Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income (loss)	$ 327.0	$ 264.9	$ 696.2	$ 694.0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	303.2	(306.4)	707.6	(249.3)
Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities, available-for-sale	2.6	3.4	(1.6)	16.9
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments	11.2	(16.1)	12.5	11.7
Foreign currency translation adjustment	14.1	(42.5)	143.8	(175.1)
Net unrecognized postretirement benefit obligation	8.0	12.0	16.0	24.0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	339.1	(349.6)	878.3	(371.8)
Comprehensive income (loss)	666.1	(84.7)	1,574.5	322.2
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	7.0	8.9	11.7	9.3
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Principal Financial Group, Inc.	$ 659.1	$ (93.6)	$ 1,562.8	$ 312.9