EQUITY - Changes in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period		$ 4,698	$ 3,052	$ (1,663)
(Gains) losses reclassified into net income (loss) during the period		(633)	(160)	(4)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		4,065	2,892	(1,667)
Adjustments for policyholders’ liabilities, DAC, insurance liability loss recognition and other		(1,066)	(797)	446
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of, $798, $547, and $310)	[1]	2,999	2,095	(1,221)
Reclassification to net income (loss) of amortization of net prior service credit included in net periodic cost		0	2	(4)
Change in defined benefit plans, (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $0, $0 and $0 (2))		0	2	(4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to Equitable Financial		2,999	2,097	(1,225)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes		798	574	310
Defined benefit plan, OCI, tax		0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Reclassification from AOCI, current period, tax		$ (168)	$ (42)	$ (1)

[1] See Note 15 for details of change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments.