Investments (Details 5) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other-than-temporary impairments	$ (37)	$ (34)	$ (37)
Ameriprise Financial
Gross realized gains	109	52	72
Gross realized losses	(65)	(18)	(7)
Other-than-temporary impairments	(37)	(34)	(37)
Total	7		28
Amortized cost, debt maturities, without single maturity date	28,510
Amortized Cost	28,510	32,447
Fair value, debt maturities, without single maturity date	31,472
Fair Value	31,472	34,505
Available-for-Sale Securities, at fair value | Ameriprise Financial
Amortized cost, due within one year	1,643
Amortized cost, due after one year through five years	5,695
Amortized cost, due after five years through 10 years	6,964
Amortized cost, due after 10 years	4,597
Amortized cost, debt maturities, single maturity date	18,899
Fair value, due within one year	1,670
Fair value, due after one year through five years	6,029
Fair value, due after five years through 10 years	7,962
Fair value, due after 10 years	5,675
Fair value, debt maturities, single maturity date	21,336
Residential mortgage backed securities | Ameriprise Financial
Amortized cost, debt maturities, without single maturity date	5,280
Amortized Cost	5,280	7,756
Fair value, debt maturities, without single maturity date	5,429
Fair Value	5,429	7,676
Commercial mortgage backed securities | Ameriprise Financial
Amortized cost, debt maturities, without single maturity date	3,120
Amortized Cost	3,120	4,430
Fair value, debt maturities, without single maturity date	3,419
Fair Value	3,419	4,719
Asset backed securities | Ameriprise Financial
Amortized cost, debt maturities, without single maturity date	1,204
Amortized Cost	1,204	1,652
Fair value, debt maturities, without single maturity date	1,275
Fair Value	1,275	1,705
Common Stocks | Ameriprise Financial
Amortized cost, debt maturities, without single maturity date	7
Amortized Cost	7	5
Fair value, debt maturities, without single maturity date	13
Fair Value	$ 13	$ 9