Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Document And Entity [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	PRUDENTIAL ANNUITIES LIFE ASSURANCE CORP/CT
Entity Central Index Key	0000881453
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	25,000
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float	$ 0
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes