CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 66	$ 1,714	$ (120)	$ 137	$ 576	$ 1,067	$ 1,593	$ 1,642	$ 1,677	$ 1,779	$ 524	$ 1,070	$ 3,100
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	6			(1)					20	3
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of reclassification adjustment	(55)	315	108	16	610	717	423	1,327	362	1,342	(180)	(831)	891
Changes in defined benefit plan related items not yet recognized in periodic benefit cost, net of reclassification adjustment	(3)			0					(2)	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(52)	295	143	15	605	726	438	1,331	380	1,345	(201)	(860)	847
Comprehensive income (loss)	14	2,009	23	152	1,181	1,793	2,031	2,973	2,057	3,124	323	210	3,947
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(154)			(127)					(372)	(335)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXA Equitable	$ (140)	$ 1,916	$ (102)	$ 25	$ 1,093	$ 1,673	$ 2,031	$ 2,765	$ 1,685	$ 2,789	$ (156)	$ (178)	$ 3,589