Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Total derivative assets	$ 1,950	$ 1,367
Total derivative liabilities	645	345
Anticipated pre-tax gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings	$ 163
Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge	40 years
Net investment hedges income (loss) before taxes	$ 529	536
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Asset Net (Liability)	(6)	(8)
Credit Derivative Protection Purchased Notional Amount	188	256
Single Name Credit Default Swaps
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	107	112
Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Asset Net (Liability)	$ 1	1
Credit Derivatives Written Max Length Of Maturities (less than)	4 years
Single Name Credit Default Swaps | NAIC 1
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 36
Single Name Credit Default Swaps | NAIC 2
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	61
Single Name Credit Default Swaps | NAIC 3
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	5
Single Name Credit Default Swaps | NAIC 4
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	1
Single Name Credit Default Swaps | NAIC 5
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	1
Single Name Credit Default Swaps | NAIC 6
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	3
Credit Default Swaps Referencing Indices
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	50	50
Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Asset Net (Liability)	$ (1)	(1)
Credit Derivatives Written Max Length Of Maturities (less than)	30 years
Prudential Insurance | Surplus notes
Credit Derivatives [Line Items]
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 500	500
Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Asset Net (Liability)	$ 2	$ 17