EQUITY - Cumulative Gains (Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plans	$ 7		$ 5
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,370	$ 12,428	18,492	$ 19,492
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interest	0		(24)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	280		(129)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	273		(134)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXA Equitable
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 273	$ (491)	$ (158)	$ 598