Investments (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Net unrealized securities gains	$ (661)	$ 156	$ (802)	$ 237
Net Unrealized Securities Gains | Ameriprise Financial
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period			2,017	1,350
Net unrealized securities gains			(1,222)	369
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income				7
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables			407	(95)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,202	1,631	1,202	1,631
Deferred Income Tax | Ameriprise Financial
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period			(705)	(467)
Net unrealized securities gains			420	(132)
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income				(2)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables			(142)	33
Balance, at the end of the period	(427)	(568)	(427)	(568)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Related to Net Unrealized Securities Gains | Ameriprise Financial
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses), net unrealized securities gains (losses) on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period			1,312	883
Net unrealized securities gains			(802)	237
Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income				5
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables			265	(62)
Balance, at the end of the period	775	1,063	775	1,063
Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ 12	$ 69	$ 12	$ 69