ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - CUMMULATIVE GAINS (LOSSES) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ 16,964	$ 18,540	$ 19,564	$ 16,139	$ 16,257	$ 14,505
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(435)				440
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(48)				(63)
Defined benefit pension plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(56)				(45)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(539)				332
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	75				99
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXA Equitable
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ (464)		$ 598	$ 331	$ 431		$ 17