Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Changes in the Book Value of Goodwill by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill balance, Beginning of the year		$ 863	$ 843	$ 833
Acquisitions	$ 2,128	2,150	22
Effect of foreign currency translation		0	(2)	10
Goodwill balance, End of the year	3,013	3,013	863	843
PGIM
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill balance, Beginning of the year		233	235	230
Acquisitions		22	0
Effect of foreign currency translation		(1)	(2)	5
Goodwill balance, End of the year	254	254	233	235
Retirement
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill balance, Beginning of the year		455	444	444
Acquisitions		0	11
Effect of foreign currency translation		0	0	0
Goodwill balance, End of the year	455	455	455	444
Assurance IQ
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill balance, Beginning of the year		0	0	0
Acquisitions		2,128	0
Effect of foreign currency translation		0	0	0
Goodwill balance, End of the year	2,128	2,128	0	0
International Businesses
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill balance, Beginning of the year		164	164	159
Acquisitions		0	0
Effect of foreign currency translation		1	0	5
Goodwill balance, End of the year	165	165	164	164
Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill balance, Beginning of the year		11	0	0
Acquisitions		0	11
Effect of foreign currency translation		0	0	0
Goodwill balance, End of the year	$ 11	$ 11	$ 11	$ 0