INVESTMENTS (Details 6) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	$ 4,312	$ 7,227
Investment expenses	148	122
Net investment income	4,164	7,105
AIA Group Limited (AIA) | Change in fair value of securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		1,795
Maiden Lane II | Change in fair value of securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		246
Maiden Lane III | Change in fair value of securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		1,252
Fixed maturity securities, including short-term investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	3,045	3,104
Equity securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	37	11
Interest on mortgage and other loans
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	280	265
Alternative investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	866	505
Real estate
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	31	26
Other investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	$ 53	$ 23