CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (828)	$ (264)
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income taxes:
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of reclassification adjustment	764	(742)
Changes in defined benefit plan related items not yet recognized in periodic benefit cost, net of reclassification adjustment	0	(4)
Other comprehensive income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	(10)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	764	(756)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXA Equitable	$ (64)	$ (1,020)