Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 19,223	$ 15,105	$ 15,388	$ 15,091	$ 18,432	$ 16,148	$ 14,655	$ 13,757	$ 64,807	$ 62,992	$ 59,689
Total benefits and expenses	17,879	13,380	14,512	13,951	17,379	14,310	14,405	12,064	59,722	58,158	53,202
Net income (loss)	1,138	1,425	738	937	849	1,675	200	1,364	4,238	4,088	7,974
Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10	7	30	5	7	3	3	1	52	14	111
Net income (loss) attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc.	$ 1,128	$ 1,418	$ 708	$ 932	$ 842	$ 1,672	$ 197	$ 1,363	$ 4,186	$ 4,074	$ 7,863
Basic earnings per share-Common Stock:
Net income (loss) attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 2.78	$ 3.47	$ 1.73	$ 2.25	$ 2.01	$ 3.97	$ 0.46	$ 3.19	$ 10.23	$ 9.64	$ 18.19
Diluted earnings per share-Common Stock:
Net income (loss) attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 2.76	$ 3.44	$ 1.71	$ 2.22	$ 1.99	$ 3.90	$ 0.46	$ 3.14	$ 10.11	$ 9.50	$ 17.86