Debt (Details) (Ameriprise Financial, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	$ 2,403	$ 2,393
Short-term borrowings	498	504
Short-term Borrowings, Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	0.30%	0.30%
Total Outstanding Balance of Debt	2,901	2,897
Senior notes due 2015
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	752	753
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.70%	5.70%
Senior notes due 2019
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	346	341
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	7.30%	7.30%
Senior notes due 2020
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	811	805
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.30%	5.30%
Senior notes due 2039
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	200	200
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	7.80%	7.80%
Junior subordinated notes due 2066
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	$ 294	$ 294
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	7.50%	7.50%