Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income (loss)	$ 813.2	$ 327.4	$ 1,481.6	$ 1,023.6
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	70.1	120.3	569.1	827.9
Noncredit component of impairment losses on fixed maturities, available-for-sale	13.3	(5.3)	21.0	(6.9)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments	(11.1)	3.7	(29.3)	16.2
Foreign currency translation adjustment	88.6	(16.0)	151.3	127.8
Net unrecognized postretirement benefit obligation	4.2	8.0	12.8	24.0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	165.1	110.7	724.9	989.0
Comprehensive income (loss)	978.3	438.1	2,206.5	2,012.6
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	5.0	18.8	15.7	30.5
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Principal Financial Group, Inc.	$ 973.3	$ 419.3	$ 2,190.8	$ 1,982.1