Investments (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Net unrealized securities gains (loss)	$ 378	$ 215	$ 615	$ 340
Net Unrealized Securities Gains | Ameriprise Financial
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 (loss)			959	518
Reclassification of net securities gains (losses) included in net income			75	2
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables			(268)	(335)
Balance, at the end of the period	2,124	1,262	2,124	1,262
Deferred Income Tax | Ameriprise Financial
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 (loss)			(344)	(178)
Reclassification of net securities gains (losses) included in net income			(26)	(1)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables			94	117
Balance, at the end of the period	(751)	(439)	(751)	(439)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Related to Net Unrealized Securities Gains | Ameriprise Financial
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 (loss)			615	340
Reclassification of net securities gains (losses) included in net income			49	1
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables			(174)	(218)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,373	823	1,373	823
Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ 27	$ 71	$ 27	$ 71