Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ 3,449	$ 1,501
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Change in unrealized appreciation of fixed maturity investments on which other-than-temporary credit impairments were taken	613	396
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of all other investments	981	(807)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	91	(517)
Change in net derivative gains arising from cash flow hedging activities	22	13
Change in retirement plan liabilities adjustment	18	135
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,725	(780)
Comprehensive income	5,174	721
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling nonvoting, callable, junior and senior preferred interests	208	252
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests	38	(12)
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	246	240
Comprehensive loss attributable to AIG	$ 4,928	$ 481