Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $) In Millions	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	$ 3,057	$ 895
Derivative liability, fair value	3,521	1,559
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	160	71
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash flow hedges | Asset-based distribution fees
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value		10
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Fair value hedges | Fixed rate debt
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	160	61
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	2,897	824
Derivative liability, fair value	3,521	1,559
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate derivatives | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	1,623	366
Derivative liability, fair value	1,073	379
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate derivatives | Interest rate lock commitments
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value		1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	1,245	354
Derivative liability, fair value	819	665
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | EIA
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value		1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | Equity indexed annuity embedded derivatives
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative liability, fair value	1	3
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | Stock market certificates
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	18	89
Derivative liability, fair value	15	75
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | Stock market certificates embedded derivatives
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative liability, fair value	4	14
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | Seed money
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Equity derivatives | Ameriprise Financial Franchise Advisor Deferred Equity Plan
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value		8
Derivative liability, fair value	3
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Credit derivative contract | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	3	4
Derivative liability, fair value		1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contract
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value		1
Derivative liability, fair value	1	1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contract | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	7
Derivative liability, fair value	5
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative liability, fair value	1,600	421
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | GMWB and GMAB
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	2,878	724
Derivative liability, fair value	3,497	1,466
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other derivatives
Balance sheet location and the gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, by type of derivative and product
Derivative asset, fair value	19	100
Derivative liability, fair value	$ 24	$ 93