Supplementary Disclosure of Consolidated Cash Flow Information (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash paid during the period for:
Payment of accrued compounded interest of FRBNY Credit Facility	$ 4,700	$ 6,363

Represents cash outflow as a result of payment made for accrued compounded interest and fees in respect to credit facility of the reporting entity.

No definition available.

Name:	aig_PaymentOfCreditFacilityAccruedCompoundedInterestAndFees
Namespace Prefix:	aig_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration