CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
REVENUES [Abstract]
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income	$ 821	$ 817	$ 1,649	$ 1,713
Premiums	116	133	259	285
Net investment income (loss): [Abstract]
Investment income (loss) from derivative instruments	1,517	275	(42)	(91)
Other Investment Income (Loss)	545	559	1,178	1,166
Total net investment income (loss)	2,062	834	1,136	1,075
Investment gains (losses), net: [Abstract]
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	(50)	(23)	(53)	(23)
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion In Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest	1	1	1	1
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net	(49)	(22)	(52)	(22)
Other investment gains (losses), net	(4)	(5)	(9)	(8)
Total investment gains (losses), net	(53)	(27)	(61)	(30)
Commissions, fees and other income	852	951	1,706	1,909
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset	2,677	694	834	(239)
Total revenues	6,475	3,402	5,523	4,713
BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS [Abstract]
Policyholders' benefits	1,250	684	1,387	1,162
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances	250	251	566	493
Compensation and benefits	393	483	820	969
Commissions	320	293	651	565
Distribution related payments	86	78	166	153
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	10	10	18	20
Interest expense	27	26	54	53
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	245	114	328	379
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(192)	(177)	(375)	(335)
Rent expense	56	56	117	118
Amortization of other intangible assets	6	6	12	12
Other operating costs and expenses	198	377	519	764
Total benefits and other deductions	2,649	2,201	4,263	4,353
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	3,826	1,201	1,260	360
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1,358)	(402)	(365)	(62)
Net earnings (loss)	2,468	799	895	298
Less: net (earnings) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(47)	(58)	(109)	(129)
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ 2,421	$ 741	$ 786	$ 169