Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statement of Equity
Net gains attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 218	$ 187
Other comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 2	$ (1)

This element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

No definition available.

Name:	aig_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix:	aig_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration