Derivative Instruments (Gross Notional Amount and Fair Value of Derivatives Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	$ 29,709,613	$ 43,902,689
Gross Fair Value Assets	300,655	243,118
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(32,849)	(58,687)
Future Policy Benefits
Derivative [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Asset (Liability)	(5,205,000)	(4,994,000)
Pruco Re | Reinsurance Recoverables
Derivative [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Asset (Liability)	4,594,000	4,522,000
UPARC | Reinsurance Recoverables
Derivative [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Asset (Liability)	340,000	376,000
Union Hamilton Reinsurance, Ltd. | Reinsurance Recoverables
Derivative [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Asset (Liability)	7,000
Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	529,128	291,100
Gross Fair Value Assets	50,877	14,733
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(1,385)	(3,008)
Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	29,180,485	43,611,589
Gross Fair Value Assets	249,778	228,385
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(31,464)	(55,679)
Currency Swaps | Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	529,128	291,100
Gross Fair Value Assets	50,877	14,733
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(1,385)	(3,008)
Currency Swaps | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	122,425	101,653
Gross Fair Value Assets	17,079	6,677
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(71)	(712)
Interest Rate Swaps | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	3,159,400	3,184,400
Gross Fair Value Assets	203,313	192,181
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(8,605)	(20,574)
Foreign Currency Forwards | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	3,722	1,025
Gross Fair Value Assets	39	40
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(15)	0
Credit Default Swaps | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	7,275	12,275
Gross Fair Value Assets	268	150
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(222)	(513)
Total Return Swaps | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	542,294	577,054
Gross Fair Value Assets	411	2,405
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(10,451)	(19,670)
Equity Options | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	25,345,369	39,735,182
Gross Fair Value Assets	28,668	26,932
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	$ (12,100)	$ (14,210)