Derivative Instruments (Gross Notional Amount and Fair Value of Derivatives Contracts) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Notional Value
Total Derivatives	$ 18,155,364	[1]	$ 15,158,667	[1]
Fair Value Asset
Total Derivatives	98,495	[1]	73,535	[1]
Fair Value Liability
Total Derivatives	45,712	[1]	94,580	[1]
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Value
Qualifying Hedge Relationships	82,247		72,747
Fair Value Asset
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	2,793		940
Fair Value Liability
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	1,749		4,635
Nondesignated [Member]
Notional Value
Qualifying Hedge Relationships	18,073,117		15,086,420
Fair Value Asset
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	95,702		72,595
Fair Value Liability
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	43,963		89,945
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Interest Rate Swap Member | Nondesignated [Member]
Notional Value
Qualifying Hedge Relationships	1,902,750		1,533,750
Fair Value Asset
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	77,005		59,872
Fair Value Liability
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	40,756		80,601
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | InterestRateOption [Member] | Nondesignated [Member]
Notional Value
Qualifying Hedge Relationships	100,000		100,000
Fair Value Asset
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	8,855		6,534
Fair Value Liability
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	0		0
Credit Risk Contract [Member] | Credit Default Swap Member | Nondesignated [Member]
Notional Value
Qualifying Hedge Relationships	1,200		6,050
Fair Value Asset
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	0		0
Fair Value Liability
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	55		115
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Notional Value
Qualifying Hedge Relationships	82,247		72,747
Fair Value Asset
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	2,793		940
Fair Value Liability
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	1,749		4,635
Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Currency Swap Member | Nondesignated [Member]
Notional Value
Qualifying Hedge Relationships	57,013		55,919
Fair Value Asset
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	1,775		19
Fair Value Liability
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	10		1,349
Equity Contract [Member] | Equity Options [Member] | Nondesignated [Member]
Notional Value
Qualifying Hedge Relationships	15,798,390		13,170,805
Fair Value Asset
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	5,581		6,170
Fair Value Liability
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	3,142		3,168
Equity Contract [Member] | Total Return Swap Member | Nondesignated [Member]
Notional Value
Qualifying Hedge Relationships	213,764		219,896
Fair Value Asset
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset	2,486		0
Fair Value Liability
Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability	$ 0		$ 4,712

[1] (1) Excludes embedded derivatives which contain multiple underlyings. The fair value of these embedded derivatives was a liability of $2,317 million and $778 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, included in “Future policy benefits.” The fair value of the embedded derivatives related to the reinsurance of certain of these benefits to Pruco Re and Prudential Insurance included in "Reinsurance recoverables" was an asset of $2,232 million and $748 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.