The number of adverse rulings related to FINRA arbitrations that have been brought against SAI.

Name:	amp_AdverseRulingsRelatedToFinrarbitrations
Namespace Prefix:	amp
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	amp_GuaranteesAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	amp
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of private placement interests sold by the Company's subsidiary SAI subject SEC actions.

+ Details

Name:	amp_IssuersSoldSubjectToSECActionsNumber
Namespace Prefix:	amp
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the amount of outstanding and in default medical capital and provident shale investments made by SAI clients.

+ Details

Name:	amp_MedicalCapitalAndProvidentShaleInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	amp
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the amount of litigation settlement previously accrued in a prior period.

+ Details

Name:	amp_PortionOfLitigationSettlementPreviouslyAccrued
Namespace Prefix:	amp
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the expenses incurred by the entity which are directly related and attributable to receiving an award in settlement of litigation.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the gross amount awarded, to be received by, or to be remitted to the entity in settlement of litigation occurring during the period.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Guarantees and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2009	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011
Guarantees and Contingencies
Number of issuers of private placement interests sold by the Company's subsidiary subject of SEC actions			2
Medical Capital and Provident Shale investments made by SAI clients						$ 400
Adverse rulings related to FINRA arbitrations brought against SAI						1
Pretax expenses related to settlements				118
Payment under settlement agreements	2.8	150.0
Portion of litigation settlement previously accrued					$ 40