Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	$ 3,360	$ 3,389
Policy loans	760	752
Restricted cash	5	86
Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits	29,521	30,670
Separate account liabilities	71,828	69,395
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial	150	150
Carrying Value
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,360	3,389
Policy loans	760	752
Other investments	309	309
Restricted cash	5	86
Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits	14,389	14,701
Separate account liabilities	371	360
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial	150	150
Short-term borrowings	501	501
Other liabilities	113	144
Fair Value | Level 1
Financial Assets
Restricted cash	5	86
Fair Value | Level 2
Financial Assets
Other investments	278	292
Financial Liabilities
Separate account liabilities	371	360
Short-term borrowings	501	500
Fair Value | Level 3
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,447	3,568
Policy loans	753	725
Other investments	35	24
Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits	14,972	15,982
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial	150	150
Other liabilities	111	142
Fair Value | Total
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,447	3,568
Policy loans	753	725
Other investments	313	316
Restricted cash	5	86
Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits	14,972	15,982
Separate account liabilities	371	360
Line of credit with Ameriprise Financial	150	150
Short-term borrowings	501	500
Other liabilities	$ 111	$ 142