Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 16,029	$ 15,425	$ 12,115	$ 13,464	$ 19,223	$ 15,105	$ 15,388	$ 15,091	$ 57,033	$ 64,807	$ 62,992
Total benefits and expenses	15,129	13,978	14,447	13,802	17,879	13,380	14,512	13,951	57,356	59,722	58,158
Net income (loss)	1,022	1,507	(2,405)	(270)	1,138	1,425	738	937	(146)	4,238	4,088
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	203	20	4	1	10	7	30	5	228	52	14
Net income (loss) attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$ 819	$ 1,487	$ (2,409)	$ (271)	$ 1,128	$ 1,418	$ 708	$ 932	$ (374)	$ 4,186	$ 4,074
Basic earnings per share-Common Stock:
Net income (loss) attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 2.04	$ 3.72	$ (6.12)	$ (0.70)	$ 2.78	$ 3.47	$ 1.73	$ 2.25	$ (1.00)	$ 10.23	$ 9.64
Diluted earnings per share-Common Stock:
Net income (loss) attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 2.03	$ 3.70	$ (6.12)	$ (0.70)	$ 2.76	$ 3.44	$ 1.71	$ 2.22	$ (1.00)	$ 10.11	$ 9.50