ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (COMPONENTS OF OCI, NET OF TAXES) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period	$ 35	$ 9
(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	35	9
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	140	814
(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period(1)	(23)	14
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	117	828
Adjustments for policyholders’ liabilities, DAC, insurance liability loss recognition and other	27	(48)
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $117 and $427)	144	780
Less: reclassification adjustments to net earnings (loss) for (2):
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Net of Tax	0	0
Change in defined benefit plans (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $0 and $0.	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	179	789
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(7)	(3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	172	786
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax	78	427
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Available for sale securities, Tax	13	(8)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Benefit Plans, Tax	$ 0	$ 0