A magnetic field detecting element includes: first and second free layers; a spacer layer; a first exchange coupling transmitting layer; a first pinned layer; a second exchange coupling transmitting layer; and a second pinned layer. The first and second pinned layers are magnetized in directions which are perpendicular to an air bearing surface and which are anti-parallel with each other, respectively. The first exchange coupling transmitting layer or second exchange coupling transmitting layer has a positive exchange coupling strength, while the other has a negative exchange coupling strength. The first or second pinned layer that is located adjacent to the first or second exchange coupling transmitting layer having the negative exchange coupling strength has a larger magnetic film thickness than the first or second free layer that is located adjacent to the first or second exchange coupling transmitting layer having the negative exchange coupling strength.