CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 380	$ 449	$ 281	$ 365	$ 332	$ 151	$ 170	$ 248	$ 1,475	$ 901	$ 1,010
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment									37	50	(10)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Net unrealized securities gains (losses) arising during the period									(971)	588	376
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income									(5)	(5)	0
Impact on deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables									319	(154)	(193)
Total net unrealized gains (losses) on securities									(657)	429	183
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives:
Net unrealized derivative gains (losses) arising during the period										10	(7)
Reclassification of net derivative (gains) losses included in net income									1	(1)	(22)
Total net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives									1	9	(29)
Defined benefit plans:
Prior service credit									(1)	(1)	(1)
Net income (loss) arising during the period									46	(15)	(50)
Total defined benefit plans									45	(16)	(51)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(574)	472	93
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									901	1,373	1,103
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									166	(99)	(114)
Comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial									$ 735	$ 1,472	$ 1,217