ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (COMPONENTS OF OCI, NET OF TAXES) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	$ (21)	$ (5)	$ 14	$ 4
(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(21)	(5)	14	4
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	312	764	452	1,578
(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period(1)	21	(29)	(2)	(15)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	333	735	450	1,563
Adjustments for policyholders’ liabilities, DAC, insurance liability loss recognition and other	(19)	(110)	8	(158)
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $158, $337, $236, and $764	314	625	458	1,405
Less: reclassification adjustments to net earnings (loss) for:
Net gain (loss) arising during the period	1	0	1	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Net of Tax	0	0	0	0
Change in defined benefit plans (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(1), $0, $(1) and $0.	1	0	1	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	294	620	473	1,409
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	20	3	13	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	314	623	486	1,409
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax	177	337	267	764
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Available for sale securities, Tax	(14)	16	(1)	8
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Benefit Plans, Tax	$ 1	$ 0	$ 1	$ 0