Investments (Details 4) (Ameriprise Financial, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net Unrealized Securities Gains (Losses)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	$ 946	$ 474	$ (1,479)
Cumulative effect of accounting change			(203)
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	572	828	2,792
Reclassification of gains included in net income		(28)	(70)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(340)	(328)	(566)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,178	946	474
Deferred Income Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	(331)	(164)	518
Cumulative effect of accounting change			71
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	(196)	(291)	(977)
Reclassification of gains included in net income		10	25
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	119	114	199
Balance, at the end of the period	(408)	(331)	(164)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related to Net Unrealized Securities Gains (Losses)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	615	310	(961)
Cumulative effect of accounting change			(132)
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	376	537	1,815
Reclassification of gains included in net income		(18)	(45)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(221)	(214)	(367)
Balance, at the end of the period	770	615	310
Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ (75)	$ (66)	$ (84)