Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Available-for-Sale Securities, at fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Net Investment Income					$ (1)		$ 1
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Realized Investment Gains (Losses)			1
Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Net Investment Income					(2)		(1)
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	(1)		(1)
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Net Investment Income							1
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Realized Investment Gains (Losses)			1
Asset Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Net Investment Income					1		1
Future policy benefits and claims | Ameriprise Financial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Settlements	4		(8)		5		(3)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(320)		(322)		(1,238)		(578)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	(160)		1,179		(160)		1,179	87	878	1,406	1,585
GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives | Ameriprise Financial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Settlements	5		(8)		6		(3)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(322)	[1]	(321)	[1]	(1,246)	[1]	(577)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	(256)		1,142		(256)		1,142	11	833	1,406	1,585
IUL embedded derivatives | Ameriprise Financial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Settlements	(1)				(1)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	2	[2]	(1)	[2]	8	[2]	(1)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	$ 96		$ 37		$ 96		$ 37	$ 76	$ 45

[1] Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

[2] Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.