FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 8) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	$ 469	$ 3,469
Fair value option credit risk gains (losses) on liabilities	(34)	(558)
Segment Discontinued Operations
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	(1)	600
Fair Value Option | Other long-term debt
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	9	(446)
Fair Value Option | Other liabilities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	(4)	(48)
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)	1	22
Fair Value Option | Bond and equity securities
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	376	644
Fair Value Option | Trading - ML II Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)		246
Fair Value Option | Trading - ML III Interest
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)		1,252
Fair Value Option | Retained interest in AIA
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)		1,795
Fair Value Option | Alternative investments
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures
Fair Value Options Changes in Fair Value Gain (loss)	84	2
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)	$ 3	$ 2