EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Assumptions, Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Weighted Average Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Discount rate (as a percent)			4.00%
Discount rate on benefit obligations	3.48%	3.70%
Expected long-term rates of return on pension plan assets (periodic cost) (as a percent)	6.00%	6.50%	7.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2018	$ 7
2019	7
2020	5
2021	6
2022	8
Years 2023-2027	$ 40
Other AXA Equitable defined benefit plans
Weighted Average Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.17%	3.48%
AB Qualified Retirement Plan
Weighted Average Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.55%	4.75%
Discount rate on benefit obligations	4.55%	4.75%	4.30%