Debt (Details) (Ameriprise Financial, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	$ 2,393	$ 2,317
Short-term borrowings	504	397
Short-term Borrowings, Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	0.30%	0.30%
Total Outstanding Balance of Debt	2,897	2,714
Senior notes due 2015
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	753	728
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.70%	5.70%
Senior notes due 2019
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	341	312
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	7.30%	7.30%
Senior notes due 2020
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	805	763
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.30%	5.30%
Senior notes due 2039
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	200	200
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	7.80%	7.80%
Junior subordinated notes due 2066
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	294	308
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	7.50%	7.50%
Municipal bond inverse floater certificates due 2021
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt		$ 6
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)		0.30%