BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) segment client_channel	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	4
Number of main client channels | client_channel	3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to AXA Equitable	$ (194)	$ (172)
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	385	147
Interest expense	11	5
Segment Reconciling Items
Adjustments related to:
GMxB features	597	485
Investment (gains) losses	(87)	11
Investment income (gain) loss from certain derivative instruments	(20)	0
Net actuarial (gains) losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit obligations	23	27
Other adjustments	198	(20)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to above adjustments	(139)	(188)
Non-recurring tax items	7	4
Operating Segments | Individual Retirement
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	298	142
Operating Segments | Group Retirement
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	70	50
Operating Segments | Investment Management and Research
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	51	12
Operating Segments | Protection Solutions
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	26	(34)
Corporate and Other
Adjustments related to:
Non-GAAP Operating Earnings	(60)	(23)
Interest expense	$ 9	$ 4