Investments (Details 4) (Ameriprise Financial, USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Net Unrealized Securities Gains (Losses)
Accumulated other comprehensive income unrealized securities gains on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	$ 946	$ 474
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	518	1,596
Reclassification of gains included in net income	2	(10)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(378)	(591)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,088	1,469
Deferred Income Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income unrealized securities gains on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	(331)	(164)
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	(178)	(559)
Reclassification of gains included in net income	(1)	3
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	132	206
Balance, at the end of the period	(378)	(514)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Related to Net Unrealized Securities Gains (Losses)
Accumulated other comprehensive income unrealized securities gains on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	615	310
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	340	1,037
Reclassification of gains included in net income	1	(7)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(246)	(385)
Balance, at the end of the period	710	955
Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ (71)	$ (66)