3		)				1						(4		)
Interest rate swaps		112						1						1						0
Total non-qualifying strategies		6,148						222						444						(222		)
Total derivatives		$	22,475					$	(349	)				$	488					$	(837	)
Balance Sheet Location
Other assets		$	5,308					$	488					$	488					$	0
Other liabilities		17,167						(837		)				0						(837		)
Total derivatives		$	22,475					$	(349	)				$	488					$	(837	)
Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	'
	The following table presents the gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges for the year ended December 31.
	Fair Value Hedging Relationships
	(In millions)			Hedging Derivatives												Hedged Items
	Hedging Derivatives	Hedged Items		Total				Gains (Losses)				Gains (Losses)				Gains (Losses)				Ineffectiveness
				Gains (Losses)				Excluded from Effectiveness Testing				Included in Effectiveness Testing								Recognized for Fair Value Hedge
	2013:00:00
	Foreign currency forwards	Fixed-maturity securities		$	(1,735	)		$	(25	)		$	(1,710	)		$	1,700			$	(10	)
	Interest rate	Fixed-maturity securities		17				17				0				0				0
	swaptions
	2012:00:00
	Foreign currency	Fixed-maturity securities		$	(535	)		$	(8	)		$	(527	)		$	528			$	1
	forwards
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	'
	The following table summarizes the impact to realized investment gains (losses) and other comprehensive income (loss) from all derivatives and hedging instruments for the years ended December 31.
		2013										2012										2011
	(In millions)	Realized Investment					Other					Realized Investment					Other					Realized					Other
		Gains (Losses)					Comprehensive					Gains (Losses)					Comprehensive					Investment					Comprehensive
							Income (Loss)(1)										Income (Loss)(1)					Gains (Losses)					Income (Loss)(1)
	Qualifying
	hedges:
	Cash flow
	hedges:
	Foreign		$	(2	)			$	(10	)			$	(3	)			$	(22	)			$	0				$	(35	)
	currency
	swaps
	Interest rate		0					0					0					0					0					2
	swaps
	Total cash flow		(2		)			(10		)			(3		)			(22		)			0					(33		)
	hedges
	Fair value
	hedges:
	Foreign		(35		)			0					(7		)			0					0					0
	currency
	forwards(2)
	Interest rate		17					0					0					0					0					0
	swaptions
	Total fair value		(18		)			0					(7		)			0					0					0
	hedges
	Net investment
	hedge:
	Non-		0					155					0					96					0					(54		)
	derivative
	hedging
	instruments
	Foreign		0					(104		)			0					0					0					0
	currency
	swaps
	Foreign		0					24					0					0					0					0
	currency
	forwards
	Foreign		0					4					0					0					0					0
	currency
	options
	Total net		0					79					0					96					0					(54		)
	investment
	hedge
	Non-qualifying
	strategies:
	Foreign		346					0					111					0					(160		)			0
	currency
	swaps
	Foreign		11					0					0					0					0					0
	currency
	options
	Credit		31					0					64					0					(64		)			0
	default
	swaps
	Interest rate		(8		)			0					(14		)			0					(33		)			0
	swaps
	Interest rate		(29		)			0					0					0					0					0
	swaptions
	Other		(5		)			0					0					0					0					0
	Total non-		346					0					161					0					(257		)			0
	qualifying
	strategies
	Total		$	326				$	69				$	151				$	74				$	(257	)			$	(87	)
(1) Cash flow hedge items are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and net investment hedge items are recorded in the unrealized
foreign currency translation gains (losses) line in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).
(2) Impact shown net of effect of hedged items (see Fair Value Hedges section of this Note 4 for further detail)
Offsetting Assets	'
	Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
	2013
																				Gross Amounts Not Offset
																				in Balance Sheet
	(in millions)	Gross Amount of Recognized Assets						Gross Amount						Net Amount of Assets Presented in Balance Sheet						Carrying Value of Financial Instruments					Collateral Received						Net Amount
								Offset in
								Balance Sheet
	Derivative assets:
	Foreign currency swaps		$	445					$	0					$	445					$	0				$	(276	)				$	169
	Foreign currency forwards		17						0						17						0					(16		)				1
	Foreign currency options		4						0						4						0					(3		)				1
	Credit default swaps		1						0						1						0					0						1
	Interest rate swaps		1						0						1						0					0						1
	Interest rate swaptions		20						0						20						0					0						20
	Total derivative assets,		488						0						488						0					(295		)	(1)			193
	subject to a master
	netting arrangement
	or offsetting
	arrangement
	Securities lending and		5,656						0						5,656						0					(5,656		)				0
	similar arrangements
	Total		$	6,144					$	0					$	6,144					$	0				$	(5,951	)				$	193
	2012
																				Gross Amounts Not Offset
																				in Balance Sheet
	(In millions)	Gross Amount of Recognized Assets						Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet						Net Amount of Assets Presented in Balance Sheet						Carrying Value of Financial Instruments					Collateral Received						Net Amount
	Derivative assets:
	Foreign currency swaps		$	311					$	0					$	311					$	0				$	0					$	311
	Credit default swaps		2						0						2						0					0						2
	Interest rate swaps		32						0						32						0					0						32
	Total derivative assets,		345						0						345						0					0						345
	subject to a master
	netting arrangement
	or offsetting
	arrangement
	Securities lending and		6,122						0						6,122						0					(6,122		)				0
	similar arrangements
	Total		$	6,467					$	0					$	6,467					$	0				$	(6,122	)				$	345
Offsetting Liabilities	'
	Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
	2013
																				Gross Amounts Not Offset
																				in Balance Sheet
	(In millions)	Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities						Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet						Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet						Carrying Value of Financial Instruments					Collateral Pledged						Net Amount
	Derivative liabilities:
	Foreign currency swaps		$	(218	)				$	0					$	(218	)				$	0				$	1					$	(217	)
	Foreign currency forwards		(582		)				0						(582		)				0					0						(582		)
	Foreign currency options		(1		)				0						(1		)				0					0						(1		)
	Credit default swaps		(4		)				0						(4		)				0					0						(4		)
	Interest rate swaptions		(32		)				0						(32		)				0					7						(25		)
	Total derivative liabilities,		(837		)				0						(837		)				0					8			(1)			(829		)
	subject to a master
	netting arrangement
	or offsetting
	arrangement
	Securities lending and		(5,820		)				0						(5,820		)				5,656					0						(164		)
	similar arrangements
	Total		$	(6,657	)				$	0					$	(6,657	)				$	5,656				$	8					$	(993	)
	(1) Consists of $7 of pledged JGBs and $1 of cash.
	2012
																				Gross Amounts Not Offset
																				in Balance Sheet
	(In millions)	Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities						Gross Amount Offset in Balance Sheet						Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in Balance Sheet						Carrying Value of Financial Instruments					Collateral Pledged						Net Amount
	Derivative liabilities:
	Foreign currency swaps		$	(329	)				$	0					$	(329	)				$	0				$	0					$	(329	)
	Foreign currency forwards		(535		)				0						(535		)				0					0						(535		)
	Credit default swaps		(67		)				0						(67		)				0					0						(67		)
	Interest rate swaps		(3		)				0						(3		)				0					0						(3		)
	Total derivative liabilities,		(934		)				0						(934		)				0					0						(934		)
	subject to a master
	netting arrangement
	or offsetting
	arrangement
	Securities lending and		(6,277		)				0						(6,277		)				6,122					0						(155		)
	similar arrangements
	Total		$	(7,211	)				$	0					$	(7,211	)				$	6,122				$	0					$	(1,089	)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Hierarchy, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables present the fair value hierarchy levels of the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31.
		2013
	(In millions)	Quoted Prices in						Significant						Significant						Total
		Active Markets						Observable						Unobservable						Fair
		for Identical						Inputs						Inputs						Value
		Assets						(Level 2)						(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Securities available for sale, carried at
	fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Government and agencies		$	14,928					$	504					$	0					$	15,432
	Municipalities		0						1,051						0						1,051
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		0						402						369						771
	Public utilities		0						7,562						0						7,562
	Sovereign and supranational		0						1,523						0						1,523
	Banks/financial institutions		0						6,486						23						6,509
	Other corporate		0						25,222						0						25,222
	Total fixed maturities		14,928						42,750						392						58,070
	Perpetual securities:
	Banks/financial institutions		0						2,686						52						2,738
	Other corporate		0						209						0						209
	Total perpetual securities		0						2,895						52						2,947
	Equity securities		14						4						3						21
	Other assets:
	Foreign currency swaps		0						341						104						445
	Foreign currency forwards		0						17						0						17
	Foreign currency options		0						4						0						4
	Credit default swaps		0						0						1						1
	Interest rate swaps		0						0						1						1
	Interest rate swaptions		0						20						0						20
	Total other assets		0						382						106						488
	Cash and cash equivalents		2,543						0						0						2,543
	Total assets		$	17,485					$	46,031					$	553					$	64,069
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency swaps		$	0					$	15					$	203					$	218
	Foreign currency forwards		0						582						0						582
	Foreign currency options		0						1						0						1
	Credit default swaps		0						0						4						4
	Interest rate swaptions		0						32						0						32
	Total liabilities		$	0					$	630					$	207					$	837
		2012
	(In millions)	Quoted Prices in						Significant						Significant						Total
		Active Markets						Observable						Unobservable						Fair
		for Identical						Inputs						Inputs						Value
		Assets						(Level 2)						(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Securities available for sale, carried at
	fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Government and agencies		$	12,265					$	732					$	0					$	12,997
	Municipalities		0						1,195						0						1,195
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities		0						693						338						1,031
	Public utilities		0						8,077						420						8,497
	Sovereign and supranational		0						1,654						418						2,072
	Banks/financial institutions		0						6,610						1,024						7,634
	Other corporate		0						22,841						986						23,827
	Total fixed maturities		12,265						41,802						3,186						57,253
	Perpetual securities:
	Banks/financial institutions		0						3,735						215						3,950
	Other corporate		0						352						0						352
	Total perpetual securities		0						4,087						215						4,302
Equity securities		13						6						4						23
Other assets:
Foreign currency swaps		0						154						157						311
Credit default swaps		0						0						2						2
Interest rate swaps		0						0						32						32
Total other assets		0						154						191						345
Cash and cash equivalents		2,041						0						0						2,041
Total assets		$	14,319					$	46,049					$	3,596					$	63,964
Liabilities:
Foreign currency swaps		$	0					$	0					$	329					$	329
Foreign currency forwards		0						535						0						535
Credit default swaps		0						0						67						67
Interest rate swaps		0						0						3						3
Total liabilities		$	0					$	535					$	399					$	934
Fair Value Hierarchy Levels of Assets and Liabilities Carried at Cost or Amortized Cost	'
	The following tables present the carrying amount and fair value categorized by fair value hierarchy level for the Company's financial instruments that are not carried at fair value as of December 31.
		2013
	(In millions)	Carrying					Quoted Prices in						Significant						Significant					Total
		Value					Active Markets						Observable						Unobservable					Fair
							for Identical						Inputs						Inputs					Value
							Assets						(Level 2)						(Level 3)
							(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Securities held to maturity,
	carried at amortized cost:
	Fixed maturities:
	Government and agencies		$	27,362				$	28,708					$	0					$	0					$	28,708
	Municipalities		399					0						440						0						440
	Mortgage and asset-backed		58					0						20						41						61
	securities
	Public utilities		3,900					0						3,928						0						3,928
	Sovereign and		2,941					0						3,040						0						3,040
	supranational
	Banks/financial institutions		6,310					0						6,128						0						6,128
	Other corporate		3,445					0						3,541						0						3,541
	Total assets		$	44,415				$	28,708					$	17,097					$	41					$	45,846
	Liabilities:
	Other policyholders’ funds		$	5,861				$	0					$	0					$	5,715					$	5,715
	Notes payable		4,891					0						0						5,241						5,241
	(excluding capital leases)
	Total liabilities		$	10,752				$	0					$	0					$	10,956					$	10,956
							2012
	(In millions)	Carrying					Quoted Prices in						Significant						Significant						Total
		Value					Active Markets						Observable						Unobservable						Fair
							for Identical						Inputs						Inputs						Value
							Assets						(Level 2)						(Level 3)
							(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Securities held to maturity,
	carried at amortized cost:
	Fixed maturities:
	Government and agencies		$	32,043				$	32,332					$	0					$	0					$	32,332
	Municipalities		492					0						520						0						520
	Mortgage and asset-backed		90					0						30						64						94
	securities
	Public utilities		4,924					0						5,051						0						5,051
	Sovereign and		3,209					0						3,317						0						3,317
	supranational
	Banks/financial institutions		9,211					0						8,991						0						8,991
	Other corporate		4,457					0						4,536						0						4,536
	Total assets		$	54,426				$	32,332					$	22,445					$	64					$	54,841
	Liabilities:
	Other policyholders’ funds		$	5,319				$	0					$	0					$	5,151					$	5,151
	Notes payable		4,343					0						0						4,992						4,992
	(excluding capital leases)
	Obligation to Japanese		23					0						0						23						23
	policyholder protection
	corporation
	Total liabilities		$	9,685				$	0					$	0					$	10,166					$	10,166
Fair Value Assets Available-for-Sale Securities Primary Pricing Sources	'
			2012
	(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets						Significant Observable						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
			for Identical Assets						Inputs						(Level 3)						Fair
			(Level 1)						(Level 2)												Value
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Government and agencies:
	Third party pricing vendor			$	12,265					$	685					$	0					$	12,950
	DCF pricing model			0						47						0						47
	Total government and agencies			12,265						732						0						12,997
	Municipalities:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						1,177						0						1,177
	DCF pricing model			0						18						0						18
	Total municipalities			0						1,195						0						1,195
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						682						0						682
	DCF pricing model			0						11						0						11
	Broker/other			0						0						338						338
	Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities			0						693						338						1,031
	Public utilities:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						5,169						0						5,169
	DCF pricing model			0						2,908						420						3,328
	Total public utilities			0						8,077						420						8,497
	Sovereign and supranational:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						540						0						540
	DCF pricing model			0						619						418						1,037
	Broker/other			0						495						0						495
	Total sovereign and supranational			0						1,654						418						2,072
	Banks/financial institutions:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						4,257						0						4,257
	DCF pricing model			0						2,136						444						2,580
	Broker/other			0						217						580						797
	Total banks/financial institutions			0						6,610						1,024						7,634
	Other corporate:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						18,093						0						18,093
	DCF pricing model			0						4,747						575						5,322
	Broker/other			0						1						411						412
	Total other corporate			0						22,841						986						23,827
	Total fixed maturities			12,265						41,802						3,186						57,253
	Perpetual securities:
	Banks/financial institutions:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						283						0						283
	DCF pricing model			0						3,452						215						3,667
	Total banks/financial institutions			0						3,735						215						3,950
	(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets						Significant Observable						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
			for Identical Assets						Inputs						(Level 3)						Fair
			(Level 1)						(Level 2)												Value
	Other corporate:
	DCF pricing model			0						352						0						352
	Total other corporate			0						352						0						352
	Total perpetual securities			0						4,087						215						4,302
	Equity securities:
	Third party pricing vendor			13						0						0						13
	DCF pricing model			0						6						0						6
	Broker/other			0						0						4						4
	Total equity securities			13						6						4						23
	Total securities available for sale			$	12,278					$	45,895					$	3,405					$	61,578
	The following tables present the pricing sources for the fair values of our fixed maturities, perpetual securities, and equity securities as of December 31.
			2013
	(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets						Significant Observable Inputs						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
			(Level 1)						(Level 2)						(Level 3)						Fair
																					Value
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
Fixed maturities:
Government and agencies:
Third party pricing vendor			$	14,928					$	504					$	0					$	15,432
Total government and agencies			14,928						504						0						15,432
Municipalities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						1,051						0						1,051
Total municipalities			0						1,051						0						1,051
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						402						0						402
Broker/other			0						0						369						369
Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities			0						402						369						771
Public utilities:
Third party pricing vendor			0						7,562						0						7,562
Total public utilities			0						7,562						0						7,562
Sovereign and supranational:
Third party pricing vendor			0						1,523						0						1,523
Total sovereign and supranational			0						1,523						0						1,523
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor			0						6,486						0						6,486
Broker/other			0						0						23						23
Total banks/financial institutions			0						6,486						23						6,509
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor			0						25,220						0						25,220
Broker/other			0						2						0						2
Total other corporate			0						25,222						0						25,222
Total fixed maturities			14,928						42,750						392						58,070
Perpetual securities:
Banks/financial institutions:
Third party pricing vendor			0						2,686						52						2,738
Total banks/financial institutions			0						2,686						52						2,738
Other corporate:
Third party pricing vendor			0						209						0						209
Total other corporate			0						209						0						209
Total perpetual securities			0						2,895						52						2,947
Equity securities:
Third party pricing vendor			14						4						0						18
Broker/other			0						0						3						3
Total equity securities			14						4						3						21
Total securities available for sale			$	14,942					$	45,649					$	447					$	61,038
Fair Value Assets Held-To-Maturity Securities Primary Pricing Sources	'
			2013
	(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets						Significant Observable Inputs						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
			(Level 1)						(Level 2)						(Level 3)						Fair
																					Value
	Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
	Fixed maturities:
	Government and agencies:
	Third party pricing vendor			$	28,708					$	0					$	0					$	28,708
	Total government and agencies			28,708						0						0						28,708
	Municipalities:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						440						0						440
	Total municipalities			0						440						0						440
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						20						0						20
	Broker/other			0						0						41						41
	Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities			0						20						41						61
	Public utilities:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						3,928						0						3,928
	Total public utilities			0						3,928						0						3,928
	Sovereign and supranational:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						3,040						0						3,040
	Total sovereign and supranational			0						3,040						0						3,040
	Banks/financial institutions:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						6,128						0						6,128
	Total banks/financial institutions			0						6,128						0						6,128
	Other corporate:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						3,509						0						3,509
	Broker/other			0						32						0						32
	Total other corporate			0						3,541						0						3,541
	Total securities held to maturity			$	28,708					$	17,097					$	41					$	45,846
			2012
	(In millions)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets						Significant Observable						Significant Unobservable Inputs						Total
			for Identical Assets						Inputs						(Level 3)						Fair
			(Level 1)						(Level 2)												Value
	Securities held to maturity, carried at amortized cost:
	Fixed maturities:
	Government and agencies:
	Third party pricing vendor			$	32,332					$	0					$	0					$	32,332
	Total government and agencies			32,332						0						0						32,332
	Municipalities:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						464						0						464
	DCF pricing model			0						56						0						56
	Total municipalities			0						520						0						520
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						30						0						30
	Broker/other			0						0						64						64
	Total mortgage- and asset-backed securities			0						30						64						94
	Public utilities:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						58						0						58
	DCF pricing model			0						4,993						0						4,993
	Total public utilities			0						5,051						0						5,051
	Sovereign and supranational:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						370						0						370
	DCF pricing model			0						2,947						0						2,947
	Total sovereign and supranational			0						3,317						0						3,317
	Banks/financial institutions:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						254						0						254
	DCF pricing model			0						8,737						0						8,737
	Total banks/financial institutions			0						8,991						0						8,991
	Other corporate:
	Third party pricing vendor			0						122						0						122
	DCF pricing model			0						4,414						0						4,414
	Total other corporate			0						4,536						0						4,536
Total securities held to maturity			$	32,332					$	22,445					$	64					$	54,841
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
	The following tables present the changes in fair value of our available-for-sale investments and derivatives classified as Level 3 as of December 31.
	2013
		Fixed Maturities																				Perpetual				Equity			Derivatives(1)
																						Securities				Securities
	(In millions)	Mortgage-				Public				Sovereign				Banks/				Other				Banks/							Interest			Foreign			Credit			Total
		and				Utilities				and				Financial				Corporate				Financial							Rate			Currency			Default
		Asset-								Supranational				Institutions								Institutions							Swaps			Swaps			Swaps
		Backed
		Securities
	Balance, beginning of period	$	338			$	420			$	418			$	1,024			$	986			$	215			$	4		$	29		$	(172	)	$	(65	)	$	3,197
	Realized investment gains (losses) included	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			(8		)	84			29			105
	in earnings
	Unrealized gains (losses) included in other	(72		)		(20		)		0				(4		)		0				3				(1		)	0			(11		)	0			(105		)
	comprehensive income (loss)
	Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
	Purchases	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
	Issuances	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
	Sales	0				(400		)		0				0				0				0				0			(20		)	0			33			(387		)
	Settlements	(13		)		0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			(13		)
	Transfers into Level 3(2)	125				0				0				0				0				49				0			0			0			0			174
	Transfers out of Level 3(3)	(9		)		0				(418		)		(997		)		(986		)		(215		)		0			0			0			0			(2,625		)
	Balance, end of period	$	369			$	0			$	0			$	23			$	0			$	52			$	3		$	1		$	(99	)	$	(3	)	$	346
	Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating	$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0		$	(8	)	$	84		$	29		$	105
	to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
	the end of the period included in realized
	investment gains (losses)
	(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net
	(2) Due to a lack of visibility to observe significant inputs to price
	(3) A result of changing our pricing methodology to a valuation method that uses observable market data as significant inputs to estimate fair value
	2012
		Fixed Maturities																				Perpetual				Equity			Derivatives(1)
																						Securities				Securities
	(In millions)	Mortgage-				Public				Sovereign				Banks/				Other				Banks/							Interest			Foreign			Credit			Total
		and				Utilities				and				Financial				Corporate				Financial							Rate			Currency			Default
		Asset-								Supranational				Institutions								Institutions							Swaps			Swaps			Swaps
		Backed
		Securities
	Balance, beginning of period	$	394			$	422			$	434			$	1,074			$	1,105			$	526			$	4		$	30		$	(56	)	$	(130	)	$	3,803
	Realized investment gains (losses) included	(3		)		0				0				0				2				49				0			(1		)	(61		)	65			51
	in earnings
	Unrealized gains (losses) included in other	(33		)		(2		)		(16		)		70				(87		)		33				0			0			(22		)	0			(57		)
	comprehensive income (loss)
	Purchases, issuances, sales and settlements:
	Purchases	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
	Issuances	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
	Sales	0				0				0				(326		)		(34		)		(393		)		0			0			0			0			(753		)
	Settlements	(20		)		0				0				0				0				0				0			0			(33		)	0			(53		)
	Transfers into Level 3	0				0				0				206			(2)	0				0				0			0			0			0			206
	Transfers out of Level 3	0				0				0				0				0				0				0			0			0			0			0
	Balance, end of period	$	338			$	420			$	418			$	1,024			$	986			$	215			$	4		$	29		$	(172	)	$	(65	)	$	3,197
	Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating	$	(3	)		$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0		$	(1	)	$	(61	)	$	65		$	0
	to Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at
	the end of the period included in realized
	investment gains (losses)
	(1) Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net
	(2) Due to a lack of visibility to observe significant inputs to price
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information	'
	2012
	(In millions)		Fair Value						Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range
													(Weighted Average)
	Assets:
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			$	338				Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
	Public utilities			420					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
	Sovereign and supranational			418					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
	Banks/financial institutions			444					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
				580					Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
	Other corporate			575					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
				411					Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
	Perpetual securities:
	Banks/financial institutions			215					Discounted cash flow		Historical volatility		7.36%
	Equity securities			4					Net asset value		Offered quotes		$2-$943 ($8)
	Other assets:
	Foreign currency swaps			51					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
											CDS spreads		12 - 117 bps
											Foreign exchange rates		20.65%	(d)
				4					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
											CDS spreads		12 - 126 bps
				102					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
											Foreign exchange rates		20.65%	(d)
	Credit default swaps			2					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		49% - 50%	(a)
											CDS spreads		91 - 152 bps
											Recovery rate		37.00%
	Interest rate swaps			32					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		49% - 50%	(a)
											CDS spreads		91 - 152 bps
											Recovery rate		37.00%
	Total assets			$	3,596
	(a) Weighted-average range of base correlations for our bespoke tranches for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
	(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
	(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
	(d) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
	(e) N/A represents securities where we receive unadjusted broker quotes and for which there is no transparency into the providers' valuation techniques or unobservable inputs.
	The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of our Level 3 available-for-sale investments and derivatives for the years ended December 31. Included in the tables are the inputs or range of possible inputs that have an effect on the overall valuation of the financial instruments.
	2013
	(In millions)		Fair Value						Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range
													(Weighted Average)
	Assets:
	Securities available for sale, carried at fair value:
	Fixed maturities:
	Mortgage- and asset-backed securities			$	369				Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
	Banks/financial institutions			23					Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
	Perpetual securities:
	Banks/financial institutions			52					Consensus pricing		Offered quotes		N/A	(e)
	Equity securities			3					Net asset value		Offered quotes		$1-$774 ($7)
	Other assets:
	Foreign currency swaps			30					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
											CDS spreads		16 - 141 bps
											Foreign exchange rates		21.16%	(d)
				9					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
											CDS spreads		17 - 149 bps
				65					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
											Foreign exchange rates		21.16%	(d)
	Credit default swaps			1					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		65% - 76% (72%)	(a)
										CDS spreads		65 - 106 (92) bps
										Recovery rate		37.00%
Interest rate swaps			1					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		65% - 76% (72%)	(a)
										CDS spreads		65 - 106 (92) bps
										Recovery rate		37.00%
Total assets			$	553
(a) Weighted-average range of base correlations for our bespoke tranches for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
(d) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
(e) N/A represents securities where we receive unadjusted broker quotes and for which there is no transparency into the providers' valuation techniques or unobservable inputs.
Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information	'
	2013
	(In millions)		Fair Value						Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range
													(Weighted Average)
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency swaps			$	99				Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
											CDS spreads		16 - 141 bps
											Foreign exchange rates		21.16%	(d)
				24					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
											CDS spreads		11 - 189 bps
				80					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		3.09% - 3.96%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.93% - 2.02%	(c)
											Foreign exchange rates		21.16%	(d)
	Credit default swaps			4					Discounted cash flow		Base correlations		65% - 76% (72%)	(a)
											CDS spreads		65 - 106 (92) bps
											Recovery rate		37.00%
	Total liabilities			$	207
	(a) Weighted-average range of base correlations for our bespoke tranches for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
	(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
	(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
	(d) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate
	2012
	(In millions)		Fair Value						Valuation Technique(s)		Unobservable Input		Range
													(Weighted Average)
	Liabilities:
	Foreign currency swaps			$	118				Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
											CDS spreads		22 - 141 bps
											Foreign exchange rates		20.65%	(d)
				60					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
											CDS spreads		25 - 186 bps
				151					Discounted cash flow		Interest rates (USD)		1.84% - 2.84%	(b)
											Interest rates (JPY)		.84% - 2.05%	(c)
											Foreign exchange rates		20.65%	(d)
	Credit default swaps			67					Discounted cash flow		Base correlations		49% - 50%	(a)
											CDS spreads		91 - 152 bps
											Recovery rate		37.00%
	Interest rate swaps			3					Discounted cash flow		Base correlation		49% - 50%	(a)
											CDS spreads		91 - 152 bps
											Recovery rate		37.00%
	Total liabilities			$	399
	(a) Weighted-average range of base correlations for our bespoke tranches for attachment and detachment points corresponding to market indices
	(b) Inputs derived from U.S. long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
	(c) Inputs derived from Japan long-term rates to accommodate long maturity nature of our swaps
	(d) Based on 10 year volatility of JPY/USD exchange rate

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO1

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Insurance Expense Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	The following table presents a rollforward of deferred policy acquisition costs by segment for the years ended December 31.
		2013								2012
	(In millions)	Japan				U.S.				Japan				U.S.
	Deferred policy acquisition costs:
	Balance, beginning of year		$	6,801			$	2,857			$	7,102			$	2,687
	Capitalization		893				555				1,177				570
	Amortization		(641		)		(433		)		(716		)		(400		)
	Foreign currency translation and other		(1,234		)		0				(762		)		0
	Balance, end of year		$	5,819			$	2,979			$	6,801			$	2,857
Advertising Expense	'
	Advertising expense, which is included in insurance expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings, was as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
	Advertising expense:
	Aflac Japan		$	112			$	127			$	128
	Aflac U.S.		128				127				130
	Total advertising expense		$	240			$	254			$	258
Schedule Of Depreciation And Amortization Expense	'
	Depreciation and other amortization expenses, which are included in insurance expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings, were as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
	Depreciation expense		$	56			$	60			$	59
	Other amortization expense		13				7				5
	Total depreciation and other amortization expense		$	69			$	67			$	64
Schedule of Lease Expenses	'
	Lease and rental expense, which are included in insurance expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings, were as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(In millions)	2013				2012				2011
	Lease and rental expense:
	Aflac Japan		$	55			$	71			$	73
	Aflac U.S.		10				9				8
	Other		1				1				1
	Total lease and rental expense		$	66			$	81			$	82

POLICY_LIABILITIES_Tables

POLICY LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Policy liabilities [Abstract]	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefits by Product Segment	'
	The liability for future policy benefits as of December 31 consisted of the following:
				Liability Amounts						Interest Rates
	(In millions)	Policy		2013		2012				Year of			In 20
		Issue Year								Issue			Years
	Health insurance:
	Japan:	2002 - 2013		$	3,370	$	2,518			1.25 - 2.5	%		1.25 - 2.5	%
		1974 - 2013		3,889		4,624				2.7 - 2.75			2.25 - 2.75
		1998 - 2013		11,763		13,685				3			3
		1997 - 1999		2,842		3,482				3.5			3.5
		1994 - 1996		3,483		4,261				4.0 - 4.5			4.0 - 4.5
		1987 - 1994		16,727		20,635				5.5			5.5
		1985 - 1991		2,262		2,824				5.25 - 6.75			5.25 - 5.5
		1978 - 1984		2,699		3,416				6.5			5.5
	U.S.:	2013		124		0				3.0 - 3.5			3.0 - 3.5
		2012		221		127				3.75			3.75
		2011		243		202				4.75			4.75
		2005 - 2010		2,897		2,775				5.5			5.5
		1988 - 2004		725		748				8			6
		1986 - 2004		1,301		1,317				6			6
		1981 - 1986		190		198				6.5 - 7.0			5.5 - 6.5
		1998 - 2004		1,237		1,200				7			7
		Other		22		23
	Life insurance:
	Japan:	2013		59		0				1.5 - 1.75			1.5 - 1.75
		2001 - 2013		3,009		2,238				1.65 - 1.85			1.65 - 1.85
		2011 - 2013		1,584		733				2			2
		2009 - 2011		1,648		1,374				2.25			2.25
		2005 - 2011		1,211		1,231				2.5			2.5
		1985 - 2006		2,303		2,791				2.7			2.25
		2007 - 2011		1,025		1,049				2.75			2.75
		1999 - 2011		2,164		2,547				3			3
		1996 - 2009		721		872				3.5			3.5
		1994 - 1996		1,021		1,250				4.0 - 4.5			4.0 - 4.5
	U.S.:	1956 - 2013		396		343				4.0 - 6.0			4.0 - 6.0
	Total			$	69,136	$	76,463
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims Adjustment Expense	'
	Changes in the liability for unpaid policy claims were as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(In millions)	2013				2012					2011
	Unpaid supplemental health claims, beginning of year		$	3,781			$	3,749				$	3,524
	Less reinsurance recoverables		10				0					0
	Net balance, beginning of year		3,771				3,749					3,524
	Add claims incurred during the year related to:
	Current year		7,215				8,013					7,703
	Prior years		(236		)		(173		)			(256		)
	Total incurred		6,979				7,840					7,447
	Less claims paid during the year on claims incurred during:
	Current year		4,834				5,453					5,401
	Prior years		1,931				2,082					1,944
	Total paid		6,765				7,535					7,345
	Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on unpaid claims		(457		)		(283		)			123
	Net balance, end of year		3,528				3,771					3,749
	Add reinsurance recoverables		9				10					0
	Unpaid supplemental health claims, end of year		3,537				3,781					3,749
	Unpaid life claims, end of year		226				253					232
	Total liability for unpaid policy claims		$	3,763			$	4,034				$	3,981

REINSURANCE_REINSURANCE_Tables

REINSURANCE REINSURANCE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Effects of Reinsurance	'
	The following table outlines the effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned and on benefits and claims for the year ended December 31.
	(In millions)	2013
	Direct premium income		$	20,211
	Reinsurance ceded		(76		)
	Net premium income		$	20,135
	Direct benefits and claims		$	13,880
	Ceded benefits and change in reserves for future benefits		(67		)
	Benefits and claims, net		$	13,813

NOTES_PAYABLE_Tables

NOTES PAYABLE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	'
	A summary of notes payable as of December 31 follows:
	(In millions)	2013				2012
	3.45% senior notes due August 2015		$	300			$	300
	2.65% senior notes due February 2017		655		(1)		657		(1)
	8.50% senior notes due May 2019		850				850
	4.00% senior notes due February 2022		349		(2)		349		(2)
	3.625% senior notes due June 2023		700				0
	6.90% senior notes due December 2039		396		(2)		396		(2)
	6.45% senior notes due August 2040		448		(2)		448		(2)
	5.50% subordinated debentures due September 2052		500				500
	Yen-denominated Uridashi notes:
	2.26% notes due September 2016 (principal amount 8 billion yen)		76				92
	Yen-denominated Samurai notes:
	1.47% notes due July 2014 (principal amount 28.7 billion yen)		272				331
	1.84% notes due July 2016 (principal amount 15.8 billion yen)		150				182
	Variable interest rate notes due July 2014 (1.30% in 2013 and		52				64
	1.34% in 2012, principal amount 5.5 billion yen)
	Yen-denominated loans:
	3.60% loan due July 2015 (principal amount 10 billion yen)		95				116
	3.00% loan due August 2015 (principal amount 5 billion yen)		48				58
	Capitalized lease obligations payable through 2022		6				9
	Total notes payable		$	4,897			$	4,352
Schedule of Maturities of Long Term Debt	'
	The aggregate contractual maturities of notes payable during each of the years after December 31, 2013, are as follows:
	(In millions)	Long-term				Capitalized				Total
		Debt				Lease				Notes
						Obligations				Payable
	2014		$	324			$	2			$	326
	2015		443				2				445
	2016		226				1				227
	2017		650				1				651
	2018		0				0				0
	Thereafter		3,250				0				3,250
	Total		$	4,893			$	6			$	4,899

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	The components of income tax expense (benefit) applicable to pretax earnings for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	Foreign					U.S.				Total
	2013:00:00
	Current		$	934				$	302			$	1,236
	Deferred		299					123				422
	Total income tax expense		$	1,233				$	425			$	1,658
	2012:00:00
	Current		$	513				$	303			$	816
	Deferred		950					(330		)		620
	Total income tax expense		$	1,463				$	(27	)		$	1,436
	2011:00:00
	Current		$	358				$	533			$	891
	Deferred		(301		)			423				122
	Total income tax expense		$	57				$	956			$	1,013
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	The principal reasons for the differences and the related tax effects for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Income taxes based on U.S. statutory rates		$	1,685				$	1,506			$	1,032
	Utilization of foreign tax credit		(37		)			(53		)		(36		)
	Nondeductible expenses		6					8				10
	Other, net		4					(25		)		7
	Income tax expense		$	1,658				$	1,436			$	1,013
Schedule of Income Tax Expense Benefit Intraperiod Tax Allocation	'
	Total income tax expense for the years ended December 31 was allocated as follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012				2011
	Statements of earnings		$	1,658				$	1,436			$	1,013
	Other comprehensive income (loss):
	Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period		253					363				(185		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
	Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment		(904		)			904				1,016
	securities during period
	Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses		19					(174		)		(404		)
	on investment securities included in net earnings
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period		(4		)			(8		)		(12		)
	Pension liability adjustment during period		55					(7		)		(23		)
	Total income tax expense (benefit) related to items of		(581		)			1,078				392
	other comprehensive income (loss)
	Additional paid-in capital (exercise of stock options)		(8		)			(12		)		(7		)
	Total income taxes		$	1,069				$	2,502			$	1,398
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The income tax effects of the temporary differences that gave rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 were as follows:
	(In millions)	2013					2012
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		$	2,484				$	2,731
	Unrealized gains on investment securities		1,034					1,522
	Policyholder protection corporation obligation		15					10
	Difference in tax basis of investment in Aflac Japan		188					288
	Premiums receivable		153					164
	Policy benefit reserves		1,859					1,995
	Total deferred income tax liabilities		5,733					6,710
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Depreciation		85					124
	Other basis differences in investment securities		1,629					1,471
	Unfunded retirement benefits		42					45
	Other accrued expenses		65					60
	Policy and contract claims		73					67
	Unrealized exchange loss on yen-denominated notes payable		41					36
	Deferred compensation		149					203
	Capital loss carryforwards		502					716
	Other		383					438
	Total deferred income tax assets		2,969					3,160
	Net deferred income tax liability		2,764					3,550
	Current income tax liability		954					308
	Total income tax liability		$	3,718				$	3,858
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for the years ended December 31:
	(In millions)		2013				2012
	Balance, beginning of year		$	21		(1)	$	31		(1)
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		7				7
	Settlements		0				(3		)
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		0				(14		)
	Balance, end of year		$	28		(1)	$	21		(1)
	(1)Amounts do not include tax deductions of $10 at December 31, 2013, $7 at December 31, 2012, and $10 at January 1, 2012.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward	'
	The following table is a reconciliation of the number of shares of the Company's common stock for the years ended December 31.
	(In thousands of shares)	2013		2012		2011
	Common stock - issued:
	Balance, beginning of period	665,239		663,639		662,660
	Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,807		1,600		979
	Balance, end of period	667,046		665,239		663,639
	Treasury stock:
	Balance, beginning of period	197,453		197,329		192,999
	Purchases of treasury stock:
	Open market	13,212		1,948		6,000
	Other	222		360		182
	Dispositions of treasury stock:
	Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	-1,365		-1,670		-1,690
	Exercise of stock options	-1,734		-387		-88
	Other	-155		-127		-74
	Balance, end of period	207,633		197,453		197,329
	Shares outstanding, end of period	459,413		467,786		466,310
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table presents the approximate number of share-based awards to purchase shares, on a weighted-average basis, that were considered to be anti-dilutive and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share at December 31:
	(In thousands)	2013					2012		2011
	Anti-dilutive share-based awards		2,198					5,880		6,145
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	'
	The weighted-average shares used in calculating earnings per share for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(In thousands of shares)	2013			2012			2011
	Weighted-average outstanding shares used for calculating basic EPS	464,502			466,868			466,519
	Dilutive effect of share-based awards	2,906			2,419			2,851
	Weighted-average outstanding shares used for calculating diluted EPS	467,408			469,287			469,370

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Expense Recognized in Connection with Share Based Awards	'
	The following table presents the impact of the expense recognized in connection with share-based awards for the periods ended December 31.
	(In millions, except for per-share amounts)	2013						2012						2011
	Impact on earnings from continuing operations		$	37					$	37					$	39
	Impact on earnings before income taxes		37						37						39
	Impact on net earnings		25						26						27
	Impact on net earnings per share:
	Basic		$	0.05					$	0.06					$	0.06
	Diluted		0.05						0.06						0.06
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	'
	The following table presents the assumptions used in valuing options granted during the years ended December 31.
		2013				2012				2011
	Expected term (years)		6.6				6.5				6.9
	Expected volatility		34	%			38	%			30	%
	Annual forfeiture rate		1.6				1.6				1.6
	Risk-free interest rate		1.8				2.1				3.4
	Dividend yield		2.6				1.3				1.3
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity.
	(In thousands of shares)	Stock					Weighted-Average
		Option					Exercise Price
		Shares					Per Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010		14,506					$	41.06
	Granted in 2011		1,216					52.32
	Canceled in 2011		(151	)				41.43
	Exercised in 2011		(1,008	)				30
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011		14,563					42.76
	Granted in 2012		784					47.25
	Canceled in 2012		(134	)				48.59
	Exercised in 2012		(2,476	)				32.27
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		12,737					45
	Granted in 2013		703					52.86
	Canceled in 2013		(179	)				44.79
	Exercised in 2013		(3,281	)				40.52
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		9,980					$	47.03
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable	'
	(In thousands of shares)	2013					2012					2011
	Shares exercisable, end of year		8,042					10,635					11,246
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013.
	(In thousands of shares)										Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
		Range of									Stock Option					Wgtd.-Avg.		Wgtd.-Avg.			Stock Option		Wgtd.-Avg.
		Exercise Prices									Shares					Remaining		Exercise			Shares		Exercise
		Per Share									Outstanding					Contractual		Price			Exercisable		Price
																Life (Yrs.)		Per Share					Per Share
		$	14.99		-	$	40.23					2,053					4.3		$	32.69		2,017		$	32.61
		40.3			-	47.06						2,655					4		44.39			2,336		44.42
		47.23			-	49.5						2,189					5.1		48.15			1,368		47.62
		49.57			-	61.81						2,848					5.5		57.56			2,225		57.83
		61.84			-	67.67						235					7.5		64.05			96		65.09
		$	14.99		-	$	67.67					9,980					4.8		$	47.03		8,042		$	45.96
Schedule of Cash Proceeds Received from Share-based Payment Awards	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the years ended December 31.
	(In millions)	2013						2012						2011
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised		$	66					$	41					$	23
	Cash received from options exercised		113						35						18
	Tax benefit realized as a result of options exercised and		30						24						14
	restricted stock releases
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	The value of restricted stock awards is based on the fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant. The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the years ended December 31.
	(In thousands of shares)	Shares					Weighted-Average
							Grant-Date
							Fair Value
							Per  Share
	Restricted stock at December 31, 2010		1,274					$	40.26
	Granted in 2011		405					56.22
	Canceled in 2011		(35	)				42.44
	Vested in 2011		(294	)				59.02
	Restricted stock at December 31, 2011		1,350					40.92
	Granted in 2012		637					48.18
	Canceled in 2012		(56	)				48.22
	Vested in 2012		(568	)				26.13
	Restricted stock at December 31, 2012		1,363					50.19
	Granted in 2013		782					52.77
	Canceled in 2013		(56	)				48.63
	Vested in 2013		(418	)				47.49
	Restricted stock at December 31, 2013		1,671					$	52.12

STATUTORY_ACCOUNTING_AND_DIVID1

STATUTORY ACCOUNTING AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Capital and Surplus between NAIC and Nebraska state basis	'
	A reconciliation of Aflac's capital and surplus between SAP and practices permitted by the state of Nebraska is shown below:
	(In millions)	2013				2012
	Capital and surplus, Nebraska state basis		$	9,630			$	8,892
	State Permitted Practice:
	Refundable lease deposits – Japan		(41		)		(49		)
	Separate Account Funding Agreements		35				46
	Capital and surplus, NAIC basis		$	9,624			$	8,889
Profits Repatriated Disclosure	'
	Profits repatriated by Aflac Japan to Aflac U.S. were as follows for the years ended December 31:
		In Dollars											In Yen
	(In millions of dollars and billions of yen)	2013				2012				2011			2013		2012		2011
	Profit repatriation		$	771			$	422			$	143		76.8		33.1		11

BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Net Funded Status	'
	Information with respect to our benefit plans' assets and obligations as of December 31 was as follows:
			Pension Benefits																						Other
			Japan											U.S.											Postretirement Benefits
	(In millions)		2013					2012						2013					2012						2013					2012
	Projected benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year			$	313				$	329					$	613				$	525					$	98				$	83
	Service cost			16					18						22					18						5					6
	Interest cost			10					7						23					24						3					4
	Plan amendments			0					0						(4		)			0						(51		)			2
	Actuarial (gain) loss			(3		)			3						(37		)			60						(7		)			5
	Benefits and expenses paid			(8		)			(8		)				(16		)			(14		)				(2		)			(2		)
	Effect of foreign exchange			(58		)			(36		)				0					0						0					0
	rate changes
	Benefit obligation, end of year			270					313						601					613						46					98
	Plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets,			187					171						261					224						0					0
	beginning of year
	Actual return on plan assets			13					17						39					31						0					0
	Employer contributions			26					27						29					20						2					2
	Benefits and expenses paid			(8		)			(8		)				(16		)			(14		)				(2		)			(2		)
	Effect of foreign exchange			(36		)			(20		)				0					0						0					0
	rate changes
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year			182					187						313					261						0					0
	Funded status of the plans(1)			$	(88	)			$	(126	)				$	(288	)			$	(352	)				$	(46	)			$	(98	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other
	comprehensive income:
	Net actuarial (gain) loss			$	33				$	57					$	111				$	185					$	25				$	34
	Prior service (credit) cost			(2		)			(3		)				(4		)			0						(45		)			2
	Transition obligation			1					1						0					0						0					0
	Total included in accumulated			$	32				$	55					$	107				$	185					$	(20	)			$	36
	other comprehensive income
	Accumulated benefit obligation			$	239				$	276					$	514				$	516					N/A			(2)		N/A			(2)
	(1) Recognized in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets
	(2) Not applicable
Schedule of Assumptions Used	'
		Pension Benefits																				Other
		Japan										U.S.										Postretirement Benefits
		2013			2012			2011				2013			2012			2011				2013			2012			2011
	Weighted-average actuarial assumptions:
	Discount rate - net periodic benefit cost	2.25	%		2.25	%		2.25	%			4.25	%		4.75	%		5.5	%			4.25	%		4.75	%		5.5	%
	Discount rate - benefit obligations	2.25			2.25			2.25				4.75			4.25			4.75				4.75			4.25			4.75
	Expected long-term return on plan assets	2			2.5			2.5				7.5			7.5			7.5				N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)
	Rate of compensation increase	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)		4			4			4				N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)
	Health care cost trend rates	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)		N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)	N/A		(1)		6.4		(2)	5.7		(2)	7.3		(2)
	(1) Not applicable
	(2)For the years 2013, 2012 and 2011, the health care cost trend rates are expected to trend down to 4.6% in 78 years, 4.7% in
	79 years, and 4.2% in 75 years, respectively.
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	'
	A one-percentage point increase and decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects as of December 31, 2013:
	(In millions)
	One percentage point increase:
	Increase in total service and interest costs			$	0
	Increase in postretirement benefit obligation			3
	One percentage point decrease:
	Decrease in total service and interest costs			$	0
	Decrease in postretirement benefit obligation			3
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	'
	Pension and other postretirement benefit expenses, included in acquisition and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended December 31, included the following components:
			Pension Benefits																																		Other
				Japan																	U.S.																Postretirement Benefits
	(In millions)		2013						2012						2011						2013						2012						2011				2013				2012				2011
	Service cost			$	16					$	18					$	17					$	22					$	18					$	14			$	5			$	6			$	4
	Interest cost			10						7						12						23						24						28				3				4				3
	Expected return on plan			(3		)				(4		)				(4		)				(17		)				(16		)				(14		)		0				0				0
	assets
	Amortization of net actuarial			2						3						3						15						11						6				2				1				1
	loss
	Amortization of prior service			0						0						0						0						0						0				(4		)		0				0
	cost
	Net periodic (benefit) cost			$	25					$	24					$	28					$	43					$	37					$	34			$	6			$	11			$	8
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss (income) for the years ended December 31:
			Pension Benefits																																		Other
			Japan																		U.S.																Postretirement Benefits
	(In millions)		2013						2012						2011						2013						2012						2011				2013				2012				2011
	Net actuarial loss (gain)			$	(14	)				$	(10	)				$	5					$	(59	)				$	45					$	57			$	(7	)		$	5			$	10
	Amortization of net actuarial loss			(2		)				(3		)				(3		)				(15		)				(11		)				(6		)		(2		)		(1		)		(1		)
	Prior service cost (credit)			0						0						0						(4		)				(1		)				0				(51		)		2				0
	Amortization of prior			0						0						0						0						0						0				4				0				0
	service cost
	Total			$	(16	)				$	(13	)				$	2					$	(78	)				$	33					$	51			$	(56	)		$	6			$	9
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	'
	The following table provides expected benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate.
			Pension Benefits											Other
	(In millions)		Japan					U.S.						Postretirement Benefits
	2014			$	10				$	21					$	2
	2015			8					22						2
	2016			7					23						3
	2017			10					30						3
	2018			8					31						4
	2019-2023			66					184						22
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	'
	Asset allocation targets as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
			Japan Pension					U.S. Pension
	Domestic equities			0	%				43	%
	International equities			15					22
	Fixed income securities			59					35
	Mutual funds			11					0
	Other			15					0
	Total			100	%				100	%
Plan Assets	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents the fair value of Aflac Japan's pension plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31. All of these assets are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	(In millions)	2013						2012
	Japan pension plan assets:
	Equities:
	Japanese equity securities		$	0					$	15
	International equity securities		34						42
	Fixed income securities:
	Japanese bonds		60						62
	International bonds		43						44
	Mutual funds		21						0
	Insurance contracts		24						24
	Total		$	182					$	187
	The following table presents the fair value of Aflac U.S.'s pension plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31. All of these assets are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
	(In millions)	2013						2012
	U.S. pension plan assets:
	Mutual funds:
	Large cap equity funds		$	110					$	87
	Mid cap equity funds		19						16
	Real estate equity funds		9						8
	International equity funds		68						59
	Fixed income bond funds		103						88
	Aflac Incorporated common stock		4						3
	Total		$	313					$	261

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENT_LIA1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	(In millions)
	2014	$	51
	2015	37
	2016	16
	2017	12
	2018	4
	Thereafter	1
	Total future minimum lease payments	$	121

Unaudited_Consolidated_Quarter1

Unaudited Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Unaudited Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	In management's opinion, the following quarterly financial information fairly presents the results of operations for such periods and is prepared on a basis consistent with our annual audited financial statements.
	(In millions, except for per-share amounts)	March 31,				June 30,				September 30,			December 31,
		2013				2013				2013			2013
	Net premium income		$	5,184			$	5,013			$	5,028		$	4,910
	Net investment income		833				813				821			826
	Realized investment gains (losses)		156				201				22			20
	Other income		35				17				15			45
	Total revenues		6,208				6,044				5,886			5,801
	Total benefits and expenses, net		4,847				4,686				4,817			4,773
	Earnings before income taxes		1,361				1,358				1,069			1,028
	Total income tax		469				469				367			353
	Net earnings		$	892			$	889			$	702		$	675
	Net earnings per basic share		$	1.91			$	1.91			$	1.51		$	1.46
	Net earnings per diluted share		1.9				1.9				1.5			1.45
	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.
	(In millions, except for per-share amounts)	March 31,				June 30,				September 30,			December 31,
		2012				2012				2012			2012
	Premium income		$	5,378			$	5,467			$	5,660		$	5,643
	Net investment income		882				845				869			876
	Realized investment gains (losses)		(45		)		(418		)		286			(171		)
	Other income		25				8				32			27
	Total revenues		6,240				5,902				6,847			6,375
	Total benefits and expenses		5,038				5,161				5,367			5,495
	Earnings before income taxes		1,202				741				1,480			880
	Total income tax		417				258				463			299
	Net earnings		$	785			$	483			$	1,017		$	581
	Net earnings per basic share		$	1.68			$	1.04			$	2.17		$	1.24
	Net earnings per diluted share		1.68				1.03				2.16			1.24
	Quarterly amounts may not agree in total to the corresponding annual amounts due to rounding.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Summary of Signficant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Accounting Standards Update 2010-26

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Retained earnings:

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Dollar denominated investment portfolio

Dollar denominated investment portfolio

Dollar denominated investment portfolio

Accounting Standards Update 2010-26

Accounting Standards Update 2010-26

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets

'

'

'

($458)

'

'

'

($391)

($67)

'

'

'

Aflac Japan's percentage of the Company's total revenues

'

'

'

'

74.00%

77.00%

75.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of the Company assets

'

'

'

'

85.00%

87.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

($581)

$1,078

$392

'

'

'

'

'

'

$614

$492

($152)

Effective income tax rate excluding income tax expense (benefit) related to Aflac Japan's dollar-denominated portfolio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31.00%

32.00%

34.00%

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_AND_FOREIGN_I2

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	segment		Aflac Japan	Aflac Japan	Upper Limit	Upper Limit	Upper Limit
					Building	Machinery and Equipment	Furniture and Fixtures
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reportable insurance business segments	2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liability accrued for obligations to the Japanese life insurance policyholder protection corporation (LIPPC)	'	$23	'	'	'	'	'
Property and Equipment, maximum estimated useful life (in years)	'	'	'	'	'50 years	'20 years	'20 years
Total receivables related to Aflac Japan's operations	$1,165	$976	$731	$566	'	'	'
Percentage of total receivables related to Aflac Japan's operations	'	'	82.90%	58.20%	'	'	'

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_AND_FOREIGN_I3

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION - Operations by Segment - Revenues (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

$4,910

$5,028

$5,013

$5,184

$5,643

$5,660

$5,467

$5,378

$20,135

$22,148

$20,362

Net investment income

826

821

813

833

876

869

845

882

3,293

3,473

3,280

Other income

45

15

17

35

27

32

8

25

112

92

81

Total revenues

5,801

5,886

6,044

6,208

6,375

6,847

5,902

6,240

23,939

25,364

22,171

Realized investment gains (losses), non-operating

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

389

[1],[2]

'

'

Realized investment gains (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

399

-349

-1,552

Other non-operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28

0

0

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative, interest rate component, operating

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

Aflac Japan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,982

17,151

15,619

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,651

2,845

2,688

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55

57

46

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,688

20,053

18,353

Aflac U.S.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,153

4,996

4,743

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

632

613

588

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6

19

10

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,791

5,628

5,341

Other business segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49

46

54

Total Business Segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,528

25,727

23,748

Corporate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

302

262

241

Intercompany eliminations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-308

-276

-266

Cancer [Member] | Aflac Japan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,123

7,537

7,541

Cancer [Member] | Aflac U.S.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,283

1,282

1,258

Medical And Other Health [Member] | Aflac Japan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,282

5,244

5,158

Life insurance | Aflac Japan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,577

4,370

2,920

Life insurance | Aflac U.S.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

252

242

230

Accident And Disability [Member] | Aflac U.S.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,284

2,213

2,194

Other Health [Member] | Aflac U.S.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,334

$1,259

$1,061

[1]

Excluding a gain of $10 in 2013 related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which is classified as an operating gain when analyzing segment operations

[2]

(1) Excluding a gain of $10 in 2013 related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which is classified as an operating gain when analyzing segment operations Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_AND_FOREIGN_I4

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION - Operations by Segment - Pretax Earnings (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pretax operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,399

$4,658

$4,502

Realized investment gains (losses), non-operating

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

389

[1],[2]

'

'

Realized investment gains (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

399

-349

-1,552

Other non-operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28

-7

0

Earnings before income taxes

1,028

1,069

1,358

1,361

880

1,480

741

1,202

4,816

4,302

2,950

Income taxes applicable to pretax operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,512

1,561

1,556

Effect of foreign currency translation on operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-357

8

169

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative, interest rate component, operating

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

Aflac Japan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pretax operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,628

3,904

3,829

Aflac U.S.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pretax operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,038

997

904

Other business segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pretax operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1

-3

1

Total Business Segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pretax operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,665

4,898

4,734

Interest expense, noninsurance operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pretax operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-198

-184

-168

Corporate and eliminations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pretax operating earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($68)

($56)

($64)

[1]

Excluding a gain of $10 in 2013 related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which is classified as an operating gain when analyzing segment operations

[2]

(1) Excluding a gain of $10 in 2013 related to the interest rate component of the change in fair value of foreign currency swaps on notes payable which is classified as an operating gain when analyzing segment operations Amounts prior to 2012 have been adjusted for the adoption of accounting guidance on January 1, 2012 related to deferred policy acquisition costs.

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_AND_FOREIGN_I5

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION - Operations by Segment - Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	$121,307	$131,094	$116,237
Aflac Japan	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	102,973	113,678	101,692
Aflac U.S.	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	16,112	16,122	13,942
Other business segments	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	155	154	160
Total Business Segments	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	119,240	129,954	115,794
Corporate	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	19,909	20,318	16,182
Intercompany eliminations	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	($17,842)	($19,178)	($15,739)

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_AND_FOREIGN_I6

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION - Yen/Dollar Exchange Rates Used (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	Exchange effect on total assets	Exchange effect on total assets	Exchange effect on total liabilities	Exchange effect on total liabilities
							USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average yen/dollar exchange rate	'	97.54	'	79.81	'	79.75	'	'	'	'
Yen percent strengthening (weakening)	-18.20%	-18.20%	-0.10%	-0.10%	10.00%	10.00%	'	'	'	'
Exchange effect on net earnings	($312)	'	$38	'	$160	'	'	'	'	'
Yen/dollar exchange rate at December 31	'	105.39	'	86.58	'	'	'	'	'	'
Yen percent strengthening (weakening)	-17.80%	-17.80%	-10.20%	-10.20%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exchange effect	'	'	'	'	'	'	($17,836)	($10,861)	($19,806)	($11,441)

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_AND_FOREIGN_I7

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION - Information on Transfers of Funds from Aflac Japan (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Management fees	$37	'	$30	'	$28	'
Allocated expenses	74	'	58	'	43	'
Profit repatriation	771	76,800	422	33,100	143	11,000
Total transfers from Aflac Japan	$882	'	$510	'	$214	'

BUSINESS_SEGMENT_AND_FOREIGN_I8

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND FOREIGN INFORMATION - Classes of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property and equipment:	'	'
Land	$168	$161
Buildings	444	535
Equipment	329	326
Total property and equipment	941	1,022
Less accumulated depreciation	460	458
Net property and equipment	$481	$564

INVESTMENTS_Components_of_Net_

INVESTMENTS - Components of Net Investment Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,371	$3,520	$3,309
Less investment expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	78	47	29
Net investment income	826	821	813	833	876	869	845	882	3,293	3,473	3,280
Fixed Maturities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,210	3,248	3,026
Perpetual securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	153	253	274
Equity securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7	17	5
Short Term Investments and Cash Equivalents	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1	$2	$4

INVESTMENTS_AvailableForSale_I

INVESTMENTS - Available-For-Sale Investments in Debt Securities, Perpetual Securities and Equity Securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	$59,515	$57,646
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,659	4,716
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,136	784
Fair Value	61,038	61,578
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	56,511	53,413
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,468	4,453
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,909	613
Fair Value	58,070	57,253
Perpetual securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,987	4,213
Gross Unrealized Gains	186	259
Gross Unrealized Losses	226	170
Fair Value	2,947	4,302
Equity securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	17	20
Gross Unrealized Gains	5	4
Gross Unrealized Losses	1	1
Fair Value	21	23
Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	25,488	27,481
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,016	1,050
Gross Unrealized Losses	506	487
Fair Value	25,998	28,044
Dollar Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	31,023	25,932
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,452	3,403
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,403	126
Fair Value	32,072	29,209
Japan government and agencies | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	14,936	12,612
Gross Unrealized Gains	431	349
Gross Unrealized Losses	33	81
Fair Value	15,334	12,880
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	771	1,031
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	558	746
Gross Unrealized Gains	29	40
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	1
Fair Value	587	785
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Dollar Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	163	188
Gross Unrealized Gains	21	58
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	184	246
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	7,562	8,497
Public Utilities | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,261	3,608
Gross Unrealized Gains	100	116
Gross Unrealized Losses	18	72
Fair Value	2,343	3,652
Public Utilities | Dollar Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	4,931	4,204
Gross Unrealized Gains	471	658
Gross Unrealized Losses	183	17
Fair Value	5,219	4,845
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	1,523	2,072
Sovereign and Supranational | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	978	1,404
Gross Unrealized Gains	85	71
Gross Unrealized Losses	28	0
Fair Value	1,035	1,475
Sovereign and Supranational | Dollar Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	404	476
Gross Unrealized Gains	85	123
Gross Unrealized Losses	1	2
Fair Value	488	597
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	6,509	7,634
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	2,738	3,950
Banks/financial Institutions | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,799	3,455
Gross Unrealized Gains	220	233
Gross Unrealized Losses	242	180
Fair Value	2,777	3,508
Banks/financial Institutions | Yen Denominated | Perpetual securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,582	3,635
Gross Unrealized Gains	151	193
Gross Unrealized Losses	217	161
Fair Value	2,516	3,667
Banks/financial Institutions | Dollar Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,318	3,626
Gross Unrealized Gains	447	506
Gross Unrealized Losses	33	6
Fair Value	3,732	4,126
Banks/financial Institutions | Dollar Denominated | Perpetual securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	196	269
Gross Unrealized Gains	35	23
Gross Unrealized Losses	9	9
Fair Value	222	283
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	25,222	23,827
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	209	352
Other Corporate | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,956	5,656
Gross Unrealized Gains	151	241
Gross Unrealized Losses	185	153
Fair Value	3,922	5,744
Other Corporate | Yen Denominated | Perpetual securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	209	309
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	43
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	209	352
Other Corporate | Dollar Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	21,123	16,300
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,347	1,878
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,170	95
Fair Value	21,300	18,083
U.S. Government and Agencies | Dollar Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	92	93
Gross Unrealized Gains	10	24
Gross Unrealized Losses	4	0
Fair Value	98	117
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	1,051	1,195
Municipalities | Dollar Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	992	1,045
Gross Unrealized Gains	71	156
Gross Unrealized Losses	12	6
Fair Value	$1,051	$1,195

INVESTMENTS_HeldtoMaturity_Inv

INVESTMENTS - Held-to-Maturity Investments in Debt Securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	$44,415	$54,426
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,041	1,213
Gross Unrealized Losses	610	798
Fair Value	45,846	54,841
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	45,846	54,841
Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	44,415	54,426
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,041	1,213
Gross Unrealized Losses	610	798
Fair Value	45,846	54,841
Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	28,708	32,332
Japan government and agencies | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	27,362	32,043
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,347	356
Gross Unrealized Losses	1	67
Fair Value	28,708	32,332
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	440	520
Municipalities | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	399	492
Gross Unrealized Gains	41	30
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	2
Fair Value	440	520
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	61	94
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	58	90
Gross Unrealized Gains	3	4
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	61	94
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	3,928	5,051
Public Utilities | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,900	4,924
Gross Unrealized Gains	150	233
Gross Unrealized Losses	122	106
Fair Value	3,928	5,051
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	3,040	3,317
Sovereign and Supranational | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,941	3,209
Gross Unrealized Gains	171	192
Gross Unrealized Losses	72	84
Fair Value	3,040	3,317
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	6,128	8,991
Banks/financial Institutions | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	6,310	9,211
Gross Unrealized Gains	146	211
Gross Unrealized Losses	328	431
Fair Value	6,128	8,991
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value	3,541	4,536
Other Corporate | Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,445	4,457
Gross Unrealized Gains	183	187
Gross Unrealized Losses	87	108
Fair Value	$3,541	$4,536

INVESTMENTS_Additional_Informa

INVESTMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	investment	investment	investment
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reclassified investments from the held-to-maturity portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio, number of investments	2	7	13
Reclassified investments from the held-to-maturity portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio, amortized cost	$492	$1,200	$2,500
Reclassified investments from the held-to-maturity portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio, aggregate unrealized gain (loss)	153	290	334
Perpetual securities, interest coupons that were fixed at issuance subsequently change to a floating short-term interest rate	' floating short-term interest rate of 125 to more than 300 basis points above an appropriate market index	'	'
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	1,523	3,932	'
Percentage that the lending policy requires that the fair value of the securities and/or unrestricted cash received as collateral be of the fair value of the loaned securities	102.00%	'	'
Fair value of debt securities on deposit with regulatory authorities in the United States and Japan	15	'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Not Consolidated	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Securities available for sale, fixed maturities, fair value	6,916	8,350	'
Number of issuers of VIEs not-consolidated	173	'	'
Perpetual securities	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Economic maturity date (in years)	'25 years	'	'
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-40	89	'
Perpetual securities | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Perpetual securities, floating short-term interest rate basis point above market index	1.25%	'	'
Perpetual securities | Minimum Upper Limit	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Perpetual securities, floating short-term interest rate basis point above market index	3.00%	'	'
Parent Company	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale fixed-maturity securities, amortized cost	322	'	'
Securities available for sale, fixed maturities, fair value	$332	$156	'

INVESTMENTS_Contractual_Maturi

INVESTMENTS - Contractual Maturities of Investments in Fixed Maturities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Held to maturity:	'	'
Total fixed maturities held to maturity, amortized cost	$44,415	$54,426
Held to maturity:	'	'
Total fixed maturities held to maturity, fair value	45,846	54,841
Aflac Japan	'	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Due in one year or less	646	'
Due after one year through five years	1,820	'
Due after five years through 10 years	9,713	'
Due after 10 years	32,752	'
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	622	'
Total fixed maturities available for sale, amortized cost	45,553	'
Held to maturity:	'	'
Due in one year or less	4,547	'
Due after one year through five years	1,473	'
Due after five years through 10 years	1,967	'
Due after 10 years	36,370	'
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	58	'
Total fixed maturities held to maturity, amortized cost	44,415	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Due in one year or less	653	'
Due after one year through five years	1,960	'
Due after five years through 10 years	9,657	'
Due after 10 years	33,514	'
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	664	'
Total fixed maturities available for sale, fair value	46,448	'
Held to maturity:	'	'
Due in one year or less	4,547	'
Due after one year through five years	1,598	'
Due after five years through 10 years	2,062	'
Due after 10 years	37,578	'
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	61	'
Total fixed maturities held to maturity, fair value	45,846	'
Aflac U.S.	'	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Due in one year or less	50	'
Due after one year through five years	474	'
Due after five years through 10 years	1,557	'
Due after 10 years	8,517	'
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	38	'
Total fixed maturities available for sale, amortized cost	10,636	'
Held to maturity:	'	'
Due in one year or less	0	'
Due after one year through five years	0	'
Due after five years through 10 years	0	'
Due after 10 years	0	'
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	0	'
Total fixed maturities held to maturity, amortized cost	0	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Due in one year or less	52	'
Due after one year through five years	552	'
Due after five years through 10 years	1,624	'
Due after 10 years	9,016	'
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	46	'
Total fixed maturities available for sale, fair value	11,290	'
Held to maturity:	'	'
Due in one year or less	0	'
Due after one year through five years	0	'
Due after five years through 10 years	0	'
Due after 10 years	0	'
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	0	'
Total fixed maturities held to maturity, fair value	$0	'

INVESTMENTS_Economic_Maturitie

INVESTMENTS - Economic Maturities of Investments in Perpetual Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Aflac Japan	'
Investments Classified by Economic Maturity Date [Line Items]	'
Due in one year or less	$142
Due after one year through five years	855
Due after five years through 10 years	209
Due after 10 years	1,677
Total perpetual securities available for sale	2,883
Due in one year or less	128
Due after one year through five years	829
Due after five years through 10 years	209
Due after 10 years	1,673
Total perpetual securities available for sale	2,839
Aflac U.S.	'
Investments Classified by Economic Maturity Date [Line Items]	'
Due in one year or less	0
Due after one year through five years	5
Due after five years through 10 years	0
Due after 10 years	99
Total perpetual securities available for sale	104
Due in one year or less	0
Due after one year through five years	5
Due after five years through 10 years	0
Due after 10 years	103
Total perpetual securities available for sale	$108

INVESTMENTS_Investment_Exposur

INVESTMENTS - Investment Exposures Individually Exceeded Ten Percent of Shareholders' Equity (Detail) (Japan National Government, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Japan National Government	'	'
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Rating	'AA	'AA
Amortized Cost	$41,924	$44,081
Fair Value	$43,619	$44,580

INVESTMENTS_Total_Investments_

INVESTMENTS - Total Investments in Bank and Financial Institution Sector, Including those Classified as Perpetual Securities (Detail) (Banks/financial Institutions, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$15,205	$20,196
Fair Value	15,375	20,575
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Amortized Cost	15.00%	18.00%
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Fair Value	15.00%	18.00%
Fixed maturities	'	'
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	12,427	16,292
Fair Value	12,637	16,625
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Amortized Cost	12.00%	14.00%
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Fair Value	12.00%	14.00%
Perpetual securities | Upper Tier II	'	'
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,920	2,825
Fair Value	1,913	2,919
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Amortized Cost	2.00%	3.00%
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Fair Value	2.00%	3.00%
Perpetual securities | Tier I	'	'
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	858	1,079
Fair Value	$825	$1,031
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Amortized Cost	1.00%	1.00%
Percentage of Total Investment Portfolio, Fair Value	1.00%	1.00%

INVESTMENTS_Information_Regard

INVESTMENTS - Information Regarding Pretax Realized Gains and Losses From Investments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	($199)	[1]	($977)	[1]	($1,901)	[1]
Derivative gains (losses)	326		151		-257
Other	10		3		17
Total realized investment gains (losses)	399		-349		-1,552
Fixed maturities	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total realized investment gains (losses)	135		-349		-739
Fixed maturities | Available-for-sale Securities	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross gains from sales	316		427		992
Gross losses from sales	-87		-48		-465
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	34		2		69
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	-128		-734		-1,335
Fixed maturities | Held-to-maturity Securities	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0		4		0
Perpetual securities	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross gains from sales	0		127		102
Gross losses from sales	-1		-98		-109
Net gains (losses) from redemptions	0		60		0
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	-70		-243		-565
Total realized investment gains (losses)	-71		-154		-572
Equity securities	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized	-1		0		-1
Total realized investment gains (losses)	-1		0		-1
Derivatives and other	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total realized investment gains (losses)	$336		$154		($240)
[1]	Includes $45, $597 and $1,286 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for credit-related impairments; $26 and $27 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for impairments due to severity and duration of decline in fair value; and $128, $353 and $615 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from change in intent to sell securities

INVESTMENTS_Pretax_OtherThanTe

INVESTMENTS - Pretax Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses by Investment Category (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$199	[1]	$977	[1]	$1,901	[1]
Credit-related impairment	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	45		597		1,286
Severity and duration of decline in fair value impairment	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	26		27		'
Change in intent impairment	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	128		353		615
Perpetual securities	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	70		243		565
Corporate Bonds	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	102		345		1,316
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	0		3		17
Municipalities	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	0		0		2
Sovereign and Supranational	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	26		386		0
Equity securities	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$1		$0		$1
[1]	Includes $45, $597 and $1,286 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for credit-related impairments; $26 and $27 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for impairments due to severity and duration of decline in fair value; and $128, $353 and $615 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from change in intent to sell securities

INVESTMENTS_Information_Regard1

INVESTMENTS - Information Regarding Changes in Unrealized Gains and Losses from Investments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)	($2,418)	$2,157	$1,721
Fixed maturities | Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)	-2,281	1,624	1,963
Fixed maturities | Transferred to Held to Maturity Securities	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)	-9	-14	-101
Perpetual securities | Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)	-129	547	-143
Equity securities	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)	$1	$0	$2

INVESTMENTS_Net_Effect_on_Shar

INVESTMENTS - Net Effect on Shareholders' Equity of Unrealized Gains and Losses from Investment Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)	$1,523	$3,932
Unamortized unrealized gains on securities transferred to held to maturity	11	20
Deferred income taxes	-499	-1,382
Shareholders' equity, unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities	$1,035	$2,570

INVESTMENTS_Fair_Value_and_Gro

INVESTMENTS - Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses for Securities That Have Been in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	$36,214	$40,697
Total Unrealized Losses	2,746	1,582
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	27,790	28,258
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	1,376	368
12 months or longer Fair Value	8,424	12,439
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	1,370	1,214
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	34,828	39,240
Total Unrealized Losses	2,519	1,411
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	26,985	28,135
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	1,293	368
12 months or longer Fair Value	7,843	11,105
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	1,226	1,043
Fixed Maturities | Japan government and agencies | Yen Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	8,869	17,342
Total Unrealized Losses	34	148
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	8,869	17,342
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	34	148
12 months or longer Fair Value	0	0
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fixed Maturities | Municipalities | Dollar Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	177	34
Total Unrealized Losses	12	6
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	145	1
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	8	0
12 months or longer Fair Value	32	33
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	4	6
Fixed Maturities | Municipalities | Yen Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	'	56
Total Unrealized Losses	'	2
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	'	56
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	'	2
12 months or longer Fair Value	'	0
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	'	0
Fixed Maturities | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Yen Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	'	136
Total Unrealized Losses	'	1
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	'	0
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	'	0
12 months or longer Fair Value	'	136
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	'	1
Fixed Maturities | Public Utilities | Dollar Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	2,023	736
Total Unrealized Losses	183	17
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	1,740	736
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	143	17
12 months or longer Fair Value	283	0
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	40	0
Fixed Maturities | Public Utilities | Yen Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	2,519	3,920
Total Unrealized Losses	140	178
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	1,816	1,339
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	54	31
12 months or longer Fair Value	703	2,581
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	86	147
Fixed Maturities | Sovereign and Supranational | Dollar Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	12	31
Total Unrealized Losses	1	2
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	12	0
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	1	0
12 months or longer Fair Value	0	31
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	0	2
Fixed Maturities | Sovereign and Supranational | Yen Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	1,152	1,244
Total Unrealized Losses	100	84
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	791	507
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	34	13
12 months or longer Fair Value	361	737
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	66	71
Fixed Maturities | Banks/financial Institutions | Dollar Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	547	276
Total Unrealized Losses	33	6
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	454	180
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	23	3
12 months or longer Fair Value	93	96
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	10	3
Fixed Maturities | Banks/financial Institutions | Yen Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	4,533	6,918
Total Unrealized Losses	570	611
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	2,322	1,935
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	107	28
12 months or longer Fair Value	2,211	4,983
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	463	583
Fixed Maturities | Other Corporate | Dollar Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	11,588	4,534
Total Unrealized Losses	1,170	95
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	8,504	4,404
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	733	86
12 months or longer Fair Value	3,084	130
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	437	9
Fixed Maturities | Other Corporate | Yen Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	3,372	4,013
Total Unrealized Losses	272	261
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	2,296	1,635
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	152	40
12 months or longer Fair Value	1,076	2,378
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	120	221
Fixed Maturities | US government and agencies | Dollar Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	36	'
Total Unrealized Losses	4	'
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	36	'
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	4	'
12 months or longer Fair Value	0	'
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	0	'
Perpetual securities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	1,381	1,451
Total Unrealized Losses	226	170
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	800	120
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	82	0
12 months or longer Fair Value	581	1,331
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	144	170
Perpetual securities | Dollar Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	59	136
Total Unrealized Losses	9	9
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	52	120
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	8	0
12 months or longer Fair Value	7	16
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	1	9
Perpetual securities | Yen Denominated	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	1,322	1,315
Total Unrealized Losses	217	161
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	748	0
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	74	0
12 months or longer Fair Value	574	1,315
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	143	161
Equity securities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Total Fair Value	5	6
Total Unrealized Losses	1	1
Less Than 12 months Fair Value	5	3
Less Than 12 months Unrealized Losses	1	0
12 months or longer Fair Value	0	3
12 months or longer Unrealized Losses	$0	$1

INVESTMENTS_Composition_of_Inv

INVESTMENTS - Composition of Investments in Unrealized Loss Position (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Total Investments In Unrealized Loss Position	100.00%	100.00%
Percentage of Total Unrealized Losses	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Total Investments In Unrealized Loss Position	96.00%	96.00%
Percentage of Total Unrealized Losses	92.00%	89.00%
Perpetual securities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Total Investments In Unrealized Loss Position	4.00%	4.00%
Percentage of Total Unrealized Losses	8.00%	11.00%
Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Total Investments In Unrealized Loss Position	25.00%	43.00%
Percentage of Total Unrealized Losses	1.00%	9.00%
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Total Investments In Unrealized Loss Position	13.00%	11.00%
Percentage of Total Unrealized Losses	12.00%	12.00%
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Total Investments In Unrealized Loss Position	3.00%	3.00%
Percentage of Total Unrealized Losses	4.00%	6.00%
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Total Investments In Unrealized Loss Position	14.00%	18.00%
Percentage of Total Unrealized Losses	22.00%	39.00%
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage Of Total Investments In Unrealized Loss Position	41.00%	21.00%
Percentage of Total Unrealized Losses	53.00%	23.00%
Investment Grade | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Percentage Investment Grade or Below Investment Grade	90.00%	100.00%
Investment Grade | Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Percentage Investment Grade or Below Investment Grade	100.00%	100.00%
Investment Grade | Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Percentage Investment Grade or Below Investment Grade	98.00%	69.00%
Investment Grade | Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Percentage Investment Grade or Below Investment Grade	100.00%	96.00%
Investment Grade | Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Percentage Investment Grade or Below Investment Grade	64.00%	76.00%
Investment Grade | Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'	'
Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Percentage Investment Grade or Below Investment Grade	91.00%	72.00%

INVESTMENTS_Details_of_Holding

INVESTMENTS - Details of Holdings of Perpetual Securities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$59,515	$57,646
Fair Value	61,038	61,578
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	1,523	3,932
Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	2,987	4,213
Fair Value	2,947	4,302
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-40	89
Upper Tier II | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,920	2,825
Fair Value	1,913	2,919
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-7	94
Upper Tier II | A | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	145	460
Fair Value	183	488
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	38	28
Upper Tier II | BBB Credit Rating | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,563	2,077
Fair Value	1,532	2,129
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-31	52
Upper Tier II | BB or Lower | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	212	288
Fair Value	198	302
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-14	14
Tier I | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	858	1,079
Fair Value	825	1,031
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-33	-48
Tier I | BBB Credit Rating | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	746	966
Fair Value	706	904
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-40	-62
Tier I | BB or Lower | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	112	113
Fair Value	119	127
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	7	14
Other subordinated - non-banks | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	209	309
Fair Value	209	352
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0	43
Other subordinated - non-banks | BBB Credit Rating | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	0	309
Fair Value	0	352
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0	43
Other subordinated - non-banks | BB or Lower | Perpetual securities	'	'
Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	209	0
Fair Value	209	0
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	$0	$0

INVESTMENTS_Investments_in_Con

INVESTMENTS - Investments in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	$44,415	$54,426
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	45,846	54,841
Asset derivatives	488	345
Assets, fair value	64,069	63,964
Liability derivatives	837	934
Liabilities	106,687	115,116
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	837	934
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale, fixed maturities, amortized cost	4,109	5,058
Securities available for sale, fixed maturities, fair value	4,843	5,787
Securities available for sale, perpetual securities, amortized cost	463	559
Securities available for sale, perpetual securities, fair value	468	574
Cost or Amortized Cost	237	289
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	236	287
Asset derivatives, amortized cost	106	191
Asset derivatives	106	191
Assets, amortized cost	4,915	6,097
Assets, fair value	5,653	6,839
Liability derivatives, amortized cost	207	399
Liability derivatives	207	399
Liabilities	207	399
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	$207	$399

INVESTMENTS_Investments_in_Var

INVESTMENTS - Investments in Variable Interest Entities Not Consolidated (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	$44,415	$54,426
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	45,846	54,841
Assets, fair value	64,069	63,964
Variable Interest Entity, Not Consolidated	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale, fixed maturities, amortized cost	6,724	7,738
Securities available for sale, fixed maturities, fair value	6,916	8,350
Securities available for sale, perpetual securities, amortized cost	370	736
Securities available for sale, perpetual securities, fair value	378	751
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,949	3,829
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,039	3,922
Assets, amortized cost	10,043	12,303
Assets, fair value	$10,333	$13,023

INVESTMENTS_Securities_Lending

INVESTMENTS - Securities Lending (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Securities loaned total	$5,656	$6,122
Cash collateral on loaned securities	$5,820	$6,277

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Additio

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Additional Information (Detail)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

Cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedges

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

3.625% senior notes due June 2023

2013 profit repatriation

2014 profit repatriation

Net investment hedge

Net investment hedge

Net investment hedge

Net investment hedge

Japanese Government Bonds

Cash

Subsequent Event

Y

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Foreign currency forwards and options

Foreign currency forwards and options

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Foreign currency forwards

USD ($)

USD ($)

2014 profit repatriation

currency

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

Foreign currency forwards

counterparties

JPY (¥)

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of currencies related to foreign currency swaps

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of counterparties

11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of counterparties that comprise majority of aggregate notional amount of swaps

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of notional amount of swaps from certain number of counterparties

86.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value

$8,000,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7,000,000

$1,000,000

'

Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value

18,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collateral obtained from third parties

295,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Hedging activity, weighted-average period (in years)

12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable, principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

5,500,000,000

5,500,000,000

5,500,000,000

400,000,000

250,000,000

400,000,000

350,000,000

350,000,000

500,000,000

50,000,000

450,000,000

700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable, effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

1.48%

'

'

'

'

1.22%

'

2.07%

4.41%

4.42%

'

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Derivatives Notional Amount

22,475,000,000

13,370,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65,000,000,000

47,500,000,000

451,000,000

'

'

356,000,000

'

'

'

Derivative notional amount, restructured hedging strategy

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

52,500,000,000

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net

'

'

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net investment hedge gain loss reclassified to earnings net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Fair_Va

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Fair Value and Notional Amounts of Derivatives With Counterparty Credit Risk (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	$22,475	$13,370
Assets Derivatives Fair Value	488	345
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	837	934
AA	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	161	161
Assets Derivatives Fair Value	1	6
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	7	7
A	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	22,314	13,209
Assets Derivatives Fair Value	487	339
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	$830	$927

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Maximum

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Maximum Potential Risk, Fair Value, Weighted-Average Years to Maturity, and Underlying Referenced Credit Obligation Type for Credit Default Swaps (Detail) (Corporate Bonds, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	($207)	($355)
Estimated fair value	-3	-65
Less than one year	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	0	0
Estimated fair value	0	0
One to three years	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	-112	-133
Estimated fair value	1	2
Three to five years	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	0	-106
Estimated fair value	0	-47
Five to ten years	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	-95	-116
Estimated fair value	-4	-20
A	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Rating	'A	'A
Maximum potential risk	-112	-133
Estimated fair value	1	2
A | Less than one year	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	0	0
Estimated fair value	0	0
A | One to three years	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	-112	-133
Estimated fair value	1	2
A | Three to five years	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	0	0
Estimated fair value	0	0
A | Five to ten years	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	0	0
Estimated fair value	0	0
BB or Lower	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Rating	'BBB	'BB or lower
Maximum potential risk	-95	-222
Estimated fair value	-4	-67
BB or Lower | Less than one year	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	0	0
Estimated fair value	0	0
BB or Lower | One to three years	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	0	0
Estimated fair value	0	0
BB or Lower | Three to five years	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	0	-106
Estimated fair value	0	-47
BB or Lower | Five to ten years	'	'
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum potential risk	-95	-116
Estimated fair value	($4)	($20)

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Summary

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Summary of Balance Sheet Classification of Derivative Fair Value Amounts, as well as Gross Asset and Liability Fair Value Amounts (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	$22,475	$13,370
Net Derivatives Fair Value	-349	-589
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	488	345
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-837	-934
Other assets	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	5,308	2,585
Net Derivatives Fair Value	488	345
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	488	345
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Other Liabilities	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	17,167	10,785
Net Derivatives Fair Value	-837	-934
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-837	-934
Foreign currency swaps	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	445	311
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-218	-329
Interest rate swaps	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	1	32
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	'	-3
Foreign currency forwards	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	17	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-582	-535
Interest rate swaptions	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	20	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-32	'
Foreign currency options	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	4	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-1	'
Credit default swaps	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	1	2
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-4	-67
Cash flow hedges	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	127	139
Net Derivatives Fair Value	3	14
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	3	14
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency swaps	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	75	75
Net Derivatives Fair Value	3	14
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	3	14
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	52	64
Net Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Fair value hedges	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	15,749	6,944
Net Derivatives Fair Value	-594	-535
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	20	0
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-614	-535
Fair value hedges | Foreign currency forwards	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	11,249	6,944
Net Derivatives Fair Value	-582	-535
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	0	0
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-582	-535
Fair value hedges | Interest rate swaptions	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	4,500	'
Net Derivatives Fair Value	-12	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	20	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-32	'
Net investment hedge	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	451	'
Net Derivatives Fair Value	20	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	21	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-1	'
Net investment hedge | Foreign currency forwards	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	356	'
Net Derivatives Fair Value	17	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	17	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	0	'
Net investment hedge | Foreign currency options	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	95	'
Net Derivatives Fair Value	3	'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	4	'
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-1	'
Non-qualifying strategies	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	6,148	6,287
Net Derivatives Fair Value	222	-68
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	444	331
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-222	-399
Non-qualifying strategies | Foreign currency swaps	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	5,829	5,577
Net Derivatives Fair Value	224	-32
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	442	297
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	-218	-329
Non-qualifying strategies | Interest rate swaps	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	112	355
Net Derivatives Fair Value	1	29
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	1	32
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	0	-3
Non-qualifying strategies | Credit default swaps	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Net Derivatives Notional Amount	207	355
Net Derivatives Fair Value	-3	-65
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	1	2
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	($4)	($67)

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Derivat

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Derivatives and Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) Summary (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	($1,588)		($287)		($18)
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	326		151		-257
Derivative and non-derivative hedging instruments gain loss recognized in other comprehensive income effective portion before tax	69	[1]	74	[1]	-87	[1]
Cash flow hedges	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	-2		-3		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-10	[1]	-22	[1]	-33	[1]
Fair value hedges	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	-18		-7		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Net investment hedge	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0		0		0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	79	[1]	96	[1]	-54	[1]
Non-qualifying strategies	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	346		161		-257
Foreign currency swaps | Cash flow hedges	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	-2		-3		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-10	[1]	-22	[1]	-35	[1]
Foreign currency swaps | Net investment hedge	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0		0		0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	-104	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Foreign currency swaps | Non-qualifying strategies	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	346		111		-160
Interest rate swaps | Cash flow hedges	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0		0		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	2	[1]
Interest rate swaps | Non-qualifying strategies	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	-8		-14		-33
Foreign currency forwards | Fair value hedges	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	-35	[2]	-7	[2]	0	[2]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[2]
Foreign currency forwards | Net investment hedge	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0		0		0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	24	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Interest rate swaptions | Fair value hedges	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	17		0		0
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Interest rate swaptions | Non-qualifying strategies	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	-29		0		0
Non-derivative hedging instruments | Net investment hedge	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0		0		0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	155	[1]	96	[1]	-54	[1]
Foreign currency options | Net investment hedge	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0		0		0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	4	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Foreign currency options | Non-qualifying strategies	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	11		0		0
Credit default swaps | Non-qualifying strategies	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	31		64		-64
Other | Non-qualifying strategies	'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	($5)		$0		$0
[1]	Cash flow hedge items are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and net investment hedge items are recorded in the unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) line in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).
[2]	Impact shown net of effect of hedged items (see Fair Value Hedges section of this Note 4 for further detail)

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Gains_L

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Gains (Losses) Recognized on Fair Value Hedging Relationships (Details) (Fixed Maturities, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Foreign currency forwards	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Total gains (losses) recognized for derivatives	($1,735)	($535)
Gains (losses) on derivatives excluded from effectiveness testing	-25	-8
Gains (losses) on derivatives included in effectiveness testing	-1,710	-527
Gains (losses) recognized for hedged items	1,700	528
Ineffectiveness recognized for fair value hedge	-10	1
Interest rate swaptions	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Total gains (losses) recognized for derivatives	17	'
Gains (losses) on derivatives excluded from effectiveness testing	17	'
Gains (losses) on derivatives included in effectiveness testing	0	'
Gains (losses) recognized for hedged items	0	'
Ineffectiveness recognized for fair value hedge	$0	'

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Offsett

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	$488		$345
Gross amount of liabilities offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amount of derivative assets presented in balance sheet	488		345
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative assets in balance sheet	0		0
Derivative, collateral, obligation to return cash	-295	[1]	0
Derivative asset, fair value, amount offset against collateral	193		345
Interest rate swaps	'		'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	1		32
Gross amount of liabilities offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amount of derivative assets presented in balance sheet	1		32
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative assets in balance sheet	0		0
Derivative, collateral, obligation to return cash	0		0
Derivative asset, fair value, amount offset against collateral	1		32
Foreign currency swaps	'		'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	445		311
Gross amount of liabilities offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amount of derivative assets presented in balance sheet	445		311
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative assets in balance sheet	0		0
Derivative, collateral, obligation to return cash	-276		0
Derivative asset, fair value, amount offset against collateral	169		311
Foreign currency forwards	'		'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	17		'
Gross amount of liabilities offset in balance sheet	0		'
Net amount of derivative assets presented in balance sheet	17		'
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative assets in balance sheet	0		'
Derivative, collateral, obligation to return cash	-16		'
Derivative asset, fair value, amount offset against collateral	1		'
Foreign currency options	'		'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	4		'
Gross amount of liabilities offset in balance sheet	0		'
Net amount of derivative assets presented in balance sheet	4		'
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative assets in balance sheet	0		'
Derivative, collateral, obligation to return cash	-3		'
Derivative asset, fair value, amount offset against collateral	1		'
Credit default swaps	'		'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	1		2
Gross amount of liabilities offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amount of derivative assets presented in balance sheet	1		2
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative assets in balance sheet	0		0
Derivative, collateral, obligation to return cash	0		0
Derivative asset, fair value, amount offset against collateral	1		2
Interest rate swaptions	'		'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	20		'
Gross amount of liabilities offset in balance sheet	0		'
Net amount of derivative assets presented in balance sheet	20		'
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative assets in balance sheet	0		'
Derivative, collateral, obligation to return cash	0		'
Derivative asset, fair value, amount offset against collateral	20		'
Offsetting assets	'		'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amounts of recognized financial instruments	6,144		6,467
Gross amounts offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amounts of financial instruments presented in balance sheet	6,144		6,467
Carrying value of financial instruments not offset in balance sheet	0		0
Collateral not offset in balance sheet	-5,951		-6,122
Financial instruments, amount offset against collateral	193		345
Offsetting assets | Securities lending and similar arrangements	'		'
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amounts of recognized financial instruments	5,656		6,122
Gross amounts offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amounts of financial instruments presented in balance sheet	5,656		6,122
Carrying value of financial instruments not offset in balance sheet	0		0
Collateral not offset in balance sheet	-5,656		-6,122
Financial instruments, amount offset against collateral	$0		$0
[1]	Consists entirely of cash.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Offsett1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value	$8		$0
Gross amount of recognized derivative liabilities	-837		-934
Gross amount of assets offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amount of derivative liabilities presented in balance sheet	-837		-934
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative liabilities in balance sheet	0		0
Derivative Collateral Right To Reclaim Securities and Cash	8	[1]	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	-829		-934
Foreign currency swaps	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amount of recognized derivative liabilities	-218		-329
Gross amount of assets offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amount of derivative liabilities presented in balance sheet	-218		-329
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative liabilities in balance sheet	0		0
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	1		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	-217		-329
Foreign currency forwards	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amount of recognized derivative liabilities	-582		-535
Gross amount of assets offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amount of derivative liabilities presented in balance sheet	-582		-535
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative liabilities in balance sheet	0		0
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	-582		-535
Foreign currency options	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amount of recognized derivative liabilities	-1		'
Gross amount of assets offset in balance sheet	0		'
Net amount of derivative liabilities presented in balance sheet	-1		'
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative liabilities in balance sheet	0		'
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	0		'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	-1		'
Credit default swaps	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amount of recognized derivative liabilities	-4		-67
Gross amount of assets offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amount of derivative liabilities presented in balance sheet	-4		-67
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative liabilities in balance sheet	0		0
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	0		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	-4		-67
Interest rate swaptions	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amount of recognized derivative liabilities	-32		'
Gross amount of assets offset in balance sheet	0		'
Net amount of derivative liabilities presented in balance sheet	-32		'
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative liabilities in balance sheet	0		'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	-25		'
Interest rate swaps	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amount of recognized derivative liabilities	'		-3
Gross amount of assets offset in balance sheet	'		0
Net amount of derivative liabilities presented in balance sheet	'		-3
Financial instruments, amount not offset against derivative liabilities in balance sheet	'		0
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	'		0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	'		-3
Offsetting liabilities	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amounts of recognized financial instruments	-6,657		-7,211
Gross amounts offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amounts of financial instruments presented in balance sheet	-6,657		-7,211
Carrying value of financial instruments not offset in balance sheet	5,656		6,122
Collateral not offset in balance sheet	8		0
Financial instruments, amount offset against collateral	-993		-1,089
Offsetting liabilities | Securities lending and similar arrangements	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Gross amounts of recognized financial instruments	-5,820		-6,277
Gross amounts offset in balance sheet	0		0
Net amounts of financial instruments presented in balance sheet	-5,820		-6,277
Carrying value of financial instruments not offset in balance sheet	5,656		6,122
Collateral not offset in balance sheet	0		0
Financial instruments, amount offset against collateral	-164		-155
Japanese Government Bonds	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value	7		'
Cash	'		'
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]	'		'
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value	$1		'
[1]	Consists of $7 of pledged JGBs and $1 of cash.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Hierarchy Levels of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	$61,038	$61,578
Asset derivatives	488	345
Cash and cash equivalents	2,543	2,041
Assets, fair value	64,069	63,964
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	837	934
Total Liabilities	837	934
Interest rate swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	32
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	'	3
Foreign currency swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	445	311
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	218	329
Foreign currency forwards	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	17	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	582	535
Foreign currency options	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	4	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	1	'
Credit default swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	2
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	4	67
Interest rate swaptions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	20	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	32	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	58,070	57,253
Fixed Maturities | Government and Agencies Debt Securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	15,432	12,997
Fixed Maturities | Municipalities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,051	1,195
Fixed Maturities | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	771	1,031
Fixed Maturities | Public Utilities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	7,562	8,497
Fixed Maturities | Sovereign and Supranational	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,523	2,072
Fixed Maturities | Banks/financial Institutions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	6,509	7,634
Fixed Maturities | Other Corporate	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	25,222	23,827
Perpetual securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,947	4,302
Perpetual securities | Banks/financial Institutions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,738	3,950
Perpetual securities | Other Corporate	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	209	352
Equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	21	23
Level 1	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14,942	12,278
Asset derivatives	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	2,543	2,041
Assets, fair value	17,485	14,319
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	0	0
Level 1 | Interest rate swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	'	0
Level 1 | Foreign currency swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	0	0
Level 1 | Foreign currency forwards	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	0	0
Level 1 | Foreign currency options	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	0	'
Level 1 | Credit default swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	0	0
Level 1 | Interest rate swaptions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	0	'
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14,928	12,265
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities | Government and Agencies Debt Securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14,928	12,265
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities | Municipalities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities | Public Utilities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities | Sovereign and Supranational	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities | Banks/financial Institutions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities | Other Corporate	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Perpetual securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Perpetual securities | Banks/financial Institutions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Perpetual securities | Other Corporate	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 1 | Equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14	13
Level 2	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	45,649	45,895
Asset derivatives	382	154
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Assets, fair value	46,031	46,049
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	630	535
Level 2 | Interest rate swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	'	0
Level 2 | Foreign currency swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	341	154
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	15	0
Level 2 | Foreign currency forwards	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	17	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	582	535
Level 2 | Foreign currency options	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	4	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	1	'
Level 2 | Credit default swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	0	0
Level 2 | Interest rate swaptions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	20	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	32	'
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	42,750	41,802
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Government and Agencies Debt Securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	504	732
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Municipalities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,051	1,195
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	402	693
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Public Utilities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	7,562	8,077
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Sovereign and Supranational	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,523	1,654
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Banks/financial Institutions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	6,486	6,610
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Other Corporate	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	25,222	22,841
Level 2 | Perpetual securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,895	4,087
Level 2 | Perpetual securities | Banks/financial Institutions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,686	3,735
Level 2 | Perpetual securities | Other Corporate	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	209	352
Level 2 | Equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	4	6
Level 3	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	447	3,405
Asset derivatives	106	191
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Assets, fair value	553	3,596
Liabilities:	'	'
Total Liabilities	207	399
Level 3 | Interest rate swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	32
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	'	3
Level 3 | Foreign currency swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	104	157
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	203	329
Level 3 | Foreign currency forwards	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	0	0
Level 3 | Foreign currency options	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	0	'
Level 3 | Credit default swaps	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	2
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	4	67
Level 3 | Interest rate swaptions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Asset derivatives	0	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liability derivatives	0	'
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	392	3,186
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities | Government and Agencies Debt Securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities | Municipalities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	369	338
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities | Public Utilities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	420
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities | Sovereign and Supranational	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	418
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities | Banks/financial Institutions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	23	1,024
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities | Other Corporate	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	986
Level 3 | Perpetual securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	52	215
Level 3 | Perpetual securities | Banks/financial Institutions	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	52	215
Level 3 | Perpetual securities | Other Corporate	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Level 3 | Equity securities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	$3	$4

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Hierarchy Levels of Assets and Liabilities Carried at Cost or Amortized Cost (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	$44,415	$54,426
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	45,846	54,841
Liabilities:	'	'
Other policyholders' funds	5,861	5,319
Other policyholders' funds fair value disclosure	5,715	5,151
Notes payable	4,891	4,343
Notes payable (excluding capital leases), fair value	5,241	4,992
Obligation To Japanese policyholder protection corporation carrying value	'	23
Obligation to Japanese policyholder protection corporation fair value	'	23
Total financial instrument liabilities not carried at fair value	10,752	9,685
Liabilities fair value disclosure financial instruments carried at cost	10,956	10,166
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	45,846	54,841
Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	28,708	32,332
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	440	520
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	61	94
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,928	5,051
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,040	3,317
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	6,128	8,991
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,541	4,536
Level 1	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Other policyholders' funds fair value disclosure	0	0
Notes payable (excluding capital leases), fair value	0	0
Obligation to Japanese policyholder protection corporation fair value	'	0
Liabilities fair value disclosure financial instruments carried at cost	0	0
Level 1 | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	28,708	32,332
Level 1 | Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	28,708	32,332
Level 1 | Municipalities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 2	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Other policyholders' funds fair value disclosure	0	0
Notes payable (excluding capital leases), fair value	0	0
Obligation to Japanese policyholder protection corporation fair value	'	0
Liabilities fair value disclosure financial instruments carried at cost	0	0
Level 2 | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	17,097	22,445
Level 2 | Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 2 | Municipalities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	440	520
Level 2 | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	20	30
Level 2 | Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,928	5,051
Level 2 | Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,040	3,317
Level 2 | Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	6,128	8,991
Level 2 | Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,541	4,536
Level 3	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Other policyholders' funds fair value disclosure	5,715	5,151
Notes payable (excluding capital leases), fair value	5,241	4,992
Obligation to Japanese policyholder protection corporation fair value	'	23
Liabilities fair value disclosure financial instruments carried at cost	10,956	10,166
Level 3 | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	41	64
Level 3 | Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 3 | Municipalities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 3 | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	41	64
Level 3 | Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 3 | Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 3 | Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Level 3 | Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Yen Denominated | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	44,415	54,426
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	45,846	54,841
Yen Denominated | Japan government and agencies | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	27,362	32,043
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	28,708	32,332
Yen Denominated | Municipalities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	399	492
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	440	520
Yen Denominated | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	58	90
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	61	94
Yen Denominated | Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,900	4,924
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,928	5,051
Yen Denominated | Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,941	3,209
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,040	3,317
Yen Denominated | Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	6,310	9,211
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	6,128	8,991
Yen Denominated | Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	3,445	4,457
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	$3,541	$4,536

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Hierarchy Levels of Assets by Pricing Source, Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	$61,038	$61,578
Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14,942	12,278
Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	45,649	45,895
Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	447	3,405
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	58,070	57,253
Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14,928	12,265
Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	42,750	41,802
Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	392	3,186
Perpetual securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,947	4,302
Perpetual securities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Perpetual securities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,895	4,087
Perpetual securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	52	215
Equity securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	21	23
Equity securities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14	13
Equity securities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	4	6
Equity securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	3	4
Equity securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	18	13
Equity securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14	13
Equity securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	4	0
Equity securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Equity securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	6
Equity securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Equity securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	6
Equity securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Equity securities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	3	4
Equity securities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Equity securities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Equity securities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	3	4
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	15,432	12,997
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14,928	12,265
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	504	732
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	15,432	12,950
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	14,928	12,265
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	504	685
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	47
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	47
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,051	1,195
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,051	1,195
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,051	1,177
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,051	1,177
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	18
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	18
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	771	1,031
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	402	693
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	369	338
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	402	682
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	402	682
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	11
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	11
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	369	338
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	369	338
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	7,562	8,497
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	7,562	8,077
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	420
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	7,562	5,169
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	7,562	5,169
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	3,328
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	2,908
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	420
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,523	2,072
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,523	1,654
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	418
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,523	540
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,523	540
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	1,037
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	619
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	418
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	495
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	495
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	6,509	7,634
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	6,486	6,610
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	23	1,024
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	6,486	4,257
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	6,486	4,257
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	2,580
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	2,136
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	444
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	23	797
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	217
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	23	580
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,738	3,950
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,686	3,735
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	52	215
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,738	283
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,686	283
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	52	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	3,667
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	3,452
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	215
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	52	'
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	25,222	23,827
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	25,222	22,841
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	986
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	25,220	18,093
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	25,220	18,093
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	5,322
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	4,747
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	575
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2	412
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2	1
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	411
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	209	352
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	209	352
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	209	'
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	'
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	209	'
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	'
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	352
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	352
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	$0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V3

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Hierarchy Levels by Pricing Source, Held-to-Maturity Securities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	$45,846	$54,841
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	45,846	54,841
Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	28,708	32,332
Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	17,097	22,445
Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	41	64
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	28,708	32,332
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	28,708	32,332
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	28,708	32,332
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	28,708	32,332
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Government and Agencies Debt Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	440	520
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	440	520
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	440	464
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	440	464
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	56
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	0
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	56
Municipalities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	61	94
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	20	30
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	41	64
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	20	30
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	20	30
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	41	64
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	41	64
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,928	5,051
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,928	5,051
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,928	58
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,928	58
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	4,993
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	0
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	4,993
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,040	3,317
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,040	3,317
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,040	370
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,040	370
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	2,947
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	2,947
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	6,128	8,991
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	6,128	8,991
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	6,128	254
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	6,128	254
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	8,737
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	8,737
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,541	4,536
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,541	4,536
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,509	122
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	3,509	122
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Third party pricing vendor valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	0	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	4,414
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	0
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	4,414
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items}	'	'
Securities held to maturity, fixed maturities, fair value	'	$0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Change

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Changes in Available-For-Sale Investments and Derivatives Classified as Level 3 (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	$3,197		$3,803
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	105		51
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	-105		-57
Purchases	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Sales	-387		-753
Settlements	-13		-53
Transfers into Level 3	174	[1]	206
Transfers out of Level 3	-2,625	[2]	0
Balance, end of period	346		3,197
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	105		0
Fixed Maturities | Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	338		394
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	0		-3
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	-72		-33
Purchases	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	-13		-20
Transfers into Level 3	125	[1]	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-9	[2]	0
Balance, end of period	369		338
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	0		-3
Fixed Maturities | Public Utilities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	420		422
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	0		0
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	-20		-2
Purchases	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Sales	-400		0
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	0	[1]	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[2]	0
Balance, end of period	0		420
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	0		0
Fixed Maturities | Sovereign and Supranational	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	418		434
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	0		0
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	0		-16
Purchases	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	0	[1]	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-418	[2]	0
Balance, end of period	0		418
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	0		0
Fixed Maturities | Banks/financial Institutions	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	1,024		1,074
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	0		0
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	-4		70
Purchases	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Sales	0		-326
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	0	[1]	206	[1]
Transfers out of Level 3	-997	[2]	0
Balance, end of period	23		1,024
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	0		0
Fixed Maturities | Other Corporate	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	986		1,105
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	0		2
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	0		-87
Purchases	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Sales	0		-34
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	0	[1]	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-986	[2]	0
Balance, end of period	0		986
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	0		0
Perpetual securities | Banks/financial Institutions	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	215		526
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	0		49
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	3		33
Purchases	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Sales	0		-393
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	49	[1]	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-215	[2]	0
Balance, end of period	52		215
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	0		0
Equity securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	4		4
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	0		0
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	-1		0
Purchases	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	0	[1]	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[2]	0
Balance, end of period	3		4
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	0		0
Derivatives | Interest rate swaps	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	29	[3]	30	[3]
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	-8	[3]	-1	[3]
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	0	[3]	0	[3]
Purchases	0	[3]	0	[3]
Issuances	0	[3]	0	[3]
Sales	-20	[3]	0	[3]
Settlements	0	[3]	0	[3]
Transfers into Level 3	0	[1],[3]	0	[3]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[2],[3]	0	[3]
Balance, end of period	1	[3]	29	[3]
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	-8	[3]	-1
Derivatives | Foreign currency swaps	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	-172	[3]	-56	[3]
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	84	[3]	-61	[3]
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	-11	[3]	-22	[3]
Purchases	0	[3]	0	[3]
Issuances	0	[3]	0	[3]
Sales	0	[3]	0	[3]
Settlements	0	[3]	-33	[3]
Transfers into Level 3	0	[1],[3]	0	[3]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[2],[3]	0	[3]
Balance, end of period	-99	[3]	-172	[3]
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	84	[3]	-61
Derivatives | Credit default swaps	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance, beginning of period	-65	[3]	-130	[3]
Realized gains or losses included in earnings	29	[3]	65	[3]
Unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income	0	[3]	0	[3]
Purchases	0	[3]	0	[3]
Issuances	0	[3]	0	[3]
Sales	33	[3]	0	[3]
Settlements	0	[3]	0	[3]
Transfers into Level 3	0	[1],[3]	0	[3]
Transfers out of Level 3	0	[2],[3]	0	[3]
Balance, end of period	-3	[3]	-65	[3]
Change in unrealized gains (losses) still held	$29	[3]	$65
[1]	Due to a lack of visibility to observe significant inputs to price
[2]	A result of changing our pricing methodology to a valuation method that uses observable market data as significant inputs to estimate fair value
[3]	Derivative assets and liabilities are presented net

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Additi

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$0	$0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	$0	$0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V4

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	$61,038	$61,578
Asset derivatives	488	345
Assets, fair value	64,069	63,964
Length of Volatility of Japanese Yen to US Dollar Exchange Rate	'10 years	'10 years
Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	447	3,405
Asset derivatives	106	191
Assets, fair value	553	3,596
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	58,070	57,253
Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	392	3,186
Perpetual securities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,947	4,302
Perpetual securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	52	215
Equity securities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	21	23
Equity securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	3	4
Equity securities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	3	4
Equity securities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	3	4
Equity securities | Net Asset Value Valuation Technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	3	4
Equity securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	6
Equity securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Equity securities | Assets | Weighted Average | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes	$7	$8
Equity securities | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes	$1	$2
Equity securities | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes	$774	$943
Public Utilities | Assets | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Volatility Rate	'	7.36%
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	7,562	8,497
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	420
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	3,328
Public Utilities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	420
Sovereign and Supranational | Assets | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Volatility Rate	'	7.36%
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,523	2,072
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	418
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	495
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	1,037
Sovereign and Supranational | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	418
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	771	1,031
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	369	338
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	369	338
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	369	338
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	11
Mortgage- and asset-backed Securities | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Banks/financial Institutions | Assets | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Volatility Rate	'	7.36%
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	6,509	7,634
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	23	1,024
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	23	797
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	23	580
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	2,580
Banks/financial Institutions | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	444
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2,738	3,950
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	52	215
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	52	'
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	3,667
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	215
Banks/financial Institutions | Perpetual securities | Assets | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Volatility Rate	'	7.36%
Other Corporate | Assets | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Volatility Rate	'	7.36%
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	25,222	23,827
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	986
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	2	412
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Consensus pricing valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	411
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	5,322
Other Corporate | Fixed Maturities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	575
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	209	352
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	352
Other Corporate | Perpetual securities | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'	0
Foreign currency swaps	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	445	311
Foreign currency swaps | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	104	157
Credit default swaps	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	2
Credit default swaps | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	2
Credit default swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	2
Credit default swaps | Assets | Weighted Average | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	72.00%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.92%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Rate	37.00%	37.00%
Credit default swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	65.00%	49.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.65%	0.91%
Credit default swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	76.00%	50.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.06%	1.52%
Interest rate swaps	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	32
Interest rate swaps | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	32
Interest rate swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	1	32
Interest rate swaps | Assets | Weighted Average | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	72.00%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.92%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Rate	37.00%	37.00%
Interest rate swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	65.00%	49.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.65%	0.91%
Interest rate swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	76.00%	50.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.06%	1.52%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	30	51
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Foreign Exchange Rates	21.16%	20.65%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.16%	0.12%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.41%	1.17%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	9	4
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.17%	0.12%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.49%	1.26%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Asset derivatives	$65	$102
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Foreign Exchange Rates	21.16%	20.65%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.93%	0.84%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.02%	2.05%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.93%	0.84%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.02%	2.05%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.93%	0.84%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.02%	2.05%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.09%	1.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.96%	2.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.09%	1.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.96%	2.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.09%	1.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.96%	2.84%

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Fair_V5

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Inputs Liabilities Quantitative Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	$837	$934
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	837	934
Length of Volatility of Japanese Yen to US Dollar Exchange Rate	'10 years	'10 years
Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	207	399
Foreign currency swaps	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	218	329
Foreign currency swaps | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	203	329
Credit default swaps	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	4	67
Credit default swaps | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	4	67
Credit default swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	4	67
Credit default swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	65.00%	49.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.65%	0.91%
Credit default swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	76.00%	50.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.06%	1.52%
Credit default swaps | Liability [Member] | Weighted Average | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	72.00%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.92%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Rate	37.00%	37.00%
Interest rate swaps	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	'	3
Interest rate swaps | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	'	3
Interest rate swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	'	3
Interest rate swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	0.00%	49.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%	0.91%
Interest rate swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	0.00%	50.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%	1.52%
Interest rate swaps | Liability [Member] | Weighted Average | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	0.00%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.00%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Rate	0.00%	37.00%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	99	118
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Foreign Exchange Rates	21.16%	20.65%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.16%	0.22%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.41%	1.41%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	24	60
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.11%	0.25%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.89%	1.86%
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Discounted cash flow valuation technique | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Liability derivatives	$80	$151
Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Foreign Exchange Rates	21.16%	20.65%
Assets | Credit default swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	65.00%	49.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.65%	0.91%
Assets | Credit default swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	76.00%	50.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.06%	1.52%
Assets | Credit default swaps | Weighted Average | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	72.00%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.92%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Rate	37.00%	37.00%
Assets | Interest rate swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	65.00%	49.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.65%	0.91%
Assets | Interest rate swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	76.00%	50.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.06%	1.52%
Assets | Interest rate swaps | Weighted Average | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Base Correlation	72.00%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.92%	'
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Rate	37.00%	37.00%
Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Foreign Exchange Rates	21.16%	20.65%
Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.16%	0.12%
Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.41%	1.17%
Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	0.17%	0.12%
Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk	1.49%	1.26%
Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Foreign Exchange Rates	21.16%	20.65%
Equity securities | Assets | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes	$1	$2
Equity securities | Assets | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes	$774	$943
Equity securities | Assets | Weighted Average | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes	$7	$8
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.93%	0.84%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.02%	2.05%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.93%	0.84%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.02%	2.05%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.93%	0.84%
Japan, Yen | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.02%	2.05%
Japan, Yen | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.93%	0.84%
Japan, Yen | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.02%	2.05%
Japan, Yen | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.93%	0.84%
Japan, Yen | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.02%	2.05%
Japan, Yen | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	0.93%	0.84%
Japan, Yen | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	2.02%	2.05%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.09%	1.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.96%	2.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.09%	1.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.96%	2.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.09%	1.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Liability [Member] | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.96%	2.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.09%	1.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), CDS Spreads and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.96%	2.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.09%	1.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), Interest Rates (JPY), and CDS Spreads | Foreign currency swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.96%	2.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Lower Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.09%	1.84%
United States of America, Dollars | Assets | Fair Value, Unobservable Input, Interest Rates (USD), interest rates (JPY), and Foreign Exchange Rates | Foreign currency swaps | Upper Limit | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.96%	2.84%

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO2

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Insurance Expense Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Consolidated policy acquisition costs deferred	$1.40	$1.70	$1.60
Commissions deferred as a percentage of total acquisition costs	81.00%	84.00%	82.00%
Personnel, compensation and benefit expenses as a percentage of insurance expenses	51.00%	51.00%	49.00%

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO3

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES - Rollforward of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred policy acquisition costs:	'	'	'
Capitalization	$1,400	$1,700	$1,600
Aflac U.S.	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs:	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	2,857	2,687	'
Capitalization	555	570	'
Amortization	-433	-400	'
Foreign currency translation and other	0	0	'
Balance, end of year	2,979	2,857	'
Aflac Japan	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs:	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	6,801	7,102	'
Capitalization	893	1,177	'
Amortization	-641	-716	'
Foreign currency translation and other	-1,234	-762	'
Balance, end of year	$5,819	$6,801	'

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO4

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES - Advertising Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Advertising Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising expense	$240	$254	$258
Aflac Japan	'	'	'
Advertising Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising expense	112	127	128
Aflac U.S.	'	'	'
Advertising Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising expense	$128	$127	$130

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO5

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES - Depreciation and Other Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Depreciation and Other Amortization Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$56	$60	$59
Other amortization expense	13	7	5
Total depreciation and other amortization expense	$69	$67	$64

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO6

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS AND INSURANCE EXPENSES - Lease and Rental Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Lease and Rental Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease and rental expense	$66	$81	$82
Aflac Japan	'	'	'
Lease and Rental Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease and rental expense	55	71	73
Aflac U.S.	'	'	'
Lease and Rental Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease and rental expense	10	9	8
All Other	'	'	'
Lease and Rental Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease and rental expense	$1	$1	$1

POLICY_LIABILITIES_Additional_

POLICY LIABILITIES - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of future policy benefits out of policy liabilities	77.00%	'	'
Percentage of unpaid policy claims out of policy liabilities	4.00%	'	'
Percentage of unearned premiums out of policy liabilities	12.00%	'	'
Percentage of other poliyholders' funds out of policy liabilities	7.00%	'	'
Percentage of advanced premiums to unearned premiums	82.00%	82.00%	'
Aflac Japan	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average interest rates reflected in the consolidated statements of earnings for future policy benefits	3.90%	4.00%	4.00%
Aflac U.S.	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average interest rates reflected in the consolidated statements of earnings for future policy benefits	5.80%	6.00%	6.00%

POLICY_LIABILITIES_Liability_f

POLICY LIABILITIES - Liability for Future Policy Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	69,136	76,463	'
Percentage of advanced premiums to unearned premiums	82.00%	82.00%	'
Aflac U.S.	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	5.80%	6.00%	6.00%
Aflac U.S. | Health insurance | 2013	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	124	0	'
Aflac U.S. | Health insurance | 2012	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	3.75%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	3.75%	'	'
Liability amounts	221	127	'
Aflac U.S. | Health insurance | 2011	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	4.75%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	4.75%	'	'
Liability amounts	243	202	'
Aflac U.S. | Health insurance | 2005-2010	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	5.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	5.50%	'	'
Liability amounts	2,897	2,775	'
Aflac U.S. | Health insurance | 1988-2004	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	8.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	6.00%	'	'
Liability amounts	725	748	'
Aflac U.S. | Health insurance | 1986-2004	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	6.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	6.00%	'	'
Liability amounts	1,301	1,317	'
Aflac U.S. | Health insurance | 1981-1986	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	190	198	'
Aflac U.S. | Health insurance | 1998-2004	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	7.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	7.00%	'	'
Liability amounts	1,237	1,200	'
Aflac U.S. | Health insurance | Other years	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	22	23	'
Aflac U.S. | Life insurance | 1956-2013	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	396	343	'
Aflac Japan	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	3.90%	4.00%	4.00%
Aflac Japan | Health insurance | 2002-2013	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	3,370	2,518	'
Aflac Japan | Health insurance | 1974-2013	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	3,889	4,624	'
Aflac Japan | Health insurance | 1998-2013	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	3.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	3.00%	'	'
Liability amounts	11,763	13,685	'
Aflac Japan | Health insurance | 1997-1999	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	3.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	3.50%	'	'
Liability amounts	2,842	3,482	'
Aflac Japan | Health insurance | 1994-1996	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	3,483	4,261	'
Aflac Japan | Health insurance | 1987-1994	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	5.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	5.50%	'	'
Liability amounts	16,727	20,635	'
Aflac Japan | Health insurance | 1985-1991	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	2,262	2,824	'
Aflac Japan | Health insurance | 1978-1984	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	6.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	5.50%	'	'
Liability amounts	2,699	3,416	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 2013	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	59	0	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 2001-2013	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	3,009	2,238	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 2011-2013	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	2.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	2.00%	'	'
Liability amounts	1,584	733	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 2009-2011	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	2.25%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	2.25%	'	'
Liability amounts	1,648	1,374	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 2005-2011	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	2.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	2.50%	'	'
Liability amounts	1,211	1,231	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 1985-2006	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	2.70%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	2.25%	'	'
Liability amounts	2,303	2,791	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 2007-2011	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	2.75%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	2.75%	'	'
Liability amounts	1,025	1,049	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 1999-2011	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	3.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	3.00%	'	'
Liability amounts	2,164	2,547	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 1996-2009	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	3.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	3.50%	'	'
Liability amounts	721	872	'
Aflac Japan | Life insurance | 1994-1996	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Liability amounts	1,021	1,250	'
Health insurance | Aflac U.S. | 2013 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	3.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	3.00%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac U.S. | 2013 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	3.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	3.50%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac U.S. | 1981-1986 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	6.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	5.50%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac U.S. | 1981-1986 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	7.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	6.50%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 2002-2013 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	1.25%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	1.25%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 2002-2013 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	2.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	2.50%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 1974-2013 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	2.70%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	2.25%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 1974-2013 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	2.75%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	2.75%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 1994-1996 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	4.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	4.00%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 1994-1996 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	4.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	4.50%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 1987-1994 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	5.25%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 1987-1994 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	6.75%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 1985-1991 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	5.25%	'	'
Health insurance | Aflac Japan | 1985-1991 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	5.50%	'	'
Life insurance | Aflac U.S. | 1956-2013 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	4.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	4.00%	'	'
Life insurance | Aflac U.S. | 1956-2013 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	6.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	6.00%	'	'
Life insurance | Aflac Japan | 2013 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	1.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	1.50%	'	'
Life insurance | Aflac Japan | 2013 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	1.75%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	1.75%	'	'
Life insurance | Aflac Japan | 2001-2013 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	1.65%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	1.65%	'	'
Life insurance | Aflac Japan | 2001-2013 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	1.85%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	1.85%	'	'
Life insurance | Aflac Japan | 1994-1996 | Lower Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	4.00%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	4.00%	'	'
Life insurance | Aflac Japan | 1994-1996 | Upper Limit	'	'	'
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rates Year of Issue	4.50%	'	'
Interest Rates In 20 Years	4.50%	'	'

POLICY_LIABILITIES_Changes_in_

POLICY LIABILITIES - Changes in Liability for Unpaid Policy Claims (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Less claims paid during the year on claims incurred during:	'	'	'
Net balance, end of year	$3,763	$4,034	'
Add reinsurance recoverables	612	'	'
Total liability for unpaid policy claims	3,763	4,034	3,981
Health insurance	'	'	'
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Expenses	'	'	'
Unpaid supplemental health claims, beginning of year	3,781	3,749	3,524
Less reinsurance recoverables	10	0	0
Net balance, beginning of year	3,771	3,749	3,524
Add claims incurred during the year related to:	'	'	'
Current year	7,215	8,013	7,703
Prior years	-236	-173	-256
Total incurred	6,979	7,840	7,447
Less claims paid during the year on claims incurred during:	'	'	'
Current year	4,834	5,453	5,401
Prior years	1,931	2,082	1,944
Total paid	6,765	7,535	7,345
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on unpaid claims	-457	-283	123
Net balance, end of year	3,528	3,771	3,749
Add reinsurance recoverables	9	10	0
Total liability for unpaid policy claims	3,537	3,781	3,749
Life insurance	'	'	'
Less claims paid during the year on claims incurred during:	'	'	'
Total liability for unpaid policy claims	$226	$253	$232

REINSURANCE_Additional_Informa

REINSURANCE Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]	'
Reinsurance deferred profit liability	$607
Reinsurance Recoverables	$612
Aflac Japan | Closed medical block [Member]	'
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]	'
Reinsurance Ceded Percentage	33.30%

REINSURANCE_Effect_of_Reinsura

REINSURANCE Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums and Benefits and Claims (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct premium income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$20,211	'	'
Reinsurance ceded	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-76	'	'
Net premium income	4,910	5,028	5,013	5,184	5,643	5,660	5,467	5,378	20,135	22,148	20,362
Direct benefits and claims	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,880	'	'
Ceded benefits and change in reserves for future benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-67	'	'
Benefits and claims, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$13,813	$15,330	$13,749

NOTES_PAYABLE_Additional_Infor

NOTES PAYABLE - Additional Information (Detail)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-09

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2007

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

series

series

3.625% senior notes due June 2023

3.625% senior notes due June 2023

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

Senior Notes

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

Yen Denominated Samurai Notes

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

Four Percent Senior Notes Due February Twenty Twenty Two [Member]

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

1.87% yen-denominated Samurai notes paid June 2012

1.87% yen-denominated Samurai notes paid June 2012

1.87% yen-denominated Samurai notes paid June 2012

1.87% yen-denominated Samurai notes paid June 2012

1.87% yen-denominated Samurai notes paid June 2012

Notes Payable

Notes Payable

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

Notes payable, principal amount

'

'

'

'

$700,000,000

'

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 5,000,000,000

¥ 5,000,000,000

$750,000,000

$250,000,000

$400,000,000

'

$400,000,000

'

¥ 50,000,000,000

$350,000,000

'

$350,000,000

'

'

$50,000,000

'

$450,000,000

$500,000,000

'

'

$450,000,000

'

'

$300,000,000

'

'

$400,000,000

'

'

$850,000,000

'

'

¥ 10,000,000,000

'

¥ 8,000,000,000

¥ 8,000,000,000

'

'

¥ 30,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable, interest rate

'

'

'

'

3.63%

3.63%

1.47%

1.47%

1.47%

1.84%

1.84%

1.84%

1.48%

1.30%

1.34%

3.60%

3.60%

3.00%

3.00%

'

2.65%

2.65%

2.65%

2.65%

2.65%

'

4.00%

4.00%

4.00%

4.00%

'

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

'

6.45%

6.45%

'

3.45%

3.45%

'

6.90%

6.90%

'

8.50%

8.50%

'

'

2.26%

2.26%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity period

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'10 years

'3 years

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'5 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'40 years

'

'

'

'30 years

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'30 years

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Description

'

'

'

'

'These notes are redeemable at our option in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or (ii) the amount equal to the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments for principal of and interest on the notes to be redeemed, not including any portion of the payments of interest accrued as of such redemption date, discounted to such redemption date on a semiannual basis at the treasury rate plus 20 basis points, plus in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, such redemption date.

'These notes are redeemable at our option in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of: (i) the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or (ii) the amount equal to the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments for principal of and interest on the notes to be redeemed, not including any portion of the payments of interest accrued as of such redemption date, discounted to such redemption date on a semiannual basis at the treasury rate plus 20 basis points, plus in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, such redemption date.

'

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'

'

Minimum prinicipal amount outstanding following partial redemption

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

Debt instrument effective principal amount after cross currency swap

'

'

'

'

'

69,800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,900,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,000,000,000

'

'

3,900,000,000

'

'

35,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

Derivative instrument maturity period

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'

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'

'

'5 years

'5 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of series of senior notes issued through a U.S. public debt offering (in series)

'

'

2

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

Notes payable, effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

1.50%

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.48%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.22%

1.22%

'

'

'

'

'

2.07%

2.07%

'

4.42%

4.42%

'

4.41%

4.41%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

Extinguishment of notes

'

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'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

2,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

3,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Samurai notes redeemed upon maturity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

337,000,000

26,600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal payments under debt obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

900,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

50,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, interest rate description

'Borrowings will bear interest at LIBOR plus the applicable margin of 1.125%

'Borrowings will bear interest at LIBOR plus the applicable margin of 1.125%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage

0.13%

0.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, amount outstanding

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable, debt default, amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

'

$0

$0

NOTES_PAYABLE_Summary_of_Notes

NOTES PAYABLE - Summary of Notes Payable (Detail)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-09

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

3.625% senior notes due June 2023

3.625% senior notes due June 2023

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

Capitalized Lease Obligations

Capitalized Lease Obligations

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable

$4,897,000,000

$4,352,000,000

$300,000,000

$300,000,000

'

$655,000,000

[1]

$657,000,000

[1]

'

'

$850,000,000

$850,000,000

'

$349,000,000

[2]

$349,000,000

[2]

'

$396,000,000

[2]

$396,000,000

[2]

'

$700,000,000

$0

$448,000,000

[2]

$448,000,000

[2]

'

$500,000,000

$500,000,000

'

'

$76,000,000

'

$92,000,000

'

'

$272,000,000

'

$331,000,000

'

'

$150,000,000

'

$182,000,000

'

'

$52,000,000

'

$64,000,000

'

'

$95,000,000

'

$116,000,000

'

$48,000,000

'

$58,000,000

'

$6,000,000

$9,000,000

Notes payable, principal amount

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

400,000,000

'

250,000,000

400,000,000

'

'

850,000,000

350,000,000

'

350,000,000

'

'

400,000,000

700,000,000

'

'

'

450,000,000

500,000,000

'

50,000,000

450,000,000

'

8,000,000,000

'

8,000,000,000

10,000,000,000

'

28,700,000,000

'

28,700,000,000

28,700,000,000

'

15,800,000,000

'

15,800,000,000

15,800,000,000

'

5,500,000,000

'

5,500,000,000

5,500,000,000

'

10,000,000,000

'

10,000,000,000

'

5,000,000,000

'

5,000,000,000

'

'

Notes payable, interest rate

'

'

3.45%

3.45%

'

2.65%

2.65%

2.65%

2.65%

8.50%

8.50%

'

4.00%

4.00%

4.00%

6.90%

6.90%

'

3.63%

'

6.45%

6.45%

'

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

2.26%

2.26%

2.26%

2.26%

'

1.47%

1.47%

1.47%

1.47%

1.47%

1.84%

1.84%

1.84%

1.84%

1.84%

1.30%

1.30%

1.34%

1.34%

1.48%

3.60%

3.60%

3.60%

3.60%

3.00%

3.00%

3.00%

3.00%

'

'

Line of credit facility, amount outstanding

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Principal amount plus an issuance premium that is being amortized over the life of the notes

[2]

Principal amount net of an issuance discount that is being amortized over the life of the notes

NOTES_PAYABLE_Aggregate_Contra

NOTES PAYABLE - Aggregate Contractual Maturities of Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2014	$326
2015	445
2016	227
2017	651
2018	0
Thereafter	3,250
Total	4,899
Long-term Debt	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2014	324
2015	443
2016	226
2017	650
2018	0
Thereafter	3,250
Total	4,893
Capitalized Lease Obligations	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2014	2
2015	2
2016	1
2017	1
2018	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$6

NOTES_PAYABLE_Summary_of_Notes1

NOTES PAYABLE Summary of Notes Payable (Parenthetical) (Details)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-09

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2007

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

3.625% senior notes due June 2023

1.87% yen-denominated Samurai notes paid June 2012

1.87% yen-denominated Samurai notes paid June 2012

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

8.50%

8.50%

'

6.45%

6.45%

'

6.90%

6.90%

'

3.45%

3.45%

'

2.65%

2.65%

2.65%

2.65%

4.00%

4.00%

4.00%

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

2.26%

2.26%

'

1.47%

1.47%

1.47%

3.63%

'

'

1.84%

1.84%

1.84%

1.30%

1.34%

1.48%

3.60%

3.60%

3.00%

3.00%

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

$850,000,000

'

'

$450,000,000

'

'

$400,000,000

'

'

$300,000,000

$400,000,000

'

$250,000,000

$400,000,000

$350,000,000

'

$350,000,000

$500,000,000

'

$50,000,000

$450,000,000

¥ 8,000,000,000

¥ 8,000,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

$700,000,000

'

¥ 30,000,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 5,000,000,000

¥ 5,000,000,000

INCOME_TAXES_Additional_Inform

INCOME TAXES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Apr. 02, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 01, 2015

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Expiring In 2031

Expiring in 2032

Expiring In 2015

Expiring In 2016

Change In Income Tax Rate

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

Aflac U.S.

Aflac U.S.

Aflac U.S.

Aflac U.S.

Aflac U.S.

Dollar denominated investment portfolio

Dollar denominated investment portfolio

Dollar denominated investment portfolio

Foreign Tax Credits

Foreign Tax Credits

Foreign Tax Credits

Foreign Tax Credits

Income Taxes [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Japan Tax Rate

'

'

'

33.30%

'

'

'

'

30.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

$422

$620

$122

'

'

'

'

'

'

$299

$950

($301)

'

'

'

($374)

($744)

$123

($330)

$423

$374

$744

The expected U.S. tax rate

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

-581

1,078

392

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

614

492

-152

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective income tax rate excluding income tax expense (benefit) related to Aflac Japan's dollar-denominated portfolio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31.00%

32.00%

34.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-life operating loss carryforwards, limitations

'only 35% of non-life operating losses can be offset against life insurance taxable income each year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-life operating loss carryforwards

'

'

'

'

50

54

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital loss carryforwards available to offset capital gains

1,434

'

'

'

'

'

123

1,311

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized tax benefits, tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain

28

[1]

21

[1]

31

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized tax benefits, permanent uncertainties

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties expense

4

7

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalties

$16

$12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Amounts do not include tax deductions of $10 at DecemberB 31, 2013, $7 at DecemberB 31, 2012, and $10 at JanuaryB 1, 2012.

INCOME_TAXES_Components_of_Inc

INCOME TAXES - Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Applicable to Pretax Earnings (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Provision of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,236	$816	$891
Deferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	422	620	122
Total income tax expense	353	367	469	469	299	463	258	417	1,658	1,436	1,013
Aflac U.S.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Provision of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	302	303	533
Deferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	123	-330	423
Total income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	425	-27	956
Aflac Japan	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Provision of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	934	513	358
Deferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	299	950	-301
Total income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,233	$1,463	$57

INCOME_TAXES_Principal_Reasons

INCOME TAXES - Principal Reasons for Differences and Related Tax Effects where Income Tax Expense Varies from Amount Computed by Applying Expected United States Tax Rate of Thirty Five Percent to Pretax Earnings (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$14.25	'	'	'	$16.84	'	'	'	$14.25	$16.84	$17.02
Income taxes based on U.S. statutory rates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,685	$1,506	$1,032
Utilization of foreign tax credit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-37	-53	-36
Nondeductible expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6	8	10
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4	-25	7
Total income tax expense	$353	$367	$469	$469	$299	$463	$258	$417	$1,658	$1,436	$1,013

INCOME_TAXES_Total_Income_Tax_

INCOME TAXES - Total Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$14.25	'	'	'	$16.84	'	'	'	$14.25	$16.84	$17.02
Statements of earnings	$353	$367	$469	$469	$299	$463	$258	$417	$1,658	$1,436	$1,013
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	253	363	-185
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities during period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-904	904	1,016
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses on investment securities included in net earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19	-174	-404
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4	-8	-12
Pension liability adjustment during period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55	-7	-23
Total income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-581	1,078	392
Additional paid-in capital (exercise of stock options)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8	-12	-7
Total income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,069	$2,502	$1,398

INCOME_TAXES_Income_Tax_Effect

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Effects of Temporary Differences that Gave Rise to Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax liabilities:	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$2,484	$2,731
Unrealized gains on investment securities	1,034	1,522
Policyholder protection corporation obligation	15	10
Difference in tax basis of investment in Aflac Japan	188	288
Premiums receivable	153	164
Policy benefit reserves	1,859	1,995
Total deferred income tax liabilities	5,733	6,710
Deferred income tax assets:	'	'
Depreciation	85	124
Other basis differences in investment securities	1,629	1,471
Unfunded retirement benefits	42	45
Other accrued expenses	65	60
Policy and contract claims	73	67
Unrealized exchange loss on yen-denominated notes payable	41	36
Deferred compensation	149	203
Capital loss carryforwards	502	716
Other	383	438
Total deferred income tax assets	2,969	3,160
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	-2,764	-3,550
Current income tax liability	954	308
Total income tax liability	$3,718	$3,858

INCOME_TAXES_Reconciliation_of

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance, beginning of year	$21	[1]	$31	[1]	'
Additions for tax positions of prior years	7		7		'
Settlements	0		-3		'
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0		-14		'
Balance, end of year	28	[1]	21	[1]	'
Tax deductions	$10		$7		$10
[1]	Amounts do not include tax deductions of $10 at DecemberB 31, 2013, $7 at DecemberB 31, 2012, and $10 at JanuaryB 1, 2012.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Additional

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, Voting Rights	'are generally entitled to one vote per share until they have been held by the same beneficial owner for a continuous period of 48 months, at which time they become entitled to 10 votes per share.	'	'
Voting rights, votes per share	1	'	'
Remaining common stock available for purchase under share repurchase authorizations	49,200,000	'	'
Share Repurchase Authorization 2008	'	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock, share repurchase	13,200,000	1,900,000	6,000,000
Share Repurchase Authorization 2013	'	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	40,000,000	'	'
Share Held For Continuous Forty Eight Month Period	'	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Voting rights, votes per share	10	'	'

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Reconcilia

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$14.25	$16.84	$17.02
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	665,239	'	'
Balance, end of period	667,046	665,239	'
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	-3,281	-2,476	-1,008
Shares outstanding, end of period	459,413	467,786	466,310
Common Stock	'	'	'
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	665,239	663,639	662,660
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,807	1,600	979
Balance, end of period	667,046	665,239	663,639
Treasury Stock	'	'	'
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	197,453	197,329	192,999
Open market	13,212	1,948	6,000
Other	222	360	182
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	-1,365	-1,670	-1,690
Exercise of stock options	-1,734	-387	-88
Other	-155	-127	-74
Balance, end of period	207,633	197,453	197,329

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_AntiDiluti

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Anti-Dilutive Share-Based Awards Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive share-based awards	2,198	5,880	6,145

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_WeightedAv

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Weighted-Average Shares Used in Calculating Earnings Per Share (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted-average outstanding shares used for calculating basic EPS	464,502	466,868	466,519
Dilutive effect of share-based awards	2,906	2,419	2,851
Weighted-average outstanding shares used for calculating diluted EPS	467,408	469,287	469,370

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Changes_in

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$2,715	'	'
Other comprehensive income loss before reclassifications net of tax	-3,247	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income net of tax	-31	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-3,278	750	1,212
Balance, end of period	-563	2,715	'
Unrealized Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	333	'	'
Other comprehensive income loss before reclassifications net of tax	-1,833	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income net of tax	-5	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-1,838	'	'
Balance, end of period	-1,505	'	'
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	2,570	'	'
Other comprehensive income loss before reclassifications net of tax	-1,499	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income net of tax	-36	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-1,535	'	'
Balance, end of period	1,035	'	'
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	-5	'	'
Other comprehensive income loss before reclassifications net of tax	-7	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income net of tax	0	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-7	'	'
Balance, end of period	-12	'	'
Pension Liability Adjustment	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	-183	'	'
Other comprehensive income loss before reclassifications net of tax	92	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income net of tax	10	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	102	'	'
Balance, end of period	($81)	'	'

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Reclassifi

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales and redemptions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$262

$474

$594

Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-199

[1]

-977

[1]

-1,901

[1]

Acquisition and operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,310

-5,732

-5,472

Total before tax

1,028

1,069

1,358

1,361

880

1,480

741

1,202

4,816

4,302

2,950

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

-353

-367

-469

-469

-299

-463

-258

-417

-1,658

-1,436

-1,013

Net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,158

2,866

1,937

The expected U.S. tax rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31

[2]

'

'

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Pension Liability Adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

[2],[3]

'

'

Net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10

[2]

'

'

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales and redemptions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

255

[2]

'

'

Other-than-temporary impairment losses realized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-199

[2]

'

'

Total before tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56

[2]

'

'

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20

[2],[3]

'

'

Net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36

[2]

'

'

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales and redemptions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7

[2]

'

'

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2

[2],[3]

'

'

Net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

[2]

'

'

Actuarial gains (losses) | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Pension Liability Adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition and operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-19

[2],[4]

'

'

Prior service cost | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Pension Liability Adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition and operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4

[2],[4]

'

'

[1]

Includes $45, $597 and $1,286 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for credit-related impairments; $26 and $27 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for impairments due to severity and duration of decline in fair value; and $128, $353 and $615 for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, from change in intent to sell securities

[2]

Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.

[3]

Based on 35% tax rate

[4]

These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 14 for additional details).

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Additi

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of long-term incentive compensation plans	2	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$14.25	16.84	17.02	'
Closing common stock price	$66.80	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$197	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Remaining Term (Yrs)	'4 years 9 months 22 days	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	168	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining term of stock options exercisable (in years)	'4 years	'	'	'
Stock Option Plan Effective Until February 2007 Member	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock option plan, terms (in years)	10	'	'	'
Second Stock Option Plan	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	'10 years	'	'	'
Stock option plan, vesting period	'3 years	'	'	'
Shares available for future grants under the long-term incentive plan	12,400,000	'	'	'
Restricted stock	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, restricted stock awards	42	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,671,000	1,363,000	1,350,000	1,274,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'1 year 6 months	'	'	'
Performance Based Vesting Condition Member | Restricted stock	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, restricted stock awards	$23	'	'	'
Performance Based Vesting Condition Member | Restricted stock | Performance Based Vesting Condition Member	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	887,000	'	'	'

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Expens

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Expense Recognized in Connection with Share-Based Awards (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings before income taxes	$1,028	$1,069	$1,358	$1,361	$880	$1,480	$741	$1,202	$4,816	$4,302	$2,950
Net earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,158	2,866	1,937
Net earnings per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.46	$1.51	$1.91	$1.91	$1.24	$2.17	$1.04	$1.68	$6.80	$6.14	$4.16
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.45	$1.50	$1.90	$1.90	$1.24	$2.16	$1.03	$1.68	$6.76	$6.11	$4.12
Share Based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	37	37	39
Earnings before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	37	37	39
Net earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25	$26	$27
Net earnings per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.05	$0.06	$0.06
Diluted (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.05	$0.06	$0.06

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Assump

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Assumptions Used in Valuing Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected term (years)	'6 years 7 months 6 days	'6 years 6 months	'6 years 10 months 24 days
Expected volatility	34.00%	38.00%	30.00%
Annual forfeiture rate	1.60%	1.60%	1.60%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80%	2.10%	3.40%
Dividend yield	2.60%	1.30%	1.30%

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Option Shares	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	12,737	14,563	14,506
Granted	703	784	1,216
Canceled	-179	-134	-151
Exercised	-3,281	-2,476	-1,008
Ending Balance	9,980	12,737	14,563
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$45	$42.76	$41.06
Granted	$52.86	$47.25	$52.32
Canceled	$44.79	$48.59	$41.43
Exercised	$40.52	$32.27	$30
Ending Balance	$47.03	$45	$42.76

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Shares

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Shares Exercisable (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares exercisable, end of year	8,042	10,635	11,246

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_1

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Lower Range	$14.99	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Upper Range	$67.67	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Stock Option Shares	9,980	12,737	14,563	14,506
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Remaining Term (Yrs)	'4 years 9 months 22 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$47.03	$45	$42.76	$41.06
Options Exercisable - Stock Option Shares	8,042	10,635	11,246	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$45.96	'	'	'
$14.99 - $40.23	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Lower Range	$14.99	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Upper Range	$40.23	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Stock Option Shares	2,053	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Remaining Term (Yrs)	'4 years 3 months	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$32.69	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Stock Option Shares	2,017	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$32.61	'	'	'
$40.30 - $47.06	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Lower Range	$40.30	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Upper Range	$47.06	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Stock Option Shares	2,655	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Remaining Term (Yrs)	'4 years 4 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$44.39	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Stock Option Shares	2,336	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$44.42	'	'	'
$47.23 - $49.50	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Lower Range	$47.23	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Upper Range	$49.50	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Stock Option Shares	2,189	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Remaining Term (Yrs)	'5 years 1 month 6 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$48.15	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Stock Option Shares	1,368	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$47.62	'	'	'
$49.57 - $61.81	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Lower Range	$49.57	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Upper Range	$61.81	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Stock Option Shares	2,848	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Remaining Term (Yrs)	'5 years 6 months 4 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$57.56	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Stock Option Shares	2,225	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$57.83	'	'	'
$61.84 - $67.67	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Lower Range	$61.84	'	'	'
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share - Upper Range	$67.67	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Stock Option Shares	235	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Remaining Term (Yrs)	'7 years 5 months 23 days	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$64.05	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Stock Option Shares	96	'	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share	$65.09	'	'	'

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Summar

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$66	$41	$23
Cash received from options exercised	113	35	18
Tax benefit realized as a result of options exercised and restricted stock releases	$30	$24	$14

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Restri

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (Restricted stock, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted stock	'	'	'
Shares	'	'	'
Beginning balance	1,363	1,350	1,274
Granted	782	637	405
Canceled	-56	-56	-35
Vested	-418	-568	-294
Ending Balance	1,671	1,363	1,350
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$50.19	$40.92	$40.26
Granted	$52.77	$48.18	$56.22
Canceled	$48.63	$48.22	$42.44
Vested	$47.49	$26.13	$59.02
Ending Balance	$52.12	$50.19	$40.92

STATUTORY_ACCOUNTING_AND_DIVID2

STATUTORY ACCOUNTING AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS - Additional Information (Detail)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

Aflac

Aflac

Aflac

Aflac

Aflac

Aflac Japan

Aflac Japan

2013 profit repatriation

Foreign currency forwards and options

Foreign currency forwards and options

Subsequent Event

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Separate Account Funding Agreements

Separate Account Funding Agreements

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

2013 profit repatriation

2014 profit repatriation

Foreign currency forwards

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

2014 profit repatriation

JPY (¥)

Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guaranteed separate account funding agreements, unrealized gain (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

$35,000,000

$46,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required

1,300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Income, Nebraska state basis

'

'

2,400,000,000

2,300,000,000

444,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital and surplus, statutory accounting practices of the state or country basis

'

'

9,630,000,000

8,892,000,000

'

'

'

4,200,000,000

3,900,000,000

'

'

'

'

Amount available for dividend distribution without prior approval from regulatory agency

'

'

2,400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared

'

'

962,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Derivatives Notional Amount

22,475,000,000

13,370,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65,000,000,000

47,500,000,000

'

Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,000,000

'

'

'

Derivative notional amount, restructured hedging strategy

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

¥ 52,500,000,000

STATUTORY_ACCOUNTING_AND_DIVID3

STATUTORY ACCOUNTING AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS - Reconciliation of Capital and Surplus Between Sap and Practices Permitted by the State of Nebraska (Detail) (Aflac, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'
Capital and surplus, Nebraska state basis	$9,630	$8,892
Capital and surplus, NAIC basis	9,624	8,889
Refundable lease deposits - Japan	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'
State permitted practice amount	-41	-49
Separate Account Funding Agreements	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'
State permitted practice amount	$35	$46

STATUTORY_ACCOUNTING_AND_DIVID4

STATUTORY ACCOUNTING AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS - Profits Repatriated by Aflac Japan to Aflac U.S. (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Profit repatriation	$771	¥ 76,800	$422	¥ 33,100	$143	¥ 11,000

BENEFIT_PLANS_Additional_Infor

BENEFIT PLANS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount of years left to meet rule of 80 for active employees to be eligible for postretirement medical benefits	'5 years	'	'
Amount of years left to meet 15 year service requirement for active employees age 55 or older to be eligible for postretirement medical benefits	'5 years	'	'
Transition obligation	$0	'	'
Percentage of matching contributions by the Company to employee's contributions to 401(k) plan	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Matching 401(k) plan contributions included in acquisition and operating expenses	5	5	4
Shares of employer-issued common stock held for plan participants by plan trustee (in millions)	2	'	'
Non-Elective Defined Contribution Percentage of Employee Compensation	2.00%	'	'
Lower Limit	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Health care plan, retirement age for eligibility, (in years)	'55 years	'	'
Health care plan, number of years of service for eligibility	'15 years	'	'
Health care plan, retirement age and years of service combined years for eligibility	'80 years	'	'
Upper Limit	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Health care plan, retirement age for eligibility, (in years)	'65 years	'	'
Percentage of employee's compensation eligible for Company match in 401(k) plan	6.00%	'	'
Japanese Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments	0	0	'
Discount rate - benefit obligations	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%
AA corporate bonds average duration	'20 years	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	0	0	0
Transition obligation	1	1	'
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of actuarial losses	1	'	'
Defined benefit plan, expected contributions to the plan in 2013	22	'	'
U.S. Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments	-4	0	'
Discount rate - benefit obligations	4.75%	4.25%	4.75%
AA corporate bonds average duration	'17 years	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	-4	-1	0
Transition obligation	0	0	'
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of actuarial losses	10	'	'
Defined benefit plan, expected contributions to the plan in 2013	10	'	'
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments	-51	2	'
Plan amendment remaining amortization period	'3 years	'	'
Discount rate - benefit obligations	4.75%	4.25%	4.75%
Prior service cost (credit)	-51	2	0
Transition obligation	0	0	'
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of actuarial losses	3	'	'
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-17	'	'
Associate Stock Bonus Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs, amount attributable to stock bonus plan	$38	$38	$35

BENEFIT_PLANS_Reconciliation_o

BENEFIT PLANS - Reconciliation of Funded Status of Basic Employee Defined-Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:	'		'		'
Transition obligation	$0		'		'
Japanese Pension Plan	'		'		'
Projected benefit obligation:	'		'		'
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	313		329		'
Service cost	16		18		17
Interest cost	10		7		12
Plan amendments	0		0		'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-3		3		'
Benefits and expenses paid	-8		-8		'
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes	-58		-36		'
Benefit obligation, end of year	270		313		329
Plan assets:	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	187		171		'
Actual return on plan assets	13		17		'
Employer contributions	26		27		'
Benefits and expenses paid	-8		-8		'
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes	-36		-20		'
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	182		187		171
Funded status of the plans	-88	[1]	-126	[1]	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:	'		'		'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	33		57		'
Prior service (credit) cost	-2		-3		'
Transition obligation	1		1		'
Total included in accumulated other comprehensive income	32		55		'
Accumulated benefit obligation	239		276		'
U.S. Pension Plan	'		'		'
Projected benefit obligation:	'		'		'
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	613		525		'
Service cost	22		18		14
Interest cost	23		24		28
Plan amendments	-4		0		'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-37		60		'
Benefits and expenses paid	-16		-14		'
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes	0		0		'
Benefit obligation, end of year	601		613		525
Plan assets:	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	261		224		'
Actual return on plan assets	39		31		'
Employer contributions	29		20		'
Benefits and expenses paid	-16		-14		'
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes	0		0		'
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	313		261		224
Funded status of the plans	-288	[1]	-352	[1]	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:	'		'		'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	111		185		'
Prior service (credit) cost	-4		0		'
Transition obligation	0		0		'
Total included in accumulated other comprehensive income	107		185		'
Accumulated benefit obligation	514		516		'
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'		'		'
Projected benefit obligation:	'		'		'
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	98		83		'
Service cost	5		6		4
Interest cost	3		4		3
Plan amendments	-51		2		'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-7		5		'
Benefits and expenses paid	-2		-2		'
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes	0		0		'
Benefit obligation, end of year	46		98		83
Plan assets:	'		'		'
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0		0		'
Actual return on plan assets	0		0		'
Employer contributions	2		2		'
Benefits and expenses paid	-2		-2		'
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes	0		0		'
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	0		0		0
Funded status of the plans	-46	[1]	-98	[1]	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:	'		'		'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	25		34		'
Prior service (credit) cost	-45		2		'
Transition obligation	0		0		'
Total included in accumulated other comprehensive income	($20)		$36		'
[1]	Recognized in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets

BENEFIT_PLANS_WeightedAverage_

BENEFIT PLANS - Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Japanese Pension Plan	'		'		'
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions:	'		'		'
Discount rate - net periodic benefit cost	2.25%		2.25%		2.25%
Discount rate - benefit obligations	2.25%		2.25%		2.25%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	2.00%		2.50%		2.50%
U.S. Pension Plan	'		'		'
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions:	'		'		'
Discount rate - net periodic benefit cost	4.25%		4.75%		5.50%
Discount rate - benefit obligations	4.75%		4.25%		4.75%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.50%		7.50%		7.50%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%		4.00%		4.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'		'		'
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions:	'		'		'
Discount rate - net periodic benefit cost	4.25%		4.75%		5.50%
Discount rate - benefit obligations	4.75%		4.25%		4.75%
Health care cost trend rates	6.40%	[1]	5.70%	[1]	7.30%	[1]
Defined benefit plan, ultimate health care cost trend rate	4.60%		4.70%		4.20%
Defined benefit plan number of years that rate reaches ultimate trend rate	'78 years		'79 years		'75 years
[1]	For the years 2013, 2012 and 2011, the health care cost trend rates are expected to trend down to 4.6% in 78 years, 4.7% in 79 years, and 4.2% in 75 years, respectively.

BENEFIT_PLANS_OnePercentage_Po

BENEFIT PLANS - One-Percentage Point Increase and Decrease in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Increase in total service and interest costs	$0
Increase in postretirement benefit obligation	3
Decrease in total service and interest costs	0
Decrease in postretirement benefit obligation	$3

BENEFIT_PLANS_Net_Periodic_Ben

BENEFIT PLANS - Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost Included in Acquisition and Operating Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Japanese Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	$16	$18	$17
Interest cost	10	7	12
Expected return on plan assets	-3	-4	-4
Amortization of net actuarial loss	2	3	3
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0
Net periodic (benefit) cost	25	24	28
U.S. Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	22	18	14
Interest cost	23	24	28
Expected return on plan assets	-17	-16	-14
Amortization of net actuarial loss	15	11	6
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0
Net periodic (benefit) cost	43	37	34
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	5	6	4
Interest cost	3	4	3
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	2	1	1
Amortization of prior service cost	-4	0	0
Net periodic (benefit) cost	$6	$11	$8

BENEFIT_PLANS_Summary_of_Amoun

BENEFIT PLANS - Summary of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Japanese Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (gain)	($14)	($10)	$5
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-2	-3	-3
Prior service cost (credit)	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0
Total	-16	-13	2
U.S. Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (gain)	-59	45	57
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-15	-11	-6
Prior service cost (credit)	-4	-1	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0
Total	-78	33	51
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss (gain)	-7	5	10
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-2	-1	-1
Prior service cost (credit)	-51	2	0
Amortization of prior service cost	4	0	0
Total	($56)	$6	$9

BENEFIT_PLANS_Expected_Benefit

BENEFIT PLANS - Expected Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Japanese Pension Plan	'
Schedule of Postemployment Expected Future Benefit Payments [Line Items]	'
2014	$10
2015	8
2016	7
2017	10
2018	8
2019-2023	66
U.S. Pension Plan	'
Schedule of Postemployment Expected Future Benefit Payments [Line Items]	'
2014	21
2015	22
2016	23
2017	30
2018	31
2019-2023	184
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Schedule of Postemployment Expected Future Benefit Payments [Line Items]	'
2014	2
2015	2
2016	3
2017	3
2018	4
2019-2023	$22

BENEFIT_PLANS_Asset_Allocation

BENEFIT PLANS - Asset Allocation Targets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Japanese Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	100.00%
U.S. Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	100.00%
Domestic Equity Securities | Japanese Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	0.00%
Domestic Equity Securities | U.S. Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	43.00%
International Equity Securities | Japanese Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	15.00%
International Equity Securities | U.S. Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	22.00%
Fixed Income Funds | Japanese Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	59.00%
Fixed Income Funds | U.S. Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	35.00%
Mutual funds | Japanese Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	11.00%
Mutual funds | U.S. Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	0.00%
Other Investments | Japanese Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	15.00%
Other Investments | U.S. Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Asset allocation targets	0.00%

BENEFIT_PLANS_Fair_Value_Hiera

BENEFIT PLANS - Fair Value Hierarchy Levels of Funded Pension Plans' Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Japanese Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	$182	$187	$171
Japanese Pension Plan | Level 2	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	182	187	'
Japanese Pension Plan | Level 2 | Domestic Equity Securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	15	'
Japanese Pension Plan | Level 2 | International Equity Securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	34	42	'
Japanese Pension Plan | Level 2 | Japanese Government Bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	60	62	'
Japanese Pension Plan | Level 2 | International Bonds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	43	44	'
Japanese Pension Plan | Level 2 | Mutual funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	21	0	'
Japanese Pension Plan | Level 2 | Insurance Contracts	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	24	24	'
U.S. Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	313	261	224
U.S. Pension Plan | Level 1	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	313	261	'
U.S. Pension Plan | Level 1 | US Large Cap Equity Securities	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	110	87	'
U.S. Pension Plan | Level 1 | US Mid Cap	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	19	16	'
U.S. Pension Plan | Level 1 | Real Estate Funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	9	8	'
U.S. Pension Plan | Level 1 | International Fund	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	68	59	'
U.S. Pension Plan | Level 1 | Fixed Income Bond Funds	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	103	88	'
U.S. Pension Plan | Level 1 | Aflac Incorporated Common Stock	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of pension plan assets	$4	$3	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENT_LIA2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	agreements	IBM Mainframe Computer Operations and Support Agreement	IBM Mainframe Computer Operations and Support Agreement	IBM Distributed Computer Mid Range Server Operations and Support Agreement	IBM Distributed Computer Mid Range Server Operations and Support Agreement	IBM Application Maintenance and Development Services Agreement	IBM Application Maintenance and Development Services Agreement	Accenture Application Maintenance and Development Services Agreement	Accenture Application Maintenance and Development Services Agreement	NTTDATA Application Maintenance and Development Services	NTTDATA Application Maintenance and Development Services
		USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)	USD ($)	JPY (¥)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating service agreements	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outsourcing agreements, remaining term	'	'P2Y	'P2Y	'P2Y	'P2Y	'P4Y	'P4Y	'P4Y	'P4Y	'P3Y	'P3Y
Outsourcing agreements, aggregate remaining cost	'	$84	¥ 8,800	$71	¥ 7,400	$62	¥ 6,500	$51	¥ 5,400	$37	¥ 3,900
Operating Leases, lease terms	'expire in various years through 2019	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENT_LIA3

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES - Future Minimum Lease Payments due under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$51
2015	37
2016	16
2017	12
2018	4
Thereafter	1
Total future minimum lease payments	$121

Unaudited_Consolidated_Quarter2

Unaudited Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Premium Revenue	$4,910	$5,028	$5,013	$5,184	$5,643	$5,660	$5,467	$5,378	$20,135	$22,148	$20,362
Net investment income	826	821	813	833	876	869	845	882	3,293	3,473	3,280
Realized investment gains (losses)	20	22	201	156	-171	286	-418	-45	'	'	'
Other income	45	15	17	35	27	32	8	25	112	92	81
Total revenues	5,801	5,886	6,044	6,208	6,375	6,847	5,902	6,240	23,939	25,364	22,171
Total benefits and expenses	4,773	4,817	4,686	4,847	5,495	5,367	5,161	5,038	19,123	21,062	19,221
Earnings before income taxes	1,028	1,069	1,358	1,361	880	1,480	741	1,202	4,816	4,302	2,950
Total income tax expense	353	367	469	469	299	463	258	417	1,658	1,436	1,013
Net earnings	$675	$702	$889	$892	$581	$1,017	$483	$785	'	'	'
Net earnings per basic share	$1.46	$1.51	$1.91	$1.91	$1.24	$2.17	$1.04	$1.68	$6.80	$6.14	$4.16
Net earnings per diluted share	$1.45	$1.50	$1.90	$1.90	$1.24	$2.16	$1.03	$1.68	$6.76	$6.11	$4.12

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only) - Condensed Statement of Earnings (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net investment income

$826

$821

$813

$833

$876

$869

$845

$882

$3,293

$3,473

$3,280

Realized investment gains (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

399

-349

-1,552

Total revenues

5,801

5,886

6,044

6,208

6,375

6,847

5,902

6,240

23,939

25,364

22,171

Operating expenses:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

293

261

196

Other operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

193

195

182

Earnings before income taxes

1,028

1,069

1,358

1,361

880

1,480

741

1,202

4,816

4,302

2,950

Income Tax Expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,236

816

891

Deferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

422

620

122

Total income tax expense

353

367

469

469

299

463

258

417

1,658

1,436

1,013

Net earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,158

2,866

1,937

Parent Company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends from subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

962

[1]

0

[1]

282

[1]

Management and service fees from subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

292

[1]

249

[1]

230

[1]

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11

20

10

Interest from subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7

[1]

7

[1]

8

[1]

Realized investment gains (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

1

-1

Change in fair value of the interest rate component of the cross-currency swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

274

154

0

Other income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

-7

1

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,557

424

530

Operating expenses:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

208

184

168

Other operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79

72

69

Total operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

287

256

237

Earnings before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,270

168

293

Income Tax Expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1

0

Deferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98

50

-2

Total income tax expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98

51

-2

Earnings before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,172

117

295

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,986

[1]

2,749

[1]

1,642

[1]

Net earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,158

$2,866

$1,937

[1]

Eliminated in consolidation

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated1

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only) - Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net earnings	$3,158	$2,866	$1,937
Foreign currency translation adjustments:	'	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period - parent only	-1,588	-287	-18
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities during period - parent only	-2,362	1,660	566
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period	-10	-22	-33
Pension liability adjustment during period	157	-20	-65
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	-3,859	1,828	1,604
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-581	1,078	392
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-3,278	750	1,212
Total comprehensive income (loss)	-120	3,616	3,149
Parent Company	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net earnings	3,158	2,866	1,937
Foreign currency translation adjustments:	'	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) during period - parent only	48	95	-54
Equity in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) of subsidiaries during period	-1,636	-382	36
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities during period - parent only	-12	15	11
Equity in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities held by subsidiaries during period	-2,350	1,645	555
Equity in reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses of subsidiaries included in net earnings	-56	497	1,154
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives during period	-10	-22	-33
Pension liability adjustment during period	157	-20	-65
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes	-3,859	1,828	1,604
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-581	1,078	392
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-3,278	750	1,212
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($120)	$3,616	$3,149

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated2

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only) - Condensed Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments and cash:	'		'		'	'
Other investments	$463		$174		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,543		2,041		2,249	2,121
Total investments and cash	108,459		118,219		'	'
Other assets	1,606	[1]	835	[1]	'	'
Total assets	121,307		131,094		116,237	'
Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Income taxes	3,718		3,858		'	'
Notes payable	4,891		4,343		'	'
Other liabilities	2,850	[2]	2,909	[2]	'	'
Total liabilities	106,687		115,116		'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'		'		'	'
Common stock of $.10 par value. In thousands: authorized 1,900,000 shares in 2013 and 2012; issued 667,046 shares in 2013 and 665,239 shares in 2012	67		67		'	'
Additional paid-in capital	1,644		1,505		'	'
Retained earnings	19,885		17,387		'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'		'		'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	-1,505		333		'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities	1,035		2,570		'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	-12		-5		'	'
Pension liability adjustment	-81		-183		'	'
Treasury stock, at average cost	-6,413		-5,696		'	'
Total shareholders' equity	14,620		15,978		12,946	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	121,307		131,094		'	'
Parent Company	'		'		'	'
Investments and cash:	'		'		'	'
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $322 in 2013 and $131 in 2012)	332		156		'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	17,678	[3]	19,001	[3]	'	'
Other investments	313		14		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,081		830		385	693
Total investments and cash	19,404		20,001		'	'
Due from subsidiaries	128	[3]	156	[3]	'	'
Other assets	464		257		'	'
Total assets	19,996		20,414		'	'
Liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Income taxes	-120		-232		'	'
Employee benefit plans	246		255		'	'
Notes payable	4,910		4,367		'	'
Other liabilities	340		46		'	'
Total liabilities	5,376		4,436		'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'		'		'	'
Common stock of $.10 par value. In thousands: authorized 1,900,000 shares in 2013 and 2012; issued 667,046 shares in 2013 and 665,239 shares in 2012	67		67		'	'
Additional paid-in capital	1,644		1,505		'	'
Retained earnings	19,885		17,387		'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):	'		'		'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	-1,505		333		'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities	1,035		2,570		'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	-12		-5		'	'
Pension liability adjustment	-81		-183		'	'
Treasury stock, at average cost	-6,413		-5,696		'	'
Total shareholders' equity	14,620		15,978		'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$19,996		$20,414		'	'
[1]	Includes $106 in 2013 and $191 in 2012 of derivatives from consolidated variable interest entities
[2]	Includes $207 in 2013 and $399 in 2012 of derivatives from consolidated variable interest entities
[3]	Eliminated in consolidation

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated3

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only) - Condensed Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,900,000	1,900,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	667,046	665,239
Parent Company	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Securities available for sale, fixed maturities, amortized cost	$322	$131
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,900,000	1,900,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	667,064	665,239

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated4

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only) - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'		'
Net earnings	$3,158		$2,866		$1,937
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided from operating activities:	'		'		'
Change in income tax liabilities	993		712		266
Other, net	401		-138		165
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	10,547		14,952		10,842
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'		'
Fixed maturity securities sold	9,631		7,385		14,385
Fixed maturity securities purchased	-22,967		-19,533		-8,392
Other, net	-354		514		-62
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	-11,091		-16,952		-10,829
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'		'
Purchases of treasury stock	-813		-118		-308
Proceeds from borrowings	700		1,506		620
Principal payments under debt obligations	0		-341		-462
Dividends paid to shareholders	-635		-603		-552
Treasury stock reissued	88		32		26
Net change in amount due to/from subsidiaries	6		12		7
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	1,136		1,945		64
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	502		-208		128
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,041		2,249		2,121
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,543		2,041		2,249
Parent Company	'		'		'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'		'
Net earnings	3,158		2,866		1,937
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided from operating activities:	'		'		'
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	-1,986	[1]	-2,749	[1]	-1,642	[1]
Change in income tax liabilities	155		111		-52
Other, net	11		-242		145
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	1,338		-14		388
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'		'
Fixed maturity securities sold	8		13		4
Fixed maturity securities purchased	-206		-26		-10
Other investments sold (purchased)	-298		-3		0
Additional capitalization of subsidiaries	0	[1]	0	[1]	-40	[1]
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	-496		-16		-46
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'		'
Purchases of treasury stock	-813		-118		-308
Proceeds from borrowings	700		1,506		620
Principal payments under debt obligations	0		-380		-459
Dividends paid to shareholders	-635		-603		-552
Treasury stock reissued	88		70		26
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	41		21		14
Net change in amount due to/from subsidiaries	28	[1]	-21	[1]	9	[1]
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	-591		475		-650
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	251		445		-308
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	830		385		693
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$1,081		$830		$385
[1]	Eliminated in consolidation

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated5

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only) - Summary of Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	$4,891		$4,343
Parent Company	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	4,910		4,367
Parent Company | 3.45% senior notes due August 2015	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	300		300
Parent Company | 2.65% senior notes due February 2017	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	655	[1]	657	[1]
Parent Company | 8.50% senior notes due May 2019	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	850		850
Parent Company | 4.00% senior notes due February 2022	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	349	[2]	349	[2]
Parent Company | 3.625% senior notes due June 2023	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	700		0
Parent Company | 6.90% senior notes due December 2039	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	396	[2]	396	[2]
Parent Company | 6.45% senior notes due August 2040	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	448	[2]	448	[2]
Parent Company | 5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	500		500
Parent Company | 2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	95		116
Parent Company | 1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	272		331
Parent Company | 1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	150		182
Parent Company | Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	52		64
Parent Company | 3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	95		116
Parent Company | 3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	$48		$58
[1]	Principal amount plus an issuance premium that is being amortized over the life of the notes
[2]	Principal amount net of an issuance discount that is being amortized over the life of the notes

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated6

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only) - Summary of Notes Payable (Parenthetical) (Detail)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-09

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

3.625% senior notes due June 2023

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

Parent Company

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

3.45% senior notes due August 2015

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

2.65% senior notes due February 2017

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

8.50% senior notes due May 2019

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

4.00% senior notes due February 2022

3.625% senior notes due June 2023

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.90% senior notes due December 2039

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

6.45% senior notes due August 2040

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

5.50% subordinated notes due September 2052

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

2.26% yen-denominated Uridashi notes due September 2016

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.47% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

1.84% yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2016

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

Variable interest rate yen-denominated Samurai notes due July 2014

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.60% yen-denominated loan due July 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

3.00% yen-denominated loan due August 2015

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

JPY (¥)

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable, interest rate

3.45%

3.45%

'

2.65%

2.65%

2.65%

2.65%

8.50%

8.50%

'

4.00%

4.00%

4.00%

3.63%

6.90%

6.90%

'

6.45%

6.45%

'

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

5.50%

2.26%

2.26%

'

1.47%

1.47%

1.47%

1.84%

1.84%

1.84%

1.30%

1.34%

1.48%

3.60%

3.60%

3.00%

3.00%

3.45%

3.45%

2.65%

2.65%

8.50%

8.50%

4.00%

4.00%

3.63%

6.90%

6.90%

6.45%

6.45%

5.50%

5.50%

2.26%

2.26%

1.47%

1.47%

1.84%

1.84%

1.30%

1.34%

3.60%

3.60%

3.00%

3.00%

Notes payable, principal amount

'

'

$300,000,000

$400,000,000

'

$250,000,000

$400,000,000

'

'

$850,000,000

$350,000,000

'

$350,000,000

$700,000,000

'

'

$400,000,000

'

'

$450,000,000

$500,000,000

'

$50,000,000

$450,000,000

¥ 8,000,000,000

¥ 8,000,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 5,000,000,000

¥ 5,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 28,700,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 15,800,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 5,500,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 10,000,000,000

¥ 5,000,000,000

¥ 5,000,000,000

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated7

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only) - Additional Information (Detail) (Parent Company, Yen Denominated Uridashi and Samurai Notes, JPY ¥)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2009
Parent Company | Yen Denominated Uridashi and Samurai Notes	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Extinguishment of notes	¥ 2

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated8

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated - Aggregate Contractual Maturities of Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
2014	$326
2015	445
2016	227
2017	651
2018	0
Thereafter	3,250
Total	4,899
Parent Company	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
2014	324
2015	443
2016	245
2017	650
2018	0
Thereafter	3,250
Total	$4,912

Schedule_II_Aflac_Incorporated9

Schedule II - Aflac Incorporated (Parent Only) - Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest paid	$210	$178	$164
Shareholder dividend reinvestment	'	'	'
Noncash financing activities:	'	'	'
Treasury stock issued for shareholder dividend reinvestment	25	24	23
Parent Company	'	'	'
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest paid	205	181	163
Parent Company | Shareholder dividend reinvestment	'	'	'
Noncash financing activities:	'	'	'
Treasury stock issued for shareholder dividend reinvestment	$25	$25	$23

SCHEDULE_III_SUPPLEMENTARY_INS1

SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION - (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$8,798	'	'	'	$9,658	'	'	'	$8,798	$9,658	'
Future Policy Benefits & Unpaid Policy Claims	72,899	'	'	'	80,497	'	'	'	72,899	80,497	'
Unearned premiums	10,642	'	'	'	11,904	'	'	'	10,642	11,904	'
Other policyholders' funds	5,861	'	'	'	5,319	'	'	'	5,861	5,319	'
Net premium revenue	4,910	5,028	5,013	5,184	5,643	5,660	5,467	5,378	20,135	22,148	20,362
Net investment income	826	821	813	833	876	869	845	882	3,293	3,473	3,280
Benefits and claims, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,813	15,330	13,749
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,074	1,117	1,033
Other Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,236	4,615	4,439
Premiums Written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,104	28,650	23,767
Aflac Japan	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	5,819	'	'	'	6,801	'	'	'	5,819	6,801	'
Future Policy Benefits & Unpaid Policy Claims	64,122	'	'	'	72,286	'	'	'	64,122	72,286	'
Unearned premiums	10,520	'	'	'	11,779	'	'	'	10,520	11,779	'
Other policyholders' funds	5,660	'	'	'	5,118	'	'	'	5,660	5,118	'
Net premium revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,982	17,151	15,619
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,651	2,845	2,688
Benefits and claims, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,924	12,496	11,037
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	641	716	650
Other Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,495	2,937	2,837
Premiums Written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,960	23,662	19,034
Aflac U.S.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	2,979	'	'	'	2,857	'	'	'	2,979	2,857	'
Future Policy Benefits & Unpaid Policy Claims	8,775	'	'	'	8,209	'	'	'	8,775	8,209	'
Unearned premiums	122	'	'	'	125	'	'	'	122	125	'
Other policyholders' funds	201	'	'	'	201	'	'	'	201	201	'
Net premium revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,153	4,996	4,743
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	632	613	588
Benefits and claims, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,889	2,834	2,713
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	433	400	383
Other Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,431	1,397	1,341
Premiums Written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,144	4,988	4,733
All Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Future Policy Benefits & Unpaid Policy Claims	2	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	2	2	'
Unearned premiums	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Other policyholders' funds	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Net premium revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	1	0
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10	15	4
Benefits and claims, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	-1
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	1	0
Other Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	310	281	261
Premiums Written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0

SCHEDULE_IV_REINSURANCE_Schedu

SCHEDULE IV REINSURANCE Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$157,022	$173,791	$168,355
Ceded to Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,245	3,867	4,159
Assumed from Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	3
Net Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	153,777	169,924	164,199
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Gross Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,233	22,167	20,373
Ceded to Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	110	33	27
Assumed from Other companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12	14	16
Net Amount	4,910	5,028	5,013	5,184	5,643	5,660	5,467	5,378	20,135	22,148	20,362
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Health insurance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,393	17,541	17,210
Ceded to Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	98	19	14
Assumed from Other companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12	14	12
Net Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,307	17,536	17,208
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Life insurance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,840	4,626	3,163
Ceded to Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12	14	13
Assumed from Other companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	4
Net Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4,828	$4,612	$3,154
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%