ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (COMPONENTS OF OCI, NET OF TAXES) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period	$ 9	$ (12)
(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9	(12)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	814	386
(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period(1)	14	(1)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	828	385
Adjustments for policyholders’ liabilities, DAC, insurance liability loss recognition and other	(48)	(46)
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $427 and $181)	780	339
Less: reclassification adjustments to net earnings (loss) for (2):
Net gain (loss) arising during the period	0	19
Change in defined benefit plans (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $0 and $10)	0	(19)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	789	346
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(3)	9
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	786	355
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax	427	181
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Available for sale securities, Tax	(8)	1
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$ 0	$ 10