| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 10, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001137774 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 10, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | NJ |
| Entity File Number | 001-16707 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 22-3703799 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 751 Broad Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Newark |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07102 |
| City Area Code | (973) |
| Local Phone Number | 802-6000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, Par Value $.01 |
| Trading Symbol | PRU |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| M 5.75 Junior Subordinated Notes 3 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.75% Junior Subordinated Notes |
| Trading Symbol | PJH |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| M 5.70 Junior Subordinated Notes 1 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.70% Junior Subordinated Notes |
| Trading Symbol | PRH |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| M 5.625 Junior Subordinated Notes 2 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.625% Junior Subordinated Notes |
| Trading Symbol | PRS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
