CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income (loss)	$ 3,700	$ 21,330	$ 12,285
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	1,286	(74)	1,229
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of all other investments	4,880	(1,485)	2,293
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		(992)	(928)
Change in net derivative gains (losses) arising from cash flow hedging activities	17	17	94
Change in retirement plan liabilities adjustment	(87)	(70)	275
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,096	(2,604)	2,963
Comprehensive income (loss)	9,796	18,726	15,248
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling nonvoting, callable, junior and senior preferred interests	208	634	1,818
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests	57	(47)	590
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	265	587	2,408
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AIG	$ 9,531	$ 18,139	$ 12,840