CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ 1,861	$ (3,826)	$ 7,649	$ (272)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of fixed maturity investments on which other-than-temporary credit impairments were taken	497	(184)	1,127	105
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of all other investments	2,331	(2,008)	4,617	(954)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	240	(582)	(96)	(811)
Change in net derivative gains (losses) arising from cash flow hedging activities	2	(57)	25	14
Change in retirement plan liabilities adjustment	29	(339)	61	(190)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,099	(3,170)	5,734	(1,836)
Comprehensive income (loss)	4,960	(6,996)	13,383	(2,108)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling nonvoting, callable, junior and senior preferred interests		145	208	538
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests	8	(87)	45	(106)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	8	58	253	432
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AIG	$ 4,952	$ (7,054)	$ 13,130	$ (2,540)