Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 901	$ 1,010	$ 1,152
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	50	(10)	(43)
Net unrealized gains on securities:
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	588	376	537
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income	(5)		(18)
Impact on deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(154)	(193)	(169)
Total net unrealized gains on securities	429	183	350
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives:
Net unrealized derivative gains (losses) arising during the period	10	(7)	23
Reclassification of net derivative gains included in net income	(1)	(22)	(8)
Total net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	9	(29)	15
Defined benefit plans:
Prior service credit	(1)	(1)	(1)
Net loss arising during the period	(15)	(50)	(3)
Total defined benefit plans	(16)	(51)	(4)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	472	93	318
Total comprehensive income	1,373	1,103	1,470
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(99)	(114)	136
Comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial	$ 1,472	$ 1,217	$ 1,334