Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Level 3 Rollforwards - Liabilities) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, Liabilities	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, Liabilities	0		0		0
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Net increase (decrease) to pretax income from embedded derivative liability	74		124		(168)
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | IUL embedded derivatives [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Roll Forward]
Balance, at the beginning of the period	242		125		45
Total gains (losses) included in net income	27	[1]	40	[2]	19	[3]
Issues	114		90		62
Settlements	(19)		(13)		(1)
Balance, at the end of the period	364		242		125
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to liabilities held at the end of the period included in:
Interest credited to fixed accounts	27		40		19
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Roll Forward]
Balance, at the beginning of the period	479		(575)		833
Total gains (losses) included in net income	105	[4]	811	[5]	(1,617)	[6]
Issues	271		254		228
Settlements	(4)		(11)		(19)
Balance, at the end of the period	851		479		(575)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to liabilities held at the end of the period included in:
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	127		811		(1,598)
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Roll Forward]
Balance, at the beginning of the period	721		(450)		878
Total gains (losses) included in net income	132		851		(1,598)
Issues	385		344		290
Settlements	(23)		(24)		(20)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,215		721		(450)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to liabilities held at the end of the period included in:
Interest credited to fixed accounts	27		40		19
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	$ 127		$ 811		$ (1,598)

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

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

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

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

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

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