CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income	$ 3,574	$ 3,475	$ 3,546
Premiums	488	514	496
Net investment income (loss):
Investment income (loss) from derivative instruments	(81)	1,605	(2,866)
Other investment income (loss)	2,057	2,210	2,237
Total net investment income (loss)	1,976	3,815	(629)
Investment gains (losses), net:
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	(41)	(72)	(81)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	15
Net impairment losses recognized	(41)	(72)	(66)
Other investment gains (losses), net	21	14	(33)
Total investment gains (losses), net	(20)	(58)	(99)
Commissions, fees and other income	3,942	3,930	3,823
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset	(141)	3,964	(4,297)
Total revenues	9,819	15,640	2,840
BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Policyholders’ benefits	2,799	3,708	1,691
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	978	1,186	1,373
Compensation and benefits	1,783	1,739	1,743
Commissions	1,111	1,147	1,160
Distribution related payments	394	413	423
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	49	42	41
Interest expense	20	53	88
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	284	215	580
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(615)	(628)	(655)
Rent expense	165	163	169
Amortization of other intangible assets	28	27	24
Other operating costs and expenses	1,173	1,460	1,512
Total benefits and other deductions	8,169	9,525	8,149
Earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes	1,650	6,115	(5,309)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(186)	(1,695)	2,073
Net earnings (loss)	1,464	4,420	(3,236)
Less: net (earnings) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(403)	(387)	(337)
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ 1,061	$ 4,033	$ (3,573)