ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (COMPONENTS OF OCI, NET OF TAXES) (Details) - 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
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	$ 6			$ (1)					$ 20	$ 3
(Gains) losses reclassified into net income (loss) during the period	0			0					0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	6			(1)					20	3
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	6			(10)					458	1,568
(Gains) losses reclassified into net income (loss) during the period(1)	8			1					6	(14)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	14			(9)					464	1,554
Adjustments for policyholders’ liabilities, DAC, insurance liability loss recognition and other	(69)			25					(102)	(212)
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(2), $7, $234, and $20	(55)	$ 315	$ 108	16	$ 610	$ 717	$ 423	$ 1,327	362	1,342	$ (180)	$ (831)	$ 891
Less: reclassification adjustments to net income (loss) for:
Net gain (loss) arising during the period	(3)			0					(2)	0
Change in defined benefit plans (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $0, $0, $1 and $0.	(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
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(32)			(1)					(19)	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXA Equitable	(84)			14					361	1,344
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax	(2)			7					234	20
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Available for sale securities, Tax	4			1					3	(8)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Benefit Plans, Tax	$ 0			$ 0					$ 1	$ 0