FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 9) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	$ 1,661	$ (3,599)	$ 6,032	$ (129)
Fair value option credit risk gains (losses) on liabilities	(126)	459	(621)	475
Segment Discontinued Operations
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	110	(102)	664	819
Fair Value Option | Other long-term debt
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	(86)	(265)	(750)	(821)
Fair Value Option | Other liabilities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	(9)	84	(31)	(91)
Fair Value Option | Mortgage and other loans receivable, net of allowance
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	10	(3)	41	(2)
Fair Value Option | Bond and equity securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	875	(138)	1,782	1,299
Fair Value Option | Trading - ML II Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)		(43)	246	32
Fair Value Option | Trading - ML III Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	330	(931)	2,888	(854)
Fair Value Option | Retained interest in AIA
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	527	(2,315)	1,829	268
Fair Value Option | Short-term investments and other invested assets and Other assets
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	$ 14	$ 12	$ 27	$ 40