CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (382)	$ 143	$ (2,419)	$ 1,681
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1	6	(11)	20
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of reclassification adjustment	(404)	(71)	(1,456)	336
Changes in defined benefit plan related items not yet recognized in periodic benefit cost, net of reclassification adjustment	(3)	(3)	(8)	(2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(406)	(68)	(1,475)	354
Comprehensive income (loss)	(788)	75	(3,894)	2,035
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(126)	(154)	(429)	(372)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXA Equitable	$ (914)	$ (79)	$ (4,323)	$ 1,663