ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (CUMMULATIVE GAINS (LOSSES)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$ 188		$ 1,041
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(42)		(50)
Defined benefit pension plans	(46)		(43)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	100		948
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	79		66
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ 179	$ 7	$ 1,014