Investments (Details 4) (Ameriprise Financial, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net Unrealized Securities Gains (Losses)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	$ 1,358	$ 946
Cumulative effect of accounting change		131
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	127	(96)
Reclassification of net securities losses included in net income	2	1
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(5)	39
Balance, at the end of the period	1,482	1,021
Deferred Income Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	(475)	(331)
Cumulative effect of accounting change		(46)
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	(46)	34
Reclassification of net securities losses included in net income	(1)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	2	(14)
Balance, at the end of the period	(520)	(357)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related to Net Unrealized Securities Gains (Losses)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	883	615
Cumulative effect of accounting change		85
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	81	(62)
Reclassification of net securities losses included in net income	1	1
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(3)	25
Balance, at the end of the period	962	664
Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ (67)	$ (50)