Business and Basis of Presentation (Policy)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Business and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation, Policy

Basis of Presentation

The Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Prudential Financial, entities over which the Company exercises control, including majority-owned subsidiaries and minority-owned entities such as limited partnerships in which the Company is the general partner, and variable interest entities in which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. See Note 5 for more information on the Company's consolidated variable interest entities. The Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) on a basis consistent with reporting interim financial information in accordance with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations have been made. All such adjustmentsare of a normal, recurring nature.Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The Company's Gibraltar Life Insurance Company, Ltd. (“Gibraltar Life”) consolidated operationsuse a November 30 fiscal year end for purposes of inclusion in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2014, include the assets and liabilities of Gibraltar Life and its results of operations as of, and for the three and six months ended,May 31, 2014, respectively.

Use of Estimates, Policy

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred policy acquisition costs and related amortization; value of business acquired and its amortization; amortization of sales inducements; measurement of goodwill and any related impairment; valuation of investments including derivatives and the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments; future policy benefits including guarantees; pension and other postretirement benefits; provision for income taxes and valuation of deferred tax assets; and reserves for contingent liabilities, including reserves for losses in connection with unresolved legal matters.

Reclassifications, Policy

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.