Non-cash capital contribution from Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital Capital Contribution from Parent Represents the increases or decreases in additional paid-in capital due to capital contributions from the parent company. Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Sales Inducement Costs Amortization of deferred acquisition and sales inducement costs The amortization of deferred acquisition and deferred sales inducement costs. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Borrowings under Repurchase Agreements Capital contributions from Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Capital Contributions from Parent Represents the amount of capital contributed by the parent company in a noncash investing activity. Capitalization of Deferred Acquisition Sales Inducement Costs Capitalization of deferred acquisition and sales inducement costs The capitalization of deferred acquisition and deferred sales inducement costs. As noncash, this element is a subtraction when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Apartment Building [Member] Apartments Change in Policy Loans, Net Change in policy loans, net The net cash inflow (outflow) associated with the net change in policy loans. Noncash fees deducted from the contract holder and policyholder account values for mortality and expense risk charges. As noncash, this element is a subtraction when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Contractholder and Policyholder Charges Non Cash Contractholder and policyholder charges, non-cash Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs Disclosure [Text Block] Discloses the balances of and changes in deferred acquisition costs and deferred sales inducement costs which may include the capitalization of costs, the amortization of costs and the impact of the change in net unrealized securities (gains) and losses. Derivatives Collateral, Net Derivatives collateral, net The change during the reporting period in the liability for derivatives collateral held, net of the change in the receivable for derivatives collateral posted with counterparties. Amendment Description Document and Entity Information Amendment Flag Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Discloses the types of liabilities included in future policy benefits and claims on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Future Policy Benefits, Policy Claims and Other Policyholders' Funds and Separate Account Liabilities Future Policy Benefits, Policy Claims and Other Policyholders' Funds and Separate Account Liabilities Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policy Claims and Other Policyholders Funds [Line Items] Future Policy Benefits, Policy Claims and Other Policyholders' Funds and Separate Account Liabilities Separate Account Liabilities [Abstract] Separate account liabilities Increase (Decrease) Future Policy Benefits Trad Life DILTC Future policy benefits for traditional life, disability income and long term care insurance The change in the future policy benefit reserve on the balance sheet related to the reserves for trade Life, Disability & Long Term Care insurance. The change in the unpaid policy claims amount and the policyholders funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported. Increase (Decrease) In Policy Claims And Other Policyholder's Funds Policy claims and other policyholders' funds Line of Credit Arrangements with Parent [Text Block] Line of Credit Line of credit arrangements of entity and/or entity's subsidiaries either as borrowers or lenders with parent as lender or borrower. Line of Credit with Parent Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Line of credit borrowings outstanding under a revolving credit agreement with parent as lender and the entity as borrower. Outstanding balance under a revolving credit agreement with Ameriprise Financial as the lender Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial Other Comprehensive Income Gain (Loss) on Noncredit Related Impairments on Securities Change in noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities Includes other-than-temporary impairment losses on Available-for-Sale securities related to factors other than credit that were recognized in other comprehensive income during the period, net of noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses that were previously unrealized, but have been recognized in current period net income due to their reclassification as credit losses, unrealized gains (losses) that arose from changes in the market value of securities previously impaired that were held during the period, net of (gains) losses that were previously unrealized, but have been recognized in current period net income due to sales of previously impaired Available-for-Sale securities, and other items consisting of related adjustments in asset and liability balances. The sum of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings and the change in loan loss provisions. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Other than Temporary Impairments and Provision for Loan Losses Other-than-temporary impairments and provision for loan losses recognized in net realized investment gains (losses) Payments on Line of Credit with Parent Payments on line of credit with Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Cash payments on the line of credit with parent. Policy claims and other policyholders' funds Policy Claims and Other Policyholders Funds This element represents the unpaid policy claims amount and the policyholders' funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported. Total future policy benefits and policy claims and other policyholders' funds Represents the aggregate amount of policy reserves (provided for future obligations) and policy benefits (liability for future policy benefits) and amounts due to policy holders, including unpaid policy dividends, retrospective refunds and undistributed earnings on participating business as of the balance sheet date. Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policy Claims and Other Policyholders Funds Separate Accounts Liability Variable Annuity Variable annuity variable sub-accounts The equivalent summary total of separate account assets representing contract holder funds related to variable annuity policies. Separate Accounts Liability Variable Universal Life Insurance VUL insurance variable sub-accounts The equivalent summary total of separate account assets representing contract holder funds related to variable universal life insurance policies. Separate Accounts Liability Other Insurance Other insurance variable sub-accounts The equivalent summary total of separate account assets representing contract holder funds related to other insurance policies, not otherwise described in the taxonomy. Current Fiscal Year End Date Policyholder and Contractholder Account Values, Net Transfer from to Separate Accounts Net transfers to separate accounts The cash inflow (outflow) associated with transfers from (to) separate accounts. Proceeds on Line of Credit with Parent Proceeds from line of credit with Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Cash proceeds on the line of credit with parent. Realized Investment Gains (Losses) before Impairment Losses Net realized investment gains before impairment losses on securities The net realized gains or losses on investments during the period, before deducting impairment losses. Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Capital and Surplus Disclosure [Text Block] Represents the entire disclosure pertaining to state insurance statutes containing limitations on the amount of dividends or distributions that insurers may make without prior notification to state regulators. Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Less than 12 months Trading Securities and Equity Method Investments, Net Other investments, net The change in trading securities and the undistributed income (loss) of equity method investments. Other investments Trading Securities and Other Investments This element represents both trading securities and other investments. Trading securities represent debt or equity securities bought and held for sale in the near term to generate income on short-term price changes whereas other investments refer to the investments of the entity, which are not described anywhere else in the taxonomy. Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Gross realized investment losses Variable Interest Entities Disclosure of the significant judgments and assumptions made in determining whether a variable interest (as defined) held by the entity requires the variable interest entity (VIE) (as defined) to be consolidated and (or) disclose information about its involvement with the VIE, individually or in aggregate (as applicable); the nature of restrictions, if any, on the consolidated VIE's assets and on the settlement of its liabilities reported by the entity in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets and liabilities. Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Impact of DAC DSIC Benefit Reserves and Reinsurance Recoverables Impact on deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables Reflect the unrealized gain loss due to adjustments in asset and liability balances, such as DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables, to reflect the expected impact on their carrying values. Number of wholly owned subsidiaries Represents the number of wholly owned subsidiaries of the entity. Number of Wholly Owned Subsidiaries Liability for Future Policy Benefit and Unpaid Claims by Policy Type [Table] Schedule of the liability as of the balance sheet date for future benefits and unpaid claims to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders. Document Period End Date River Source Tax Advantaged Investments Inc [Member] RTA Represents information pertaining to RiverSource Tax Advantaged Investments, Inc., a subsidiary of the entity. Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Gross [Member] Net Unrealized Securities Gains The changes to accumulate comprehensive income resulting from the gross impact of unrealized gain or loss related to available for sale securities. Available-for-Sale Securities: Fixed Maturities Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Deferred Income Tax The changes to accumulate other comprehensive income resulting from the tax impact of the unrealized gain or loss related to available for sale securities. Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Deferred Tax [Member] Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net of Tax [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Related to Net Unrealized Securities Gains The changes to accumulate other comprehensive income resulting from the net of tax impact of the unrealized gain or loss related to available for sale securities. Schedule of fixed maturity securities by rating Tabular disclosure of pertinent information about fixed maturity securities, including amortized cost, fair value and percentage of fair value, grouped by credit rating. Schedule of Fixed Maturity Securities by Rating [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities Disclosure [Table Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income Available-for-Sale Securities Disclosure Tabular disclosure of a rollforward of the net unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities recognized in other comprehensive income. Credit Rating AAA [Member] AAA AAA credit rating as defined by Moody's, Standard and Poor's or Fitch, or as developed internally based on criteria similar to those rating agencies. Credit Rating AA [Member] AA AA credit rating as defined by Moody's, Standard and Poor's or Fitch, or as developed internally based on criteria similar to those rating agencies. Credit Rating A [Member] A A credit rating as defined by Moody's, Standard and Poor's or Fitch, or as developed internally based on criteria similar to those rating agencies. Entity [Domain] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Total Credit Rating BBB [Member] BBB BBB credit rating as defined by Moody's, Standard and Poor's or Fitch, or as developed internally based on criteria similar to those rating agencies. Credit Rating Below Investment Grade [Member] Below investment grade Below investment grade credit rating as defined by Moody's, Standard and Poor's or Fitch, or as developed internally based on criteria similar to those rating agencies. Mutual Funds [Member] This element represents mutual funds. Mutual funds Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses 12 months or more Fixed Maturity Securities as Percentage of Total Investments Fixed maturity securities as percentage of the entity's total investments The percentage of fixed maturity securities compared to total investments of the entity. Represents the percentage of the total fair value of fixed maturity investments by credit rating classification as of the balance sheet date. Fixed Maturity Percentage of Fair Value by Credit Rating Classification Percent of Total Fair Value Mortgage Backed Securities Issued by Government Sponsored Enterprises as Percentage of AAA Rated Securities Percentage of GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC securities rated AAA Represents mortgage backed securities issued by government sponsored enterprises expressed as a percentage of AAA rated securities as of the balance sheet date. Maximum Investment Holdings of Issuer Other than Government Sponsored Enterprises as Percentage of Shareholder's Equity Holdings of Issuer Other Than GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC as Percentage of Shareholders Equity, Maximum Represents the maximum investment holdings in issuers other than government sponsored enterprises as of the balance sheet date. Represents the maximum number of credit ratings required for using the lower credit ratings. Maximum Number of Credit Ratings Required for Using Lower Rating Maximum number of credit ratings required for using lower ratings Fixed Maturity Investments Rated Internally Amount of securities internally rated The amount of fixed maturity investments with credit ratings developed internally based on criteria similar to those used by Standard and Poor's, Moody's or Fitch. Number of Securities Available For Sale Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Number of Positions [Abstract] This item contains disclosure of the number of investment positions in the available-for-sale investments in continuous loss positions for less than twelve months. Available For Sale Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure Less Than 12 Months Number of Positions Less than 12 months (number of positions) Available For Sale Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions Qualitative Disclosure 12 Months or Longer Number of Positions 12 months or more (number of positions) This item contains disclosure of the number of investment positions in the available-for-sale investments in continuous loss positions for twelve months or more. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available For Sale Securities [Roll Forward] Rollforward of the net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available For Sale Securities The balance as of the balance sheet date of accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the net unrealized securities gains or losses on available for sale securities. Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income Reclassification adjustment for unrealized gains or losses realized upon the sale of securities and other-than-temporary impairment losses previously determined to be related to factors other than credit that are determined to be credit-related in the current period. Reclassification of net securities losses included in net income Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Gains Other Comprehensive Income Adjustment for Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available For Sale Securities Included on Balance Sheet The amount of change in other comprehensive income related to the unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities that were charged to balance sheet accounts such as deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, benefit reserves or reinsurance recoverables. Impact on DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Available For Sale Securities Impairment Other than Credit The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities as of the balance sheet date that is attributable to noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities. Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Represents the total of all debt securities with a single maturity date grouped by maturity dates, at cost, net of adjustments including accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any, which are classified neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Single Maturity Date Amortized Cost Total having single maturity dates Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Single Maturity Date Fair Value Total having single maturity dates Represents the total of all debt securities with a single maturity date grouped by maturity dates, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Schedule of Financing Receivables Impairment Method and Type of Loan [Table Text Block] Schedule of recorded investment in financing receivables by impairment method and type of loan Disclosure of financing receivables, by impairment method and the type of loan. Tabular disclosure of information pertaining to each mortgage loan receivable and other required disclosures by geographic region. Schedule of Commercial Mortgage Loans by Geographic Region [Table Text Block] Schedule of concentrations of credit risk of commercial mortgage loans by U.S. region Schedule of Commercial Mortgage Loans by Property Type [Table Text Block] Schedule of concentrations of credit risk of commercial mortgage loans by property type Tabular disclosure of information pertaining to each mortgage loan receivable and other required disclosures by property type. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] Syndicated Loans [Member] Syndicated Loans Represents a loan offered by a group of lenders called as syndicate to provide funds to a single borrower. Financing Receivable Geographic Region [Axis] Lists down the geographic regions for the financing receivable categorized on the basis of geographic region. Financing Receivable Geographic Region [Domain] Categories of geographic regions for the financing receivable categorized on the basis of geographic region. South Atlantic [Member] South Atlantic Represents South Atlantic region of United States. Pacific [Member] Pacific Represents Pacific region of United States. Mountain [Member] Mountain Represents Mountain region of United States. East North Central [Member] East North Central Represents East North Central region of United States. West North Central [Member] West North Central Represents West North Central region of United States. Middle Atlantic [Member] Middle Atlantic Represents Middle Atlantic region of United States. West South Central [Member] West South Central Represents West South Central region of United States. New England [Member] New England Represents New England region of United States. East South Central [Member] East South Central Represents East South Central region of United States. Mixed Use [Member] Mixed Use Represents the properties which are used for multiple purposes. Percentage of Financing Receivable with Highest Risk Rating Percentage of loans with highest risk rating Represents the percentage of financing receivable with highest risk rating. Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts Accounting Standards Update 2010-15 [Member] Financing Receivables Funding Commitments Funding Commitments Represents the amount of cash required to fully fund agreements for providing advances to the borrowers. Financing Receivable Modifications Number of Loans Restructured Number of loans restructured The number of loans restructured under the troubled debt restructurings. Number of Loans Recorded Investment under Troubled Debt Restructuring Represents the amount of the recorded investment related to financing receivables that have been modified by troubled debt restructurings. Recorded investment pertaining to loans restructured Recorded Investment Schedule of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of balances of and changes in DAC (subsequent to the adjustment for the new accounting standard) Tabular disclosure of capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs, the basis for and methodology for capitalizing such costs, the accounting for such deferred acquisition costs (DAC) when modifications or internal replacements of related insurance contracts occur and the effect on results of operations, and the methodology and amount of amortization. Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims [Table Text Block] Schedule of future policy benefits (subsequent to the adjustment for the new accounting standard) and policy claims and other policyholders' funds Tabular disclosure of various components of the reserve for future policy benefits and guaranteed minimum benefits. This element represents the schedule related to separate account liabilities by policy type. Schedule of separate account liabilities Schedule of Separate Account Liabilities by Policy Type [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Sales Inducement Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of balances of and changes in DSIC Tabular disclosure of the changes in deferred sales inducement costs. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle before Taxes Reduction in DAC due to retrospective adoption of new accounting standard The pretax effect on deferred acquisition costs of the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle resulting from the adoption of a new accounting standard on fair value measurements. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Reduction in Capitalization Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle before Taxes Reduction in capitalization of DAC due to retrospective adoption of new accounting standard The pretax effect on deferred acquisition costs which relates to reduction in capitalization of the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle resulting from the adoption of a new accounting standard on fair value measurements. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Reduction in Amortization Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle before Taxes Reduction in amortization of DAC due to retrospective adoption of new accounting standard The pretax effect on deferred acquisition costs which relates to reduction in amortization of the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle resulting from the adoption of a new accounting standard on fair value measurements. Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Deferred Sales Inducements Cost Adjustment for Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available For Sale Securities Impact of change in net unrealized securities gains The amount of change in the deferred sales inducement cost balance related to the unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities. Entity Voluntary Filers Percentage of Commercial Mortgage Loan Percent of Loans Represents the gross amount of commercial mortgage loans as a percentage of the total gross value. Entity Current Reporting Status Recent Accounting Pronouncements A contract that provides fixed periodic payments. Fixed annuities Fixed Annuities [Member] Entity Filer Category Equity indexed annuity (EIA) accumulated host values Equity Indexed Annuities Host Values [Member] A contract that provides periodic payments based on a host index amount. Entity Public Float EIA embedded derivatives Embedded Derivative EIA [Member] The embedded derivative related to a contract that provides periodic payments based on a host index amount. Entity Registrant Name Other Variable Annuity Guarantees [Member] Other variable annuity guarantees The guaranteed account value for a variable annuity contract which is based on other conditions not separately identified in the taxonomy. Entity Central Index Key Total Annuities [Member] Total annuities The aggregate of all types of annuity contracts offered by the entity. Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Insurance [Member] Variable universal life (VUL)/universal life (UL) insurance Represents life insurance contract under which premiums are generally flexible, the level of death benefits may be adjusted, and mortality expense, and other charges may vary. VUL/UL insurance additional liabilities Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Insurance Additional Liabilities [Member] The amount represents portions of fixed and variable universal life contracts that have product features that result in profits followed by losses from the insurance component of the contract. Represents the permanent life insurance policy that allows policyholders to tie accumulation values to a stock market index. Indexed Universal Life Accumulated Host Values [Member] Indexed universal life (IUL) accumulated host values Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding The embedded derivative related to guaranteed minimum withdrawal and accumulation provisions of insurance contracts. GMWB and GMAB Embedded Derivatives Embedded Derivative GMWB and GMAB [Member] GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives Other Life Disability Income and Long Term Care Insurance [Member] Other life, disability income and long term care insurance A contract that provides life insurance, disability payments or long-term care benefits which have not been specified elsewhere in the taxonomy. Receivable Type [Axis] Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Gain Gross up [Member] GGU death benefit The features in insurance contracts which provide that in the event of the insured's death, the beneficiary will receive the greater of the policyholder's or contract holder's account balance or another amount defined in the contract. The provisions of the contract gross up the amount payable by a certain percentage of contract earnings. Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Extent Type [Axis] Financial data pertaining to the measuring provisions in insurance contracts that determine amounts received by the beneficiary in the event of the insured's death. Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Extent Type [Domain] Identifies name or type of measuring provisions in insurance contracts that determine amounts received by the beneficiary in the event of the insured's death. Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Return of Premium [Member] Return of premium The features in insurance contracts which provide that in the event of the insured's death, the beneficiary will receive the greater of the policyholder's or contract holder's account balance or a return of premium. Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Five or Six Year Reset [Member] Five/six-year reset The features in insurance contracts which provide that in the event of the insured's death, the beneficiary will receive the greater of the policyholder's or contract holder's account balance, subject to a five or six year reset of the contract value. Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit One Year Ratchet [Member] One-year ratchet The features in insurance contracts which provide that in the event of the insured's death, the beneficiary will receive the greater of the policyholder's or contract holder's account balance. The value of the benefit ratchets up to the maximum account value each year. Five-year ratchet The features in insurance contracts which provide that in the event of the insured's death, the beneficiary will receive the greater of the policyholder's or contract holder's account balance. The value ratchets up to the maximum account value every five years. Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Five Year Ratchet [Member] Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Other [Member] Other The features in insurance contracts which provide that in the event of the insured's death, the beneficiary will receive the greater of the policyholder's or contract holder's account balance. The value received is determined by other criteria not separately identified in the taxonomy. Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Standard Benefit [Member] GMWB The minimum amount (usually stated as a percentage of premiums) that will be available for withdrawal pursuant to terms of the long-duration contract. Regardless of the contract value, the contract or policy holder is guaranteed the right to periodic withdrawals from the contract until the amount withdrawn is equal to the guaranteed amount. Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Enhanced Benefit [Member] GMWB for life The minimum amount (usually stated as a percentage of premiums) that will be available for withdrawal pursuant to terms of the long-duration contract. Regardless of the contract value, the contract or policy holder is guaranteed the right to periodic withdrawals for life at a lower than standard rate or they can elect to withdraw at a higher rate until the amount withdrawn is equal to the guaranteed rate. Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit and Gain Gross up [Member] GMDB & GGU The features in insurance contracts which provide that in the event of the insured's death, the beneficiary will receive the greater of the policyholder's or contract holder's account balance or another amount defined in the contract. It includes contracts that gross up the amount payable by a certain percentage of contract earnings. Guaranteed Minimum Universal Life [Member] UL The features in insurance contracts that provide secondary guarantee benefits and are subject to specified conditions, by which the policy will not terminate and will continue to provide a death benefit even if there is insufficient policy value to cover the monthly deductions and charges. Other Represents other investments that pools funds from many investors to invest in a combination of underlying investments which has not been specified elsewhere in the taxonomy. Other Funds [Member] Fair Value Assets Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains (losses) during the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) and gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), and a description of where those gains (losses) included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issues, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs), by class of asset and liability. Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements Tabular disclosure of quantitative information about the inputs used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. This disclosure may include, but is not limited to, the fair value of the asset and liability, valuation technique used to measure fair value, the inputs used to measure fair value, the ranges of the inputs, and the weighted averages of the inputs. Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Document Fiscal Year Focus Cumulative Decrease in Embedded Derivative Liability Cumulative decrease to the embedded derivative liability Represents the amount of cumulative decrease to the embedded derivative liability due to the adjustment for nonperformance risk. Document Fiscal Period Focus Fair Value Assets Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Information required and determined to be provided for the purpose of reconciling beginning and ending balances of fair value measurements of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (level 3). Schedule of the inputs used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. This disclosure may include, but is not limited to, the fair value of the asset and liability, valuation technique used to measure fair value, the inputs used to measure fair value, the ranges of the inputs, and the weighted averages of the inputs. Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Assets Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value Assets Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings [Abstract] Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities held at the end of the period included in: Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Net realized investment gains (losses) This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized holding gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income in net realized investment gains (losses). Such unrealized holding gains or losses relate to those liabilities still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized holding gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income in Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses. Such unrealized holding gains or losses relate to those liabilities still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Fair Value Assets or Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Gain (Loss) Included in Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Loss included in net realized investment gains (losses) This item represents the amount of total realized gains or losses during the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets) in net realized investment gains (losses); the fair value of which assets was or is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (level 3). GMWB and GMAB Embedded Derivatives [Member] GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives The embedded derivative related to guaranteed minimum withdrawal and accumulation provisions of insurance contracts. Embedded derivatives Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items] Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of Level 3 assets and liabilities Fair values of assets and liabilities Fair Value Inputs Utilization of Guaranteed Withdrawals Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (as a percent) Represents the expected rate at which policyholders will utilize the guaranteed withdrawal on policies. Fair Value Inputs Surrender Rate Surrender rate (as a percent) Represents the expected rate of surrender on policies, used as an input to measure fair value. Legal Entity [Axis] Fair Value Inputs Mortality Rate Mortality (as a percent) Represents the percentage of the value of a balance or debt that one pays or is paid each time period, used as an input to measure fair value. Document Type Fair Value Inputs Yield and Spread to Treasury Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries Represents the yield or spread to treasury (i.e. the difference in yield between a U.S. Treasury security and any other fixed maturity security), used as an input to measure fair value. Fair Value Inputs Loss Recovery Loss recovery (as a percent) Represents the loss recovery expressed as a percentage of the original principal balance when used as an input to measure fair value. Highly Liquid Investments Original Maximum Maturity Period Maximum original maturities of highly liquid investments for classification as cash equivalents (in days) Represents the maximum term to maturity at the date of purchase of a highly liquid investment to classify it as a cash equivalent. Maximum period for recognizing capital losses Represents the period within which capital losses must be used against capital gain income under current U.S. federal income tax law. Period within which Capital Losses Must be Used Against Capital Gain Income Schedule of Premiums for Derivative Option Contracts [Table Text Block] Schedule of payments the entity has to make and receive for the options related to minimum guaranteed benefits Tabular disclosure of premiums payable or receivable related to derivative contracts by period. The minimum amount (usually stated as a percentage of premiums) that will be available for withdrawal pursuant to terms of the long-duration contract. Regardless of the contract value, the contract or policy holder is guaranteed the right to periodic withdrawals from the contract until the premiums deposited into the contract is withdrawn. It also includes contracts where there is a guaranteed account value floor that is available to a contractor policy holder in cash. Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit and Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit [Member] GMWB and GMAB EIA Derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to share prices and is used to hedge the risk associated with equity indexed annuity policies. Equity Indexed Annuities [Member] Equity Indexed Annuities Embedded Derivatives [Member] EIA embedded derivatives The embedded derivative related to a contract that provides periodic payments based on a host index amount. IUL Represents the permanent life insurance policy that allows policyholders to tie accumulation values to a stock market index. Indexed Universal Life [Member] IUL embedded derivatives Represents the embedded derivatives related to life insurance contract under which the premiums are generally flexible, the level of death benefits may be adjusted, and mortality expense and other charges may vary. Indexed Universal Life Embedded Derivatives [Member] Other derivatives Derivatives that are not related to GMWB and GMAB products. Other Derivatives [Member] Schedule by year due of option premiums payable and receivable. Summary of Option Premiums Payable and Receivable [Table] Timing of when the entity is scheduled to make and receive payments associated with deferred premium options. Premiums for Derivative Option [Axis] Year in which the entity is scheduled to make and receive payments associated with deferred premium options. Payment or Receivable Term [Domain] 2012 Amount due in the remainder of the current year. Current Year [Member] 2013 Amount due in the year following the current year. Due in One Year [Member] 2014 Amount due in year two following the current year. Due in Two Years [Member] 2015 Amount due in year three following the current year. Due in Three Years [Member] 2016 Amount due in year four following the current year. Due in Four Years [Member] 2017-2026 Amount due after four years following the current year. Due after Four Years [Member] Summary of option premiums payable and receivable Summary of Option Premiums Payable and Receivable [Line Items] Premiums Payable The amount of payments the entity is scheduled to make for deferred premium option contracts. Premiums Payable for Derivative Option Contracts Premiums Receivable The amount of payments the entity is scheduled to receive for deferred premium option contracts. Premiums Receivable for Derivative Option Contracts Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Change in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Effect Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Rollforward of unrealized derivative losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges Fair market value of securities accepted as additional collateral The fair value of securities that had been pledged by counterparties under collateral arrangements that are not reflected on the company's balance sheet. Securities Accepted as Collateral at Fair Value Maximum credit exposure related to derivative assets Reflects the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that, based on the gross fair value of the financial instrument, net of the effects of master netting arrangements and after application of cash and securities collateral received, the entity would incur if parties to the financial instruments that make up the concentration failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts. Maximum Potential Future Exposure, Net of Master Netting and Collateral on Credit Risk Derivative Assets Portion at Other than Fair Value Fair Value, Disclosure Carrying Amount [Member] Carrying Value This element represents the carrying value of those financial assets and liabilities that are not recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities [Table] The schedule of changes in other comprehensive income resulting from a roll forward of the net unrealized securities gains and losses for available for sale securities. Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities [Axis] Components of changes in other comprehensive income related to unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities. Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Financing Receivables Other Comprehensive Income, Available For Sale Securities [Line Items] Investments Discounted Cash Flow Technique [Member] Discounted cash flow Discounted cash flow approach valuation technique used to measure fair value. Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities [Domain] Components of changes in other comprehensive income related to unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities. Liability for Future Policy Benefit and Unpaid Claims by Policy Type [Axis] Reflects the liability as of the balance sheet date for future benefits and unpaid claims to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders. Liability for Future Policy Benefit by Policy Type [Domain] Type of insurance policy originating future benefits and unpaid claims. Ameriprise Financial [Member] Ameriprise Financial Represents Ameriprise Financial, the parent of the reporting entity. Schedule of Debt Instruments [Table] A table or schedule providing information pertaining to short-term and long-term debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to A fair presentation. Financing Receivable Individually Evaluated for Impairment with No Related Allowance for Loan Losses Recorded investment in financing receivables individually evaluated for impairment with no related allowance for loan losses The balance of financing receivables that were individually evaluated for impairment for which there was no related allowance for loan losses. Fair Value Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure, Fair Value Amount [Member] This element represents the fair value of those financial assets and liabilities that are not recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Amortization, excluding the impact of valuation assumptions review Deferred Sales Inducements Amortization Expense Excluding Impact of Valuation Assumptions Review The amount of deferred sales inducement costs charged against earnings during the period. Excludes the impact of valuation assumptions reviews. Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Amortization Expense Excluding Impact of Valuation Assumptions Review Amortization, excluding the impact of valuation assumptions review Amount of deferred policy acquisition costs charged to expense in the period, generally in proportion to related revenue earned, estimated gross profits, or over the customer relationship or some other period. This element excludes the impact of valuation assumptions reviews. Gross Investment Income, Insurance Entity Fixed Maturities Income on fixed maturities The amount of gross investment earnings, before investment expenses and excluding realized gains (losses), recognized in the period on holdings of debt securities having stated maturity dates. The amount of gross investment earnings, before investment expenses and excluding realized gains (losses), recognized in the period on holdings of commercial mortgage loans. Gross Investment Income, Insurance Entity Commercial Mortgage Loans Income on commercial mortgage loans Gross Investment Income, Insurance Entity other Investments Other investments The amount of gross investment earnings, before investment expenses and excluding realized gains (losses), recognized in the period on holdings of other investments. Gross Investment Income Gross investment income The gross income before expenses and excluding realized gains (losses) earned from investments in fixed maturities, commercial mortgage loans and other investments. Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefit Reasonably Possible Estimated Range of Change Estimated decrease in amount of unrecognized tax benefits in next 12 months For a tax position taken for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of the balance sheet date, provides an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change. Schedule of Derivative Assets and Liabilities After Considering Effect of Master Netting Arrangements and Collateral [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of fair value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities after taking into account the effect of master netting arrangements and collateral. Schedule of estimated fair value of the Company's freestanding derivatives after considering the effect of master netting arrangements and collateral Over the Counter Derivatives [Member] OTC derivative Represents the financial derivative that has its transaction directly negotiated between two parties rather than through an exchange. Exchange Traded Derivatives [Member] Exchange-traded derivatives Exchange-traded derivative contracts are standardized derivative contracts (for example futures contracts and options) that are transacted on an organized futures exchange. Embedded Derivatives [Member] Embedded derivatives Represents the component of a hybrid security that is embedded in a non-derivative instrument. Derivative Fair Value Amount Offset Against Collateral Asset [Abstract] Net Derivative Assets Derivative Fair Value Amount, Offset Against Collateral Liability [Abstract] Net Derivative Liabilities Derivative Collateral Obligation to Return Securities Securities collateral on derivatives The amount of the obligation to return securities collateral under master netting arrangements that have not been offset against net derivative instrument positions. Derivative Fair Value of Derivative Asset, Amount Offset Against Cash and Securities Collateral Fair value of derivatives after application of master netting agreements and cash and securities collateral The amount, as of the balance sheet date, of the fair value of derivative assets that in accordance with the entity's accounting policy was offset against an obligation to return cash and securities collateral under a master netting arrangement. Derivative Collateral Right to Reclaim Securities Securities collateral on derivatives The amount of the right to reclaim securities collateral under master netting arrangements that have not been offset against net derivative instrument positions. Threshold Assets to Determine Systemically Important Financial Institution Status Threshold assets to determine the SIFI status Represents the total assets required by a nonbank financial company to meet the Systemically Important Financial Institution status. Fair value of derivatives after application of master netting agreements and cash and securities collateral The amount, as of the balance sheet date, of the fair value of derivative liabilities that in accordance with the entity's accounting policy were offset against the right to reclaim cash and securities collateral under a master netting arrangement. Derivative Fair Value of Derivative Liability Amount Offset Against Cash and Securities Collateral Threshold Derivative Liabilities to Determine Systemically Important Financial Institution Status Threshold derivative liabilities to determine the SIFI status Represents the total derivative liabilities required as one of the five thresholds by a nonbank financial company to meet the Systemically Important Financial Institution status. Additional quantitative measures to be met for the SIFI status Represents the number additional quantitative measures to be met for the Systemically Important Financial Institution status for a nonbank financial company. Additional Quantitative Measures to be Met for Systemically Important Financial Institution Status Additional Quantitative Measures to Determine Systemically Important Financial Institution Status Additional quantitative measures to determine SIFI status Represents the number additional quantitative measures to determine the Systemically Important Financial Institution status for a nonbank financial company. Schedule of Derivative Liabilities After Considering Effect of Master Netting Arrangements and Collateral [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the fair value as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, net of the effects of master netting arrangements and cash collateral. The table also includes the fair value of embedded derivative liabilities. The table excludes the effect of securities collateral. Schedule of derivative liabilities as defined by the rule of guidance by FSOC Decrease from Out of Period Correction for Tax Item Represents the decrease to net income resulting from an out-of-period correction for a tax item. Decrease to net income resulting from out-of-period correction for tax item Change in effective tax rate due to correction of tax related to securities lending activities Other Comprehensive Income Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle The effect on accumulated other comprehensive income of a change in accounting principle recognized in the period. Cumulative effect of accounting change Amortization impact of valuation assumptions review Amount of deferred policy acquisition costs charged to expense in the period, generally in proportion to related revenue earned, estimated gross profits, or over the customer relationship or some other period. Represents the impact of valuation assumptions review. Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Amortization Expense Impact of Valuation Assumptions Review Deferred Sales Inducements Amortization Expense Impact of Valuation Assumptions Review Amortization impact of valuation assumptions review The amount of deferred sales inducement costs charged against earnings during the period. Represents the impact of valuation assumptions review. Schedule of Financing Receivables Purchases and Sales of Loans [Table Text Block] Schedule of purchases and sales of syndicated loans Tabular disclosure of purchases and sales of loans by type. Pre Tax Benefit Net of Deferred Costs Due to Revisions to Accounting Classification of Structured Securities Pretax benefit, net of DAC and DSIC resulting from revisions to the accounting classification of certain structured securities Represents the amount of pretax benefit, net of deferred acquisition costs and deferred sales inducement costs resulting from revisions to the accounting classification of certain structured securities. DAC and DSIC amortization resulting from revisions to the accounting classification of certain structured securities Represents the amount of deferred acquisition costs and deferred sales inducement costs amortization resulting from revisions to the accounting classification of certain structured securities. Deferred Costs Amortization Due to Revisions to Accounting Classification of Structured Securities Accrued Investment Income Receivable Accrued investment income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities Noncredit OTTI Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Net unrealized derivative losses at the beginning of the period Net unrealized derivative losses at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Additional fair value of assets needed to settle derivative liabilities Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additions to Contract Holders Funds Considerations received Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Tax adjustment on share-based incentive compensation plan Ameriprise Bank, FSB Affiliated Entity [Member] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Real Estate Commercial mortgage loans, allowance for loan losses Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Rollforward of the allowance for loan losses Asset backed securities Asset Backed Securities Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member] Asset backed securities (sub-prime residential mortgage backed security) Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets at fair value Fair Value Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets Total assets Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Due after one year through five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Without single maturity dates Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Due within one year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Due after five years through 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Due after one year through five years Common stocks, cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Common stocks, at fair value (cost: 2012 and 2011, $1) Common stocks Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract] Unrealized Losses Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012, $23,293; 2011, $24,398) Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Available-for-Sale securities: Fixed maturities Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis Without single maturity dates Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of available-for-sale securities distributed by type Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling after Year Ten, Amortized Cost Basis Due after 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Pledged as Collateral Fair value of securities pledged Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling after Year Ten, Fair Value Due after 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis Fixed maturities, amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Due within one year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of available-for-sale securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Available-for-Sale: Available-for-Sale securities: Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis Due after five years through 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Total Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract] Net realized gains and losses on Available-for-Sale securities Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions Total (number of positions) Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Gross realized investment gains Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Benefits and expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Total benefits and expenses Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Deferred loss on derivative instruments expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the next 12 months Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Aggregate fair value of assets posted as collateral Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Commercial mortgage backed securities Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies Contingencies Common Shares Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $30 par value; 100,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Derivative assets, credit risk Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities Corporate debt securities (private placements) Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Rating [Domain] Concentrations of credit risk Credit risk Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Credit Risk Contract [Member] Credit derivative contracts Credit contracts Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Reference rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Borrowings Weighted average annualized interest rate on the repurchase agreements (as a percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate added to reference rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred acquisition costs Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Additions Capitalization of acquisition costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Period Increase (Decrease) Deferred acquisition costs Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense Amortization of deferred acquisition costs Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost, Amortization Expense, Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Impact of change in net unrealized securities gains Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax (benefit) expense Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Sales Inducements, Additions Capitalization of sales inducement costs Deferred sales inducement costs Deferred Sales Inducements, Period Increase (Decrease) Deferred Sales Inducements, Net Deferred sales inducement costs Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards Capital loss carryforwards Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Cash and cash equivalents and corresponding liability in other liabilities for collateral Cash collateral on derivatives Derivative [Line Items] Freestanding derivative instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Cash collateral on derivatives Derivative assets Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member] Derivative [Table] Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Asset Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Amount of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Fair value of derivatives after application of master netting agreements Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Liability Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Fair value of derivatives after application of master netting agreements Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Fair value of derivatives after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Fair value of derivatives after application of master netting agreements and cash collateral Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments in a net liability position containing such credit risk features Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract] Derivatives liabilities, credit risk related contingent features Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives and Hedging Activities Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividend to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Dividends, Paid-in-kind Dividend to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Non-cash dividend to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rate (as a percent) Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Fair value of embedded derivative liabilities Equity Component [Domain] Equity Funds [Member] Equity Common stocks Equity Securities [Member] Equity Contract [Member] Equity derivative contracts Equity contracts Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Total Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Tax adjustment on share-based incentive compensation plan Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate Constant prepayment rate (as a percent) Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value Inputs, Probability of Default Annual default rate (as a percent) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Sales Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Recurring basis Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Settlements Market volatility (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs, Discount for Lack of Marketability Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issues Issues Fair Value Inputs, Counterparty Credit Risk Nonperformance risk (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity Loss severity (as a percent) Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales Sales Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Net income Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases Purchases Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Issues Issues Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets and liabilities measured at fair value Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other comprehensive income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Purchases Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Available-for-Sale securities: Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Carrying value and the estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not reported at fair value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Investment Income Net investment income Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Investment Income Gain (loss) included in net investment income Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying value and the estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not reported at fair value Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Net income Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Future Policy Benefits: Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other comprehensive income Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Financial Liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Financial Assets Financing Receivable Allowance [Domain] Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items] Troubled Debt Restructurings Financing Receivable, Significant Sales Loans sold Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivables Financing Receivable, Significant Purchases Loans purchased Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Individually evaluated for impairment Financing Receivables Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Rollforward of the allowance for loan losses Financing Receivables [Text Block] Financing Receivables Portfolio Segment [Axis] Charge-offs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due Nonperforming loans Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Additional Information [Abstract] Recorded investment in financing receivables by impairment method and type of loan Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Individually evaluated for impairment Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Beginning balance Ending balance Less: allowance for loan losses Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Collectively evaluated for impairment Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Axis] Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Domain] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Collectively evaluated for impairment Fixed Maturities [Member] Total fixed maturities Fixed Income Funds [Member] Bond Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Foreign government bonds and obligations Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign currency derivative contracts Foreign currency contracts Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Net realized investment gains Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit [Member] GMIB Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Guaranteed Benefits Incurred Incurred claims Guaranteed Benefits Paid Paid claims Guaranteed Insurance Benefit Type [Domain] Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit [Member] Variable annuity guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (GMAB) GMAB Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit [Member] Variable annuity guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits ("GMWB") GMWB Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit [Member] GMDB: GMDB Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hotel [Member] Hotel CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Pretax income Loss from equity method investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision Income Taxes Paid, Net Income taxes paid, net Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Investment Income Receivable Accrued investment income Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Change in operating assets and liabilities: Other assets and liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables Other receivables Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Reinsurance Recoverable Reinsurance recoverables Industrial Property [Member] Industrial Insurance-related Assessments [Member] Future guaranty fund assessments Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees Interest Credited to Policyholders Account Balances Interest credited to fixed accounts Interest paid on borrowings Interest Paid Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest rate derivative contracts Interest rate contracts Investment Income, Investment Expense Less: investment expenses Investment Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of net investment income Investments. Total investments Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Schedule of available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Investments Investments [Abstract] Investments: Liabilities Assumed Affordable housing partnership commitments not yet remitted Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities at fair value Fair Value Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items] Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Table] Liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]