Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (Ameriprise Financial, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010 Advice and Wealth Management	Dec. 31, 2011 Advice and Wealth Management	Dec. 31, 2011 Asset Management	Dec. 31, 2010 Asset Management	Dec. 31, 2011 Annuities	Dec. 31, 2010 Annuities	Dec. 31, 2009 Annuities	Dec. 31, 2011 Protection	Dec. 31, 2010 Protection	Dec. 31, 2009 Protection
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,161	$ 1,087	$ 257	$ 255	$ 815	$ 739	$ 46	$ 46	$ 46	$ 45	$ 45	$ 45
Acquisitions	6	97			6	97
Foreign currency translation	(2)	(11)			(2)	(11)
Purchase price adjustment	(1)	(12)	(2)		(1)	(10)
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	$ 1,164	$ 1,161	$ 255	$ 255	$ 818	$ 815	$ 46	$ 46	$ 46	$ 45	$ 45	$ 45