Debt (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt and stated interest rates
Total Outstanding Balance of Debt	$ 2,889	$ 2,904
Ameriprise Financial
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	2,389	2,403
Short-term borrowings	500	501
Total Outstanding Balance of Debt	2,889	2,904
Ameriprise Financial | Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	300
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	0.30%
Ameriprise Financial | Repurchase agreements
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	200	501
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	0.40%	0.40%
Senior notes due 2015 | Ameriprise Financial
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	745	750
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.70%	5.70%
Senior notes due 2019 | Ameriprise Financial
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	343	347
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	7.30%	7.30%
Senior notes due 2020 | Ameriprise Financial
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	807	812
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.30%	5.30%
Senior notes due 2039 | Ameriprise Financial
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 | Ameriprise Financial
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	$ 294	$ 294
Stated Interest Rate (as a percent)	7.50%	7.50%