Investments (AFS contractual maturity) (Details 8) - Ameriprise Financial [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amortized Cost
Due within one year	$ 1,200
Due after one year through five years	7,264
Due after five years through 10 years	4,817
Due after 10 years	4,403
Total having single maturity dates	17,684
Amortized cost	29,472	$ 27,752
Fair Value
Due within one year	1,210
Due after one year through five years	7,587
Due after five years through 10 years	4,917
Due after 10 years	5,149
Total having single maturity dates	18,863
Fair value	30,719	28,673
Residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity dates	6,899
Amortized cost	6,899	5,933
Fair Value
Without single maturity dates	6,918
Fair value	6,918	5,973
Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity dates	3,347
Amortized cost	3,347	2,400
Fair Value
Without single maturity dates	3,367
Fair value	3,367	2,456
Asset backed securities [Member]
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity dates	1,532
Amortized cost	1,532	1,273
Fair Value
Without single maturity dates	1,549
Fair value	1,549	1,296
Common stocks [Member]
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity dates	10
Amortized cost	10	7
Fair Value
Without single maturity dates	22
Fair value	$ 22	$ 18