LOANS TO AND FROM AFFILIATES - Related Party Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates	$ 1,200	$ 600
Loans from affiliates	0	572
EQH-AEL internal debt (3.69%, due 2021)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates	$ 300	600
Related party transaction, rate (as a percent)	3.69%
EQH-AEL internal debt (one-month LIBOR 1.33%, due 2024)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates	$ 900	0
Related party transaction, rate (as a percent)	1.33%
Senior Notes (3.75%, due 2019)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans from affiliates	$ 0	$ 572
Related party transaction, rate (as a percent)	3.75%