Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	$ 3,319	$ 895
Derivative liability, fair value	3,879	1,559
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	157	71
Derivative liability, fair value	11
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash flow hedges | Asset-based distribution fees
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value		10
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash flow hedges | Interest on debt
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative liability, fair value	11
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Fair value hedges | Fixed rate debt
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	157	61
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	3,162	824
Derivative liability, fair value	3,868	1,559
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	3,123	724
Derivative liability, fair value	3,824	1,466
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivatives
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	39	100
Derivative liability, fair value	44	93
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate derivatives | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	1,801	366
Derivative liability, fair value	1,198	379
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate derivatives | Interest rate lock commitments
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value		1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	1,314	354
Derivative liability, fair value	1,031	665
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | EIA
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value		1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | EIA embedded derivatives
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative liability, fair value	2	3
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | IUL
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | IUL embedded derivatives
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative liability, fair value	3
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | Stock market certificates
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	34	89
Derivative liability, fair value	29	75
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | Stock market certificates embedded derivatives
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative liability, fair value	6	14
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | Seed money
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative liability, fair value	1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | Ameriprise Financial Franchise Advisor Deferred Equity Plan
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	2	8
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Credit derivative contract | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	1	4
Derivative liability, fair value		1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contract | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	7
Derivative liability, fair value	10
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contract | Foreign currency
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	1
Derivative liability, fair value	3	1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Commodity | Seed money
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	2
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative liability, fair value	$ 1,585	$ 421