Name:	pfg_AdmittedAssetsUnderPrescribedAndPermittedStatutoryAccountingPractices
Namespace Prefix:	pfg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

Name:	pfg_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAndSurplusAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	pfg_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount of statutory reserves assumed by affiliated reinsurance subsidiaries.

No definition available.

Name:	pfg_StatutoryReservesAssumedByAffiliatedReinsuranceSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix:	pfg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of each item listed to reconcile the differences as of the balance sheet date resulting from applying state permitted statutory accounting practices rather than statutory accounting practices permitted by National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 505
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6486098&loc=d3e24746-158529

Name:	us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesPermittedPracticeAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

Amount as of the balance sheet date of each item listed to reconcile the differences resulting from applying state prescribed statutory accounting practices rather than statutory accounting practices prescribed by National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Name:	us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesPrescribedPracticeAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

The amount of statutory capital and surplus (stockholders' equity) as of the balance sheet date using prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices (rather than GAAP, if different) of the state or country.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(23)(c))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 505
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6486098&loc=d3e24708-158529

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Amount of net income for the period determined using accounting principles prescribed or permitted by insurance regulators.