Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	$ 3,365	$ 3,389
Policy loans	752	752
Restricted cash	75	86
Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits	29,979	30,670
Separate account liabilities	72,532	69,395
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial	150	150
Carrying Value
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,365	3,389
Policy loans	752	752
Other investments	314	309
Restricted cash	75	86
Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits	14,548	14,701
Separate account liabilities	375	360
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial	150	150
Short-term borrowings	500	501
Other liabilities	123	144
Fair Value | Level 1
Financial Assets
Restricted cash	75	86
Fair Value | Level 2
Financial Assets
Other investments	284	292
Financial Liabilities
Separate account liabilities	375	360
Short-term borrowings	500	500
Fair Value | Level 3
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,553	3,568
Policy loans	686	725
Other investments	37	24
Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits	15,578	15,982
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial	150	150
Other liabilities	121	142
Fair Value | Total
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,553	3,568
Policy loans	686	725
Other investments	321	316
Restricted cash	75	86
Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits	15,578	15,982
Separate account liabilities	375	360
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial	150	150
Short-term borrowings	500	500
Other liabilities	$ 121	$ 142