Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 05, 2020
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	033-44202
Entity Registrant Name	PRUDENTIAL ANNUITIES LIFE ASSURANCE CORP/CT
Entity Central Index Key	0000881453
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	AZ
Entity Tax Identification Number	06-1241288
Entity Address, Address Line One	One Corporate Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Shelton
Entity Address, State or Province	CT
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	06484
City Area Code	203
Local Phone Number	926-1888
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,000
Entity Public Float	$ 0