ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (CUMMULATIVE GAINS (LOSSES)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$ 1,021		$ 1,462
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(49)		(46)
Defined benefit pension plans	(12)		(761)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	960		655
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	54		51
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ 1,014	$ 228	$ 706