SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Schedule of Restatements made to the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (313)	$ 1,752	$ 492	$ 1,490	$ 4,287
Comprehensive income (loss)	(134)	2,541	254	580	5,212
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	125	120	(479)	(388)	(358)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ (259)	2,421	(225)	192	4,854
As previously reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)		1,720	544	1,464	4,420
Comprehensive income (loss)		2,509	306	554	5,345
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			(452)	(388)	(358)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable		2,389	(146)	166	4,987
Adjustments
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)		32	(52)	26	(133)
Comprehensive income (loss)		32	(52)	26	(133)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			(27)	0	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable		$ 32	$ (79)	$ 26	$ (133)