SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 item	Dec. 31, 2011
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Number of steps involved in process of impairment test	2
Goodwill
Goodwill - gross	$ 4,850	$ 4,810
Accumulated impairments	(3,477)	(3,477)
Net goodwill	1,373	1,333
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisition	119	26
Other		14
Goodwill impairment included in discontinued operations	(23)
Goodwill - gross	4,946	4,850
Accumulated impairments	(3,477)	(3,477)
Net goodwill	1,469	1,373
AIG Property Casualty
Goodwill
Goodwill - gross	2,546	2,529
Accumulated impairments	(1,196)	(1,196)
Net goodwill	1,350	1,333
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisition	119	3
Other		14
Goodwill - gross	2,665	2,546
Accumulated impairments	(1,196)	(1,196)
Net goodwill	1,469	1,350
Aircraft Leasing
Goodwill
Goodwill - gross	15
Net goodwill	15
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisition		15
Goodwill impairment included in discontinued operations	(15)
Goodwill - gross		15
Net goodwill		15
Other
Goodwill
Goodwill - gross	2,289	2,281
Accumulated impairments	(2,281)	(2,281)
Net goodwill	8
Increase (decrease) due to:
Acquisition		8
Goodwill impairment included in discontinued operations	(8)
Goodwill - gross	2,281	2,289
Accumulated impairments	(2,281)	(2,281)
Net goodwill		$ 8