SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,371	$ 2,781	$ 2,861	$ 3,097
Land, buildings, equipment, and software, net of accumulated depreciation of $756 and $707, respectively	753	774
Other assets	7,667	7,751
Total assets	134,729	132,307
Liabilities:
Other liabilities	5,467	5,033
Total liabilities	125,017	122,613
Shareholders' Equity:
Common shares ($.01 par value; shares authorized, 1,250,000,000; shares issued, 309,399,529 and 303,757,574, respectively)	3	3
Additional paid-in capital	6,503	6,237
Retained earnings	6,381	5,603	4,770	3,964
Treasury shares, at cost (105,456,535 and 81,814,591 shares, respectively)	(5,325)	(4,034)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, including amounts applicable to equity investments in subsidiaries	1,194	751	650	305
Total Ameriprise Financial, Inc. shareholders' equity	9,092	8,988
Total liabilities and equity	134,729	132,307
Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	900	712	1,316	938
Investments	894	857
Loans to subsidiaries	467	624
Due from subsidiaries	225	243
Receivables	12	35
Land, buildings, equipment, and software, net of accumulated depreciation of $756 and $707, respectively	251	263
Investment in subsidiaries	8,200	8,065
Other assets	1,350	1,357
Total assets	12,299	12,156
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	198	167
Due to subsidiaries	330	382
Debt	2,403	2,393
Other liabilities	612	654
Total liabilities	3,543	3,596
Shareholders' Equity:
Common shares ($.01 par value; shares authorized, 1,250,000,000; shares issued, 309,399,529 and 303,757,574, respectively)	3	3
Additional paid-in capital	6,503	6,237
Retained earnings	6,381	5,603
Treasury shares, at cost (105,456,535 and 81,814,591 shares, respectively)	(5,325)	(4,034)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, including amounts applicable to equity investments in subsidiaries	1,194	751
Total Ameriprise Financial, Inc. shareholders' equity	8,756	8,560
Total liabilities and equity	$ 12,299	$ 12,156