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DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018
Aug. 14, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Registrant Name AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE CO  
Entity Central Index Key 0000727920  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding   2,000,000