CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 22	$ 2,275	$ 2,803	$ 2,104
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1)	(11)	3	(19)
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of reclassification adjustment	(22)	203	1,383	(478)
Changes in defined benefit plan related items not yet recognized in periodic benefit cost, net of reclassification adjustment	0	19	0	58
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(23)	211	1,386	(439)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(1)	2,486	4,189	1,665
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(99)	(85)	(308)	(281)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ (100)	$ 2,401	$ 3,881	$ 1,384