Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Threadneedle Profit Sharing Plan) (Details 9) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Profit sharing plan [Member]
Defined Benefit, Threadneedle Profit Sharing Plan [Abstract]
Compensation expense (benefit) related to the employee profit sharing plan	$ 49	$ 60	$ 66

Represents the compensation expense recognized during the period arising from profit sharing plan.

No definition available.

Name:	amp_CompensationExpenseForProfitSharingPlan
Namespace Prefix:	amp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration