XML 71 R100.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Employee and Agent Benefits (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)      
Participant contributions as a percent of expected cost of coverage for employees hired prior to January 1, 2002, who retired on or after January 1, 2011 (as a percent) 60.00%pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanParticipantContributionsPercentExpectedCost    
Other changes recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss      
Total recognized in pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss $ 423.4us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax $ (511.6)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax $ 196.1us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
Pension benefits      
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)      
Service cost 54.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
57.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
47.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost 117.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
103.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
109.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Expected return on plan assets (131.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(127.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(114.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amortization of prior service (benefit) cost (4.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(8.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(9.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss 50.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
118.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
90.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amount recognized due to special events     (0.7)pfg_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanSpecialEventsBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Net periodic benefit cost (income) 85.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
143.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
122.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Eligibility age 21 years    
Period of employment used to calculate average annual compensation for the final average pay benefit 5 years    
Maximum age used to calculate a partial benefit accrual of final average pay benefits 65 years    
Minimum years of potential service used to calculate a partial benefit accrual of final average pay benefits 35 years    
Change in benefit obligation      
Benefit obligation at beginning of year (2,440.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(2,638.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Service cost (54.0)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(57.1)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Interest cost (117.1)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(103.8)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Actuarial gain (loss) (532.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
279.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefits paid 84.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
79.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefit obligation at end of year (3,060.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(2,440.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(2,638.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Change in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 1,925.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
1,682.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Actual return on plan assets 246.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
199.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Employer contribution 130.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
123.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefits paid (84.2)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(79.5)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 2,218.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
1,925.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
1,682.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amount recognized in statement of financial position      
Amount recognized in other liabilities (841.7)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(514.6)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total assets (liabilities) recognized in statement of financial position (841.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(514.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss      
Total net actuarial (gain) loss 759.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
391.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Prior service (benefit) cost (6.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(11.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 752.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
379.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Additional defined benefit plan disclosures      
Accumulated benefit obligation 2,854.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
2,287.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Impact from Exit of Group Medical Insurance Business      
Curtailment (gain) loss     (0.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Information for Defined Benefit Plans With an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets      
Projected benefit obligation for defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets 3,060.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
2,440.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets 2,854.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
2,287.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Fair value of plan assets for defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets 2,218.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
1,925.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Plan actuarial gain and loss amortization disclosures      
Allowable corridor not used for amortization of actuarial gains and losses of qualified pension plan (as a percent) 10.00%pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanQualifiedPensionPlanActuarialGainsAndLossesAmortizationAllowanceCorridorNotUsed
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Other changes recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss      
Net actuarial (gain) loss 418.8us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(351.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amortization of net gain (loss) (50.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(118.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amortization of prior service benefit (cost) 4.7us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
8.7us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total recognized in pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 373.0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(461.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 458.0pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndPreTaxOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(318.2)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndPreTaxOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year      
Estimated net actuarial (gain) loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year 102.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Estimated prior service cost (benefit) that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year (1.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Qualified defined benefit pension plans      
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)      
Service cost 46.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
50.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Interest cost 99.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
88.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Expected return on plan assets (131.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
(127.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amortization of prior service (benefit) cost (3.1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
(6.1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss 42.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
104.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income) 53.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
109.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Change in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 1,925.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
   
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 2,218.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
1,925.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amount recognized in statement of financial position      
Amount recognized in other liabilities (385.3)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
(138.6)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Total assets (liabilities) recognized in statement of financial position (385.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
(138.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss      
Total net actuarial (gain) loss 603.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
298.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Prior service (benefit) cost (3.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
(6.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 599.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
291.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Other changes recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss      
Net actuarial (gain) loss 347.8us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
(322.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amortization of net gain (loss) (42.9)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
(104.4)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amortization of prior service benefit (cost) 3.1us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
6.1us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Total recognized in pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 308.0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
(420.7)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 361.8pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndPreTaxOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
(311.2)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndPreTaxOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitQualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Nonqualified defined benefit pension plans      
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)      
Service cost 7.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
6.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Interest cost 18.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
15.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amortization of prior service (benefit) cost (1.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
(2.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss 7.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
14.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income) 31.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
33.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amount recognized in statement of financial position      
Amount recognized in other liabilities (456.4)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
(376.0)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Total assets (liabilities) recognized in statement of financial position (456.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
(376.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss      
Total net actuarial (gain) loss 156.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
92.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Prior service (benefit) cost (3.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
(5.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 152.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
87.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Additional defined benefit plan disclosures      
Market value of assets held in Rabbi trusts for benefit of nonqualified pension plan participants 329.6pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanNonqualifiedPensionPlanMarketValueOfAssetsHeldInTrust
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
304.3pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanNonqualifiedPensionPlanMarketValueOfAssetsHeldInTrust
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Other changes recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss      
Net actuarial (gain) loss 71.0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
(29.3)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amortization of net gain (loss) (7.6)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
(14.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Amortization of prior service benefit (cost) 1.6us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
2.6us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Total recognized in pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 65.0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
(40.8)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 96.2pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndPreTaxOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
(7.0)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndPreTaxOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= pfg_DefinedBenefitNonqualifiedPensionPlansMember
 
Other postretirement benefits      
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)      
Service cost 1.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
1.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
1.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost 6.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
5.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
8.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Expected return on plan assets (32.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(28.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(33.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amortization of prior service (benefit) cost (20.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(25.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(28.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss (3.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
1.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amount recognized due to special events     (3.5)pfg_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlanSpecialEventsBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Net periodic benefit cost (income) (48.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(47.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(55.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Eligibility age 57 years    
Eligibility service period 10 years    
Change in benefit obligation      
Benefit obligation at beginning of year (140.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(147.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Service cost (1.4)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(1.0)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationServiceCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Interest cost (6.6)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(5.7)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationInterestCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Actuarial gain (loss) (26.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
7.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Participant contributions (6.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(6.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefits paid 12.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
13.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Other changes in benefit obligation (0.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChanges
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChanges
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefit obligation at end of year (169.7)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(140.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(147.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Change in plan assets      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 613.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
519.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Actual return on plan assets 31.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
95.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Employer contribution 0.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
4.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Participant contributions 6.6pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
6.8pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipants
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Benefits paid (12.2)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(13.6)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 639.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
613.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
519.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amount recognized in statement of financial position      
Amount recognized in other assets 470.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
473.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amount recognized in other liabilities (0.7)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(0.6)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total assets (liabilities) recognized in statement of financial position 470.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
472.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss      
Total net actuarial (gain) loss (53.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(83.1)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Prior service (benefit) cost (35.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(56.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss (88.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(139.3)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Additional defined benefit plan disclosures      
Medicare subsidies received, accrued and included in service cost 0.7pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceivedAndAccrued
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.8pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceivedAndAccrued
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.8pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceivedAndAccrued
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Impact from Exit of Group Medical Insurance Business      
Curtailment (gain) loss     (3.5)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Information for Defined Benefit Plans With an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets      
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets 1.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
1.5us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Fair value of plan assets for defined benefit plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets 0.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
0.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Other changes recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss      
Net actuarial (gain) loss 26.7us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(75.0)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amortization of net gain (loss) 3.4us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(1.0)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Amortization of prior service benefit (cost) 20.3us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
25.9us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total recognized in pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 50.4us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(50.1)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss 2.1pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndPreTaxOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
(97.1)pfg_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndPreTaxOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
 
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year      
Estimated net actuarial (gain) loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year (0.8)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
   
Estimated prior service cost (benefit) that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the next fiscal year $ (18.4)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember