Investments (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Net unrealized securities gains	$ (141)	$ 81
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	2,017	1,350
Net unrealized securities gains	(216)	127
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income	(1)	2
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	98	(5)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,898	1,474
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	(705)	(467)
Net unrealized securities gains	75	(46)
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income		(1)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(34)	2
Balance, at the end of the period	(664)	(512)
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	1,312	883
Net unrealized securities gains	(141)	81
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income	(1)	1
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	64	(3)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,234	962
Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ (11)	$ (67)