SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 2) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated depreciation	$ 1,200	$ 1,100
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, shares authorized	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	309,399,529	303,757,574
Treasury shares	105,456,535	81,814,591
Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Accumulated depreciation	$ 756	$ 707
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, shares authorized	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	309,399,529	303,757,574
Treasury shares	105,456,535	81,814,591