Investments (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Net unrealized securities gains	$ 588	$ 376	$ 537
Net Unrealized Securities Gains | Ameriprise Financial
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	1,350	1,077	474
Cumulative effect of accounting change			62
Net unrealized securities gains	911	572	828
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income	(7)		(28)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(237)	(299)	(259)
Balance, at the end of the period	2,017	1,350	1,077
Deferred Income Tax | Ameriprise Financial
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	(467)	(377)	(164)
Cumulative effect of accounting change			(22)
Net unrealized securities gains	(323)	(196)	(291)
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income	2		10
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	83	106	90
Balance, at the end of the period	(705)	(467)	(377)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Related to Net Unrealized Securities Gains | Ameriprise Financial
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	883	700	310
Cumulative effect of accounting change			40
Net unrealized securities gains	588	376	537
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income	(5)		(18)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(154)	(193)	(169)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,312	883	700
Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ (18)	$ (75)	$ (66)