ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (CUMMULATIVE GAINS (LOSSES)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$ 502		$ 1,666
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(63)		(55)
Defined benefit pension plans	(45)		(43)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	394		1,568
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	99		69
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ 493	$ 7	$ 1,637