ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (CUMMULATIVE GAINS (LOSSES)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ 18,633	$ 19,564	$ 14,505
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(124)		146
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(40)		(42)
Defined benefit pension plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(55)		(46)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(219)		58
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	61		79
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXA Equitable
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ (158)	$ 598	$ 137	$ 17