INVESTMENTS (Details 6) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	$ 3,693	$ 4,807	$ 12,004	$ 16,672
Investment expenses	120	157	423	436
Net investment income	3,573	4,650	11,581	16,236
AIA Group Limited (AIA)
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		527		1,829
Maiden Lane II
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income				246
Maiden Lane III
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income		330		2,888
Fixed maturity securities, including short-term investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	3,005	3,263	8,969	9,547
Equity securities
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	98	53	123	85
Interest on mortgage and other loans
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	292	270	862	799
Alternative investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	288	340	1,892	1,194
Real estate
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	32	35	99	93
Other investments
COMPONENTS OF NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Total investment income	$ (22)	$ (11)	$ 59	$ (9)