SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Reconciliation of Number of Shares of Common Stock (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Common Stock Issued [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	669,723	668,132
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted shares	1,041	934
Balance, end of period	670,764	669,066
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	245,343	225,687
Balance, end of period	260,649	238,449
Shares outstanding, end of period	410,115	430,617
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Stock Acquired In Open Market, Shares	16,026	13,534
Other purchases	224	214
Shares issued to AFL Stock Plan	(594)	(611)
Exercise of stock options	(238)	(265)
Other dispositions	(112)	(110)