Equitable Financial Life Insurance 10-K 18 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 18, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Registrant Name	AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE CO
Entity Central Index Key	727,920
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
Entity Public Float			$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Fixed maturities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $31,201 and 30,795)	$ 31,893	$ 33,034
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances of $6 and $37)	7,171	6,463
Policy loans	3,393	3,408
Other equity investments	1,477	1,757
Trading securities, at fair value	6,805	5,143
Other invested assets	1,788	1,978
Total investments	52,527	51,783
Cash and cash equivalents	3,028	2,716
Cash and securities segregated, at fair value	565	476
Broker-dealer related receivables	1,971	1,899
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	79	0
Deferred policy acquisition costs	4,469	4,271
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	3,733	3,762
Amounts due from reinsurers	4,466	4,051
Loans to affiliates	1,087	1,087
Guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance asset, at fair value	10,570	10,711
Other assets	4,634	4,190
Separate Accounts’ assets	107,497	111,059
Total Assets	194,626	196,005
LIABILITIES
Policyholders’ account balances	33,033	31,848
Future policy benefits and other policyholders liabilities	24,531	23,484
Broker-dealer related payables	404	551
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	1,890	950
Customers related payables	1,715	1,501
Amounts due to reinsurers	131	74
Short-term debt	584	689
Current and deferred income taxes	4,647	4,785
Other liabilities	2,586	2,939
Separate Accounts’ liabilities	107,497	111,059
Total liabilities	177,018	177,880
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	13	17
AXA Equitable’s equity:
Common stock, $1.25 par value, 2 million shares authorized, issued and outstanding	2	2
Capital in excess of par value	5,321	5,957
Retained earnings	8,958	8,809
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	228	351
Total AXA Equitable’s equity	14,509	15,119
Noncontrolling interest	3,086	2,989
Total equity	17,595	18,108
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Equity	$ 194,626	$ 196,005

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PA

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICAL) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fixed maturities available for sale, amortized cost	$ 31,235	$ 30,831
Mortgage loans on real estate, valuation allowances	$ 6	$ 37
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common stock authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Common stock issued (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Common stock outstanding (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Fixed maturities
Fixed maturities available for sale, amortized cost	$ 31,201	$ 30,795

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income	$ 3,574	$ 3,475	$ 3,546
Premiums	488	514	496
Net investment income (loss):
Investment income (loss) from derivative instruments	(81)	1,605	(2,866)
Other investment income (loss)	2,057	2,210	2,237
Total net investment income (loss)	1,976	3,815	(629)
Investment gains (losses), net:
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	(41)	(72)	(81)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	15
Net impairment losses recognized	(41)	(72)	(66)
Other investment gains (losses), net	21	14	(33)
Total investment gains (losses), net	(20)	(58)	(99)
Commissions, fees and other income	3,942	3,930	3,823
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset	(141)	3,964	(4,297)
Total revenues	9,819	15,640	2,840
BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Policyholders’ benefits	2,799	3,708	1,691
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	978	1,186	1,373
Compensation and benefits	1,783	1,739	1,743
Commissions	1,111	1,147	1,160
Distribution related payments	394	413	423
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	49	42	41
Interest expense	20	53	88
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	284	215	580
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(615)	(628)	(655)
Rent expense	165	163	169
Amortization of other intangible assets	28	27	24
Other operating costs and expenses	1,173	1,460	1,512
Total benefits and other deductions	8,169	9,525	8,149
Earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes	1,650	6,115	(5,309)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(186)	(1,695)	2,073
Net earnings (loss)	1,464	4,420	(3,236)
Less: net (earnings) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(403)	(387)	(337)
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ 1,061	$ 4,033	$ (3,573)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1,464	$ 4,420	$ (3,236)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(25)	(21)	(12)
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of reclassification adjustment	(881)	969	(1,199)
Changes in defined benefit plan related items not yet recognized in periodic benefit cost, net of reclassification adjustment	(4)	(23)	299
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(910)	925	(912)
Comprehensive income (loss)	554	5,345	(4,148)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(388)	(358)	(345)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ 166	$ 4,987	$ (4,493)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Parent	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	AOCI Attributable to Parent	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2012			$ 2	$ 5,992	$ 9,125	$ 317	$ 2,494
Deferred tax on dividend of AB Units				0
Non cash capital contribution from AXA Financial				0
Transfer of unrecognized net actuarial loss of the AXA Equitable Qualified Pension Plan to AXA Financial				0		0
Repurchase of AB Holding units							(76)
Net earnings (loss)	$ (3,236)				(3,573)		337
Dividends					(347)		(306)
Dividend of AB Units by AXA Equitable to AXA Financial							113
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(912)					(920)	8
Other				(58)			333
End of year at Dec. 31, 2013	13,441	$ 10,538	2	5,934	5,205	(603)	2,903
Deferred tax on dividend of AB Units				(26)
Non cash capital contribution from AXA Financial				0
Transfer of unrecognized net actuarial loss of the AXA Equitable Qualified Pension Plan to AXA Financial				0		0
Repurchase of AB Holding units							(62)
Net earnings (loss)	4,420				4,033		387
Dividends					(429)		(401)
Dividend of AB Units by AXA Equitable to AXA Financial							48
Other comprehensive income (loss)	925					954	(29)
Other				49			143
End of year at Dec. 31, 2014	18,108	15,119	$ 2	5,957	8,809	351	2,989
Deferred tax on dividend of AB Units				(35)
Non cash capital contribution from AXA Financial				137
Transfer of unrecognized net actuarial loss of the AXA Equitable Qualified Pension Plan to AXA Financial				(772)		772
Repurchase of AB Holding units							(154)
Net earnings (loss)	1,464				1,061		403
Dividends					(912)		(414)
Dividend of AB Units by AXA Equitable to AXA Financial							145
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(910)					(895)	(15)
Other				34			132
End of year at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 17,595	$ 14,509		$ 5,321	$ 8,958	$ 228	$ 3,086

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 1,464	$ 4,420	$ (3,236)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	978	1,186	1,373
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income	(3,574)	(3,475)	(3,546)
Net change in broker-dealer and customer related receivables/payables	(38)	(525)	(740)
(Income) loss related to derivative instruments	81	(1,605)	2,866
Change in reinsurance recoverable with affiliate	(581)	(128)	(176)
Investment (gains) losses, net	20	58	99
Change in segregated cash and securities, net	(89)	505	571
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs	(331)	(413)	(74)
Change in future policy benefits	961	1,647	(384)
Change in current and deferred income taxes	258	1,448	(1,754)
Real estate related write-off charges	0	25	56
Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses	38	(259)	33
Change in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset	141	(3,964)	4,297
Contribution to pension plans	0	(6)	0
Amortization of deferred compensation	172	171	159
Amortization of deferred sales commission	49	42	41
Amortization of reinsurance cost	39	302	302
Other depreciation and amortization	(18)	44	122
Amortization of other intangibles	28	27	24
Other, net	116	(117)	128
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(286)	(617)	161
Cash flows from investing activities:
Maturities and repayments of fixed maturities and mortgage loans on real estate	3,996	2,975	3,691
Sales of investments	1,284	1,099	3,444
Purchases of investments	(6,145)	(6,751)	(6,057)
Purchases of trading account securities	(12,501)	(7,014)	(3,794)
Sales maturities and repayment of trading account securities	10,810	6,077	1,893
Cash settlements related to derivative instruments	529	999	(2,500)
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired	0	(61)	0
Change in short-term investments	(363)	(5)	0
Decrease in loans to affiliates	0	0	5
Increase in loans to affiliates	0	0	(56)
Investment in capitalized software, leasehold improvements and EDP equipment	(71)	(83)	(67)
Other, net	35	(9)	12
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(2,426)	(2,773)	(3,429)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Deposits	4,821	5,034	5,469
Withdrawals and transfers to Separate Accounts	(880)	(1,075)	(1,188)
Change in short-term financings	95	221	(55)
Change in collateralized pledged liabilities	(270)	430	(663)
Change in collateralized pledged assets	(2)	(12)	(18)
Repayment of Loans from Affiliates	0	(825)	(500)
Repayment of long term debt	(200)	0	0
Shareholder dividends paid	(767)	(382)	(234)
Repurchase of AB Holding units	(214)	(90)	(113)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	(414)	(401)	(306)
Increase (decrease) in Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	939	950	0
Change in securities sold under agreements to resale	(79)	0	0
Other, net	5	(7)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,034	3,843	2,392
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(10)	(20)	(3)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	312	433	(879)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	2,716	2,283	3,162
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year	3,028	2,716	2,283
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest Paid	19	72	91
Income Taxes (Refunded) Paid	$ (80)	$ 272	$ (214)

ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization [Abstract]
Organization	ORGANIZATION AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (“AXA Equitable,” and collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries the “Company”) is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Equitable Financial Services, LLC ("AEFS"). AEFS is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, Inc. (“AXA Financial,” and collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, “AXA Financial Group”). AXA Financial is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA S.A. ("AXA"), a French holding company for the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in financial protection. The Company conducts operations in two business segments: the Insurance and Investment Management segments. The Company’s management evaluates the performance of each of these segments independently. Insurance The Insurance segment offers a variety of term, variable and universal life insurance products, variable and fixed-interest annuity products and investment products including mutual funds principally to individuals and small and medium size businesses and professional and trade associations. This segment also includes Separate Accounts for individual insurance and annuity products. The Company’s insurance business is conducted principally by AXA Equitable and its indirect, wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries and AXA Equitable Funds Management Group ("AXA Equitable FMG"). Investment Management The Investment Management segment is principally comprised of the investment management business of AllianceBernstein L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (together with its consolidated subsidiaries “AB”). AB provides research, diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. This segment also includes institutional Separate Accounts principally managed by AB that provide various investment options for large group pension clients, primarily defined benefit and contribution plans, through pooled or single group accounts. AB is a private partnership for Federal income tax purposes and, accordingly, is not subject to Federal and state corporate income taxes. However, AB is subject to a 4.0% New York City unincorporated business tax (“UBT”). Domestic corporate subsidiaries of AB are subject to Federal, state and local income taxes. Foreign corporate subsidiaries are generally subject to taxes in the foreign jurisdictions where they are located. The Company provides Federal and state income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries except to the extent that such earnings are permanently invested outside the United States. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company’s economic interest in AB was 28.6% and 32.2% , respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, AXA and its subsidiaries’ economic interest in AB (including AXA Financial Group) was approximately 62.8% and 62.7% . AXA Equitable is the parent of AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner (“General Partner”) of the limited partnership, as a result it consolidates AB in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions (including normal, recurring accruals) that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary in the opinion of management for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AXA Equitable and its subsidiaries engaged in insurance related businesses (collectively, the “Insurance Group”); other subsidiaries, principally AB; and those investment companies, partnerships and joint ventures in which AXA Equitable or its subsidiaries has control and a majority economic interest as well as those variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that meet the requirements for consolidation. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The years “ 2015 ”, “ 2014 ” and “ 2013 ” refer to the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Certain reclassifications have been made in the amounts presented for prior periods to conform those periods to the current presentation. Accounting and Consolidation of VIE’s For all new investment products and entities developed by the Company (other than Collateralized Debt Obligations (“CDOs”)), the Company first determines whether the entity is a VIE, which involves determining an entity’s variability and variable interests, identifying the holders of the equity investment at risk and assessing the five characteristics of a VIE. Once an entity has been determined to be a VIE, the Company then identifies the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, then the Company consolidates the entity. The Company provides seed capital to its investment teams to develop new products and services for their clients. The Company’s original seed investment typically represents all or a majority of the equity investment in the new product is temporary in nature. The Company evaluates its seed investments on a quarterly basis and consolidates such investments as required pursuant to U.S. GAAP. Management of the Company reviews quarterly its investment management agreements and its investments in, and other financial arrangements with, certain entities that hold client assets under management (“AUM”) to determine the entities that the Company is required to consolidate under this guidance. These entities include certain mutual fund products, hedge funds, structured products, group trusts, collective investment trusts and limited partnerships. AB earned investment management fees on client AUM of these entities but derived no other benefit from those assets and cannot utilize those assets in its operations. At December 31, 2015 , AB had significant variable interests in certain other structured products and hedge funds with approximately $28 million in client AUM. However, these VIEs do not require consolidation because management has determined that AB is not the primary beneficiary of the expected losses or expected residual returns of these entities. AB’s maximum exposure to loss in these entities is limited to its investments of $200,000 in and prospective investment management fees earned from these entities. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance for repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financings and added disclosure requirements, which aligns the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase financing arrangements with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about repurchase agreements and similar transactions. The accounting changes and disclosure requirements were effective for interim or annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Implementation of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The FASB issued new guidance that allows investors to elect to use the proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects if certain conditions are met. Under this method, which replaces the effective yield method, an investor amortizes the cost of its investment, in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits it receives, to income tax expense. The guidance also introduces disclosure requirements for all investments in qualified affordable housing projects, regardless of the accounting method used for those investments. The guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Implementation of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued revised guidance to lease accounting. The revised guidance will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases. Lessor accounting will continue to be similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model. Extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts. The revised guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The new guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. New guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to disclosures for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). Under the new guidance, investments measured at NAV, as a practical expedient for fair value, are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. Removing investments measured using the practical expedient from the fair value hierarchy is intended to eliminate the diversity in practice that currently exists with respect to the categorization of these investments. The only criterion for categorizing investments in the fair value hierarchy will be the observability of the inputs. The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015. Management does not expect implementation of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance, simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The new guidance is effective retrospectively for interim or annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Management does not expect implementation of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued a new consolidation standard that makes targeted amendments to the VIE assessment, including guidance specific to limited partnerships and similar entities, and ends the deferral granted to investment companies for applying the VIE guidance. The new standard is effective for annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, but may be early-adopted in any interim period. Management currently is evaluating the impacts this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance which requires management to evaluate whether there is “substantial doubt” about the reporting entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and provide related footnote disclosures about those uncertainties, if they exist. The new guidance is effective for annual periods, ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. Management does not expect implementation of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Management does not expect implementation of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued new revenue recognition guidance that is intended to improve and converge the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The new guidance applies to contracts that deliver goods or services to a customer, except when those contracts are for: insurance, leases, rights and obligations that are in the scope of certain financial instruments (i.e., derivative contracts) and guarantees other than product or service warranties. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Closed Block As a result of demutualization, the Closed Block was established in 1992 for the benefit of certain individual participating policies that were in force on that date. Assets, liabilities and earnings of the Closed Block are specifically identified to support its participating policyholders. Assets allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the Closed Block policyholders and will not revert to the benefit of AXA Equitable. No reallocation, transfer, borrowing or lending of assets can be made between the Closed Block and other portions of AXA Equitable’s General Account, any of its Separate Accounts or any affiliate of AXA Equitable without the approval of the New York State Department of Financial Services, (the “NYDFS”). Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities held in the General Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets (adjusted to exclude the impact of related amounts in AOCI) represents the expected maximum future post-tax earnings from the Closed Block that would be recognized in income from continuing operations over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force. As of January 1, 2001, the Company has developed an actuarial calculation of the expected timing of the Closed Block’s earnings. If the actual cumulative earnings from the Closed Block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings, only the expected earnings will be recognized in net income. Actual cumulative earnings in excess of expected cumulative earnings at any point in time are recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation because they will ultimately be paid to Closed Block policyholders as an additional policyholder dividend unless offset by future performance that is less favorable than originally expected. If a policyholder dividend obligation has been previously established and the actual Closed Block earnings in a subsequent period are less than the expected earnings for that period, the policyholder dividend obligation would be reduced (but not below zero). If, over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force, the actual cumulative earnings of the Closed Block are less than the expected cumulative earnings, only actual earnings would be recognized in income from continuing operations. If the Closed Block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from assets outside the Closed Block. Many expenses related to Closed Block operations, including amortization of DAC, are charged to operations outside of the Closed Block; accordingly, net revenues of the Closed Block do not represent the actual profitability of the Closed Block operations. Operating costs and expenses outside of the Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of the Closed Block. Investments The carrying values of fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) are reported at fair value. Changes in fair value are reported in OCI. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary which are recognized in Investment gains (losses), net. The redeemable preferred stock investments that are reported in fixed maturities include real estate investment trusts (“REIT”), perpetual preferred stock, and redeemable preferred stock. These securities may not have a stated maturity, may not be cumulative and do not provide for mandatory redemption by the issuer. The Company determines the fair values of fixed maturities and equity securities based upon quoted prices in active markets, when available, or through the use of alternative approaches when market quotes are not readily accessible or available. These alternative approaches include matrix or model pricing and use of independent pricing services, each supported by reference to principal market trades or other observable market assumptions for similar securities. More specifically, the matrix pricing approach to fair value is a discounted cash flow methodology that incorporates market interest rates commensurate with the credit quality and duration of the investment. The Company’s management, with the assistance of its investment advisors, monitors the investment performance of its portfolio and reviews AFS securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”). Integral to this review is an assessment made each quarter, on a security-by-security basis, by the Company’s Investments Under Surveillance (“IUS”) Committee, of various indicators of credit deterioration to determine whether the investment security is expected to recover. This assessment includes, but is not limited to, consideration of the duration and severity of the unrealized loss, failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments, actions taken by rating agencies, adverse conditions specifically related to the security or sector, the financial strength, liquidity, and continued viability of the issuer and, for equity securities only, the intent and ability to hold the investment until recovery, and results in identification of specific securities for which OTTI is recognized. If there is no intent to sell or likely requirement to dispose of the fixed maturity security before its recovery, only the credit loss component of any resulting OTTI is recognized in earnings (loss) and the remainder of the fair value loss is recognized in OCI. The amount of credit loss is the shortfall of the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected as compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. The present value is calculated by discounting management’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Projections of future cash flows are based on assumptions regarding probability of default and estimates regarding the amount and timing of recoveries. These assumptions and estimates require use of management judgment and consider internal credit analyses as well as market observable data relevant to the collectability of the security. For mortgage- and asset-backed securities, projected future cash flows also include assumptions regarding prepayments and underlying collateral value. Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances. Partnerships, investment companies and joint venture interests that the Company has control of and has a majority economic interest in or those that meet the requirements for consolidation under accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs are consolidated. Those that the Company does not have control of and does not have a majority economic interest in and those that do not meet the VIE requirements for consolidation are reported on the equity basis of accounting and are reported either with equity real estate or other equity investments, as appropriate. The Company records its interests in certain of these partnerships on a month or one quarter lag. Equity securities, which include common stock, and non-redeemable preferred stock classified as AFS securities, are carried at fair value and are included in other equity investments with changes in fair value reported in OCI. Trading securities, which include equity securities and fixed maturities, are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, with unrealized gains (losses) reported in other investment income (loss) in the statements of Net earnings (loss). Corporate owned life insurance (“COLI”) has been purchased by AXA Equitable and certain subsidiaries on the lives of certain key employees and AXA Equitable and these subsidiaries are named as beneficiaries under these policies. COLI is carried at the cash surrender value of the policies. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying value of COLI was $864 million and $803 million, respectively, and is reported in Other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Short-term investments are reported at amortized cost that approximates fair value and are included in Other invested assets. Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, demand deposits, money market accounts, overnight commercial paper and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, the recorded value is deemed to approximate fair value. All securities owned, including United States government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities and futures and forwards transactions, are reported in the consolidated financial statements on a trade date basis. Derivatives Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices, values of securities or commodities, credit spreads, market volatility, expected returns, and liquidity. Values can also be affected by changes in estimates and assumptions, including those related to counterparty behavior and non-performance risk used in valuation models. Derivative financial instruments generally used by the Company include exchange traded equity, currency and interest rate futures contracts, total return and/or other equity swaps, interest rate swap and floor contracts, swaptions, variance swaps as well as equity options and may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter market. All derivative positions are carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, generally by obtaining quoted market prices or through the use of valuation models. Freestanding derivative contracts are reported in the consolidated balance sheets either as assets within “Other invested assets” or as liabilities within “Other liabilities.” The Company nets the fair value of all derivative financial instruments with counterparties for which an ISDA Master Agreement and related Credit Support Annex ("CSA") have been executed. The Company uses derivatives to manage asset/liability risk and has designated some of those economic relationships under the criteria to qualify for hedge accounting treatment. All changes in the fair value of the Company’s freestanding derivative positions not designated to hedge accounting relationships, including net receipts and payments, are included in “Investment income (loss) from derivative instruments” without considering changes in the fair value of the economically associated assets or liabilities. The Company is a party to financial instruments and other contracts that contain “embedded” derivative instruments. At inception, the Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of the embedded instrument are “clearly and closely related” to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the “host contract” and whether a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When those criteria are satisfied, the resulting embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract, carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, and changes in its fair value are recognized immediately and captioned in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) according to the nature of the related host contract. For certain financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative that otherwise would need to be bifurcated and reported at fair value, the Company instead may elect to carry the entire instrument at fair value. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (“mortgage loans”): Mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized discounts and valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or on its collateral value if the loan is collateral dependent. However, if foreclosure is or becomes probable, the collateral value measurement method is used. For commercial and agricultural mortgage loans, an allowance for credit loss is typically recommended when management believes it is probable that principal and interest will not be collected according to the contractual terms. Factors that influence management’s judgment in determining allowance for credit losses include the following: • Loan-to-value ratio – Derived from current loan balance divided by the fair market value of the property. An allowance for credit loss is typically recommended when the loan-to-value ratio is in excess of 100%. In the case where the loan-to-value is in excess of 100%, the allowance for credit loss is derived by taking the difference between the fair market value (less cost of sale) and the current loan balance. • Debt service coverage ratio – Derived from actual net operating income divided by annual debt service. If the ratio is below 1.0x, then the income from the property does not support the debt. • Occupancy – Criteria varies by property type but low or below market occupancy is an indicator of sub-par property performance. • Lease expirations – The percentage of leases expiring in the upcoming 12 to 36 months are monitored as a decline in rent and/or occupancy may negatively impact the debt service coverage ratio. In the case of single-tenant properties or properties with large tenant exposure, the lease expiration is a material risk factor. • Maturity – Mortgage loans that are not fully amortizing and have upcoming maturities within the next 12 to 24 months are monitored in conjunction with the capital markets to determine the borrower’s ability to refinance the debt and/or pay off the balloon balance. • Borrower/tenant related issues – Financial concerns, potential bankruptcy, or words or actions that indicate imminent default or abandonment of property. • Payment status – current vs. delinquent – A history of delinquent payments may be a cause for concern. • Property condition – Significant deferred maintenance observed during the lenders annual site inspections. • Other – Any other factors such as current economic conditions may call into question the performance of the loan. Mortgage loans also are individually evaluated quarterly by the Company’s Investments Under Surveillance ("IUS") Committee for impairment, including an assessment of related collateral value. Commercial mortgages 60 days or more past due and agricultural mortgages 90 days or more past due, as well as all mortgages in the process of foreclosure, are identified as problem mortgages. Based on its monthly monitoring of mortgages, a class of potential problem mortgages are also identified, consisting of mortgage loans not currently classified as problems but for which management has doubts as to the ability of the borrower to comply with the present loan payment terms and which may result in the loan becoming a problem or being restructured. The decision whether to classify a performing mortgage loan as a potential problem involves significant subjective judgments by management as to likely future industry conditions and developments with respect to the borrower or the individual mortgaged property. For problem mortgage loans a valuation allowance is established to provide for the risk of credit losses inherent in the lending process. The allowance includes loan specific reserves for mortgage loans determined to be non-performing as a result of the loan review process. A non-performing loan is defined as a loan for which it is probable that amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. The loan specific portion of the loss allowance is based on the Company’s assessment as to ultimate collectability of loan principal and interest. Valuation allowances for a non-performing loan are recorded based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The valuation allowance for mortgage loans can increase or decrease from period to period based on such factors. Impaired mortgage loans without provision for losses are mortgage loans where the fair value of the collateral or the net present value of the expected future cash flows related to the loan equals or exceeds the recorded investment. Interest income earned on mortgage loans where the collateral value is used to measure impairment is recorded on a cash basis. Interest income on mortgage loans where the present value method is used to measure impairment is accrued on the net carrying value amount of the loan at the interest rate used to discount the cash flows. Changes in the present value attributable to changes in the amount or timing of expected cash flows are reported as investment gains or losses. Mortgage loans are placed on nonaccrual status once management believes the collection of accrued interest is doubtful. Once mortgage loans are classified as nonaccrual mortgage loans, interest income is recognized under the cash basis of accounting and the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan on real estate has been restructured to where the collection of interest is considered likely. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying values of commercial mortgage loans that had been classified as nonaccrual mortgage loans were $72 million and $89 million , respectively. Troubled Debt Restructuring When a loan modification is determined to be a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), the impairment of the loan is re-measured by discounting the expected cash flows to be received based on the modified terms using the loan’s original effective yield, and the allowance for loss is adjusted accordingly. Subsequent to the modification, income is recognized prospectively based on the modified terms of the mortgage loans. Additionally, the loan continues to be subject to the credit review process noted above. Net Investment Income (Loss), Investment Gains (Losses), Net and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Realized investment gains (losses) are determined by identification with the specific asset and are presented as a component of revenue. Changes in the valuation allowances are included in Investment gains (losses), net. Realized and unrealized holding gains (losses) on trading securities are reflected in Net investment income (loss). Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities and equity securities designated as AFS held by the Company are accounted for as a separate component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"), net of related deferred income taxes, amounts attributable to certain pension operations, Closed Blocks’ policyholders dividend obligation, insurance liability loss recognition and DAC related to universal life (“UL”) policies, investment-type products and participating traditional life policies. Changes in unrealized gains (losses) reflect changes in fair value of only those fixed maturities and equity securities classified as AFS and do not reflect any change in fair value of policyholders’ account balances and future policy benefits. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The accounting guidance established a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, and identifies three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 fair values generally are supported by market transactions that occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and inputs to model-derived valuations that are directly observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and often requiring significant management judgment or estimation, such as an entity’s own assumptions about the cash flows or other significant components of value that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company uses unadjusted quoted market prices to measure fair value for those instruments that are actively traded in financial markets. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using present value or other valuation techniques. The fair value determinations are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument, including estimates of the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of counterparties. Such adjustments do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the fair value cannot be substantiated by direct comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. Management is responsible for the determination of the value of investments carried at fair value and the supporting

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	INVESTMENTS Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities The following table provides information relating to fixed maturities and equity securities classified as AFS: Available-for-Sale Securities by Classification Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value OTTI in AOCI (3) (In Millions) December 31, 2015 Fixed Maturity Securities: Public corporate $ 12,890 $ 688 $ 202 $ 13,376 $ — Private corporate 6,818 232 124 6,926 — U.S. Treasury, government and agency 8,800 280 305 8,775 — States and political subdivisions 437 68 1 504 — Foreign governments 397 36 18 415 — Commercial mortgage-backed 591 29 87 533 9 Residential mortgage-backed (1) 608 32 — 640 — Asset-backed (2) 68 10 1 77 3 Redeemable preferred stock 592 57 2 647 — Total Fixed Maturities 31,201 1,432 740 31,893 12 Equity securities 34 — 2 32 — Total at December 31, 2015 $ 31,235 $ 1,432 $ 742 $ 31,925 $ 12 December 31, 2014: Fixed Maturity Securities: Public corporate $ 13,808 $ 1,140 $ 51 $ 14,897 $ — Private corporate 6,934 409 20 7,323 — U.S. Treasury, government and agency 6,685 672 26 7,331 — States and political subdivisions 441 78 — 519 — Foreign governments 405 48 7 446 — Commercial mortgage-backed 855 22 142 735 10 Residential mortgage-backed (1) 752 43 — 795 — Asset-backed (2) 86 14 1 99 3 Redeemable preferred stock 829 70 10 889 — Total Fixed Maturities 30,795 2,496 257 33,034 13 Equity securities 36 2 — 38 — Total at December 31, 2014 $ 30,831 $ 2,498 $ 257 $ 33,072 $ 13 (1) Includes publicly traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. (2) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages and other asset types and credit tenant loans. (3) Amounts represent OTTI losses in AOCI, which were not included in earnings (loss) in accordance with current accounting guidance. The contractual maturities of AFS fixed maturities (excluding redeemable preferred stock) at December 31, 2015 are shown in the table below. Bonds not due at a single maturity date have been included in the table in the final year of maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities Contractual Maturities at December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Fair Value (In Millions) Due in one year or less $ 1,469 $ 1,486 Due in years two through five 7,012 7,395 Due in years six through ten 10,429 10,406 Due after ten years 10,432 10,709 Subtotal 29,342 29,996 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 591 533 Residential mortgage-backed securities 608 640 Asset-backed securities 68 77 Total $ 30,609 $ 31,246 The following table shows proceeds from sales, gross gains (losses) from sales and OTTI for AFS fixed maturities during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Proceeds from sales $ 979 $ 716 $ 3,220 Gross gains on sales $ 33 $ 21 $ 71 Gross losses on sales $ (8 ) $ (9 ) $ (88 ) Total OTTI $ (41 ) $ (72 ) $ (81 ) Non-credit losses recognized in OCI — — 15 Credit losses recognized in earnings (loss) $ (41 ) $ (72 ) $ (66 ) The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company at the dates indicated and the corresponding changes in such amounts. Fixed Maturities - Credit Loss Impairments 2015 2014 (In Millions) Balances at January 1, $ (254 ) $ (370 ) Previously recognized impairments on securities that matured, paid, prepaid or sold 97 188 Recognized impairments on securities impaired to fair value this period (1) (11 ) — Impairments recognized this period on securities not previously impaired (22 ) (41 ) Additional impairments this period on securities previously impaired (8 ) (31 ) Increases due to passage of time on previously recorded credit losses — — Accretion of previously recognized impairments due to increases in expected cash flows — — Balances at December 31, $ (198 ) $ (254 ) (1) Represents circumstances where the Company determined in the current period that it intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost. Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities and equity securities classified as AFS are included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of AOCI. The table below presents these amounts as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) AFS Securities: Fixed maturities: With OTTI loss $ 16 $ 10 All other 676 2,229 Equity securities (2 ) 2 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) $ 690 $ 2,241 Changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) recognized in AOCI include reclassification adjustments to reflect amounts realized in Net earnings (loss) for the current period that had been part of OCI in earlier periods. The tables that follow below present a rollforward of net unrealized investment gains (losses) recognized in AOCI, split between amounts related to fixed maturity securities on which an OTTI loss has been recognized, and all other: Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities with OTTI Losses Net Unrealized Gain (Losses) on Investments DAC Policyholders Liabilities Deferred Income Tax Asset (Liability) AOCI Gain (Loss) Related to Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 10 $ — $ — $ (4 ) $ 6 Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period (7 ) — — — (7 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses: Included in Net earnings (loss) 13 — — — 13 Excluded from Net earnings (loss) (1) — — — — — Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on: DAC — — — — — Deferred income taxes — — — (1 ) (1 ) Policyholders liabilities — — (4 ) — (4 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 16 $ — $ (4 ) $ (5 ) $ 7 Balance, January 1, 2014 $ (28 ) $ 2 $ 10 $ 5 $ (11 ) Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period (1 ) — — — (1 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses: Included in Net earnings (loss) 39 — — — 39 Excluded from Net earnings (loss) (1) — — — — — Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on: DAC — (2 ) — — (2 ) Deferred income taxes — — — (9 ) (9 ) Policyholders liabilities — — (10 ) — (10 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 10 $ — $ — $ (4 ) $ 6 (1) Represents “transfers in” related to the portion of OTTI losses recognized during the period that were not recognized in earnings (loss) for securities with no prior OTTI loss. All Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) in AOCI Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments DAC Policyholders Liabilities Deferred Income Tax Asset (Liability) AOCI Gain (Loss) Related to Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 2,231 $ (122 ) $ (368 ) $ (610 ) $ 1,131 Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period (1,562 ) — — — (1,562 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses: Included in Net earnings (loss) 5 — — — 5 Excluded from Net earnings (loss) (1) — — — — — Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on: DAC — 40 — — 40 Deferred income taxes — — — 477 477 Policyholders liabilities — — 155 — 155 Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 674 $ (82 ) $ (213 ) $ (133 ) $ 246 Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 607 $ (107 ) $ (245 ) $ (90 ) $ 165 Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period 1,606 — — — 1,606 Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses: Included in Net earnings (loss) 18 — — — 18 Excluded from Net earnings (loss) (1) — — — — — Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on: DAC — (15 ) — — (15 ) Deferred income taxes — — — (520 ) (520 ) Policyholders liabilities — — (123 ) — (123 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 2,231 $ (122 ) $ (368 ) $ (610 ) $ 1,131 (1) Represents “transfers out” related to the portion of OTTI losses during the period that were not recognized in earnings (loss) for securities with no prior OTTI loss. The following tables disclose the fair values and gross unrealized losses of the 810 issues at December 31, 2015 and the 601 issues at December 31, 2014 of fixed maturities that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the specified periods at the dates indicated: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Value Gross Fair Value Gross Fair Value Gross (In Millions) December 31, 2015: Fixed Maturity Securities: Public corporate $ 3,091 $ 129 $ 359 $ 73 $ 3,450 $ 202 Private corporate 1,926 102 184 22 2,110 124 U.S. Treasury, government and agency 3,538 305 — — 3,538 305 States and political subdivisions 19 1 — — 19 1 Foreign governments 73 7 39 11 112 18 Commercial mortgage-backed 67 2 261 85 328 87 Residential mortgage-backed 11 — 29 — 40 — Asset-backed 11 — 17 1 28 1 Redeemable preferred stock 43 — 40 2 83 2 Total $ 8,779 $ 546 $ 929 $ 194 $ 9,708 $ 740 December 31, 2014: Fixed Maturity Securities: Public corporate $ 687 $ 18 $ 794 $ 33 $ 1,481 $ 51 Private corporate 627 11 254 9 881 20 U.S. Treasury, government and agency 280 6 373 20 653 26 States and political subdivisions 21 — — — 21 — Foreign governments 27 1 65 6 92 7 Commercial mortgage-backed 37 2 355 140 392 142 Residential mortgage-backed — — 35 — 35 — Asset-backed — — 20 1 20 1 Redeemable preferred stock 42 — 169 10 211 10 Total $ 1,721 $ 38 $ 2,065 $ 219 $ 3,786 $ 257 The Company’s investments in fixed maturity securities do not include concentrations of credit risk of any single issuer greater than 10% of the consolidated equity of AXA Equitable, other than securities of the U.S. government, U.S. government agencies, and certain securities guaranteed by the U.S. government. The Company maintains a diversified portfolio of corporate securities across industries and issuers and does not have exposure to any single issuer in excess of 0.3% of total investments. The largest exposures to a single issuer of corporate securities held at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $157 million and $146 million , respectively. Corporate high yield securities, consisting primarily of public high yield bonds, are classified as other than investment grade by the various rating agencies, i.e., a rating below Baa 3 /BBB- or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) designation of 3 (medium grade), 4 or 5 (below investment grade) or 6 (in or near default). At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, approximately $1,310 million and $1,788 million , or 4.2% and 5.8% , of the $31,201 million and $30,795 million aggregate amortized cost of fixed maturities held by the Company were considered to be other than investment grade. These securities had net unrealized losses of $97 million and $85 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, the $194 million and $219 million of gross unrealized losses of twelve months or more were concentrated in corporate and commercial mortgage-backed securities. In accordance with the policy described in Note 2, the Company concluded that an adjustment to earnings for OTTI for these securities was not warranted at either December 31, 2015 or 2014 . As of December 31, 2015 , the Company did not intend to sell the securities nor will it likely be required to dispose of the securities before the anticipated recovery of their remaining amortized cost basis. The Company does not originate, purchase or warehouse residential mortgages and is not in the mortgage servicing business. The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolio includes residential mortgage backed securities (“RMBS”) backed by subprime and Alt-A residential mortgages, comprised of loans made by banks or mortgage lenders to residential borrowers with lower credit ratings. The criteria used to categorize such subprime borrowers include Fair Isaac Credit Organization (“FICO”) scores, interest rates charged, debt-to-income ratios and loan-to-value ratios. Alt-A residential mortgages are mortgage loans where the risk profile falls between prime and subprime; borrowers typically have clean credit histories but the mortgage loan has an increased risk profile due to higher loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios and/or inadequate documentation of the borrowers’ income. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, the Company owned $7 million and $8 million in RMBS backed by subprime residential mortgage loans, and $6 million and $7 million in RMBS backed by Alt-A residential mortgage loans. RMBS backed by subprime and Alt-A residential mortgages are fixed income investments supporting General Account liabilities. At December 31, 2015 , the carrying value of fixed maturities that were non-income producing for the twelve months preceding that date was $8 million . At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, the amortized cost of the Company’s trading account securities was $6,866 million and $5,160 million with respective fair values of $6,805 million and $5,143 million . Also at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, Other equity investments included the General Account’s investment in Separate Accounts which had carrying values of $82 million and $197 million and costs of $72 million and $185 million as well as other equity securities with carrying values of $32 million and $38 million and costs of $34 million and $36 million . Net unrealized and realized gains (losses) on trading account equity securities are included in Net investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). The table below shows a breakdown of Net investment income from trading account securities during the year ended 2015 and 2014 : Net Investment Income (Loss) from Trading Securities Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, (In Millions) Net investment gains (losses) recognized during the period on securities held at the end of the period $ (63 ) $ — Net investment gains (losses) recognized on securities sold during the period 20 22 Unrealized and realized gains (losses) on trading securities (43 ) 22 Interest and dividend income from trading securities 60 41 Net investment income (loss) from trading securities $ 17 $ 63 Mortgage Loans The payment terms of mortgage loans may from time to time be restructured or modified. Troubled Debt Restructurings The investment in troubled debt restructured mortgage loans, based on amortized cost, amounted to $16 million and $93 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Gross interest income on these loans included in net investment income (loss) totaled $1 million , $1 million and $2 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Gross interest income on restructured mortgage loans that would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of such loans amounted to $0 million , $4 million and $7 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The TDR mortgage loan shown in the table below has been modified four times since 2011. The modifications were to extend the maturity from its original maturity of November 5, 2014 to December 5, 2016 and to extend interest only payments through maturity. In November 2015, the recorded investment was reduced by $45 million in conjunction with the sale of majority of the underlying collateral and $32 million from a charge-off. The remaining $16 million mortgage loan balance reflects the value of the remaining underlying collateral and cash held in escrow, supporting the mortgage loan. Since the fair market value of the underlying real estate and cash held in escrow collateral is the primary factor in determining the allowance for credit losses, modifications of loan terms typically have no direct impact on the allowance for credit losses, and therefore, no impact on the financial statements. Troubled Debt Restructuring - Modifications December 31, 2015 Number Outstanding Recorded Investment of Loans Pre-Modification Post - Modification (Dollars In Millions) Commercial mortgage loans 1 $ 16 $ 16 There were no default payments on the above loan during 2015 . There were no agricultural troubled debt restructuring mortgage loans in 2015 . Valuation Allowances for Mortgage Loans: Allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Commercial Mortgage Loans 2015 2014 2013 Allowance for credit losses: (In Millions) Beginning Balance, January 1, $ 37 $ 42 $ 34 Charge-offs (32 ) (14 ) — Recoveries (1 ) — (2 ) Provision 2 9 10 Ending Balance, December 31, $ 6 $ 37 $ 42 Ending Balance, December 31,: Individually Evaluated for Impairment $ 6 $ 37 $ 42 There were no allowances for credit losses for agricultural mortgage loans in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The following tables provide information relating to the loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios for commercial and agricultural mortgage loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The values used in these ratio calculations were developed as part of the periodic review of the commercial and agricultural mortgage loan portfolio, which includes an evaluation of the underlying collateral value. Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value and Debt Service Coverage Ratios December 31, 2015 Debt Service Coverage Ratio Loan-to-Value Ratio: (2) Greater than 2.0x 1.8x to 2.0x 1.5x to 1.8x 1.2x to 1.5x 1.0x to 1.2x Less than 1.0x Total Mortgage Loans (In Millions) Commercial Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 533 $ — $ 102 $ 12 $ 24 $ — $ 671 50% - 70% 1,392 353 741 853 77 — 3,416 70% - 90% 141 — 206 134 124 46 651 90% plus 63 — — 46 — — 109 Total Commercial Mortgage Loans $ 2,129 $ 353 $ 1,049 $ 1,045 $ 225 $ 46 $ 4,847 Agricultural Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 204 $ 116 $ 277 $ 432 $ 256 $ 51 $ 1,336 50% - 70% 146 80 192 298 225 47 988 70% - 90% — — 2 4 — — 6 90% plus — — — — — — — Total Agricultural Mortgage Loans $ 350 $ 196 $ 471 $ 734 $ 481 $ 98 $ 2,330 Total Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 737 $ 116 $ 379 $ 444 $ 280 $ 51 $ 2,007 50% - 70% 1,538 433 933 1,151 302 47 4,404 70% - 90% 141 — 208 138 124 46 657 90% plus 63 — — 46 — — 109 Total Mortgage Loans $ 2,479 $ 549 $ 1,520 $ 1,779 $ 706 $ 144 $ 7,177 (1) The debt service coverage ratio is calculated using the most recently reported net operating income results from property operations divided by annual debt service. (2) The loan-to-value ratio is derived from current loan balance divided by the fair market value of the property. The fair market value of the underlying commercial properties is updated annually. Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value and Debt Service Coverage Ratios December 31, 2014 Debt Service Coverage Ratio Loan-to-Value Ratio: (2) Greater than 2.0x 1.8x to 2.0x 1.5x to 1.8x 1.2x to 1.5x 1.0x to 1.2x Less than 1.0x Total Mortgage Loans (In Millions) Commercial Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 335 $ — $ — $ 59 $ 34 $ — $ 428 50% - 70% 963 440 872 839 54 — 3,168 70% - 90% 211 — 61 265 79 — 616 90% plus 156 — — — — 47 203 Total Commercial Mortgage Loans $ 1,665 $ 440 $ 933 $ 1,163 $ 167 $ 47 $ 4,415 Agricultural Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 184 $ 100 $ 232 $ 408 $ 206 $ 50 $ 1,180 50% - 70% 143 87 201 223 204 47 905 70% - 90% — — — — — — — 90% plus — — — — — — — Total Agricultural Mortgage Loans $ 327 $ 187 $ 433 $ 631 $ 410 $ 97 $ 2,085 Total Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 519 $ 100 $ 232 $ 467 $ 240 $ 50 $ 1,608 50% - 70% 1,106 527 1,073 1,062 258 47 4,073 70% - 90% 211 — 61 265 79 — 616 90% plus 156 — — — — 47 203 Total Mortgage Loans $ 1,992 $ 627 $ 1,366 $ 1,794 $ 577 $ 144 $ 6,500 (1) The debt service coverage ratio is calculated using the most recently reported net operating income results from property operations divided by annual debt service. (2) The loan-to-value ratio is derived from current loan balance divided by the fair market value of the property. The fair market value of the underlying commercial properties is updated annually. The following table provides information relating to the aging analysis of past due mortgage loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Age Analysis of Past Due Mortgage Loan 30-59 Days 60-89 Days 90 Days Or > Total Current Total Financing Receivables Recorded Investment > 90 Days and Accruing (In Millions) December 31, 2015: Commercial $ — $ — $ 30 $ 30 $ 4,817 $ 4,847 $ — Agricultural 12 7 4 23 2,307 2,330 4 Total Mortgage Loans $ 12 $ 7 $ 34 $ 53 $ 7,124 $ 7,177 $ 4 December 31, 2014: Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 4,415 $ 4,415 $ — Agricultural 1 7 3 11 2,074 2,085 3 Total Mortgage Loans $ 1 $ 7 $ 3 $ 11 $ 6,489 $ 6,500 $ 3 The following table provides information relating to impaired mortgage loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Impaired Mortgage Loans Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance Average Recorded Investment (1) Interest Income Recognized (In Millions) December 31, 2015: With no related allowance recorded: Commercial mortgage loans - other $ 46 $ 46 $ — $ 15 $ — Agricultural mortgage loans — — — — — Total $ 46 $ 46 $ — $ 15 $ — With related allowance recorded: Commercial mortgage loans - other $ 63 $ 63 $ (6 ) $ 137 $ 4 Agricultural mortgage loans — — — — — Total $ 63 $ 63 $ (6 ) $ 137 $ 4 December 31, 2014: With no related allowance recorded: Commercial mortgage loans - other $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Agricultural mortgage loans — — — — — Total $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — With related allowance recorded: Commercial mortgage loans - other $ 156 $ 156 $ (37 ) $ 148 $ 2 Agricultural mortgage loans — — — — — Total $ 156 $ 156 $ (37 ) $ 148 $ 2 (1) Represents a five-quarter average of recorded amortized cost. Equity Method Investments Included in other equity investments are limited partnership interests and investment companies accounted for under the equity method with a total carrying value of $1,363 million and $1,490 million , respectively, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The Company’s total equity in net earnings (losses) for these limited partnership interests was $71 million , $206 million and $206 million , respectively, for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Derivatives and Offsetting Assets and Liabilities The Company uses derivatives as part of its overall asset/liability risk management primarily to reduce exposures to equity market and interest rate risks. Derivative hedging strategies are designed to reduce these risks from an economic perspective and are all executed within the framework of a “Derivative Use Plan” approved by the NYDFS. Operation of these hedging programs is based on models involving numerous estimates and assumptions, including, among others, mortality, lapse, surrender and withdrawal rates, election rates, fund performance, market volatility and interest rates. A wide range of derivative contracts are used in these hedging programs, including exchange traded equity, currency and interest rate futures contracts, total return and/or other equity swaps, interest rate swap and floor contracts, swaptions, variance swaps, equity options as well as repo transactions, that collectively are managed in an effort to reduce the economic impact of unfavorable changes in guaranteed benefits’ exposures attributable to movements in capital markets. Derivatives utilized to hedge exposure to Variable Annuities with Guarantee Features The Company has issued and continues to offer certain variable annuity products with GMDB, GMIB and GIB features. The Company had previously issued certain variable annuity products with GWBL, guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (“GMWB”) and GMAB features (collectively, “GWBL and Other Features”). The risk associated with the GMDB feature is that under-performance of the financial markets could result in GMDB benefits, in the event of death, being higher than what accumulated policyholders’ account balances would support. The risk associated with the GMIB feature is that under-performance of the financial markets could result in the present value of GMIB benefits, in the event of annuitization, being higher than what accumulated policyholders’ account balances would support, taking into account the relationship between current annuity purchase rates and the GMIB guaranteed annuity purchase rates. The risk associated with the GIB and GWBL and Other Features is that under-performance of the financial markets could result in the GIB and GWBL and Other Features’ benefits being higher than what accumulated policyholders’ account balances would support. For GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and Other Features, the Company retains certain risks including basis, credit spread and some volatility risk and risk associated with actual versus expected assumptions for mortality, lapse and surrender, withdrawal and contractholder election rates, among other things. The derivative contracts are managed to correlate with changes in the value of the GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and Other Features that result from financial markets movements. A portion of exposure to realized equity volatility is hedged using equity options and variance swaps and a portion of exposure to credit risk is hedged using total return swaps on fixed income indices. Additionally, the Company is party to total return swaps for which the reference U.S. Treasury securities are contemporaneously purchased from the market and sold to the swap counterparty. As these transactions result in a transfer of control of the U.S. Treasury securities to the swap counterparty, the Company derecognizes these securities with consequent gain or loss from the sale. The Company has also purchased reinsurance contracts to mitigate the risks associated with GMDB features and the impact of potential market fluctuations on future policyholder elections of GMIB features contained in certain annuity contracts issued by the Company. The Company has in place a hedge program utilizing interest rate swaps to partially protect the overall profitability of future variable annuity sales against declining interest rates. Derivatives utilized to hedge crediting rate exposure on SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL products/investment options The Company hedges crediting rates in the Structured Capital Strategies® (“SCS”) variable annuity, Structured Investment Option in the EQUI-VEST® variable annuity series (“SIO”), Market Stabilizer Option® (“MSO”) in the variable life insurance products and Indexed Universal Life (“IUL”) insurance products. These products permit the contract owner to participate in the performance of an index, ETF or commodity price movement up to a cap for a set period of time. They also contain a protection feature, in which the Company will absorb, up to a certain percentage, the loss of value in an index, ETF or commodity price, which varies by product segment. In order to support the returns associated with these features, the Company enters into derivative contracts whose payouts, in combination with fixed income investments, emulate those of the index, ETF or commodity price, subject to caps and buffers. Derivatives utilized to hedge risks associated with interest margins on Interest Sensitive Life and Annuity Contracts Margins or “spreads” on interest-sensitive life insurance and annuity contracts are affected by interest rate fluctuations as the yield on portfolio investments, primarily fixed maturities, is intended to support required payments under these contracts, including interest rates credited to their policy and contract holders. From time to time, the Company uses interest rate swaptions and other instruments to reduce the risk associated with minimum guarantees on these interest-sensitive contracts. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no positions outstanding for these programs. Derivatives utilized to hedge equity market risks associated with the General Account’s seed money investments in Separate Accounts, retail mutual funds and Separate Account fee revenue fluctuations The Company’s General Account seed money investments in Separate Account equity funds and retail mutual funds exposes the Company to market risk, including equity market risk, which is partially hedged through equity-index futures contracts to minimize such risk. In second quarter 2015, the Company entered into futures on equity indices to mitigate the impact on net earnings from Separate Account fee revenue fluctuations due to movements in the equity markets. These positions partially cover fees expected to be earned through the current year from the Company’s Separate Account products. Derivatives utilized for General Account Investment Portfolio Beginning in the second quarter of 2013, the Company implemented a strategy in its General Account investment portfolio to replicate the credit exposure of fixed maturity securities otherwise permissible under its investment guidelines through the sale of credit default swaps (“CDSs”). Under the terms of these swaps, the Company receives quarterly fixed premiums that, together with any initial amount paid or received at trade inception, replicate the credit spread otherwise currently obtainable by purchasing the referenced entity’s bonds of similar maturity. These credit derivatives have remaining terms of five years or less and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value, including the yield component that emerges from initial amounts paid or received, reported in Net investment income (loss). The Company manages its credit exposure taking into consideration both cash and derivatives based positions and selects the reference entities in its replicated credit exposures in a manner consistent with its selection of fixed maturities. In addition, the Company has transacted the sale of CDSs exclusively in single name reference entities of investment grade credit quality and with counterparties subject to collateral posting requirements. If there is an event of default by the reference entity or other such credit event as defined under the terms of the swap contract, the Company is obligated to perform under the credit derivative and, at the counterparty’s option, either pay the referenced amount of the contract less an auction-determined recovery amount or pay the referenced amount of the contract and receive in return the defaulted or similar security of the reference entity for recovery by sale at the contract settlement auction. To date, there have been no events of default or circumstances indicative of a deterioration in the credit quality of the named referenced entities to require or suggest that the Company will have to perform under these CDSs. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these credit derivatives is limited to the par value of the referenced securities which is the dollar-equivalent of the derivative notional amount. The Standard North American CDS Contract (“SNAC”) under which the Company executes these CDS sales transactions does not contain recourse provisions for recovery of amounts paid under the credit derivative. Periodically, the Company purchases 30-year, Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”) and other sovereign inflation bonds as General Account investments and enters into asset swaps, to result in payment of the variable principal at maturity and semi-annual coupons of the bonds to the swap counterparty (pay variable) in return for fixed amounts (receive fixed). These asset swaps, when considered in combination with the bonds, together result in a net position that is intended to replicate a dollar-denominated fixed-coupon cash bond with a yield higher than a term-equivalent U.S. Treasury bond. In third quarter of 2014, the Company implemented a strategy to hedge a portion of the credit exposure in its General Account investment portfolio by buying protection through a swap. These are swaps on the “super senior tranche” of the investment grade credit default swap index (“CDX index”). Under the terms of these swaps, the Company pays quarterly fixed premiums that, together with any initial amount paid or received at trade inception, serve as premiums paid to hedge the risk arising from multiple defaults of bonds referenced in the CDX index. These credit derivatives have remaining terms of five years or less and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value, including the yield component that emerges from initial amounts paid or received, reported in Net investment income (loss) from derivative instruments. The tables below present quantitative disclosures about the Company’s derivative instruments, including those embedded in other contracts required to be accounted for as derivative instruments. Derivative Instruments by Category At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Fair Value Notional Amount Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss) (In Millions) Fr

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The carrying value of goodwill related to AB totaled $3,562 million and $3,562 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company annually tests this goodwill for recoverability at December 31. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of its investment in AB, the reporting unit, to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered to be impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. However, if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed by measuring the amount of impairment loss only if the result indicates a potential impairment. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit to the aggregated fair values of its individual assets and liabilities to determine the amount of impairment, if any. The Company also assesses this goodwill for recoverability at each interim reporting period in consideration of facts and circumstances that may indicate a shortfall of the fair value of its investment in AB as compared to its carrying value and thereby require re-performance of its annual impairment testing. The Company primarily uses a discounted cash flow valuation technique to measure the fair value of its investment in AB for purpose of goodwill impairment testing. The cash flows used in this technique are sourced from AB’s current business plan and projected thereafter over the estimated life of the goodwill asset by applying an annual growth rate assumption. The present value amount that results from discounting these expected cash flows is then adjusted to reflect the noncontrolling interest in AB as well as taxes incurred at the Company level in order to determine the fair value of its investment in AB. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company determined that goodwill was not impaired as the fair value of its investment in AB exceeded its carrying value at each respective date. Similarly, no impairments resulted from the Company’s interim assessments of goodwill recoverability during the periods then ended. The gross carrying amount of AB related intangible assets was $610 million and $610 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively and the accumulated amortization of these intangible assets was $439 million and $411 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Amortization expense related to the AB intangible assets totaled $28 million , $27 million and $24 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, and estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to be approximately $29 million . At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, net deferred sales commissions totaled $99 million and $118 million and are included within Other assets. The estimated amortization expense of deferred sales commissions, based on the December 31, 2015 net asset balance for each of the next five years is $41 million , $32 million , $21 million , $5 million and $0 million . The Company tests the deferred sales commission asset for impairment quarterly by comparing undiscounted future cash flows to the recorded value, net of accumulated amortization. Each quarter, significant assumptions used to estimate the future cash flows are updated to reflect management’s consideration of current market conditions on expectations made with respect to future market levels and redemption rates. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company determined that the deferred sales commission asset was not impaired. On June 20, 2014, AB acquired an approximate 82.0% ownership interest in CPH Capital Fondsmaeglerselskab A/S (“CPH”), a Danish asset management firm that managed approximately $3,000 million in global core equity assets for institutional investors, for a cash payment of $64 million and a contingent consideration payable of $9 million . The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired resulted in the recognition of $58 million of goodwill. AB recorded $24 million of finite-lived intangible assets relating to separately-managed account relationships and $4 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets relating to an acquired fund’s investment contract. AB also recorded redeemable non-controlling interest of $17 million relating to the fair value of the portion of CPH AB does not own. During 2015, AB purchased additional shares of CPH, bringing AB’s ownership interest to 85.0% as of December 31, 2015. On December 12, 2013, AB acquired W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd. (“WPS”), an equity investment manager that, as of December 31, 2015, managed approximately $2,000 million in U.S., Global and EAFE concentrated growth equity strategies for clients, primarily in the U.S. and Europe. On the acquisition date, AB made a cash payment of $12 per share for the approximate 4.9 million WPS shares outstanding and issued to WPS shareholders transferable Contingent Value Rights (“CVRs”) entitling the holders to an additional $4 per share if the assets under management in the acquired WPS investment services exceed $5,000 million on or before the third anniversary of the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired resulted in the recognition of $32 million of goodwill. AB also recorded $8 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets relating to the acquired fund’s investment contracts and $14 million of definite-lived intangible assets relating to separately managed account relationships. As of the acquisition date, AB recorded a contingent consideration payable of $17 million in regard to the CVRs. Capitalized Software Capitalized software, net of accumulated amortization, amounted to $157 million and $163 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Amortization of capitalized software in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $55 million , $50 million and $119 million (including $45 million of accelerated amortization), respectively.

CLOSED BLOCK

CLOSED BLOCK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Closed Block Disclosure [Abstract]
Closed Block	CLOSED BLOCK Summarized financial information for the AXA Equitable Closed Block is as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) CLOSED BLOCK LIABILITIES: Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other $ 7,363 $ 7,537 Policyholder dividend obligation 81 201 Other liabilities 100 117 Total Closed Block liabilities 7,544 7,855 ASSETS DESIGNATED TO THE CLOSED BLOCK: Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $4,426 and $4,829) 4,599 5,143 Mortgage loans on real estate 1,575 1,407 Policy loans 881 912 Cash and other invested assets 49 14 Other assets 258 176 Total assets designated to the Closed Block 7,362 7,652 Excess of Closed Block liabilities over assets designated to the Closed Block 182 203 Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of deferred income tax (expense) benefit of $(36) and $(43) and policyholder dividend obligation of $(81) and $(201) 67 80 Maximum Future Earnings To Be Recognized From Closed Block Assets and Liabilities $ 249 $ 283 AXA Equitable’s Closed Block revenues and expenses follow: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) REVENUES: Premiums and other income $ 262 $ 273 $ 286 Investment income (loss) 368 378 402 Net investment gains (losses) 2 (4 ) (11 ) Total revenues 632 647 677 BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS: Policyholders’ benefits and dividends 576 597 637 Other operating costs and expenses 4 4 1 Total benefits and other deductions 580 601 638 Net revenues, before income taxes 52 46 39 Income tax (expense) benefit (18 ) (16 ) (14 ) Net Revenues (Losses) $ 34 $ 30 $ 25 A reconciliation of AXA Equitable’s policyholder dividend obligation follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Balances, beginning of year $ 201 $ 128 Unrealized investment gains (losses) (120 ) 73 Balances, End of year $ 81 $ 201

CONTRACTHOLDER BONUS INTEREST C

CONTRACTHOLDER BONUS INTEREST CREDITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Contractholder Bonus Interest Credits [Abstract]
Contractholder Bonus Interest Credits	CONTRACTHOLDER BONUS INTEREST CREDITS Changes in the deferred asset for contractholder bonus interest credits are as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Balance, beginning of year $ 383 $ 518 Contractholder bonus interest credits deferred 17 15 Balance true-up 174 — Amortization charged to income (40 ) (150 ) Balance, End of Year $ 534 $ 383

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , no assets were required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value measurements are required on a non-recurring basis for certain assets, including goodwill and mortgage loans on real estate, only when an OTTI or other event occurs. When such fair value measurements are recorded, they must be classified and disclosed within the fair value hierarchy. Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In Millions) Assets Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ — $ 19,882 $ 420 $ 20,302 U.S. Treasury, government and agency — 8,775 — 8,775 States and political subdivisions — 459 45 504 Foreign governments — 414 1 415 Commercial mortgage-backed — 30 503 533 Residential mortgage-backed (1) — 640 — 640 Asset-backed (2) — 37 40 77 Redeemable preferred stock 258 389 — 647 Subtotal 258 30,626 1,009 31,893 Other equity investments 97 — 49 146 Trading securities 654 6,151 — 6,805 Other invested assets: Short-term investments — 369 — 369 Swaps — 230 — 230 Credit Default Swaps — (22 ) — (22 ) Futures (1 ) — — (1 ) Options — 390 — 390 Floors — 61 — 61 Currency Contracts — 1 — 1 Subtotal (1 ) 1,029 — 1,028 Cash equivalents 2,150 — — 2,150 Segregated securities — 565 — 565 GMIB reinsurance contracts — — 10,570 10,570 Separate Accounts’ assets 104,058 2,964 313 107,335 Total Assets $ 107,216 $ 41,335 $ 11,941 $ 160,492 Liabilities GWBL and other features’ liability $ — $ — $ 184 184 SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features’ liability — 310 — 310 Contingent payment arrangements — — 31 31 Total Liabilities $ — $ 310 $ 215 $ 525 (1) Includes publicly traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized obligations. (2) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages and other asset types and credit tenant loans. Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In Millions) Assets Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ — $ 21,840 $ 380 $ 22,220 U.S. Treasury, government and agency — 7,331 — 7,331 States and political subdivisions — 472 47 519 Foreign governments — 446 — 446 Commercial mortgage-backed — 20 715 735 Residential mortgage-backed (1) — 793 2 795 Asset-backed (2) — 46 53 99 Redeemable preferred stock 254 635 — 889 Subtotal 254 31,583 1,197 33,034 Other equity investments 217 — 61 278 Trading securities 710 4,433 — 5,143 Other invested assets: Short-term investments — 103 — 103 Swaps — 597 — 597 Credit Default Swaps — (18 ) — (18 ) Futures (2 ) — — (2 ) Options — 473 — 473 Floors — 120 — 120 Currency Contracts — 1 — 1 Swaptions — 72 — 72 Subtotal (2 ) 1,348 — 1,346 Cash equivalents 2,725 — — 2,725 Segregated securities — 476 — 476 GMIB reinsurance contracts — — 10,711 10,711 Separate Accounts’ assets 107,539 3,072 260 110,871 Total Assets $ 111,443 $ 40,912 $ 12,229 $ 164,584 Liabilities GWBL and other features’ liability $ — $ — $ 128 128 SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features’ liability — 380 — 380 Contingent payment arrangements — — 42 42 Total Liabilities $ — $ 380 $ 170 $ 550 (1) Includes publicly traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized obligations. (2) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages and other asset types and credit tenant loans. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, the fair value of public fixed maturities is approximately $ 24,216 million and $24,779 million or approximately 16.2% and 16.2% of the Company’s total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis (excluding GMIB reinsurance contracts and segregated securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis). The fair values of the Company’s public fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent valuation service providers and for which the Company maintains a vendor hierarchy by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. Although each security generally is priced by multiple independent valuation service providers, the Company ultimately uses the price received from the independent valuation service provider highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type, with limited exception. To validate reasonableness, prices also are internally reviewed by those with relevant expertise through comparison with directly observed recent market trades. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy, public fixed maturity securities validated in this manner generally are reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. If the pricing information received from independent valuation service providers is not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process in accordance with the terms of the respective independent valuation service provider agreement. If, as a result, it is determined that the independent valuation service provider is able to reprice the security in a manner agreed as more consistent with current market observations, the security remains within Level 2. Alternatively, a Level 3 classification may result if the pricing information then is sourced from another vendor, non-binding broker quotes, or internally-developed valuations for which the Company’s own assumptions about market-participant inputs would be used in pricing the security. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, the fair value of private fixed maturities is approximately $ 7,677 million and $8,255 million or approximately 5.1% and 5.4% of the Company’s total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of some of the Company’s private fixed maturities are determined from prices obtained from independent valuation service providers. Prices not obtained from an independent valuation service provider are determined by using a discounted cash flow model or a market comparable company valuation technique. In certain cases, these models use observable inputs with a discount rate based upon the average of spread surveys collected from private market intermediaries who are active in both primary and secondary transactions, taking into account, among other factors, the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Generally, these securities have been reflected within Level 2. For certain private fixed maturities, the discounted cash flow model or a market comparable company valuation technique may also incorporate unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset. To the extent management determines that such unobservable inputs are significant to the fair value measurement of a security, a Level 3 classification generally is made. As disclosed in Note 3, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, the net fair value of freestanding derivative positions is approximately $659 million and $1,243 million or approximately 64.1% and 92.3% of Other invested assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of the Company’s derivative positions are generally based on prices obtained either from independent valuation service providers or derived by applying market inputs from recognized vendors into industry standard pricing models. The majority of these derivative contracts are traded in the Over-The-Counter (“OTC”) derivative market and are classified in Level 2. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities traded in the OTC market are determined using quantitative models that require use of the contractual terms of the derivative instruments and multiple market inputs, including interest rates, prices, and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, including overnight index swap (“OIS”) curves, and volatility factors, which then are applied to value the positions. The predominance of market inputs is actively quoted and can be validated through external sources or reliably interpolated if less observable. If the pricing information received from independent valuation service providers is not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process in accordance with the terms of the respective independent valuation service provider agreement. If as a result it is determined that the independent valuation service provider is able to reprice the derivative instrument in a manner agreed as more consistent with current market observations, the position remains within Level 2. Alternatively, a Level 3 classification may result if the pricing information then is sourced from another vendor, non-binding broker quotes, or internally-developed valuations for which the Company’s own assumptions about market-participant inputs would be used in pricing the security. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, investments classified as Level 1 comprise approximately 71.8% and 72.7% of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and primarily include redeemable preferred stock, trading securities, cash equivalents and Separate Accounts assets. Fair value measurements classified as Level 1 include exchange-traded prices of fixed maturities, equity securities and derivative contracts, and net asset values for transacting subscriptions and redemptions of mutual fund shares held by Separate Accounts. Cash equivalents classified as Level 1 include money market accounts, overnight commercial paper and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less, and are carried at cost as a proxy for fair value measurement due to their short-term nature. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, investments classified as Level 2 comprise approximately 27.3% and 26.4% of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and primarily include U.S. government and agency securities and certain corporate debt securities, such as public and private fixed maturities. As market quotes generally are not readily available or accessible for these securities, their fair value measures are determined utilizing relevant information generated by market transactions involving comparable securities and often are based on model pricing techniques that effectively discount prospective cash flows to present value using appropriate sector-adjusted credit spreads commensurate with the security’s duration, also taking into consideration issuer-specific credit quality and liquidity. Segregated securities classified as Level 2 are U.S. Treasury Bills segregated by AB in a special reserve bank custody account for the exclusive benefit of brokerage customers, as required by Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act and for which fair values are based on quoted yields in secondary markets. Observable inputs generally used to measure the fair value of securities classified as Level 2 include benchmark yields, reported secondary trades, issuer spreads, benchmark securities and other reference data. Additional observable inputs are used when available, and as may be appropriate, for certain security types, such as prepayment, default, and collateral information for the purpose of measuring the fair value of mortgage- and asset-backed securities. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, approximately $673 million and $821 million of AAA-rated mortgage- and asset-backed securities are classified as Level 2 for which the observability of market inputs to their pricing models is supported by sufficient, albeit more recently contracted, market activity in these sectors. The Company’s SCS and EQUI-VEST variable annuity products, the IUL product, and in the MSO fund available in some life contracts offer investment options which permit the contract owner to participate in the performance of an index, ETF or commodity price. These investment options, which depending on the product and on the index selected can currently have 1 , 3 , or 5 year terms, provide for participation in the performance of specified indices, ETF or commodity price movement up to a segment-specific declared maximum rate. Under certain conditions that vary by product, e.g. holding these segments for the full term, these segments also shield policyholders from some or all negative investment performance associated with these indices, ETF or commodity prices. These investment options have defined formulaic liability amounts, and the current values of the option component of these segment reserves are accounted for as Level 2 embedded derivatives. The fair values of these embedded derivatives are based on prices obtained from independent valuation service providers. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, investments classified as Level 3 comprise approximately 0.9% and 1.0% of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and primarily include commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and corporate debt securities, such as private fixed maturities. Determinations to classify fair value measures within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy generally are based upon the significance of the unobservable factors to the overall fair value measurement. Included in the Level 3 classification at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, were approximately $119 million and $135 million of fixed maturities with indicative pricing obtained from brokers that otherwise could not be corroborated to market observable data. The Company applies various due-diligence procedures, as considered appropriate, to validate these non-binding broker quotes for reasonableness, based on its understanding of the markets, including use of internally-developed assumptions about inputs a market participant would use to price the security. In addition, approximately $543 million and $770 million of mortgage- and asset-backed securities, including CMBS, are classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company utilizes prices obtained from an independent valuation service vendor to measure fair value of CMBS securities. The Company also issues certain benefits on its variable annuity products that are accounted for as derivatives and are also considered Level 3. The GMWB feature allows the policyholder to withdraw at minimum, over the life of the contract, an amount based on the contract’s benefit base. The GWBL feature allows the policyholder to withdraw, each year for the life of the contract, a specified annual percentage of an amount based on the contract’s benefit base. The GMAB feature increases the contract account value at the end of a specified period to a GMAB base. The GIB feature provides a lifetime annuity based on predetermined annuity purchase rates if and when the contract account value is depleted. This lifetime annuity is based on predetermined annuity purchase rates applied to a GIB base. Level 3 also includes the GMIB reinsurance contract asset which is accounted for as derivative contracts. The GMIB reinsurance contract asset’s fair value reflects the present value of reinsurance premiums and recoveries and risk margins over a range of market consistent economic scenarios while the GIB and GWBL and other features related liability reflects the present value of expected future payments (benefits) less fees, adjusted for risk margins, attributable to the GIB and GWBL and other features over a range of market-consistent economic scenarios. The valuations of both the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and GIB and GWBL and other features’ liability incorporate significant non-observable assumptions related to policyholder behavior, risk margins and projections of equity Separate Account funds. The credit risks of the counterparty and of the Company are considered in determining the fair values of its GMIB reinsurance contract asset and GIB and GWBL and other features’ liability positions, respectively, after taking into account the effects of collateral arrangements. Incremental adjustment to the swap curve, adjusted for non-performance risk, is made to the resulting fair values of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset to reflect change in the claims-paying ratings of counterparties to the reinsurance treaties. After giving consideration to collateral arrangements, the Company reduced the fair value of its GMIB reinsurance contract asset by $123 million and $147 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, to recognize incremental counterparty non-performance risk. The unadjusted swap curve was determined to reflect a level of general swap market counterparty risk; therefore, no adjustment was made for purpose of determining the fair value of the GIB and GWBL and other features’ liability embedded derivative at December 31, 2015 . Equity and fixed income volatilities were modeled to reflect the current market volatility. In second quarter 2014, the Company refined the fair value calculation of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and GWBL, GIB and GMAB liabilities, utilizing scenarios that explicitly reflect risk free bond and equity components separately (previously aggregated and including counterparty risk premium embedded in swap rates) and stochastic interest rates for projecting and discounting cash flows (previously a single yield curve). The net impacts of these refinements were a $510 million increase to the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and a $37 million increase in the GWBL, GIB and GMAB liability which are reported in the Company’s consolidated statements of Earnings (Loss) as Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset and Policyholders’ benefits, respectively. The Company’s Level 3 liabilities include contingent payment arrangements associated with acquisitions in 2010, 2013 and 2014 by AB. At each reporting date, AB estimates the fair values of the contingent consideration expected to be paid based upon probability-weighted AUM and revenue projections, using unobservable market data inputs, which are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. In 2015, AFS fixed maturities with fair values of $125 million were transferred out of Level 3 and into Level 2 principally due to the availability of trading activity and/or market observable inputs to measure and validate their fair values. In addition, AFS fixed maturities with fair value of $99 million were transferred from Level 2 into the Level 3 classification. These transfers in the aggregate represent approximately 1.3% of total equity at December 31, 2015 . In 2014, AFS fixed maturities with fair values of $82 million were transferred out of Level 3 and into Level 2 principally due to the availability of trading activity and/or market observable inputs to measure and validate their fair values. In addition, AFS fixed maturities with fair value of $15 million were transferred from Level 2 into the Level 3 classification. These transfers in the aggregate represent approximately 0.50% of total equity at December 31, 2014 . The table below presents a reconciliation for all Level 3 assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Level 3 Instruments Fair Value Measurements Corporate State and Political Sub-divisions Foreign Govts Commercial Mortgage- backed Residential Mortgage- backed Asset- backed (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 380 $ 47 $ — $ 715 $ 2 $ 53 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) 3 — — 1 — — Investment gains (losses), net 2 — — (38 ) — — Subtotal 5 — — (37 ) — — Other comprehensive income (loss) (25 ) (1 ) — 64 — (4 ) Purchases (3) 60 — 1 — — — Sales (4) (38 ) (1 ) — (175 ) (2 ) (9 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) 99 — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) (61 ) — — (64 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 420 $ 45 $ 1 $ 503 $ — $ 40 Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 291 $ 46 $ — $ 700 $ 4 $ 83 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) 2 — — 2 — — Investment gains (losses), net 3 — — (89 ) — — Subtotal $ 5 $ — $ — $ (87 ) $ — $ — Other comprehensive income (loss) 6 2 — 135 — 7 Purchases (3) 162 — — — — — Sales (4) (30 ) (1 ) — (20 ) (2 ) (37 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) 15 — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) (69 ) — — (13 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 380 $ 47 $ — $ 715 $ 2 $ 53 Level 3 Instruments Fair Value Measurements Corporate State and Political Sub-divisions Foreign Govts Commercial Mortgage- backed Residential Mortgage- backed Asset- backed (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 355 $ 50 $ 19 $ 900 $ 9 $ 113 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) 2 — — — — — Investment gains (losses), net 5 — — (68 ) — — Subtotal 7 — — (68 ) — — Other comprehensive income (loss) (1 ) (3 ) (2 ) 13 (1 ) 3 Purchases (3) 70 — — 31 — — Sales (4) (150 ) (1 ) (17 ) (160 ) (4 ) (22 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) 20 — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) (10 ) — — (16 ) — (11 ) Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 291 $ 46 $ — $ 700 $ 4 $ 83 Redeem-able Preferred Stock Other Equity Investments GMIB Reinsurance Asset Separate Accounts Assets GWBL and Other Features Liability Contingent Payment Arrangement (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ — $ 61 $ 10,711 $ 260 $ 128 42 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) — — — — — — Investment gains (losses), net — 5 — 36 — — Increase (decrease) in the fair value of reinsurance contracts — — (327 ) — — — Policyholders’ benefits — — — — (130 ) — Subtotal — 5 (327 ) 36 (130 ) — Other comprehensive income (loss) — 2 — — — — Purchases (2) — 1 228 26 186 — Sales (3) — (20 ) (42 ) (2 ) — (11 ) Settlements (4) — — — (5 ) — — Transfers into Level 3 (1) — — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — — — (2 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2015 $ — $ 49 $ 10,570 $ 313 $ 184 31 Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 15 $ 52 $ 6,747 $ 237 $ — 38 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) — 3 — — — — Investment gains (losses), net — 1 — 15 — — Increase (decrease) in the fair value of reinsurance contracts — — 3,774 — — — Policyholders’ benefits — — — — (8 ) — Subtotal $ — $ 4 $ 3,774 $ 15 $ (8 ) — Other comprehensive income(loss) — — — — — Purchases (2) — 8 225 16 136 9 Sales (3) (15 ) (1 ) (35 ) (3 ) — (5 ) Settlements (4) — — — (5 ) — — Transfers into Level 3 (1) — — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — (2 ) — — — — Balance, December 31, 2014 $ — $ 61 $ 10,711 $ 260 $ 128 42 Redeem- able Preferred Stock Other Equity Investments Other Invested Assets GMIB Reinsurance Asset Separate Accounts Assets GWBL and Other Features Liability (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 15 $ 77 $ (2 ) $ 11,044 $ 224 $ 265 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net Investment Income (loss) 10 Investment gains (losses), net — (7 ) — — 10 — Increase (decrease) in the fair value of reinsurance contracts — — — (4,496 ) — — Policyholders’ benefits — — — — — (351 ) Subtotal — 3 — (4,496 ) 10 (351 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) — — 2 — (1 ) — Purchases (2) — 4 — 237 6 86 Sales (3) — (3 ) — (38 ) (3 ) — Settlements (4) — — — — (2 ) — Transfers into Level 3 (1) — — — — 3 — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — (29 ) — — — — Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 15 $ 52 $ — $ 6,747 $ 237 $ — (1) Transfers into/out of Level 3 classification are reflected at beginning-of-period fair values. (2) For the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and GWBL and other features reserves, represents premiums. (3) For the GMIB reinsurance contract asset, represents recoveries from reinsurers and for GWBL and other features reserves represents benefits paid. (4) For contingent payment arrangements, it represents payments under the arrangement. The table below details changes in unrealized gains (losses) for 2015 and 2014 by category for Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively: Earnings (Loss) Net Investment Income (Loss) Investment Gains (Losses), Net Increase (Decrease) in the Fair Value of Reinsurance Contracts OCI Policy- holders’ Benefits (In Millions) Level 3 Instruments Full Year 2015 Still Held at December 31, 2015 Change in unrealized gains (losses): Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ — $ — $ — $ (25 ) $ — State and political subdivisions — — — (2 ) — Commercial mortgage-backed — — — 61 — Asset-backed — — — (4 ) — Other fixed maturities, available-for-sale — — — — — Subtotal $ — $ — $ — $ 30 $ — GMIB reinsurance contracts — — (141 ) — — Separate Accounts’ assets — 36 — — — GWBL and other features’ liability — — — — 184 Total $ — $ 36 $ (141 ) $ 30 $ 184 Level 3 Instruments Full Year 2014 Still Held at December 31, 2014 Change in unrealized gains (losses): Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ — $ — $ — $ 6 $ — State and political subdivisions — — — 2 — Commercial mortgage-backed — — — 112 — Asset-backed — — — 7 — Other fixed maturities, available-for-sale — — — — — Subtotal $ — $ — $ — $ 127 $ — GMIB reinsurance contracts — — 3,964 — — Separate Accounts’ assets — 15 — — — GWBL and other features’ liability — — — — 128 Total $ — $ 15 $ 3,964 $ 127 $ 128 The following table discloses quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements by category for assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets: (In Millions) Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ 61 Matrix pricing model Spread over the industry-specific benchmark yield curve 50 bps - 565 bps 154 Market comparable companies EBITDA multiples Discount rate Cash flow Multiples 7.8x - 19.1x Asset-backed 3 Matrix pricing model Spread over U.S. Treasury curve 30 bps - 687 bps Other equity investments 10 Market comparable companies Revenue multiple Marketability Discount 2.5x - 4.8x Separate Accounts’ assets 271 Third party appraisal Capitalization rate Exit capitalization rate Discount rate 4.9% 7 Discounted cash flow Spread over U.S. Treasury curve Gross domestic product rate Discount factor 280 bps - 411 bps GMIB reinsurance contracts 10,570 Discounted cash flow Lapse Rates Withdrawal rates GMIB Utilization Rates Non-performance risk Volatility rates—Equity 0.6% - 5.7% Liabilities: GMWB/GWBL (1) 120 Discounted cash flow Lapse Rates Withdrawal rates Volatility rates—Equity 1.0% - 5.7% (1) Excludes GMAB and GIB liabilities. Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2014 Fair Value Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets: (In Millions) Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ 75 Matrix pricing model Spread over the industry-specific benchmark yield curve 0 bps - 590 bps 132 Market comparable companies Discount rate 11.2% - 15.2% Asset-backed 5 Matrix pricing model Spread over U.S. Treasury curve 30 bps - 687 bps Other equity investments 20 Market comparable companies Revenue multiple Discount rate Discount years 2.0x - 3.5x 18.0% 2 Separate Accounts’ assets 234 Third party appraisal Capitalization rate Exit capitalization rate Discount rate 5.2% 6.2% 7.1% 7 Discounted cash flow Spread over U.S. Treasury curve Gross domestic product rate Discount factor 238 bps - 395 bps 0.0% - 2.4% 1.3% - 5.4% GMIB reinsurance contracts 10,711 Discounted cash flow Lapse Rates Withdrawal Rates GMIB Utilization Rates Non-performance risk Volatility rates - Equity 1.0% - 8.0% 0.2% - 8.0% 0.0% - 15.0% 5 bps - 16 bps 9.0% - 34.0% Liabilities: GMWB/GWBL (1) 107 Discounted cash flow Lapse Rates Withdrawal Rates Volatility rates - Equity 1.0% - 8.0% 0.0% - 7.0% 9.0% - 34.0% (1) Excludes GMAB and GIB liabilities. Excluded from the tables above at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, are approximately $865 million and $1,045 million Level 3 fair value measurements of investments for which the underlying quantitative inputs are not developed by the Company and are not readily available. The fair value measurements of these Level 3 investments comprise approximately 63.1% and 68.8% of total assets classified as Level 3 and represent only 0.6% and 0.7% of total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively. These investments primarily consist of certain privately placed debt securities with limited trading activity, including commercial mortgage-, residential mortgage- and asset-backed instruments, and their fair values generally reflect unadjusted prices obtained from independent valuation service providers and indicative, non-binding quotes obtained from third-party broker-dealers recognized as market participants. Significant increases or decreases in the fair value amounts received from these pricing sources may result in the Company’s reporting significantly higher or lower fair value measurements for these Level 3 investments. Included in the tables above at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, are approximately $215 million and $207 million fair value of privately placed, available-for-sale corporate debt securities classified as Level 3. The fair value of private placement securities is determined by application of a matrix pricing model or a market comparable company value technique, representing approximately 51.2% and 54.4% of the total fair value of Level 3 securities in the corporate fixed maturities asset class. The significant unobservable input to the matrix pricing model valuation technique is the spread over the industry-specific benchmark yield curve. Generally, an increase or decrease in spreads would lead to directionally inverse movement in the fair value measurements of these securities. The significant unobservable input to the market comparable company valuation technique is the discount rate. Generally, a significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate would result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurements of these securities. Residential mortgage-backed securities classified as Level 3 primarily consist of non-agency paper with low trading activity. Included in the tables above at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there were no Level 3 securities that were determined by application of a matrix pricing model and for which the spread over the U.S. Treasury curve is the most significant unobservable input to the pricing result. Generally, a change in spreads would lead to directionally inverse movement in the fair value measurements of these securities. Asset-backed securities classified as Level 3 primarily consist of non-agency mortgage loan trust certificates, including subprime and Alt-A paper, credit tenant loans, and equipment financings. Included in the tables above at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , are approximately 7.5% and 9.4% , respectively, of the total fair value of these Level 3 securities that is determined by application of a matrix pricing model and for which the spread over the U.S. Treasury curve is the most significant unobservable input to the pricing result. Significant increases (decreases) in spreads would result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurements. Other equity investments classified as Level 3 primarily consist of private venture capital fund investments of AB for which fair values are adjusted to reflect expected exit values as evidenced by financing and sale transactions with third parties or when consideration of other factors, such as current company performance and market conditions, is determined by management to require valuation adjustment. Significant increase (decrease) in isolation in the underlying enterprise value to revenue multiple and enterprise value to R&D investment multiple, if applicable, would result in significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Significant increase (decrease) in isolation in the discount factor ascribed for lack of marketability and various risk factors would result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Changes in the discount factor generally are not correlated to changes in the value multiples. Also classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, are approximately $32 million and $31 million priva

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTHER

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTHER FEATURES AND NO LAPSE GUARANTEE FEATURES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL and Other Features and No Lapse Guarantee Features	GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTHER FEATURES AND NO LAPSE GUARANTEE FEATURES A) Variable Annuity Contracts – GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and Other Features The Company has certain variable annuity contracts with GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and other features in-force that guarantee one of the following: • Return of Premium: the benefit is the greater of current account value or premiums paid (adjusted for withdrawals); • Ratchet: the benefit is the greatest of current account value, premiums paid (adjusted for withdrawals), or the highest account value on any anniversary up to contractually specified ages (adjusted for withdrawals); • Roll-Up: the benefit is the greater of current account value or premiums paid (adjusted for withdrawals) accumulated at contractually specified interest rates up to specified ages; • Combo: the benefit is the greater of the ratchet benefit or the roll-up benefit, which may include either a five year or an annual reset; or • Withdrawal: the withdrawal is guaranteed up to a maximum amount per year for life. The following table summarizes the GMDB and GMIB liabilities, before reinsurance ceded, reflected in the General Account in future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities: GMDB GMIB Total (In Millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 1,772 4,561 $ 6,333 Paid guarantee benefits (237 ) (325 ) (562 ) Other changes in reserve 91 (33 ) 58 Balance at December 31, 2013 1,626 4,203 5,829 Paid guarantee benefits (231 ) (220 ) (451 ) Other changes in reserve 334 1,661 1,995 Balance at December 31, 2014 1,729 5,644 7,373 Paid guarantee benefits (313 ) (89 ) (402 ) Other changes in reserve 1,570 (258 ) 1,312 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 2,986 $ 5,297 $ 8,283 Related GMDB reinsurance ceded amounts were: GMDB (In Millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 844 Paid guarantee benefits (109 ) Other changes in reserve 56 Balance at December 31, 2013 791 Paid guarantee benefits (114 ) Other changes in reserve 155 Balance at December 31, 2014 832 Paid guarantee benefits (148 ) Other changes in reserve 746 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,430 The GMIB reinsurance contracts are considered derivatives and are reported at fair value. The December 31, 2015 values for variable annuity contracts in force on such date with GMDB and GMIB features are presented in the following table. For contracts with the GMDB feature, the net amount at risk in the event of death is the amount by which the GMDB benefits exceed related account values. For contracts with the GMIB feature, the net amount at risk in the event of annuitization is the amount by which the present value of the GMIB benefits exceeds related account values, taking into account the relationship between current annuity purchase rates and the GMIB guaranteed annuity purchase rates. Since variable annuity contracts with GMDB guarantees may also offer GMIB guarantees in the same contract, the GMDB and GMIB amounts listed are not mutually exclusive: Return of Premium Ratchet Roll-Up Combo Total (Dollars In Millions) GMDB: Account values invested in: General Account $ 13,037 $ 132 $ 78 $ 244 $ 13,491 Separate Accounts $ 38,438 $ 8,570 $ 3,472 $ 34,160 $ 84,640 Net amount at risk, gross $ 397 $ 422 $ 2,389 $ 15,872 $ 19,080 Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured $ 397 $ 302 $ 1,616 $ 6,743 $ 9,058 Average attained age of contractholders 51.1 65.4 71.7 66.4 55.0 Percentage of contractholders over age 70 9.0 % 35.4 % 58.1 % 38.2 % 16.6 % Range of contractually specified interest rates N/A N/A 3%-6% 3%-6.5% 3%-6.5% GMIB: Account values invested in: General Account N/A N/A $ 41 $ 351 $ 392 Separate Accounts N/A N/A $ 15,467 $ 41,092 $ 56,559 Net amount at risk, gross N/A N/A $ 1,179 $ 6,232 $ 7,411 Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured N/A N/A $ 351 $ 1,561 $ 1,912 Weighted average years remaining until annuitization N/A N/A 1.4 1.9 1.9 Range of contractually specified interest rates N/A N/A 3%-6% 3%-6.5% 3%-6.5% The liability for SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features and the GIB and GWBL and other features, not included above, was $494 million and $508 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, which are accounted for as embedded derivatives. The liability for GIB, GWBL and other features reflects the present value of expected future payments (benefits) less the fees attributable to these features over a range of market consistent economic scenarios. The liability for SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL reflects the present value of expected future payments assuming the segments are held to maturity. In-force management The Company continues to proactively manage its in-force business. For example: • GMIB/GWBL Lump Sum Option. In 2015, the Company added a lump sum option to certain contracts with GMIB and GWBL benefits. Prior to the addition of this option, if an eligible contractholder’s adjusted account value fell to zero, the contractholder would automatically receive a stream of payments over his or her lifetime. With this option, eligible contractholders now have the ability to receive a percentage of the present value of those lifetime payments in a one-time lump sum payment. • GMDB/GMIB Buyback. Beginning in 2012, the Company initiated several programs to purchase from certain contractholders the GMDB and GMIB riders contained in their Accumulator® contracts. Most recently in 2015, the Company initiated a program to give contractholders an option to elect a full buyout of their rider or a new partial ( 50% ) buyout of their rider. The Company believes that the lump sum option and buyback programs are mutually beneficial to both the Company and contractholders who no longer need or want the GMDB, GMIB or GWBL rider. As a result of the 2015 buyback program, the Company is assuming a change in the short-term behavior of remaining contractholders, as those who do not accept are assumed to be less likely to surrender their contract over the short term. The Company is also incorporating the expectation that some contractholders will utilize the new lump sum option product feature. Due to the difference in accounting recognition between the GMDB/GMIB and GWBL reserves and the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contract asset, the net impact of the addition of the lump sum option to certain contracts and the 2015 buyback offer is an after-tax loss of $247 million , which was recognized in 2015. The net impact of a 2013 buyback that completed in 2014 was an after-tax loss of $29 million and $20 million to Net earnings in 2014 and 2013, respectively. For additional information, see “Accounting for VA Guarantee Features” in Note 2. B) Separate Account Investments by Investment Category Underlying GMDB and GMIB Features The total account values of variable annuity contracts with GMDB and GMIB features include amounts allocated to the guaranteed interest option, which is part of the General Account and variable investment options that invest through Separate Accounts in variable insurance trusts. The following table presents the aggregate fair value of assets, by major investment category, held by Separate Accounts that support variable annuity contracts with GMDB and GMIB benefits and guarantees. The investment performance of the assets impacts the related account values and, consequently, the net amount of risk associated with the GMDB and GMIB benefits and guarantees. Since variable annuity contracts with GMDB benefits and guarantees may also offer GMIB benefits and guarantees in each contract, the GMDB and GMIB amounts listed are not mutually exclusive: Investment in Variable Insurance Trust Mutual Funds December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) GMDB: Equity $ 66,230 $ 67,108 Fixed income 2,686 3,031 Balanced 15,350 17,505 Other 374 404 Total $ 84,640 $ 88,048 GMIB: Equity $ 43,874 $ 43,850 Fixed income 1,819 1,988 Balanced 10,696 12,060 Other 170 186 Total $ 56,559 $ 58,084 C) Hedging Programs for GMDB, GMIB, GIB and GWBL and Other Features Beginning in 2003, AXA Equitable established a program intended to hedge certain risks associated first with the GMDB feature and, beginning in 2004, with the GMIB feature of the Accumulator® series of variable annuity products. The program has also been extended to cover other guaranteed benefits as they have been made available. This program utilizes derivative contracts, such as exchange-traded equity, currency and interest rate futures contracts, total return and/or equity swaps, interest rate swap and floor contracts, swaptions, variance swaps as well as equity options, that collectively are managed in an effort to reduce the economic impact of unfavorable changes in guaranteed benefits’ exposures attributable to movements in the capital markets. At the present time, this program hedges certain economic risks on products sold from 2001 forward, to the extent such risks are not reinsured. At December 31, 2015 , the total account value and net amount at risk of the hedged variable annuity contracts were $50,333 million and $7,841 million , respectively, with the GMDB feature and $32,740 million and $1,560 million , respectively, with the GMIB and GIB feature. These programs do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Therefore, gains (losses) on the derivatives contracts used in these programs, including current period changes in fair value, are recognized in net investment income (loss) in the period in which they occur, and may contribute to earnings (loss) volatility. D) Variable and Interest-Sensitive Life Insurance Policies – No Lapse Guarantee The no lapse guarantee feature contained in variable and interest-sensitive life insurance policies keeps them in force in situations where the policy value is not sufficient to cover monthly charges then due. The no lapse guarantee remains in effect so long as the policy meets a contractually specified premium funding test and certain other requirements. The following table summarizes the no lapse guarantee liabilities, reflected in the General Account in Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities, the related reinsurance reserve ceded, reflected in Amounts due from reinsurers and deferred cost of reinsurance, reflected in Other assets in the Consolidated balance sheets. Direct Liability Reinsurance Ceded Net (In Millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 556 $ (310 ) $ 246 Other changes in reserves 273 (131 ) 142 Balance at December 31, 2013 829 (441 ) 388 Other changes in reserves 135 (114 ) 21 Balance at December 31, 2014 964 (555 ) 409 Other changes in reserves 120 16 136 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,084 $ (539 ) $ 545

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance Agreements	REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS The Company assumes and cedes reinsurance with other insurance companies. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. Ceded reinsurance does not relieve the originating insurer of liability. The Company reinsures most of its new variable life, UL and term life policies on an excess of retention basis. The Company generally retains up to $25 million on each single-life policy and $30 million on each second-to-die policy, with the excess 100% reinsured. The Company also reinsures the entire risk on certain substandard underwriting risks and in certain other cases. At December 31, 2015 , the Company had reinsured with non-affiliates and affiliates in the aggregate approximately 4.1% and 48.4% , respectively, of its current exposure to the GMDB obligation on annuity contracts in-force and, subject to certain maximum amounts or caps in any one period, approximately 19.6% and 54.6% , respectively, of its current liability exposure resulting from the GMIB feature. See Note 8. Based on management’s estimates of future contract cash flows and experience, the fair values of the GMIB reinsurance contracts, considered derivatives at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $10,570 million and $10,711 million , respectively. The increases (decreases) in fair value were $(141) million , $3,964 million and $(4,297) million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, third-party reinsurance recoverables related to insurance contracts amounted to $2,458 million and $2,367 million , of which $2,005 million and $2,069 million related to three specific reinsurers, which were Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. (AA - rating), Paul Revere Life Insurance Company (A rating) and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (AA- rating). At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , affiliated reinsurance recoverables related to insurance contracts amounted to $2,009 million and $1,684 million , respectively. A contingent liability exists with respect to reinsurance should the reinsurers be unable to meet their obligations. Reinsurance payables related to insurance contracts were $131 million and $74 million , at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company cedes substantially all of its group life and health business to a third party insurer. Insurance liabilities ceded totaled $92 million and $110 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company also cedes a portion of its extended term insurance and paid-up life insurance and substantially all of its individual disability income business through various coinsurance agreements. The Company has also assumed accident, health, annuity, aviation and space risks by participating in or reinsuring various reinsurance pools and arrangements. In addition to the sale of insurance products, AXA Equitable currently acts as a professional retrocessionaire by assuming life reinsurance from professional reinsurers. Reinsurance assumed reserves at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $744 million and $757 million , respectively. For affiliated reinsurance agreements see Note 11 "Related Party Transactions." The following table summarizes the effect of reinsurance: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Direct premiums $ 820 $ 844 $ 848 Reinsurance assumed 207 211 213 Reinsurance ceded (539 ) (541 ) (565 ) Premiums $ 488 $ 514 $ 496 Universal Life and Investment-type Product Policy Fee Income Ceded $ 279 $ 270 $ 247 Policyholders’ Benefits Ceded $ 527 $ 726 $ 703 Individual Disability Income and Major Medical Claim reserves and associated liabilities net of reinsurance ceded for individual DI and major medical policies were $80 million and $78 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, $1,652 million and $1,714 million of DI reserves and associated liabilities were ceded through indemnity reinsurance agreements with a singular reinsurance group, rated AA-. Net incurred benefits (benefits paid plus changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual DI and major medical policies are summarized below: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Incurred benefits related to current year $ 11 $ 14 $ 15 Incurred benefits related to prior years 22 16 10 Total Incurred Benefits $ 33 $ 30 $ 25 Benefits paid related to current year $ 18 $ 20 $ 19 Benefits paid related to prior years 13 11 13 Total Benefits Paid $ 31 $ 31 $ 32

SHORT-TERM DEBT

SHORT-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-Term Debt	SHORT-TERM DEBT Short-term debt consists of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Short-term debt: AB: Commercial paper (with interest rates of 0.5% and 0.3%) $ 584 $ 489 AXA Equitable: Surplus Notes, 7.7%, due 2015 — 200 Total short-term debt $ 584 $ 689 Short-term Debt AB has a $1,000 million committed, unsecured senior revolving credit facility (“AB Credit Facility”) with a group of commercial banks and other lenders. The AB Credit Facility provides for possible increases in the principal amount by up to an aggregate incremental amount of $250 million , any such increase being subject to the consent of the affected lenders. The AB Credit Facility is available for AB’s and SCB LLC’s business purposes, including the support of AB’s $1,000 million commercial paper program. Both AB and SCB LLC can draw directly under the AB Credit Facility and management may draw on the AB Credit Facility from time to time. AB has agreed to guarantee the obligations of SCB LLC under the AB Credit Facility. The AB Credit Facility contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants, which are customary for facilities of this type, including, among other things, restrictions on dispositions of assets, restrictions on liens, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2015 , AB and SCB LLC were in compliance with these covenants. The AB Credit Facility also includes customary events of default (with customary grace periods, as applicable), including provisions under which, upon the occurrence of an event of default, all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or lender’s commitments may be terminated. Also, under such provisions, upon the occurrence of certain insolvency- or bankruptcy-related events of default, all amounts payable under the AB Credit Facility automatically would become immediately due and payable, and the lender’s commitments automatically would terminate. On October 22, 2014, as part of an amendment and restatement, the maturity date of the AB Credit Facility was extended from January 17, 2017 to October 22, 2019. There were no other significant changes included in the amendment. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , AB and SCB LLC had no amounts outstanding under the AB Credit Facility. During 2015 and 2014 , AB and SCB LLC did not draw upon the AB Credit Facility. In addition, SCB LLC has three uncommitted lines of credit with three financial institutions. Two of these lines of credit permit SCB LLC to borrow up to an aggregate of approximately $200 million , with AB named as an additional borrower, while one has no stated limit. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , SCB LLC had no bank loans outstanding.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Loans to Affiliates In September 2007, AXA issued a $650 million 5.4% Senior Unsecured Note to AXA Equitable. The note pays interest semi-annually and was scheduled to mature on September 30, 2012. In March 2011, the maturity date of the note was extended to December 30, 2020 and the interest rate was increased to 5.7% . In June 2009, AXA Equitable sold real estate property valued at $1,100 million to a non-insurance subsidiary of AXA Financial in exchange for $700 million in cash and $400 million in 8.0% ten year term mortgage notes on the property reported in Loans to affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets. In November 2014, this loan was refinanced and a new $382 million , seven year term loan with an interest rate of 4.0% was issued. In third quarter 2013, AXA Equitable purchased, at fair value, AXA Arizona’s $50 million note receivable from AXA for $56 million . This note pays interest semi-annually at an interest rate of 5.4% and matures on December 15, 2020. Loans from Affiliates In 2005, AXA Equitable issued a surplus note to AXA Financial in the amount of $325 million with an interest rate of 6.0% and was scheduled to mature on December 1, 2035. In December 2014, AXA Equitable repaid this note at par value plus interest accrued of $1 million to AXA Financial. In December 2008, AXA Equitable issued a $500 million callable 7.1% surplus note to AXA Financial. The note pays interest semi-annually and was scheduled to mature on December 1, 2018. In June 2014, AXA Equitable repaid this note at par value plus interest accrued of $3 million to AXA Financial. Other Transactions Effective December 31, 2015, primary liability for the obligations of AXA Equitable under the AXA Equitable Qualified Pension Plan (“AXA Equitable QP”) was transferred from AXA Equitable to AXA Financial under terms of an Assumption Agreement. For additional information regarding this transaction see Note 12. In third quarter 2013, AXA Equitable purchased, at fair value, MONY Life Insurance Company’s (“MONY Life”), equity interest in limited partnerships for $53 million and MONY Life’s CMBS portfolio for $31 million . MONY Life was a subsidiary of AXA Financial through October 1, 2013. The Company reimburses AXA Financial for expenses related to certain employee compensation and benefits. Such reimbursement is based on the cost to AXA Financial of the benefits provided which totaled $20 million , $29 million and $40 million , respectively, for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, the Company paid AXA Distribution Holding Corporation ("AXA Distribution") and its subsidiaries $603 million , $616 million and $621 million of commissions and fees for sales of insurance products. The Company charged AXA Distribution’s subsidiaries $321 million , $325 million and $345 million , respectively, for their applicable share of operating expenses in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , pursuant to Service agreement. AXA Distributors received $13 million , $2 million and $2 million in commissions and fees for the sale of MONY Life Insurance Company of America ("MONY America") insurance products in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. AXA Distributors is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AXA Equitable. The Company has implemented capital management actions to mitigate statutory reserve strain for certain level term and UL policies with secondary guarantees and GMDB and GMIB riders on the Accumulator ® products through reinsurance transactions with AXA RE Arizona Company (“AXA Arizona”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial. The Company currently reinsures to AXA Arizona, a 100% quota share of all liabilities for variable annuities with enhanced GMDB and GMIB riders issued on or after January 1, 2006 and in-force on September 30, 2008. AXA Arizona also reinsures a 90% quota share of level premium term insurance issued by AXA Equitable on or after March 1, 2003 through December 31, 2008 and lapse protection riders under UL insurance policies issued by AXA Equitable on or after June 1, 2003 through June 30, 2007. The reinsurance arrangements with AXA Arizona provide important capital management benefits to AXA Equitable. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company’s GMIB reinsurance asset with AXA Arizona had carrying values of $8,741 million and $8,560 million , respectively, and is reported in Guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance asset, at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Ceded premiums in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 related to the UL and no lapse guarantee riders totaled approximately $453 million , $453 million and $474 million , respectively. Ceded claims paid in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $54 million , $83 million and $70 million , respectively. AXA Equitable receives statutory reserve credits for reinsurance treaties with AXA Arizona to the extent that AXA Arizona holds assets in an irrevocable trust (the “Trust”) ( $9,099 million at December 31, 2015 ) and/or letters of credit ( $3,205 million at December 31, 2015 ). These letters of credit are guaranteed by AXA. Under the reinsurance transactions, AXA Arizona is permitted to transfer assets from the Trust under certain circumstances. The level of statutory reserves held by AXA Arizona fluctuate based on market movements, mortality experience and policyholder behavior. Increasing reserve requirements may necessitate that additional assets be placed in trust and/or securing additional letters of credit, which could adversely impact AXA Arizona’s liquidity. Various AXA affiliates, including AXA Equitable, cede a portion of their life, health and catastrophe insurance business through reinsurance agreements to AXA Global Life, an affiliate. AXA Global Life, in turn, retrocedes a quota share portion of these risks prior to 2008 to AXA Equitable on a one-year term basis. AXA Life Insurance Company Ltd (Japan), an AXA subsidiary, cedes a portion of their annuity business to AXA Equitable. Various AXA Financial affiliates cede a portion of their life business through excess of retention treaties to AXA Equitable on a yearly renewal term basis. Premiums earned from the above mentioned affiliated reinsurance transactions in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 totaled approximately $21 million , $22 million and $21 million , respectively. Claims and expenses paid in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $5 million , $10 million and $10 million , respectively. In April 2015, AXA entered into a mortality catastrophe bond based on general population mortality in each of France, Japan and the U.S. The purpose of the bond is to protect AXA against a severe worldwide pandemic. AXA Equitable entered into a stop loss reinsurance agreement with AXA Global Life to protect AXA Equitable with respect to a deterioration in its claim experience following the occurrence of an extreme mortality event. The reinsurance agreement was approved by the NYDFS with a retroactive effective date of January 1, 2015 and is due to expire on December 31, 2024. Premiums and expenses associated with the reinsurance agreement were $4 million in 2015. AXA Equitable provides personnel services, employee benefits, facilities, supplies and equipment under service agreements with certain AXA Financial subsidiaries and affiliates to conduct their business. The associated costs related to the service agreement are allocated based on methods that management believes are reasonable, including a review of the nature of such costs and activities performed to support each company. As a result of such allocations, AXA Equitable was reimbursed $94 million , $75 million and $148 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Both AXA Equitable and AB, along with other AXA affiliates, participate in certain intercompany cost sharing and service agreements including technology and professional development arrangements. AXA Equitable and AB incurred expenses under such agreements of approximately $164 million , $173 million and $165 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Expense reimbursements by AXA and AXA affiliates to AXA Equitable under such agreements totaled approximately $14 million , $15 million and $24 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The net receivable (payable) related to these contracts was approximately $1 million and $3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. During 2015, 2014 and 2013 AXA Equitable FMG earned $707 million , $711 million and $690 million , respectively of Investment management and administrative fees from EQAT, VIP Trust, 1290 Funds (since inception in 2014) and Other AXA Trusts. Accounts receivable from these transactions were $47 million and $48 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Commissions, fees and other income includes certain revenues for services provided to mutual funds managed by AB. These revenues are described below: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Investment advisory and services fees $ 1,056 $ 1,062 $ 1,010 Distribution revenues 415 433 455 Other revenues - shareholder servicing fees 85 91 91 Other revenues - other 5 6 6

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AXA Equitable Retirement Plans AXA Equitable sponsors the AXA Equitable 401(k) Plan, a qualified defined contribution plan for eligible employees and financial professionals. The plan provides for both a company contribution and a discretionary profit-sharing contribution. Expenses associated with this 401(k) Plan were $18 million , $18 million and $0 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. AXA Equitable also sponsors the AXA Equitable Retirement Plan (the “AXA Equitable QP”), a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering its eligible employees (including certain qualified part-time employees) and financial professionals. This pension plan is non-contributory and its benefits are generally based on a cash balance formula and/or, for certain participants, years of service and average earnings over a specified period in the plan. Effective December 31, 2015, primary liability for the obligations of AXA Equitable under the AXA Equitable QP was transferred from AXA Equitable to AXA Financial under the terms of an Assumption Agreement (the “Assumption Transaction”). Immediately preceding the Assumption Transaction, the AXA Equitable QP had plan assets (held in a trust for the exclusive benefit of plan participants) with market value of approximately $2,236 million and liabilities of approximately $2,447 million . The assumption by AXA Financial and resulting extinguishment of AXA Equitable’s primary liability for its obligations under the AXA Equitable QP was recognized by AXA Equitable as a capital contribution in the amount of $211 million ( $137 million , net of tax), reflecting the non-cash settlement of its net unfunded liability for the AXA Equitable QP at December 31, 2015. In addition, approximately $1,193 million ( $772 million , net of tax) unrecognized net actuarial losses related to the AXA Equitable QP and accumulated in AOCI were also transferred to AXA Financial due to the Assumption Transaction. AXA Equitable remains secondarily liable for its obligations under the AXA Equitable QP and would recognize such liability in the event AXA Financial does not perform under the terms of the Assumption Agreement. AXA Equitable announced in the third quarter of 2013 that benefit accruals under the AXA Equitable QP would be discontinued after December 31, 2013. This plan curtailment resulted in a decrease in the Projected Benefit Obligation (“PBO”) of approximately $29 million , which was offset against existing deferred losses in AOCI, and recognition of a $3 million curtailment loss from accelerated recognition of existing prior service costs accumulated in OCI. AB Retirement Plans AB maintains the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of AB, a tax-qualified retirement plan for U.S. employees. Employer contributions under this plan are discretionary and generally are limited to the amount deductible for Federal income tax purposes. AB also maintains a qualified, non-contributory, defined benefit retirement plan covering current and former employees who were employed by AB in the United States prior to October 2, 2000. AB’s benefits are based on years of credited service and average final base salary. Measurement Date The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension plans. Contributions and Funding Policy For 2015 , no cash contributions were made by AXA Equitable and AB to their respective qualified pension plans. The funding policy of the Company for its qualified pension plans is to satisfy its funding obligations each year in an amount not less than the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “Pension Act”), and not greater than the maximum it can deduct for Federal income tax purposes . Based on the funded status of the plans at December 31, 2015 , no minimum contribution is required to be made to either plan in 2016 under ERISA, as amended by the Pension Act, but management is currently evaluating if it will make contributions during 2016 . Similarly, AB currently does not plan to make a contribution to its pension plan during 2016 . Net Periodic Pension Expense Components of net periodic pension expense for the Company’s qualified plans were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Service cost $ 8 $ 9 $ 40 Interest cost 93 107 99 Expected return on assets (159 ) (155 ) (155 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 1 1 1 Net amortization 110 111 155 Curtailment — — 3 Net Periodic Pension Expense $ 53 $ 73 $ 143 Changes in PBO Changes in the PBO of the Company’s qualified plans were comprised of: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 2,657 $ 2,463 Service cost — — Interest cost 93 107 Actuarial (gains) losses (6 ) 264 Benefits paid (169 ) (177 ) Plan amendments and curtailments 1 — Projected Benefit Obligation 2,576 2,657 Transfer to AXA Financial (2,447 ) — Projected Benefit Obligation, End of Year $ 129 $ 2,657 Changes in Plan Assets/Funded Status The following table discloses the changes in plan assets and the funded status of the Company’s qualified pension plans. The fair value of plan assets supporting the AXA Equitable QP liability was not impacted by the Assumption Transaction and the payment of plan benefits will continue to be made from the plan assets held in trust for the exclusive benefit of plan participants. December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Pension plan assets at fair value, beginning of year $ 2,473 $ 2,401 Actual return on plan assets 24 250 Contributions — 6 Benefits paid and fees (175 ) (184 ) Pension plan assets at fair value, end of year 2,322 2,473 PBO, immediately preceding the Transfer to AXA Financial 2,576 2,657 Excess of PBO Over Pension Plan Assets, immediately preceding the Transfer to AXA Financial (254 ) (184 ) Transfer to AXA Financial $ 211 $ — Excess of PBO Over Pension Plan Assets, end of year $ (43 ) $ (184 ) Amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets to reflect the funded status of these plans were accrued pension costs of $43 million and $184 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The aggregate PBO/accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") and fair value of pension plan assets for plans with PBOs/ABOs in excess of those assets were $2,576 million and $2,322 million , respectively, at December 31, 2015 and $2,657 million and $2,473 million , respectively, at December 31, 2014 . Unrecognized Net Actuarial (Gain) Loss The following table discloses the amounts included in AOCI at December 31, 2015 and 2014 that have not yet been recognized by AXA Equitable as components of net periodic pension cost. Not shown in the table at December 31, 2015 is approximately $1,193 million unrecognized net actuarial losses related to the AXA Equitable QP and accumulated in AOCI transferred to AXA Financial due to the Assumption Transaction. December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss $ 49 $ 1,144 Unrecognized prior service cost (credit) 1 — Total $ 50 $ 1,144 The estimated net actuarial (gain) loss and prior service cost (credit) expected to be reclassified from AOCI and recognized as components of net periodic pension cost over the next year are approximately $340,000 and $0 , respectively. Pension Plan Assets The fair values of qualified pension plan assets are measured and ascribed to levels within the fair value hierarchy in a manner consistent with the invested assets of the Company that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. See Note 2 for a description of the fair value hierarchy. 2015 - Immediately following the Assumption Transaction, the total fair value of plan assets for the qualified pension plans of the Company at December 31, 2015 was approximately $86 million , all supporting the AB qualified retirement plan. 2014 - The tables below disclose the allocation of the approximately $2,473 million fair value of total plan assets for the qualified pension plans of the Company and their level of observability within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014 . At December 31, 2014, assets classified as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 comprised approximately 32.4% , 57.6% and 10.0% , respectively, of qualified pension plan assets. During 2014, there were no transfers in/out of the Level 3 plan asset classification; activity in Level 3 consisted only of actual returns of approximately $22 million on those assets. Except for an investment at December 31, 2014 of approximately $1 million in a private REIT through a pooled separate account, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk arising within or across categories of qualified pension plan assets. December 31, 2015 2014 Fixed Maturities 24.0 % 49.4 % Equity Securities 56.0 38.8 Equity real estate — 9.8 Cash and short-term investments — 1.3 Other 20.0 0.7 Total 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31, 2015: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Categories (In Millions) Fixed Maturities: Other structured debt $ — $ 9 $ — $ 9 Common and preferred equity 24 — — 24 Mutual funds 43 — — 43 Private real estate investment trusts — 10 — 10 Total $ 67 $ 19 $ — $ 86 December 31, 2014: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Categories (In Millions) Fixed Maturities: Corporate $ — $ 833 $ — $ 833 U.S. Treasury, government and agency — 358 — 358 States and political subdivisions — 18 — 18 Other structured debt — 9 3 12 Common and preferred equity 743 177 — 920 Mutual funds 46 — — 46 Private real estate investment funds — — 1 1 Private real estate investment trusts — 10 242 252 Cash and cash equivalents 13 — — 13 Short-term investments — 20 — 20 Total $ 802 $ 1,425 $ 246 $ 2,473 Plan asset guidelines for the AB qualified retirement plan specify an allocation weighting of 30% to 60% for return seeking investments (target of 40% ), 10% to 30% for risk mitigating investments (target of 15% ), 0% to 25% for diversifying investments (target of 17% ) and 18% to 38% for dynamic asset allocation (target of 28% ). Investments in mutual funds, hedge funds (and other alternative investments), and other commingled investment vehicles are permitted under the guidelines. Investments are permitted in overlay portfolios (regulated mutual funds) to complement the long-term strategic asset allocation. This portfolio overlay strategy is designed to manage short-term portfolio risk and mitigate the effect of extreme outcomes by varying the asset allocation of a portfolio through investment in the overlay portfolios. Discount Rate and Other Assumptions The discount rate assumptions used by AXA Equitable to measure the benefits obligations and related net periodic cost of the AXA Equitable QP reflect the rates at which those benefits could be effectively settled. Projected nominal cash outflows to fund expected annual benefits payments under the AXA Equitable QP were discounted using a published high-quality bond yield curve for which AXA Equitable replaced its reference to the Citigroup-AA curve with the Citigroup Above-Median-AA curve beginning in 2014, thereby reducing the PBO of AXA Equitable’s qualified pension plan and the related charge to equity to adjust the funded status of the plan by $25 million in 2014. At December 31, 2015, AXA Equitable refined its calculation of the discount rate to use the discrete single equivalent discount rate for each plan as compared to its previous use of an aggregate, weighted average practical expedient. Use of the discrete approach at December 31, 2015 produced a discount rate for the AXA Equitable QP of 3.98% as compared to a 4.00% aggregate rate, thereby increasing the net unfunded PBO of the AXA Equitable QP immediately preceding the Assumption Transaction by approximately $4 million in 2015. In fourth quarter 2015, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) released MP-2015, an update to the mortality projection scale issued last year by the SOA, indicating that while mortality data continued to show longer lives, longevity was increasing at a slower rate and lagging behind that previously suggested. For the year ended December 31, 2015 valuations of its defined benefits plans, AXA Equitable considered this new data as well as observations made from current practice regarding how best to estimate improved trends in life expectancies. As a result, AXA Equitable concluded to change the mortality projection scale used to measure and report its defined benefit obligations from 125% Scale AA to Scale BB, representing a reasonable “fit” to the results of the AXA Equitable QP mortality experience study and more aligned to current thinking in practice with respect to projections of mortality improvements. Adoption of that change increased the net unfunded PBO of the AXA Equitable QP immediately preceding the Assumption Transaction by approximately $83 million . At December 31, 2014, AXA Equitable modified its then-current use of Scale AA by adopting 125% Scale AA and introduced additional refinements to its projection of assumed mortality, including use of a full generational approach, thereby increasing the year-end 2014 valuation of the AXA Equitable QP PBO by approximately $54 million . The following table discloses assumptions used to measure the Company’s pension benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost at and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . As described above, AXA Equitable refined its calculation of the discount rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 valuation of its defined benefits plans to use the discrete single equivalent discount rate for each plan as compared to its previous use of an aggregate, weighted average practical expedient. December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rates: AXA Equitable QP, immediately preceding Transfer to AXA Financial 3.98 % N/A Other AXA Equitable defined benefit plans 3.66 % N/A AB Qualified Retirement Plan 4.3 % N/A Benefits obligations (aggregate methodology for 2014) N/A 3.6 % Periodic cost 3.6 % 3.6 % Rates of compensation increase: Benefit obligation 6.00 % 6.00 % Periodic cost 6.46 % 6.00 % Expected long-term rates of return on pension plan assets (periodic cost) 6.75 % 6.75 % The expected long-term rate of return assumption on plan assets is based upon the target asset allocation of the plan portfolio and is determined using forward-looking assumptions in the context of historical returns and volatilities for each asset class. Prior to 1987, participants’ benefits under the AXA Equitable QP were funded through the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts from AXA Equitable. Benefit payments under these contracts were approximately $6 million , $10 million and $10 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Future Benefits The following table provides an estimate of future benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years, beginning January 1, 2016, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter, all of which are subsequent to the Assumption Transaction. These estimates are based on the same assumptions used to measure the respective benefit obligations at December 31, 2015 and include benefits attributable to estimated future employee service. Pension Benefits (In Millions) 2016 $ 6 2017 4 2018 5 2019 6 2020 5 Years 2021-2025 36 AXA Financial Assumptions In addition to the Assumption Transaction, since December 31, 1999, AXA Financial has legally assumed primary liability from AXA Equitable for all current and future liabilities of AXA Equitable under certain employee benefit plans that provide participants with medical, life insurance, and deferred compensation benefits; AXA Equitable remains secondarily liable. AXA Equitable reimburses AXA Financial, Inc. for costs associated with all of these plans, as described in Note 11.

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSAT

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based and Other Compensation Programs	SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS AXA and AXA Financial sponsor various share-based compensation plans for eligible employees, financial professionals and non-officer directors of AXA Financial and its subsidiaries, including the Company. AB also sponsors its own unit option plans for certain of its employees. Compensations costs for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 for share-based payment arrangements as further described herein are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Performance Units/Shares $ 18 $ 10 $ 43 Stock Options 1 1 2 AXA Shareplan 16 10 13 AB Stock Options — — (4 ) AB Restricted Units 174 171 286 Other Compensation plans (1) 2 — — Total Compensation Expenses $ 211 $ 192 $ 340 (1) Other compensation plans include Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock and AXA Miles. U.S. employees are granted AXA ordinary share options under the Stock Option Plan for AXA Financial Employees and Associates (the “Stock Option Plan”) and are granted AXA performance shares under the AXA International Performance Share Plan (the “Performance Share Plan”). Prior to 2013, they were granted performance units under the AXA Performance Unit Plan. Non-officer directors of AXA Financial and certain subsidiaries (including AXA Equitable) are granted restricted AXA ordinary shares (prior to 2011, AXA ADRs) and unrestricted AXA ordinary shares (prior to March 15, 2010, AXA ADRs) annually under The Equity Plan for Directors. They also were granted stock options in years prior to 2014. Performance Units and Performance Shares 2015 Grant . On June 19, 2015, under the terms of the 2015 Performance Share Plan, AXA awarded approximately 1.7 million unearned performance shares to employees of AXA Equitable. The extent to which 2015-2017 cumulative performance targets measuring the performance of AXA and the insurance related businesses of AXA Financial Group are achieved will determine the number of performance shares earned, which may vary in linear formula between 0% and 130% of the number of performance shares at stake. The performance shares earned during this performance period will vest and be settled on the fourth anniversary of the award date. The plan will settle in shares to all participants. In 2015 , the expense associated with the June 19, 2015 grant of performance shares were $8 million . Settlement of 2012 Grant in 2015. On April 2, 2015, cash distributions of approximately $53 million were made to active and former AXA Equitable employees in settlement of 2,273,008 performance units earned under the terms of the AXA Performance Unit Plan 2012. 2014 Grant . On March 24, 2014, under the terms of the 2014 Performance Share Plan, AXA awarded approximately 2 million unearned performance shares to employees of AXA Equitable. The extent to which 2014-2016 cumulative performance targets measuring the performance of AXA and the insurance-related businesses of AXA Financial Group are achieved will determine the number of performance shares earned, which may vary in linear formula between 0% and 130% of the number of performance shares at stake. The first tranche of the performance shares will vest and be settled on the third anniversary of the award date; the second tranche of these performance shares will vest and be settled on the fourth anniversary of the award date. The plan will settle in shares to all participants. In 2015 and 2014 , the expense associated with the March 24, 2014 grant of performance shares was approximately $4 million and $9 million , respectively. Settlement of 2011 Grant in 2014. On April 3, 2014, cash distributions of approximately $26 million were made to active and former AXA Equitable employees in settlement of 986,580 performance units earned under the terms of the AXA Performance Unit Plan 2011. 2013 Grant . On March 22, 2013, under the terms of the 2013 Performance Share Plan, AXA awarded approximately 2.2 million unearned performance shares to employees of AXA Equitable. 119.58% of the unearned performance shares were earned based on the performance of AXA and the insurance-related business of AXA Financial Group. The earned performance shares will vest and be settled on the third anniversary of the award date. The plan will settle in shares to all participants. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the expense associated with the March 22, 2013 grant of performance shares was approximately $7 million , $2 million and $11 million , respectively. 50% Settlement of 2010 Grant in 2013. On April 4, 2013, cash distributions of approximately $7 million and share distributions of approximately $49,000 were made to active and former AXA Equitable employees in settlement of 390,460 performance units, representing the remaining 50 percent of the number of performance units earned under the terms of the AXA Performance Unit Plan 2010. Cash distributions of approximately $9 million in settlement of approximately 539,000 performance units, representing the first 50 percent of the performance units earned under the terms of the AXA Performance Unit Plan 2010 were distributed in April 2012. For 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recognized compensation costs of $18 million , $10 million and $43 million , respectively, for performance shares and units earned to date. The fair values of awards made under these programs are measured at the grant date by reference to the closing price of the AXA ordinary share, and the result, as adjusted for achievement of performance targets and pre-vesting forfeitures, generally is attributed over the shorter of the requisite service period, the performance period, if any, or to the date at which retirement eligibility is achieved and subsequent service no longer is required for continued vesting of the award. Remeasurements of fair value for subsequent price changes until settlement are made only for performance unit awards as they are settled in cash. The fair value of performance units earned and reported in Other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $0 and $58 million , respectively. Approximately 2 million outstanding performance shares are at risk to achievement of 2016 performance criteria, primarily representing all of the performance shares granted June 19, 2015 and the second tranche of performance shares granted March 24, 2014, for which cumulative average 2015-2017 and 2014-2016 performance targets will determine the number of performance shares earned under those awards, respectively. Stock Options 2015 Grant . On June 19, 2015, 442,885 options to purchase AXA ordinary shares were granted to employees of AXA Equitable under the terms of the Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of 22.90 euros. All of those options have a five -year graded vesting schedule, with one-third vesting on each of the third, fourth, and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. Of the total options awarded on June 19, 2015, 244,597 are further subject to conditional vesting terms that require the AXA ordinary share price to outperform the Euro Stoxx Insurance Index over a specified period. All of the options granted on June 19, 2015 have a ten -year term. The weighted average grant date fair value per option award was estimated at 1.58 euros using a Black-Scholes options pricing model with modification to measure the value of the conditional vesting feature. Key assumptions used in the valuation included expected volatility of 23.68% , a weighted average expected term of 8.2 years, an expected dividend yield of 6.29% and a risk-free interest rate of 0.92% . The total fair value of these options (net of expected forfeitures) of approximately $1 million is charged to expense over the shorter of the vesting term or the period up to the date at which the participant becomes retirement eligible. In 2015, the Company recognized expenses associated with the June 19, 2015 grant of options of approximately $333,000 . 2014 Grant . On March 24, 2014, 395,720 options to purchase AXA ordinary shares were granted to employees of AXA Equitable under the terms of the Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of 18.68 euros All of those options have a five -year graded vesting schedule, with one-third vesting on each of the third, fourth, and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. Of the total options awarded on March 24, 2014, 214,174 are further subject to conditional vesting terms that require the AXA ordinary share price to outperform the Euro Stoxx Insurance Index over a specified period. All of the options granted on March 24, 2014 have a ten -year term. The weighted average grant date fair value per option award was estimated at $2.89 using a Black-Scholes options pricing model with modification to measure the value of the conditional vesting feature. Key assumptions used in the valuation included expected volatility of 29.24% , a weighted average expected term of 8.2 years , an expected dividend yield of 6.38% and a risk-free interest rate of 1.54% . The total fair value of these options (net of expected forfeitures) of approximately $1 million is charged to expense over the shorter of the vesting term or the period up to the date at which the participant becomes retirement eligible. In 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized expenses associated with the March 24, 2014 grant of options of approximately $216,000 and $345,000 , respectively. 2013 Grant On March 22, 2013, approximately 457,000 options to purchase AXA ordinary shares were granted to employees of AXA Equitable under the terms of the Stock Option Plan at an exercise price of 13.81 euros. All of those options have a four -year graded vesting schedule, with one-third vesting on each of the second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Approximately 246,000 of the total options awarded on March 22, 2013 are further subject to conditional vesting terms that require the AXA ordinary share price to outperform the Euro Stoxx Insurance Index over a specified period. All of the options granted on March 22, 2013 have a ten -year term. The weighted average grant date fair value per option award was estimated at $1.79 using a Black-Scholes options pricing model with modification to measure the value of the conditional vesting feature. Key assumptions used in the valuation included expected volatility of 31.27% , a weighted average expected term of 7.7 years , an expected dividend yield of 7.52% and a risk-free interest rate of 1.34% . The total fair value of these options (net of expected forfeitures) of $818,597 is charged to expense over the shorter of the vesting term or the period up to the date at which the participant becomes retirement eligible. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized expenses associated with the March 22, 2013 grant of options of approximately $71,000 , $131,000 and $357,000 , respectively. Shares Authorized There is no limitation in the Stock Option Plan or the Equity Plan for Directors on the number of shares that may be issued pursuant to option or other grants. A summary of the activity in the AXA, AXA Financial and AB option plans during 2015 follows: Options Outstanding AXA Ordinary Shares AXA ADRs (3) AB Holding Units Number Outstanding (In 000’s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Outstanding (In 000’s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Outstanding (In 000’s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable at January 1, 2015 16,837.9 € 21.39 1,105.2 $ 25.53 5,942.4 $ 45.03 Options granted 444.0 € 22.90 — $ — 29.1 $ 31.74 Options exercised (4,196.7 ) € 18.26 (510.7 ) $ 25.33 (541.1 ) $ 17.06 Options forfeited, net (483.1 ) € 22.75 (553.5 ) $ 25.59 (23.1 ) $ 89.95 Options expired/reinstated — — — — (8.8 ) $ 45.45 Options Outstanding at December 31, 2015 12,602.1 € 21.39 41.0 $ 27.28 5,398.5 $ 47.59 Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) — (2) $ 245.3 — Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) 3.0 2.36 2.90 Options Exercisable at December 31, 2015 10,074.6 € 22.50 40.9 $ 27.28 4,736.7 43.04 Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) — $ 245.3 — Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) 2.48 2.36 2.90 (1) Aggregate intrinsic value, presented in millions, is calculated as the excess of the closing market price on December 31, 2015 of the respective underlying shares over the strike prices of the option awards. (2) The aggregate intrinsic value on options outstanding, exercisable and expected to vest is negative and is therefore presented as zero. (3) AXA ordinary shares will be delivered to participants in lieu of AXA ADRs at exercise or maturity. Cash proceeds received from exercises of stock options in 2015 was $13 million . The intrinsic value related to exercises of stock options during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were approximately $200,000 , $3 million and $14 million respectively, resulting in amounts currently deductible for tax purposes of approximately $70,000 , $1 million , and $5 million , respectively, for the periods then ended. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , windfall tax benefits of approximately $70,000 , $1 million and $5 million , respectively, resulted from exercises of stock option awards. At December 31, 2015 , AXA Financial held 2,262 AXA ordinary shares in treasury at a weighted average cost of $24.86 per share, which were designated to fund future exercises of outstanding stock options. For the purpose of estimating the fair value of stock option awards, the Company applies the Black-Scholes model and attributes the result over the requisite service period using the graded-vesting method. A Monte-Carlo simulation approach was used to model the fair value of the conditional vesting feature of the awards of options to purchase AXA ordinary shares. Shown below are the relevant input assumptions used to derive the fair values of options awarded in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. AXA Ordinary Shares AB Holding Units 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 6.29 % 6.38 % 7.52 % 7.1 % 8.4 % 8.0-8.3 % Expected volatility 23.68 % 29.24 % 31.27 % 32.1 % 48.9 % 49.7-49.8 % Risk-free interest rates 0.92 % 1.54 % 1.34 % 1.5 % 1.5 % 0.8-1.7% Expected life in years 8.2 8.2 7.7 6.0 6.0 6.0 Weighted average fair value per option at grant date $ 1.73 $ 2.89 $ 1.79 $ 4.13 $ 4.78 $ 5.44 For 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recognized compensation costs (credits) for stock options of $1 million , $1 million and $(2) million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , approximately $1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards, net of estimated pre-vesting forfeitures, is expected to be recognized by the Company over a weighted average period of 2.48 years. Restricted Awards Under The Equity Plan for Directors, AXA Financial grants non-officer directors of AXA Financial and certain subsidiaries (including AXA Equitable) restricted AXA ordinary shares Likewise, AB awards restricted AB Holding units to independent members of its General Partner. In addition, under its Century Club Plan, awards of restricted AB Holding units that vest ratably over three years are made to eligible AB employees whose primary responsibilities are to assist in the distribution of company-sponsored mutual funds. AXA Equitable has also granted restricted AXA ordinary share units (“RSUs”) to certain executives. The RSUs are phantom AXA ordinary shares that, once vested, entitle the recipient to a cash payment based on the average closing price of the AXA ordinary share over the twenty trading days immediately preceding the vesting date. For 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, the Company recognized compensation costs of $174 million , $171 million and $286 million for outstanding restricted stock and RSUs. The fair values of awards made under these programs are measured at the grant date by reference to the closing price of the unrestricted shares, and the result generally is attributed over the shorter of the requisite service period, the performance period, if any, or to the date at which retirement eligibility is achieved and subsequent service no longer is required for continued vesting of the award. Remeasurements of fair value for subsequent price changes until settlement are made only for RSUs. At December 31, 2015 , approximately 19.8 million restricted AXA ordinary shares and AB Holding unit awards remain unvested. At December 31, 2015 , approximately $36 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to these unvested awards, net of estimated pre-vesting forfeitures, is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.20 years. The following table summarizes restricted AXA ordinary share activity for 2015 . In addition, approximately 44,333 RSUs were granted during 2015 with graded vesting over a 3 -year service period. Shares of Restricted Stock Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested as of January 1, 2015 51,460 $ 15.37 Granted 10,578 $ 23.25 Vested 28,028 $ 14.63 Unvested as of December 31, 2015 34,010 $ 18.43 Restricted AXA Ordinary shares vested in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 had aggregate vesting date fair values of approximately $1 million , $1 million and $1 million , respectively. Unrestricted Awards Under the Equity Plan for Directors, AXA Financial provides a stock retainer to non-officer directors of AXA Financial and certain subsidiaries (including AXA Equitable). Pursuant to the terms of the retainer, the non-officer directors receive AXA ordinary shares valued at $55,000 each year, paid on a semi-annual basis. These shares are not subject to any vesting requirement or other restriction. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized compensation expense of approximately $327,800 , $350,300 , and $350,000 for these unrestricted share awards. AXA Shareplan 2015 AXA Shareplan . In 2015 , eligible employees and financial professionals of participating AXA Financial subsidiaries were offered the opportunity to purchase newly-issued AXA stock, subject to plan limits, under the terms of AXA Shareplan 2015 . Eligible employees and financial professionals could have reserved a share purchase during the reservation period from August 31, 2015 through September 14, 2015 and could have canceled their reservation or elected to make a purchase for the first time during the retraction/subscription period from October 22, 2015 through October 27, 2015. The U.S. dollar purchase price was determined by applying the U.S. dollar/Euro forward exchange rate on October 21, 2015 to the discounted formula subscription price in Euros. “Investment Option A” permitted participants to purchase AXA ordinary shares at a 20% formula discounted price of $20.17 per share. “Investment Option B” permitted participants to purchase AXA ordinary shares at a 8.57% formula discounted price of $23.05 per share on a leveraged basis with a guaranteed return of initial investment plus a portion of any appreciation in the undiscounted value of the total shares purchased. For purposes of determining the amount of any appreciation, the AXA ordinary share price will be measured over a fifty-two week period preceding the scheduled end date of AXA Shareplan 2015 which is July 1, 2020. All subscriptions became binding and irrevocable on October 27, 2015. The Company recognized compensation expense of $16 million , $10 million and $13 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 in connection with each respective year’s offering of AXA stock under the AXA Shareplan, representing the aggregate discount provided to AXA Equitable participants for their purchase of AXA stock under each of those plans, as adjusted for the post-vesting, five -year holding period. AXA Equitable participants in AXA Shareplan 2015 , 2014 and 2013 primarily invested under Investment Option B for the purchase of approximately 5 million , 5 million and 5 million AXA ordinary shares, respectively. AXA Miles Program 2012 On March 16, 2012, under the terms of the AXA Miles Program 2012, AXA granted 50 AXA Miles to every employee and eligible financial professional of AXA Group for the purpose of enhancing long-term employee-shareholder engagement. Each AXA Mile represents a phantom share of AXA stock that will convert to an actual AXA ordinary share at the end of a four -year vesting period provided the employee or financial professional remains in the employ of the company or has retired from service. Half of each AXA Miles grant, or 25 AXA Miles, were subject to an additional vesting condition that required improvement in at least one of two AXA performance metrics in 2012 as compared to 2011. This vesting condition has been satisfied. The total fair value of these AXA Miles awards of approximately $6 million , net of expected forfeitures, is charged to expense over the shorter of the vesting term or the period up to the date at which the participant becomes retirement eligible and is updated to reflect changes in respect of the expectation for meeting the predefined performance conditions. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, the expense associated with the March 16, 2012 grant of AXA Miles was approximately $281,000 , $295,000 and $278,000 . AB Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans AB maintains several unfunded long-term incentive compensation plans for the benefit of certain eligible employees and executives. The AB Capital Accumulation Plan was frozen on December 31, 1987 and no additional awards have been made, however, ACMC, LLC (“ACMC”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Equitable, is obligated to make capital contributions to AB in amounts equal to benefits paid under this plan as well as other assumed contractual unfunded deferred compensation arrangements covering certain executives. Prior to changes implemented by AB in fourth quarter 2011, as further described below, compensation expense for the remaining active plans was recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting period. Prior to 2009, participants in these plans designated the percentages of their awards to be allocated among notional investments in Holding units or certain investment products (primarily mutual funds) sponsored by AB. Beginning in 2009, annual awards granted under the Amended and Restated AB Incentive Compensation Award Program were in the form of restricted Holding units. In fourth quarter 2011, AB implemented changes to AB’s employee long-term incentive compensation award. AB amended all outstanding year-end deferred incentive compensation awards of active employees (i.e., those employees employed as of December 31, 2011), so that employees who terminate their employment or are terminated without cause may continue to vest, so long as the employees do not violate the agreements and covenants set forth in the applicable award agreement, including restrictions on competition, employee and client solicitation, and a claw-back for failing to follow existing risk management policies. This amendment resulted in the immediate recognition in the fourth quarter of the cost of all unamortized deferred incentive compensation on outstanding awards from prior years that would otherwise have been expensed in future periods. In addition, awards granted in 2012 contain the same vesting provisions and, accordingly, the Company’s annual incentive compensation expense reflect 100% of the expense associated with the deferred incentive compensation awarded in each year. This approach to expense recognition closely matches the economic cost of awarding deferred incentive compensation to the period in which the related service is performed. AB engages in open-market purchases of AB Holding L.P. (“AB Holding”) units (“Holding units”) to help fund anticipated obligations under its incentive compensation award program, for purchases of Holding units from employees and other corporate purposes. During 2015 and 2014 , AB purchased 8.5 million and 3.6 million Holding units for $218 million and $93 million respectively. These amounts reflect open-market purchases of 5.8 million and 0.3 million Holding units for $151 million and $7 million , respectively, with the remainder relating to purchases of Holding units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of distribution of long-term incentive compensation awards, offset by Holding units purchased by employees as part of a distribution reinvestment election. During 2015 , AB granted to employees and eligible directors 7.4 million restricted AB Holding unit awards (including 7.0 million granted in December for 2015 year-end awards). During 2014 , AB granted to employees and eligible directors 7.6 million restricted AB Holding awards (including 6.6 million granted in December 2013 for 2014 year-end awards). Prior to third quarter 2014 , AB funded these awards by allocating previously repurchased Holding units that had been held in its consolidated rabbi trust. During 2015 and 2014, AB Holding issued 0.5 million and 1.1 million Holding units, respectively, upon exercise of options to buy AB Holding units. AB Holding used the proceeds of $9 million and $19 million , respectively, received from employees as payment in cash for the exercise price to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued Holding units. Effective July 1, 2013, management of AB and AB Holding retired all unallocated Holding units in AB’s consolidated rabbi trust. To retire such units, AB delivered the unallocated Holding units held in its consolidated rabbi trust to AB Holding in exchange for the same amount of AB units. Each entity then retired its respective units. As a result, on July 1, 2013, each of AB’s and AB Holding’s units outstanding decreased by approximately 13.1 million units. AB and AB Holding intend to retire additional units as AB purchases Holding units on the open market or from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of distribution of long-term incentive compensation awards, if such units are not required to fund new employee awards in the near future. If a sufficient number of Holding units is not available in the rabbi trust to fund new awards, AB Holding will issue new Holding units in exchange for newly-issued AB units, as was done in December 2013. The Company recorded compensation and benefit expenses in connection with these long-term incentive compensation plans of AB totaling $173 million , $173 million and $156 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The cost of the 2015 awards made in the form of restricted Holding units was measured, recognized, and disclosed as a share-based compensation program. On July 1, 2010, the AB 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2010 Plan”), as amended, was established, under which various types of Holding unit-based awards have been available for grant to its employees and eligible directors, including restricted or phantom restricted Holding unit awards, Holding unit appreciation rights and performance awards, and options to buy Holding units. The 2010 Plan will expire on June 30, 2020 and no awards under the 2010 Plan will be made after that date. Under the 2010 Plan, the aggregate number of Holding units with respect to which awards may be granted is 60 million , including no more than 30 million newly-issued Holding units. As of December 31, 2015 , 302,443 options to buy Holding units had been granted and 47.2 million Holding units net of forfeitures, were subject to other Holding unit awards made under the 2010 Plan. Holding unit-based awards (including options) in respect of 12.5 million Holding units were available for grant as of December 31, 2015 .

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES A summary of the income tax (expense) benefit in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Income tax (expense) benefit: Current (expense) benefit $ (36 ) $ (552 ) $ 197 Deferred (expense) benefit (150 ) (1,143 ) 1,876 Total $ (186 ) $ (1,695 ) $ 2,073 The Federal income taxes attributable to consolidated operations are different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interest by the expected Federal income tax rate of 35.0% . The sources of the difference and their tax effects are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Expected income tax (expense) benefit $ (578 ) $ (2,140 ) $ 1,858 Noncontrolling interest 124 119 101 Separate Accounts investment activity 181 116 122 Non-taxable investment income (loss) 8 12 20 Tax audit interest 1 (6 ) (14 ) State income taxes 1 (4 ) (6 ) AB Federal and foreign taxes 2 4 2 Tax settlement 77 212 — Other (2 ) (8 ) (10 ) Income tax (expense) benefit $ (186 ) $ (1,695 ) $ 2,073 In second quarter 2015, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $77 million related to settlement with the IRS on the appeal of proposed adjustments to the Company’s 2004 and 2005 Federal corporate income tax returns. In second quarter 2014 the Company recognized a tax benefit of $212 million related to settlement of the IRS audit for tax years 2006 and 2007. In February 2014, the IRS released Revenue Ruling 2014-7, eliminating the IRS’ previous guidance related to the methodology to be followed in calculating the Separate Account dividends received deduction (“DRD”). However, there remains the possibility that the IRS and the U.S. Treasury will address, through subsequent guidance, the issues previously raised related to the calculation of the DRD. The ultimate timing and substance of any such guidance is unknown. It is also possible that the calculation of the Separate Account DRD will be addressed in future legislation. Any such guidance or legislation could result in the elimination or reduction on either a retroactive or prospective basis of the Separate Account DRD tax benefit that the Company receives. The components of the net deferred income taxes are as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In Millions) Compensation and related benefits $ 110 $ — $ 150 $ — Reserves and reinsurance — 1,740 — 1,785 DAC — 1,253 — 1,162 Unrealized investment gains or losses — 134 — 614 Investments — 1,437 — 1,490 Net operating losses and credits 424 — 512 — Other 25 112 — Total $ 534 $ 4,589 $ 774 $ 5,051 As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had $424 million of AMT credits which do not expire. The Company does not provide income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries except to the extent that such earnings are not permanently invested outside the United States. As of December 31, 2015 , $255 million of accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries were permanently invested outside the United States. At existing applicable income tax rates, additional taxes of approximately $103 million would need to be provided if such earnings were remitted. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits $344 million and $397 million , respectively, would affect the effective rate. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. Interest and penalties included in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $52 million and $77 million , respectively. For 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, there were $(25) million , $(43) million and $15 million in interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits. A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Balance at January 1, $ 475 $ 592 $ 573 Additions for tax positions of prior years 44 56 57 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (101 ) (181 ) (38 ) Additions for tax positions of current year — 8 — Balance at December 31, $ 418 $ 475 $ 592 During the second quarter of 2015, the Company reached a settlement with the IRS on the appeal of proposed adjustments to the Company’s 2004 and 2005 Federal corporate income tax returns. The IRS commenced their examination of the 2008 and 2009 tax years in 2015. It is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefit will change within the next 12 months due to the conclusion of IRS proceedings and the addition of new issues for open tax years. The possible change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits cannot be estimated at this time.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) AOCI represents cumulative gains (losses) on items that are not reflected in earnings (loss). The balances for the past three years follow: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Unrealized gains (losses) on investments $ 241 $ 1,122 $ 153 Foreign currency translation adjustments (58 ) (33 ) (12 ) Defined benefit pension plans (12 ) (780 ) (757 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 171 309 (616 ) Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 57 42 13 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable $ 228 $ 351 $ (603 ) Immediately preceding the Assumption Transaction, the AXA Equitable QP had approximately $1,193 million unrecognized net actuarial losses in AOCI that were transferred to AXA Financial, resulting in an increase in AOCI and a decrease in additional paid in capital of $1,193 million ( $772 million net of tax), the net impact to AXA Equitable’s consolidated Shareholder’s Equity was $0 . The components of OCI for the past three years, net of tax, follow: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Foreign currency translation adjustments: Foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period $ (25 ) $ (21 ) $ (12 ) (Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period — — — Foreign currency translation adjustment (25 ) (21 ) (12 ) Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year (1,020 ) 1,043 (1,550 ) (Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the year (1) 12 37 49 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments (1,008 ) 1,080 (1,501 ) Adjustments for policyholders liabilities, DAC, insurance liability loss recognition and other 127 (111 ) 302 Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments and (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(480), $529 and $(654)) (881 ) 969 (1,199 ) Change in defined benefit plans: Net gain (loss) arising during the year — (95 ) 198 Prior service cost arising during the year — — — Less: reclassification adjustments to net earnings (loss) for: (2) Amortization of net (gains) losses included in net periodic cost (4 ) 72 101 Amortization of net prior service credit included in net periodic cost — — — Change in defined benefit plans (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(2), $(15) and $161) (4 ) (23 ) 299 Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes (910 ) 925 (912 ) Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 15 29 (8 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable $ (895 ) $ 954 $ (920 ) (1) See “Reclassification adjustments” in Note 3. Reclassification amounts presented net of income tax expense (benefit) of $ (6) million, $(19) million and $(26) million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. (2) These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic costs (see Note 12). Reclassification amounts presented net of income tax expense (benefit) of $ 2 million, $(39) million and $(54) million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Investment gains and losses reclassified from AOCI to net earnings (loss) primarily consist of realized gains (losses) on sales and OTTI of AFS securities and are included in Total investment gains (losses), net on the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). Amounts reclassified from AOCI to net earnings (loss) as related to defined benefit plans primarily consist of amortizations of net (gains) losses and net prior service cost (credit) recognized as a component of net periodic cost and reported in Compensation and benefit expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). Amounts presented in the table above are net of tax.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIAB

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Leases The Company has entered into operating leases for office space and certain other assets, principally information technology equipment and office furniture and equipment. Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases for 2016 and the four successive years are $216 million , $215 million , $201 million , $189 million , $166 million and $946 million thereafter. Minimum future sublease rental income on these non-cancelable operating leases for 2016 and the four successive years is $32 million , $31 million , $30 million , $30 million , $13 million and $67 million thereafter. Restructuring As part of the Company’s on-going efforts to reduce costs and operate more efficiently, from time to time, management has approved and initiated plans to reduce headcount and relocate certain operations. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, AXA Equitable recorded $3 million , $42 million and $85 million pre-tax charges related to severance and lease costs. The amounts recorded in 2014 and 2013 included pre-tax charges of $25 million and $52 million , respectively, related to the reduction in office space in the Company’s 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY headquarters. The restructuring costs and liabilities associated with the Company’s initiatives were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Balance, beginning of year $ 113 $ 122 $ 52 Additions 10 21 140 Cash payments (32 ) (24 ) (66 ) Other reductions (2 ) (6 ) (4 ) Balance, End of Year $ 89 $ 113 $ 122 During 2013, AB recorded $28 million of pre-tax real estate charges related to a global office space consolidation plan. The charges reflected the net present value of the difference between the amount of AB’s on-going contractual operating lease obligations for this space and their estimate of current market rental rates, as well as the write-off of leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment related to this space offset by changes in estimates relating to previously recorded real estate charges. Included in the 2013, real estate charge was a charge of $17 million related to additional sublease losses resulting from the extension of sublease marketing periods. AB will compare current sublease market conditions to those assumed in their initial write-offs and record any adjustments if necessary. Guarantees and Other Commitments The Company provides certain guarantees or commitments to affiliates and others. At December 31, 2015 , these arrangements include commitments by the Company to provide equity financing of $568 million to certain limited partnerships under certain conditions. Management believes the Company will not incur material losses as a result of these commitments. AXA Equitable is the obligor under certain structured settlement agreements it had entered into with unaffiliated insurance companies and beneficiaries. To satisfy its obligations under these agreements, AXA Equitable owns single premium annuities issued by previously wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries. AXA Equitable has directed payment under these annuities to be made directly to the beneficiaries under the structured settlement agreements. A contingent liability exists with respect to these agreements should the previously wholly owned subsidiaries be unable to meet their obligations. Management believes the need for AXA Equitable to satisfy those obligations is remote. The Company had $18 million of undrawn letters of credit related to reinsurance at December 31, 2015 . The Company had $866 million of commitments under existing mortgage loan agreements at December 31, 2015 . AB maintains a guarantee in connection with the AB Credit Facility. If SCB LLC is unable to meet its obligations, AB will pay the obligations when due or on demand. In addition, AB maintains guarantees totaling $400 million for the three of SCB LLC’s three uncommitted lines of credit. AB maintains a guarantee with a commercial bank, under which it guarantees the obligations in the ordinary course of business of SCB LLC, Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCBL”) and AllianceBernstein Holdings (Cayman) Ltd. (“AB Cayman”). AB also maintains three additional guarantees with other commercial banks under which it guarantees approximately $361 million of obligations for SCBL. In the event that SCB LLC, SCBL or AB Cayman is unable to meet its obligations, AB will pay the obligations when due or on demand. During 2009, AB entered into a subscription agreement under which it committed to invest up to $35 million , as amended in 2011, in a venture capital fund over a six-year period. As of December 31, 2015 AB had funded $32 million of this commitment. During 2010, as general partner of the AB U.S. Real Estate L.P. (the “Real Estate Fund”), AB committed to invest $25 million in the Real Estate Fund. As of December 31, 2015 , AB had funded $1 million of this commitment. During 2012, AB entered into an investment agreement under which it committed to invest up to $8 million in an oil and gas fund over a three-year period. As of December 31, 2015 , AB had funded $6 million of this commitment. In December 2015, AB provided a 60 day guarantee to a commercial bank for borrowings by a company-sponsored fund up to a maximum of $50 million . The bank provided the fund with a limited partner subscription line for the unfunded commitments of the fund’s limited partners. The fund is expected to repay the bank by calling capital from the limited partners. To the extent the fund is not able to repay the loan to the bank, AB will repay the loan under the guarantee, up to $50 million . The fund will repay AB for all amounts paid by AB under the guarantee. AB has not been required to perform under any of the above agreements and currently have no liability in connection with these agreements.

LITIGATION

LITIGATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Litigation [Abstract]
Litigation	LITIGATION Insurance Litigation A lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court of the District of New Jersey in July 2011, entitled Mary Ann Sivolella v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company and AXA Equitable Funds Management Group, LLC (“AXA Equitable FMG”) (“Sivolella Litigation”). The lawsuit was filed derivatively on behalf of eight funds. The lawsuit seeks recovery under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), for alleged excessive fees paid to AXA Equitable and AXA Equitable FMG for investment management services. In November 2011, plaintiff filed an amended complaint, adding claims under Sections 47(b) and 26(f) of the Investment Company Act, as well as a claim for unjust enrichment. In addition, plaintiff purports to file the lawsuit as a class action in addition to a derivative action. In the amended complaint, plaintiff seeks recovery of the alleged overpayments, rescission of the contracts, restitution of all fees paid, interest, costs, attorney fees, fees for expert witnesses and reserves the right to seek punitive damages where applicable. In December 2011, AXA Equitable and AXA Equitable FMG filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. In May 2012, the Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed her claim under Section 26(f) seeking restitution and rescission under Section 47(b) of the 1940 Act. In September 2012, the Court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss as it related to the Section 36(b) claim and granted the defendants’ motion as it related to the unjust enrichment claim. In January 2013, a second lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court of the District of New Jersey entitled Sanford et al. v. AXA Equitable FMG (“Sanford Litigation”). The lawsuit was filed derivatively on behalf of eight funds, four of which are named in the Sivolella lawsuit as well as four new funds, and seeks recovery under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act for alleged excessive fees paid to AXA Equitable FMG for investment management services. In light of the similarities of the allegations in the Sivolella and Sanford Litigations, the parties and the Court agreed to consolidate the two lawsuits. In April 2013, the plaintiffs in the Sivolella and Sanford Litigations amended the complaints to add additional claims under Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act for recovery of alleged excessive fees paid to AXA Equitable FMG in its capacity as administrator of EQ Advisors Trust. The Plaintiffs seek recovery of the alleged overpayments, or alternatively, rescission of the contract and restitution of the excessive fees paid, interest, costs and fees. In January 2015, defendants filed a motion for summary judgment as well as various motions to strike certain of the Plaintiffs’ experts in the Sivolella and Sanford Litigations. Also in January 2015, two Plaintiffs in the Sanford Litigation filed a motion for partial summary judgment relating to the EQ/Core Bond Index Portfolio as well as motions in limine to bar admission of certain documents and preclude the testimony of one of defendants’ experts. In August 2015, the Court denied Plaintiffs’ motions in limine and also denied both parties motions for summary judgment. The trial commenced in January 2016 and testimony concluded in February 2016. Closing arguments are scheduled to occur in May 2016 following post-trial briefing. In April 2014, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, entitled Andrew Yale, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. AXA Life Insurance Company F/K/A AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company . The lawsuit is a putative class action on behalf of all persons and entities that, between 2011 and March 11, 2014, directly or indirectly, purchased, renewed or paid premiums on life insurance policies issued by AXA Equitable (the “Policies”). The complaint alleges that AXA Equitable did not disclose in its New York statutory annual statements or elsewhere that the collateral for certain reinsurance transactions with affiliated reinsurance companies was supported by parental guarantees, an omission that allegedly caused AXA Equitable to misrepresent its “financial condition” and “legal reserve system.” The lawsuit seeks recovery under Section 4226 of the New York Insurance Law of all premiums paid by the class for the Policies during the relevant period. In June 2014, AXA Equitable filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on procedural grounds, which was denied in October 2014. In February 2015, plaintiffs substituted two new named plaintiffs and the action is now entitled Ross v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company . In July 2015, the Court granted AXA Equitable’s motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. In August 2015, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal. In April 2015, the same plaintiffs’ law firm filed a second action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of a putative class of variable annuity holders with “Guaranteed Benefits Insurance Riders,” entitled Calvin W. Yarbrough, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company . The new action covers the same class period, makes substantially the same allegations, and seeks the same relief (return of all premium paid by class members) as the first action on behalf of life insurance policyholders. In October 2015, the Court, on its own, dismissed the Yarbrough litigation on similar grounds as Ross. In October 2015, plaintiff filed a notice of appeal. A lawsuit was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Westchester, Commercial Division (“New York state court”) in June 2014, entitled Jessica Zweiman, Executrix of the Estate of Anne Zweiman, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company . The lawsuit is a putative class action on behalf of “all persons who purchased variable annuities from AXA Equitable which subsequently became subject to the ATM Strategy, and who suffered injury as a result thereof.” Plaintiff asserts that AXA Equitable breached the variable annuity contracts by implementing the volatility management tool. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. In July 2014, AXA Equitable filed a notice of removal to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. In September 2015, the New York federal district court granted AXA Equitable’s motion to dismiss the Complaint. In October 2015, plaintiff filed a notice of appeal. In February 2016, plaintiff voluntarily dismissed her appeal. In November 2014, one of the plaintiff’s law firms in Zweiman filed a separate lawsuit entitled Arlene Shuster, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden County (“New Jersey state court”). This lawsuit is a putative class action on behalf of “all AXA [Equitable] variable life insurance policyholders who allocated funds from their Policy Accounts to investments in AXA’s Separate Accounts, which were subsequently subjected to volatility-management strategy, and who suffered injury as a result thereof” and asserts a claim for breach of contract similar to the claim in Zweiman. In February 2016, the New Jersey State Court dismissed the Complaint. In August 2015, another of the plaintiff’s law firms in Zweiman filed a third lawsuit entitled Richard T. O’Donnell, on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated v. AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company in Connecticut Superior Court, Judicial Division of New Haven (“Connecticut state court”). This lawsuit purports to cover the same class definition, makes substantially the same allegations, and seeks the same relief as in Zweiman. In November 2016, the Connecticut federal district court transferred the action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. AllianceBernstein Litigation During first quarter 2012, AB received a legal letter of claim (the “Letter of Claim”) sent on behalf of Philips Pension Trustees Limited and Philips Electronics UK Limited (“Philips”), a former pension fund client, alleging that AB Limited (one of AB’s subsidiaries organized in the United Kingdom) was negligent and failed to meet certain applicable standards of care with respect to the initial investment in, and management of, a £500 million portfolio of U.S. mortgage-backed securities. Philips has alleged damages ranging between $177 million and $234 million , plus compound interest on an alleged $125 million of realized losses in the portfolio. On January 2, 2014, Philips filed a claim form (“Claim”) in the High Court of Justice in London, England, which formally commenced litigation with respect to the allegations in the Letter of Claim. AB believes that it has strong defenses to these claims, which were set forth in AB’s October 12, 2012 response to the Letter of Claim and AB’s June 27, 2014 Statement of Defence in response to the Claim, and AB intends to defend this matter vigorously. _______________________________________________________________________________ Although the outcome of litigation and regulatory matters generally cannot be predicted with certainty, management intends to vigorously defend against the allegations made by the plaintiffs in the actions described above and believes that the ultimate resolution of the matters described therein involving AXA Equitable and/or its subsidiaries should not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of AXA Equitable. Management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any, or predict whether or not any of the matters described above will have a material adverse effect on AXA Equitable’s consolidated results of operations in any particular period. In addition to the matters described above, a number of lawsuits, claims, assessments and regulatory inquiries have been filed or commenced against life and health insurers and asset managers in the jurisdictions in which AXA Equitable and its respective subsidiaries do business. These actions and proceedings involve, among other things, insurers’ sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, alleged failure to properly supervise agents, contract administration, product design, features and accompanying disclosure, cost of insurance increases, the use of captive reinsurers, payments of death benefits and the reporting and escheatment of unclaimed property, alleged breach of fiduciary duties, alleged mismanagement of client funds and other matters. In addition, a number of lawsuits, claims, assessments and regulatory inquiries have been filed or commenced against businesses in the jurisdictions in which AXA Equitable and its subsidiaries do business, including actions and proceedings related to alleged discrimination, alleged breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with qualified pension plans and other general business-related matters. Some of the matters have resulted in the award of substantial judgments, including material amounts of punitive damages, or in substantial settlements. Courts, juries and regulators often have substantial discretion in awarding damage awards and fines, including punitive damages. AXA Equitable and its subsidiaries from time to time are involved in such actions and proceedings. While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management no such matter is likely to have a material adverse effect on AXA Equitable’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, it should be noted that the frequency of large damage awards, including large punitive damage awards and regulatory fines that bear little or no relation to actual economic damages incurred, continues to create the potential for an unpredictable judgment in any given matter.

INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINAN

INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance Group Statutory Financial Information [Abstract]
Insurance Group Statutory Financial Information	INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION AXA Equitable is restricted as to the amounts it may pay as dividends to AXA Financial. Under New York Insurance law, a domestic life insurer may not, without prior approval of the NYDFS, pay a dividend to its shareholders exceeding an amount calculated based on a statutory formula. This formula would permit AXA Equitable to pay shareholder dividends not greater than approximately $ 1,525 million during 2016. Payment of dividends exceeding this amount requires the insurer to file a notice of its intent to declare such dividends with the NYDFS who then has 30 days to disapprove the distribution. For 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, AXA Equitable’s statutory net income (loss) totaled $2,038 million , $1,664 million and $(28) million . Statutory surplus, capital stock and Asset Valuation Reserve (“AVR”) totaled $5,895 million and $5,793 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. In 2015 , AXA Equitable paid $767 million in shareholder dividends and transferred approximately 10.0 million in Units of AB (fair value of $245 million ) in the form of a dividend to AEFS. In 2014 , AXA Equitable paid $382 million in shareholder dividends. In 2013 , AXA Equitable paid $234 million in shareholder dividends and transferred approximately 10.9 million in Units of AB (fair value of $234 million ) in the form of a dividend to AEFS. At December 31, 2015 , AXA Equitable, in accordance with various government and state regulations, had $55 million of securities on deposit with such government or state agencies. In 2015, AXA Equitable repaid $200 million of third party surplus notes at maturity. In 2014 and 2013 AXA Equitable, with the approval of the NYDFS, repaid at par value plus accrued interest of $825 million and $500 million , respectively, of outstanding surplus notes to AXA Financial. At December 31, 2015 and for the year then ended, there were no differences in net income (loss) and capital and surplus resulting from practices prescribed and permitted by NYDFS and those prescribed by NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures effective at December 31, 2015 . Accounting practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for regulatory filings of stock life insurance companies differ in certain instances from U.S. GAAP. The differences between statutory surplus and capital stock determined in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”) and total equity under U.S. GAAP are primarily: (a) the inclusion in SAP of an AVR intended to stabilize surplus from fluctuations in the value of the investment portfolio; (b) future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances under SAP differ from U.S. GAAP due to differences between actuarial assumptions and reserving methodologies; (c) certain policy acquisition costs are expensed under SAP but deferred under U.S. GAAP and amortized over future periods to achieve a matching of revenues and expenses; (d) under SAP, Federal income taxes are provided on the basis of amounts currently payable with limited recognition of deferred tax assets while under U.S. GAAP, deferred taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities where the probability of realization is reasonably assured; (e) the valuation of assets under SAP and U.S. GAAP differ due to different investment valuation and depreciation methodologies, as well as the deferral of interest-related realized capital gains and losses on fixed income investments; (f) the valuation of the investment in AB and AB Holding under SAP reflects a portion of the market value appreciation rather than the equity in the underlying net assets as required under U.S. GAAP; (g) reporting the surplus notes as a component of surplus in SAP but as a liability in U.S. GAAP; (h) computer software development costs are capitalized under U.S. GAAP but expensed under SAP; (i) certain assets, primarily prepaid assets, are not admissible under SAP but are admissible under U.S. GAAP, (j) the fair valuing of all acquired assets and liabilities including intangible assets are required for U.S. GAAP purchase accounting and (k) cost of reinsurance which is recognized as expense under SAP and amortized over the life of the underlying reinsured policies under U.S. GAAP.

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION The following tables reconcile segment revenues and earnings (loss) from operations before income taxes to total revenues and earnings (loss) as reported on the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) and segment assets to total assets on the consolidated balance sheets, respectively. 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Segment revenues: Insurance (1) $ 6,822 $ 12,656 $ (54 ) Investment Management (2) 3,025 3,011 2,915 Consolidation/elimination (28 ) (27 ) (21 ) Total Revenues $ 9,819 $ 15,640 $ 2,840 (1) Includes investment expenses charged by AB of approximately $45 million , $40 million and $37 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, for services provided to the Company. (2) Intersegment investment advisory and other fees of approximately $73 million , $67 million and $58 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, are included in total revenues of the Investment Management segment. 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Segment earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes: Insurance $ 1,033 $ 5,512 $ (5,872 ) Investment Management (1) 618 603 564 Consolidation/elimination (1 ) — (1 ) Total Earnings (Loss) from Operations, before Income Taxes $ 1,650 $ 6,115 $ (5,309 ) (1) Net of interest expenses incurred on securities borrowed. December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Segment assets: Insurance $ 182,738 $ 184,018 Investment Management 11,895 11,990 Consolidation/elimination (7 ) (3 ) Total Assets $ 194,626 $ 196,005 In accordance with SEC regulations, the Investment Management segment includes securities with a fair value of $460 million and $415 million which have been segregated in a special reserve bank custody account at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, for the exclusive benefit of securities broker-dealer or brokerage customers under the Exchange Act.

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) The quarterly results of operations for 2015 and 2014 are summarized below: Three Months Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 (In Millions) 2015 Total Revenues $ 3,567 $ 220 $ 5,714 $ 318 Total benefits and other deductions $ 2,437 $ 1,973 $ 2,375 $ 1,384 Net earnings (loss) $ 854 $ (1,025 ) $ 2,275 $ (640 ) 2014 Total Revenues $ 3,706 $ 3,524 $ 3,754 $ 4,656 Total benefits and other deductions $ 2,195 $ 2,342 $ 2,186 $ 2,802 Net earnings (loss) $ 1,056 $ 1,038 $ 1,077 $ 1,249

SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTM

SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties	SCHEDULE I SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS—OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES DECEMBER 31, 2015 Type of Investment Cost (A) Fair Value Carrying Value (In Millions) Fixed Maturities: U.S. government, agencies and authorities $ 8,800 $ 8,775 $ 8,775 State, municipalities and political subdivisions 437 504 504 Foreign governments 387 403 403 Public utilities 3,280 3,437 3,437 All other corporate bonds 17,738 18,160 18,160 Redeemable preferred stocks 559 614 614 Total fixed maturities 31,201 31,893 31,893 Equity securities: Common stocks: Industrial, miscellaneous and all other (B) 34 32 32 Mortgage loans on real estate 7,171 7,257 7,171 Policy loans 3,393 4,343 3,393 Other limited partnership interests and equity investments (B) 1,443 1,443 1,445 Trading securities 6,866 6,805 6,805 Other invested assets 1,788 1,788 1,788 Total Investments $ 51,896 $ 53,561 $ 52,527 (A) Cost for fixed maturities represents original cost, reduced by repayments and writedowns and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discount; cost for equity securities represents original cost reduced by writedowns; cost for other limited partnership interests represents original cost adjusted for equity in earnings and reduced by distributions. (B) Included in Other Equity Investments.

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY IN

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 Segment Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Policyholders’ Account Balances Future Policy Benefits and other Policyholders’ Funds Policy Charges And Premium Revenue Net Investment Income (Loss) (1) Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other Operating Expense (2) (In Millions) Insurance $ 4,469 $ 33,033 $ 24,531 $ 4,062 $ 1,898 $ 3,777 $ 284 $ 1,728 Investment Management — — — — 33 — — 2,407 Consolidation/ Elimination — — — — 45 — — (27 ) Total $ 4,469 $ 33,033 $ 24,531 $ 4,062 $ 1,976 $ 3,777 $ 284 $ 4,108 (1) Net investment income (loss) is based upon specific identification of portfolios within segments. (2) Operating expenses are principally incurred directly by a segment. AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 Segment Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Policyholders’ Account Balances Future Policy Benefits and other Policyholders’ Funds Policy Charges And Premium Revenue Net Investment Income (Loss) (1) Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other Operating Expense (2) (In Millions) Insurance $ 4,271 $ 31,848 $ 23,484 $ 3,989 $ 3,760 $ 4,894 $ 215 $ 2,035 Investment Management — — — — 15 — — 2,408 Consolidation/ Elimination — — — — 40 — — (27 ) Total $ 4,271 $ 31,848 $ 23,484 $ 3,989 $ 3,815 $ 4,894 $ 215 $ 4,416 (1) Net investment income (loss) is based upon specific identification of portfolios within segments. (2) Operating expenses are principally incurred directly by a segment. AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SCHEDULE III SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION AT AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 Segment Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Policyholders’ Account Balances Future Policy Benefits and other Policyholders’ Funds Policy Charges And Premium Revenue Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other Operating Expense(2) (In Millions) Insurance $ 3,874 $ 30,340 $ 21,697 $ 4,042 $ (724 ) $ 3,064 $ 580 $ 2,174 Investment Management — — — — 58 — — 2,351 Consolidation/ Elimination — — — — 37 — — (20 ) Total $ 3,874 $ 30,340 $ 21,697 $ 4,042 $ (629 ) $ 3,064 $ 580 $ 4,505 (1) Net investment income (loss) is based upon specific identification of portfolios within segments. (2) Operating expenses are principally incurred directly by a segment.

SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE

SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	SCHEDULE IV REINSURANCE (A) AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 , 2014 AND 2013 Gross Amount Ceded to Other Companies Assumed from Other Companies Net Amount Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net (Dollars In Millions) 2015 Life Insurance In-Force $ 406,240 $ 82,927 $ 31,427 $ 354,740 8.9 % Premiums: Life insurance and annuities $ 753 $ 494 $ 197 $ 456 42.9 % Accident and health 67 45 10 32 31.3 % Total Premiums $ 820 $ 539 $ 207 $ 488 42.1 % 2014 Life Insurance In-Force $ 412,215 $ 87,177 $ 31,767 $ 356,805 8.9 % Premiums: Life insurance and annuities $ 775 $ 492 $ 199 $ 482 41.4 % Accident and health 69 49 12 32 37.5 % Total Premiums $ 844 $ 541 $ 211 $ 514 41.1 % 2013 Life Insurance In-Force $ 414,362 $ 92,252 $ 33,494 $ 355,604 9.4 % Premiums: Life insurance and annuities $ 770 $ 511 $ 201 $ 460 43.7 % Accident and health 78 54 12 36 33.3 % Total Premiums $ 848 $ 565 $ 213 $ 496 42.9 % (A) Includes amounts related to the discontinued group life and health business.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI31

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions (including normal, recurring accruals) that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary in the opinion of management for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AXA Equitable and its subsidiaries engaged in insurance related businesses (collectively, the “Insurance Group”); other subsidiaries, principally AB; and those investment companies, partnerships and joint ventures in which AXA Equitable or its subsidiaries has control and a majority economic interest as well as those variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that meet the requirements for consolidation. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The years “ 2015 ”, “ 2014 ” and “ 2013 ” refer to the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Certain reclassifications have been made in the amounts presented for prior periods to conform those periods to the current presentation.
Accounting and Consolidation of VIE's	Accounting and Consolidation of VIE’s For all new investment products and entities developed by the Company (other than Collateralized Debt Obligations (“CDOs”)), the Company first determines whether the entity is a VIE, which involves determining an entity’s variability and variable interests, identifying the holders of the equity investment at risk and assessing the five characteristics of a VIE. Once an entity has been determined to be a VIE, the Company then identifies the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, then the Company consolidates the entity. The Company provides seed capital to its investment teams to develop new products and services for their clients. The Company’s original seed investment typically represents all or a majority of the equity investment in the new product is temporary in nature. The Company evaluates its seed investments on a quarterly basis and consolidates such investments as required pursuant to U.S. GAAP. Management of the Company reviews quarterly its investment management agreements and its investments in, and other financial arrangements with, certain entities that hold client assets under management (“AUM”) to determine the entities that the Company is required to consolidate under this guidance. These entities include certain mutual fund products, hedge funds, structured products, group trusts, collective investment trusts and limited partnerships. AB earned investment management fees on client AUM of these entities but derived no other benefit from those assets and cannot utilize those assets in its operations. At December 31, 2015 , AB had significant variable interests in certain other structured products and hedge funds with approximately $28 million in client AUM. However, these VIEs do not require consolidation because management has determined that AB is not the primary beneficiary of the expected losses or expected residual returns of these entities. AB’s maximum exposure to loss in these entities is limited to its investments of $200,000 in and prospective investment management fees earned from these entities.
Adoption of New and Future Accounting Pronouncements	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance for repurchase-to-maturity transactions, repurchase financings and added disclosure requirements, which aligns the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase financing arrangements with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about repurchase agreements and similar transactions. The accounting changes and disclosure requirements were effective for interim or annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Implementation of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The FASB issued new guidance that allows investors to elect to use the proportional amortization method to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects if certain conditions are met. Under this method, which replaces the effective yield method, an investor amortizes the cost of its investment, in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits it receives, to income tax expense. The guidance also introduces disclosure requirements for all investments in qualified affordable housing projects, regardless of the accounting method used for those investments. The guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Implementation of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued revised guidance to lease accounting. The revised guidance will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases. Lessor accounting will continue to be similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model. Extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts. The revised guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The new guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. New guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to disclosures for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). Under the new guidance, investments measured at NAV, as a practical expedient for fair value, are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. Removing investments measured using the practical expedient from the fair value hierarchy is intended to eliminate the diversity in practice that currently exists with respect to the categorization of these investments. The only criterion for categorizing investments in the fair value hierarchy will be the observability of the inputs. The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015. Management does not expect implementation of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance, simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The new guidance is effective retrospectively for interim or annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Management does not expect implementation of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued a new consolidation standard that makes targeted amendments to the VIE assessment, including guidance specific to limited partnerships and similar entities, and ends the deferral granted to investment companies for applying the VIE guidance. The new standard is effective for annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, but may be early-adopted in any interim period. Management currently is evaluating the impacts this guidance may have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance which requires management to evaluate whether there is “substantial doubt” about the reporting entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and provide related footnote disclosures about those uncertainties, if they exist. The new guidance is effective for annual periods, ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. Management does not expect implementation of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Management does not expect implementation of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued new revenue recognition guidance that is intended to improve and converge the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts with customers with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The new guidance applies to contracts that deliver goods or services to a customer, except when those contracts are for: insurance, leases, rights and obligations that are in the scope of certain financial instruments (i.e., derivative contracts) and guarantees other than product or service warranties. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Management is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Closed Block	Closed Block As a result of demutualization, the Closed Block was established in 1992 for the benefit of certain individual participating policies that were in force on that date. Assets, liabilities and earnings of the Closed Block are specifically identified to support its participating policyholders. Assets allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the benefit of the Closed Block policyholders and will not revert to the benefit of AXA Equitable. No reallocation, transfer, borrowing or lending of assets can be made between the Closed Block and other portions of AXA Equitable’s General Account, any of its Separate Accounts or any affiliate of AXA Equitable without the approval of the New York State Department of Financial Services, (the “NYDFS”). Closed Block assets and liabilities are carried on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities held in the General Account. The excess of Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets (adjusted to exclude the impact of related amounts in AOCI) represents the expected maximum future post-tax earnings from the Closed Block that would be recognized in income from continuing operations over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force. As of January 1, 2001, the Company has developed an actuarial calculation of the expected timing of the Closed Block’s earnings. If the actual cumulative earnings from the Closed Block are greater than the expected cumulative earnings, only the expected earnings will be recognized in net income. Actual cumulative earnings in excess of expected cumulative earnings at any point in time are recorded as a policyholder dividend obligation because they will ultimately be paid to Closed Block policyholders as an additional policyholder dividend unless offset by future performance that is less favorable than originally expected. If a policyholder dividend obligation has been previously established and the actual Closed Block earnings in a subsequent period are less than the expected earnings for that period, the policyholder dividend obligation would be reduced (but not below zero). If, over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force, the actual cumulative earnings of the Closed Block are less than the expected cumulative earnings, only actual earnings would be recognized in income from continuing operations. If the Closed Block has insufficient funds to make guaranteed policy benefit payments, such payments will be made from assets outside the Closed Block. Many expenses related to Closed Block operations, including amortization of DAC, are charged to operations outside of the Closed Block; accordingly, net revenues of the Closed Block do not represent the actual profitability of the Closed Block operations. Operating costs and expenses outside of the Closed Block are, therefore, disproportionate to the business outside of the Closed Block.
Investments	Investments The carrying values of fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) are reported at fair value. Changes in fair value are reported in OCI. The amortized cost of fixed maturities is adjusted for impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary which are recognized in Investment gains (losses), net. The redeemable preferred stock investments that are reported in fixed maturities include real estate investment trusts (“REIT”), perpetual preferred stock, and redeemable preferred stock. These securities may not have a stated maturity, may not be cumulative and do not provide for mandatory redemption by the issuer. The Company determines the fair values of fixed maturities and equity securities based upon quoted prices in active markets, when available, or through the use of alternative approaches when market quotes are not readily accessible or available. These alternative approaches include matrix or model pricing and use of independent pricing services, each supported by reference to principal market trades or other observable market assumptions for similar securities. More specifically, the matrix pricing approach to fair value is a discounted cash flow methodology that incorporates market interest rates commensurate with the credit quality and duration of the investment. The Company’s management, with the assistance of its investment advisors, monitors the investment performance of its portfolio and reviews AFS securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”). Integral to this review is an assessment made each quarter, on a security-by-security basis, by the Company’s Investments Under Surveillance (“IUS”) Committee, of various indicators of credit deterioration to determine whether the investment security is expected to recover. This assessment includes, but is not limited to, consideration of the duration and severity of the unrealized loss, failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments, actions taken by rating agencies, adverse conditions specifically related to the security or sector, the financial strength, liquidity, and continued viability of the issuer and, for equity securities only, the intent and ability to hold the investment until recovery, and results in identification of specific securities for which OTTI is recognized. If there is no intent to sell or likely requirement to dispose of the fixed maturity security before its recovery, only the credit loss component of any resulting OTTI is recognized in earnings (loss) and the remainder of the fair value loss is recognized in OCI. The amount of credit loss is the shortfall of the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected as compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. The present value is calculated by discounting management’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. Projections of future cash flows are based on assumptions regarding probability of default and estimates regarding the amount and timing of recoveries. These assumptions and estimates require use of management judgment and consider internal credit analyses as well as market observable data relevant to the collectability of the security. For mortgage- and asset-backed securities, projected future cash flows also include assumptions regarding prepayments and underlying collateral value. Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances. Partnerships, investment companies and joint venture interests that the Company has control of and has a majority economic interest in or those that meet the requirements for consolidation under accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs are consolidated. Those that the Company does not have control of and does not have a majority economic interest in and those that do not meet the VIE requirements for consolidation are reported on the equity basis of accounting and are reported either with equity real estate or other equity investments, as appropriate. The Company records its interests in certain of these partnerships on a month or one quarter lag. Equity securities, which include common stock, and non-redeemable preferred stock classified as AFS securities, are carried at fair value and are included in other equity investments with changes in fair value reported in OCI. Trading securities, which include equity securities and fixed maturities, are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, with unrealized gains (losses) reported in other investment income (loss) in the statements of Net earnings (loss). Corporate owned life insurance (“COLI”) has been purchased by AXA Equitable and certain subsidiaries on the lives of certain key employees and AXA Equitable and these subsidiaries are named as beneficiaries under these policies. COLI is carried at the cash surrender value of the policies. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying value of COLI was $864 million and $803 million, respectively, and is reported in Other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Short-term investments are reported at amortized cost that approximates fair value and are included in Other invested assets. Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, demand deposits, money market accounts, overnight commercial paper and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, the recorded value is deemed to approximate fair value. All securities owned, including United States government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities and futures and forwards transactions, are reported in the consolidated financial statements on a trade date basis.
Derivatives	Derivatives Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices, values of securities or commodities, credit spreads, market volatility, expected returns, and liquidity. Values can also be affected by changes in estimates and assumptions, including those related to counterparty behavior and non-performance risk used in valuation models. Derivative financial instruments generally used by the Company include exchange traded equity, currency and interest rate futures contracts, total return and/or other equity swaps, interest rate swap and floor contracts, swaptions, variance swaps as well as equity options and may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter market. All derivative positions are carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, generally by obtaining quoted market prices or through the use of valuation models. Freestanding derivative contracts are reported in the consolidated balance sheets either as assets within “Other invested assets” or as liabilities within “Other liabilities.” The Company nets the fair value of all derivative financial instruments with counterparties for which an ISDA Master Agreement and related Credit Support Annex ("CSA") have been executed. The Company uses derivatives to manage asset/liability risk and has designated some of those economic relationships under the criteria to qualify for hedge accounting treatment. All changes in the fair value of the Company’s freestanding derivative positions not designated to hedge accounting relationships, including net receipts and payments, are included in “Investment income (loss) from derivative instruments” without considering changes in the fair value of the economically associated assets or liabilities. The Company is a party to financial instruments and other contracts that contain “embedded” derivative instruments. At inception, the Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of the embedded instrument are “clearly and closely related” to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the “host contract” and whether a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When those criteria are satisfied, the resulting embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract, carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, and changes in its fair value are recognized immediately and captioned in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) according to the nature of the related host contract. For certain financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative that otherwise would need to be bifurcated and reported at fair value, the Company instead may elect to carry the entire instrument at fair value.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (mortgage loans)	Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (“mortgage loans”): Mortgage loans are stated at unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized discounts and valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or on its collateral value if the loan is collateral dependent. However, if foreclosure is or becomes probable, the collateral value measurement method is used. For commercial and agricultural mortgage loans, an allowance for credit loss is typically recommended when management believes it is probable that principal and interest will not be collected according to the contractual terms. Factors that influence management’s judgment in determining allowance for credit losses include the following: • Loan-to-value ratio – Derived from current loan balance divided by the fair market value of the property. An allowance for credit loss is typically recommended when the loan-to-value ratio is in excess of 100%. In the case where the loan-to-value is in excess of 100%, the allowance for credit loss is derived by taking the difference between the fair market value (less cost of sale) and the current loan balance. • Debt service coverage ratio – Derived from actual net operating income divided by annual debt service. If the ratio is below 1.0x, then the income from the property does not support the debt. • Occupancy – Criteria varies by property type but low or below market occupancy is an indicator of sub-par property performance. • Lease expirations – The percentage of leases expiring in the upcoming 12 to 36 months are monitored as a decline in rent and/or occupancy may negatively impact the debt service coverage ratio. In the case of single-tenant properties or properties with large tenant exposure, the lease expiration is a material risk factor. • Maturity – Mortgage loans that are not fully amortizing and have upcoming maturities within the next 12 to 24 months are monitored in conjunction with the capital markets to determine the borrower’s ability to refinance the debt and/or pay off the balloon balance. • Borrower/tenant related issues – Financial concerns, potential bankruptcy, or words or actions that indicate imminent default or abandonment of property. • Payment status – current vs. delinquent – A history of delinquent payments may be a cause for concern. • Property condition – Significant deferred maintenance observed during the lenders annual site inspections. • Other – Any other factors such as current economic conditions may call into question the performance of the loan. Mortgage loans also are individually evaluated quarterly by the Company’s Investments Under Surveillance ("IUS") Committee for impairment, including an assessment of related collateral value. Commercial mortgages 60 days or more past due and agricultural mortgages 90 days or more past due, as well as all mortgages in the process of foreclosure, are identified as problem mortgages. Based on its monthly monitoring of mortgages, a class of potential problem mortgages are also identified, consisting of mortgage loans not currently classified as problems but for which management has doubts as to the ability of the borrower to comply with the present loan payment terms and which may result in the loan becoming a problem or being restructured. The decision whether to classify a performing mortgage loan as a potential problem involves significant subjective judgments by management as to likely future industry conditions and developments with respect to the borrower or the individual mortgaged property. For problem mortgage loans a valuation allowance is established to provide for the risk of credit losses inherent in the lending process. The allowance includes loan specific reserves for mortgage loans determined to be non-performing as a result of the loan review process. A non-performing loan is defined as a loan for which it is probable that amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. The loan specific portion of the loss allowance is based on the Company’s assessment as to ultimate collectability of loan principal and interest. Valuation allowances for a non-performing loan are recorded based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The valuation allowance for mortgage loans can increase or decrease from period to period based on such factors. Impaired mortgage loans without provision for losses are mortgage loans where the fair value of the collateral or the net present value of the expected future cash flows related to the loan equals or exceeds the recorded investment. Interest income earned on mortgage loans where the collateral value is used to measure impairment is recorded on a cash basis. Interest income on mortgage loans where the present value method is used to measure impairment is accrued on the net carrying value amount of the loan at the interest rate used to discount the cash flows. Changes in the present value attributable to changes in the amount or timing of expected cash flows are reported as investment gains or losses. Mortgage loans are placed on nonaccrual status once management believes the collection of accrued interest is doubtful. Once mortgage loans are classified as nonaccrual mortgage loans, interest income is recognized under the cash basis of accounting and the resumption of the interest accrual would commence only after all past due interest has been collected or the mortgage loan on real estate has been restructured to where the collection of interest is considered likely.
Troubled Debt Restructuring	Troubled Debt Restructuring When a loan modification is determined to be a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), the impairment of the loan is re-measured by discounting the expected cash flows to be received based on the modified terms using the loan’s original effective yield, and the allowance for loss is adjusted accordingly. Subsequent to the modification, income is recognized prospectively based on the modified terms of the mortgage loans. Additionally, the loan continues to be subject to the credit review process noted above.
Net Investment Income (Loss), Investment Gains (Losses), Net and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)	Net Investment Income (Loss), Investment Gains (Losses), Net and Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Realized investment gains (losses) are determined by identification with the specific asset and are presented as a component of revenue. Changes in the valuation allowances are included in Investment gains (losses), net. Realized and unrealized holding gains (losses) on trading securities are reflected in Net investment income (loss). Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities and equity securities designated as AFS held by the Company are accounted for as a separate component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"), net of related deferred income taxes, amounts attributable to certain pension operations, Closed Blocks’ policyholders dividend obligation, insurance liability loss recognition and DAC related to universal life (“UL”) policies, investment-type products and participating traditional life policies. Changes in unrealized gains (losses) reflect changes in fair value of only those fixed maturities and equity securities classified as AFS and do not reflect any change in fair value of policyholders’ account balances and future policy benefits.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The accounting guidance established a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value, and identifies three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 fair values generally are supported by market transactions that occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and inputs to model-derived valuations that are directly observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and often requiring significant management judgment or estimation, such as an entity’s own assumptions about the cash flows or other significant components of value that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company uses unadjusted quoted market prices to measure fair value for those instruments that are actively traded in financial markets. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using present value or other valuation techniques. The fair value determinations are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument, including estimates of the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of counterparties. Such adjustments do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the fair value cannot be substantiated by direct comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. Management is responsible for the determination of the value of investments carried at fair value and the supporting methodologies and assumptions. Under the terms of various service agreements, the Company often utilizes independent valuation service providers to gather, analyze, and interpret market information and derive fair values based upon relevant methodologies and assumptions for individual securities. These independent valuation service providers typically obtain data about market transactions and other key valuation model inputs from multiple sources and, through the use of widely accepted valuation models, provide a single fair value measurement for individual securities for which a fair value has been requested. As further described below with respect to specific asset classes, these inputs include, but are not limited to, market prices for recent trades and transactions in comparable securities, benchmark yields, interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, quoted prices for similar securities, and other market-observable information, as applicable. Specific attributes of the security being valued also are considered, including its term, interest rate, credit rating, industry sector, and when applicable, collateral quality and other security- or issuer-specific information. When insufficient market observable information is available upon which to measure fair value, the Company either will request brokers knowledgeable about these securities to provide a non-binding quote or will employ internal valuation models. Fair values received from independent valuation service providers and brokers and those internally modeled or otherwise estimated are assessed for reasonableness. To validate reasonableness, prices also are internally reviewed by those with relevant expertise through comparison with directly observed recent market trades.
Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses	Recognition of Insurance Income and Related Expenses Deposits related to UL and investment-type contracts are reported as deposits to policyholders’ account balances. Revenues from these contracts consist of fees assessed during the period against policyholders’ account balances for mortality charges, policy administration charges and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policyholders’ account balances. Premiums from participating and non-participating traditional life and annuity policies with life contingencies generally are recognized in income when due. Benefits and expenses are matched with such income so as to result in the recognition of profits over the life of the contracts. This match is accomplished by means of the provision for liabilities for future policy benefits and the deferral and subsequent amortization of DAC. For contracts with a single premium or a limited number of premium payments due over a significantly shorter period than the total period over which benefits are provided, premiums are recorded as revenue when due with any excess profit deferred and recognized in income in a constant relationship to insurance in-force or, for annuities, the amount of expected future benefit payments. Premiums from individual health contracts are recognized as income over the period to which the premiums relate in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided.
DAC	DAC Acquisition costs that vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance business, reflecting incremental direct costs of contract acquisition with independent third parties or employees that are essential to the contract transaction, as well as the portion of employee compensation, including payroll fringe benefits and other costs directly related to underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical inspection, and contract selling for successfully negotiated contracts including commissions, underwriting, agency and policy issue expenses, are deferred. DAC is subject to recoverability testing at the time of policy issue and loss recognition testing at the end of each accounting period. After the initial establishment of reserves, premium deficiency and loss recognition tests are performed each period end using best estimate assumptions as of the testing date without provisions for adverse deviation. When the liabilities for future policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums for the aggregate product group are insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses for that line of business (i.e., reserves net of any DAC asset), DAC would first be written off and thereafter, if required, a premium deficiency reserve would be established by a charge to earnings. In accordance with the guidance for the accounting and reporting by insurance enterprises for certain long-duration contracts and participating contracts and for realized gains and losses from the sale of investments, current and expected future profit margins for products covered by this guidance are examined regularly in determining the amortization of DAC. DAC associated with certain variable annuity products is amortized based on estimated assessments, with DAC on the remainder of variable annuities, UL and investment-type products amortized over the expected total life of the contract group as a constant percentage of estimated gross profits arising principally from investment results, Separate Account fees, mortality and expense margins and surrender charges based on historical and anticipated future experience, updated at the end of each accounting period. When estimated gross profits are expected to be negative for multiple years of a contract life, DAC is amortized using the present value of estimated assessments. The effect on the amortization of DAC of revisions to estimated gross profits or assessments is reflected in earnings (loss) in the period such estimated gross profits or assessments are revised. A decrease in expected gross profits or assessments would accelerate DAC amortization. Conversely, an increase in expected gross profits or assessments would slow DAC amortization. The effect on the DAC assets that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to AOCI in consolidated equity as of the balance sheet date. A significant assumption in the amortization of DAC on variable annuities and, to a lesser extent, on variable and interest-sensitive life insurance relates to projected future Separate Account performance. Management sets estimated future gross profit or assessment assumptions related to Separate Account performance using a long-term view of expected average market returns by applying a reversion to the mean approach, a commonly used industry practice. This future return approach influences the projection of fees earned, as well as other sources of estimated gross profits. Returns that are higher than expectations for a given period produce higher than expected account balances, increase the fees earned resulting in higher expected future gross profits and lower DAC amortization for the period. The opposite occurs when returns are lower than expected. In applying this approach to develop estimates of future returns, it is assumed that the market will return to an average gross long-term return estimate, developed with reference to historical long-term equity market performance. In second quarter 2015, based upon management’s current expectations of interest rates and future fund growth, the Company updated its Reversion to the Mean ("RTM") assumption from 9.0% to 7.0% . The average gross long-term return measurement start date was also updated to December 31, 2014. Management has set limitations as to maximum and minimum future rate of return assumptions, as well as a limitation on the duration of use of these maximum or minimum rates of return. At December 31, 2015 , the average gross short-term and long-term annual return estimate on variable and interest-sensitive life insurance and variable annuities was 7.0% ( 4.65% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees), and the gross maximum and minimum short-term annual rate of return limitations were 15.0% ( 12.65% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees) and 0.0% ( -2.35% net of product weighted average Separate Account fees), respectively. The maximum duration over which these rate limitations may be applied is 5 years . This approach will continue to be applied in future periods. These assumptions of long-term growth are subject to assessment of the reasonableness of resulting estimates of future return assumptions. If actual market returns continue at levels that would result in assuming future market returns of 15.0% for more than 5 years in order to reach the average gross long-term return estimate, the application of the 5 year maximum duration limitation would result in an acceleration of DAC amortization. Conversely, actual market returns resulting in assumed future market returns of 0.0% for more than 5 years would result in a required deceleration of DAC amortization. In addition, projections of future mortality assumptions related to variable and interest-sensitive life products are based on a long-term average of actual experience. This assumption is updated quarterly to reflect recent experience as it emerges. Improvement of life mortality in future periods from that currently projected would result in future deceleration of DAC amortization. Conversely, deterioration of life mortality in future periods from that currently projected would result in future acceleration of DAC amortization. Other significant assumptions underlying gross profit estimates for UL and investment type products relate to contract persistency and General Account investment spread. For participating traditional life policies (substantially all of which are in the Closed Block), DAC is amortized over the expected total life of the contract group as a constant percentage based on the present value of the estimated gross margin amounts expected to be realized over the life of the contracts using the expected investment yield. At December 31, 2015 , the average rate of assumed investment yields, excluding policy loans, was 5.1% grading to 4.5% over 10 years . Estimated gross margins include anticipated premiums and investment results less claims and administrative expenses, changes in the net level premium reserve and expected annual policyholder dividends. The effect on the accumulated amortization of DAC of revisions to estimated gross margins is reflected in earnings in the period such estimated gross margins are revised. The effect on the DAC assets that would result from realization of unrealized gains (losses) is recognized with an offset to AOCI in consolidated equity as of the balance sheet date. Many of the factors that affect gross margins are included in the determination of the Company’s dividends to these policyholders. DAC adjustments related to participating traditional life policies do not create significant volatility in results of operations as the Closed Block recognizes a cumulative policyholder dividend obligation expense in “Policyholders’ dividends,” for the excess of actual cumulative earnings over expected cumulative earnings as determined at the time of demutualization. DAC associated with non-participating traditional life policies is amortized in proportion to anticipated premiums. Assumptions as to anticipated premiums are estimated at the date of policy issue and are consistently applied during the life of the contracts. Deviations from estimated experience are reflected in earnings (loss) in the period such deviations occur. For these contracts, the amortization periods generally are for the total life of the policy. DAC related to these policies is subject to recoverability testing as part of the Company’s premium deficiency testing. If a premium deficiency exists, DAC is reduced by the amount of the deficiency or to zero through a charge to current period earnings (loss). If the deficiency exceeds the DAC balance, the reserve for future policy benefits is increased by the excess, reflected in earnings (loss) in the period such deficiency occurs.
Contractholder Bonus Interest Credits	Contractholder Bonus Interest Credits Contractholder bonus interest credits are offered on certain deferred annuity products in the form of either immediate bonus interest credited or enhanced interest crediting rates for a period of time. The interest crediting expense associated with these contractholder bonus interest credits is deferred and amortized over the lives of the underlying contracts in a manner consistent with the amortization of DAC. Unamortized balances are included in Other assets.
Policyholder's Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits	Policyholders’ Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits Policyholders’ account balances for UL and investment-type contracts are equal to the policy account values. The policy account values represent an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited interest less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals. The Company has issued and continues to offer certain variable annuity products with GMDB and Guaranteed income benefit (“GIB”) features. The Company previously issued certain variable annuity products with Guaranteed withdrawal benefit for life (“GWBL”) and other features. The Company also issues certain variable annuity products that contain a GMIB feature which, if elected by the policyholder after a stipulated waiting period from contract issuance, guarantees a minimum lifetime annuity based on predetermined annuity purchase rates that may be in excess of what the contract account value can purchase at then-current annuity purchase rates. This minimum lifetime annuity is based on predetermined annuity purchase rates applied to a GMIB base. Reserves for GMDB and GMIB obligations are calculated on the basis of actuarial assumptions related to projected benefits and related contract charges generally over the lives of the contracts. The determination of this estimated liability is based on models that involve numerous estimates and subjective judgments, including those regarding expected market rates of return and volatility, contract surrender and withdrawal rates, mortality experience, and, for contracts with the GMIB feature, GMIB election rates. Assumptions regarding Separate Account performance used for purposes of this calculation are set using a long-term view of expected average market returns by applying a reversion to the mean approach, consistent with that used for DAC amortization. There can be no assurance that actual experience will be consistent with management’s estimates. For reinsurance contracts other than those covering GMIB exposure, reinsurance recoverable balances are calculated using methodologies and assumptions that are consistent with those used to calculate the direct liabilities. For participating traditional life policies, future policy benefit liabilities are calculated using a net level premium method on the basis of actuarial assumptions equal to guaranteed mortality and dividend fund interest rates. The liability for annual dividends represents the accrual of annual dividends earned. Terminal dividends are accrued in proportion to gross margins over the life of the contract. For non-participating traditional life insurance policies, future policy benefit liabilities are estimated using a net level premium method on the basis of actuarial assumptions as to mortality, persistency and interest established at policy issue. Assumptions established at policy issue as to mortality and persistency are based on the Company’s experience that, together with interest and expense assumptions, includes a margin for adverse deviation. Benefit liabilities for traditional annuities during the accumulation period are equal to accumulated contractholders’ fund balances and, after annuitization, are equal to the present value of expected future payments. Interest rates used in establishing such liabilities range from 5.0% to 6.3% (weighted average of 5.1% ) for approximately 99.0% of life insurance liabilities and from 1.6% to 6.5% (weighted average of 5.1% ) for annuity liabilities. Individual health benefit liabilities for active lives are estimated using the net level premium method and assumptions as to future morbidity, withdrawals and interest. Benefit liabilities for disabled lives are estimated using the present value of benefits method and experience assumptions as to claim terminations, expenses and interest. While management believes its disability income (“DI”) reserves have been calculated on a reasonable basis and are adequate, there can be no assurance reserves will be sufficient to provide for future liabilities. When the liabilities for future policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums for a product are insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses for that product, DAC is written off and thereafter, if required, a premium deficiency reserve is established by a charge to earnings. Funding agreements are reported in Policyholders’ account balances in the consolidated balance sheets. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”), AXA Equitable has access to collateralized borrowings. AXA Equitable may also issue funding agreements to the FHLBNY. Both the collateralized borrowings and funding agreements would require AXA Equitable to pledge qualified mortgage-backed assets and/or government securities as collateral.
Accounting for Variable Annuities with GMDB and GMIB Features	Accounting for Variable Annuities with GMDB and GMIB Features Future claims exposure on products with guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) and guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GMIB”) features are sensitive to movements in the equity markets and interest rates. The Company has in place various hedging programs utilizing derivatives that are designed to mitigate the impact of movements in equity markets and interest rates. These various hedging programs do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. As a result, changes in the value of the derivatives will be recognized in the period in which they occur while offsetting changes in reserves and deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) will be recognized over time in accordance with policies described below under “Policyholders’ Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits” and “DAC”. These differences in recognition contribute to earnings volatility. GMIB reinsurance contracts are used to cede to affiliated and non-affiliated reinsurers a portion of the exposure on variable annuity products that offer the GMIB feature. The GMIB reinsurance contracts are accounted for as derivatives and are reported at fair value. Gross reserves for GMIB are calculated on the basis of assumptions related to projected benefits and related contract charges over the lives of the contracts and therefore will not immediately reflect the offsetting impact on future claims exposure resulting from the same capital market and/or interest rate fluctuations that cause gains or losses on the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contracts. The changes in the fair value of the GMIB reinsurance contracts are recorded in the period in which they occur while offsetting changes in gross reserves and DAC for GMIB are recognized over time in accordance with policies described below under “Policyholders’ Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits” and “DAC”. These differences in recognition contribute to earnings volatility.
Policyholders Dividends	Policyholders’ Dividends The amount of policyholders’ dividends to be paid (including dividends on policies included in the Closed Block) is determined annually by AXA Equitable’s board of directors. The aggregate amount of policyholders’ dividends is related to actual interest, mortality, morbidity and expense experience for the year and judgment as to the appropriate level of statutory surplus to be retained by AXA Equitable.
Separate Accounts	Separate Accounts Generally, Separate Accounts established under New York State Insurance Law are not chargeable with liabilities that arise from any other business of AXA Equitable. Separate Accounts assets are subject to General Account claims only to the extent Separate Accounts assets exceed Separate Accounts liabilities. Assets and liabilities of the Separate Accounts represent the net deposits and accumulated net investment earnings (loss) less fees, held primarily for the benefit of contractholders, and for which the Company does not bear the investment risk. Separate Accounts’ assets and liabilities are shown on separate lines in the consolidated balance sheets. Assets held in Separate Accounts are reported at quoted market values or, where quoted values are not readily available or accessible for these securities, their fair value measures most often are determined through the use of model pricing that effectively discounts prospective cash flows to present value using appropriate sector-adjusted credit spreads commensurate with the security’s duration, also taking into consideration issuer-specific credit quality and liquidity. The assets and liabilities of seven Separate Accounts are presented and accounted for as General Account assets and liabilities due to the fact that not all of the investment performance in those Separate Accounts is passed through to policyholders. Investment assets in these Separate Accounts principally consist of fixed maturities that are classified as AFS in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. These Separate Accounts are combined on a line-by-line basis with the Company’s General Account assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the accounting for these investments is consistent with the methodologies described herein for similar financial instruments held within the General Account. The investment results of Separate Accounts, including unrealized gains (losses), on which the Company does not bear the investment risk are reflected directly in Separate Accounts liabilities. Investment performance (including investment income, net investment gains (losses) and changes in unrealized gains (losses)) and the corresponding amounts credited to contractholders of such Separate Accounts are offset within the same line in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). For 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , investment results of such Separate Accounts were gains (losses) of $1,148 million , $5,959 million and $19,022 million , respectively. Deposits to Separate Accounts are reported as increases in Separate Accounts liabilities and are not reported in revenues. Mortality, policy administration and surrender charges on all policies including those funded by Separate Accounts are included in revenues. The Company reports the General Account’s interests in Separate Accounts as Other equity investments in the consolidated balance sheets.
Recognition of Investment Management Revenues and Related Expenses	Recognition of Investment Management Revenues and Related Expenses Commissions, fees and other income principally include the Investment Management segment’s investment advisory and service fees, distribution revenues and institutional research services revenue. Investment advisory and service base fees, generally calculated as a percentage, referred to as basis points (“BPs”), of assets under management, are recorded as revenue as the related services are performed; they include brokerage transactions charges received by Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC (“SCB LLC”) for certain retail, private client and institutional investment client transactions. Certain investment advisory contracts, including those associated with hedge funds, provide for a performance-based fee, in addition to or in lieu of a base fee which is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of the investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Performance-based fees are recorded as a component of revenue at the end of each contract’s measurement period. Institutional research services revenue consists of brokerage transaction charges received by SCB LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited (“SCBL”) for independent research and brokerage-related services provided to institutional investors. Brokerage transaction charges earned and related expenses are recorded on a trade date basis. Distribution revenues and shareholder servicing fees are accrued as earned. Commissions paid to financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of shares of open-end AB sponsored mutual funds sold without a front-end sales charge (“back-end load shares”) are capitalized as deferred sales commissions and amortized over periods not exceeding five and one-half years for U.S. fund shares and four years for non-U.S. fund shares, the periods of time during which the deferred sales commissions are generally recovered. These commissions are recovered from distribution services fees received from those funds and from contingent deferred sales commissions (“CDSC”) received from shareholders of those funds upon the redemption of their shares. CDSC cash recoveries are recorded as reductions of unamortized deferred sales commissions when received. Effective January 31, 2009, back-end load shares are no longer offered to new investors by AB’s U.S. funds. Management tests the deferred sales commission asset for recoverability quarterly and determined that the balance as of December 31, 2015 was not impaired. AB’s management determines recoverability by estimating undiscounted future cash flows to be realized from this asset, as compared to its recorded amount, as well as the estimated remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset over which undiscounted future cash flows are expected to be received. Undiscounted future cash flows consist of ongoing distribution services fees and CDSC. Distribution services fees are calculated as a percentage of average assets under management related to back-end load shares. CDSC are based on the lower of cost or current value, at the time of redemption, of back-end load shares redeemed and the point at which redeemed during the applicable minimum holding period under the mutual fund distribution system. Significant assumptions utilized to estimate future average assets under management and undiscounted future cash flows from back-end load shares include expected future market levels and redemption rates. Market assumptions are selected using a long-term view of expected average market returns based on historical returns of broad market indices. Future redemption rate assumptions are determined by reference to actual redemption experience over the five-year, three-year and one-year periods and current quarterly periods ended December 31, 2015 . These assumptions are updated periodically. Estimates of undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales commission asset are made from these assumptions and the aggregate undiscounted cash flows are compared to the recorded value of the deferred sales commission asset. If AB’s management determines in the future that the deferred sales commission asset is not recoverable, an impairment condition would exist and a loss would be measured as the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using AB’s management’s best estimate of future cash flows discounted to a present value amount.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of acquired companies, and relates principally to the acquisition of SCB Inc., an investment research and management company formerly known as Sanford C. Bernstein Inc. (“Bernstein Acquisition”) and the purchase of units of the limited partnership interest in AB (“AB Units”). In accordance with the guidance for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is tested annually for impairment and at interim periods if events or circumstances indicate an impairment could have occurred. Intangible assets related to the Bernstein Acquisition and purchases of AB Units include values assigned to contracts of businesses acquired based on their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition, less accumulated amortization. These intangible assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of approximately 20 years . All intangible assets are periodically reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, additional impairment tests are performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any.
Other Accounting Policies	Other Accounting Policies Capitalized internal-use software, included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software that ranges between three and five years. If an impairment is determined to have occurred, software capitalization is accelerated for the remaining balance deemed to be impaired. AXA Financial and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, including the Company, file a consolidated Federal income tax return. The Company provides for Federal and state income taxes currently payable, as well as those deferred due to temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Current Federal income taxes are charged or credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable as a result of taxable operations for the current year. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between financial statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted income tax rates and laws. Valuation allowances are established when management determines, based on available information, that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. Under accounting for uncertainty in income taxes guidance, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Tax positions are then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities	The following table provides information relating to fixed maturities and equity securities classified as AFS: Available-for-Sale Securities by Classification Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value OTTI in AOCI (3) (In Millions) December 31, 2015 Fixed Maturity Securities: Public corporate $ 12,890 $ 688 $ 202 $ 13,376 $ — Private corporate 6,818 232 124 6,926 — U.S. Treasury, government and agency 8,800 280 305 8,775 — States and political subdivisions 437 68 1 504 — Foreign governments 397 36 18 415 — Commercial mortgage-backed 591 29 87 533 9 Residential mortgage-backed (1) 608 32 — 640 — Asset-backed (2) 68 10 1 77 3 Redeemable preferred stock 592 57 2 647 — Total Fixed Maturities 31,201 1,432 740 31,893 12 Equity securities 34 — 2 32 — Total at December 31, 2015 $ 31,235 $ 1,432 $ 742 $ 31,925 $ 12 December 31, 2014: Fixed Maturity Securities: Public corporate $ 13,808 $ 1,140 $ 51 $ 14,897 $ — Private corporate 6,934 409 20 7,323 — U.S. Treasury, government and agency 6,685 672 26 7,331 — States and political subdivisions 441 78 — 519 — Foreign governments 405 48 7 446 — Commercial mortgage-backed 855 22 142 735 10 Residential mortgage-backed (1) 752 43 — 795 — Asset-backed (2) 86 14 1 99 3 Redeemable preferred stock 829 70 10 889 — Total Fixed Maturities 30,795 2,496 257 33,034 13 Equity securities 36 2 — 38 — Total at December 31, 2014 $ 30,831 $ 2,498 $ 257 $ 33,072 $ 13 (1) Includes publicly traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. (2) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages and other asset types and credit tenant loans. (3) Amounts represent OTTI losses in AOCI, which were not included in earnings (loss) in accordance with current accounting guidance.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	The contractual maturities of AFS fixed maturities (excluding redeemable preferred stock) at December 31, 2015 are shown in the table below. Bonds not due at a single maturity date have been included in the table in the final year of maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities Contractual Maturities at December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Fair Value (In Millions) Due in one year or less $ 1,469 $ 1,486 Due in years two through five 7,012 7,395 Due in years six through ten 10,429 10,406 Due after ten years 10,432 10,709 Subtotal 29,342 29,996 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 591 533 Residential mortgage-backed securities 608 640 Asset-backed securities 68 77 Total $ 30,609 $ 31,246
Available For Sale Fixed Maturities Proceeds Gross Gains And Gross Losses From Sales And Other Than Temporary Impairments	The following table shows proceeds from sales, gross gains (losses) from sales and OTTI for AFS fixed maturities during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Proceeds from sales $ 979 $ 716 $ 3,220 Gross gains on sales $ 33 $ 21 $ 71 Gross losses on sales $ (8 ) $ (9 ) $ (88 ) Total OTTI $ (41 ) $ (72 ) $ (81 ) Non-credit losses recognized in OCI — — 15 Credit losses recognized in earnings (loss) $ (41 ) $ (72 ) $ (66 )
Fixed Maturities Credit Loss Impairments	The following table sets forth the amount of credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company at the dates indicated and the corresponding changes in such amounts. Fixed Maturities - Credit Loss Impairments 2015 2014 (In Millions) Balances at January 1, $ (254 ) $ (370 ) Previously recognized impairments on securities that matured, paid, prepaid or sold 97 188 Recognized impairments on securities impaired to fair value this period (1) (11 ) — Impairments recognized this period on securities not previously impaired (22 ) (41 ) Additional impairments this period on securities previously impaired (8 ) (31 ) Increases due to passage of time on previously recorded credit losses — — Accretion of previously recognized impairments due to increases in expected cash flows — — Balances at December 31, $ (198 ) $ (254 ) (1) Represents circumstances where the Company determined in the current period that it intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturities and equity securities classified as AFS are included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of AOCI. The table below presents these amounts as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) AFS Securities: Fixed maturities: With OTTI loss $ 16 $ 10 All other 676 2,229 Equity securities (2 ) 2 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) $ 690 $ 2,241
Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments With Other Than Temporary Impairment	Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturities with OTTI Losses Net Unrealized Gain (Losses) on Investments DAC Policyholders Liabilities Deferred Income Tax Asset (Liability) AOCI Gain (Loss) Related to Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 10 $ — $ — $ (4 ) $ 6 Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period (7 ) — — — (7 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses: Included in Net earnings (loss) 13 — — — 13 Excluded from Net earnings (loss) (1) — — — — — Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on: DAC — — — — — Deferred income taxes — — — (1 ) (1 ) Policyholders liabilities — — (4 ) — (4 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 16 $ — $ (4 ) $ (5 ) $ 7 Balance, January 1, 2014 $ (28 ) $ 2 $ 10 $ 5 $ (11 ) Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period (1 ) — — — (1 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses: Included in Net earnings (loss) 39 — — — 39 Excluded from Net earnings (loss) (1) — — — — — Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on: DAC — (2 ) — — (2 ) Deferred income taxes — — — (9 ) (9 ) Policyholders liabilities — — (10 ) — (10 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 10 $ — $ — $ (4 ) $ 6 (1) Represents “transfers in” related to the portion of OTTI losses recognized during the period that were not recognized in earnings (loss) for securities with no prior OTTI loss.
Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	All Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) in AOCI Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments DAC Policyholders Liabilities Deferred Income Tax Asset (Liability) AOCI Gain (Loss) Related to Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 2,231 $ (122 ) $ (368 ) $ (610 ) $ 1,131 Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period (1,562 ) — — — (1,562 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses: Included in Net earnings (loss) 5 — — — 5 Excluded from Net earnings (loss) (1) — — — — — Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on: DAC — 40 — — 40 Deferred income taxes — — — 477 477 Policyholders liabilities — — 155 — 155 Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 674 $ (82 ) $ (213 ) $ (133 ) $ 246 Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 607 $ (107 ) $ (245 ) $ (90 ) $ 165 Net investment gains (losses) arising during the period 1,606 — — — 1,606 Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses: Included in Net earnings (loss) 18 — — — 18 Excluded from Net earnings (loss) (1) — — — — — Impact of net unrealized investment gains (losses) on: DAC — (15 ) — — (15 ) Deferred income taxes — — — (520 ) (520 ) Policyholders liabilities — — (123 ) — (123 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 2,231 $ (122 ) $ (368 ) $ (610 ) $ 1,131 (1) Represents “transfers out” related to the portion of OTTI losses during the period that were not recognized in earnings (loss) for securities with no prior OTTI loss.
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments	The following tables disclose the fair values and gross unrealized losses of the 810 issues at December 31, 2015 and the 601 issues at December 31, 2014 of fixed maturities that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the specified periods at the dates indicated: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Value Gross Fair Value Gross Fair Value Gross (In Millions) December 31, 2015: Fixed Maturity Securities: Public corporate $ 3,091 $ 129 $ 359 $ 73 $ 3,450 $ 202 Private corporate 1,926 102 184 22 2,110 124 U.S. Treasury, government and agency 3,538 305 — — 3,538 305 States and political subdivisions 19 1 — — 19 1 Foreign governments 73 7 39 11 112 18 Commercial mortgage-backed 67 2 261 85 328 87 Residential mortgage-backed 11 — 29 — 40 — Asset-backed 11 — 17 1 28 1 Redeemable preferred stock 43 — 40 2 83 2 Total $ 8,779 $ 546 $ 929 $ 194 $ 9,708 $ 740 December 31, 2014: Fixed Maturity Securities: Public corporate $ 687 $ 18 $ 794 $ 33 $ 1,481 $ 51 Private corporate 627 11 254 9 881 20 U.S. Treasury, government and agency 280 6 373 20 653 26 States and political subdivisions 21 — — — 21 — Foreign governments 27 1 65 6 92 7 Commercial mortgage-backed 37 2 355 140 392 142 Residential mortgage-backed — — 35 — 35 — Asset-backed — — 20 1 20 1 Redeemable preferred stock 42 — 169 10 211 10 Total $ 1,721 $ 38 $ 2,065 $ 219 $ 3,786 $ 257
Trading Securities	Net unrealized and realized gains (losses) on trading account equity securities are included in Net investment income (loss) in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). The table below shows a breakdown of Net investment income from trading account securities during the year ended 2015 and 2014 : Net Investment Income (Loss) from Trading Securities Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, (In Millions) Net investment gains (losses) recognized during the period on securities held at the end of the period $ (63 ) $ — Net investment gains (losses) recognized on securities sold during the period 20 22 Unrealized and realized gains (losses) on trading securities (43 ) 22 Interest and dividend income from trading securities 60 41 Net investment income (loss) from trading securities $ 17 $ 63
Troubled Debt Restructuring on Financing Receivables	Troubled Debt Restructuring - Modifications December 31, 2015 Number Outstanding Recorded Investment of Loans Pre-Modification Post - Modification (Dollars In Millions) Commercial mortgage loans 1 $ 16 $ 16
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivable	Allowance for credit losses for mortgage loans for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Commercial Mortgage Loans 2015 2014 2013 Allowance for credit losses: (In Millions) Beginning Balance, January 1, $ 37 $ 42 $ 34 Charge-offs (32 ) (14 ) — Recoveries (1 ) — (2 ) Provision 2 9 10 Ending Balance, December 31, $ 6 $ 37 $ 42 Ending Balance, December 31,: Individually Evaluated for Impairment $ 6 $ 37 $ 42
Debt Service Coverage Ratio	The following tables provide information relating to the loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios for commercial and agricultural mortgage loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The values used in these ratio calculations were developed as part of the periodic review of the commercial and agricultural mortgage loan portfolio, which includes an evaluation of the underlying collateral value. Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value and Debt Service Coverage Ratios December 31, 2015 Debt Service Coverage Ratio Loan-to-Value Ratio: (2) Greater than 2.0x 1.8x to 2.0x 1.5x to 1.8x 1.2x to 1.5x 1.0x to 1.2x Less than 1.0x Total Mortgage Loans (In Millions) Commercial Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 533 $ — $ 102 $ 12 $ 24 $ — $ 671 50% - 70% 1,392 353 741 853 77 — 3,416 70% - 90% 141 — 206 134 124 46 651 90% plus 63 — — 46 — — 109 Total Commercial Mortgage Loans $ 2,129 $ 353 $ 1,049 $ 1,045 $ 225 $ 46 $ 4,847 Agricultural Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 204 $ 116 $ 277 $ 432 $ 256 $ 51 $ 1,336 50% - 70% 146 80 192 298 225 47 988 70% - 90% — — 2 4 — — 6 90% plus — — — — — — — Total Agricultural Mortgage Loans $ 350 $ 196 $ 471 $ 734 $ 481 $ 98 $ 2,330 Total Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 737 $ 116 $ 379 $ 444 $ 280 $ 51 $ 2,007 50% - 70% 1,538 433 933 1,151 302 47 4,404 70% - 90% 141 — 208 138 124 46 657 90% plus 63 — — 46 — — 109 Total Mortgage Loans $ 2,479 $ 549 $ 1,520 $ 1,779 $ 706 $ 144 $ 7,177 (1) The debt service coverage ratio is calculated using the most recently reported net operating income results from property operations divided by annual debt service. (2) The loan-to-value ratio is derived from current loan balance divided by the fair market value of the property. The fair market value of the underlying commercial properties is updated annually. Mortgage Loans by Loan-to-Value and Debt Service Coverage Ratios December 31, 2014 Debt Service Coverage Ratio Loan-to-Value Ratio: (2) Greater than 2.0x 1.8x to 2.0x 1.5x to 1.8x 1.2x to 1.5x 1.0x to 1.2x Less than 1.0x Total Mortgage Loans (In Millions) Commercial Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 335 $ — $ — $ 59 $ 34 $ — $ 428 50% - 70% 963 440 872 839 54 — 3,168 70% - 90% 211 — 61 265 79 — 616 90% plus 156 — — — — 47 203 Total Commercial Mortgage Loans $ 1,665 $ 440 $ 933 $ 1,163 $ 167 $ 47 $ 4,415 Agricultural Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 184 $ 100 $ 232 $ 408 $ 206 $ 50 $ 1,180 50% - 70% 143 87 201 223 204 47 905 70% - 90% — — — — — — — 90% plus — — — — — — — Total Agricultural Mortgage Loans $ 327 $ 187 $ 433 $ 631 $ 410 $ 97 $ 2,085 Total Mortgage Loans (1) 0% - 50% $ 519 $ 100 $ 232 $ 467 $ 240 $ 50 $ 1,608 50% - 70% 1,106 527 1,073 1,062 258 47 4,073 70% - 90% 211 — 61 265 79 — 616 90% plus 156 — — — — 47 203 Total Mortgage Loans $ 1,992 $ 627 $ 1,366 $ 1,794 $ 577 $ 144 $ 6,500 (1) The debt service coverage ratio is calculated using the most recently reported net operating income results from property operations divided by annual debt service. (2) The loan-to-value ratio is derived from current loan balance divided by the fair market value of the property. The fair market value of the underlying commercial properties is updated annually.
Age Analysis Of Past Due Mortgage Loans	The following table provides information relating to the aging analysis of past due mortgage loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Age Analysis of Past Due Mortgage Loan 30-59 Days 60-89 Days 90 Days Or > Total Current Total Financing Receivables Recorded Investment > 90 Days and Accruing (In Millions) December 31, 2015: Commercial $ — $ — $ 30 $ 30 $ 4,817 $ 4,847 $ — Agricultural 12 7 4 23 2,307 2,330 4 Total Mortgage Loans $ 12 $ 7 $ 34 $ 53 $ 7,124 $ 7,177 $ 4 December 31, 2014: Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 4,415 $ 4,415 $ — Agricultural 1 7 3 11 2,074 2,085 3 Total Mortgage Loans $ 1 $ 7 $ 3 $ 11 $ 6,489 $ 6,500 $ 3
Impaired Mortgage Loans	The following table provides information relating to impaired mortgage loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Impaired Mortgage Loans Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance Average Recorded Investment (1) Interest Income Recognized (In Millions) December 31, 2015: With no related allowance recorded: Commercial mortgage loans - other $ 46 $ 46 $ — $ 15 $ — Agricultural mortgage loans — — — — — Total $ 46 $ 46 $ — $ 15 $ — With related allowance recorded: Commercial mortgage loans - other $ 63 $ 63 $ (6 ) $ 137 $ 4 Agricultural mortgage loans — — — — — Total $ 63 $ 63 $ (6 ) $ 137 $ 4 December 31, 2014: With no related allowance recorded: Commercial mortgage loans - other $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Agricultural mortgage loans — — — — — Total $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — With related allowance recorded: Commercial mortgage loans - other $ 156 $ 156 $ (37 ) $ 148 $ 2 Agricultural mortgage loans — — — — — Total $ 156 $ 156 $ (37 ) $ 148 $ 2 (1) Represents a five-quarter average of recorded amortized cost.
Real Estate Investment Financial Statements, Disclosure	The tables below present quantitative disclosures about the Company’s derivative instruments, including those embedded in other contracts required to be accounted for as derivative instruments. Derivative Instruments by Category At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Fair Value Notional Amount Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss) (In Millions) Freestanding derivatives: Equity contracts: (1) Futures $ 7,089 $ 2 $ 3 $ (84 ) Swaps 1,359 8 21 (45 ) Options 7,358 1,042 652 14 Interest rate contracts: (1) Floors 1,800 61 — 12 Swaps 13,718 351 108 (8 ) Futures 8,685 — — (81 ) Swaptions — — — 118 Credit contracts: (1) Credit default swaps 2,442 16 38 (14 ) Other freestanding contracts: (1) Foreign currency Contracts 263 5 4 7 Net investment income (loss) (81 ) Embedded derivatives: GMIB reinsurance contracts — 10,570 — (141 ) GIB and GWBL and other features (2) — — 184 (56 ) SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features (3) — — 310 (38 ) Balances, December 31, 2015 $ 42,714 $ 12,055 $ 1,320 $ (260 ) (1) Reported in Other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets. (2) Reported in Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. (3) SCS and SIO indexed features are reported in Policyholders’ account balances; MSO and IUL indexed features are reported in Future policyholders’ benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments by Category At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Fair Value Notional Amount Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss) (In Millions) Freestanding derivatives: Equity contracts: (1) Futures $ 5,933 $ 1 $ 2 $ (522 ) Swaps 1,169 22 15 (88 ) Options 6,896 1,215 742 196 Interest rate contracts: (1) Floors 2,100 120 — 9 Swaps 11,608 605 15 1,507 Futures 10,647 — — 459 Swaptions 4,800 72 — 37 Credit contracts: (1) Credit default swaps 1,942 9 27 4 Other freestanding contracts: (1) Foreign currency Contracts 149 2 — 3 Net investment income (loss) 1,605 Embedded derivatives: GMIB reinsurance contracts — 10,711 — 3,964 GIB and GWBL and other features (2) — — 128 (128 ) SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features (3) — — 380 (199 ) Balances, December 31, 2014 $ 45,244 $ 12,757 $ 1,309 $ 5,242 (1) Reported in Other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets. (2) Reported in Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. (3) SCS and SIO indexed features are reported in Policyholders’ account balances; MSO and IUL indexed features are reported in Future policyholders’ benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Offsetting Assets And Liabilities	The following table presents information about the Insurance Segment’s offsetting of financial assets and liabilities and derivative instruments at December 31, 2015 . Offsetting of Financial Assets and Liabilities and Derivative Instruments At December 31, 2015 Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets (In Millions) ASSETS (1) Description Derivatives: Equity contracts $ 1,049 $ 673 $ 376 Interest rate contracts 389 104 285 Credit contracts 14 37 (23 ) Total Derivatives, subject to an ISDA Master Agreement 1,452 814 638 Total Derivatives, not subject to an ISDA Master Agreement 20 — 20 Total Derivatives 1,472 814 658 Other financial instruments (2) (4) 1,271 — 1,271 Other invested assets (2) $ 2,743 $ 814 $ 1,929 Securities purchased under agreement to resell $ 79 — $ 79 Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets (In Millions) LIABILITIES (3) Description Derivatives: Equity contracts $ 673 $ 673 $ — Interest rate contracts 104 104 — Credit contracts 37 37 — Total Derivatives, subject to an ISDA Master Agreement 814 814 — Total Derivatives, not subject to an ISDA Master Agreement — — — Total Derivatives 814 814 — Other financial liabilities 2,586 — 2,586 Other liabilities $ 3,400 $ 814 $ 2,586 Securities sold under agreement to repurchase $ 1,890 $ — $ 1,890 (1) Excludes Investment Management segment’s $13 million net derivative assets, $6 million long exchange traded options and $75 million of securities borrowed. (2) Includes $141 million of accrued interest related to derivative instruments reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. (3) Excludes Investment Management segment’s $12 million net derivative liabilities, $1 million short exchange traded options and $10 million of securities loaned. (4) Includes margin of $(2) million related to derivative instruments. The following table presents information about the Insurance segment’s offsetting of financial assets and liabilities and derivative instruments at December 31, 2014 . Offsetting of Financial Assets and Liabilities and Derivative Instruments At December 31, 2014 Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets (In Millions) ASSETS (1) Description Derivatives: Equity contracts $ 1,236 $ 753 $ 483 Interest rate contracts 755 12 743 Credit contracts 7 27 (20 ) Total Derivatives, subject to an ISDA Master Agreement 1,998 792 1,206 Total Derivatives, not subject to an ISDA Master Agreement 40 — 40 Total Derivatives 2,038 792 1,246 Other financial instruments (2) 852 — 852 Other invested assets (2) $ 2,890 $ 792 $ 2,098 Gross Amounts Recognized Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets (In Millions) LIABILITIES (3) Description Derivatives: Equity contracts $ 753 $ 753 $ — Interest rate contracts 12 12 — Total Derivatives, subject to an ISDA Master Agreement 765 765 — Total Derivatives, not subject to an ISDA Master Agreement — — — Total Derivatives 765 765 — Other financial liabilities 2,939 — 2,939 Other liabilities $ 3,704 $ 765 $ 2,939 Securities sold under agreement to repurchase $ 950 $ — $ 950 (1) Excludes Investment Management segment’s $8 million net derivative assets, $22 million long exchange traded options and $158 million of securities borrowed. (2) Includes $120 million related to accrued interest related to derivative instruments reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. (3) Excludes Investment Management segment’s $9 million net derivative liabilities, $7 million short exchange traded options and $34 million of securities loaned.
Collateral Arrangements By Counterparty Not Offset In Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table presents information about the Insurance segment’s gross collateral amounts that are not offset in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 . Gross Collateral Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets At December 31, 2015 Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets Collateral (Received)/Held Financial Instruments Cash Net Amounts (In Millions) ASSETS (1) Counterparty A $ 52 $ — $ (52 ) $ — Counterparty B 9 — (7 ) 2 Counterparty C 61 — (58 ) 3 Counterparty D 222 — (218 ) 4 Counterparty E 53 — (53 ) — Counterparty F (2 ) — 2 — Counterparty G 129 — (129 ) — Counterparty H 16 (11 ) (5 ) — Counterparty I 44 — (39 ) 5 Counterparty J 19 — (13 ) 6 Counterparty K 17 — (17 ) — Counterparty L 7 — (7 ) — Counterparty M 11 — (10 ) 1 Counterparty N 20 — — 20 Counterparty Q — — — — Counterparty T (3 ) — 3 — Counterparty U — — 1 1 Counterparty V 3 — (3 ) — Total Derivatives $ 658 $ (11 ) $ (605 ) $ 42 Other financial instruments (2) (4) 1,271 — — 1,271 Other invested assets (2) $ 1,929 $ (11 ) $ (605 ) $ 1,313 Counterparty M $ 28 $ (28 ) $ — $ — Counterparty V 51 (51 ) — — Securities purchased under agreement to resell $ 79 $ (79 ) $ — $ — Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets Collateral (Received)/Held Financial Instruments Cash Net Amounts (In Millions) LIABILITIES (3) Counterparty D $ 234 $ (234 ) $ — — Counterparty C 1,033 (1,016 ) (17 ) — Counterparty M 623 (611 ) (12 ) — Securities sold under agreement to repurchase $ 1,890 $ (1,861 ) $ (29 ) $ — (1) Excludes Investment Management segment’s cash collateral received of $2 million related to derivative assets and $75 million related to securities borrowed. (2) Includes $141 million of accrued interest related to derivative instruments reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. (3) Excludes Investment Management segment’s cash collateral pledged of $12 million related to derivative liabilities and $10 million related to securities loaned. (4) Includes margin of $(2) million related to derivative instruments. The following table presents information about the Insurance segment’s gross collateral amounts that are not offset in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2014 . Gross Collateral Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets At December 31, 2014 Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets Collateral (Received)/Held Financial Instruments Cash Net Amounts (In Millions) ASSETS (1) Counterparty A $ 62 $ — $ (62 ) $ — Counterparty B 102 — (95 ) 7 Counterparty C 111 — (110 ) 1 Counterparty D 228 — (224 ) 4 Counterparty E 60 — (59 ) 1 Counterparty F 63 — (60 ) 3 Counterparty G 145 (145 ) — — Counterparty H 31 (31 ) — — Counterparty I 136 — (134 ) 2 Counterparty J 28 — (22 ) 6 Counterparty K 44 — (44 ) — Counterparty L 113 (113 ) — — Counterparty M 76 — (68 ) 8 Counterparty N 40 — — 40 Counterparty Q 4 — (4 ) — Counterparty T 3 — (3 ) — Total Derivatives $ 1,246 $ (289 ) $ (885 ) $ 72 Other financial instruments (2) 852 — — 852 Other invested assets (2) $ 2,098 $ (289 ) $ (885 ) $ 924 LIABILITIES (3) Counterparty D $ 450 $ (450 ) $ — — Counterparty C 500 (500 ) — — Securities sold under agreement to repurchase $ 950 $ (950 ) $ — $ — (1) Excludes Investment Management segment’s cash collateral received of $1 million related to derivative assets and $158 million related to securities borrowed. (2) Includes $120 million of accrued interest related to derivative instruments reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. (3) Excludes Investment Management segment’s cash collateral pledged of $10 million related to derivative liabilities and $34 million related to securities loaned.
Transfer Of Financial Assets Accounted For As Sales	The following table presents information about repurchase agreements accounted for as secured borrowings in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 . Repurchase Agreement Accounted for as Secured Borrowings (1) At December 31, 2015 Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements Overnight and Up to 30 days 30-90 days Greater Than Total (In Millions) Securities sold under agreement to repurchase U.S. Treasury and agency securities $ — $ 1,865 $ 25 $ — $ 1,890 Total $ — $ 1,865 $ 25 $ — $ 1,890 Securities purchased under agreement to resell Corporate securities $ — $ 79 $ — $ — $ 79 Total $ — $ 79 $ — $ — $ 79 (1) Excludes Investment Management segment’s $75 million of securities borrowed.
Investment Income	The following table breaks out Net investment income (loss) by asset category: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Fixed maturities $ 1,420 $ 1,431 $ 1,462 Mortgage loans on real estate 338 306 284 Repurchase agreement 1 — — Other equity investments 84 200 228 Policy loans 213 216 219 Derivative investments (81 ) 1,605 (2,866 ) Trading securities 17 63 54 Other investment income 40 49 50 Gross investment income (loss) 2,032 3,870 (569 ) Investment expenses (53 ) (53 ) (57 ) Interest expense (3 ) (2 ) (3 ) Net Investment Income (Loss) $ 1,976 $ 3,815 $ (629 )
Investment Gains Losses Net Including Changes In Valuation Allowances	Investment gains (losses), net including changes in the valuation allowances and OTTI are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Fixed maturities $ (17 ) $ (54 ) $ (75 ) Mortgage loans on real estate (1 ) (3 ) (7 ) Other equity investments (5 ) (2 ) (17 ) Other 3 1 — Investment Gains (Losses), Net $ (20 ) $ (58 ) $ (99 )

CLOSED BLOCK (Tables)

CLOSED BLOCK (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Closed Block Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Closed Block Assets and Liabilities	Summarized financial information for the AXA Equitable Closed Block is as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) CLOSED BLOCK LIABILITIES: Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other $ 7,363 $ 7,537 Policyholder dividend obligation 81 201 Other liabilities 100 117 Total Closed Block liabilities 7,544 7,855 ASSETS DESIGNATED TO THE CLOSED BLOCK: Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $4,426 and $4,829) 4,599 5,143 Mortgage loans on real estate 1,575 1,407 Policy loans 881 912 Cash and other invested assets 49 14 Other assets 258 176 Total assets designated to the Closed Block 7,362 7,652 Excess of Closed Block liabilities over assets designated to the Closed Block 182 203 Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of deferred income tax (expense) benefit of $(36) and $(43) and policyholder dividend obligation of $(81) and $(201) 67 80 Maximum Future Earnings To Be Recognized From Closed Block Assets and Liabilities $ 249 $ 283
Closed Block Operations, Net Results	AXA Equitable’s Closed Block revenues and expenses follow: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) REVENUES: Premiums and other income $ 262 $ 273 $ 286 Investment income (loss) 368 378 402 Net investment gains (losses) 2 (4 ) (11 ) Total revenues 632 647 677 BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS: Policyholders’ benefits and dividends 576 597 637 Other operating costs and expenses 4 4 1 Total benefits and other deductions 580 601 638 Net revenues, before income taxes 52 46 39 Income tax (expense) benefit (18 ) (16 ) (14 ) Net Revenues (Losses) $ 34 $ 30 $ 25
Closed Block Dividend Obligation	A reconciliation of AXA Equitable’s policyholder dividend obligation follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Balances, beginning of year $ 201 $ 128 Unrealized investment gains (losses) (120 ) 73 Balances, End of year $ 81 $ 201

CONTRACTHOLDER BONUS INTEREST34

CONTRACTHOLDER BONUS INTEREST CREDITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Contractholder Bonus Interest Credits [Abstract]
Contractholder Bonus Interest Credits	Changes in the deferred asset for contractholder bonus interest credits are as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Balance, beginning of year $ 383 $ 518 Contractholder bonus interest credits deferred 17 15 Balance true-up 174 — Amortization charged to income (40 ) (150 ) Balance, End of Year $ 534 $ 383

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Tables)

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In Millions) Assets Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ — $ 19,882 $ 420 $ 20,302 U.S. Treasury, government and agency — 8,775 — 8,775 States and political subdivisions — 459 45 504 Foreign governments — 414 1 415 Commercial mortgage-backed — 30 503 533 Residential mortgage-backed (1) — 640 — 640 Asset-backed (2) — 37 40 77 Redeemable preferred stock 258 389 — 647 Subtotal 258 30,626 1,009 31,893 Other equity investments 97 — 49 146 Trading securities 654 6,151 — 6,805 Other invested assets: Short-term investments — 369 — 369 Swaps — 230 — 230 Credit Default Swaps — (22 ) — (22 ) Futures (1 ) — — (1 ) Options — 390 — 390 Floors — 61 — 61 Currency Contracts — 1 — 1 Subtotal (1 ) 1,029 — 1,028 Cash equivalents 2,150 — — 2,150 Segregated securities — 565 — 565 GMIB reinsurance contracts — — 10,570 10,570 Separate Accounts’ assets 104,058 2,964 313 107,335 Total Assets $ 107,216 $ 41,335 $ 11,941 $ 160,492 Liabilities GWBL and other features’ liability $ — $ — $ 184 184 SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features’ liability — 310 — 310 Contingent payment arrangements — — 31 31 Total Liabilities $ — $ 310 $ 215 $ 525 (1) Includes publicly traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized obligations. (2) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages and other asset types and credit tenant loans. Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In Millions) Assets Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ — $ 21,840 $ 380 $ 22,220 U.S. Treasury, government and agency — 7,331 — 7,331 States and political subdivisions — 472 47 519 Foreign governments — 446 — 446 Commercial mortgage-backed — 20 715 735 Residential mortgage-backed (1) — 793 2 795 Asset-backed (2) — 46 53 99 Redeemable preferred stock 254 635 — 889 Subtotal 254 31,583 1,197 33,034 Other equity investments 217 — 61 278 Trading securities 710 4,433 — 5,143 Other invested assets: Short-term investments — 103 — 103 Swaps — 597 — 597 Credit Default Swaps — (18 ) — (18 ) Futures (2 ) — — (2 ) Options — 473 — 473 Floors — 120 — 120 Currency Contracts — 1 — 1 Swaptions — 72 — 72 Subtotal (2 ) 1,348 — 1,346 Cash equivalents 2,725 — — 2,725 Segregated securities — 476 — 476 GMIB reinsurance contracts — — 10,711 10,711 Separate Accounts’ assets 107,539 3,072 260 110,871 Total Assets $ 111,443 $ 40,912 $ 12,229 $ 164,584 Liabilities GWBL and other features’ liability $ — $ — $ 128 128 SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features’ liability — 380 — 380 Contingent payment arrangements — — 42 42 Total Liabilities $ — $ 380 $ 170 $ 550 (1) Includes publicly traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized obligations. (2) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by sub-prime mortgages and other asset types and credit tenant loans.
Reconciliation of Assets and Liabilities at Level 3	Level 3 Instruments Fair Value Measurements Corporate State and Political Sub-divisions Foreign Govts Commercial Mortgage- backed Residential Mortgage- backed Asset- backed (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 380 $ 47 $ — $ 715 $ 2 $ 53 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) 3 — — 1 — — Investment gains (losses), net 2 — — (38 ) — — Subtotal 5 — — (37 ) — — Other comprehensive income (loss) (25 ) (1 ) — 64 — (4 ) Purchases (3) 60 — 1 — — — Sales (4) (38 ) (1 ) — (175 ) (2 ) (9 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) 99 — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) (61 ) — — (64 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 420 $ 45 $ 1 $ 503 $ — $ 40 Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 291 $ 46 $ — $ 700 $ 4 $ 83 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) 2 — — 2 — — Investment gains (losses), net 3 — — (89 ) — — Subtotal $ 5 $ — $ — $ (87 ) $ — $ — Other comprehensive income (loss) 6 2 — 135 — 7 Purchases (3) 162 — — — — — Sales (4) (30 ) (1 ) — (20 ) (2 ) (37 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) 15 — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) (69 ) — — (13 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 380 $ 47 $ — $ 715 $ 2 $ 53 Level 3 Instruments Fair Value Measurements Corporate State and Political Sub-divisions Foreign Govts Commercial Mortgage- backed Residential Mortgage- backed Asset- backed (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 355 $ 50 $ 19 $ 900 $ 9 $ 113 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) 2 — — — — — Investment gains (losses), net 5 — — (68 ) — — Subtotal 7 — — (68 ) — — Other comprehensive income (loss) (1 ) (3 ) (2 ) 13 (1 ) 3 Purchases (3) 70 — — 31 — — Sales (4) (150 ) (1 ) (17 ) (160 ) (4 ) (22 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) 20 — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) (10 ) — — (16 ) — (11 ) Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 291 $ 46 $ — $ 700 $ 4 $ 83 Redeem-able Preferred Stock Other Equity Investments GMIB Reinsurance Asset Separate Accounts Assets GWBL and Other Features Liability Contingent Payment Arrangement (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ — $ 61 $ 10,711 $ 260 $ 128 42 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) — — — — — — Investment gains (losses), net — 5 — 36 — — Increase (decrease) in the fair value of reinsurance contracts — — (327 ) — — — Policyholders’ benefits — — — — (130 ) — Subtotal — 5 (327 ) 36 (130 ) — Other comprehensive income (loss) — 2 — — — — Purchases (2) — 1 228 26 186 — Sales (3) — (20 ) (42 ) (2 ) — (11 ) Settlements (4) — — — (5 ) — — Transfers into Level 3 (1) — — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — — — (2 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2015 $ — $ 49 $ 10,570 $ 313 $ 184 31 Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 15 $ 52 $ 6,747 $ 237 $ — 38 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net investment income (loss) — 3 — — — — Investment gains (losses), net — 1 — 15 — — Increase (decrease) in the fair value of reinsurance contracts — — 3,774 — — — Policyholders’ benefits — — — — (8 ) — Subtotal $ — $ 4 $ 3,774 $ 15 $ (8 ) — Other comprehensive income(loss) — — — — — Purchases (2) — 8 225 16 136 9 Sales (3) (15 ) (1 ) (35 ) (3 ) — (5 ) Settlements (4) — — — (5 ) — — Transfers into Level 3 (1) — — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — (2 ) — — — — Balance, December 31, 2014 $ — $ 61 $ 10,711 $ 260 $ 128 42 Redeem- able Preferred Stock Other Equity Investments Other Invested Assets GMIB Reinsurance Asset Separate Accounts Assets GWBL and Other Features Liability (In Millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 15 $ 77 $ (2 ) $ 11,044 $ 224 $ 265 Total gains (losses), realized and unrealized, included in: Earnings (loss) as: Net Investment Income (loss) 10 Investment gains (losses), net — (7 ) — — 10 — Increase (decrease) in the fair value of reinsurance contracts — — — (4,496 ) — — Policyholders’ benefits — — — — — (351 ) Subtotal — 3 — (4,496 ) 10 (351 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) — — 2 — (1 ) — Purchases (2) — 4 — 237 6 86 Sales (3) — (3 ) — (38 ) (3 ) — Settlements (4) — — — — (2 ) — Transfers into Level 3 (1) — — — — 3 — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — (29 ) — — — — Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 15 $ 52 $ — $ 6,747 $ 237 $ — (1) Transfers into/out of Level 3 classification are reflected at beginning-of-period fair values. (2) For the GMIB reinsurance contract asset and GWBL and other features reserves, represents premiums. (3) For the GMIB reinsurance contract asset, represents recoveries from reinsurers and for GWBL and other features reserves represents benefits paid. (4) For contingent payment arrangements, it represents payments under the arrangement. The table below details changes in unrealized gains (losses) for 2015 and 2014 by category for Level 3 assets and liabilities still held at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively: Earnings (Loss) Net Investment Income (Loss) Investment Gains (Losses), Net Increase (Decrease) in the Fair Value of Reinsurance Contracts OCI Policy- holders’ Benefits (In Millions) Level 3 Instruments Full Year 2015 Still Held at December 31, 2015 Change in unrealized gains (losses): Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ — $ — $ — $ (25 ) $ — State and political subdivisions — — — (2 ) — Commercial mortgage-backed — — — 61 — Asset-backed — — — (4 ) — Other fixed maturities, available-for-sale — — — — — Subtotal $ — $ — $ — $ 30 $ — GMIB reinsurance contracts — — (141 ) — — Separate Accounts’ assets — 36 — — — GWBL and other features’ liability — — — — 184 Total $ — $ 36 $ (141 ) $ 30 $ 184 Level 3 Instruments Full Year 2014 Still Held at December 31, 2014 Change in unrealized gains (losses): Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ — $ — $ — $ 6 $ — State and political subdivisions — — — 2 — Commercial mortgage-backed — — — 112 — Asset-backed — — — 7 — Other fixed maturities, available-for-sale — — — — — Subtotal $ — $ — $ — $ 127 $ — GMIB reinsurance contracts — — 3,964 — — Separate Accounts’ assets — 15 — — — GWBL and other features’ liability — — — — 128 Total $ — $ 15 $ 3,964 $ 127 $ 128
Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurement	The following table discloses quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements by category for assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets: (In Millions) Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ 61 Matrix pricing model Spread over the industry-specific benchmark yield curve 50 bps - 565 bps 154 Market comparable companies EBITDA multiples Discount rate Cash flow Multiples 7.8x - 19.1x Asset-backed 3 Matrix pricing model Spread over U.S. Treasury curve 30 bps - 687 bps Other equity investments 10 Market comparable companies Revenue multiple Marketability Discount 2.5x - 4.8x Separate Accounts’ assets 271 Third party appraisal Capitalization rate Exit capitalization rate Discount rate 4.9% 7 Discounted cash flow Spread over U.S. Treasury curve Gross domestic product rate Discount factor 280 bps - 411 bps GMIB reinsurance contracts 10,570 Discounted cash flow Lapse Rates Withdrawal rates GMIB Utilization Rates Non-performance risk Volatility rates—Equity 0.6% - 5.7% Liabilities: GMWB/GWBL (1) 120 Discounted cash flow Lapse Rates Withdrawal rates Volatility rates—Equity 1.0% - 5.7% (1) Excludes GMAB and GIB liabilities. Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2014 Fair Value Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Input Range Assets: (In Millions) Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Corporate $ 75 Matrix pricing model Spread over the industry-specific benchmark yield curve 0 bps - 590 bps 132 Market comparable companies Discount rate 11.2% - 15.2% Asset-backed 5 Matrix pricing model Spread over U.S. Treasury curve 30 bps - 687 bps Other equity investments 20 Market comparable companies Revenue multiple Discount rate Discount years 2.0x - 3.5x 18.0% 2 Separate Accounts’ assets 234 Third party appraisal Capitalization rate Exit capitalization rate Discount rate 5.2% 6.2% 7.1% 7 Discounted cash flow Spread over U.S. Treasury curve Gross domestic product rate Discount factor 238 bps - 395 bps 0.0% - 2.4% 1.3% - 5.4% GMIB reinsurance contracts 10,711 Discounted cash flow Lapse Rates Withdrawal Rates GMIB Utilization Rates Non-performance risk Volatility rates - Equity 1.0% - 8.0% 0.2% - 8.0% 0.0% - 15.0% 5 bps - 16 bps 9.0% - 34.0% Liabilities: GMWB/GWBL (1) 107 Discounted cash flow Lapse Rates Withdrawal Rates Volatility rates - Equity 1.0% - 8.0% 0.0% - 7.0% 9.0% - 34.0%
Fair Value Disclosure Financial Instruments Not Carried At Fair Value	The carrying values and fair values at December 31, 2015 and 2014 for financial instruments not otherwise disclosed in Notes 3 and 12 are presented in the table below. Certain financial instruments are exempt from the requirements for fair value disclosure, such as insurance liabilities other than financial guarantees and investment contracts, limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method and pension and other postretirement obligations. Carrying Value Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In Millions) December 31, 2015: Mortgage loans on real estate $ 7,171 $ — $ — $ 7,257 $ 7,257 Loans to affiliates 1,087 — 795 390 1,185 Policyholders liabilities: Investment contracts 7,825 — — 7,930 7,930 Policy loans 3,393 — — 4,343 4,343 Short-term debt 584 — 584 — 584 Separate Account Liabilities 5,124 — — 5,124 5,124 December 31, 2014: Mortgage loans on real estate $ 6,463 $ — $ — $ 6,617 6,617 Loans to affiliates 1,087 — 1,203 — 1,203 Policyholders liabilities: Investment contracts 2,799 — — 2,941 2,941 Policy loans 3,408 — — 4,406 4,406 Short-term debt 688 — 700 — 700 Separate Account Liabilities 5,019 — — 5,019 5,019

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTH36

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTHER FEATURES AND NO LAPSE GUARANTEE FEATURES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Variable Annuity Contracts- GMDB GMIB	The following table summarizes the GMDB and GMIB liabilities, before reinsurance ceded, reflected in the General Account in future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities: GMDB GMIB Total (In Millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 1,772 4,561 $ 6,333 Paid guarantee benefits (237 ) (325 ) (562 ) Other changes in reserve 91 (33 ) 58 Balance at December 31, 2013 1,626 4,203 5,829 Paid guarantee benefits (231 ) (220 ) (451 ) Other changes in reserve 334 1,661 1,995 Balance at December 31, 2014 1,729 5,644 7,373 Paid guarantee benefits (313 ) (89 ) (402 ) Other changes in reserve 1,570 (258 ) 1,312 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 2,986 $ 5,297 $ 8,283
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Reinsurance Ceded	Related GMDB reinsurance ceded amounts were: GMDB (In Millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 844 Paid guarantee benefits (109 ) Other changes in reserve 56 Balance at December 31, 2013 791 Paid guarantee benefits (114 ) Other changes in reserve 155 Balance at December 31, 2014 832 Paid guarantee benefits (148 ) Other changes in reserve 746 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,430
Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee	The December 31, 2015 values for variable annuity contracts in force on such date with GMDB and GMIB features are presented in the following table. For contracts with the GMDB feature, the net amount at risk in the event of death is the amount by which the GMDB benefits exceed related account values. For contracts with the GMIB feature, the net amount at risk in the event of annuitization is the amount by which the present value of the GMIB benefits exceeds related account values, taking into account the relationship between current annuity purchase rates and the GMIB guaranteed annuity purchase rates. Since variable annuity contracts with GMDB guarantees may also offer GMIB guarantees in the same contract, the GMDB and GMIB amounts listed are not mutually exclusive: Return of Premium Ratchet Roll-Up Combo Total (Dollars In Millions) GMDB: Account values invested in: General Account $ 13,037 $ 132 $ 78 $ 244 $ 13,491 Separate Accounts $ 38,438 $ 8,570 $ 3,472 $ 34,160 $ 84,640 Net amount at risk, gross $ 397 $ 422 $ 2,389 $ 15,872 $ 19,080 Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured $ 397 $ 302 $ 1,616 $ 6,743 $ 9,058 Average attained age of contractholders 51.1 65.4 71.7 66.4 55.0 Percentage of contractholders over age 70 9.0 % 35.4 % 58.1 % 38.2 % 16.6 % Range of contractually specified interest rates N/A N/A 3%-6% 3%-6.5% 3%-6.5% GMIB: Account values invested in: General Account N/A N/A $ 41 $ 351 $ 392 Separate Accounts N/A N/A $ 15,467 $ 41,092 $ 56,559 Net amount at risk, gross N/A N/A $ 1,179 $ 6,232 $ 7,411 Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured N/A N/A $ 351 $ 1,561 $ 1,912 Weighted average years remaining until annuitization N/A N/A 1.4 1.9 1.9 Range of contractually specified interest rates N/A N/A 3%-6% 3%-6.5% 3%-6.5%
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment	The following table presents the aggregate fair value of assets, by major investment category, held by Separate Accounts that support variable annuity contracts with GMDB and GMIB benefits and guarantees. The investment performance of the assets impacts the related account values and, consequently, the net amount of risk associated with the GMDB and GMIB benefits and guarantees. Since variable annuity contracts with GMDB benefits and guarantees may also offer GMIB benefits and guarantees in each contract, the GMDB and GMIB amounts listed are not mutually exclusive: Investment in Variable Insurance Trust Mutual Funds December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) GMDB: Equity $ 66,230 $ 67,108 Fixed income 2,686 3,031 Balanced 15,350 17,505 Other 374 404 Total $ 84,640 $ 88,048 GMIB: Equity $ 43,874 $ 43,850 Fixed income 1,819 1,988 Balanced 10,696 12,060 Other 170 186 Total $ 56,559 $ 58,084
No Lapse Guarantee Liabilities	The following table summarizes the no lapse guarantee liabilities, reflected in the General Account in Future policy benefits and other policyholders’ liabilities, the related reinsurance reserve ceded, reflected in Amounts due from reinsurers and deferred cost of reinsurance, reflected in Other assets in the Consolidated balance sheets. Direct Liability Reinsurance Ceded Net (In Millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 556 $ (310 ) $ 246 Other changes in reserves 273 (131 ) 142 Balance at December 31, 2013 829 (441 ) 388 Other changes in reserves 135 (114 ) 21 Balance at December 31, 2014 964 (555 ) 409 Other changes in reserves 120 16 136 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,084 $ (539 ) $ 545

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS (Tables)

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Effect Of Reinsurance	The following table summarizes the effect of reinsurance: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Direct premiums $ 820 $ 844 $ 848 Reinsurance assumed 207 211 213 Reinsurance ceded (539 ) (541 ) (565 ) Premiums $ 488 $ 514 $ 496 Universal Life and Investment-type Product Policy Fee Income Ceded $ 279 $ 270 $ 247 Policyholders’ Benefits Ceded $ 527 $ 726 $ 703
Schedule Of Net Incurred Benefits And Benefits Paid For Individual DI And Major Medical Policies	Net incurred benefits (benefits paid plus changes in claim reserves) and benefits paid for individual DI and major medical policies are summarized below: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Incurred benefits related to current year $ 11 $ 14 $ 15 Incurred benefits related to prior years 22 16 10 Total Incurred Benefits $ 33 $ 30 $ 25 Benefits paid related to current year $ 18 $ 20 $ 19 Benefits paid related to prior years 13 11 13 Total Benefits Paid $ 31 $ 31 $ 32

SHORT-TERM DEBT (Tables)

SHORT-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short Term Debt	Short-term debt consists of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Short-term debt: AB: Commercial paper (with interest rates of 0.5% and 0.3%) $ 584 $ 489 AXA Equitable: Surplus Notes, 7.7%, due 2015 — 200 Total short-term debt $ 584 $ 689

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Commission Fees And Other Income Revenues For Services Related To Mutual Funds Managed By Subsidiary	Commissions, fees and other income includes certain revenues for services provided to mutual funds managed by AB. These revenues are described below: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Investment advisory and services fees $ 1,056 $ 1,062 $ 1,010 Distribution revenues 415 433 455 Other revenues - shareholder servicing fees 85 91 91 Other revenues - other 5 6 6

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans Net Periodic Pension Expense	Components of net periodic pension expense for the Company’s qualified plans were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Service cost $ 8 $ 9 $ 40 Interest cost 93 107 99 Expected return on assets (159 ) (155 ) (155 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 1 1 1 Net amortization 110 111 155 Curtailment — — 3 Net Periodic Pension Expense $ 53 $ 73 $ 143
Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations	Changes in the PBO of the Company’s qualified plans were comprised of: December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 2,657 $ 2,463 Service cost — — Interest cost 93 107 Actuarial (gains) losses (6 ) 264 Benefits paid (169 ) (177 ) Plan amendments and curtailments 1 — Projected Benefit Obligation 2,576 2,657 Transfer to AXA Financial (2,447 ) — Projected Benefit Obligation, End of Year $ 129 $ 2,657
Schedule of Net Funded Status	The following table discloses the changes in plan assets and the funded status of the Company’s qualified pension plans. The fair value of plan assets supporting the AXA Equitable QP liability was not impacted by the Assumption Transaction and the payment of plan benefits will continue to be made from the plan assets held in trust for the exclusive benefit of plan participants. December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Pension plan assets at fair value, beginning of year $ 2,473 $ 2,401 Actual return on plan assets 24 250 Contributions — 6 Benefits paid and fees (175 ) (184 ) Pension plan assets at fair value, end of year 2,322 2,473 PBO, immediately preceding the Transfer to AXA Financial 2,576 2,657 Excess of PBO Over Pension Plan Assets, immediately preceding the Transfer to AXA Financial (254 ) (184 ) Transfer to AXA Financial $ 211 $ — Excess of PBO Over Pension Plan Assets, end of year $ (43 ) $ (184 )
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized	The following table discloses the amounts included in AOCI at December 31, 2015 and 2014 that have not yet been recognized by AXA Equitable as components of net periodic pension cost. Not shown in the table at December 31, 2015 is approximately $1,193 million unrecognized net actuarial losses related to the AXA Equitable QP and accumulated in AOCI transferred to AXA Financial due to the Assumption Transaction. December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss $ 49 $ 1,144 Unrecognized prior service cost (credit) 1 — Total $ 50 $ 1,144
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The tables below disclose the allocation of the approximately $2,473 million fair value of total plan assets for the qualified pension plans of the Company and their level of observability within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014 . At December 31, 2014, assets classified as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 comprised approximately 32.4% , 57.6% and 10.0% , respectively, of qualified pension plan assets. During 2014, there were no transfers in/out of the Level 3 plan asset classification; activity in Level 3 consisted only of actual returns of approximately $22 million on those assets. Except for an investment at December 31, 2014 of approximately $1 million in a private REIT through a pooled separate account, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk arising within or across categories of qualified pension plan assets. December 31, 2015 2014 Fixed Maturities 24.0 % 49.4 % Equity Securities 56.0 38.8 Equity real estate — 9.8 Cash and short-term investments — 1.3 Other 20.0 0.7 Total 100.0 % 100.0 %
Schedule of Fair Values of Plan Assets Within Fair Value Hierarchy	December 31, 2015: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Categories (In Millions) Fixed Maturities: Other structured debt $ — $ 9 $ — $ 9 Common and preferred equity 24 — — 24 Mutual funds 43 — — 43 Private real estate investment trusts — 10 — 10 Total $ 67 $ 19 $ — $ 86 December 31, 2014: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset Categories (In Millions) Fixed Maturities: Corporate $ — $ 833 $ — $ 833 U.S. Treasury, government and agency — 358 — 358 States and political subdivisions — 18 — 18 Other structured debt — 9 3 12 Common and preferred equity 743 177 — 920 Mutual funds 46 — — 46 Private real estate investment funds — — 1 1 Private real estate investment trusts — 10 242 252 Cash and cash equivalents 13 — — 13 Short-term investments — 20 — 20 Total $ 802 $ 1,425 $ 246 $ 2,473
Schedule or Description of Weighted Average Discount Rate	The following table discloses assumptions used to measure the Company’s pension benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost at and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . As described above, AXA Equitable refined its calculation of the discount rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 valuation of its defined benefits plans to use the discrete single equivalent discount rate for each plan as compared to its previous use of an aggregate, weighted average practical expedient. December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rates: AXA Equitable QP, immediately preceding Transfer to AXA Financial 3.98 % N/A Other AXA Equitable defined benefit plans 3.66 % N/A AB Qualified Retirement Plan 4.3 % N/A Benefits obligations (aggregate methodology for 2014) N/A 3.6 % Periodic cost 3.6 % 3.6 % Rates of compensation increase: Benefit obligation 6.00 % 6.00 % Periodic cost 6.46 % 6.00 % Expected long-term rates of return on pension plan assets (periodic cost) 6.75 % 6.75 %
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The following table provides an estimate of future benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years, beginning January 1, 2016, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter, all of which are subsequent to the Assumption Transaction. These estimates are based on the same assumptions used to measure the respective benefit obligations at December 31, 2015 and include benefits attributable to estimated future employee service. Pension Benefits (In Millions) 2016 $ 6 2017 4 2018 5 2019 6 2020 5 Years 2021-2025 36

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS41

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of compensation costs	Compensations costs for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 for share-based payment arrangements as further described herein are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Performance Units/Shares $ 18 $ 10 $ 43 Stock Options 1 1 2 AXA Shareplan 16 10 13 AB Stock Options — — (4 ) AB Restricted Units 174 171 286 Other Compensation plans (1) 2 — — Total Compensation Expenses $ 211 $ 192 $ 340 (1) Other compensation plans include Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock and AXA Miles.
Summary of stock option activity	A summary of the activity in the AXA, AXA Financial and AB option plans during 2015 follows: Options Outstanding AXA Ordinary Shares AXA ADRs (3) AB Holding Units Number Outstanding (In 000’s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Outstanding (In 000’s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Outstanding (In 000’s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable at January 1, 2015 16,837.9 € 21.39 1,105.2 $ 25.53 5,942.4 $ 45.03 Options granted 444.0 € 22.90 — $ — 29.1 $ 31.74 Options exercised (4,196.7 ) € 18.26 (510.7 ) $ 25.33 (541.1 ) $ 17.06 Options forfeited, net (483.1 ) € 22.75 (553.5 ) $ 25.59 (23.1 ) $ 89.95 Options expired/reinstated — — — — (8.8 ) $ 45.45 Options Outstanding at December 31, 2015 12,602.1 € 21.39 41.0 $ 27.28 5,398.5 $ 47.59 Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) — (2) $ 245.3 — Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) 3.0 2.36 2.90 Options Exercisable at December 31, 2015 10,074.6 € 22.50 40.9 $ 27.28 4,736.7 43.04 Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) — $ 245.3 — Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) 2.48 2.36 2.90 (1) Aggregate intrinsic value, presented in millions, is calculated as the excess of the closing market price on December 31, 2015 of the respective underlying shares over the strike prices of the option awards. (2) The aggregate intrinsic value on options outstanding, exercisable and expected to vest is negative and is therefore presented as zero. (3) AXA ordinary shares will be delivered to participants in lieu of AXA ADRs at exercise or maturity.
Schedule of share-based payment award, valuation assumptions	Shown below are the relevant input assumptions used to derive the fair values of options awarded in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. AXA Ordinary Shares AB Holding Units 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 6.29 % 6.38 % 7.52 % 7.1 % 8.4 % 8.0-8.3 % Expected volatility 23.68 % 29.24 % 31.27 % 32.1 % 48.9 % 49.7-49.8 % Risk-free interest rates 0.92 % 1.54 % 1.34 % 1.5 % 1.5 % 0.8-1.7% Expected life in years 8.2 8.2 7.7 6.0 6.0 6.0 Weighted average fair value per option at grant date $ 1.73 $ 2.89 $ 1.79 $ 4.13 $ 4.78 $ 5.44
Schedule of share-based compensation, restricted stock units award activity	The following table summarizes restricted AXA ordinary share activity for 2015 . In addition, approximately 44,333 RSUs were granted during 2015 with graded vesting over a 3 -year service period. Shares of Restricted Stock Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested as of January 1, 2015 51,460 $ 15.37 Granted 10,578 $ 23.25 Vested 28,028 $ 14.63 Unvested as of December 31, 2015 34,010 $ 18.43

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of income tax expense (benefit)	A summary of the income tax (expense) benefit in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Income tax (expense) benefit: Current (expense) benefit $ (36 ) $ (552 ) $ 197 Deferred (expense) benefit (150 ) (1,143 ) 1,876 Total $ (186 ) $ (1,695 ) $ 2,073
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation	The Federal income taxes attributable to consolidated operations are different from the amounts determined by multiplying the earnings before income taxes and noncontrolling interest by the expected Federal income tax rate of 35.0% . The sources of the difference and their tax effects are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Expected income tax (expense) benefit $ (578 ) $ (2,140 ) $ 1,858 Noncontrolling interest 124 119 101 Separate Accounts investment activity 181 116 122 Non-taxable investment income (loss) 8 12 20 Tax audit interest 1 (6 ) (14 ) State income taxes 1 (4 ) (6 ) AB Federal and foreign taxes 2 4 2 Tax settlement 77 212 — Other (2 ) (8 ) (10 ) Income tax (expense) benefit $ (186 ) $ (1,695 ) $ 2,073
Schedule of net deferred income taxes	The components of the net deferred income taxes are as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities (In Millions) Compensation and related benefits $ 110 $ — $ 150 $ — Reserves and reinsurance — 1,740 — 1,785 DAC — 1,253 — 1,162 Unrealized investment gains or losses — 134 — 614 Investments — 1,437 — 1,490 Net operating losses and credits 424 — 512 — Other 25 112 — Total $ 534 $ 4,589 $ 774 $ 5,051
Unrecognized tax benefits reconciliation	A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Balance at January 1, $ 475 $ 592 $ 573 Additions for tax positions of prior years 44 56 57 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (101 ) (181 ) (38 ) Additions for tax positions of current year — 8 — Balance at December 31, $ 418 $ 475 $ 592

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI43

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	AOCI represents cumulative gains (losses) on items that are not reflected in earnings (loss). The balances for the past three years follow: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Unrealized gains (losses) on investments $ 241 $ 1,122 $ 153 Foreign currency translation adjustments (58 ) (33 ) (12 ) Defined benefit pension plans (12 ) (780 ) (757 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 171 309 (616 ) Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 57 42 13 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable $ 228 $ 351 $ (603 )
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of OCI for the past three years, net of tax, follow: 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Foreign currency translation adjustments: Foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period $ (25 ) $ (21 ) $ (12 ) (Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period — — — Foreign currency translation adjustment (25 ) (21 ) (12 ) Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year (1,020 ) 1,043 (1,550 ) (Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the year (1) 12 37 49 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments (1,008 ) 1,080 (1,501 ) Adjustments for policyholders liabilities, DAC, insurance liability loss recognition and other 127 (111 ) 302 Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments and (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(480), $529 and $(654)) (881 ) 969 (1,199 ) Change in defined benefit plans: Net gain (loss) arising during the year — (95 ) 198 Prior service cost arising during the year — — — Less: reclassification adjustments to net earnings (loss) for: (2) Amortization of net (gains) losses included in net periodic cost (4 ) 72 101 Amortization of net prior service credit included in net periodic cost — — — Change in defined benefit plans (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(2), $(15) and $161) (4 ) (23 ) 299 Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes (910 ) 925 (912 ) Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 15 29 (8 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable $ (895 ) $ 954 $ (920 ) (1) See “Reclassification adjustments” in Note 3. Reclassification amounts presented net of income tax expense (benefit) of $ (6) million, $(19) million and $(26) million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. (2) These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic costs (see Note 12). Reclassification amounts presented net of income tax expense (benefit) of $ 2 million, $(39) million and $(54) million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LI44

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The restructuring costs and liabilities associated with the Company’s initiatives were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Balance, beginning of year $ 113 $ 122 $ 52 Additions 10 21 140 Cash payments (32 ) (24 ) (66 ) Other reductions (2 ) (6 ) (4 ) Balance, End of Year $ 89 $ 113 $ 122

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (T

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables reconcile segment revenues and earnings (loss) from operations before income taxes to total revenues and earnings (loss) as reported on the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) and segment assets to total assets on the consolidated balance sheets, respectively. 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Segment revenues: Insurance (1) $ 6,822 $ 12,656 $ (54 ) Investment Management (2) 3,025 3,011 2,915 Consolidation/elimination (28 ) (27 ) (21 ) Total Revenues $ 9,819 $ 15,640 $ 2,840 (1) Includes investment expenses charged by AB of approximately $45 million , $40 million and $37 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, for services provided to the Company. (2) Intersegment investment advisory and other fees of approximately $73 million , $67 million and $58 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, are included in total revenues of the Investment Management segment. 2015 2014 2013 (In Millions) Segment earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes: Insurance $ 1,033 $ 5,512 $ (5,872 ) Investment Management (1) 618 603 564 Consolidation/elimination (1 ) — (1 ) Total Earnings (Loss) from Operations, before Income Taxes $ 1,650 $ 6,115 $ (5,309 ) (1) Net of interest expenses incurred on securities borrowed. December 31, 2015 2014 (In Millions) Segment assets: Insurance $ 182,738 $ 184,018 Investment Management 11,895 11,990 Consolidation/elimination (7 ) (3 ) Total Assets $ 194,626 $ 196,005

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIO46

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The quarterly results of operations for 2015 and 2014 are summarized below: Three Months Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 (In Millions) 2015 Total Revenues $ 3,567 $ 220 $ 5,714 $ 318 Total benefits and other deductions $ 2,437 $ 1,973 $ 2,375 $ 1,384 Net earnings (loss) $ 854 $ (1,025 ) $ 2,275 $ (640 ) 2014 Total Revenues $ 3,706 $ 3,524 $ 3,754 $ 4,656 Total benefits and other deductions $ 2,195 $ 2,342 $ 2,186 $ 2,802 Net earnings (loss) $ 1,056 $ 1,038 $ 1,077 $ 1,249

ORGANIZATIONS (Details)

ORGANIZATIONS (Details) - segment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	2
AXA Equitable
Organization Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Economic Interest In AllianceBernstein	28.60%	32.20%
Parent
Organization Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Economic Interest In AllianceBernstein	62.80%	62.70%
State and Local Jurisdiction | Alliance Bernstein
Organization Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) Percent	4.00%

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI48

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - VIEs (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Carrying value of COLI	$ 864,000,000	$ 803,000,000
Alliance Bernstein
Consolidation Policy [Line Items]
Variable interests in other structured products and hedge funds	28,000,000
Maximum loss exposure	$ 200,000

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI49

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - MORTGAGES REAL ESTATE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Management Judgment Factor [Line Items]
Nonaccrual Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Net	$ 72	$ 89

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI50

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - DAC (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
DAC [Abstract]
Mean (RTM) assumption		7.00%	9.00%
Average gross short-term and long-term annual return estimate	7.00%
Average net short-term and long-term annual return estimate	4.65%
Gross maximum short-term annual rate of return limitations	15.00%
Net maximum short-term annual rate of return limitations	12.65%
Gross minimum short-term annual rate of return limitations	0.00%
Net minimum short-term annual rate of return limitations	(2.35%)
Term of rate limitations (in years)	5 years
Maximum average rate of assumed investment yields, excluding policy loans	5.10%
Minimum average rate of assumed investment yields, excluding policy loans	4.50%
Term of average rate of assumed investment yields, excluding policy loans	10 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI51

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - OTHER (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liability For Future Policy Benefits Assumptions [Line Items]
Purchased stock to meet their membership requirement	$ 31
Outstanding funding agreements	$ 500
Policyholders Dividend Policy [Abstract]
Percent of dividend paying policies	5.20%
Carrying amount of dividend paying policies	$ 18,599
Separate Accounts Disclosure [Abstract]
Gain (loss) recognized on assets transferred to separate account	$ 1,148	$ 5,959	$ 19,022
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment [Abstract]
Intangible asset, estimated useful life	20 years
Life Insurance Liabilities
Liability For Future Policy Benefits Assumptions [Line Items]
Minimum interest rate used to establish life insurance liabilities	5.00%
Maximum interest rate used to establish life insurance liabilities	6.30%
Weighted average interest rate used to establish life insurance and annuity liabilities	5.10%
Percentage of life insurance liabilities calculate within traditional life interest rate range	99.00%
Annuity Liabilities
Liability For Future Policy Benefits Assumptions [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate used to establish life insurance and annuity liabilities	5.10%
Minimum interest rate used to establish annuity liabilities	1.60%
Maximum interest rate used to establish annuity liabilities	6.50%

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI52

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - OUT OF PERIOD ADJUSTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 318	$ 5,714	$ 220	$ 3,567	$ 4,656	$ 3,754	$ 3,524	$ 3,706	$ 9,819	$ 15,640	$ 2,840
Total benefits and other deductions	1,384	$ 2,375	$ 1,973	$ 2,437	2,802	$ 2,186	$ 2,342	$ 2,195	8,169	9,525	8,149
Earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes									1,650	6,115	(5,309)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									(1,464)	(4,420)	3,236
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset									(141)	3,964	(4,297)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 17,595				$ 18,108				17,595	18,108	13,441
Policyholders’ benefits									2,799	3,708	1,691
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									284	$ 215	$ 580
Mean (RTM) assumption			7.00%		9.00%					9.00%
Long-term Lapses, Partial Withdrawal Rates and Election Assumptions Updates | Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									60
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset									(746)
Policyholders’ benefits									(637)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									(17)
Increase in Cost of Insurance (COI)
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									(46)
RTM Assumptions Update
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									445
Mean (RTM) assumption			7.00%		9.00%					9.00%
RTM Assumptions Update | Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Policyholders’ benefits									723
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									(67)
RTM Assumptions Update | Variable and Interest Sensitive Life
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Policyholders’ benefits									29
Lapse Assumptions Updates
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest										$ (30)
Lapse Assumptions Updates | Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset										62
Policyholders’ benefits										16
Fair Value Measurement Changes in Significant Assumptions | GMIB reinsurance contracts
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset										510
Fair Value Measurement Changes in Significant Assumptions | GWBL and other features liability
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Policyholders’ benefits										37
Profit Loss | Fair Value Measurement Changes in Significant Assumptions
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest										(307)
Initial Fee Liability Amortization and Cost of Insurance | Change in Estimates
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Total benefits and other deductions									(51)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					$ (1)					(1)
Initial Fee Liability Amortization and Cost of Insurance | Universal Life and Investment Type Products | Change in Estimates
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Total Revenues									(112)
Earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes									(61)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									$ 40	$ 73

INVESTMENTS (AVAILABLE FOR SALE

INVESTMENTS (AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 31,235	$ 30,831
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,432	2,498
Gross Unrealized Losses	742	257
Fair Value	31,925	33,072
OTTI in AOCI	12	13
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Subtotal, Fair Value	31,893	33,034
Available For Sale Fixed Maturities Proceeds Gross Gains And Gross Losses From Sales And Other Than Temporary Impairments [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales	979	716	$ 3,220
Gross gains on sales	33	21	71
Gross losses on sales	(8)	(9)	(88)
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	(41)	(72)	(81)
Non-credit losses recognized in OCI	0	0	15
Net impairment losses recognized	(41)	(72)	(66)
Fixed Maturities - Credit Loss Impairments
Recognized impairments on securities impaired to fair value this period	(11)	0
Increases due to passage of time on previously recorded credit losses	0	0
Accretion of previously recognized impairments due to increases in expected cash flows	0	0
Public corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	12,890	13,808
Gross Unrealized Gains	688	1,140
Gross Unrealized Losses	202	51
Fair Value	13,376	14,897
OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Private corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	6,818	6,934
Gross Unrealized Gains	232	409
Gross Unrealized Losses	124	20
Fair Value	6,926	7,323
OTTI in AOCI	0	0
U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	8,800	6,685
Gross Unrealized Gains	280	672
Gross Unrealized Losses	305	26
Fair Value	8,775	7,331
OTTI in AOCI	0	0
States and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	437	441
Gross Unrealized Gains	68	78
Gross Unrealized Losses	1	0
Fair Value	504	519
OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Foreign governments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	397	405
Gross Unrealized Gains	36	48
Gross Unrealized Losses	18	7
Fair Value	415	446
OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	591	855
Gross Unrealized Gains	29	22
Gross Unrealized Losses	87	142
Fair Value	533	735
OTTI in AOCI	9	10
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amortized Cost Basis, without Single Maturity Date	591
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Fair Value, without Single Maturity Date	533
Residential mortgage-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	608	752
Gross Unrealized Gains	32	43
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	640	795
OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amortized Cost Basis, without Single Maturity Date	608
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Fair Value, without Single Maturity Date	640
Asset-backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	68	86
Gross Unrealized Gains	10	14
Gross Unrealized Losses	1	1
Fair Value	77	99
OTTI in AOCI	3	3
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amortized Cost Basis, without Single Maturity Date	68
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Fair Value, without Single Maturity Date	77
Redeemable preferred stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	592	829
Gross Unrealized Gains	57	70
Gross Unrealized Losses	2	10
Fair Value	647	889
OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	31,201	30,795
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,432	2,496
Gross Unrealized Losses	740	257
Fair Value	31,893	33,034
OTTI in AOCI	12	13
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	1,469
Due in years two through five, Amortized Cost	7,012
Due in years six through ten, Amortized Cost	10,429
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	10,432
Subtotal, Amortized Cost Basis	29,342
Amortized Cost Basis, without Single Maturity Date	30,609
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	1,486
Due in years two through five, Fair Value	7,395
Due in years six through ten, Fair Value	10,406
Due after ten years, Fair Value	10,709
Subtotal, Fair Value	29,996
Fair Value, without Single Maturity Date	31,246
Fixed Maturities - Credit Loss Impairments
Balance beginning of period	(254)	(370)
Previously recognized impairments on securities that matured, paid, prepaid or sold	97	188
Impairments recognized this period on securities not previously impaired	(22)	(41)
Additional impairments this period on securities previously impaired	(8)	(31)
Balances at December 31,	(198)	(254)	$ (370)
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	34	36
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	2	0
Fair Value	32	38
OTTI in AOCI	$ 0	$ 0

INVESTMENTS (NET UNREALIZED INV

INVESTMENTS (NET UNREALIZED INVESTMENTS) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	$ (1,020)	$ 1,043	$ (1,550)
Balance, end of the period	97
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	2,241
Balance, end of the period	690	2,241
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses With Otti Losses | Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Investments | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	10	(28)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	(7)	(1)
Included in Net earnings (loss)	13	39
Excluded from Net earnings (loss)	0	0
Balance, end of the period	16	10	(28)
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses With Otti Losses | DAC | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	0	2
DAC	0	(2)
Balance, end of the period	0	0	2
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses With Otti Losses | Policyholders Liabilities | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	0	10
Policyholders liabilities	(4)	(10)
Balance, end of the period	(4)	0	10
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses With Otti Losses | Deferred Income Tax Asset Liability | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	(4)	5
Deferred income taxes	(1)	(9)
Balance, end of the period	(5)	(4)	5
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses With Otti Losses | AOCI Gain Losses Related to Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	6	(11)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	(7)	(1)
Included in Net earnings (loss)	13	39
Excluded from Net earnings (loss)	0	0
DAC	0	(2)
Deferred income taxes	(1)	(9)
Policyholders liabilities	(4)	(10)
Balance, end of the period	7	6	(11)
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses All Other | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	2,229
Balance, end of the period	676	2,229
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses All Other | Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	2
Balance, end of the period	(2)	2
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses All Other | Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Investments | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	2,231	607
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	(1,562)	1,606
Included in Net earnings (loss)	5	18
Excluded from Net earnings (loss)	0	0
Balance, end of the period	674	2,231	607
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses All Other | DAC | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	(122)	(107)
DAC	40	(15)
Balance, end of the period	(82)	(122)	(107)
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses All Other | Policyholders Liabilities | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	(368)	(245)
Policyholders liabilities	155	(123)
Balance, end of the period	(213)	(368)	(245)
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses All Other | Deferred Income Tax Asset Liability | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	(610)	(90)
Deferred income taxes	477	(520)
Balance, end of the period	(133)	(610)	(90)
Unrealized Investment Gains Losses All Other | AOCI Gain Losses Related to Net Unrealized Investment Gains Losses | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of the period	1,131	165
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	(1,562)	1,606
Included in Net earnings (loss)	5	18
Excluded from Net earnings (loss)		0
DAC	40	(15)
Deferred income taxes	477	(520)
Policyholders liabilities	155	(123)
Balance, end of the period	$ 246	$ 1,131	$ 165

INVESTMENTS (FIXED MATURITIES A

INVESTMENTS (FIXED MATURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)securities	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)securities
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Number of positions in unrealized loss position | securities	810	601
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 8,779	$ 1,721
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	546	38
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	929	2,065
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	194	219
Total Fair Value	9,708	3,786
Total Gross unrealized losses	$ 740	257
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt securities exposure in single issuer greater than stated percentage of total investments	0.30%
Amortized Cost	$ 31,235	30,831
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities	97
Amortized cost of trading securities	6,866	5,160
Trading securities, at fair value	6,805	5,143
Separate Account Equity Investment Carrying Value	82	197
Separate Account Equity Investment Cost	72	185
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	32	38
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	34	36
Subprime residential mortgage loans
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
RMBS backed residential mortgage loans	7	8
Alt residential mortgage loans
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
RMBS backed residential mortgage loans	6	7
Public corporate
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	3,091	687
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	129	18
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	359	794
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	73	33
Total Fair Value	3,450	1,481
Total Gross unrealized losses	202	51
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Exposure in single issuer of total investments	157	146
Amortized Cost	12,890	13,808
Private corporate
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	1,926	627
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	102	11
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	184	254
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	22	9
Total Fair Value	2,110	881
Total Gross unrealized losses	124	20
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	6,818	6,934
U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	3,538	280
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	305	6
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	373
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	0	20
Total Fair Value	3,538	653
Total Gross unrealized losses	305	26
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	8,800	6,685
States and political subdivisions
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	19	21
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	1	0
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	0	0
Total Fair Value	19	21
Total Gross unrealized losses	1	0
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	437	441
Foreign governments
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	73	27
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	7	1
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	39	65
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	11	6
Total Fair Value	112	92
Total Gross unrealized losses	18	7
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	397	405
Commercial mortgage-backed
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	67	37
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	2	2
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	261	355
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	85	140
Total Fair Value	328	392
Total Gross unrealized losses	87	142
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	591	855
Residential mortgage-backed
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	11	0
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	29	35
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	0	0
Total Fair Value	40	35
Total Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	608	752
Asset-backed
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	11	0
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	17	20
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	1	1
Total Fair Value	28	20
Total Gross unrealized losses	1	1
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	68	86
Redeemable preferred stock
Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]
Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	43	42
Less than 12 Months, Gross unrealized Losses	0	0
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	40	169
12 Months or Longer, Gross unrealized Losses	2	10
Total Fair Value	83	211
Total Gross unrealized losses	2	10
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	592	829
Fixed maturities
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	31,201	30,795
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities	690	2,241
Carrying value of fixed maturities non-income producing	8
Fixed maturities | Other Than Investment Grade | External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade
Investments In Fixed Maturity Securities Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost basis other than investment grade	$ 1,310	$ 1,788
Percentage of available for sale securities	4.20%	5.80%
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities		$ 85

INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS (TRADIN

INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS (TRADING SECURITIES) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net investment gains (losses) recognized during the period on securities held at the end of the period	$ (63)	$ 0
Net investment gains (losses) recognized on securities sold during the period	20	22
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) on trading securities	(43)	22
Interest and dividend income from trading securities	60	41
Net investment income (loss) from trading securities	$ 17	$ 63

INVESTMENTS (TROUBLED DEBT REST

INVESTMENTS (TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURING) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Gross interest income on restructured loans included in net investment income (loss)		$ 1	$ 1	$ 2
Gross interest income on restructured mortgage loans, Pre Modification		$ 0	4	$ 7
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Loans | loan		1
Outstanding Recorded Investment Pre Modification		$ 16
Outstanding Recorded Investment Post Modification		$ 16	$ 93
Troubled debt restructuring, reduction of recorded investment	$ 32
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | Sale of Underlying Collateral
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Troubled debt restructuring, reduction of recorded investment	$ 45

INVESTMENTS (MORTGAGE LOANS) (D

INVESTMENTS (MORTGAGE LOANS) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$ 6	$ 37
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	37	42	$ 34
Charge-offs	(32)	(14)	0
Recoveries	(1)	0	(2)
Provisions	2	9	10
Ending balance	6	37	42
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$ 6	$ 37	$ 42

INVESTMENTS (LOANS) (Details)

INVESTMENTS (LOANS) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	$ 4,847	$ 4,415
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	30	0
Current	4,817	4,415
Total financing receivables	4,847	4,415
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | With no related allowance recorded
Impaired Mortgage Loans [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	46	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	46	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	15	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | With related allowance recorded
Impaired Mortgage Loans [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	63	156
Unpaid Principal Balance	63	156
Related Allowance	(6)	(37)
Average Recorded Investment	137	148
Interest Income Recognized	4	2
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 30-59 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 60-89 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90 Days Or Greater
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	30	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	2,129	1,665
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	2,129	1,665
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	353	440
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	353	440
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	1,049	933
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	1,049	933
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	1,045	1,163
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	1,045	1,163
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	225	167
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	225	167
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	46	47
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	46	47
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	671	428
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	671	428
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	533	335
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	533	335
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	102	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	102	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	12	59
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	12	59
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	24	34
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	24	34
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	3,416	3,168
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	3,416	3,168
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	1,392	963
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	1,392	963
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	353	440
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	353	440
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	741	872
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	741	872
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	853	839
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	853	839
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	77	54
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	77	54
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	651	616
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	651	616
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	141	211
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	141	211
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	206	61
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	206	61
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	134	265
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	134	265
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	124	79
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	124	79
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	46	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	46	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	109	203
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	109	203
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	63	156
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	63	156
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	46	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	46	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	47
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	47
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	2,330	2,085
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	23	11
Current	2,307	2,074
Total financing receivables	2,330	2,085
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing	4	3
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | With no related allowance recorded
Impaired Mortgage Loans [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | With related allowance recorded
Impaired Mortgage Loans [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	0	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	0	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 30-59 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	12	1
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 60-89 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	7	7
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90 Days Or Greater
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	4	3
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	350	327
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	350	327
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	196	187
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	196	187
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	471	433
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	471	433
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	734	631
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	734	631
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	481	410
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	481	410
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	98	97
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	98	97
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	1,336	1,180
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	1,336	1,180
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	204	184
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	204	184
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	116	100
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	116	100
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	277	232
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	277	232
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	432	408
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	432	408
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	256	206
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	256	206
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 0% - 50% | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	51	50
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	51	50
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	988	905
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	988	905
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	146	143
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	146	143
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	80	87
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	80	87
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	192	201
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	192	201
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	298	223
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	298	223
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	225	204
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	225	204
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 50% - 70% | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	47	47
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	47	47
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	6	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	6	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	2	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	2	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	4	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	4	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 70% - 90% | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Agricultural Real Estate Portfolio Segment | 90% plus | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Total Mortgages Loan
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	7,177	6,500
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	53	11
Current	7,124	6,489
Total financing receivables	7,177	6,500
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing	4	3
Total Mortgages Loan | With no related allowance recorded
Impaired Mortgage Loans [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	46	0
Unpaid Principal Balance	46	0
Related Allowance	0	0
Average Recorded Investment	15	0
Interest Income Recognized	0	0
Total Mortgages Loan | With related allowance recorded
Impaired Mortgage Loans [Abstract]
Recorded Investment	63	156
Unpaid Principal Balance	63	156
Related Allowance	(6)	(37)
Average Recorded Investment	137	148
Interest Income Recognized	4	2
Total Mortgages Loan | 30-59 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	12	1
Total Mortgages Loan | 60-89 Days
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	7	7
Total Mortgages Loan | 90 Days Or Greater
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total Past Due	34	3
Total Mortgages Loan | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	2,479	1,992
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	2,479	1,992
Total Mortgages Loan | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	549	627
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	549	627
Total Mortgages Loan | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	1,520	1,366
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	1,520	1,366
Total Mortgages Loan | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	1,779	1,794
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	1,779	1,794
Total Mortgages Loan | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	706	577
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	706	577
Total Mortgages Loan | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	144	144
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	144	144
Total Mortgages Loan | 0% - 50%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	2,007	1,608
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	2,007	1,608
Total Mortgages Loan | 0% - 50% | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	737	519
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	737	519
Total Mortgages Loan | 0% - 50% | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	116	100
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	116	100
Total Mortgages Loan | 0% - 50% | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	379	232
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	379	232
Total Mortgages Loan | 0% - 50% | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	444	467
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	444	467
Total Mortgages Loan | 0% - 50% | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	280	240
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	280	240
Total Mortgages Loan | 0% - 50% | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	51	50
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	51	50
Total Mortgages Loan | 50% - 70%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	4,404	4,073
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	4,404	4,073
Total Mortgages Loan | 50% - 70% | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	1,538	1,106
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	1,538	1,106
Total Mortgages Loan | 50% - 70% | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	433	527
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	433	527
Total Mortgages Loan | 50% - 70% | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	933	1,073
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	933	1,073
Total Mortgages Loan | 50% - 70% | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	1,151	1,062
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	1,151	1,062
Total Mortgages Loan | 50% - 70% | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	302	258
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	302	258
Total Mortgages Loan | 50% - 70% | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	47	47
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	47	47
Total Mortgages Loan | 70% - 90%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	657	616
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	657	616
Total Mortgages Loan | 70% - 90% | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	141	211
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	141	211
Total Mortgages Loan | 70% - 90% | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Total Mortgages Loan | 70% - 90% | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	208	61
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	208	61
Total Mortgages Loan | 70% - 90% | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	138	265
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	138	265
Total Mortgages Loan | 70% - 90% | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	124	79
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	124	79
Total Mortgages Loan | 70% - 90% | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	46	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	46	0
Total Mortgages Loan | 90% plus
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	109	203
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	109	203
Total Mortgages Loan | 90% plus | Greater than 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	63	156
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	63	156
Total Mortgages Loan | 90% plus | 1.8x to 2.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Total Mortgages Loan | 90% plus | 1.5x to 1.8x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Total Mortgages Loan | 90% plus | 1.2x to 1.5x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	46	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	46	0
Total Mortgages Loan | 90% plus | 1.0x to 1.2x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	0
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	0	0
Total Mortgages Loan | 90% plus | Less than 1.0x
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Face amount of mortgage loans	0	47
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Aging [Abstract]
Total financing receivables	$ 0	$ 47

INVESTMENTS (EQUITY) (Details)

INVESTMENTS (EQUITY) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Carrying value of equity investments	$ 1,363	$ 1,490
Total equity in net earnings (losses) for equity method investments	$ 71	$ 206	$ 206

INVESTMENTS (DERIVATIVES) (Deta

INVESTMENTS (DERIVATIVES) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 42,714	$ 45,244
Asset Derivatives	12,055	12,757
Liability Derivatives	1,320	1,309
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	(260)	5,242
Futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	7,089	5,933
Asset Derivatives	2	1
Liability Derivatives	3	2
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	(84)	(522)
Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	1,359	1,169
Asset Derivatives	8	22
Liability Derivatives	21	15
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	(45)	(88)
Options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	7,358	6,896
Asset Derivatives	1,042	1,215
Liability Derivatives	652	742
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	14	196
Floors
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	1,800	2,100
Asset Derivatives	61	120
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	12	9
Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	13,718	11,608
Asset Derivatives	351	605
Liability Derivatives	108	15
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	(8)	1,507
Futures
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	8,685	10,647
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	(81)	459
Swaptions
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	4,800
Asset Derivatives	0	72
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	118	37
Credit default swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	2,442	1,942
Asset Derivatives	16	9
Liability Derivatives	38	27
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	(14)	4
Foreign currency Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	263	149
Asset Derivatives	5	2
Liability Derivatives	4	0
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	7	3
Net investment income (loss)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	(81)	1,605
GMIB reinsurance contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Asset Derivatives	10,570	10,711
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	(141)	3,964
GIB and GWBL and Other Features
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	184	128
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	(56)	(128)
SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features liability
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0	0
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	310	380
Gains (Losses) Reported In Earnings (Loss)	$ (38)	$ (199)

INVESTMENTS (DERIVATIVES 1) (De

INVESTMENTS (DERIVATIVES 1) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash and securities collateral for derivative contract	$ 655	$ 1,225
Collateralized derivative transactions	5	28
Cash and securities collateral	5	$ 36
S&P 500, Russell 1000, NASDAQ 100 and Emerging Market Indices [Member]
Exchange Traded Future Contract [Line Items]
Initial margin requirement	276
Us Treasury Notes Ultra Long Bonds And Euro Dollar [Member]
Exchange Traded Future Contract [Line Items]
Initial margin requirement	33
Euro Stoxx, FTSE100, EAFE And Topix Indices [Member]
Exchange Traded Future Contract [Line Items]
Initial margin requirement	$ 49

INVESTMENTS (OFFSETTING) (Detai

INVESTMENTS (OFFSETTING) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	$ 79	$ 0
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	1,890	950
ASSETS
Gross Amounts Recognized	79
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	79
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized	0
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	0
Asset Derivatives	12,055	12,757
Accrued Interest Derivatives	141	120
Liability Derivatives	1,320	1,309
Investment Management
LIABILITIES
Asset Derivatives	13	8
Securities Borrowed	75	158
Liability Derivatives	12	9
Securities Loaned	10	34
Equity Contract
ASSETS
Gross Amounts Recognized	1,049	1,236
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	673	753
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	376	483
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized	673	753
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	673	753
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	0	0
Interest Rate Contract
ASSETS
Gross Amounts Recognized	389	755
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	104	12
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	285	743
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized	104	12
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	104	12
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	0	0
Credit default swaps
ASSETS
Gross Amounts Recognized	14	7
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	37	27
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	(23)	(20)
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized	37
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	37
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	0
Asset Derivatives	16	9
Liability Derivatives	38	27
Derivatives Subject to an ISDA Master Agreements
ASSETS
Gross Amounts Recognized	1,452	1,998
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	814	792
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	638	1,206
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized	814	765
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	814	765
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	0	0
Derivatives not subject to an ISDA Master Agreements
ASSETS
Gross Amounts Recognized	20	40
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	20	40
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized		0
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets		0
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets		0
Derivative investments
ASSETS
Gross Amounts Recognized	1,472	2,038
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	814	792
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	658	1,246
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized	814	765
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	814	765
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	0	0
Other Financial Instruments
ASSETS
Gross Amounts Recognized	1,271	852
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	1,271	852
Other Invested Assets
ASSETS
Gross Amounts Recognized	2,743	2,890
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	814	792
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	1,929	2,098
Other financial liabilities
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized	2,586	2,939
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	2,586	2,939
Other liabilities
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized	3,400	3,704
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	814	765
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	2,586	2,939
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
LIABILITIES
Gross Amounts Recognized	1,890	950
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	1,890	950
Exchange Traded Options | Investment Management | Long
LIABILITIES
Asset Derivatives	6	22
Exchange Traded Options | Investment Management | Short
LIABILITIES
Liability Derivatives	1	$ 7
Initial Margin
LIABILITIES
Asset Derivatives	$ (2)

INVESTMENTS (OFFSETTING 1) (Det

INVESTMENTS (OFFSETTING 1) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	$ 79
Reverse repurchase agreements, net amount presented on the balance sheet	79	$ 0
Repurchase agreements, net amount presented on the balance sheet	1,890	950
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash		0
Accrued Interest Derivatives	141	120
Asset Derivatives	12,055	12,757
Initial Margin
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	(2)
Investment Management
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(2)	(1)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(12)	(10)
Securities Borrowed	75	158
Securities Loaned	10	34
Asset Derivatives	13	8
Counterparty A
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	52	62
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(52)	(62)
Net Amounts	0	0
Counterparty B
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	9	102
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(7)	(95)
Net Amounts	2	7
Counterparty C
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	61	111
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(58)	(110)
Net Amounts	3	1
Repurchase agreements, net amount presented on the balance sheet	1,033	500
Collateral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	(1,016)	(500)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(17)	0
Net amounts	0	0
Counterparty D
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	222	228
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(218)	(224)
Net Amounts	4	4
Repurchase agreements, net amount presented on the balance sheet	234	450
Collateral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	(234)	(450)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	0	0
Net amounts	0	0
Counterparty E
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	53	60
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(53)	(59)
Net Amounts	0	1
Counterparty F
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	(2)	63
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	2	(60)
Net Amounts	0	3
Counterparty G
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	129	145
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	(145)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(129)	0
Net Amounts	0	0
Counterparty H
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	16	31
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	(11)	(31)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(5)	0
Net Amounts	0	0
Counterparty I
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	44	136
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(39)	(134)
Net Amounts	5	2
Counterparty J
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	19	28
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(13)	(22)
Net Amounts	6	6
Counterparty K
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	17	44
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(17)	(44)
Net Amounts	0	0
Counterparty L
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	7	113
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	(113)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(7)	0
Net Amounts	0	0
Counterparty M
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	11	76
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(10)	(68)
Net Amounts	1	8
Reverse repurchase agreements, net amount presented on the balance sheet	28
Reverse repurchase agreements, collateral securities received	(28)
Reverse repuchase agreements, collateral cash received	0
Reverse repurchase agreements, net amounts	0
Repurchase agreements, net amount presented on the balance sheet	623
Collateral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	(611)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(12)
Net amounts	0
Counterparty N
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	20	40
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	0	0
Net Amounts	20	40
Counterparty Q
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	0	4
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	0	(4)
Net Amounts	0	0
Counterparty T
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	(3)	3
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	3	(3)
Net Amounts	0	0
Counterparty U
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	0
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	1
Net Amounts	1
Counterparty V
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	3
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(3)
Net Amounts	0
Reverse repurchase agreements, net amount presented on the balance sheet	51
Reverse repurchase agreements, collateral securities received	(51)
Reverse repuchase agreements, collateral cash received	0
Reverse repurchase agreements, net amounts	0
Derivative investments
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	658	1,246
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	(11)	(289)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(605)	(885)
Net Amounts	42	72
Other Financial Instruments
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	1,271	852
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	0	0
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	0	0
Net Amounts	1,271	852
Other Invested Assets
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets	1,929	2,098
Colleteral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	(11)	(289)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(605)	(885)
Net Amounts	1,313	924
Securities purchased under agreement to resell
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Reverse repurchase agreements, net amount presented on the balance sheet	79
Reverse repurchase agreements, collateral securities received	(79)
Reverse repuchase agreements, collateral cash received	0
Reverse repurchase agreements, net amounts	0
Repurchase agreements, net amount presented on the balance sheet	1,890	950
Collateral (Received)/Held, Financial Instruments	(1,861)	(950)
Collateral (Received)/Held, Cash	(29)
Net amounts	$ 0	$ 0

INVESTMENTS (REPURCHASE TO MATU

INVESTMENTS (REPURCHASE TO MATURITY TRANSACTIONS) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	$ 1,890
Securities purchased under agreement to resell	79
U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	1,890
Corporate
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities purchased under agreement to resell	79
Maturity Less than 30 Days
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	1,865
Securities purchased under agreement to resell	79
Maturity Less than 30 Days | U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	1,865
Maturity Less than 30 Days | Corporate
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities purchased under agreement to resell	79
Maturity 30 to 90 Days
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	25
Maturity 30 to 90 Days | U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	$ 25

INVESTMENTS (NET INVESTMENT INC

INVESTMENTS (NET INVESTMENT INCOME) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 2,032	$ 3,870	$ (569)
Investment expenses	(53)	(53)	(57)
Interest expense	(3)	(2)	(3)
Total net investment income (loss)	1,976	3,815	(629)
Net investment income (loss) from derivatives	(20)	(58)	(99)
Realized gains (losses) on contracts closed	(555)	706	(37)
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments Including Marketable Securities And Investments Held At Cost Income Statement Reported Amounts Summary [Abstract]
Interest Credited To Policyholders Account Balances Participating Group Annuity Contracts	4	5	8
Fixed maturities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	1,420	1,431	1,462
Net investment income (loss) from derivatives	(17)	(54)	(75)
Mortgage loans on real estate
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	338	306	284
Net investment income (loss) from derivatives	(1)	(3)	(7)
Repurchase agreement
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	1	0	0
Other equity investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	84	200	228
Policy loans
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	213	216	219
Derivative investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	(81)	1,605	(2,866)
Net investment income (loss) from derivatives	474	899	(2,829)
Trading securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	17	63	54
Real Estate Investment
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income (loss) from derivatives	(5)	(2)	(17)
Other Investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	40	49	50
Net investment income (loss) from derivatives	$ 3	$ 1	$ 0

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE67

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Jun. 21, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 20, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Asset Impairment [Line Items]
Amortization of other intangibles		$ 28	$ 27	$ 24
Amortization expense, 2016		29
Amortization expense, 2017		29
Amortization expense, 2018		29
Amortization expense, 2019		29
Amortization expense, 2020		29
AllianceBernstein Acquisitions[Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest		13	17
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		3,733	3,762
Capitalized Computer Software, Net [Abstract]
Capitalized software, net		157	163
Amortization of capitalized software		55	50	119
Impairments of capitalized software		45
Alliance Bernstein
Goodwill And Intangible Asset Impairment [Line Items]
Carrying value of goodwill		3,562	3,562
AllianceBernstein Acquisitions[Abstract]
Carrying value of goodwill		3,562	3,562
Alliance Bernstein | Investment Management
Goodwill And Intangible Asset Impairment [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount of AllianceBernstein related intangible assets		610	610
Accumulated amortization of these intangible assets		439	411
Amortization of other intangibles		28	27	$ 24
Investment Management segments Other assets [Abstract]
Net deferred sales commissions		99	$ 118
Estimated amortization expense of deferred sales commissions for year 1		41
Estimated amortization expense of deferred sales commissions for year 2		32
Estimated amortization expense of deferred sales commissions for year 3		21
Estimated amortization expense of deferred sales commissions for year 4		5
Estimated amortization expense of deferred sales commissions for year 5		$ 0
Alliance Bernstein | CPH Capital | Investment Management
Goodwill And Intangible Asset Impairment [Line Items]
Carrying value of goodwill					$ 58
AllianceBernstein Acquisitions[Abstract]
Ownership percentage acquired		85.00%			82.00%
Assets under management, carrying amount					$ 3,000
Cash payment	$ 64
Contingent consideration payable	9
Carrying value of goodwill					58
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	24
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 4
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest					$ 17
Alliance Bernstein | W P Stewart | Investment Management
AllianceBernstein Acquisitions[Abstract]
Assets under management, carrying amount		$ 2,000
Contingent consideration payable		17
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired		14
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired		$ 8
Business acquisition, share price		$ 12
Shares outstanding and issued to shareholders, transferable contingent value rights		4.9
Additional cash payment per share		$ 4
Threshold required for additional cash payment		$ 5,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		$ 32

CLOSED BLOCK (Details)

CLOSED BLOCK (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CLOSED BLOCK LIABILITIES:
Future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and other				$ 7,363	$ 7,537
Policyholder dividend obligation	$ 201	$ 128	$ 128	81	201
Other liabilities				100	117
Total Closed Block liabilities				7,544	7,855
ASSETS DESIGNATED TO THE CLOSED BLOCK:
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $4,426 and $4,829)				4,599	5,143
Mortgage loans on real estate				1,575	1,407
Policy loans				881	912
Cash and other invested assets				49	14
Other assets				258	176
Total assets designated to the Closed Block				7,362	7,652
Excess of Closed Block liabilities over assets designated to the Closed Block				182	203
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of deferred income tax (expense) benefit of $(36) and $(43) and policyholder dividend obligation of $(81) and $(201)				67	80
Maximum Future Earnings To Be Recognized From Closed Block Assets and Liabilities				249	283
REVENUES:
Premiums and other income	262	273	286
Investment income (loss)	368	378	402
Net investment gains (losses)	2	(4)	(11)
Total revenues	632	647	677
BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS:
Policyholders’ benefits and dividends	576	597	637
Other operating costs and expenses	4	4	1
Total benefits and other deductions	580	601	638
Net revenues, before income taxes	52	46	39
Income tax (expense) benefit	(18)	(16)	(14)
Net Revenues (Losses)	34	30	25
Movement in Closed Block Dividend Obligation [Roll Forward]
Balances, beginning of year	201	128
Unrealized investment gains (losses)	(120)	73
Balances, End of year	$ 81	$ 201	$ 128
Closed block operations, income taxes				36	43
Closed block investments fixed maturity available for sale amortized cost				$ 4,426	$ 4,829

CONTRACTHOLDER BONUS INTEREST69

CONTRACTHOLDER BONUS INTEREST CREDITS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in the deferred asset for contractholder bonus interest credits
Balance, beginning of year	$ 383	$ 518
Contractholder bonus interest credits deferred	17	15
Balance true-up	174	0
Amortization charged to income	(40)	(150)
Balance, End of Year	$ 534	$ 383

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Assets

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	$ 31,925	$ 33,072
Trading securities, at fair value	6,805	5,143
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	31,893	33,034
Other equity investments	146	278
Trading securities, at fair value	6,805	5,143
Other invested assets:	1,028	1,346
Cash equivalents	2,150	2,725
Segregated securities	565	476
GMIB reinsurance contracts	10,570	10,711
Separate Accounts’ assets	107,335	110,871
Total Assets	160,492	164,584
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Liabilities	525	550
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Public corporate
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	20,302	22,220
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	8,775	7,331
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | States and political subdivisions
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	504	519
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign governments
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	415	446
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commercial mortgage-backed
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	533	735
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	640	795
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Asset-backed Securities
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	77	99
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Redeemable preferred stock
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	647	889
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Short-term investments
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	369	103
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Swap
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	230	597
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Credit default swaps
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	(22)	(18)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Future
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	(1)	(2)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Options Held
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	390	473
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Floors
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	61	120
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign currency Contracts
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	1	1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Swaption
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:		72
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	184	128
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features liability
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	310	380
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Contingent Payment Arrangements
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	31	42
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	258	254
Other equity investments	97	217
Trading securities, at fair value	654	710
Other invested assets:	(1)	(2)
Cash equivalents	2,150	2,725
Segregated securities	0	0
GMIB reinsurance contracts	0	0
Separate Accounts’ assets	104,058	107,539
Total Assets	107,216	111,443
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Public corporate
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | States and political subdivisions
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign governments
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Commercial mortgage-backed
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Asset-backed Securities
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Redeemable preferred stock
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	258	254
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Short-term investments
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Swap
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Credit default swaps
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Future
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	(1)	(2)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Options Held
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Floors
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign currency Contracts
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Swaption
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features liability
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Contingent Payment Arrangements
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	30,626	31,583
Other equity investments	0	0
Trading securities, at fair value	6,151	4,433
Other invested assets:	1,029	1,348
Cash equivalents	0	0
Segregated securities	565	476
GMIB reinsurance contracts	0	0
Separate Accounts’ assets	2,964	3,072
Total Assets	41,335	40,912
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Liabilities	310	380
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Public corporate
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	19,882	21,840
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	8,775	7,331
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | States and political subdivisions
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	459	472
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign governments
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	414	446
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Commercial mortgage-backed
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	30	20
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	640	793
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Asset-backed Securities
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	37	46
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Redeemable preferred stock
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	389	635
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Short-term investments
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	369	103
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Swap
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	230	597
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Credit default swaps
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	(22)	(18)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Future
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Options Held
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	390	473
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Floors
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	61	120
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign currency Contracts
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	1	1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Swaption
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:		72
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features liability
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	310	380
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Contingent Payment Arrangements
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	1,009	1,197
Other equity investments	49	61
Trading securities, at fair value	0	0
Other invested assets:	0	0
Cash equivalents	0	0
Segregated securities	0	0
GMIB reinsurance contracts	10,570	10,711
Separate Accounts’ assets	313	260
Total Assets	11,941	12,229
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Liabilities	215	170
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Public corporate
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	420	380
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | States and political subdivisions
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	45	47
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign governments
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	1	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Commercial mortgage-backed
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	503	715
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Asset-backed Securities
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	40	53
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Redeemable preferred stock
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Short-term investments
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Swap
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Credit default swaps
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Future
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Options Held
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Floors
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign currency Contracts
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Swaption
Investment Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Other invested assets:		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	184	128
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | SCS, SIO, MSO and IUL indexed features liability
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Contingent Payment Arrangements
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees	$ 31	$ 42

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Details

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Quantitative Disclosure [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:		$ 31,925	$ 33,072
Fair value of freestanding derivative positions		$ 659	$ 1,243
Fair value of freestanding derivative positions (percentage)		64.10%	92.30%
Fair value adjustments on GMIB asset		$ 123	$ 147
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
AFS fixed maturities transferred from Level 3 to Level 2		$ 125	82
AFS fixed maturities transferred from Level 3 to Level 2			$ 15
AFS fixed maturities transferred between Level 2 and 3 (percentage)		1.30%	0.50%
Level 1
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Quantitative Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis by inputs level (percentage)		71.80%	72.70%
Level 2
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Quantitative Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis by inputs level (percentage)		27.30%	26.40%
Owned mortgages and asset-backed securities including CMBS at fair value		$ 673	$ 821
Level 3
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Quantitative Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on recurring basis by inputs level (percentage)		0.90%	1.00%
Fixed maturities fair value, broker priced		$ 119	$ 135
Owned mortgages and asset-backed securities including CMBS at fair value		543	770
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract]
AFS fixed maturities transferred from Level 3 to Level 2		99
Public Fixed Maturities
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Quantitative Disclosure [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:		$ 24,216	$ 24,779
Fixed maturities, available for sale (percentage)		16.20%	16.20%
Private Fixed Maturities
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Quantitative Disclosure [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:		$ 7,677	$ 8,255
Fixed maturities, available for sale (percentage)		5.10%	5.40%
Fair Value Measurement Changes in Significant Assumptions | GMIB reinsurance contracts
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Quantitative Disclosure [Line Items]
Guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance asset, at fair value	$ 510
Fair Value Measurement Changes in Significant Assumptions | GWBL and other features liability
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Quantitative Disclosure [Line Items]
Guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance asset, at fair value	$ 37

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Fair Va

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Fair Value Measurement Reconciliation for All Levels) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Investments		$ (20)	$ (58)	$ (99)
Transfers into level 3			15
Transfers into level 3		(125)	(82)
Level 3 Assets And Liabilities Still Held
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Investments		36	15
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts		(141)	3,964
Policyholders' benefits		(184)	128
Other comprehensive income (loss)		30	127
Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Transfers into level 3		99
Public corporate | Level 3 Assets And Liabilities Still Held
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(25)	6
Public corporate | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(380)	(291)	(355)
Investment Income, Net		3	2	2
Gain (Loss) on Investments		2	3	5
Subtotal		5	5	7
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(25)	6	(1)
Purchases		60	162	70
Sales		(38)	(30)	(150)
Transfers into level 3		99	15	20
Transfers into level 3		(61)	(69)	(10)
Closing Balance		(420)	(380)	(291)
States and political subdivisions | Level 3 Assets And Liabilities Still Held
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(2)	2
States and political subdivisions | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(47)	(46)	(50)
Investment Income, Net		0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		0	0	0
Subtotal		0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(1)	2	(3)
Purchases		0	0	0
Sales		(1)	(1)	(1)
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Closing Balance		(45)	(47)	(46)
Foreign governments | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		0	0	(19)
Investment Income, Net		0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		0	0	0
Subtotal		0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	(2)
Purchases		1	0	0
Sales		0	0	(17)
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Closing Balance		(1)	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed | Level 3 Assets And Liabilities Still Held
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)		61	112
Commercial mortgage-backed | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(715)	(700)	(900)
Investment Income, Net		1	2	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		(38)	(89)	(68)
Subtotal		(37)	(87)	(68)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		64	135	13
Purchases		0	0	31
Sales		(175)	(20)	(160)
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		(64)	(13)	(16)
Closing Balance		(503)	(715)	(700)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(2)	(4)	(9)
Investment Income, Net		0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		0	0	0
Subtotal		0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	(1)
Purchases		0	0	0
Sales		(2)	(2)	(4)
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Closing Balance		0	(2)	(4)
Asset-backed Securities
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(4)	7
Asset-backed Securities | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(53)	(83)	(113)
Investment Income, Net		0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		0	0	0
Subtotal		0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(4)	7	3
Purchases		0	0	0
Sales		(9)	(37)	(22)
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	(11)
Closing Balance		(40)	(53)	(83)
Redeemable preferred stock | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		0	(15)	$ (15)
Investment Income, Net		0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		0	0	$ 0
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts		0	0	0
Policyholders' benefits		0	0	0
Subtotal		0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	0
Purchases		0	0	0
Sales		0	(15)	0
Settlements		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Closing Balance		0	0	(15)
Contingent Payment Arrangements | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(42)	(38)
Investment Income, Net		0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		0	0
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts		0	0
Policyholders' benefits		0	0
Subtotal		0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Purchases		0	9
Sales		(11)	(5)
Settlements		0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0
Closing Balance		(31)	(42)	(38)
Other equity investments | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(61)	(52)	(77)
Investment Income, Net		0	3	10
Gain (Loss) on Investments		5	1	(7)
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts		0	0	0
Policyholders' benefits		0	0	0
Subtotal		5	4	3
Other comprehensive income (loss)		2	0	0
Purchases		1	8	4
Sales		(20)	(1)	(3)
Settlements		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	(2)	(29)
Closing Balance		(49)	(61)	(52)
Gmib Reinsurance | Level 3 Assets And Liabilities Still Held
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts		(141)	3,964
Gmib Reinsurance | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(10,711)	(6,747)	$ (11,044)
Investment Income, Net		0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		0	0	$ 0
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts		(327)	3,774	(4,496)
Policyholders' benefits		0	0	0
Subtotal		(327)	3,774	(4,496)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	0
Purchases		228	225	237
Sales		(42)	(35)	(38)
Settlements		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Closing Balance		(10,570)	(10,711)	(6,747)
Separate Accounts | Level 3 Assets And Liabilities Still Held
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Investments		36	15
Separate Accounts | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(260)	(237)	$ (224)
Investment Income, Net		0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		36	15	$ 10
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts		0	0	0
Policyholders' benefits		0	0	0
Subtotal		36	15	10
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	(1)
Purchases		26	16	6
Sales		(2)	(3)	(3)
Settlements		(5)	(5)	(2)
Transfers into level 3		0	0	3
Transfers into level 3		(2)	0	0
Closing Balance		(313)	(260)	(237)
GIB and GWBL and Other Features | Level 3 Assets And Liabilities Still Held
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Policyholders' benefits		(184)	(128)
GIB and GWBL and Other Features | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		(128)	0	$ (265)
Investment Income, Net		0	0
Gain (Loss) on Investments		0	0	$ 0
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts		0	0	0
Policyholders' benefits		(130)	(8)	(351)
Subtotal		(130)	(8)	(351)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	0
Purchases		186	136	86
Sales		0	0	0
Settlements		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0
Closing Balance		(184)	(128)	0
Other Invested Assets | Level 3
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Beginning Balance			0	$ 2
Investment Income, Net
Gain (Loss) on Investments				$ 0
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contracts				0
Policyholders' benefits				0
Subtotal				0
Other comprehensive income (loss)				2
Purchases				0
Sales				0
Settlements				0
Transfers into level 3				0
Transfers into level 3				0
Closing Balance				$ 0
Total Debt Maturities Available For Sale
Total Gains Losses Realized Unrealized Included In [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)		$ 30	$ 127
Fair Value Measurement Changes in Significant Assumptions | GWBL and other features liability
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Income from Continuing Operations	$ 37
Fair Value Measurement Changes in Significant Assumptions | Gmib Reinsurance
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Income from Continuing Operations	$ 510

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Quantit

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Quantitative Information about Level 3) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Discount rate		3.00%
Public corporate | Matrix Pricing Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	$ 61	$ 75
Public corporate | Matrix Pricing Model Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Spread Over Industry Yield Curve BPS	50	0
Public corporate | Matrix Pricing Model Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Spread Over Industry Yield Curve BPS	565	590
Public corporate | Market Comparable Companies Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	$ 154	$ 132
Public corporate | Market Comparable Companies Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
EBITDA multiples	7.8
Discount rate	7.00%	11.00%
Cash flow multiples	14
Public corporate | Market Comparable Companies Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
EBITDA multiples	19.1
Discount rate	12.60%	15.20%
Cash flow multiples	16.5
Asset-backed Securities | Matrix Pricing Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	$ 3	$ 5
Asset-backed Securities | Matrix Pricing Model Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Spread Over Industry Yield Curve BPS	30	30
Asset-backed Securities | Matrix Pricing Model Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Spread Over Industry Yield Curve BPS	687	687
Other Invested Assets | Market Comparable Companies Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Discount rate	30.00%	18.00%
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	$ 10	$ 20
Other Invested Assets | Market Comparable Companies Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Revenue multiple	2.5	2
Discount Years		2 years
Other Invested Assets | Market Comparable Companies Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Revenue multiple	4.8	3.5
Separate Accounts | Third Party Appraisal Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Discount rate	6.70%	7.10%
Capitalization Rate	4.90%	5.20%
Exit Capitalization Rate	5.90%	6.20%
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	$ 271	$ 234
Separate Accounts | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	$ 7	$ 7
Separate Accounts | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Spread Over Industry Yield Curve BPS	280	238
Discount rate	2.30%	1.30%
Gross Domestic Product Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Separate Accounts | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Spread Over Industry Yield Curve BPS	411	395
Discount rate	5.90%	5.40%
Gross Domestic Product Rate	1.90%	2.40%
GMIB reinsurance contracts | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	$ 10,570	$ 10,711
GMIB reinsurance contracts | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Lapse Rates	1.00%	1.00%
Withdrawal Rates	0.20%	0.20%
GMIB Utilization Rates	0.00%	0.00%
Non Performance Risk	5	5
Volatility Rates- Equity	9.00%	9.00%
GMIB reinsurance contracts | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Lapse Rates	6.00%	8.00%
Withdrawal Rates	8.00%	8.00%
GMIB Utilization Rates	15.00%	15.00%
Non Performance Risk	18	16
Volatility Rates- Equity	35.00%	34.00%
GMIB and GWBL | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	$ 120	$ 107
GMIB and GWBL | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Lapse Rates	1.00%	1.00%
Withdrawal Rates	0.00%	0.00%
Volatility Rates- Equity	9.00%	9.00%
GMIB and GWBL | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Lapse Rates	6.00%	8.00%
Withdrawal Rates	7.00%	7.00%
Volatility Rates- Equity	35.00%	34.00%

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Narrati

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information 1 [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements Not Included In Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements	$ 865	$ 1,045	$ 865	$ 1,045
Fair Value Measurements Not Included In Quantitative Information Percentage Of Total Assets Classified As Level 3	63.10%	68.80%	63.10%	68.80%
Fair Value Measurements Not Included In Quantitative Information Percentage Of Total Assets Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	0.60%	0.70%	0.60%	0.70%
Business combination, contingent consideration, liability	$ 31	$ 42	$ 31	$ 42
Projected AUM growth rate			46.00%
Revenue growth rate			43.00%
Discount rate				3.00%
Business combination, changes in estimate of consideration payable	7	4
Public corporate | Matrix Pricing Model Valuation Technique | Private corporate
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information 1 [Line Items]
Percentage Of Level 3 Asset Fair Value			51.20%	54.40%
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	215	207	$ 215	$ 207
Asset-backed Securities
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information 1 [Line Items]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	7	8	$ 7	$ 8
Asset-backed Securities | Matrix Pricing Model Valuation Technique
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information 1 [Line Items]
Percentage Of Level 3 Asset Fair Value			7.50%	9.40%
Other equity investments | Private Venture Capital Fund Of Fund
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information 1 [Line Items]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	32	31	$ 32	$ 31
Partnership Unfunded Committments	3	3	3	3
Separate Accounts
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information 1 [Line Items]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	28	11	28	11
Separate Accounts | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Private Equity Funds
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information 1 [Line Items]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	2	2	2	2
Separate Accounts | Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Mortgage loans on real estate
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information 1 [Line Items]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	5	5	5	5
Separate Accounts | Third Party Appraisal And Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique | Private Real Estate Fund
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information 1 [Line Items]
Fair Value Unabsorvable Inputs	$ 271	$ 234	$ 271	$ 234

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Carryin

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Carrying Values and Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Amounts [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances of $6 and $37)	$ 7,171	$ 6,463
Loans to affiliates	1,087	1,087
Policyholders liabilities: Investment contracts	33,033	31,848	$ 30,340
Policy loans	3,393	3,408
Short-term debt	584	689
Separate Accounts’ liabilities	107,497	111,059
Carrying Value
Consolidated Amounts [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances of $6 and $37)	7,171	6,463
Loans to affiliates	1,087	1,087
Policyholders liabilities: Investment contracts	7,825	2,799
Policy loans	3,393	3,408
Short-term debt	584	688
Separate Accounts’ liabilities	5,124	5,019
Measured at Fair Value
Consolidated Amounts [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances of $6 and $37)	7,257	6,617
Loans to affiliates	1,185	1,203
Policyholders liabilities: Investment contracts	7,930	2,941
Policy loans	4,343	4,406
Short-term debt	584	700
Separate Accounts’ liabilities	5,124	5,019
Measured at Fair Value | Level 1
Consolidated Amounts [Abstract]
Short-term debt	0	0
Measured at Fair Value | Level 2
Consolidated Amounts [Abstract]
Loans to affiliates	795	1,203
Short-term debt	584	700
Measured at Fair Value | Level 3
Consolidated Amounts [Abstract]
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances of $6 and $37)	7,257	6,617
Loans to affiliates	390	0
Policyholders liabilities: Investment contracts	7,930	2,941
Policy loans	4,343	4,406
Separate Accounts’ liabilities	$ 5,124	$ 5,019

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTH76

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTHER FEATURES AND NO LAPSE GUARANTEE FEATURES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross [Line Items]
Opening Balance	$ 7,373	$ 5,829	$ 6,333
Paid guarantee benefits	(402)	(451)	(562)
Other changes in reserve	1,312	1,995	58
Closing Balance	8,283	7,373	5,829
GMDB
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross [Line Items]
Opening Balance	1,729	1,626	1,772
Paid guarantee benefits	(313)	(231)	(237)
Other changes in reserve	1,570	334	91
Closing Balance	2,986	1,729	1,626
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Reinsurance Ceded [Abstract]
Opening Balance	832	791	844
Paid guarantee benefits	(148)	(114)	(109)
Other changes in reserve	746	155	56
Closing Balance	1,430	832	791
GMIB
Movement In Guaranteed Benefit Liability Gross [Line Items]
Opening Balance	5,644	4,203	4,561
Paid guarantee benefits	(89)	(220)	(325)
Other changes in reserve	(258)	1,661	(33)
Closing Balance	$ 5,297	$ 5,644	$ 4,203

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTH77

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTHER FEATURES AND NO LAPSE GUARANTEE FEATURES - Variable Annuity Contracts with GMDB and GMIB Features and Buybacks (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate Accounts	$ 56,559	$ 58,084
Liability for SCS, SIO, MSO, IUL, GIB and GWBL and other features	$ 494	508
Option to elect a partial buyout of rider, percentage	50.00%
Loss from impact of buyback	$ 247	29	$ 20
GMDB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
General Account	13,491
Separate Accounts	84,640	$ 88,048
Net amount at risk, gross	19,080
Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured	$ 9,058
Average attained age of contractholders (in years)	55 years
Percentage of contractholders over age 70	16.60%
GMDB | Minimum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	3.00%
GMDB | Maximum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	6.50%
GMIB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
General Account	$ 392
Separate Accounts	56,559
Net amount at risk, gross	7,411
Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured	$ 1,912
Weighted average years remaining until annuitization (in years)	1 year 10 months 24 days
GMIB | Minimum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	3.00%
GMIB | Maximum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	6.50%
Return of Premium | GMDB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
General Account	$ 13,037
Separate Accounts	38,438
Net amount at risk, gross	397
Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured	$ 397
Average attained age of contractholders (in years)	51 years 1 month 6 days
Percentage of contractholders over age 70	9.00%
Ratchet | GMDB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
General Account	$ 132
Separate Accounts	8,570
Net amount at risk, gross	422
Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured	$ 302
Average attained age of contractholders (in years)	65 years 4 months 24 days
Percentage of contractholders over age 70	35.40%
Roll-Up | GMDB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
General Account	$ 78
Separate Accounts	3,472
Net amount at risk, gross	2,389
Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured	$ 1,616
Average attained age of contractholders (in years)	71 years 8 months 12 days
Percentage of contractholders over age 70	58.10%
Roll-Up | GMDB | Minimum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	3.00%
Roll-Up | GMDB | Maximum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	6.00%
Roll-Up | GMIB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
General Account	$ 41
Separate Accounts	15,467
Net amount at risk, gross	1,179
Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured	$ 351
Weighted average years remaining until annuitization (in years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Roll-Up | GMIB | Minimum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	3.00%
Roll-Up | GMIB | Maximum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	6.00%
Combo | GMDB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
General Account	$ 244
Separate Accounts	34,160
Net amount at risk, gross	15,872
Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured	$ 6,743
Average attained age of contractholders (in years)	66 years 4 months 24 days
Percentage of contractholders over age 70	38.20%
Combo | GMDB | Minimum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	3.00%
Combo | GMDB | Maximum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	6.50%
Combo | GMIB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
General Account	$ 351
Separate Accounts	41,092
Net amount at risk, gross	6,232
Net amount at risk, net of amounts reinsured	$ 1,561
Weighted average years remaining until annuitization (in years)	1 year 10 months 24 days
Combo | GMIB | Minimum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	3.00%
Combo | GMIB | Maximum
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Range of contractually specified interest rates (as a percent)	6.50%

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTH78

GMDB, GMIB, GIB, GWBL AND OTHER FEATURES AND NO LAPSE GUARANTEE FEATURES - Separate Account Investments, Hedging Programs and Variable and Interest-Sensitive Live Insurance Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	$ 56,559	$ 58,084
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Opening Balance	7,373	5,829	$ 6,333
Closing Balance	8,283	7,373	5,829
GMDB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	84,640	88,048
Price Risk Fair Value Hedge Derivative On Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Total account value of hedged variable annuity contracts	50,333
Net amount at risk of hedged variable annuity contracts	7,841
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Opening Balance	1,729	1,626	1,772
Closing Balance	2,986	1,729	1,626
GMIB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	56,559
Price Risk Fair Value Hedge Derivative On Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Total account value of hedged variable annuity contracts	32,740
Net amount at risk of hedged variable annuity contracts	1,560
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Opening Balance	5,644	4,203	4,561
Closing Balance	5,297	5,644	4,203
Equity | GMDB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	66,230	67,108
Equity | GMIB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	43,874	43,850
Fixed income | GMDB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	2,686	3,031
Fixed income | GMIB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	1,819	1,988
Balanced | GMDB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	15,350	17,505
Balanced | GMIB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	10,696	12,060
Other | GMDB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	374	404
Other | GMIB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Assets	170	186
Direct Liabilities For Guarantees
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Opening Balance	964	829	556
Other changes in reserves	120	135	273
Closing Balance	1,084	964	829
Ceded Liabilities For Guarantees
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Opening Balance	(555)	(441)	(310)
Other changes in reserves	16	(114)	(131)
Closing Balance	(539)	(555)	(441)
Net Liabilities For Guarantees
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Opening Balance	409	388	246
Other changes in reserves	136	21	142
Closing Balance	$ 545	$ 409	$ 388

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS (Details

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, percentage of excess reinsured	100.00%
Guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance asset, at fair value	$ 10,570	$ 10,711
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset	(141)	3,964	$ (4,297)
Amounts due to reinsurers	131	74
Affiliated Entity | Reinsurer Concentration Risk
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables related to insurance contracts	2,009	1,684
Non Affiliated Entity
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables related to insurance contracts	2,458	2,367
Amounts due to reinsurers	131	74
Non Affiliated Entity | Credit Concentration Risk
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables related to insurance contracts	2,005	2,069
Variable Universal Term Life Insurance Single Life
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained	25
Variable Universal Term Life Insurance Second To Die Life
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reinsurance retention policy, amount retained	$ 30
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit | Affiliated Entity
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Exposure reinsured percentage	48.40%
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit | Non Affiliated Entity
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Exposure reinsured percentage	4.10%
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit | Affiliated Entity
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Exposure reinsured percentage	54.60%
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit | Non Affiliated Entity
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Exposure reinsured percentage	19.60%
Group Life And Health Insurance | Non Affiliated Entity
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Insurance liabilities ceded	$ 92	110
Reinsurance assumed reserves	$ 744	$ 757

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS - Premiu

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS - Premiums (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums
Direct premiums	$ 820	$ 844	$ 848
Reinsurance assumed	207	211	213
Reinsurance ceded	(539)	(541)	(565)
Premiums	488	514	496
Universal Life and Investment-type Product Policy Fee Income Ceded	279	270	247
Policyholders’ Benefits Ceded	$ 527	$ 726	$ 703

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS - Liabil

REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS - Liability for unpaid claims (Details) - Individual Disability Income And Major Medical - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Claim reserves and associated liabilities net of reinsurance ceded for individual DI and major medical policies	$ 80	$ 78
DI reserves and associated liabilities ceded	1,652	1,714
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred benefits related to current year	11	14	$ 15
Incurred benefits related to prior years	22	16	10
Total Incurred Benefits	33	30	25
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Benefits paid related to current year	18	20	19
Benefits paid related to prior years	13	11	13
Total Benefits Paid	$ 31	$ 31	$ 32

SHORT-TERM DEBT (Details)

SHORT-TERM DEBT (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)line_of_credit
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Total short-term debt	$ 689,000,000	$ 584,000,000
Alliance Bernstein
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Commercial paper (with interest rates of 0.5% and 0.3%)	$ 489,000,000	$ 584,000,000
Commercial paper interest rate (as a percent)	0.30%	0.50%
AXA Equitable
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Surplus Notes, 7.7%, due 2015	$ 200,000,000	$ 0
Surplus notes interest rate (as a percent)	7.70%
Revolving Credit Facility | Commercial Banks and Other Lenders | Alliance Bernstein
Short-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity		1,000,000,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 0	0
Incremental amount in principal allowed (up to)		250,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Commercial Paper | Alliance Bernstein
Short-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,000,000,000
Line of Credit | Financial Institutions | Alliance Bernstein
Short-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Number of uncommitted lines of credit | line_of_credit		3
Line of Credit | Financial Institutions | SCB LLC
Short-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Number of uncommitted lines of credit | line_of_credit		3
Incremental amount in principal allowed (up to)		$ 200,000,000
Number of lines of credit with aggregate borrowing capacity | line_of_credit		2
Number of lines of credit with no stated credit limit | line_of_credit		1

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Det

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2005	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2007
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates						$ 1,087	$ 1,087
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Purchase of equity interest in limited partnerships					$ 53
Purchase of CMBS portfolio					31
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income						3,574	3,475	$ 3,546
Guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance asset, at fair value						10,570	10,711
Ceded premiums						21	22	21
Ceded claims paid						5	10	10
Schedule Of Commission Fees And Other Income Revenues For Services Related To Mutual Funds Managed By Subsidiary [Abstract]
Investment advisory and services fees						1,056	1,062	1,010
Distribution revenues						415	433	455
Other revenues - shareholder servicing fees						85	91	91
Other revenues - other						5	6	6
AXA
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Undrawn letters of credit related to reinsurance						18
AXA | Senior Unsecured Notes
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates											$ 650
Related party transaction, original rate (as a percent)											5.40%
Related party transaction, rate (as a percent)		5.70%
AXA Equitable | Mortgage Note 2009
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates			$ 400
Related party transaction, rate (as a percent)			8.00%
Value of real estate property			$ 1,100
Proceeds from sale of real estate			$ 700
AXA Equitable | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Amount charged to subsidiaries for their share of operating expenses						14	15	24
Net receivable related to contracts						1	3
AXA Financial
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Intercompany cost sharing and service agreements expenses						20	29	40
AXA Financial | Mortgage Note 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates	$ 382
Related party transaction, rate (as a percent)	4.00%
AXA Financial | Surplus Notes 2005 | Note Maturity 2035
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, rate (as a percent)									6.00%
Due to Related Parties [Abstract]
Note issued									$ 325
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Net receivable related to contracts							1
AXA Financial | Surplus Notes December 2008 | Note Maturity 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, rate (as a percent)				7.10%
Due to Related Parties [Abstract]
Note issued				$ 500
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Net receivable related to contracts										$ 3
AXA Financial | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party						94	75	148
AXA Arizona
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance asset, at fair value						8,741	8,560
Undrawn letters of credit related to reinsurance						3,205
AXA Arizona | Universal Life And No Lapse Guarantee Riders
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Ceded premiums						453	453	474
Ceded claims paid						54	83	70
AXA Arizona | Senior Unsecured Notes
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates					$ 50
Related party transaction, rate (as a percent)					5.40%
Due from Related Parties, Unclassified [Abstract]
Purchase of note receivable					$ 56
AXA Arizona | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Assets held in trust						9,099
AXA Distribution
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Intercompany cost sharing and service agreements expenses						603	616	621
Amount charged to subsidiaries for their share of operating expenses						321	325	345
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income						13	2	2
AXA Global Life | Affiliated Entity | Loss from Catastrophes
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Premiums and expenses associated with the reinsurance program						4
AXA Equitable And Alliance Bernstein | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Intercompany cost sharing and service agreements expenses						164	173	165
AXA Equitable FMG | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Net receivable related to contracts						47	48
Investment management and administrative fees earned						$ 707	$ 711	$ 690
Variable Annuity | AXA Arizona | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Exposure reinsured percentage						100.00%
Term Life Insurance | AXA Arizona | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transactions Other [Abstract]
Exposure reinsured percentage						90.00%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Narrat

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 01, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Market value of plan	$ 2,322,000,000	$ 2,322,000,000	$ 2,473,000,000	$ 2,401,000,000
Liability of plan	129,000,000	129,000,000	2,657,000,000	2,463,000,000
Capital contribution		211,000,000
Capital contribution, net of tax		137,000,000
Actuarial gains (losses)		6,000,000	(264,000,000)
Gain (loss) from curtailments		0	0	(3,000,000)
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	1,000,000	1,000,000	0
Accrued pension costs	43,000,000	43,000,000	184,000,000
PBO, immediately preceding the Transfer to AXA Financial	2,576,000,000	2,576,000,000	2,657,000,000
Unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss)	(49,000,000)	(49,000,000)	(1,144,000,000)
Estimated net actuarial gain (loss)		340,000
Estimated prior service cost (credit)		0
Actual return on plan assets		24,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Projected benefit obligation increase (decrease)	$ 4,000,000	$ 4,000,000
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.00%	4.00%	3.60%
Defined benefit plan, mortality projection rate (as a percent)	125.00%
Parent
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailments				29,000,000
Benefit payments under non participating annuity contracts		$ 6,000,000	$ 10,000,000	10,000,000
AXA Equitable 401(k) Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized		$ 18,000,000	18,000,000	$ 0
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.66%	3.66%
AXA Equitable QP, immediately preceding Transfer to AXA Financial
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Market value of plan	$ 2,236,000,000	$ 2,236,000,000
Liability of plan	2,447,000,000	2,447,000,000
Actuarial gains (losses)		(1,193,000,000)
Actuarial gain (loss), net of tax		(772,000,000)
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	0	0
Unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss)	$ (1,193,000,000)	$ (1,193,000,000)
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.98%	3.98%
AXA Equitable QP, immediately preceding Transfer to AXA Financial | Parent
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation increase (decrease)	$ 83,000,000	$ 83,000,000	54,000,000		$ (25,000,000)
AB Qualified Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Market value of plan	$ 86,000,000	$ 86,000,000	$ 2,473,000,000
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Real estate investment trust			$ 1,000,000
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.30%	4.30%
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Return Seeking Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation range, minimum (as a percent)		30.00%
Target asset allocation range, maximum (as a percent)		60.00%
Target asset allocation (as a percent)		40.00%
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Risk Mitigating Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation range, minimum (as a percent)		10.00%
Target asset allocation range, maximum (as a percent)		30.00%
Target asset allocation (as a percent)		15.00%
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Diversifying Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation range, minimum (as a percent)		0.00%
Target asset allocation range, maximum (as a percent)		25.00%
Target asset allocation (as a percent)		17.00%
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Dynamic Asset Allocation Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation range, minimum (as a percent)		18.00%
Target asset allocation range, maximum (as a percent)		38.00%
Target asset allocation (as a percent)		28.00%
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Market value of plan	$ 67,000,000	$ 67,000,000	$ 802,000,000
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)			32.40%
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Market value of plan	19,000,000	19,000,000	$ 1,425,000,000
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)			57.60%
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Market value of plan	$ 0	$ 0	$ 246,000,000
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)			10.00%
Actual return on plan assets			$ 22,000,000

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Net Pe

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Change in Benefit Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 8	$ 9	$ 40
Interest cost	93	107	99
Expected return on assets	(159)	(155)	(155)
Actuarial (gain) loss	1	1	1
Net amortization	110	111	155
Curtailment	0	0	3
Net Periodic Pension Expense	$ 53	$ 73	$ 143

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Change

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Change in Benefit Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$ 2,657	$ 2,463
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	93	107	$ 99
Actuarial (gains) losses	(6)	264
Benefits paid	(169)	(177)
Plan amendments and curtailments	1	0
Projected Benefit Obligation	2,576	2,657
Transfer to AXA Financial	(2,447)	0
Projected Benefit Obligation, End of Year	129	2,657	2,463
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Pension plan assets at fair value, beginning of year	2,473	2,401
Actual return on plan assets	24	250
Contributions	0	6
Benefits paid and fees	(175)	(184)
Pension plan assets at fair value, end of year	2,322	2,473	$ 2,401
PBO, immediately preceding the Transfer to AXA Financial	2,576	2,657
Excess of PBO Over Pension Plan Assets, immediately preceding the Transfer to AXA Financial	(254)	(184)
Transfer to AXA Financial	211	0
Excess of PBO Over Pension Plan Assets, end of year	(43)	(184)
Amounts included in AOCI not yet recognized as components of net periodic pension costs
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss	49	1,144
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	1	0
Total	$ 50	$ 1,144

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Asset

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Asset Allocations (Details) - AB Qualified Retirement Plan	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed Maturities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)	24.00%	49.40%
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)	56.00%	38.80%
Equity real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)	0.00%	9.80%
Cash and short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)	0.00%	1.30%
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations (as a percent)	20.00%	0.70%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Fair V

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	$ 2,322	$ 2,473	$ 2,401
AB Qualified Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	86	2,473
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	67	802
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	19	1,425
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	0	246
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Corporate
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		833
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Corporate | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		833
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		358
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | U.S. Treasury, government and agency | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		358
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | States and political subdivisions
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		18
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | States and political subdivisions | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		18
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Other structured debt
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	9	12
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Other structured debt | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	9	9
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Other structured debt | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		3
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Common and preferred equity
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	24	920
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Common and preferred equity | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	24	743
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Common and preferred equity | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		177
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	43	46
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Mutual funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	43	46
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Private real estate investment funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		1
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Private real estate investment funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		1
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Private real estate investment trusts
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	10	252
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Private real estate investment trusts | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets	$ 10	10
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Private real estate investment trusts | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		242
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		13
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		13
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		20
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Short-term investments | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		0
AB Qualified Retirement Plan | Short-term investments | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		$ 20

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Assump

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Assumptions, Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted Average Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Benefits obligations (aggregate methodology for 2014) (as a percent)	4.00%	3.60%
Periodic cost (as a percent)	3.60%	3.60%
Rates of compensation increase: Benefit obligation (as a percent)	6.00%	6.00%
Rates of compensation increase: Periodic cost (as a percent)	6.46%	6.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on pension plan assets (periodic cost) (as a percent)	6.75%	6.75%
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	$ 6
2,017	4
2,018	5
2,019	6
2,020	5
Years 2021-2025	$ 36
AXA Equitable QP, immediately preceding Transfer to AXA Financial
Weighted Average Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Benefits obligations (aggregate methodology for 2014) (as a percent)	3.98%
Other AXA Equitable defined benefit plans
Weighted Average Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Benefits obligations (aggregate methodology for 2014) (as a percent)	3.66%
AB Qualified Retirement Plan
Weighted Average Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Benefits obligations (aggregate methodology for 2014) (as a percent)	4.30%

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS90

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS - Compensation Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Compensation Expenses	$ 211	$ 192	$ 340
Performance Units/Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Compensation Expenses	18	10	43
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Compensation Expenses	1	1	2
AXA Shareplan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Compensation Expenses	16	10	13
AB Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Compensation Expenses	0	0	(4)
AB Restricted Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Compensation Expenses	174	171	286
Other Compensation plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Compensation Expenses	$ 2	$ 0	$ 0

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS91

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS - Performance Units (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 19, 2015	Apr. 02, 2015	Apr. 03, 2014	Mar. 24, 2014	Apr. 04, 2013	Mar. 22, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense								$ 211,000	$ 192,000	$ 340,000
Fair value of awards vested								0	58,000
Performance Unit Plan 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	1,700,000
Share based compensation expense								8,000
Performance Unit Plan 2015 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of performance units at stake percentage	0.00%
Performance Unit Plan 2015 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of performance units at stake percentage	130.00%
Performance Unit Plan 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)				2,000,000
Performance Unit Plan 2014 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of performance units at stake percentage				0.00%
Performance Unit Plan 2014 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of performance units at stake percentage				130.00%
Performance Unit Plan 2014 | Parent
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense								4,000	9,000
Performance Unit Plan 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)						2,200,000
Range of performance units at stake percentage						119.58%
Performance Unit Plan 2013 | Parent
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense								7,000	2,000	11,000
Performance Unit Plan 2012 | Parent
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash settlement of vested units		$ 53,000
Vested (in shares)		2,273,008
Performance Unit Plan 2011 | Parent
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash settlement of vested units			$ 26,000
Equity settlement of vested units with ordinary shares number (in shares)			986,580
Performance Unit Plan 2010 | Parent
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)							539,000
Cash settlement of vested units					$ 7,000		$ 9,000
Equity settlement of vested units with ordinary shares number (in shares)					390,460
Equity settlement of vested units with ordinary shares, value					$ 49
Percentage of vested units settled for cash					50.00%		50.00%
Performance Unit Plans Combined
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense								$ 18,000	$ 10,000	$ 43,000
Unvested restricted shares and holding units								2,000,000

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS92

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS - Stock Options Narrative (Details)	Jun. 19, 2015USD ($)shares	Jun. 19, 2015€ / shares	Mar. 24, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 24, 2014€ / shares	Mar. 22, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 22, 2013€ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense							$ 211,000,000	$ 192,000,000	$ 340,000,000
Cash proceeds from exercise of stock options							13,000,000
Stock options, excercises in period, intrinsic value							200,000	3,000,000
Tax benefits from exercise of stock options							70,000	1,000,000
Performance Unit Plan Year 2014
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares) | shares			2,000,000
Stock options, excercises in period, intrinsic value									14,000,000
Tax benefits from exercise of stock options									5,000,000
Stock Options
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense							1,000,000	1,000,000	2,000,000
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2015
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares) | shares	442,885
Stock options granted, exercise price (in dollars and euros per share) | € / shares		€ 22.90
Vesting period	5 years
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars and euros per share) | € / shares		€ 1.58
Term/expiration period	10 years
Fair value assumptions, expected volatility rate	23.68%
Weighted average expected term	8 years 2 months 12 days
Fair value assumptions, risk expected dividend yield	6.29%
Fair value assumptions, risk free interest rate	0.92%
Fair value of options (net of expected forfeitures)	$ 1,000,000
Share based compensation expense							333,000
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2015 | Vesting tranche one
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	33.33%
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2015 | Vesting tranche two
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	33.33%
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2015 | Vesting tranche three
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	33.33%
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2015 | Conditional Vesting Term
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares) | shares	244,597
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2014
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares) | shares			395,720
Stock options granted, exercise price (in dollars and euros per share) | € / shares				€ 18.68
Vesting period			5 years
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars and euros per share) | $ / shares			$ 2.89
Term/expiration period			10 years
Fair value assumptions, expected volatility rate			29.24%
Weighted average expected term			8 years 2 months 12 days
Fair value assumptions, risk expected dividend yield			6.38%
Fair value assumptions, risk free interest rate			1.54%
Fair value of options (net of expected forfeitures)			$ 1,000,000
Share based compensation expense							216,000	345,000
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2014 | Vesting tranche one
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			33.33%
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2014 | Vesting tranche two
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			33.33%
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2014 | Vesting tranche three
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			33.33%
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2014 | Conditional Vesting Term
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares) | shares			214,174
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2013
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares) | shares					457,000
Stock options granted, exercise price (in dollars and euros per share) | € / shares						€ 13.81
Vesting period					4 years
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars and euros per share) | $ / shares					$ 1.79
Term/expiration period					10 years
Fair value assumptions, expected volatility rate					31.27%
Weighted average expected term					7 years 8 months 12 days
Fair value assumptions, risk expected dividend yield					7.52%
Fair value assumptions, risk free interest rate					1.34%
Fair value of options (net of expected forfeitures)					$ 818,597
Share based compensation expense							$ 71,000	131,000	357,000
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2013 | Vesting tranche one
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					33.33%
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2013 | Vesting tranche two
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					33.33%
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2013 | Vesting tranche three
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					33.33%
Parent | Stock Option Plan 2013 | Conditional Vesting Term
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares) | shares					246,000
Parent | AXA ADRs
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares) | shares							0
Stock options granted, exercise price (in dollars and euros per share) | $ / shares							$ 0
Common stock, capital shares reserved for future issuance (in shares) | shares							2,262
Shares held in treasury at weighted average cost (in dollars per share) | $ / shares							$ 24.86
Parent | Performance Unit Plan Year 2014
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense							$ 4,000,000	9,000,000
Parent | Stock Options
Summary of Plan Activity [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense							1,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ (2,000,000)
Compensation cost not yet recognized							$ 1,000,000
Compensation cost, recognition period							2 years 5 months 23 days

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS93

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS - Stock Option Activity (Details) - Parent $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares€ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015€ / shares
AXA Ordinary Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options, Number Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in shares)	16,837,900	16,837,900
Options granted (in shares)	444,000	444,000
Options exercised (in shares)	(4,196,700)	(4,196,700)
Options forfeited, net (in shares)	(483,100)	(483,100)
Options expired/reinstated (in shares)	0	0
Options, Number Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)	12,602,100	12,602,100
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) | € / shares		€ 21.39
Options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | € / shares		22.90
Options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | € / shares		18.26
Options forfeited, net, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | € / shares		22.75
Options expired/reinstated, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | € / shares		0
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) | € / shares		€ 21.39
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	3 years	3 years
Options Excercisable (in shares)	10,074,600	10,074,600
Options Excercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | € / shares			€ 22.50
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 5 months 23 days	2 years 5 months 23 days
AXA ADRs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options, Number Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in shares)	1,105,200	1,105,200
Options granted (in shares)	0	0
Options exercised (in shares)	(510,700)	(510,700)
Options forfeited, net (in shares)	(553,500)	(553,500)
Options expired/reinstated (in shares)	0	0
Options, Number Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)	41,000	41,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 25.53
Options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	25.33
Options forfeited, net, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	25.59
Options expired/reinstated, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.28
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 245.3	€ 245.3
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 4 months 10 days	2 years 4 months 10 days
Options Excercisable (in shares)	40,900	40,900
Options Excercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.28	€ 27.28
Options Excercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 0	€ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 4 months 10 days	2 years 4 months 10 days
AB Holding Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options, Number Outstanding, Beginning Balance (in shares)	5,942,400	5,942,400
Options granted (in shares)	29,100	29,100
Options exercised (in shares)	(541,100)	(541,100)
Options forfeited, net (in shares)	(23,100)	(23,100)
Options expired/reinstated (in shares)	(8,800)	(8,800)
Options, Number Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)	5,398,500	5,398,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 45.03
Options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	31.74
Options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	17.06
Options forfeited, net, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	89.95
Options expired/reinstated, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	45.45
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 47.59
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 10 months 24 days
Options Excercisable (in shares)	4,736,700	4,736,700
Options Excercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 43.04	€ 43.04
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 10 months 24 days

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS94

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS - Fair Value Stock Option Assumptions (Details) - Parent - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
AXA Ordinary Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	6.29%	6.38%	7.52%
Expected volatility	23.68%	29.24%	31.27%
Risk-free interest rates	0.92%	1.54%	1.34%
Expected life in years	8 years 2 months 12 days	8 years 2 months 12 days	7 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted average fair value per option at grant date (in dollars per share)	$ 1.73	$ 2.89	$ 1.79
AB Holding Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	7.10%	8.40%
Expected volatility	32.10%	48.90%
Risk-free interest rates	1.50%	1.50%
Expected life in years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Weighted average fair value per option at grant date (in dollars per share)	$ 4.13	$ 4.78	$ 5.44
AB Holding Units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield			8.00%
Expected volatility			49.70%
Risk-free interest rates			0.80%
AB Holding Units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield			8.30%
Expected volatility			49.80%
Risk-free interest rates			1.70%

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS95

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS - Restricted Awards (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Awards Plan [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	$ 211	$ 192	$ 340
Share Based Compensation Equity Instruments Other Than Options Plan Activity [Abstract]
Fair value of awards vested	$ 0	58
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Parent
Restricted Awards Plan [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Trading period for cash payment once vested	20 days
Share based compensation expense	$ 174	$ 171	286
Unvested restricted shares and holding units	19,800,000
Compensation cost not yet recognized	$ 36
Compensation cost, recognition period	3 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, Beginning Balance (in shares)	51,460
Granted (in shares)	10,578
Vested (in shares)	28,028
Unvested, Ending Balance (in shares)	34,010	51,460
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Unvested, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 15.37
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	23.25
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	14.63
Unvested, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 18.43	$ 15.37
Share Based Compensation Equity Instruments Other Than Options Plan Activity [Abstract]
Fair value of awards vested	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Graded Vesting Period Over Three Years | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Parent
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	44,333

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS96

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS - Unrestricted Awards (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense	$ 211,000,000	$ 192,000,000	$ 340,000,000
Unrestricted Awards | Parent
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of share received under plan	55,000
Share based compensation expense	$ 327,800	$ 350,300	$ 350,000

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS97

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS - Employee Option Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Mar. 16, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Parent
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Post-vesting holding period		5 years
AXA Shareplan Option A 2015 | Parent
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Discount percentage on AXA ordinary shares		20.00%
Discounted price of AXA shares (in dollars per share)		$ 20.17
AXA Shareplan Option B 2015 | Parent
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Discount percentage on AXA ordinary shares		8.57%
Discounted price of AXA shares (in dollars per share)		$ 23.05
Ordinary share price measurement period (52 weeks)		364 days
Shares issued during period under employee stock ownership plan		5,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
AXA Shareplan 2015 | Parent
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Recognized compensation expense		$ 16,000
AXA Shareplan 2014 | Parent
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Recognized compensation expense			$ 10,000
Fair value of options (net of expected forfeitures)	$ 6,000
AXA Shareplan 2013 | Parent
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Recognized compensation expense				$ 13,000
AXA Miles Program 2012 | Parent
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Recognized compensation expense		$ 281
AXA Miles Program 2012 | AXA Financial
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Recognized compensation expense			$ 295	$ 278
Maximum number of shares per employee	50
Vesting period	4 years
AXA Miles Program 2012 | AXA Financial | Four Year Cliff Vesting Term
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares per employee	25

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENS98

SHARE-BASED AND OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS - Alliance Bernstein (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation expense					$ 211	$ 192	$ 340
Alliance Bernstein
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units purchased during the period (in shares)					8,500,000	3,600,000
Dollar amount paid for Holding Units acquired					$ 218	$ 93
Open-market purchases (in shares)					5,800,000	300,000
Open-market purchases, value					$ 151	$ 7
Restricted holding unit awards granted to employees (in shares)		7,000,000	6,600,000	6,600,000	7,400,000	7,600,000
Units issued upon exercise of options (in shares)					500,000	1,100,000
Proceeds from options exercised					$ 9	$ 19
Treasury stock, shares retired	13,100,000
Share based compensation expense					$ 173	$ 173	$ 156
Holding unit-based awards authorized for grant (in shares)		60,000,000			60,000,000
Holding unit-based awards, maximum additional shares authorized for grant (in shares)					30,000,000
Grant of holding units (in shares)					302,443
Grant of holding units, net of forfeitures (in shares)					47,200,000
Holding unit-based awards available for grant (in shares)		12,500,000			12,500,000

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income tax (expense) benefit:
Current (expense) benefit			$ (36)	$ (552)	$ 197
Deferred (expense) benefit			(150)	(1,143)	1,876
Income tax (expense) benefit			$ (186)	(1,695)	2,073
Federal statutory rate, percent			35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Expected income tax (expense) benefit			$ (578)	(2,140)	1,858
Noncontrolling interest			124	119	101
Separate Accounts investment activity			181	116	122
Non-taxable investment income (loss)			8	12	20
Tax audit interest			1	(6)	(14)
State income taxes			1	(4)	(6)
AB Federal and foreign taxes			2	4	2
Tax settlement	$ (77)	$ (212)	77	212	0
Other			(2)	(8)	(10)
Income tax (expense) benefit			$ (186)	$ (1,695)	$ 2,073

INCOME TAXES - Net Deferred Inc

INCOME TAXES - Net Deferred Income Taxes and Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Compensation and related benefits	$ 110	$ 150
Net operating losses and credits	$ 424	512
Other		112
Total	$ 534	774
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Reserves and reinsurance	1,740	1,785
DAC	1,253	1,162
Unrealized investment gains or losses	134	614
Investments	1,437	1,490
Other	25	0
Total	4,589	5,051
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	255
Amount of additional taxes that would need to be provided if earnings were remitted	103
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective rate	344	397
Interest and penalties invluded in unrecognized tax benefits	52	77
Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits	(25)	(43)	$ 15
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance	475	592	573
Additions for tax positions of prior years	44	56	57
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(101)	(181)	(38)
Additions for tax positions of current year	0	8	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$ 418	$ 475	$ 592

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENS101

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	$ 241,000,000	$ 1,122,000,000	$ 153,000,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(58,000,000)	(33,000,000)	(12,000,000)
Defined benefit pension plans	(12,000,000)	(780,000,000)	(757,000,000)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	171,000,000	309,000,000	(616,000,000)
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	57,000,000	42,000,000	13,000,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	228,000,000	351,000,000	(603,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(480,000,000)	529,000,000	(654,000,000)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(2,000,000)	(15,000,000)	161,000,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period	(25,000,000)	(21,000,000)	(12,000,000)
(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the period	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(25,000,000)	(21,000,000)	(12,000,000)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	(1,020,000,000)	1,043,000,000	(1,550,000,000)
(Gains) losses reclassified into net earnings (loss) during the year(1)	12,000,000	37,000,000	49,000,000
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(1,008,000,000)	1,080,000,000	(1,501,000,000)
Adjustments for policyholders liabilities, DAC, insurance liability loss recognition and other	127,000,000	(111,000,000)	302,000,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of adjustments and (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(480), $529 and $(654))	(881,000,000)	969,000,000	(1,199,000,000)
Change in defined benefit plans:
Net gain (loss) arising during the year	0	(95,000,000)	198,000,000
Prior service cost arising during the year	0	0	0
Less: reclassification adjustments to net earnings (loss) for:(2)
Amortization of net (gains) losses included in net periodic cost	(4,000,000)	72,000,000	101,000,000
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net periodic cost	0	0	0
Change in defined benefit plans (net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(2), $(15) and $161)	(4,000,000)	(23,000,000)	299,000,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(910,000,000)	925,000,000	(912,000,000)
Less: Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	15,000,000	29,000,000	(8,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	(895,000,000)	954,000,000	(920,000,000)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(6,000,000)	(19,000,000)	(26,000,000)
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,000,000	(39,000,000)	(54,000,000)
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Decrease from unrecognized net actuarial loss transferred to additional paid in capital, net of tax	(772,000,000)	0	0
Less: reclassification adjustments to net earnings (loss) for:(2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(895,000,000)	954,000,000	(920,000,000)
Additional Paid-in Capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Decrease from unrecognized net actuarial loss transferred to additional paid in capital, net of tax	772,000,000	$ 0	$ 0
AXA Financial | AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
(Increase) decrease from unrecognized net actuarial loss transferred from AOCI/to additional paid in capital, before tax	(1,193,000,000)
AXA Financial | Additional Paid-in Capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
(Increase) decrease from unrecognized net actuarial loss transferred from AOCI/to additional paid in capital, before tax	1,193,000,000
Decrease from unrecognized net actuarial loss transferred to additional paid in capital, net of tax	772,000,000
AXA Equitable | Stockholders' Equity, Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract]
Decrease from unrecognized net actuarial loss transferred to additional paid in capital, net of tax	$ 0

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT L102

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)line_of_credit	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in 2016	$ 216,000,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in 2017	215,000,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in 2018	201,000,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in 2019	189,000,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in 2020	166,000,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Theafter	946,000,000
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, 2016	32,000,000
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, 2017	31,000,000
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, 2018	30,000,000
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, 2019	30,000,000
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, 2020	13,000,000
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Thereafter	67,000,000
SCB LLC | Line of Credit | Financial Institutions
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total amount of guarantees maintained	$ 400,000,000
Number of guarantees maintained | line_of_credit	3
AXA
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Severance Costs	$ 3,000,000	$ 42,000,000	$ 85,000,000
Pre tax real estate charge		25,000,000	52,000,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	113,000,000	122,000,000	52,000,000
Additions	10,000,000	21,000,000	140,000,000
Cash payments	(32,000,000)	(24,000,000)	(66,000,000)
Other reductions	(2,000,000)	(6,000,000)	(4,000,000)
Balance, End of Year	89,000,000	$ 113,000,000	122,000,000	$ 52,000,000
Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment			17,000,000
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitments by the Company to provide equity financing	568,000,000
Letters of credit	18,000,000
Commitments under existing mortgage loan agreements	866,000,000
Alliance Bernstein
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Pre tax real estate charge			$ 28,000,000
Alliance Bernstein | Venture Capital Funds
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation					$ 35,000,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period					6 years
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Purchases	32,000,000
Alliance Bernstein | Private real estate investment funds
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation						$ 25,000,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Purchases	1,000,000
Alliance Bernstein | Oil And Gas Fund
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation				$ 8,000,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period				3 years
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Purchases	6,000,000
Alliance Bernstein | Commercial Banks | Limited Partner
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total amount of guarantees maintained	50,000,000
Partnership Unfunded Committments	$ 0
Alliance Bernstein | Line of Credit | Financial Institutions
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of guarantees maintained | line_of_credit	3
SCBL | Line of Credit | Financial Institutions
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of guarantees maintained | line_of_credit	3
SCBL | Line of Credit | Commercial Banks
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total amount of guarantees maintained	$ 361,000,000

LITIGATION (Details)

LITIGATION (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015plaintiff	Jan. 31, 2013fundlawsuit	Jul. 31, 2011fund	Mar. 31, 2012USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012GBP (£)
Litigation [Line Items]
Portfolio amount of securities | £					£ 500
Realized losses in portfolio | $				$ 125
Minimum
Litigation [Line Items]
Value of alleged damages | $				177
Maximum
Litigation [Line Items]
Value of alleged damages | $				$ 234
Sivolella Litigation
Litigation [Line Items]
Number of funds involved in lawsuit | fund			8
Sanford Litigation
Litigation [Line Items]
Number of funds involved in lawsuit | fund		8
Number of plaintiffs | plaintiff	2
Sivolella and Sanford Litigations
Litigation [Line Items]
Number of funds involved in lawsuit | fund		4
Number of lawsuits | lawsuit		2

INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FI104

INSURANCE GROUP STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Accounting Practices [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval	$ 1,525
Insurance Groups statutory net income (loss)	2,038	$ 1,664	$ (28)
Statutory surplus, capital stock and Asset Valuation Reserve	$ 5,895	5,793
Common Stock Dividends, Shares	10		10.9
Fair Value of Units Transferred	$ 245		$ 234
Shareholder dividends	767	382	234
Securities on deposit with such government or state agencies	55
Repayments of surplus notes	200
Repayments of surplus notes from affiliates	$ 0	825	500
AXA Financial | Subsidiary
Statutory Accounting Practices [Abstract]
Repayments of surplus notes from affiliates		$ 825	$ 500

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (D

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 318	$ 5,714	$ 220	$ 3,567	$ 4,656	$ 3,754	$ 3,524	$ 3,706	$ 9,819	$ 15,640	$ 2,840
Interest Expense, Debt									3	2	3
Intersegment investment advisory and other fees									1,056	1,062	1,010
Segment earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes									1,650	6,115	(5,309)
Assets	194,626				196,005				194,626	196,005
Securities segregated in a special reserve bank custody, fair value	565				476				565	476
Consolidation/ Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									(28)	(27)	(21)
Segment earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes									(1)	0	(1)
Assets	(7)				(3)				(7)	(3)
Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									6,822	12,656	(54)
Segment earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes									1,033	5,512	(5,872)
Assets	182,738				184,018				182,738	184,018
Insurance | Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Debt									45	40	37
Investment Management
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									3,025	3,011	2,915
Segment earnings (loss) from operations, before income taxes									618	603	564
Assets	11,895				11,990				11,895	11,990
Securities segregated in a special reserve bank custody, fair value	$ 460				$ 415				460	415
Investment Management | Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Intersegment investment advisory and other fees									$ 73	$ 67	$ 58

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATI106

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total Revenues	$ 318	$ 5,714	$ 220	$ 3,567	$ 4,656	$ 3,754	$ 3,524	$ 3,706	$ 9,819	$ 15,640	$ 2,840
Total benefits and other deductions	1,384	2,375	1,973	2,437	2,802	2,186	2,342	2,195	8,169	9,525	8,149
Net earnings (loss)	$ (640)	$ 2,275	$ (1,025)	$ 854	$ 1,249	$ 1,077	$ 1,038	$ 1,056	$ 1,061	$ 4,033	$ (3,573)

SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVE107

SCHEDULE I - SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS - OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	$ 51,896
Fair Value	53,561
Carrying Value	52,527
U.S. Treasury, government and agency
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	8,800
Fair Value	8,775
Carrying Value	8,775
States and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	437
Fair Value	504
Carrying Value	504
Foreign Government Debt
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	387
Fair Value	403
Carrying Value	403
Public Utility, Bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	3,280
Fair Value	3,437
Carrying Value	3,437
All Other Corporate Bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	17,738
Fair Value	18,160
Carrying Value	18,160
Redeemable preferred stock
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	559
Fair Value	614
Carrying Value	614
Fixed maturities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	31,201
Fair Value	31,893
Carrying Value	31,893
Industrial, Miscellaneous, and All Others
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	34
Fair Value	32
Carrying Value	32
Mortgage loans on real estate
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	7,171
Fair Value	7,257
Carrying Value	7,171
Policy loans
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	3,393
Fair Value	4,343
Carrying Value	3,393
Other Limited Partnership Interests And Equity Investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,443
Fair Value	1,443
Carrying Value	1,445
Trading Securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	6,866
Fair Value	6,805
Carrying Value	6,805
Other Invested Assets
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,788
Fair Value	1,788
Carrying Value	$ 1,788

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY108

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 4,469	$ 4,271	$ 3,874
Policyholders’ Account Balances	33,033	31,848	30,340
Future Policy Benefits and other Policyholders’ Funds	24,531	23,484	21,697
Policy Charges And Premium Revenue	4,062	3,989	4,042
Net Investment Income (Loss)	1,976	3,815	(629)
Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited	3,777	4,894	3,064
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	284	215	580
Other Operating Expense	4,108	4,416	4,505
Consolidation/ Elimination
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Policyholders’ Account Balances	0	0	0
Future Policy Benefits and other Policyholders’ Funds	0	0	0
Policy Charges And Premium Revenue	0	0	0
Net Investment Income (Loss)	45	40	37
Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited	0	0	0
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Other Operating Expense	(27)	(27)	(20)
Insurance
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	4,469	4,271	3,874
Policyholders’ Account Balances	33,033	31,848	30,340
Future Policy Benefits and other Policyholders’ Funds	24,531	23,484	21,697
Policy Charges And Premium Revenue	4,062	3,989	4,042
Net Investment Income (Loss)	1,898	3,760	(724)
Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited	3,777	4,894	3,064
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	284	215	580
Other Operating Expense	1,728	2,035	2,174
Investment Management
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Policyholders’ Account Balances	0	0	0
Future Policy Benefits and other Policyholders’ Funds	0	0	0
Policy Charges And Premium Revenue	0	0	0
Net Investment Income (Loss)	33	15	58
Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited	0	0	0
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Other Operating Expense	$ 2,407	$ 2,408	$ 2,351

SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE (Deta

SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Life Insurance In-Force
Gross Amount	$ 406,240	$ 412,215	$ 414,362
Ceded to Other Companies	82,927	87,177	92,252
Assumed from Other Companies	31,427	31,767	33,494
Net Amount	354,740	356,805	355,604
Premiums
Gross Amount	820	844	848
Ceded to Other Companies	539	541	565
Assumed from Other Companies	207	211	213
Premiums	$ 488	$ 514	$ 496
Life Insurance In-Force, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	8.90%	8.90%	9.40%
Premiums, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	42.10%	41.10%	42.90%
Life insurance and annuities
Premiums
Gross Amount	$ 753	$ 775	$ 770
Ceded to Other Companies	494	492	511
Assumed from Other Companies	197	199	201
Premiums	$ 456	$ 482	$ 460
Premiums, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	42.90%	41.40%	43.70%
Accident and health
Premiums
Gross Amount	$ 67	$ 69	$ 78
Ceded to Other Companies	45	49	54
Assumed from Other Companies	10	12	12
Premiums	$ 32	$ 32	$ 36
Premiums, Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	31.30%	37.50%	33.30%