SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 2) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accumulated depreciation	$ 1,100	$ 1,100
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, shares authorized	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	303,757,574	301,366,044
Treasury shares	81,814,591	54,668,152
Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Accumulated depreciation	$ 707	$ 676
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, shares authorized	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	303,757,574	301,366,044
Treasury shares	81,814,591	54,668,152