Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Financial Instruments not at FV) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	$ 3,307	$ 3,326
Policy loans	791	773
Other investments	935	915
Financial Liabilities
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	29,095	29,149
Short-term borrowings	200	500
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial, Inc.	0	150
Other liabilities	4,828	5,431
Separate account liabilities	79,914	77,616
Level 2
Financial Assets
Other investments	386	346
Financial Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	200	500
Separate account liabilities	397	400
Level 3
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,399	3,372
Policy loans	779	765
Other investments	27	42
Financial Liabilities
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	14,195	14,724
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial, Inc.		150
Other liabilities	107	134
Total
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,399	3,372
Policy loans	779	765
Other investments	413	388
Financial Liabilities
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	14,195	14,724
Short-term borrowings	200	500
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial, Inc.		150
Other liabilities	107	134
Separate account liabilities	397	400
Carrying Value
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,307	3,326
Policy loans	791	773
Other investments	410	385
Financial Liabilities
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	13,424	14,106
Short-term borrowings	200	500
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial, Inc.		150
Other liabilities	108	137
Separate account liabilities	$ 397	$ 400