Ameriprise Financial (AMP) 10-K 25 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 12, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	820,027
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Public Float			$ 22.3
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		168,970,804
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues [Abstract]
Management and financial advice fees		$ 5,950	$ 5,810	$ 5,253
Distribution fees		1,847	1,894	1,771
Net investment income		1,688	1,741	1,889
Premiums		1,455	1,385	1,282
Other revenues		1,260	1,466	1,035
Total revenues		12,200	12,296	11,230
Banking and deposit interest expense		30	28	31
Total net revenues	[1]	12,170	12,268	11,199
Expenses
Distribution expenses		3,276	3,236	2,925
Interest credited to fixed accounts		668	713	806
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses		2,261	1,982	1,954
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		354	367	207
Interest and debt expense		387	328	281
General and administrative expense		3,082	3,095	3,056
Total expenses		10,028	9,721	9,229
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision		2,142	2,547	1,970
Income tax provision		455	545	492
Income from continuing operations		1,687	2,002	1,478
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		0	(2)	(3)
Net income		1,687	2,000	1,475
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		125	381	141
Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial		$ 1,562	$ 1,619	$ 1,334
Basic:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per basic share)		$ 8.60	$ 8.46	$ 6.58
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per basic share)		0	(0.01)	(0.02)
Net income (in dollars per basic share)		8.60	8.45	6.56
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per diluted share)		8.48	8.31	6.46
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per diluted share)		0	(0.01)	(0.02)
Net income (in dollars per diluted share)		8.48	8.30	6.44
Cash dividends declared per common share		$ 2.59	$ 2.26	$ 2.01
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities		$ (8)	$ (6)	$ (11)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes)		0	0	2
Net impairment losses recognized in net investment income		$ (8)	$ (6)	$ (9)
[1]	(2) Includes foreign net revenues of $1,038, $1,315 and $897 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,687	$ 2,000	$ 1,475
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(90)	(103)	37
Net unrealized [gains (losses)] on securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	(360)	131	(657)
Net unrealized gains on derivatives:
Net unrealized gains on derivatives	1	1	1
Defined benefit plans:
Defined benefit plans	(20)	(25)	45
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(469)	4	(574)
Total comprehensive income	1,218	2,004	901
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	65	318	166
Comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial	$ 1,153	$ 1,686	$ 735

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,357	$ 2,638
Total assets	145,342	148,810
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	29,699	30,350
Separate account liabilities	80,349	83,256
Total liabilities	136,937	139,505
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.:
Common shares ($.01 par value; shares authorized, 1,250,000,000; shares issued, 322,822,746 and 320,990,255, respectively)	3	3
Additional paid-in capital	7,611	7,345
Retained earnings	9,551	8,469
Appropriated retained earnings of consolidated investment entities	137	234
Treasury shares, at cost (151,789,486 and 137,880,746 shares, respectively)	(10,338)	(8,589)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	253	662
Total Ameriprise Financial, Inc. shareholders' equity	7,217	8,124
Noncontrolling interests	1,188	1,181
Total equity	8,405	9,305
Total liabilities and equity	145,342	148,810
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	2,357	2,638
Investments	34,144	35,582
Separate account assets	80,349	83,256
Receivables	5,167	4,887
Deferred acquisition costs	2,725	2,608
Restricted and segregated cash and investments	2,949	2,614
Other assets	8,399	8,611
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	29,699	30,350
Separate account liabilities	80,349	83,256
Customer deposits	8,634	7,664
Short-term borrowings	200	200
Long-term debt	2,707	3,062
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,552	1,482
Other liabilities	5,965	6,357
Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	502	390
Investments	6,570	6,148
Receivables	107	140
Other assets	2,073	1,936
Liabilities:
Long-term debt	7,539	6,867
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	54	41
Other liabilities	$ 238	$ 226

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, shares authorized	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	322,822,746	320,990,255
Treasury shares	151,789,486	137,880,746
Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Receivables, fair value (in dollars)	$ 70	$ 49
Other assets, fair value (in dollars)	2,065	1,936
Debt, fair value (in dollars)	6,630	6,030
Other liabilities, fair value (in dollars)	$ 221	$ 193

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Total Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	Common Shares [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Appropriated Retained Earnings of Consolidated Investment Entities [Member]	Treasury Shares [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 9,712	$ 9,092	$ 3	$ 6,503	$ 6,381	$ 336	$ (5,325)	$ 1,194	$ 620
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012			203,942,994
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	1,475	1,334			1,334				141
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(574)	(599)						(599)	25
Total comprehensive income (loss)	901	735							166
Net income (loss) reclassified to appropriated retained earnings	0	1				1			(1)
Dividends to shareholders	(411)	(411)			(411)
Noncontrolling interests investments in subsidiaries	392								392
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(161)								(161)
Repurchase of common shares	(1,735)	(1,735)					(1,735)
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)			(21,184,706)
Share-based compensation plans	534	510		426	(15)		99		24
Share-based compensation plans (in shares)			9,360,019
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	9,232	8,192	$ 3	6,929	7,289	337	(6,961)	595	1,040
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013			192,118,307
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	2,000	1,619			1,619				381
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4	67						67	(63)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	2,004	1,686							318
Net income (loss) reclassified to appropriated retained earnings	0	(103)				(103)			103
Dividends to shareholders	(435)	(435)			(435)
Noncontrolling interests investments in subsidiaries	176								176
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(465)								(465)
Repurchase of common shares	(1,717)	(1,717)					(1,717)
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)			(14,739,666)
Share-based compensation plans	510	501		416	(4)		89		9
Share-based compensation plans (in shares)			5,730,868
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	9,305	8,124	$ 3	7,345	8,469	234	(8,589)	662	1,181
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			183,109,509
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	1,687	1,562			1,562				125
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(469)	(409)						(409)	(60)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	1,218	1,153							65
Net income (loss) reclassified to appropriated retained earnings	0	(97)				(97)			97
Dividends to shareholders	(474)	(474)			(474)
Noncontrolling interests investments in subsidiaries	255								255
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(415)								(415)
Repurchase of common shares	(1,815)	(1,815)					(1,815)
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)			(14,951,703)
Share-based compensation plans	331	326		266	(6)		66		5
Share-based compensation plans (in shares)			2,875,454
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 8,405	$ 7,217	$ 3	$ 7,611	$ 9,551	$ 137	$ (10,338)	$ 253	$ 1,188
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015			171,033,260

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 1,687	$ 2,000	$ 1,475
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net	248	254	239
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(131)	228	(118)
Share-based compensation	145	130	143
Net realized investment gains	(14)	(45)	(16)
Net trading gains	(7)	(7)	(7)
Loss (income) from equity method investments	14	11	(31)
Other-than-temporary impairments and provision for loan losses	9	7	8
Net gains of consolidated investment entities	(132)	(378)	(136)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted and segregated cash and investments	(335)	(256)	93
Deferred acquisition costs	(7)	31	(132)
Other investments, net	81	(37)	(6)
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims, net	494	1,120	(1,318)
Derivatives, net of collateral	93	(883)	1,706
Receivables	(277)	(423)	(267)
Brokerage deposits	337	378	63
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	82	137	134
Cash held by consolidated investment entities	(107)	37	174
Investment properties of consolidated investment entities	(114)	258	(603)
Other operating assets and liabilities of consolidated investment entities, net	95		(38)
Other, net	411	(163)	1
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,572	2,399	1,364
Available-for-Sale securities:
Proceeds from sales	294	516	327
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls	4,542	4,352	5,101
Purchases	(4,562)	(4,127)	(5,780)
Proceeds from sales, maturities and repayments of mortgage loans	631	585	711
Funding of mortgage loans	(558)	(525)	(630)
Proceeds from sales and collections of other investments	236	207	348
Purchase of other investments	(306)	(408)	(347)
Purchase of investments by consolidated investment entities	(2,678)	(3,198)	(3,077)
Proceeds from sales, maturities and repayments of investments by consolidated investment entities	2,009	2,017	2,604
Purchase of land, buildings, equipment and software	(133)	(113)	(105)
Other, net	11	(21)	46
Net cash used in investing activities	(514)	(715)	(802)
Investment certificates:
Proceeds from additions	3,139	2,482	2,348
Maturities, withdrawals and cash surrenders	(2,509)	(2,259)	(1,877)
Policyholder account balances:
Deposits and other additions	2,061	2,042	2,158
Net transfers to separate accounts	(171)	(216)	(116)
Surrenders and other benefits	(2,714)	(2,440)	(1,994)
Cash paid for purchased options with deferred premiums	(392)	(417)	(396)
Cash received for purchased options with deferred premiums	16	59	0
Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs	0	543	744
Repayments of long-term debt	(409)	(200)	(350)
Change in short-term borrowings, net	(1)	(301)	(2)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(465)	(426)	(401)
Repurchase of common shares	(1,741)	(1,577)	(1,583)
Exercise of stock options	16	33	118
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	81	162	120
Borrowings by consolidated investment entities	1,650	2,159	1,725
Repayments of debt by consolidated investment entities	(719)	(1,011)	(1,046)
Noncontrolling interests investments in subsidiaries	255	176	392
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(415)	(465)	(161)
Other, net	0	(1)	15
Net cash used in financing activities	(2,318)	(1,657)	(306)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(21)	(21)	5
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(281)	6	261
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,638	2,632	2,371
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,357	2,638	2,632
Income taxes paid, net	439	578	391
Non-cash investing activity:
Affordable housing partnership commitments not yet remitted	45	38	96
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Interest paid	186	178	170
Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Policyholder account balances:
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	390
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	502	390
Interest paid	$ 257	$ 190	$ 156

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation Ameriprise Financial, Inc. is a holding company, which primarily conducts business through its subsidiaries to provide financial planning, products and services that are designed to be utilized as solutions for clients’ cash and liquidity, asset accumulation, income, protection and estate and wealth transfer needs. The foreign operations of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. are conducted primarily through Threadneedle Asset Management Holdings Sàrl and Ameriprise Asset Management Holdings GmbH (collectively, “Threadneedle”). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., companies in which it directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which it is the primary beneficiary (collectively, the “Company”). The income or loss generated by consolidated entities which will not be realized by the Company’s shareholders is attributed to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Noncontrolling interests are the ownership interests in subsidiaries not attributable, directly or indirectly, to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and are classified as equity within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company, excluding noncontrolling interests, is defined as “Ameriprise Financial.” All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. See Note 4 for additional information related to VIEs. The results of Securities America Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Securities America”) have been presented as discontinued operations for all prior periods presented. The Company completed the sale of Securities America in the fourth quarter of 2011. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company evaluated events or transactions that may have occurred after the balance sheet date for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a capital lease that had previously been incorrectly recorded as an operating lease for Ameriprise Financial Center. The cumulative adjustment included a capital lease asset of $70 million , net of accumulated depreciation, and a related capital lease obligation of $60 million and a $10 million increase in pretax income. The impact to the prior period financial statements was not material. The lease term for the Ameriprise Financial Center began in November 2000 and extends for 20 years, with several options to extend the term.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation Voting interest entities (“VOEs”) are those entities that do not qualify as a VIE. The Company consolidates VOEs in which it holds a greater than 50% voting interest. The Company generally accounts for entities using the equity method when it holds a greater than 20% but less than 50% voting interest or when the Company exercises significant influence over the entity. All other investments that are not reported at fair value as trading or Available-for-Sale securities are accounted for under the cost method when the Company owns less than a 20% voting interest and does not exercise significant influence. The Company manages certain VOE property funds that are structured as limited partnerships that are not VIEs, for which the Company is the general partner. As a general partner, the Company is presumed to control the limited partnership unless the limited partners have the ability to dissolve the partnership or have substantive participating rights such as the ability to remove the Company as general partner with a simple majority vote. A VIE is an entity that either has equity investors that lack certain essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest (including substantive voting rights, the obligation to absorb the entity’s losses, or the rights to receive the entity’s returns) or has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. An entity that meets one of these criteria is assessed for consolidation under one of the following models: • If the VIE is a registered money market fund, or is an investment company, or has the financial characteristics of an investment company, and the following are true: (i) the reporting entity does not have an explicit or implicit obligation to fund the investment company’s losses; and (ii) the investment company is not a securitization entity, asset backed financing entity, or an entity previously considered a qualifying special purpose entity, then, the VIE will be consolidated by the entity that determines it stands to absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses or to receive a majority of the VIE’s expected residual returns. Entities that are assessed for consolidation under this framework include hedge funds, property funds, private equity funds and venture capital funds. When determining whether the Company will absorb the majority of a VIE’s expected losses or receive a majority of a VIE’s expected returns, it analyzes the purpose and design of the VIE and identifies the variable interests it holds including those of related parties and de facto agents of the Company. The Company then quantitatively determines whether its variable interests will absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses or residual returns. If the Company will absorb the majority of the VIE’s expected losses or residual returns, the Company consolidates the VIE. • If the VIE does not meet the criteria above, then the VIE will be consolidated by the reporting entity that determines it has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities that are assessed for consolidation under this framework include asset-backed financing entities such as collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships. When evaluating entities for consolidation under this framework, the Company considers its contractual rights in determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance. In determining whether the Company has this power, it considers whether it is acting as an asset manager enabling it to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of an entity or if it is acting in a more passive role such as a limited partner without substantive rights to impact the economic performance of the entity. In determining whether the Company has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, the Company considers an analysis of its rights to receive benefits such as management and incentive fees and investment returns and its obligation to absorb losses associated with any investment in the VIE in conjunction with other qualitative factors. If the Company consolidates a VIE under either accounting model, it is referred to as the VIE’s primary beneficiary. Foreign Currency Translation Net assets of foreign subsidiaries, whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, are translated into U.S. dollars based upon exchange rates prevailing at the end of each period. Revenues and expenses are translated at daily exchange rates during the period. The resulting translation adjustment, along with any related hedge and tax effects, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The determination of the functional currency is based on the primary economic and other management indicators. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated results of operations. Amounts Based on Estimates and Assumptions Accounting estimates are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. In part, they are based upon assumptions concerning future events. Among the more significant are those that relate to investment securities valuation and recognition of other-than-temporary impairments, deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and the corresponding recognition of DAC amortization, valuation of derivative instruments and hedging activities, litigation and claims reserves and income taxes and the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management and actual results could differ. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include time deposits and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Investments Available-for-Sale Securities Available -for-Sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) recorded in AOCI, net of impacts to DAC, deferred sales inducement costs (“DSIC”), unearned revenue, benefit reserves, reinsurance recoverables and income taxes. Gains and losses are recognized on a trade date basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations upon disposition of the securities. When the fair value of an investment is less than its amortized cost, the Company assesses whether or not: (i) it has the intent to sell the security (made a decision to sell) or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions exist, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and the Company recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment for the difference between the investment’s amortized cost and its fair value through earnings. For securities that do not meet the above criteria and the Company does not expect to recover a security’s amortized cost, the security is also considered other-than-temporarily impaired. For these securities, the Company separates the total impairment into the credit loss component and the amount of the loss related to other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of impacts to DAC, DSIC, unearned revenue, benefit reserves, reinsurance recoverables and income taxes. For Available-for-Sale securities that have recognized an other-than-temporary impairment through earnings, the difference between the amortized cost and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as interest income if through subsequent evaluation there is a sustained increase in the cash flow expected. Subsequent increases and decreases in the fair value of Available-for-Sale securities are included in other comprehensive income. The Company provides a supplemental disclosure on the face of its Consolidated Statements of Operations that presents: (i) total other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized during the period and (ii) the portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income. The sum of these amounts represents the credit-related portion of other-than-temporary impairments that were recognized in earnings during the period. The portion of other-than-temporary losses recognized in other comprehensive income includes: (i) the portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to factors other than credit recognized during the period and (ii) reclassifications of 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. The amount presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the portion of other-than-temporary losses recognized in other comprehensive income excludes subsequent increases and decreases in the fair value of these securities. For all securities that are considered temporarily impaired, the Company does not intend to sell these securities (has not made a decision to sell) and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. The Company believes that it will collect all principal and interest due on all investments that have amortized cost in excess of fair value that are considered only temporarily impaired. Factors the Company considers in determining whether declines in the fair value of fixed maturity securities are other-than-temporary include: (i) the extent to which the market value is below amortized cost; (ii) the duration of time in which there has been a significant decline in value; (iii) fundamental analysis of the liquidity, business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer; and (iv) market events that could impact credit ratings, economic and business climate, litigation and government actions, and similar external business factors. In order to determine the amount of the credit loss component for corporate debt securities considered other-than-temporarily impaired, a best estimate of the present value of cash flows expected to be collected discounted at the security’s effective interest rate is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. The significant inputs to cash flow projections consider potential debt restructuring terms, projected cash flows available to pay creditors and the Company’s position in the debtor’s overall capital structure. For structured investments (e.g., residential mortgage backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities, asset backed securities and other structured investments), the Company also considers factors such as overall deal structure and its position within the structure, quality of underlying collateral, delinquencies and defaults, loss severities, recoveries, prepayments and cumulative loss projections in assessing potential other-than-temporary impairments of these investments. Based upon these factors, securities that have indicators of potential other-than-temporary impairment are subject to detailed review by management. Securities for which declines are considered temporary continue to be monitored by management until management determines there is no current risk of an other-than-temporary impairment. Other Investments Other investments primarily reflect the Company’s interests in affordable housing partnerships, trading securities, seed money investments and syndicated loans. Affordable housing partnerships and seed money investments are accounted for under the equity method. Trading securities primarily include common stocks and trading bonds. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized and realized gains (losses) recorded within net investment income. Financing Receivables Commercial Mortgage Loans, Syndicated Loans, and Consumer Loans Commercial mortgage loans, syndicated loans and consumer loans are reflected within investments at amortized cost less the allowance for loan losses. Syndicated loans represent the Company’s investment in below investment grade loan syndications and are carried at amortized cost less the related allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balances of the loans as earned. Other Loans Other loans consist of policy and certificate loans and brokerage margin loans. When originated, policy and certificate loan balances do not exceed the cash surrender value of the underlying products. As there is minimal risk of loss related to policy and certificate loans, the Company does not record an allowance for loan losses. Policy and certificate loans are reflected within investments at the unpaid principal balance, plus accrued interest. The Company’s broker dealer subsidiaries enter into lending arrangements with clients through the normal course of business, which are primarily based on customer margin levels. Margin loans are reported at the unpaid principal balance within receivables. The Company monitors the market value of collateral supporting the margin loans and requests additional collateral when necessary in order to mitigate the risk of loss. As there is minimal risk of loss related to margin loans, the allowance for loan losses is immaterial. Nonaccrual Loans Generally , loans are evaluated for or placed on nonaccrual status when either the collection of interest or principal has become 90 days past due or is otherwise considered doubtful of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest payments received on loans on nonaccrual status are generally applied to principal unless the remaining principal balance has been determined to be fully collectible. Revolving unsecured consumer lines are charged off at 180 days past due. Closed-end consumer loans, other than loans secured by one to four family properties, are charged off at 120 days past due and are generally not placed on nonaccrual status. Loans secured by one to four family properties are impaired when management determines the assets are uncollectible and commences foreclosure proceedings on the property, at which time the loan is written down to fair value less selling costs and recorded as real estate owned in other assets. Commercial mortgage loans are evaluated for impairment when the loan is considered for nonaccrual status, restructured or foreclosure proceedings are initiated on the property. If it is determined that the fair value is less than the current loan balance, it is written down to fair value less selling costs. Foreclosed property is recorded as real estate owned in other assets. Syndicated loans are placed on nonaccrual status when management determines it will not collect all contractual principal and interest on the loan. Allowance for Loan Losses Management determines the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses based on the overall loan portfolio composition, recent and historical loss experience, and other pertinent factors, including when applicable, internal risk ratings, loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios, FICO scores of the borrower, debt service coverage and occupancy rates, along with economic and market conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates, which may be susceptible to significant change. The Company determines the amount of the allowance based on management’s assessment of relative risk characteristics of the loan portfolio. The allowance is recorded for homogeneous loan categories on a pool basis, based on an analysis of product mix and risk characteristics of the portfolio, including geographic concentration, bankruptcy experiences, and historical losses, adjusted for current trends and market conditions. While the Company attributes portions of the allowance to specific loan pools as part of the allowance estimation process, the entire allowance is available to absorb losses inherent in the total loan portfolio. The allowance is increased through provisions charged to net investment income and reduced/increased by net charge-offs/recoveries. Impaired Loans The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due (both interest and principal) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans may also include loans that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings as a concession to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. Management evaluates for impairment all restructured loans and loans with higher impairment risk factors. Factors used by the Company to determine whether all amounts due on commercial mortgage loans will be collected, include but are not limited to, the financial condition of the borrower, performance of the underlying properties, collateral and/or guarantees on the loan, and the borrower’s estimated future ability to pay based on property type and geographic location. The evaluation of impairment on consumer loans is primarily driven by delinquency status of individual loans. The impairment recognized is measured as the excess of the loan’s recorded investment over: (i) the present value of its expected principal and interest payments discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (ii) the fair value of collateral or (iii) the loan’s observable market price. Restructured Loans A loan is classified as a restructured loan when the Company makes certain concessionary modifications to contractual terms for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. When the interest rate, minimum payments, and/or due dates have been modified in an attempt to make the loan more affordable to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring. Generally, performance prior to the restructuring or significant events that coincide with the restructuring are considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms which may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of the restructuring or after a performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is not reasonably assured, the loan remains on nonaccrual status. Separate Account Assets and Liabilities Separate account assets and liabilities are primarily funds held for the exclusive benefit of variable annuity contractholders and variable life insurance policyholders, who assume the related investment risk. Income and losses on separate account assets accrue directly to the contractholder or policyholder and are not reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Separate account assets are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of separate account assets are offset by changes in the related separate account liabilities. Included in separate account assets and liabilities is the fair value of the pooled pension funds that are offered by Threadneedle. Restricted and Segregated Cash and Investments Amounts segregated under federal and other regulations are held in special reserve bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of the Company’s brokerage customers. Land, Buildings, Equipment and Software Land , buildings, equipment and internally developed or purchased software are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization and are reflected within other assets. The Company uses the straight-line method of depreciation and amortization over periods ranging from three to 39 years. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , land, buildings, equipment and software were $724 million and $667 million , respectively, net of accumulated depreciation of $1.6 billion and $1.4 billion , respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $150 million , $144 million and $144 million , respectively. Capitalized lease assets, net of accumulated depreciation, are included in land, buildings, equipment and software, and capital lease obligations are included in long-term debt. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the amount of an acquired company’s acquisition cost in excess of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually on the measurement date of July 1 and whenever events and circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate or a decision to sell or dispose of a reporting unit. Impairment is the amount carrying value exceeds fair value and is evaluated at the reporting unit level. The Company assesses various qualitative factors to determine whether impairment is likely to have occurred. If impairment were to occur, the Company would use the discounted cash flow method, a variation of the income approach. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives unless they are deemed to have indefinite useful lives. The Company evaluates the definite lived intangible assets remaining useful lives annually and tests for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate. For definite lived intangible assets, impairment to fair value is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable. Indefinite lived intangibles are also tested for impairment annually or whenever circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. Goodwill and other intangible assets are reflected in other assets. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Freestanding derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and are reflected in other assets or other liabilities. The Company’s policy is to not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivatives and collateral arrangements executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on its intended use and the resulting hedge designation, if any. The Company primarily uses derivatives as economic hedges that are not designated as accounting hedges or do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The Company occasionally designates derivatives as (i) hedges of changes in the fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments (“fair value hedges”), (ii) hedges of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedges”), or ( iii) hedges of foreign currency exposures of net investments in foreign operations (“net investment hedges in foreign operations”). Derivative instruments that are entered into for hedging purposes are designated as such at the time the Company enters into the contract. For all derivative instruments that are designated for hedging activities, the Company documents all of the hedging relationships between the hedge instruments and the hedged items at the inception of the relationships. Management also documents its risk management objectives and strategies for entering into the hedge transactions. The Company assesses, at inception and on a quarterly basis, whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting the fair value or cash flows of hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge, the Company will discontinue the application of hedge accounting. For derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as accounting hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in current period earnings. Changes in fair value of derivatives are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the nature and use of the instrument. Changes in fair value of derivatives used as economic hedges are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations with the corresponding change in the hedged asset or liability. For derivative instruments that qualify as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivatives, as well as changes in the fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments, are recognized on a net basis in current period earnings. The carrying value of the hedged item is adjusted for the change in fair value from the designated hedged risk. If a fair value hedge designation is removed or the hedge is terminated prior to maturity, previous adjustments to the carrying value of the hedged item are recognized into earnings over the remaining life of the hedged item. For derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments is reported in AOCI and reclassified into earnings when the hedged item or transaction impacts earnings. The amount that is reclassified into earnings is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations with the hedged instrument or transaction impact. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in current period earnings as a component of net investment income. If a hedge designation is removed or a hedge is terminated prior to maturity, the amount previously recorded in AOCI is reclassified to earnings over the period that the hedged item impacts earnings. For hedge relationships that are discontinued because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur according to the original strategy, any related amounts previously recorded in AOCI are recognized in earnings immediately. For derivative instruments that qualify as net investment hedges in foreign operations, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recorded in AOCI as part of the foreign currency translation adjustment. Any ineffective portion of the net investment hedges in foreign operations is recognized in net investment income during the period of change. The equity component of equity indexed annuities (“EIA”), indexed universal life (“IUL”) and stock market certificate obligations are considered embedded derivatives. Additionally, certain annuities contain guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (“GMWB”) provisions. The GMAB and the non-life contingent benefits associated with GMWB provisions are also considered embedded derivatives. See Note 14 for information regarding the Company’s fair value measurement of derivative instruments and Note 16 for the impact of derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Deferred Acquisition Costs The Company incurs costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance and annuity businesses. The portion of these costs which are incremental and direct to the acquisition of a new or renewal insurance policy or annuity contract are deferred. Significant costs capitalized include sales based compensation related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance policies and annuity contracts, medical inspection costs for successful sales, and a portion of employee compensation and benefit costs based upon the amount of time spent on successful sales. Sales based compensation paid to advisors and employees and third-party distributors is capitalized. Employee compensation and benefits costs which are capitalized relate primarily to sales efforts, underwriting and processing. All other costs which are not incremental direct costs of acquiring an insurance policy or annuity contract are expensed as incurred. The DAC associated with insurance policies or annuity contracts that are significantly modified or internally replaced with another contract are accounted for as contract terminations. These transactions are anticipated in establishing amortization periods and other valuation assumptions. The Company monitors other principal DAC amortization assumptions, such as persistency, mortality, morbidity, interest margin, variable annuity benefit utilization and maintenance expense levels each quarter and, when assessed independently, each could impact the Company’s DAC balances. The analysis of DAC balances and the corresponding amortization is a dynamic process that considers all relevant factors and assumptions described previously. Unless the Company’s management identifies a significant deviation over the course of the quarterly monitoring, management reviews and updates these DAC amortization assumptions annually in the third quarter of each year. Non-Traditional Long-Duration Products For non-traditional long-duration products (including variable and fixed annuity contracts, universal life (“UL”) and variable universal life (“VUL”) insurance products), DAC are amortized based on projections of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) over amortization periods equal to the approximate life of the business. EGPs vary based on persistency rates (assumptions at which contractholders and policyholders are expected to surrender, make withdrawals from and make deposits to their contracts), mortality levels, client asset value growth rates (based on equity and bond market performance), variable annuity benefit utilization and interest margins (the spread between earned rates on invested assets and rates credited to contractholder and policyholder accounts). When assumptions are changed, the percentage of EGPs used to amortize DAC might also change. A change in the required amortization percentage is applied retrospectively; an increase in amortization percentage will result in a decrease in the DAC balance and an increase in DAC amortization expense, while a decrease in amortization percentage will result in an increase in the DAC balance and a decrease in DAC amortization expense. The impact on results of operations of changing assumptions can be either positive or negative in any particular period and is reflected in the period in which such changes are made. The client asset value growth rates are the rates at which variable annuity and VUL insurance contract values invested in separate accounts are assumed to appreciate in the future. The rates used vary by equity and fixed income investments. Management reviews and, where appropriate, adjusts its assumptions with respect to client asset value growth rates on a regular basis. The Company typically uses a five-year mean reversion process as a guideline in setting near-term equity fund growth rates based on a long-term view of financial market performance as well as recent actual performance. The suggested near-term equity fund growth rate is reviewed quarterly to ensure consistency with management’s assessment of anticipated equity market performance. DAC amortization expense recorded in a period when client asset value growth rates exceed management’s near-term estimate will typically be less than in a period when growth rates fall short of management’s near-term estimate. Traditional Long-Duration Products For traditional long-duration products (including traditional life, disability income (“DI”) and long term care (“LTC”) insurance products), DAC are generally amortized as a percentage of premiums over amortization periods equal to the premium paying period. The assumptions made in calculating the DAC balance and DAC amortization expense are consistent with those used in determining the liabilities. For traditional life and DI insurance products, the assumptions provide for adverse deviations in experience and are revised only if management concludes experience will be so adverse that DAC are not recoverable. If management concludes that DAC are not recoverable, DAC are reduced to the amount that is recoverable based on best estimate assumptions and there is a corresponding expense recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The assumptions for LTC insurance products include interest rates, premium rate increases, persistency rates and morbidity rates. These assumptions are management's best estimate from previous loss recognition and thus no longer provide for adverse deviations in experience. Deferred Sales Inducement Costs Sales inducement costs consist of bonus interest credits and premium credits added to certa

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adoption of New Accounting Standards Transfers and Servicing In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) updated the accounting standards related to transfers and servicing. The update requires repurchase-to-maturity transactions and linked repurchase financings to be accounted for as secured borrowings consistent with the accounting for other repurchase agreements. The standard requires disclosures related to transfers of financial assets accounted for as sales in transactions that are similar to repurchase agreements. The standard also requires disclosures on the remaining contractual maturity of the agreements, disaggregation of the gross obligation by class of collateral pledged and potential risks associated with the agreements and the related collateral pledged in repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, except for the disclosure requirements for repurchase agreements, security lending transactions and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings which are effective for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. The standard requires entities to present changes in accounting for transactions outstanding at the effective date as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The adoption of the standard did not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. See Note 13 and Note 15 for the required disclosures. Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructuring by Creditors In January 2014, the FASB updated the accounting standard related to recognizing residential real estate obtained through a repossession or foreclosure from a troubled debtor. The update clarifies the criteria for derecognition of the loan receivable and recognition of the real estate property. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and can be applied under a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method. The adoption of the standard did not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures In January 2014, the FASB updated the accounting standard related to investments in qualified affordable housing projects. The update allows for an accounting policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, the investment in a qualified affordable housing project is amortized in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received. The net investment performance is recognized as a component of income tax expense (benefit). The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company did not elect the proportional amortization method. Future Adoption of New Accounting Standards Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities In January 2016, the FASB updated the accounting standards on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The update requires entities to carry marketable equity securities, excluding investments in securities that qualify for the equity method of accounting, at fair value through net income. The update affects other aspects of accounting for equity instruments, as well as the accounting for financial liabilities utilizing the fair value option. The update eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial assets or liabilities held at cost on the balance sheet and requires entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for certain provisions. Generally, the update should be applied using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity at the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition. Insurance – Disclosure about Short-Duration Contracts In May 2015, the FASB updated the accounting standard for short-duration insurance contracts. The update requires enhanced disclosures about an insurance entity’s initial claim estimates and subsequent adjustments to those estimates, methodologies and judgements in estimating claims and the timing, frequency and severity of claims. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The disclosures should be applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented, except for those requirements that apply only to the current period. There will be no impact of the standard to the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. Fair Value Measurement – Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) In May 2015, the FASB updated the accounting standards related to fair value measurement. The update applies to investments that are measured at net asset value (“NAV”). The standard eliminates the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share as a practical expedient. In addition, the update limits disclosures to investments for which the entity elected to measure the fair value using the practical expedient rather than all eligible investments. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The standard should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2016. There was no impact of the standard to the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. Interest – Imputation of Interest In April 2015, the FASB updated the accounting standards related to debt issuance costs. The update requires that debt issuance costs be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt. The update does not impact the measurement or recognition of debt issuance costs. In August 2015, the FASB updated the guidance to allow companies to make a policy election to exclude debt issuance costs for line-of-credit arrangements from the standard. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The standard is to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Early adoption of the standard is permitted. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2016. The reclassification did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition. There was no impact of the standard to the Company’s consolidated results of operations. Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB updated the accounting standard for consolidation. The update changes the accounting for the consolidation model for limited partnerships and VIEs and excludes certain money market funds from the consolidation analysis. Specific to the consolidation analysis of a VIE, the update clarifies consideration of fees paid to a decision maker and amends the related party guidance. The standard is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The standard may be applied using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity at the beginning of the period of adoption or applied retrospectively. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2016 using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption resulted in the deconsolidation of several collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and all property funds with a decrease of approximately $6.2 billion of assets, $4.9 billion of liabilities and $1.3 billion of equity (noncontrolling interests and appropriated retained earnings of consolidated investment entities). Effective January 1, 2016, management fees the Company earns for services provided to the deconsolidated CLOs and property funds are no longer eliminated in consolidation. In August 2014, the FASB updated the accounting standard related to consolidation of collateralized financing entities. The update applies to reporting entities that consolidate a collateralized financing entity and measures all financial assets and liabilities of the collateralized financing entity at fair value. The update provides a measurement alternative which would allow an entity to measure both the financial assets and financial liabilities at the fair value of the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities. When the measurement alternative is elected, the reporting entity’s net income should reflect its own economic interests in the collateralized financing entity, including changes in the fair value of the beneficial interests retained by the reporting entity and beneficial interests that represent compensation for services. If the measurement alternative is not elected, the financial assets and financial liabilities should be measured separately in accordance with the requirements of the fair value accounting standard. Any difference in the fair value of the assets and liabilities would be recorded to net income attributable to the reporting entity. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The standard may be adopted using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity at the beginning of the period of adoption or applied retrospectively. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2016 and elected the measurement alternative using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition after the deconsolidation of several CLOs noted above. Compensation – Stock Compensation In June 2014, the FASB updated the accounting standards related to stock compensation. The update clarifies the accounting for share-based payments with a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period. The update specifies the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Instead, the probability of achieving the performance target should impact vesting of the award. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2016. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. Revenue from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the FASB updated the accounting standards for revenue from contracts with customers. The update provides a five step revenue recognition model for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and affects all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to their customers (unless the contracts are in the scope of other standards). The standard also updates the accounting for certain costs associated with obtaining and fulfilling a customer contract. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of quantitative and qualitative information that enables users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB updated the accounting standards to defer the effective date by one year. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition and disclosures.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities [Text Block]	Variable Interest Entities The Company provides asset management services to investment entities which are considered to be VIEs, such as CLOs, hedge funds, property funds and private equity funds (collectively, “investment entities”), which are sponsored by the Company. The Company consolidates certain CLOs and property funds (collectively, “consolidated investment entities”). In addition, the Company invests in structured investments and affordable housing partnerships which are considered VIEs which the Company does not consolidate. See Note 2 for further discussion of the Company’s accounting policy on consolidation. Non-Consolidated VIEs The Company has determined that consolidation is not required for hedge funds and private equity funds which are sponsored by the Company. The Company's maximum exposure to loss with respect to its investment in these entities is limited to its carrying value. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in these entities was $85 million and $89 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company manages one CLO which it does not consolidate. The Company manages the CLO and earns management fees and incentive fees from the CLO based on the CLO’s collateral pool. Unlike the consolidated CLOs, the Company has no investment in the CLO. The Company has variable interests in affordable housing partnerships for which it is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in affordable housing partnerships is limited to the carrying value of these investments. The carrying value is reflected in other investments and was $517 million and $504 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company invests in structured investments which are considered VIEs for which it is not the sponsor. These structured investments typically invest in fixed income instruments and are managed by third parties and include asset backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities and residential mortgage backed securities. The Company classifies these investments as Available-for-Sale securities. The Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of these structures due to the size of the Company’s investment in the entities and position in the capital structure of these entities. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investment in these structured investments is limited to its carrying value. See Note 5 for additional information about these structured investments. The Company has no obligation to provide financial or other support to the non-consolidated VIEs beyond its investment nor has the Company provided any support to these entities. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in these entities is included in investments on the consolidated balance sheets. Consolidated VIEs The consolidated CLOs are asset backed financing entities collateralized by a pool of assets, primarily syndicated loans and, to a lesser extent, high-yield bonds. Multiple tranches of debt securities are issued by a CLO, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics. The debt securities issued by the CLOs are non-recourse to the Company. The CLO’s debt holders have recourse only to the assets of the CLO. The assets of the CLOs cannot be used by the Company. Scheduled debt payments are based on the performance of the CLO’s collateral pool. The Company generally earns management fees from the CLOs based on the CLO’s collateral pool and, in certain instances, may also receive incentive fees. The Company has invested in a portion of the unrated, junior subordinated notes of certain CLOs. For certain of the CLOs, the Company has determined that consolidation is required as it has power over the CLOs as collateral manager and holds a variable interest in the CLOs for which the Company has the potential to receive benefits or the potential obligation to absorb losses that could be significant to the CLO. The Company provides investment advice and related services to property funds, certain of which are considered VIEs. For investment management services, the Company generally earns management fees based on the market value of assets under management, and in certain instances may also receive performance-based fees. The Company has determined that consolidation is required for certain property funds managed by the Company. During 2015 , the Company consolidated two new CLOs with assets of approximately $1.3 billion and liquidated one CLO resulting in the sale of approximately $203 million in assets. During 2014 , the Company consolidated three new CLOs with assets of approximately $1.7 billion and liquidated one CLO resulting in the sale of approximately $300 million in assets. During 2015 , the Company consolidated three new property funds with assets of approximately $452 million . During 2014 , the Company consolidated two new property funds with assets of approximately $260 million . The liquidation of properties may occur over several years until the fund is terminated. See the summary of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities for gross sales and purchases of properties, within the other assets caption, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities The Company categorizes its fair value measurements according to a three-level hierarchy. See Note 14 for the definition of the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Investments: Corporate debt securities $ — $ 154 $ — $ 154 Common stocks 74 46 3 123 Other investments 4 22 — 26 Syndicated loans — 5,738 529 6,267 Total investments 78 5,960 532 6,570 Receivables — 70 — 70 Other assets — — 2,065 2,065 Total assets at fair value $ 78 $ 6,030 $ 2,597 $ 8,705 Liabilities Debt $ — $ — $ 6,630 $ 6,630 Other liabilities — 221 — 221 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 221 $ 6,630 $ 6,851 December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Investments: Corporate debt securities $ — $ 171 $ — $ 171 Common stocks 130 40 7 177 Other investments 4 25 — 29 Syndicated loans — 5,287 484 5,771 Total investments 134 5,523 491 6,148 Receivables — 49 — 49 Other assets — 1 1,935 1,936 Total assets at fair value $ 134 $ 5,573 $ 2,426 $ 8,133 Liabilities Debt $ — $ — $ 6,030 $ 6,030 Other liabilities — 193 — 193 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 193 $ 6,030 $ 6,223 The following tables provide a summary of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Common Stocks Syndicated Loans Other Assets Debt (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 7 $ 484 $ 1,935 $ (6,030 ) Total gains (losses) included in: Net income (1 ) (1) (24 ) (1) 170 (2) 215 (1) Other comprehensive loss — — (154 ) — Purchases — 303 638 — Sales — (36 ) (524 ) — Issues — — — (1,267 ) Settlements — (161 ) — 452 Transfers into Level 3 7 776 — — Transfers out of Level 3 (10 ) (813 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 3 $ 529 $ 2,065 $ (6,630 ) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2015 $ — $ (19 ) (1) $ 20 (2) $ 219 (1) (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Corporate Debt Securities Common Stocks Syndicated Loans Other Assets Debt (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 2 $ 14 $ 368 $ 1,936 $ (4,804 ) Total gains (losses) included in: Net income 1 (1) 1 (1) 2 (1) 421 (2) (34 ) (1) Other comprehensive income — — — (175 ) — Purchases 2 — 417 289 — Sales (9 ) (2 ) (42 ) (547 ) — Issues — — — — (1,670 ) Settlements — — (100 ) — 478 Transfers into Level 3 10 13 551 11 — Transfers out of Level 3 (6 ) (19 ) (712 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2014 $ — $ 7 $ 484 $ 1,935 $ (6,030 ) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2014 $ — $ — $ (3 ) (1) $ 362 (2) $ 1 (1) (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Corporate Debt Securities Common Stocks Syndicated Loans Other Assets Debt (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 3 $ 14 $ 202 $ 1,214 $ (4,450 ) Total gains (losses) included in: Net income — 1 (1) (1 ) (1) 81 (2) (53 ) (1) Other comprehensive loss — — — 39 — Purchases 1 — 417 689 — Sales (1 ) (3 ) (63 ) (86 ) — Issues — — — — (1,330 ) Settlements (1 ) — (51 ) — 1,029 Transfers into Level 3 — 21 320 8 — Transfers out of Level 3 — (19 ) (456 ) (9 ) — Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 2 $ 14 $ 368 $ 1,936 $ (4,804 ) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2013 $ — $ (2 ) (1) $ (2 ) (1) $ 67 (2) $ (25 ) (1) (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Securities and loans transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 represent assets with fair values that are now based on a single non-binding broker quote. Securities and loans transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 represent assets with fair values that are now obtained from a third party pricing service with observable inputs or priced in active markets. During the reporting periods, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. The following tables provide a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements developed by the Company or reasonably available to the Company of Level 3 assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities: December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (in millions) Other assets (property funds) $ 2,060 Discounted cash flow/ market comparables Equivalent yield 2.6 % – 11.5% 5.8 % Expected rental value (per square foot) $3 – $159 $51 CLO debt $ 6,630 Discounted cash flow Annual default rate 2.5% Discount rate 2.0 % – 11.8% 3.4 % Constant prepayment rate 5.0 % – 10.0% 9.9 % Loss recovery 36.4 % – 63.6% 62.9 % December 31, 2014 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (in millions) Other assets (property funds) $ 1,935 Discounted cash flow/ market comparables Equivalent yield 4.4 % – 12.0% 6.5 % Expected rental value (per square foot) $3 – $94 $34 CLO debt $ 6,030 Discounted cash flow Annual default rate 2.5% Discount rate 1.2 % – 8.3% 2.4 % Constant prepayment rate 5.0 % – 10.0% 9.8 % Loss recovery 36.4 % – 63.6% 62.7 % Level 3 measurements not included in the tables above are obtained from non-binding broker quotes where unobservable inputs are not reasonably available to the Company. Sensitivity of Fair Value Measurements to Changes in Unobservable Inputs Generally, a significant increase (decrease) in the expected rental value used in the fair value measurement of properties held by property funds in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement and a significant increase (decrease) in the equivalent yield in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a significant increase (decrease) in the annual default rate and discount rate used in the fair value measurement of the CLO’s debt in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement and a significant increase (decrease) in loss recovery in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. A significant increase (decrease) in the constant prepayment rate in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Determination of Fair Value Assets Investments The fair value of syndicated loans obtained from third party pricing services with multiple non-binding broker quotes as the underlying valuation source is classified as Level 2. The fair value of syndicated loans obtained from third party pricing services with a single non-binding broker quote as the underlying valuation source is classified as Level 3. The underlying inputs used in non-binding broker quotes are not readily available to the Company. In consideration of the above, management is responsible for the fair values recorded on the financial statements. Prices received from third party pricing services are subjected to exception reporting that identifies loans with significant daily price movements as well as no movements. The Company reviews the exception reporting and resolves the exceptions through reaffirmation of the price or recording an appropriate fair value estimate. The Company also performs subsequent transaction testing. The Company performs annual due diligence of the third party pricing services. The Company’s due diligence procedures include assessing the vendor’s valuation qualifications, control environment, analysis of asset-class specific valuation methodologies and understanding of sources of market observable assumptions and unobservable assumptions, if any, employed in the valuation methodology. The Company also considers the results of its exception reporting controls and any resulting price challenges that arise. See Note 14 for a description of the Company’s determination of the fair value of corporate debt securities, U.S. government and agencies obligations, common stocks and other investments. Receivables For receivables of the consolidated CLOs, the carrying value approximates fair value as the nature of these assets has historically been short term and the receivables have been collectible. The fair value of these receivables is classified as Level 2. Other Assets Other assets consist primarily of real estate held in property funds managed by Threadneedle. The fair value of these properties is calculated by a third party appraisal service by discounting future cash flows generated by the expected market rental value for the property using the equivalent yield of a similar investment property. Inputs used in determining the equivalent yield and expected rental value of the property may include: rental cash flows, current occupancy, historical vacancy rates, tenant history and assumptions regarding how quickly the property can be occupied and at what rental rates. Management reviews the valuation report and assumptions used to ensure that the valuation was performed in accordance with applicable independence, appraisal and valuation standards. Given the significance of the unobservable inputs to these measurements, these assets are classified as Level 3. The CLOs hold an immaterial amount of warrants recorded in other assets. Loans within the CLOs may default and go through a restructuring that can result in the CLO receiving warrants for the issuer’s equity securities. Warrants are classified as Level 2 when the price is derived from observable market data. Warrants from an issuer whose securities are not priced in active markets are classified as Level 3. Liabilities Debt The fair value of the CLOs’ debt is determined using a discounted cash flow model. Inputs used to determine the expected cash flows include assumptions about default, discount, prepayment and recovery rates of the CLOs’ underlying assets. Given the significance of the unobservable inputs to this fair value measurement, the fair value of the CLOs’ debt is classified as Level 3. Other Liabilities Other liabilities consist primarily of securities purchased but not yet settled held by consolidated CLOs. The carrying value approximates fair value as the nature of these liabilities has historically been short term. The fair value of these liabilities is classified as Level 2. Fair Value Option The Company has elected the fair value option for the financial assets and liabilities of the consolidated CLOs. Management believes that the use of the fair value option better matches the changes in fair value of assets and liabilities related to the CLOs. The following table presents the fair value and unpaid principal balance of loans and debt for which the fair value option has been elected: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Syndicated loans Unpaid principal balance $ 6,635 $ 5,871 Excess unpaid principal over fair value (368 ) (100 ) Fair value $ 6,267 $ 5,771 Fair value of loans more than 90 days past due $ 24 $ 32 Fair value of loans in nonaccrual status 24 32 Difference between fair value and unpaid principal of loans more than 90 days past due, loans in nonaccrual status or both 72 25 Debt Unpaid principal balance $ 7,063 $ 6,248 Excess unpaid principal over fair value (433 ) (218 ) Fair value $ 6,630 $ 6,030 Interest income from syndicated loans, bonds and structured investments is recorded based on contractual rates in net investment income. Gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of investments and gains and losses on sales of investments are also recorded in net investment income. Interest expense on debt is recorded in interest and debt expense with gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of debt recorded in net investment income. Total net gains (losses) recognized in net investment income related to changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value option was elected were $(35) million , $(46) million and $28 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The majority of the syndicated loans and debt have floating rates; as such, changes in their fair values are primarily attributable to changes in credit spreads. Debt of the consolidated investment entities and the stated interest rates were as follows: Carrying Value Weighted Average Interest Rate December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Debt of consolidated CLOs due 2016-2026 $ 6,630 $ 6,030 1.6 % 1.3 % Floating rate revolving credit borrowings due 2017-2020 909 837 2.8 2.7 Total $ 7,539 $ 6,867 The debt of the consolidated CLOs has both fixed and floating interest rates, which range from 0% to 9.2% . The interest rates on the debt of CLOs are weighted average rates based on the outstanding principal and contractual interest rates. The carrying value of the debt of the consolidated CLOs represents the fair value of the aggregate debt. The carrying value of the floating rate revolving credit borrowings represents the outstanding principal amount of debt of certain consolidated property funds. The fair value of this debt was $909 million and $837 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The property funds have entered into interest rate swaps and collars to manage the interest rate exposure on the floating rate revolving credit borrowings. The fair value of these derivative instruments is recorded gross and was a liability of $8 million and $10 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The overall interest rate reflecting the impact of the derivative contracts was 3.2% and 3.1% as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , future maturities of debt were as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 20 2017 48 2018 379 2019 1,442 2020 702 Thereafter 5,381 Total future maturities $ 7,972

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments [Text Block]	Investments The following is a summary of Ameriprise Financial investments: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Available-for-Sale securities, at fair value $ 28,673 $ 30,027 Mortgage loans, net 3,359 3,440 Policy and certificate loans 824 806 Other investments 1,288 1,309 Total $ 34,144 $ 35,582 The following is a summary of net investment income: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Investment income on fixed maturities $ 1,403 $ 1,479 $ 1,575 Net realized gains 4 37 7 Affordable housing partnerships (18 ) (25 ) (12 ) Other 68 93 99 Consolidated investment entities 231 157 220 Total $ 1,688 $ 1,741 $ 1,889 Available-for-Sale securities distributed by type were as follows: December 31, 2015 Description of Securities Amortized Gross Gross Fair Value Noncredit OTTI (1) (in millions) Corporate debt securities $ 15,750 $ 894 $ (296 ) $ 16,348 $ 3 Residential mortgage backed securities 5,933 106 (66 ) 5,973 (12 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 2,400 70 (14 ) 2,456 — Asset backed securities 1,273 34 (11 ) 1,296 — State and municipal obligations 2,105 213 (28 ) 2,290 — U.S. government and agencies obligations 66 2 — 68 — Foreign government bonds and obligations 218 17 (11 ) 224 — Common stocks 7 11 — 18 5 Total $ 27,752 $ 1,347 $ (426 ) $ 28,673 $ (4 ) December 31, 2014 Description of Securities Amortized Gross Gross Fair Value Noncredit (1) (in millions) Corporate debt securities $ 15,742 $ 1,482 $ (59 ) $ 17,165 $ 3 Residential mortgage backed securities 6,099 168 (60 ) 6,207 (15 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 2,513 120 (3 ) 2,630 — Asset backed securities 1,417 59 (6 ) 1,470 — State and municipal obligations 2,008 257 (26 ) 2,239 — U.S. government and agencies obligations 43 4 — 47 — Foreign government bonds and obligations 236 21 (6 ) 251 — Common stocks 8 10 — 18 5 Total $ 28,066 $ 2,121 $ (160 ) $ 30,027 $ (7 ) (1) Represents the amount of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses in AOCI. Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date. These amounts are included in gross unrealized gains and losses as of the end of the period. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , investment securities with a fair value of $1.0 billion and $1.3 billion , respectively, were pledged to meet contractual obligations under derivative contracts and short-term borrowings, of which $478 million and $769 million , respectively, may be sold, pledged or rehypothecated by the counterparty. At both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , fixed maturity securities comprised approximately 84% of Ameriprise Financial investments. Rating agency designations are based on the availability of ratings from Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSROs”), including Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”). The Company uses the median of available ratings from Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, or, if fewer than three ratings are available, the lower rating is used. When ratings from Moody’s, S&P and Fitch are unavailable, the Company may utilize ratings from other NRSROs or rate the securities internally. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company’s internal analysts rated $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion , respectively, of securities using criteria similar to those used by NRSROs. A summary of fixed maturity securities by rating was as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Ratings Amortized Fair Value Percent of Amortized Fair Value Percent of (in millions, except percentages) AAA $ 7,147 $ 7,289 25 % $ 7,500 $ 7,776 26 % AA 1,732 1,930 7 1,581 1,799 6 A 5,131 5,507 19 6,028 6,668 22 BBB 12,052 12,353 43 11,187 12,025 40 Below investment grade 1,683 1,576 6 1,762 1,741 6 Total fixed maturities $ 27,745 $ 28,655 100 % $ 28,058 $ 30,009 100 % At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , approximately 53% and 52% , respectively, of the securities rated AAA were GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC mortgage backed securities. No holdings of any other issuer were greater than 10% of total equity. The following tables provide information about Available-for-Sale securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position: December 31, 2015 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Description of Securities Number of Securities Fair Unrealized Number of Fair Unrealized Number of Fair Unrealized (in millions, except number of securities) Corporate debt securities 347 $ 5,150 $ (220 ) 48 $ 454 $ (76 ) 395 $ 5,604 $ (296 ) Residential mortgage backed securities 123 1,869 (16 ) 164 1,350 (50 ) 287 3,219 (66 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 58 695 (13 ) 4 49 (1 ) 62 744 (14 ) Asset backed securities 50 455 (7 ) 14 254 (4 ) 64 709 (11 ) State and municipal obligations 31 100 (1 ) 5 110 (27 ) 36 210 (28 ) Foreign government bonds and obligations 9 39 (2 ) 15 27 (9 ) 24 66 (11 ) Total 618 $ 8,308 $ (259 ) 250 $ 2,244 $ (167 ) 868 $ 10,552 $ (426 ) December 31, 2014 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Description of Securities Number of Securities Fair Unrealized Number of Fair Unrealized Number of Fair Unrealized (in millions, except number of securities) Corporate debt securities 182 $ 2,165 $ (41 ) 40 $ 689 $ (18 ) 222 $ 2,854 $ (59 ) Residential mortgage backed securities 73 879 (7 ) 138 1,387 (53 ) 211 2,266 (60 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 15 173 — 12 131 (3 ) 27 304 (3 ) Asset backed securities 17 201 (2 ) 14 238 (4 ) 31 439 (6 ) State and municipal obligations 11 29 (1 ) 10 115 (25 ) 21 144 (26 ) Foreign government bonds and obligations 4 10 (1 ) 14 27 (5 ) 18 37 (6 ) Total 302 $ 3,457 $ (52 ) 228 $ 2,587 $ (108 ) 530 $ 6,044 $ (160 ) As part of Ameriprise Financial’s ongoing monitoring process, management determined that the change in gross unrealized losses on its Available-for-Sale securities is primarily attributable to a widening of credit spreads. The following table presents a rollforward of the cumulative amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for other-than-temporary impairments related to credit losses on Available-for-Sale securities for which a portion of the securities’ total other-than-temporary impairments was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 98 $ 147 $ 176 Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized — — 2 Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized 2 1 7 Reductions for securities sold during the period (realized) (15 ) (50 ) (38 ) Ending balance $ 85 $ 98 $ 147 Net realized gains and losses on Available-for-Sale securities, determined using the specific identification method, recognized in earnings were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Gross realized gains $ 33 $ 53 $ 17 Gross realized losses (19 ) (8 ) (1 ) Other-than-temporary impairments (8 ) (6 ) (9 ) Total $ 6 $ 39 $ 7 Other-than-temporary impairments for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 primarily related to credit losses on corporate debt securities and non-agency residential mortgage backed securities. Other-than-temporary impairments for the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily related to credit losses on non-agency residential mortgage backed securities. See Note 18 for a rollforward of net unrealized investment gains (losses) included in AOCI. Available-for-Sale securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2015 were as follows: Amortized Cost Fair Value (in millions) Due within one year $ 1,485 $ 1,496 Due after one year through five years 6,754 7,053 Due after five years through 10 years 5,382 5,371 Due after 10 years 4,518 5,010 18,139 18,930 Residential mortgage backed securities 5,933 5,973 Commercial mortgage backed securities 2,400 2,456 Asset backed securities 1,273 1,296 Common stocks 7 18 Total $ 27,752 $ 28,673 Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Residential mortgage backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities and asset backed securities are not due at a single maturity date. As such, these securities, as well as common stocks, were not included in the maturities distribution.

Financing Receivables

Financing Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Receivables [Text Block]	Financing Receivables The Company’s financing receivables include commercial mortgage loans, syndicated loans, consumer loans, policy loans, certificate loans and margin loans. See Note 2 for information regarding the Company’s accounting policies related to loans and the allowance for loan losses. Allowance for Loan Losses The following tables present a rollforward of the allowance for loan losses for the years ended and the ending balance of the allowance for loan losses by impairment method: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 35 $ 37 $ 44 Charge-offs (4 ) (4 ) (7 ) Recoveries — 1 1 Provisions 1 1 (1 ) Ending balance $ 32 $ 35 $ 37 Individually evaluated for impairment $ 4 $ 9 $ 9 Collectively evaluated for impairment 28 26 28 The recorded investment in financing receivables by impairment method was as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (in millions) Individually evaluated for impairment $ 34 $ 42 Collectively evaluated for impairment 3,910 3,951 Total $ 3,944 $ 3,993 As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company’s recorded investment in financing receivables individually evaluated for impairment for which there was no related allowance for loan losses was $21 million and $13 million , respectively. Unearned income, unamortized premiums and discounts, and net unamortized deferred fees and costs are not material to the Company’s total loan balance. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , the Company purchased $162 million , $227 million and $158 million , respectively, and sold $16 million , $13 million and $3 million , respectively, consisting primarily of syndicated loans. The Company has not acquired any loans with deteriorated credit quality as of the acquisition date. Credit Quality Information Nonperforming loans, which are generally loans 90 days or more past due, were $10 million and $12 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. All other loans were considered to be performing. Commercial Mortgage Loans The Company reviews the credit worthiness of the borrower and the performance of the underlying properties in order to determine the risk of loss on commercial mortgage loans. Based on this review, the commercial mortgage loans are assigned an internal risk rating, which management updates as necessary. Commercial mortgage loans which management has assigned its highest risk rating were 1% of total commercial mortgage loans at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Loans with the highest risk rating represent distressed loans which the Company has identified as impaired or expects to become delinquent or enter into foreclosure within the next six months. In addition, the Company reviews the concentrations of credit risk by region and property type. Concentrations of credit risk of commercial mortgage loans by U.S. region were as follows: Loans Percentage December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) East North Central $ 211 $ 238 8 % 9 % East South Central 74 62 3 2 Middle Atlantic 210 217 8 8 Mountain 248 245 9 9 New England 123 140 4 5 Pacific 741 694 27 25 South Atlantic 782 740 28 27 West North Central 229 233 8 9 West South Central 137 160 5 6 2,755 2,729 100 % 100 % Less: allowance for loan losses 21 25 Total $ 2,734 $ 2,704 Concentrations of credit risk of commercial mortgage loans by property type were as follows: Loans Percentage December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Apartments $ 504 $ 500 18 % 18 % Hotel 35 34 1 1 Industrial 459 461 17 17 Mixed use 35 45 1 2 Office 541 545 20 20 Retail 984 988 36 36 Other 197 156 7 6 2,755 2,729 100 % 100 % Less: allowance for loan losses 21 25 Total $ 2,734 $ 2,704 Syndicated Loans The recorded investment in syndicated loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $553 million and $511 million , respectively. The Company’s syndicated loan portfolio is diversified across industries and issuers. The primary credit indicator for syndicated loans is whether the loans are performing in accordance with the contractual terms of the syndication. Total nonperforming syndicated loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $6 million and $4 million , respectively. Consumer Loans The recorded investment in consumer loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $636 million and $753 million , respectively. The Company considers the credit worthiness of borrowers (FICO score), collateral characteristics such as LTV and geographic concentration in determining the allowance for loan losses for consumer loans. At a minimum, management updates FICO scores and LTV ratios semiannually. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , approximately 4% and 6% , respectively, of consumer loans had FICO scores below 640 . At both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , approximately 2% of the Company’s residential mortgage loans had LTV ratios greater than 90% . The Company’s most significant geographic concentration for consumer loans is in California representing 37% of the portfolio as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . No other state represents more than 10% of the total consumer loan portfolio. Troubled Debt Restructurings The recorded investment in restructured loans was not material as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The troubled debt restructurings did not have a material impact to the Company’s allowance for loan losses or income recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . There are no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been restructured.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance [Text Block]	Reinsurance The Company reinsures a portion of the insurance risks associated with its traditional life, DI and LTC insurance products through reinsurance agreements with unaffiliated reinsurance companies. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its primary obligation to policyholders. The Company generally reinsures 90% of the death benefit liability for new term life insurance policies beginning in 2001 and new individual fixed and variable universal life insurance policies beginning in 2002 . Policies issued prior to these dates are not subject to these same reinsurance levels. However, for IUL policies issued after September 1, 2013 and VUL policies issued after January 1, 2014, the Company generally reinsures 50% of the death benefit liability. Similarly, the Company reinsures 50% of the death benefit and morbidity liabilities related t o its universal life product with long term care benefits. The maximum amount of life insurance risk the Company will retain is $10 million on a single life and $10 million on any flexible premium survivorship life policy; however, reinsurance agreements are in place such that retaining more than $1.5 million of insurance risk on a single life or a flexible premium survivorship life policy is very unusual. Risk on fixed and variable universal life policies is reinsured on a yearly renewable term basis. Risk on most term life policies starting in 2001 is reinsured on a coinsurance basis, a type of reinsurance in which the reinsurer participates proportionally in all material risks and premiums associated with a policy. For existing LTC policies, the Company has continued ceding 50% of the risk on a coinsurance basis to subsidiaries of Genworth Financial, Inc. (“Genworth”) and retained the remaining risk. For RiverSource Life of NY, this reinsurance arrangement applies for 1996 and later issues only. Generally, the Company retains at most $5,000 per month of risk per life on DI policies sold on policy forms introduced in most states in 2007 and reinsures the remainder of the risk on a coinsurance basis with unaffiliated reinsurance companies. The Company retains all risk for new claims on DI contracts sold on other policy forms. The Company also retains all risk on accidental death benefit claims and substantially all risk associated with waiver of premium provisions. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , traditional life and UL insurance in force aggregated $196.3 billion and $ 195.5 billion , respectively, of which $144.2 billion and $143.4 billion were reinsured at the respective year ends. Life insurance in force is reported on a statutory basis. The effect of reinsurance on premiums for the Company’s traditional long-duration contracts was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Direct premiums $ 629 $ 645 $ 650 Reinsurance ceded (223 ) (222 ) (220 ) Net premiums $ 406 $ 423 $ 430 Cost of insurance and administrative charges for non-traditional long-duration products are reflected in other revenues and were net of reinsurance ceded of $107 million , $94 million and $87 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company also reinsures a portion of the risks associated with its personal auto, home and umbrella insurance products through three types of reinsurance agreements with unaffiliated reinsurance companies. The Company purchases reinsurance with a limit of $5 million per loss and the Company retains $750,000 per loss. For 2015, the Company’s catastrophe reinsurance had a limit of $155 million per event and the Company retained $20 million per event. For 2016, the Company’s catastrophe reinsurance has a limit of $180 million per event of which the Company retains $20 million per event. The Company also cedes 80% of every personal umbrella loss with a limit of $5 million per loss. The effect of reinsurance on premiums for the Company’s short-duration contracts was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Written premiums Direct $ 1,093 $ 1,025 $ 900 Ceded (19 ) (17 ) (16 ) Total net written premiums $ 1,074 $ 1,008 $ 884 Earned premiums Direct $ 1,068 $ 979 $ 868 Ceded (19 ) (17 ) (16 ) Total net earned premiums $ 1,049 $ 962 $ 852 Reinsurance recovered from reinsurers was $295 million , $260 million and $229 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Receivables included $2.5 billion and $2.3 billion of reinsurance recoverables as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, including $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion related to LTC risk ceded to Genworth, respectively. Included in policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims were $551 million and $575 million related to previously assumed reinsurance arrangements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are instead subject to impairment tests. There were no impairments for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill reported in the Company’s main operating segments were as follows: Advice & Wealth Asset Annuities Protection Consolidated (in millions) Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 252 $ 821 $ 46 $ 45 $ 1,164 Foreign currency translation — (19 ) — — (19 ) Purchase price adjustments — 9 — — 9 Balance at December 31, 2014 252 811 46 45 1,154 Foreign currency translation — (15 ) — — (15 ) Purchase price adjustments — (2 ) — — (2 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 252 $ 794 $ 46 $ 45 $ 1,137 As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying amount of indefinite-lived intangible assets included $644 million and $630 million , respectively of investment management contracts. As of both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying amount of indefinite-lived intangible assets included $67 million of trade names. Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired during the year ended December 31, 2015 were $14 million . Definite-lived intangible assets consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (in millions) Customer relationships $ 149 $ (106 ) $ 43 $ 150 $ (97 ) $ 53 Contracts 233 (189 ) 44 233 (180 ) 53 Other 149 (103 ) 46 151 (98 ) 53 Total $ 531 $ (398 ) $ 133 $ 534 $ (375 ) $ 159 Definite-lived intangible assets acquired during the year ended December 31, 2015 were $9 million with a weighted average amortization period of 5 years. The aggregate amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $33 million , $40 million and $45 million , respectively. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company did not record any impairment charges on definite-lived intangible assets. Estimated intangible amortization expense as of December 31, 2015 for the next five years is as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 26 2017 22 2018 21 2019 18 2020 13

Deferred Acquisition Costs and

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs
Deferred acquisition costs and deferred sales inducement costs [Text Block]	Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs In the third quarter of the year, management conducts its annual review of insurance and annuity valuation assumptions relative to current experience and management expectations. To the extent that expectations change as a result of this review, management updates valuation assumptions. The impact for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily reflected the difference between the Company’s previously assumed interest rates versus the continued low interest rate environment partially offset by improved persistency. The impact for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily reflected lower than previously assumed interest rates partially offset by improved persistency and mortality experience and a benefit from updating the Company's variable annuity living benefit withdrawal utilization assumption. The impact for the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily reflected higher than previously assumed interest rates and changes in assumed policyholder behavior. The balances of and changes in DAC were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Balance at January 1 $ 2,608 $ 2,663 $ 2,399 Capitalization of acquisition costs 361 336 339 Amortization, excluding the impact of valuation assumptions review (348 ) (360 ) (285 ) Amortization, impact of valuation assumptions review (6 ) (7 ) 78 Impact of change in net unrealized securities losses (gains) 110 (24 ) 132 Balance at December 31 $ 2,725 $ 2,608 $ 2,663 The balances of and changes in DSIC, which is included in other assets, were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Balance at January 1 $ 362 $ 409 $ 404 Capitalization of sales inducement costs 4 5 5 Amortization, excluding the impact of valuation assumptions review (52 ) (51 ) (48 ) Amortization, impact of valuation assumptions review 1 (2 ) 25 Impact of change in net unrealized securities losses 20 1 23 Balance at December 31 $ 335 $ 362 $ 409

Policyholder Account Balances,

Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities
Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities [Text Block]	Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Policyholder account balances Fixed annuities $ 11,239 $ 12,700 Variable annuity fixed sub-accounts 4,912 4,860 VUL/UL insurance 2,897 2,856 IUL insurance 808 534 Other life insurance 794 840 Total policyholder account balances 20,650 21,790 Future policy benefits Variable annuity GMWB 1,057 693 Variable annuity GMAB — (41 ) (1) Other annuity liabilities 31 115 Fixed annuities life contingent liabilities 1,501 1,511 EIA 27 29 Life, DI and LTC insurance 5,112 5,106 VUL/UL and other life insurance additional liabilities 452 437 Total future policy benefits 8,180 7,850 Policy claims and other policyholders’ funds 869 710 Total policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims $ 29,699 $ 30,350 ( 1) Includes the fair value of GMAB embedded derivatives that was a net asset at December 31, 2014 reported as a contra liability. Fixed Annuities Fixed annuities include both deferred and payout contracts. Deferred contracts offer a guaranteed minimum rate of interest and security of the principal invested. Payout contracts guarantee a fixed income payment for life or the term of the contract. The Company generally invests the proceeds from the annuity contracts in fixed rate securities. The Company’s EIA product is a single premium deferred fixed annuity. The contract is issued with an initial term of seven years and interest earnings are linked to the performance of the S&P 500 Index ® . This annuity has a minimum interest rate guarantee of 3% on 90% of the initial premium, adjusted for any surrenders. The Company generally invests the proceeds from the annuity contracts in fixed rate securities and hedges the equity risk with derivative instruments. See Note 16 for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments used to hedge the risk related to EIA. In 2007, the Company discontinued new sales of EIA. Variable Annuities Purchasers of variable annuities can select from a variety of investment options and can elect to allocate a portion to a fixed account. A vast majority of the premiums received for variable annuity contracts are held in separate accounts where the assets are held for the exclusive benefit of those contractholders. Most of the variable annuity contracts currently issued by the Company contain one or more guaranteed benefits, including GMWB, GMAB, GMDB and GGU provisions. The Company previously offered contracts with GMIB provisions. See Note 2 and Note 11 for additional information regarding the Company’s variable annuity guarantees. The Company does not currently hedge its risk under the GGU and GMIB provisions. See Note 14 and Note 16 for additional information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments used to hedge risks related to GMWB, GMAB and GMDB provisions. Insurance Liabilities VUL /UL is the largest group of insurance policies written by the Company. Purchasers of VUL can select from a variety of investment options and can elect to allocate a portion to a fixed account or a separate account. A vast majority of the premiums received for VUL policies are held in separate accounts where the assets are held for the exclusive benefit of those policyholders. IUL insurance is similar to UL in many regards, although the rate of credited interest above the minimum guarantee for funds allocated to an indexed account is linked to the performance of the specific index for the indexed account (subject to a cap and floor). The Company offers an S&P 500 Index account option and a blended multi-index account option comprised of the S&P 500 Index, the MSCI® EAFE Index and MSCI EM Index. Both options offer two crediting durations, one-year and two-year. The policyholder may allocate all or a portion of the policy value to a fixed or any available indexed account. The Company also offers term life insurance as well as disability products. The Company no longer offers standalone LTC products and whole life insurance but has in force policies from prior years. Insurance liabilities include accumulation values, i ncurred but not reported claims, obligations for anticipated future claims, unpaid reported claims and claim adjustment expenses. The balance of insurance liabilities related to unpaid reported claims and claim adjustment expenses for auto and home was $640 million and $518 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The balance of insurance liabilities related to unpaid reported claims and claim adjustment expenses for life, DI and LTC policies was $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The change in the liability for prior year incurred unpaid reported claims and claim adjustment expenses related to auto and home, life, DI and LTC policies was a decrease of $2 million , an increase of $9 million and an increase of $2 million for the years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. • In 2015, there was a $60 million decrease primarily reflecting favorable closed claim trends of DI and LTC policies and from an update to assumptions related to life rider benefits partially offset by an increase of $58 million related to elevated frequency and severity experience for auto injury claims for 2014 and prior accident years as well as a more gradual than anticipated improvement of 2014 and prior years existing claims and unfavorable prior year catastrophe reserve development associated with 2014 hail storms. • In 2014, there was a $42 million decrease related to favorable closed claim trends primarily related to DI and LTC policies more than offset by a $54 million increase primarily reflecting adverse development in the 2013 and prior accident years auto liability coverage. • In 2013, there was a $38 million decrease related to favorable closed claim trends primarily related to DI and LTC policies more than offset by a $42 million increase reflecting the unfavorable prior year reserve development for 2009 through 2012 auto liability claims and prior year catastrophe reserve development related to Superstorm Sandy. Portions of the Company’s fixed and variable universal life policies have product features that result in profits followed by losses from the insurance component of the policy. These profits followed by losses can be generated by the cost structure of the product or secondary guarantees in the policy. The secondary guarantee ensures that, subject to specified conditions, 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. Threadneedle Investment Liabilities Threadneedle provides a range of unitized pooled pension funds, which invest in property, stocks, bonds and cash. The investments are selected by the clients and are based on the level of risk they are willing to assume. All investment performance, net of fees, is passed through to the investors. The value of the liabilities represents the fair value of the pooled pension funds. Separate Account Liabilities Separate account liabilities consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Variable annuity $ 69,333 $ 72,125 VUL insurance 6,637 7,016 Other insurance 34 37 Threadneedle investment liabilities 4,345 4,078 Total $ 80,349 $ 83,256

Variable Annuity and Insurance

Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Variable annuity and insurance guarantees [Text Block]	Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees The majority of the variable annuity contracts offered by the Company contain GMDB provisions. The Company also offers variable annuities with GGU, GMWB and GMAB provisions. The Company previously offered contracts containing GMIB provisions. See Note 2 and Note 10 for additional information regarding the Company’s variable annuity guarantees. The GMDB and GGU provisions provide a specified minimum return upon death of the contractholder. The death benefit payable is the greater of (i) the contract value less any purchase payment credits subject to recapture and less a pro-rata portion of any rider fees, or (ii) the GMDB provisions specified in the contract. The Company has the following primary GMDB provisions: • Return of premium — provides purchase payments minus adjusted partial surrenders. • Reset — provides that the value resets to the account value every sixth contract anniversary minus adjusted partial surrenders. This provision was often provided in combination with the return of premium provision and is no longer offered. • Ratchet — provides that the value ratchets up to the maximum account value at specified anniversary intervals, plus subsequent purchase payments less adjusted partial surrenders. The variable annuity contracts with GMWB riders typically have account values that are based on an underlying portfolio of mutual funds, the values of which fluctuate based on fund performance. At issue, the guaranteed amount is equal to the amount deposited but the guarantee may be increased annually to the account value (a “step-up”) in the case of favorable market performance or by a benefit credit if the contract includes this provision. The Company has GMWB riders in force, which contain one or more of the following provisions: • Withdrawals at a specified rate per year until the amount withdrawn is equal to the guaranteed amount. • Withdrawals at a specified rate per year for the life of the contractholder (“GMWB for life”). • Withdrawals at a specified rate per year for joint contractholders while either is alive. • Withdrawals based on performance of the contract. • Withdrawals based on the age withdrawals begin. • Once withdrawals begin, the contractholder’s funds are moved to one of the three least aggressive asset allocation models. • Credits are applied annually for a specified number of years to increase the guaranteed amount as long as withdrawals have not been taken. Variable annuity contractholders age 79 or younger at contract issue can also obtain a principal-back guarantee by purchasing the optional GMAB rider for an additional charge. The GMAB rider guarantees that, regardless of market performance at the end of the 10 -year waiting period, the contract value will be no less than the original investment or a specified percentage of the highest anniversary value, adjusted for withdrawals. If the contract value is less than the guarantee at the end of the 10 -year period, a lump sum will be added to the contract value to make the contract value equal to the guarantee value. Certain UL policies offered by the Company provide secondary guarantee benefits. The secondary guarantee ensures that, subject to specified conditions, 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. The following table provides information related to variable annuity guarantees for which the Company has established additional liabilities: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type (1) Total Contract Value Contract Value in Separate Accounts Net Amount at Risk Weighted Average Attained Age Total Contract Value Contract Value in Separate Accounts Net Amount at Risk Weighted Average Attained Age (in millions, except age) GMDB: Return of premium $ 54,716 $ 52,871 $ 297 65 $ 55,378 $ 53,565 $ 24 64 Five/six-year reset 9,307 6,731 78 65 10,360 7,821 28 64 One-year ratchet 6,747 6,379 266 67 7,392 7,006 39 66 Five-year ratchet 1,613 1,556 20 63 1,773 1,717 2 63 Other 887 869 82 71 959 941 38 70 Total — GMDB $ 73,270 $ 68,406 $ 743 65 $ 75,862 $ 71,050 $ 131 64 GGU death benefit $ 1,056 $ 1,004 $ 113 67 $ 1,072 $ 1,019 $ 123 67 GMIB $ 270 $ 251 $ 17 68 $ 343 $ 321 $ 9 67 GMWB: GMWB $ 3,118 $ 3,109 $ 2 69 $ 3,671 $ 3,659 $ 1 68 GMWB for life 37,301 37,179 330 66 36,843 36,735 95 65 Total — GMWB $ 40,419 $ 40,288 $ 332 66 $ 40,514 $ 40,394 $ 96 65 GMAB $ 4,018 $ 4,006 $ 31 58 $ 4,247 $ 4,234 $ 2 58 (1) Individual variable annuity contracts may have more than one guarantee and therefore may be included in more than one benefit type. Variable annuity contracts for which the death benefit equals the account value are not shown in this table. The net amount at risk for GMDB, GGU and GMAB guarantees is defined as the current guaranteed benefit amount in excess of the current contract value. The net amount at risk for GMIB and GMWB guarantees is defined as the greater of the present value of the minimum guaranteed withdrawal payments less the current contract value or zero. The present value is calculated using a discount rate that is consistent with assumptions embedded in the Company’s annuity pricing models. The following table provides information related to insurance guarantees for which the Company has established additional liabilities: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Net Amount at Risk Weighted Average Attained Age Net Amount at Risk Weighted Average Attained Age (in millions, except age) UL secondary guarantees $ 6,601 63 $ 6,076 62 The net amount at risk for UL secondary guarantees is defined as the current guaranteed death benefit amount in excess of the current policyholder value. Changes in additional liabilities (contra liabilities) for variable annuity and insurance guarantees were as follows: GMDB & GGU GMIB GMWB (1) GMAB (1) UL (in millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 4 $ 9 $ 799 $ 103 $ 155 Incurred claims 4 (2 ) (1,182 ) (165 ) 67 Paid claims (4 ) (1 ) — — (16 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 4 6 (383 ) (62 ) 206 Incurred claims 9 1 1,076 21 75 Paid claims (4 ) — — — (18 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 9 7 693 (41 ) 263 Incurred claims 10 1 364 41 92 Paid claims (5 ) — — — (23 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 14 $ 8 $ 1,057 $ — $ 332 (1) The incurred claims for GMWB and GMAB represent the total change in the liabilities (contra liabilities). The liabilities for guaranteed benefits are supported by general account assets. The following table summarizes the distribution of separate account balances by asset type for variable annuity contracts providing guaranteed benefits: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Mutual funds: Equity $ 39,806 $ 41,403 Bond 23,700 25,060 Other 5,241 4,490 Total mutual funds $ 68,747 $ 70,953 No gains or losses were recognized on assets transferred to separate accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .

Customer Deposits

Customer Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Customer deposits [Text Block]	Customer Deposits Customer deposits consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Fixed rate certificates $ 4,260 $ 3,597 Stock market certificates 553 581 Stock market embedded derivative 4 6 Other 18 23 Less: accrued interest classified in other liabilities (3 ) (8 ) Total investment certificate reserves 4,832 4,199 Brokerage deposits 3,802 3,465 Total $ 8,634 $ 7,664 Investment Certificates The Company offers fixed rate investment certificates primarily in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2 million with interest crediting rate terms ranging from 3 to 36 months. Investment certificates may be purchased either with a lump sum payment or installment payments. Certificate owners are entitled to receive, at maturity, a definite sum of money. Payments from certificate owners are credited to investment certificate reserves. Investment certificate reserves generally accumulate interest at specified percentage rates. Reserves are maintained for advance payments made by certificate owners, accrued interest thereon and for additional credits in excess of minimum guaranteed rates and accrued interest thereon. On certificates allowing for the deduction of a surrender charge, the cash surrender values may be less than accumulated investment certificate reserves prior to maturity dates. Cash surrender values on certificates allowing for no surrender charge are equal to certificate reserves. The Company generally invests the proceeds from investment certificates in fixed and variable rate securities. Certain investment certificate products have returns tied to the performance of equity markets. The Company guarantees the principal for purchasers who hold the certificate for the full term and purchasers may participate in increases in the stock market based on the S&P 500 Index, up to a maximum return. Purchasers can choose 100% participation in the market index up to the cap or 25% participation plus fixed interest with a combined total up to the cap. Current first term certificates have maximum returns of 1.0% to 2.0% . The equity component of these certificates is considered an embedded derivative and is accounted for separately. See Note 16 for additional information about derivative instruments used to economically hedge the equity price risk related to the Company’s stock market certificates. Brokerage Deposits Brokerage deposits are amounts payable to brokerage customers related to free credit balances, funds deposited by customers and funds accruing to customers as a result of trades or contracts. The Company pays interest on certain customer credit balances and the interest is included in banking and deposit interest expense.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt [Text Block]	Debt The balances and the stated interest rates of outstanding debt of Ameriprise Financial were as follows: Outstanding Balance Stated Interest Rate December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Long-term debt: Senior notes due 2015 $ — $ 358 (1) — % 5.7 % Senior notes due 2019 322 (1) 326 (1) 7.3 7.3 Senior notes due 2020 782 (1) 786 (1) 5.3 5.3 Senior notes due 2023 750 750 4.0 4.0 Senior notes due 2024 548 548 3.7 3.7 Junior subordinated notes due 2066 245 294 7.5 7.5 Capitalized lease obligations 60 (2) — Total long-term debt 2,707 3,062 Short-term borrowings: Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances 150 150 0.5 0.3 Repurchase agreements 50 50 0.5 0.4 Total short-term borrowings 200 200 Total $ 2,907 $ 3,262 (1) Amounts include adjustments for fair value hedges on the Company’s long-term debt. See Note 16 for information on the Company’s fair value hedges. (2) In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a capital lease that had previously been incorrectly recorded as an operating lease for the Ameriprise Financial Center. See Note 1 for additional information. Long-Term Debt The amounts included in the table above are net of any unamortized discount and premium associated with issuing these notes. In 2015, the Company extinguished $49 million of its junior subordinated notes due 2066 in open market transactions and recognized a gain of less than $1 million . In November 2015, the Company used cash on hand to fund the repayment of $350 million of its senior notes. On September 18, 2014, the Company issued $550 million of unsecured senior notes due October 15, 2024, and incurred debt issuance costs of $5 million . Interest payments are due semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, commencing on April 15, 2015. In May 2014, the Company issued a notice of redemption for $200 million of its senior notes due 2039. The notes were redeemed on June 16, 2014 pursuant to the terms of the indenture at the principal value plus accrued interest to the redemption date. The Company recognized an expense for the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs on the notes in the second quarter of 2014. On November 13, 2013, the Company issued $150 million of unsecured senior notes due October 15, 2023, and incurred debt issuance costs of $1 million . These notes form part of the series of senior notes due 2023 along with other notes of this series issued on September 6, 2013. Interest payments are due semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, commencing April 15, 2014. In October 2013, the Company issued a notice of redemption for $350 million of its senior notes due November 2015. The notes were redeemed pursuant to the terms of the indenture at the principal value plus an aggregate premium and accrued interest to the redemption date. The redemption date of the notes was November 4, 2013. The Company recorded a net pretax loss of $19 million on the redemption of the notes in the fourth quarter of 2013. On September 6, 2013, the Company issued $600 million of unsecured senior notes due October 15, 2023, and incurred debt issuance costs of $5 million . Interest payments are due semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, commencing April 15, 2014. The Company’s senior notes due 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2024 may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity at a price equal to the greater of the principal amount and the present value of remaining scheduled payments, discounted to the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company’s junior subordinated notes due 2066 may be redeemed, in whole or in part, on or after June 1, 2016 at a price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and compounded interest, provided that if the notes are not redeemed in whole, at least $50 million aggregate principal amount of notes (excluding notes held by the Company) remain outstanding after the redemption. Otherwise, the Company’s junior subordinated notes due 2066 are redeemable in whole at any time, subject to make whole provisions, which are equal to the principal amount plus the present value of interest payments based on the terms of the note. The Company’s junior subordinated notes due 2066 and credit facility contain various administrative, reporting, legal and financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . At December 31, 2015 , future maturities of Ameriprise Financial long-term debt were as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 11 2017 12 2018 13 2019 313 2020 761 Thereafter 1,545 Total future maturities $ 2,655 Short-term Borrowings The Company enters into repurchase agreements in exchange for cash, which it accounts for as secured borrowings and has pledged Available-for-Sale securities to collateralize its obligation under the repurchase agreements. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had pledged $30 million and $18 million , respectively, of agency residential mortgage backed securities and $22 million and $34 million , respectively, of commercial mortgage backed securities. The remaining maturity of outstanding repurchase agreements was less than one month as of December 31, 2015 and less than four months as of December 31, 2014 . The stated interest rate of the repurchase agreements is a weighted average annualized interest rate on repurchase agreements held as of the balance sheet date. The Company’s life insurance subsidiary is a member of the FHLB of Des Moines which provides access to collateralized borrowings. The Company has pledged Available-for-Sale securities consisting of commercial mortgage backed securities to collateralize its obligation under these borrowings. The fair value of the securities pledged is recorded in investments and was $290 million and $298 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The remaining maturity of outstanding FHLB advances was less than three months as of December 31, 2015 and less than two months as of December 31, 2014 . The stated interest rate of the FHLB advances is a weighted average annualized interest rate on the outstanding borrowings as of the balance sheet date. The Company has an unsecured revolving credit facility for up to $500 million that expires in May 2020. Under the terms of the credit agreement, the Company may increase the amount of this facility up to $750 million upon satisfaction of certain approval requirements. Available borrowings under the agreement are reduced by any outstanding letters of credit. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under this facility at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 and outstanding letters of credit issued against this facility were $1 million as of December 31, 2015 .

Fair Values of Assets and Liabi

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair values of assets and liabilities [Text Block]	Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; that is, an exit price. The exit price assumes the asset or liability is not exchanged subject to a forced liquidation or distressed sale. Valuation Hierarchy The Company categorizes its fair value measurements according to a three-level hierarchy. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used by the Company’s valuation techniques. A level is assigned to each fair value measurement based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows: Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date. Level 2 Prices or valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Level 3 Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities of Ameriprise Financial measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Cash equivalents $ 80 $ 1,918 $ — $ 1,998 Available-for-Sale securities: Corporate debt securities — 14,923 1,425 16,348 Residential mortgage backed securities — 5,755 218 5,973 Commercial mortgage backed securities — 2,453 3 2,456 Asset backed securities — 1,134 162 1,296 State and municipal obligations — 2,290 — 2,290 U.S. government and agencies obligations 33 35 — 68 Foreign government bonds and obligations — 224 — 224 Common stocks 5 8 5 18 Total Available-for-Sale securities 38 26,822 1,813 28,673 Trading securities 6 18 — 24 Separate account assets — 80,349 — 80,349 Investments segregated for regulatory purposes 401 — — 401 Other assets: Interest rate derivative contracts — 1,940 — 1,940 Equity derivative contracts 92 1,495 — 1,587 Credit derivative contracts — 2 — 2 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 2 54 — 56 Other derivative contracts — 2 — 2 Total other assets 94 3,493 — 3,587 Total assets at fair value $ 619 $ 112,600 $ 1,813 $ 115,032 Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims: EIA embedded derivatives $ — $ 5 $ — $ 5 IUL embedded derivatives — — 364 364 GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — 851 851 (1) Total policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims — 5 1,215 1,220 (2) Customer deposits — 4 — 4 Other liabilities: Interest rate derivative contracts — 969 — 969 Equity derivative contracts 47 1,946 — 1,993 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 2 16 — 18 Other derivative contracts — 96 — 96 Other 1 12 — 13 Total other liabilities 50 3,039 — 3,089 Total liabilities at fair value $ 50 $ 3,048 $ 1,215 $ 4,313 (1) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives included $994 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $143 million of individual contracts in an asset position. (2) The Company’s adjustment for nonperformance risk resulted in a $398 million cumulative decrease to the embedded derivatives. December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Cash equivalents $ 27 $ 1,930 $ — $ 1,957 Available-for-Sale securities: Corporate debt securities — 15,647 1,518 17,165 Residential mortgage backed securities — 6,001 206 6,207 Commercial mortgage backed securities — 2,539 91 2,630 Asset backed securities — 1,301 169 1,470 State and municipal obligations — 2,239 — 2,239 U.S. government and agencies obligations 12 35 — 47 Foreign government bonds and obligations — 251 — 251 Common stocks 5 7 6 18 Total Available-for-Sale securities 17 28,020 1,990 30,027 Trading securities 54 28 1 83 Separate account assets — 83,256 — 83,256 Other assets: Interest rate derivative contracts — 2,031 — 2,031 Equity derivative contracts 282 1,757 — 2,039 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 1 29 — 30 Other derivative contracts — 1 — 1 Total other assets 283 3,818 — 4,101 Total assets at fair value $ 381 $ 117,052 $ 1,991 $ 119,424 Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims: EIA embedded derivatives $ — $ 6 $ — $ 6 IUL embedded derivatives — — 242 242 GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — 479 479 (1) Total policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims — 6 721 727 (2) Customer deposits — 6 — 6 Other liabilities: Interest rate derivative contracts — 1,136 — 1,136 Equity derivative contracts 376 2,326 — 2,702 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 1 2 — 3 Other derivative contracts — 114 — 114 Other — 12 — 12 Total other liabilities 377 3,590 — 3,967 Total liabilities at fair value $ 377 $ 3,602 $ 721 $ 4,700 (1) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives included $700 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $221 million of individual contracts in an asset position. (2) The Company’s adjustment for nonperformance risk resulted in a $311 million cumulative decrease to the embedded derivatives. The following tables provide a summary of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities of Ameriprise Financial measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Available-for-Sale Securities Corporate Debt Securities Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks Total Trading Securities (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 1,518 $ 206 $ 91 $ 169 $ 6 $ 1,990 $ 1 Total gains (losses) included in: Net income (2 ) — — 1 — (1 ) (1) (1 ) (1) Other comprehensive loss (21 ) (2 ) — (2 ) — (25 ) — Purchases 189 334 41 72 — 636 — Settlements (248 ) (55 ) (7 ) (22 ) — (332 ) — Transfers into Level 3 — — 6 14 — 20 — Transfers out of Level 3 (11 ) (265 ) (128 ) (70 ) (1 ) (475 ) — Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 1,425 $ 218 $ 3 $ 162 $ 5 $ 1,813 $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at December 31, 2015 included in: Net investment income $ (2 ) $ — $ — $ 1 $ — $ (1 ) $ — (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Policyholder Account Balances, IUL Embedded Derivatives GMWB and GMAB Embedded Derivatives Total (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 242 $ 479 $ 721 Total losses included in: Net income 27 (1) 105 (2) 132 Issues 114 271 385 Settlements (19 ) (4 ) (23 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 364 $ 851 $ 1,215 Changes in unrealized losses relating to liabilities held at December 31, 2015 included in: Interest credited to fixed accounts $ 27 $ — $ 27 Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses — 127 127 (1) Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Available-for-Sale Securities Corporate Debt Securities Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks Total Trading Securities (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 1,640 $ 187 $ 30 $ 260 $ 6 $ 2,123 $ 2 Total gains (losses) included in: Net income (1 ) (1 ) 1 1 — — (1) — Other comprehensive income (2 ) — (2 ) 2 (1 ) (3 ) — Purchases 213 399 59 32 1 704 1 Sales (18 ) — — — — (18 ) (2 ) Settlements (306 ) (24 ) (1 ) (11 ) — (342 ) — Transfers into Level 3 — — 78 — 1 79 — Transfers out of Level 3 (8 ) (355 ) (74 ) (115 ) (1 ) (553 ) — Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 1,518 $ 206 $ 91 $ 169 $ 6 $ 1,990 $ 1 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at December 31, 2014 included in: Net investment income $ (1 ) $ — $ 1 $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ — (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Policyholder Account Balances, IUL Embedded Derivatives GMWB and GMAB Embedded Derivatives Total (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 125 $ (575 ) $ (450 ) Total losses included in: Net income 40 (1) 811 (2) 851 Issues 90 254 344 Settlements (13 ) (11 ) (24 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 242 $ 479 $ 721 Changes in unrealized losses relating to liabilities held at December 31, 2014 included in: Interest credited to fixed accounts $ 40 $ — $ 40 Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses — 811 811 (1) Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Available-for-Sale Securities Corporate Debt Securities Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks Total Trading Securities (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 1,764 $ 284 $ 206 $ 178 $ 6 $ 2,438 $ — Total gains (losses) included in: Net income (3 ) — — 2 — (1 ) (1) — Other comprehensive loss (41 ) — (6 ) 9 1 (37 ) — Purchases 135 335 25 259 — 754 2 Settlements (215 ) (18 ) (36 ) (5 ) — (274 ) — Transfers into Level 3 — — — 8 — 8 — Transfers out of Level 3 — (414 ) (159 ) (191 ) (1 ) (765 ) — Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 1,640 $ 187 $ 30 $ 260 $ 6 $ 2,123 $ 2 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at December 31, 2013 included in: Net investment income $ (3 ) $ — $ — $ 2 $ — $ (1 ) $ — (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Policyholder Account Balances, IUL Embedded Derivatives GMWB and GMAB Embedded Derivatives Total (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 45 $ 833 $ 878 Total (gains) losses included in: Net income 19 (1) (1,617 ) (2) (1,598 ) Issues 62 228 290 Settlements (1 ) (19 ) (20 ) Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 125 $ (575 ) $ (450 ) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to liabilities held at December 31, 2013 included in: Interest credited to fixed accounts $ 19 $ — $ 19 Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses — (1,598 ) (1,598 ) (1) Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The increase (decrease) to pretax income of the Company’s adjustment for nonperformance risk on the fair value of its embedded derivatives was $74 million , $124 million and $(168) million , net of DAC, DSIC, unearned revenue amortization and the reinsurance accrual, for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Securities transferred from Level 3 primarily represent securities with fair values that are now obtained from a third party pricing service with observable inputs. Securities transferred to Level 3 represent securities with fair values that are now based on a single non-binding broker quote. The Company recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the beginning of the quarter in which each transfer occurred. For assets and liabilities held at the end of the reporting periods that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. The following tables provide a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements developed by the Company or reasonably available to the Company of Level 3 assets and liabilities: December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (in millions) Corporate debt securities (private placements) $ 1,411 Discounted cash flow Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries 1.1 % – 3.8% 1.6% IUL embedded derivatives $ 364 Discounted cash flow Nonperformance risk (1) 68 bps GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives $ 851 Discounted cash flow Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (2) 0.0 % – 75.6% Surrender rate 0.0 % – 59.1% Market volatility (3) 5.4 % – 21.5% Nonperformance risk (1) 68 bps December 31, 2014 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (in millions) Corporate debt securities (private placements) $ 1,476 Discounted cash flow Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries 1.0 % – 3.9% 1.5% IUL embedded derivatives $ 242 Discounted cash flow Nonperformance risk (1) 65 bps GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives $ 479 Discounted cash flow Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (2) 0.0 % – 51.1% Surrender rate 0.0 % – 59.1% Market volatility (3) 5.2 % – 20.9% Nonperformance risk (1) 65 bps Elective contractholder strategy allocations (4) 0.0 % – 3.0% (1) The nonperformance risk is the spread added to the observable interest rates used in the valuation of the embedded derivatives. (2) The utilization of guaranteed withdrawals represents the percentage of contractholders that will begin withdrawing in any given year. (3) Market volatility is implied volatility of fund of funds and managed volatility funds. (4) The elective allocation represents the percentage of contractholders that are assumed to electively switch their investment allocation to a different allocation model. As the contractholder experience of related elective strategy allocations reached the ultimate expected levels in 2015, the Company is no longer including this input in the fair value measurement effective September 30, 2015. Level 3 measurements not included in the table above are obtained from non-binding broker quotes where unobservable inputs are not reasonably available to the Company. Sensitivity of Fair Value Measurements to Changes in Unobservable Inputs Significant increases (decreases) in the yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries used in the fair value measurement of Level 3 corporate debt securities in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in nonperformance risk used in the fair value measurement of the IUL embedded derivatives in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in utilization and volatility used in the fair value measurement of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) liability value. Significant increases (decreases) in nonperformance risk and surrender rate used in the fair value measurement of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) liability value. Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals and surrender rates vary with the type of rider, the duration of the policy, the age of the contractholder, the distribution system and whether the value of the guaranteed benefit exceeds the contract accumulation value. Determination of Fair Value The Company uses valuation techniques consistent with the market and income approaches to measure the fair value of its assets and liabilities. The Company’s market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The Company’s income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future projected cash flows to a single discounted present value amount. When applying either approach, the Company maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value and the general classification of these instruments pursuant to the fair value hierarchy. Assets Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Actively traded money market funds are measured at their NAV and classified as Level 1. The Company’s remaining cash equivalents are classified as Level 2 and measured at amortized cost, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short time between the purchase of the instrument and its expected realization. Investments (Available-for-Sale Securities and Trading Securities) When available, the fair value of securities is based on quoted prices in active markets. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are obtained from third party pricing services, non-binding broker quotes, or other model-based valuation techniques. Level 1 securities primarily include U.S. Treasuries. Level 2 securities primarily include corporate bonds, residential mortgage backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities, asset backed securities, state and municipal obligations and U.S. agency and foreign government securities. The fair value of these Level 2 securities is based on a market approach with prices obtained from third party pricing services. Observable inputs used to value these securities can include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads and non-binding broker quotes. Level 3 securities primarily include certain corporate bonds, non-agency residential mortgage backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities and asset backed securities. The fair value of corporate bonds, non-agency residential mortgage backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities and certain asset backed securities classified as Level 3 is typically based on a single non-binding broker quote. The underlying inputs used for some of the non-binding broker quotes are not readily available to the Company. The Company’s privately placed corporate bonds are typically based on a single non-binding broker quote. In addition to the general pricing controls, the Company reviews the broker prices to ensure that the broker quotes are reasonable and, when available, compares prices of privately issued securities to public issues from the same issuer to ensure that the implicit illiquidity premium applied to the privately placed investment is reasonable considering investment characteristics, maturity, and average life of the investment. In consideration of the above, management is responsible for the fair values recorded on the financial statements. Prices received from third party pricing services are subjected to exception reporting that identifies investments with significant daily price movements as well as no movements. The Company reviews the exception reporting and resolves the exceptions through reaffirmation of the price or recording an appropriate fair value estimate. The Company also performs subsequent transaction testing. The Company performs annual due diligence of third party pricing services. The Company’s due diligence procedures include assessing the vendor’s valuation qualifications, control environment, analysis of asset-class specific valuation methodologies, and understanding of sources of market observable assumptions and unobservable assumptions, if any, employed in the valuation methodology. The Company also considers the results of its exception reporting controls and any resulting price challenges that arise. Separate Account Assets The fair value of assets held by separate accounts is determined by the NAV of the funds in which those separate accounts are invested. The NAV represents the exit price for the separate account. Separate account assets are classified as Level 2 as they are traded in principal-to-principal markets with little publicly released pricing information. Investments Segregated for Regulatory Purposes Investments segregated for regulatory purposes includes U.S. Treasuries that are classified as Level 1. Other Assets Derivatives that are measured using quoted prices in active markets, such as foreign currency forwards, or derivatives that are exchange-traded are classified as Level 1 measurements. The variation margin on futures contracts is also classified as Level 1. The fair value of derivatives that are traded in less active over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets is generally measured using pricing models with market observable inputs such as interest rates and equity index levels. These measurements are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy and include swaps and the majority of options. Other derivative contracts consist of the Company’s macro hedge program. See Note 16 for further information on the macro hedge program. The counterparties’ nonperformance risk associated with uncollateralized derivative assets was immaterial at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . See Note 15 and Note 16 for further information on the credit risk of derivative instruments and related collateral. Liabilities Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims The Company values the embedded derivatives attributable to the provisions of certain variable annuity riders using internal valuation models. These models calculate fair value by discounting expected cash flows from benefits plus margins for profit, risk and expenses less embedded derivative fees. The projected cash flows used by these models include observable capital market assumptions and incorporate significant unobservable inputs related to contractholder behavior assumptions, implied volatility, and margins for risk, profit and expenses that the Company believes an exit market participant would expect. The fair value also reflects a current estimate of the Company’s nonperformance risk specific to these embedded derivatives. Given the significant unobservable inputs to this valuation, these measurements are classified as Level 3. The embedded derivatives attributable to these provisions are recorded in policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims. The Company uses various Black-Scholes calculations to determine the fair value of the embedded derivatives associated with the provisions of its EIA and IUL products. Significant inputs to the EIA calculation include observable interest rates, volatilities and equity index levels and, therefore, are classified as Level 2. The fair value of the IUL embedded derivatives includes significant observable interest rates, volatilities and equity index levels and the significant unobservable estimate of the Company’s nonperformance risk. Given the significance of the nonperformance risk assumption to the fair value, the IUL embedded derivatives are classified as Level 3. The embedded derivatives attributable to these provisions are recorded in policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims. The Company’s Corporate Actuarial Department calculates the fair value of the embedded derivatives on a monthly basis. During this process, control checks are performed to validate the completeness of the data. Actuarial management approves various components of the valuation along with the final results. The change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives is reviewed monthly with senior management. The Level 3 inputs into the valuation are consistent with the pricing assumptions and updated as experience develops. Significant unobservable inputs that reflect policyholder behavior are reviewed quarterly along with other valuation assumptions. Customer Deposits The Company uses various Black-Scholes calculations to determine the fair value of the embedded derivative liability associated with the provisions of its stock market certificates. The inputs to these calculations are primarily market observable and include interest rates, volatilities and equity index levels. As a result, these measurements are classified as Level 2. Other Liabilities Derivatives that are measured using quoted prices in active markets, such as foreign currency forwards, or derivatives that are exchange-traded, are classified as Level 1 measurements. The variation margin on futures contracts is also classified as Level 1. The fair value of derivatives that are traded in less active OTC markets are generally measured using pricing models with market observable inputs such as interest rates and equity index levels. These measurements are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy and include swaps and the majority of options. Other derivative contracts consist of the Company’s macro hedge program. See Note 16 for further information on the macro hedge program. The Company’s nonperformance risk associated with uncollateralized derivative liabilities was immaterial at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . See Note 15 and Note 16 for further information on the credit risk of derivative instruments and related collateral. Securities sold but not yet purchased include highly liquid investments which are short-term in nature. Securities sold but not yet purchased are measured using amortized cost, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short time between the purchase of the instrument and its expected realization and are classified as Level 2. During the reporting periods, there were no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The following tables provide the carrying value and the estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not reported at fair value. All other financial instruments that are reported at fair value have been included above in the table with balances of assets and liabilities Ameriprise Financial measured at fair value on a recurring basis. December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Financial Assets Mortgage loans, net $ 3,359 $ — $ — $ 3,372 $ 3,372 Policy and certificate loans 824 — 1 803 804 Receivables 1,471 148 1,322 3 1,473 Restricted and segregated cash 2,548 2,548 — — 2,548 Other investments and assets 583 1 510 54 565 Financial Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims $ 11,523 $ — $ — $ 12,424 $ 12,424 Investment certificate reserves 4,831 — — 4,823 4,823 Brokerage customer deposits 3,802 3,802 — — 3,802 Separate account liabilities 4,704 — 4,704 — 4,704 Debt and other liabilities 3,173 202 2,958 113 3,273 December 31, 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Financial Assets Mortgage loans, net $ 3,440 $ — $ — $ 3,512 $ 3,512 Policy and certificate loans 806 — 1 793 794 Receivables 1,418 215 1,200 3 1,418 Restricted and segregated cash 2,614 2,614 — — 2,614 Other investments and assets 551 — 460 84 544 Financial Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims $ 12,979 $ — $ — $ 13,996 $ 13,996 Investment certificate reserves 4,201 — — 4,195 4,195 Brokerage customer deposits 3,465 3,465 — — 3,465 Separate account liabilities 4,478 — 4,478 — 4,478 Debt and other liabilities 3,576 261 3,446 121 3,828 Mortgage Loans, Net The fair value of commercial mortgage loans, except those with significant credit deterioration, is determined by discounting contractual cash flows using discount rates that reflect current pricing for loans with similar remaining maturities, liquidity and characteristics including LTV ratio, occupancy rate, refinance risk, debt service coverage, location, and property condition. For commercial mortgage loans with significant credit deterioration, fair value is determined using the same adjustments as above with an additional adjustment for the Company’s estimate of the amount recoverable on the loan. Given the significant unobservable inputs to the valuation of commercial mortgage loans, these measurements are classified as Level 3. The fair value of consumer loans is determined by discounting estimated cash flows and incorporating adjustments for prepayment, administration expenses, loss severity, liquidity and credit loss estimates, with discount rates based on the Company’s estimate of current market conditions. The fair value of consumer loans is classified as Level 3 as the valuation includes significant unobservable inputs. Policy and Certificate Loans Policy loans represent loans made against the cash surrender value of the underlying life insurance or annuity product. These loans and the related interest are usually realized at death of the policyholder or contractholder or at surrender of the contract and are not transferable without the underlying insurance or annuity contract. The fair value of policy loans is determined by estimating expected cash flows discounted at rates based on the U.S. Treasury curve. Policy loans are classified as Level 3 as the discount rate used may be adjusted for the underlying performance of individual policies. Certificate loans represent loans made against and collateralized by the underlying certificate balance. These loans do not transfer to third parties separate from the underlying certificate. The outstanding balance of these loans is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value and is classified as Level 2. Receivables Brokerage margin loans are measured at outstanding balances, which are a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the sufficiency of the collateral and short term nature of these loans. Margin loans that are sufficiently collateralized are classified as Level 2. Margin loans that are not sufficiently collateralized are classified as Level 3. Securities borrowed require the Company to deposit cash or collateral with the lender. As the market value of the securities borrowed is monitored daily, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of securities borrowed is classified as Level 1 as the value of the underlying securities is based on unadjusted prices for identical assets. Restricted and Segregated Cash Restricted and segregated cash is generally set aside for specific business transactions and restrictions are specific to the Company and do not transfer to third party market participants; therefore, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Amounts segregated under federal and other regulations may also reflect resale agreements and are measured at the price at which the securities will be sold. This measurement is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short time between entering into the transaction and its expected realization and the reduced risk of credit loss due to pledging U.S. government-backed securities as collateral. The fair value of restricted and segregated cash is classified as Level 1. Other Investments and Assets Other investments and assets primarily consist of syndicated loans. The fair value of syndicated loans is obtained from a third party pricing service or non-binding broker quotes. Syndicated loans that are priced using a market approach with observable inputs are classified as Level 2 and syndicated loans priced using a single non-binding broker quote are classified as Level 3. Other investments and assets also include the Company’s membership in the FHLB and investments related to the Community Reinvestment Act. The fair value of these assets is approximated by the carrying value and classified as Level 3 due to restrictions on transfer and lack of liquidity in the primary market for these assets. Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims The fair value of fixed annuities in deferral status is determined by discounting cash flows using a risk neutral discount rate with adjustments for profit margin, expense margin, early policy surrender behavior, a margin for adverse deviation from estimated early policy surrender behavior and the Company’s nonperformance risk specific to these liabilities. The fair value of non-life contingent fixed annuities in payout status, EIA host contracts and the fixed portion of a small number of variable annuity contracts classified as investment contracts is determined in a similar manner. Given the use of significant unobservable inputs to these valuations, the measurements are classified as Level 3. Investment Certificate Reserves The fair value of investment certificate reserves is determined by discounting cash flows using discount rates that reflect current pricing for assets with similar terms and characteristics, with adjustments for early withdrawal behavior, penalty fees, expense margin and the Company’s nonperformance risk specific to these liabilities. Given the use of significant unobservable inputs to this valuation, the measurement is classified as Level 3. Brokerage Customer Deposits Brokerage customer deposits are liabilities with no defined maturities and fair value is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of these deposits is classified as Level 1. Separate Account Liabilities Certain separate account liabilities are classified as investment contracts and are carried at an amount equal to the related separate account assets. The NAV of the related separate account assets represents the exit price for the separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are classified as Level 2 as they are traded in principal-to-principal markets with little publicly released pricing information. A nonperformance adjustm

Offsetting Assets and Liabiliti

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Offsetting [Abstract]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Text Block]	Offsetting Assets and Liabilities Certain financial instruments and derivative instruments are eligible for offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s derivative instruments, repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and lending agreements are subject to master netting arrangements and collateral arrangements and qualify for offset. A master netting arrangement with a counterparty creates a right of offset for amounts due to and from that same counterparty that is enforceable in the event of a default or bankruptcy. Securities borrowed and loaned result from transactions between the Company’s broker dealer subsidiary and other financial institutions and are recorded at the amount of cash collateral advanced or received. Securities borrowed and securities loaned are primarily equity securities. The Company’s securities borrowed and securities loaned transactions generally do not have a fixed maturity date and may be terminated by either party under customary terms. The Company’s policy is to recognize amounts subject to master netting arrangements on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following tables present the gross and net information about the Company’s assets subject to master netting arrangements: December 31, 2015 Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments (1) Cash Collateral Securities Collateral Net Amount (in millions) Derivatives: OTC $ 3,129 $ — $ 3,129 $ (2,331 ) $ (391 ) $ (320 ) $ 87 OTC cleared 418 — 418 (314 ) (102 ) — 2 Exchange-traded 40 — 40 (3 ) — — 37 Total derivatives 3,587 — 3,587 (2,648 ) (493 ) (320 ) 126 Securities borrowed 148 — 148 (30 ) — (115 ) 3 Total $ 3,735 $ — $ 3,735 $ (2,678 ) $ (493 ) $ (435 ) $ 129 December 31, 2014 Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments (1) Cash Collateral Securities Collateral Net Amount (in millions) Derivatives: OTC $ 3,735 $ — $ 3,735 $ (3,000 ) $ (281 ) $ (418 ) $ 36 OTC cleared 305 — 305 (224 ) (81 ) — — Exchange-traded 61 — 61 — — — 61 Total derivatives 4,101 — 4,101 (3,224 ) (362 ) (418 ) 97 Securities borrowed 215 — 215 (49 ) — (163 ) 3 Total $ 4,316 $ — $ 4,316 $ (3,273 ) $ (362 ) $ (581 ) $ 100 (1) Represents the amount of assets that could be offset by liabilities with the same counterparty under master netting or similar arrangements that management elects not to offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following tables present the gross and net information about the Company’s liabilities subject to master netting arrangements: December 31, 2015 Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments (1) Cash Collateral Securities Collateral Net Amount (in millions) Derivatives: OTC $ 2,725 $ — $ 2,725 $ (2,331 ) $ — $ (393 ) $ 1 OTC cleared 345 — 345 (314 ) (25 ) — 6 Exchange-traded 6 — 6 (3 ) (1 ) — 2 Total derivatives 3,076 — 3,076 (2,648 ) (26 ) (393 ) 9 Securities loaned 203 — 203 (30 ) — (164 ) 9 Repurchase agreements 50 — 50 — — (50 ) — Total $ 3,329 $ — $ 3,329 $ (2,678 ) $ (26 ) $ (607 ) $ 18 December 31, 2014 Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments (1) Cash Collateral Securities Collateral Net Amount (in millions) Derivatives: OTC $ 3,723 $ — $ 3,723 $ (3,000 ) $ — $ (723 ) $ — OTC cleared 232 — 232 (224 ) (8 ) — — Total derivatives 3,955 — 3,955 (3,224 ) (8 ) (723 ) — Securities loaned 261 — 261 (49 ) — (205 ) 7 Repurchase agreements 50 — 50 — — (50 ) — Total $ 4,266 $ — $ 4,266 $ (3,273 ) $ (8 ) $ (978 ) $ 7 (1) Represents the amount of liabilities that could be offset by assets with the same counterparty under master netting or similar arrangements that management elects not to offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In the tables above, the amounts of assets or liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are offset first by financial instruments that have the right of offset under master netting or similar arrangements, then any remaining amount is reduced by the amount of cash and securities collateral. The actual collateral may be greater than amounts presented in the tables. When the fair value of collateral accepted by the Company is less than the amount due to the Company, there is a risk of loss if the counterparty fails to perform or provide additional collateral. To mitigate this risk, the Company monitors collateral values regularly and requires additional collateral when necessary. When the value of collateral pledged by the Company declines, the Company may be required to post additional collateral. The Company’s freestanding derivative instruments are reflected in other assets and other liabilities. Repurchase agreements are reflected in short-term borrowings. Securities borrowing and lending agreements are reflected in receivables and other liabilities, respectively. See Note 16 for additional disclosures related to the Company’s derivative instruments, Note 13 for additional disclosures related to the Company’s repurchase agreements and Note 4 for information related to derivatives held by consolidated investment entities.

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities [Text Block]	Derivatives and Hedging Activities Derivative instruments enable the Company to manage its exposure to various market risks. The value of such instruments is derived from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including equity, foreign exchange and interest rate indices or prices. The Company primarily enters into derivative agreements for risk management purposes related to the Company’s products and operations. The Company’s freestanding derivative instruments are all subject to master netting arrangements. The Company’s policy on the recognition of derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets is to not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivatives and collateral arrangements executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. See Note 15 for additional information regarding the estimated fair value of the Company’s freestanding derivatives after considering the effect of master netting arrangements and collateral. The Company uses derivatives as economic hedges and accounting hedges. The following table presents the notional value and gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Notional Gross Fair Value Notional Gross Fair Value Assets (1) Liabilities (2)(3) Assets (1) Liabilities (2)(3) (in millions) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts $ 675 $ 58 $ — $ 1,025 $ 76 $ — Total qualifying hedges 675 58 — 1,025 76 — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts 63,798 1,882 969 61,849 1,955 1,136 Equity contracts 70,238 1,587 1,993 69,805 2,039 2,702 Credit contracts 600 2 — 616 — — Foreign exchange contracts 4,408 56 18 2,029 30 3 Other contracts 3,760 2 96 2,744 1 114 Total non-designated hedges 142,804 3,529 3,076 137,043 4,025 3,955 Embedded derivatives GMWB and GMAB (4) N/A — 851 N/A — 479 IUL N/A — 364 N/A — 242 EIA N/A — 5 N/A — 6 SMC N/A — 4 N/A — 6 Total embedded derivatives N/A — 1,224 N/A — 733 Total derivatives $ 143,479 $ 3,587 $ 4,300 $ 138,068 $ 4,101 $ 4,688 N/A Not applicable. (1) The fair value of freestanding derivative assets is included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (2) The fair value of freestanding derivative liabilities is included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of GMWB and GMAB, IUL, and EIA embedded derivatives is included in Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the SMC embedded derivative liability is included in Customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (3) The fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities after considering the effects of master netting arrangements, cash collateral held by the same counterparty and the fair value of net embedded derivatives was $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. See Note 15 for additional information related to master netting arrangements and cash collateral. See Note 4 for information about derivatives held by consolidated VIEs. (4) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives at December 31, 2015 included $994 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $143 million of individual contracts in an asset position. The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives at December 31, 2014 included $700 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $221 million of individual contracts in an asset position. See Note 14 for additional information regarding the Company’s fair value measurement of derivative instruments. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , investment securities with a fair value of $323 million and $435 million , respectively, were received as collateral to meet contractual obligations under derivative contracts, of which $193 million and $151 million , respectively, may be sold, pledged or rehypothecated by the Company. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had not sold, pledged or rehypothecated any securities that were accepted as collateral. In addition, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , non-cash collateral accepted was held in separate custodial accounts and was not included in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges The following table presents a summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations: Net Investment Income Banking and Deposit Interest Expense Distribution Expenses Interest Credited to Fixed Accounts Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses General and Administrative Expense (in millions) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Interest rate contracts $ (21 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 241 $ — Equity contracts — — 1 (10 ) (304 ) 2 Credit contracts — — — — (1 ) — Foreign exchange contracts 4 — (1 ) — 13 (2 ) Other contracts 1 — — — (27 ) — GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — — — (372 ) — IUL embedded derivatives — — — (8 ) — — EIA embedded derivatives — — — 1 — — SMC embedded derivatives — — — — — — Total loss $ (16 ) $ — $ — $ (17 ) $ (450 ) $ — Year Ended December 31, 2014 Interest rate contracts $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,122 $ — Equity contracts (4 ) 3 13 21 (304 ) 4 Credit contracts — — — — (33 ) — Foreign exchange contracts 2 — (5 ) — (9 ) (1 ) Other contracts — — — — (12 ) — GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — — — (1,054 ) — IUL embedded derivatives — — — (27 ) — — EIA embedded derivatives — — — (2 ) — — SMC embedded derivatives — (3 ) — — — — Total gain (loss) $ (1 ) $ — $ 8 $ (8 ) $ (290 ) $ 3 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Interest rate contracts $ 2 $ — $ — $ — $ (742 ) $ — Equity contracts (17 ) 7 9 14 (1,084 ) 5 Credit contracts — — — — 6 — Foreign exchange contracts (2 ) — — — 26 — Other contracts 1 — — — (42 ) — GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — — — 1,408 — IUL embedded derivatives — — — (16 ) — — EIA embedded derivatives — — — (3 ) — — SMC embedded derivatives — (6 ) — — — — Total gain (loss) $ (16 ) $ 1 $ 9 $ (5 ) $ (428 ) $ 5 The Company holds derivative instruments that either do not qualify or are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. These derivative instruments are used as economic hedges of equity, interest rate, credit and foreign currency exchange rate risk related to various products and transactions of the Company. Certain annuity contracts contain GMWB or GMAB provisions, which guarantee the right to make limited partial withdrawals each contract year regardless of the volatility inherent in the underlying investments or guarantee a minimum accumulation value of consideration received at the beginning of the contract period, after a specified holding period, respectively. The GMAB and non-life contingent GMWB provisions are considered embedded derivatives, which are bifurcated from their host contracts for valuation purposes and reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings. The Company economically hedges the exposure related to GMAB and non-life contingent GMWB provisions primarily using futures, options, interest rate swaptions, interest rate swaps, total return swaps and variance swaps. The deferred premium associated with certain of the above options is paid or received semi-annually over the life of the option contract or at maturity. The following is a summary of the payments the Company is scheduled to make and receive for these options: Premiums Payable Premiums Receivable (in millions) 2016 $ 331 $ 76 2017 273 76 2018 221 126 2019 264 128 2020 198 59 2021-2027 633 176 Total $ 1,920 $ 641 Actual timing and payment amounts may differ due to future contract settlements, modifications or exercises of options prior to the full premium being paid or received. The Company has a macro hedge program to provide protection against the statutory tail scenario risk arising from variable annuity reserves on its statutory surplus and to cover some of the residual risks not covered by other hedging activities. As a means of economically hedging these risks, the Company uses a combination of options and/or swaps. Certain of the macro hedge derivatives used contain settlement provisions linked to both equity returns and interest rates; the remaining are interest rate contracts or equity contracts. The Company’s macro hedge derivatives are included in Other contracts in the tables above. EIA, IUL and stock market certificate products have returns tied to the performance of equity markets. As a result of fluctuations in equity markets, the obligation incurred by the Company related to EIA, IUL and stock market certificate products will positively or negatively impact earnings over the life of these products. The equity component of the EIA, IUL and stock market certificate product obligations are considered embedded derivatives, which are bifurcated from their host contracts for valuation purposes and reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with changes in fair value reported in earnings. As a means of economically hedging its obligations under the provisions of these products, the Company enters into index options and futures contracts. The Company enters into futures and commodity swaps to manage its exposure to price risk arising from seed money investments in proprietary investment products. The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to economically hedge its exposure to certain foreign transactions. The Company enters into futures contracts to economically hedge its exposure related to compensation plans. Cash Flow Hedges The Company has designated and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges: (i) interest rate swaps to hedge interest rate exposure on debt, (ii) interest rate lock agreements to hedge interest rate exposure on debt issuances and (iii) swaptions used to hedge the risk of increasing interest rates on forecasted fixed premium product sales. For all years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , amounts recognized in earnings related to cash flow hedges due to ineffectiveness were $1 million . The estimated net amount of existing pretax losses as of December 31, 2015 that the Company expects to reclassify to earnings within the next twelve months is $4 million , which consists of $2 million of pretax gains to be recorded as a reduction to interest and debt expense and $6 million of pretax losses to be recorded in net investment income. Currently, the longest period of time over which the Company is hedging exposure to the variability in future cash flows is 20 years and relates to forecasted debt interest payments. See Note 18 for a rollforward of net unrealized derivative gains (losses) included in AOCI related to cash flow hedges. Fair Value Hedges In 2010, the Company entered into and designated as fair value hedges three interest rate swaps to convert senior notes due 2015, 2019 and 2020 from fixed rate debt to floating rate debt. The interest rate swaps related to the senior notes due 2015 matured in the fourth quarter of 2015. The swaps have identical terms as the underlying debt being hedged so no ineffectiveness is expected to be realized. The Company recognizes gains and losses on the derivatives and the related hedged items within interest and debt expense. The following table presents the amounts recognized in income related to fair value hedges: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Location of Gain Recorded into Income Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Interest rate contracts Interest and debt expense $ 31 $ 33 $ 57 Included in the table above is an $18 million gain from the partial settlement of the fair value hedge on the Company’s senior notes due November 2015, as a result of redeeming $350 million of the notes in the fourth quarter of 2013. Credit Risk Credit risk associated with the Company’s derivatives is the risk that a derivative counterparty will not perform in accordance with the terms of the applicable derivative contract. To mitigate such risk, the Company has established guidelines and oversight of credit risk through a comprehensive enterprise risk management program that includes members of senior management. Key components of this program are to require preapproval of counterparties and the use of master netting arrangements and collateral arrangements whenever practical. See Note 15 for additional information on the Company’s credit exposure related to derivative assets. Certain of the Company’s derivative contracts contain provisions that adjust the level of collateral the Company is required to post based on the Company’s debt rating (or based on the financial strength of the Company’s life insurance subsidiaries for contracts in which those subsidiaries are the counterparty). Additionally, certain of the Company’s derivative contracts contain provisions that allow the counterparty to terminate the contract if the Company’s debt does not maintain a specific credit rating (generally an investment grade rating) or the Company’s life insurance subsidiary does not maintain a specific financial strength rating. If these termination provisions were to be triggered, the Company’s counterparty could require immediate settlement of any net liability position. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the aggregate fair value of derivative contracts in a net liability position containing such credit contingent provisions was $284 million and $416 million , respectively. The aggregate fair value of assets posted as collateral for such instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $283 million and $416 million , respectively. If the credit contingent provisions of derivative contracts in a net liability position at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were triggered, the aggregate fair value of additional assets that would be required to be posted as collateral or needed to settle the instruments immediately would have been $1 million and nil , respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation [Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation The Company’s share-based compensation plans consist of the Amended and Restated Ameriprise Financial 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2005 ICP”), the Ameriprise Financial 2008 Employment Incentive Equity Award Plan (the “2008 Plan”), the Ameriprise Financial Franchise Advisor Deferred Compensation Plan (“Franchise Advisor Deferral Plan”), the Ameriprise Advisor Group Deferred Compensation Plan (“Advisor Group Deferral Plan”) and the Threadneedle Equity Incentive Plan (“EIP”). The components of the Company’s share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Stock option $ 39 $ 37 $ 36 Restricted stock (1) 22 26 46 Restricted stock units 83 67 61 Liability awards 14 30 31 Total $ 158 $ 160 $ 174 (1) Includes nil , $3 million and $10 million of expense related to EIP for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , total income tax benefit recognized by the Company related to share-based compensation expense was $56 million , $55 million and $60 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , there was $99 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards under the Company’s share-based compensation plans, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years. Amended and Restated Ameriprise Financial 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan The 2005 ICP, which was amended and approved by shareholders on April 30, 2014, provides for the grant of cash and equity incentive awards to directors, employees and independent contractors, including stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and similar awards designed to comply with the applicable federal regulations and laws of jurisdiction. Under the 2005 ICP, a maximum of 54.4 million shares may be issued. Of this total, no more than 4.5 million shares may be issued after April 30, 2014 for full value awards, which are awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights. Shares issued under the 2005 ICP may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares. Ameriprise Fin a ncial 2008 Employment Incentive Equity Award Plan The 2008 Plan is designed to align employees’ interests with those of the shareholders of the Company and attract and retain new employees. The 2008 Plan provides for the grant of equity incentive awards to new employees, primarily those, who became employees in connection with a merger or acquisition, including stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and other equity-based awards designed to comply with the applicable federal and foreign regulations and laws of jurisdiction. Under the 2008 Plan, a maximum of 6.0 million shares may be issued. Stock Options Stock options granted under the 2005 ICP and the 2008 Plan have an exercise price not less than 100% of the current fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the grant date and a maximum term of 10 years. Stock options granted generally vest ratably over three to four years. Vesting of option awards may be accelerated based on age and length of service. Stock options granted are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the fair value of the awards on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of the options is calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used for stock option grants: 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 2.0 % 2.0 % 3.0 % Expected volatility 26 % 31 % 41 % Risk-free interest rate 1.2 % 1.5 % 0.9 % Expected life of stock option (years) 5.0 5.0 5.0 The dividend yield assumption represents the Company’s expected dividend yield based on its historical dividend payouts and management’s expectations. The expected volatility is based on the Company’s historical and implied volatilities. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected option life is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the grant date. The expected life of the option is based on the Company’s past experience and other considerations. The weighted average grant date fair value for options granted during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $25.12 , $25.59 and $18.16 , respectively. A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for 2015 is presented below (shares and intrinsic value in millions): Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 1 7.2 $ 65.07 6.7 $ 485 Granted 1.6 128.58 Exercised (1.4 ) 50.50 Forfeited (0.1 ) 106.17 Outstanding at December 31 7.3 81.11 6.7 222 Exercisable at December 31 4.2 59.02 5.4 201 The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $111 million , $243 million and $299 million during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Restricted Stock Awards Restricted stock awards granted under the 2005 ICP and 2008 Plan generally vest ratably over three to four years or at the end of five years. Vesting of restricted stock awards may be accelerated based on age and length of service. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is based on the market price of Ameriprise Financial common stock on the date of grant and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Quarterly dividends are paid on restricted stock, as declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, during the vesting period and are not subject to forfeiture. Restricted Stock Units and Deferred Share Units The 2005 ICP provides for the grant of deferred share units to non-employee directors of the Company and the 2005 ICP and 2008 Plan provide for the grant of restricted stock units to employees. The director awards are fully vested upon issuance and are settled for Ameriprise Financial common stock upon the director’s termination of service. The employee awards generally vest ratably over three to four years. Compensation expense for deferred share units and restricted stock units is based on the market price of Ameriprise Financial stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock units granted to employees are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period or on an accelerated basis if certain age and length of service requirements are met. Deferred share units granted to non-employee directors are expensed immediately. Dividends are paid on restricted stock units, as declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, during the vesting period and are not subject to forfeiture. Dividend equivalents are issued on deferred share units, as dividends are declared by the Company's Board of Directors, until distribution and are not subject to forfeiture. Ameriprise Financial Deferred Compensation Plan The Ameriprise Financial Deferred Compensation Plan (“DCP”) under the 2005 ICP gives certain employees the choice to defer a portion of their eligible compensation, which can be invested in investment options as provided by the DCP, including the Ameriprise Financial Stock Fund. The DCP is an unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation plan under section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company provides a match on certain deferrals. Participant deferrals vest immediately and the Company match vests after three years. Distributions are made in shares of the Company’s common stock for the portion of the deferral invested in the Ameriprise Financial Stock Fund and the Company match, for which the Company has recorded in equity. The DCP does allow for accelerated vesting of the share-based awards in cases of death, disability and qualified retirement. Compensation expense related to the Company match is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period or on an accelerated basis if certain age and length of service requirements are met. Dividend equivalents are issued on deferrals into the Ameriprise Financial Stock Fund and the Company match. Dividend equivalents related to deferrals are not subject to forfeiture, whereas dividend equivalents related to the Company match are subject to forfeiture until fully vested. Ameriprise Financial Franchise Advisor Deferral Plan The Franchise Advisor Deferral Plan, which was amended in January 2011, gives certain advisors the choice to defer a portion of their commissions into Ameriprise Financial stock or other investment options. The Franchise Advisor Deferral Plan is an unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation plan under section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Prior to 2011, all deferrals were in the form of share-based awards and the Company provided a match on the advisor deferrals, which participants could elect to receive in cash or shares of common stock. The Franchise Advisor Deferral Plan allows for the grant of share-based awards of up to 10.5 million shares of common stock. The number of units awarded is based on the performance measures, deferral percentage and the market value of Ameriprise Financial common stock on the deferral date as defined by the plan. Share-based awards made during 2011 and later are fully vested and are not subject to forfeitures. Share-based awards made prior to 2011 generally vest ratably over four years, beginning on January 1 of the year following the plan year in which the award was made. In addition to the voluntary deferral, certain advisors are eligible for the Franchise Advisor Top Performer Stock Award or the Franchise Consultant Growth Bonus. The Franchise Advisor Top Performer Stock Award allows eligible advisors to earn additional deferred stock awards on commissions over a specified threshold. The awards vest ratably over four years. The Franchise Consultant Growth Bonus allows eligible advisors who coach other advisors the ability to earn a bonus based on the success of the advisors they coach, which can be deferred into the plan. The awards vest ratably over three years. The Franchise Advisor Deferral Plan allows for accelerated vesting of the share-based awards based on age and years as an advisor. Commission expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. However, as franchise advisors are not employees of the Company, the expense is adjusted each period based on the stock price of the Company’s common stock up to the vesting date. Share units receive dividend equivalents, as dividends are declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, until distribution and are subject to forfeiture until vested. Ameriprise Advisor Group Deferred Compensation Plan The Advisor Group Deferral Plan, which was created in April 2009, allows for employee advisors to receive share-based bonus awards which are subject to future service requirements and forfeitures. The Advisor Group Deferral Plan is an unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation plan under section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Advisor Group Deferral Plan also gives qualifying employee advisors the choice to defer a portion of their base salary or commissions. This deferral can be in the form of Ameriprise Financial stock or other investment options. Deferrals are not subject to future service requirements or forfeitures. Under the Advisor Group Deferral Plan, a maximum of 3.0 million shares may be issued. Awards granted under the Advisor Group Deferral Plan may be settled in cash and/or shares of the Company’s common stock according to the award’s terms. Share units receive dividend equivalents, as dividends are declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, until distribution and are subject to forfeiture until vested. Full Value Share Award Activity A summary of activity for the Company’s restricted stock awards, restricted stock units granted to employees (including advisors), compensation deferrals into stock and deferred share units for 2015 is presented below (shares in millions): Shares Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Non-vested shares at January 1 1.4 $ 80.68 Granted 0.6 129.07 Deferred 0.3 121.17 Vested (1.0 ) 95.76 Forfeited — 101.84 Non-vested shares at December 31 1.3 103.01 The deferred shares in the table above primarily relate to franchise advisor voluntary deferrals of their commissions into Ameriprise Financial stock under the Franchise Advisor Deferral Plan that are fully vested at the deferral date. The fair value of full value share awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $133 million , $259 million and $120 million , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for restricted shares, restricted stock units and deferred share units during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $128.43 , $109.60 and $68.90 , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for franchise advisor and advisor group deferrals during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $123.88 , $114.69 and $80.77 , respectively. Performance Share Units Under the 2005 ICP, the Company’s Executive Leadership Team may be awarded a target number of performance share units (“PSUs”). PSUs will be earned only to the extent that the Company attains certain goals relating to the Company’s performance and relative total shareholder returns against peers over a three -year period. The awards also have a three -year service condition with cliff vesting with an accelerated service condition based on age and length of service. The actual number of PSUs ultimately earned could vary from zero , if performance goals are not met, to as much as 200% of the target, if performance goals are significantly exceeded. The value of each target PSU is equal to the value of one share of Ameriprise common stock. The total amount of target PSUs outstanding at the end of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was 0.2 million , 0.2 million , 0.3 million , respectively. The PSUs are liability awards. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the value of shares settled for PSU awards was $27 million and $20 million , respectively. There were no settlements made for PSU awards for the years ended December 31, 2013 . Threadneedle Equity Incentive Plan Prior to 2012, certain key Threadneedle employees were eligible for awards under the EIP based on a formula tied to Threadneedle’s financial performance. Awards under the EIP were first made in April 2009; prior awards were made under the equity participation plan (“EPP”). In 2011, Threadneedle’s articles of incorporation were amended to create a new class of Threadneedle corporate units to be granted under a modified EIP plan. Employees who held EIP units granted prior to 2011 were given the choice to exchange their existing units at the exchange date. EIP awards may be settled in cash or Threadneedle corporate units according to the award’s terms. For awards granted prior to 2011, the EIP provides for 100% vesting after three years, with a mandatory call after six years. For converted units and awards granted after February 2011, the EIP provides for 100% vesting after two and a half years, with no mandatory call date. Converted units and units granted after February 2011 have dividend rights once fully vested. The EPP provides for 50% vesting after three years and 50% vesting after four years, with required cash-out after five years. EIP and EPP awards are subject to forfeitures based on future service requirements. The EIP awards were no longer awarded after 2012 and instead Threadneedle employees received awards under the 2005 ICP. The value of the EPP and EIP awards is recognized as compensation expense evenly over the vesting periods. Generally, the expense is based on the grant date fair value of the awards as determined by an annual independent valuation of Threadneedle’s fair market value; however, for awards accounted for as a liability the expense is adjusted to reflect Threadneedle’s current calculated value (the change in the value of the awards is recognized immediately for vested awards and over the remaining vesting period for unvested awards). During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , cash settlements of EPP and EIP awards were $28 million , $28 million and $23 million , respectively.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity [Text Block]	Shareholders’ Equity The following tables provide the amounts related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”): Year Ended December 31, 2015 Pretax Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Net of Tax Net unrealized securities losses: (in millions) Net unrealized securities losses arising during the period (1) $ (1,027 ) $ 359 $ (668 ) Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income (2) (6 ) 2 (4 ) Impact of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables 480 (168 ) 312 Net unrealized securities losses (553 ) 193 (360 ) Net unrealized derivatives losses: Reclassification of net derivative losses included in net income (3) 1 — 1 Net unrealized derivatives losses 1 — 1 Defined benefit plans: Prior service credit (2 ) — (2 ) Net loss arising during the period (24 ) 6 (18 ) Defined benefit plans (26 ) 6 (20 ) Foreign currency translation (46 ) 16 (30 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to Ameriprise Financial (624 ) 215 (409 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (60 ) — (60 ) Total other comprehensive loss $ (684 ) $ 215 $ (469 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Pretax Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Net of Tax Net unrealized securities gains: (in millions) Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period (1) $ 529 $ (184 ) $ 345 Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income (2) (39 ) 14 (25 ) Impact of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables (290 ) 101 (189 ) Net unrealized securities gains 200 (69 ) 131 Net unrealized derivatives losses: Reclassification of net derivative losses included in net income (3) 1 — 1 Net unrealized derivatives losses 1 — 1 Defined benefit plans: Prior service credit (1 ) — (1 ) Net loss arising during the period (37 ) 13 (24 ) Defined benefit plans (38 ) 13 (25 ) Foreign currency translation (62 ) 22 (40 ) Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial 101 (34 ) 67 Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (63 ) — (63 ) Total other comprehensive income $ 38 $ (34 ) $ 4 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Pretax Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Net of Tax Net unrealized securities losses: (in millions) Net unrealized securities losses arising during the period (1) $ (1,484 ) $ 513 $ (971 ) Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income (2) (7 ) 2 (5 ) Impact of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables 490 (171 ) 319 Net unrealized securities losses (1,001 ) 344 (657 ) Net unrealized derivatives losses: Reclassification of net derivative losses included in net income (3) 1 — 1 Net unrealized derivatives losses 1 — 1 Defined benefit plans: Prior service credit (2 ) 1 (1 ) Net gain arising during the period 71 (25 ) 46 Defined benefit plans 69 (24 ) 45 Foreign currency translation 18 (6 ) 12 Other comprehensive loss attributable to Ameriprise Financial (913 ) 314 (599 ) Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 25 — 25 Total other comprehensive loss $ (888 ) $ 314 $ (574 ) (1) Includes other-than-temporary impairment losses on Available-for-Sale securities related to factors other than credit that were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) during the period. (2) Reclassification amounts are recorded in net investment income. (3) Includes a $4 million , $4 million and $4 million pretax gain reclassified to interest and debt expenses and a $5 million , $5 million and $5 million pretax loss reclassified to net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Other comprehensive income (loss) related to net unrealized securities gains (losses) includes three components: (i) unrealized gains (losses) that arose from changes in the market value of securities that were held during the period; (ii) (gains) losses that were previously unrealized, but have been recognized in current period net income due to sales of Available-for-Sale securities and due to the reclassification of noncredit other-than-temporary impairment losses to credit losses; and (iii) other adjustments primarily consisting of changes in insurance and annuity asset and liability balances, such as DAC, DSIC, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables, to reflect the expected impact on their carrying values had the unrealized gains (losses) been realized as of the respective balance sheet dates. The following table presents the changes in the balances of each component of AOCI, net of tax: Net Unrealized Securities Gains Net Unrealized Derivatives Losses Defined Benefit Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 1,312 $ (2 ) $ (91 ) $ (25 ) $ 1,194 OCI before reclassifications (652 ) — 39 12 (601 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (5 ) 1 6 — 2 OCI attributable to Ameriprise Financial (657 ) 1 45 12 (599 ) Balance, December 31, 2013 655 (1) (1 ) (46 ) (13 ) 595 OCI before reclassifications 156 — (30 ) (40 ) 86 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (25 ) 1 5 — (19 ) OCI attributable to Ameriprise Financial 131 1 (25 ) (40 ) 67 Balance, December 31, 2014 786 (1) — (71 ) (53 ) 662 OCI before reclassifications (356 ) — (25 ) (30 ) (411 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (4 ) 1 5 — 2 OCI attributable to Ameriprise Financial (360 ) 1 (20 ) (30 ) (409 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 426 (1) $ 1 $ (91 ) $ (83 ) $ 253 (1) Includes $4 million , $5 million and $(4) million of noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities gains (losses) on previously impaired securities at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company repurchased a total of 13.9 million shares, 11.8 million shares and 17.8 million shares, respectively, of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $1.7 billion , $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion , respectively. In April 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized an expenditure of up to $2.5 billion for the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock through April 28, 2016. In December 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized additional expenditures of up to $2.5 billion worth of the Company’s common stock through December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had $2.6 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorizations. The Company may also reacquire shares of its common stock under its share-based compensation plans related to restricted stock awards and certain option exercises. The holders of restricted shares may elect to surrender a portion of their shares on the vesting date to cover their income tax obligation. These vested restricted shares are reacquired by the Company and the Company’s payment of the holders’ income tax obligations are recorded as a treasury share purchase. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company reacquired 0.4 million shares, 0.8 million shares and 0.4 million shares, respectively, of its common stock through the surrender of shares upon vesting and paid in the aggregate $49 million , $92 million and $26 million , respectively, related to the holders’ income tax obligations on the vesting date. Option holders may elect to net settle their vested awards resulting in the surrender of the number of shares required to cover the strike price and tax obligation of the options exercised. These shares are reacquired by the Company and recorded as treasury shares. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company reacquired 0.7 million shares, 2.1 million shares and 2.9 million shares, respectively, of its common stock through the net settlement of options for an aggregate value of $92 million , $252 million and $227 million , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, the Company reissued 1.0 million , 1.6 million and 1.9 million treasury shares, respectively, for restricted stock award grants, PSUs, and issuance of shares vested under the Ameriprise Financial Franchise Advisor Deferred Compensation Plan.

Earnings per Share Attributable

Earnings per Share Attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Common Shareholders	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share Attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Common Shareholders	Earnings per Share Attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Common Shareholders The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. common shareholders are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions, except per share amounts) Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 1,687 $ 2,002 $ 1,478 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 125 381 141 Income from continuing operations attributable to Ameriprise Financial 1,562 1,621 1,337 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — (2 ) (3 ) Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial $ 1,562 $ 1,619 $ 1,334 Denominator: Basic: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 181.7 191.6 203.2 Effect of potentially dilutive nonqualified stock options and other share-based awards 2.5 3.4 3.9 Diluted: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 184.2 195.0 207.1 Earnings per share attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. common shareholders: Basic: Income from continuing operations $ 8.60 $ 8.46 $ 6.58 Loss from discontinued operations — (0.01 ) (0.02 ) Net income $ 8.60 $ 8.45 $ 6.56 Diluted: Income from continuing operations $ 8.48 $ 8.31 $ 6.46 Loss from discontinued operations — (0.01 ) (0.02 ) Net income $ 8.48 $ 8.30 $ 6.44 The calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes the incremental effect of 1.7 million and 0.1 million options as of December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect. There was no incremental effect of options for 2013 .

Regulatory Requirements

Regulatory Requirements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Regulatory Requirements
Regulatory Requirements [Text Block]	Regulatory Requirements Restrictions on the transfer of funds exist under regulatory requirements applicable to certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. At December 31, 2015 , the aggregate amount of unrestricted net assets was approximately $2.0 billion . The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) defines Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) requirements for insurance companies. The RBC requirements are used by the NAIC and state insurance regulators to identify companies that merit regulatory actions designed to protect policyholders. These requirements apply to both the Company’s life and property casualty insurance companies. In addition, IDS Property Casualty is subject to the statutory surplus requirements of the State of Wisconsin. The Company’s life and property casualty companies each met their respective minimum RBC requirements. The Company’s life and property casualty insurance companies are required to prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance departments of their respective states of domicile, which vary materially from GAAP. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include publications of the NAIC, as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. The more significant differences from GAAP include charging policy acquisition costs to expense as incurred, establishing annuity and insurance reserves using different actuarial methods and assumptions, valuing investments on a different basis and excluding certain assets from the balance sheet by charging them directly to surplus, such as a portion of the net deferred income tax assets. State insurance statutes contain limitations as to the amount of dividends or distributions that insurers may make without providing prior notification to state regulators. For RiverSource Life, dividends or distributions in excess of unassigned surplus, as determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the State of Minnesota, require advance notice to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, RiverSource Life’s primary regulator, and are subject to potential disapproval. RiverSource Life’s statutory unassigned surplus aggregated $954 million and $638 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. In addition, dividends or distributions, whose fair market value, together with that of other dividends or distributions made within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of the previous year’s statutory net gain from operations or 10% of the previous year-end statutory capital and surplus are referred to as “extraordinary dividends.” Extraordinary dividends also require advance notice to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and are subject to potential disapproval. Statutory capital and surplus for RiverSource Life was $3.7 billion and $3.3 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Statutory capital and surplus for IDS Property Casualty was $684 million and $560 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Statutory net gain from operations and net income (loss) are summarized as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) RiverSource Life Statutory net gain from operations (1) $ 1,033 $ 1,412 $ 1,633 Statutory net income (1) 633 1,154 1,337 IDS Property Casualty Statutory net income (loss) (44 ) (25 ) 11 (1) Statutory net gain (loss) from operations and statutory net income (loss) are significantly impacted by changes in reserves for variable annuity guaranteed benefits, however, these impacts are substantially offset by unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives which are not included in statutory income but are recorded directly to surplus. Government debt securities of $5 million at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , held by the Company’s life insurance subsidiaries were on deposit with various states as required by law. Ameriprise Certificate Company (“ACC”) is registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). ACC markets and sells investment certificates to clients. ACC is subject to various capital requirements under the 1940 Act, laws of the State of Minnesota and understandings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The terms of the investment certificates issued by ACC and the provisions of the 1940 Act also require the maintenance by ACC of qualified assets. Under the provisions of its certificates and the 1940 Act, ACC was required to have qualified assets (as that term is defined in Section 28(b) of the 1940 Act) in the amount of $4.8 billion and $4.2 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. ACC had qualified assets of $5.1 billion and $4.5 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Ameriprise Financial and ACC entered into a Capital Support Agreement on March 2, 2009, pursuant to which Ameriprise Financial agrees to commit such capital to ACC as is necessary to satisfy applicable minimum capital requirements. Effective April 30, 2014, this agreement was amended to revise the maximum commitment to $50 million . The previous maximum commitment, set March 2, 2009, was $115 million . For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , ACC did not draw upon the Capital Support Agreement and had met all applicable capital requirements. Threadneedle’s required capital is predominantly based on the requirements specified by its regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), under its Capital Adequacy Requirements for asset managers. The Company has four broker-dealer subsidiaries, American Enterprise Investment Services Inc., Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., RiverSource Distributors, Inc. and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. The broker-dealers are subject to the net capital requirements of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Uniform Net Capital requirements of the SEC under Rule 15c3-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Ameriprise Trust Company is subject to capital adequacy requirements under the laws of the State of Minnesota as enforced by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Ameriprise National Trust Bank is subject to regulation by the Comptroller of Currency (“OCC”) and, to a limited extent, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. As a limited powers national association, Ameriprise National Trust Bank is subject to supervision under various laws and regulations enforced by the OCC, including those related to capital adequacy, liquidity and conflicts of interest.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	Income Taxes The components of income tax provision attributable to continuing operations were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Current income tax Federal $ 509 $ 248 $ 549 State and local 36 33 24 Foreign 41 36 37 Total current income tax 586 317 610 Deferred income tax Federal (124 ) 202 (102 ) State and local (4 ) 30 (10 ) Foreign (3 ) (4 ) (6 ) Total deferred income tax (131 ) 228 (118 ) Total income tax provision $ 455 $ 545 $ 492 The geographic sources of pretax income from continuing operations were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) United States $ 1,710 $ 1,858 $ 1,640 Foreign 432 689 330 Total $ 2,142 $ 2,547 $ 1,970 In December 2014, the Company received IRS approval for a change in accounting method related to variable annuity hedging. Accordingly, the Company began using the approved method of accounting in the fourth quarter of 2014. The change to the approved method increased deferred tax expense and current tax receivables with a corresponding decrease to current tax expense and deferred tax assets of approximately $300 million in 2014. The principal reasons that the aggregate income tax provision attributable to continuing operations is different from that computed by using the U.S. statutory rate of 35% were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Tax at U.S. statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Changes in taxes resulting from: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2.0 ) (5.2 ) (2.5 ) Dividend exclusion (6.7 ) (4.7 ) (5.1 ) Low income housing tax credits (3.0 ) (2.1 ) (2.7 ) Foreign tax credits, net of addback (2.1 ) (2.0 ) (0.9 ) State taxes, net of federal benefit — 1.6 0.5 Tax-exempt interest income — (0.7 ) (0.9 ) Taxes applicable to prior years — (0.2 ) — Other, net 0.1 (0.3 ) 1.6 Income tax provision 21.3 % 21.4 % 25.0 % The decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate in 2014 compared to 2013 is primarily the result of an increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and an increase in foreign tax credits, as well as a $17 million benefit in 2014 related to the completion of an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit. Accumulated earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries, which totaled $272 million at December 31, 2015 , are intended to be permanently reinvested outside the United States. Accordingly, U.S. federal taxes, which would have aggregated $63 million , have not been provided on those earnings. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the assets and liabilities measured for GAAP reporting versus income tax return purposes. The significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which are included net within other assets or other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Deferred income tax assets Liabilities for policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims $ 1,391 $ 1,292 Deferred compensation 384 350 Investment related 118 83 Postretirement benefits 56 — Loss carryovers and tax credit carryforwards — 25 Other 87 102 Gross deferred income tax assets 2,036 1,852 Less: valuation allowance 11 20 Total deferred income tax assets 2,025 1,832 Deferred income tax liabilities Deferred acquisition costs 730 738 Net unrealized gains on Available-for-Sale securities 233 424 Depreciation expense 169 131 Deferred sales inducement costs 125 128 Intangible assets 113 96 Goodwill 66 — Other 18 101 Gross deferred income tax liabilities 1,454 1,618 Net deferred income tax assets $ 571 $ 214 Included in the Company’s deferred income tax assets are tax benefits related to state net operating losses of $16 million , net of federal benefit, which will expire beginning December 31, 2016 . Based on analysis of the Company’s tax position, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize certain state deferred tax assets and state net operating losses and therefore a valuation allowance of $11 million has been established. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Balance at January 1 $ 242 $ 209 $ 116 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 18 17 22 Additions for tax positions of prior years 48 35 74 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (147 ) (19 ) (3 ) Balance at December 31 $ 161 $ 242 $ 209 If recognized, approximately $57 million , $57 million and $62 million , net of federal tax benefits, of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, would affect the effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next 12 months. The Company estimates that the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $90 million to $100 million in the next 12 months primarily due to resolution of IRS examinations. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the income tax provision. The Company recognized a net increase of $3 million , $6 million , and $6 million in interest and penalties for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had a payable of $51 million and $48 million , respectively, related to accrued interest and penalties. The Company or one or more of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The IRS has completed its field examination of the 1997 through 2011 tax returns. However, for federal income tax purposes, tax years 1997 through 2006, 2008, and 2009 remain open for certain unagreed-upon issues. The IRS is currently auditing the Company’s U.S. Income Tax Returns for 2012 and 2013. The Company’s or certain of its subsidiaries’ state income tax returns are currently under examination by various jurisdictions for years ranging from 1997 through 2012 and remain open for all years after 2012.

Retirement Plans and Profit Sha

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements [Text Block]	Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements Defined Benefit Plans Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits The Company’s U.S. non-advisor employees are generally eligible for the Ameriprise Financial Retirement Plan (the “Retirement Plan”), a noncontributory defined benefit plan which is a qualified plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). Funding of costs for the Retirement Plan complies with the applicable minimum funding requirements specified by ERISA and is held in a trust. The Retirement Plan is a cash balance plan by which the employees’ accrued benefits are based on notional account balances, which are maintained for each individual. Each pay period these balances are credited with an amount equal to a percentage of eligible compensation as defined by the Retirement Plan (which includes, but is not limited to, base pay, performance based incentive pay, commissions, shift differential and overtime). Prior to March 1, 2010, the percentage ranged from 2.5% to 10% based on employees’ age plus years of service. Effective March 1, 2010, the percentage ranges from 2.5% to 5% based on employees’ years of service. Employees eligible for the plan at the time of the change will continue to receive the same percentage they were receiving until the new schedule becomes more favorable. Employees’ balances are also credited with a fixed rate of interest that is updated each January 1 and is based on the average of the daily five -year U.S. Treasury Note yields for the previous October 1 through November 30, with a minimum crediting rate of 5% . Employees are fully vested after three years of service or upon retirement at or after age 65, disability or death while employed. Employees have the option to receive annuity payments or a lump sum payout of vested balance at termination or retirement. The Retirement Plan’s year-end is September 30. In addition, the Company sponsors the Ameriprise Financial Supplemental Retirement Plan (the “SRP”), an unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation plan subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. This plan is for certain highly compensated employees to replace the benefit that cannot be provided by the Retirement Plan due to IRS limits. The SRP generally parallels the Retirement Plan but offers different payment options. The Company also sponsors unfunded defined benefit postretirement plans that provide health care and life insurance to retired U.S. employees. Net periodic postretirement benefit costs were nil for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 . Most employees outside the U.S. are covered by local retirement plans, some of which are funded, while other employees receive payments at the time of retirement or termination under applicable labor laws or agreements. The components of the net periodic benefit cost for pension plans were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Service cost $ 46 $ 43 $ 46 Interest cost 27 28 23 Expected return on plan assets (40 ) (38 ) (33 ) Amortization of prior service costs (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization of net loss 9 7 11 Other 4 3 2 Net periodic benefit cost $ 45 $ 42 $ 48 The prior service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active participants. Actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected average remaining service period of active participants. The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the benefit obligation: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Benefit obligation, January 1 $ 776 $ 676 $ 18 $ 18 Service cost 46 43 — — Interest cost 27 28 1 1 Benefits paid (6 ) (7 ) (3 ) (4 ) Actuarial (gain) loss (3 ) 30 — — Participant contributions — — 2 3 Settlements (20 ) (20 ) — — Foreign currency rate changes (8 ) (8 ) — — Additional voluntary contribution ("AVC") obligation — 34 — — Benefit obligation, December 31 $ 812 $ 776 $ 18 $ 18 The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of assets: Pension Plans 2015 2014 (in millions) Fair value of plan assets, January 1 $ 612 $ 544 Actual return on plan assets (9 ) 37 Employer contributions 40 47 Benefits paid (6 ) (7 ) Settlements (20 ) (20 ) Foreign currency rate changes (9 ) (8 ) AVC asset — 19 Fair value of plan assets, December 31 $ 608 $ 612 The AVC obligation and asset included in the tables above relate to a retirement plan provided to employees outside the U.S., which allows participants to make voluntary contributions to be converted at retirement into additional defined benefit pension provided by the plan. Participant contributions are invested in one or more pooled pension funds available under the plan. The Company complies with the minimum funding requirements in all countries. The following table provides the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, which equal the funded status of the plans: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Benefit liability $ (223 ) $ (178 ) $ (18 ) $ (18 ) Benefit asset 19 14 — — Net amount recognized $ (204 ) $ (164 ) $ (18 ) $ (18 ) The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $740 million and $702 million , respectively. The following table provides information for pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Accumulated benefit obligation $ 620 $ 582 Fair value of plan assets 446 449 Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Projected benefit obligation $ 668 $ 628 Fair value of plan assets 446 449 The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rates 3.66 % 3.44 % 3.90 % 3.60 % Rates of increase in compensation levels 4.36 4.35 N/A N/A Healthcare cost increase rates: Next year trend rate N/A N/A 5.75 6.00 Ultimate trend rate N/A N/A 5.00 5.00 Years to ultimate trend rate N/A N/A 3 4 The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost of pension plans were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Discount rates 3.43 % 4.06 % 3.45 % Rates of increase in compensation levels 4.41 4.38 4.36 Expected long-term rates of return on assets 7.10 7.58 7.62 In developing the expected long-term rate of return on assets, management evaluated input from an external consulting firm, including their projection of asset class return expectations and long-term inflation assumptions. The Company also considered historical returns on the plans’ assets. Discount rates are based on yields available on high-quality corporate bonds that would generate cash flows necessary to pay the benefits when due. A one percentage-point change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates would not have a material effect on the postretirement benefit obligation or net periodic postretirement benefit costs. The Company’s pension plans’ assets are invested in an aggregate diversified portfolio to minimize the impact of any adverse or unexpected results from a security class on the entire portfolio. Diversification is interpreted to include diversification by asset type, performance and risk characteristics and number of investments. When appropriate and consistent with the objectives of the plans, derivative instruments may be used to mitigate risk or provide further diversification, subject to the investment policies of the plans. Asset classes and ranges considered appropriate for investment of the plans’ assets are determined by each plan’s investment committee. The target allocations are 70% equity securities, 20% debt securities and 10% all other types of investments, except for the assets in pooled pension funds which are 65% equity securities and 35% debt securities and AVC assets which are allocated at the discretion of the individual. Actual allocations will generally be within 5% of these targets. At December 31, 2015 , there were no significant holdings of any single issuer and the exposure to derivative instruments was not significant. The following tables present the Company’s pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2015 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Equity securities: U.S. large cap stocks $ 74 $ 83 $ — $ 157 U.S. small cap stocks 55 3 — 58 Non-U.S. large cap stocks 21 34 — 55 Non-U.S. small cap stocks 21 — — 21 Emerging markets 14 21 — 35 Debt securities: U.S. investment grade bonds 19 14 — 33 U.S. high yield bonds — 26 — 26 Non-U.S. investment grade bonds — 14 — 14 Real estate investment trusts — — 16 16 Hedge funds — — 21 21 Pooled pension funds — 143 — 143 AVC assets (pooled pension funds) — 19 — 19 Cash equivalents 10 — — 10 Total $ 214 $ 357 $ 37 $ 608 December 31, 2014 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Equity securities: U.S. large cap stocks $ 74 $ 84 $ — $ 158 U.S. small cap stocks 59 1 — 60 Non-U.S. large cap stocks 21 33 — 54 Non-U.S. small cap stocks 18 — — 18 Emerging markets 15 24 — 39 Debt securities: U.S. investment grade bonds 19 15 — 34 U.S. high yield bonds — 27 — 27 Non-U.S. investment grade bonds — 15 — 15 Real estate investment trusts — — 14 14 Hedge funds — — 21 21 Pooled pension funds — 144 — 144 AVC assets (pooled pension funds) — 19 — 19 Cash equivalents 9 — — 9 Total $ 215 $ 362 $ 35 $ 612 Equity securities are managed to track the performance of common market indices for both U.S. and non-U.S. securities, primarily across large cap, small cap and emerging market asset classes. Debt securities are managed to track the performance of common market indices for both U.S. and non-U.S. investment grade bonds as well as a pool of U.S. high yield bonds. Real estate investment trusts are managed to track the performance of a broad population of investment grade non-agricultural income producing properties. The Company’s investments in hedge funds include investments in a multi-strategy fund and an off-shore fund managed to track the performance of broad fund of fund indices. Pooled pension funds are managed to track a specific benchmark based on the investment objectives of the fund. Cash equivalents consist of holdings in a money market fund that seeks to equal the return of the three month U.S. Treasury bill. The fair value of real estate investment trusts is based primarily on the underlying cash flows of the properties within the trusts which are significant unobservable inputs and classified as Level 3. The fair value of the hedge funds is based on the proportionate share of the underlying net assets of the funds, which are significant unobservable inputs and classified as Level 3. The fair value of pooled pension funds and equity securities held in collective trust funds is based on the fund’s NAV and classified as Level 2 as they trade in principal-to-principal markets. Equity securities and mutual funds traded in active markets are classified as Level 1. For debt securities and cash equivalents, the valuation techniques and classifications are consistent with those used for the Company’s own investments as described in Note 14. The following table provides a summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring ba sis: Asset Category Real Estate Investment Trusts Hedge Funds (in millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 12 $ 18 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date — 2 Purchases 2 — Sales (12 ) — Balance at December 31, 2013 2 20 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 1 1 Purchases 11 — Balance at December 31, 2014 14 21 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 2 — Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 16 $ 21 The amounts recognized in AOCI, net of tax, as of December 31, 2015 but not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost included an unrecognized actuarial loss of $97 million and an unrecognized prior service credit of $2 million related to the Company’s pension plans and an unrecognized actuarial gain of $4 million related to the Company’s other postretirement plans. The estimated amounts that will be amortized from AOCI, net of tax, into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 include a prior service credit of $1 million and an actuarial loss of $4 million related to Company’s pension plans and an actuarial gain of $1 million related to Company’s other postretirement plans. See Note 18 for a rollforward of AOCI related to the Company’s defined benefit plans. The Company’s pension plans expect to make benefit payments to retirees as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Plans (in millions) 2016 $ 71 $ 2 2017 75 2 2018 74 2 2019 78 1 2020 76 1 2021-2025 322 6 The Company expects to contribute $23 million and $2 million to its pension plans and other postretirement plans, respectively, in 2016 . Defined Contribution Plans The Company’s employees are generally eligible to participate in the Ameriprise Financial 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan allows eligible employees to make contributions through payroll deductions up to IRS limits and invest their contributions in one or more of the 401(k) Plan investment options, which include the Ameriprise Financial Stock Fund. The Company provides a dollar for dollar match up to the first 5% of eligible compensation an employee contributes on a pretax and/or Roth 401(k) basis for each annual period. Under the 401(k) Plan, employees become eligible for contributions under the plan during the pay period they reach 60 days of service. Match contributions are fully vested after five years of service, vesting ratably over the first five years of service, or upon retirement at or after age 65, disability or death while employed. The Company’s defined contribution plan expense was $47 million , $37 million and $35 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Employees outside the U.S. who are not covered by the 401(k) may be covered by local defined contribution plans which are subject to applicable laws and rules of the country where the plan is administered. The Company’s expense related to defined contribution plans outside the U.S. was $6 million , $6 million and $5 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Threadneedle Profit Sharing Plan On an annual basis, Threadneedle employees are eligible for a profit sharing arrangement. The profit sharing percentage is variable and linked to certain performance criteria. Compensation expense related to the employee profit sharing plan was $60 million , $66 million and $69 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Commitments, Guarantees and Con

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block]	Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies Commitments The Company is committed to pay aggre gate minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases for office facilities and equipment in future years as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 56 2017 54 2018 45 2019 33 2020 26 Thereafter 63 Total (1) $ 277 (1) Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals due in the future under noncancelable subleases. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , operating lease expense was $67 million , $85 million and $85 million , respectively. The following table presents the Company’s funding commitments as of December 31: 2015 2014 (in millions) Commercial mortgage loans $ 73 $ 55 Consumer mortgage loans 447 491 Consumer lines of credit 3 3 Affordable housing partnerships 117 124 Total funding commitments $ 640 $ 673 Since the Company expects many of the commitments related to consumer mortgage loans to expire without being drawn, total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent the Company’s future liquidity requirements. In addition, the commitments include consumer credit lines that are cancelable upon notification to the consumer. Guarantees The Company’s life and annuity products all have minimum interest rate guarantees in their fixed accounts. As of December 31, 2015 , these guarantees range up to 5% . The Company is required by law to be a member of the guaranty fund association in every state where it is licensed to do business. In the event of insolvency of one or more unaffiliated insurance companies, the Company could be adversely affected by the requirement to pay assessments to the guaranty fund associations. The Company projects its cost of future guaranty fund assessments based on estimates of insurance company insolvencies provided by the National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations (“NOLHGA”) and the amount of its premiums written relative to the industry-wide premium in each state. The Company accrues the estimated cost of future guaranty fund assessments when it is considered probable that an assessment will be imposed, the event obligating the Company to pay the assessment has occurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated. The Company has a liability for estimated guaranty fund assessments and a related premium tax asset. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the estimated liability was $13 million and $14 million , respectively. The related premium tax asset at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $12 million . The expected period over which guaranty fund assessments will be made and the related tax credits recovered is not known. Contingencies The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in the normal course of business in legal, regulatory and arbitration proceedings, including class actions, concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of its activities as a diversified financial services firm. These include proceedings specific to the Company as well as proceedings generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which it operates. The Company can also be subject to litigation arising out of its general business activities, such as its investments, contracts, leases and employment relationships. Uncertain economic conditions, heightened and sustained volatility in the financial markets and significant financial reform legislation may increase the likelihood that clients and other persons or regulators may present or threaten legal claims or that regulators increase the scope or frequency of examinations of the Company or the financial services industry generally. As with other financial services firms, the level of regulatory activity and inquiry concerning the Company’s businesses remains elevated. From time to time, the Company receives requests for information from, and/or has been subject to examination or claims by, the SEC, FINRA, the OCC, the UK Financial Conduct Authority, state insurance and securities regulators, state attorneys general and various other domestic or foreign governmental and quasi-governmental authorities on behalf of themselves or clients concerning the Company’s business activities and practices, and the practices of the Company’s financial advisors. The Company has numerous pending matters which include information requests, exams or inquiries that the Company has received during recent periods regarding certain matters, including: sales and distribution of mutual funds, annuities, equity and fixed income securities, real estate investment trusts, insurance products, and financial advice offerings; supervision of the Company’s financial advisors; administration of insurance and annuity claims; security of client information; trading activity; and front office systems and controls at the Company’s UK subsidiary. The Company is also responding to regulatory audits, market conduct examinations and other state inquiries relating to an industry-wide investigation of unclaimed property and escheatment practices and procedures. The number of reviews and investigations has increased in recent years with regard to many firms in the financial services industry, including Ameriprise Financial. The Company has cooperated and will continue to cooperate with the applicable regulators. These legal and regulatory proceedings and disputes are subject to uncertainties and, as such, it is inherently difficult to determine whether any loss is probable or even possible, or to reasonably estimate the amount of any loss. The Company cannot predict with certainty if, how or when any such proceedings will be initiated or resolved or what the eventual settlement, fine, penalty or other relief, if any, may be, particularly for proceedings that are in their early stages of development or where plaintiffs seek indeterminate damages. Numerous issues may need to be resolved, including through potentially lengthy discovery and determination of important factual matters, and by addressing unsettled legal questions relevant to the proceedings in question, before a loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated for any proceeding. An adverse outcome in one or more proceeding could eventually result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other sanctions, in addition to further claims, examinations or adverse publicity that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company establishes an accrued liability for contingent litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and can be reasonably estimated. In such cases, there still may be an exposure to loss in excess of any amounts reasonably estimated and accrued. When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, the Company does not establish an accrued liability, but continues to monitor, in conjunction with any outside counsel handling a matter, further developments that would make such loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. Once the Company establishes an accrued liability with respect to a loss contingency, the Company continues to monitor the matter for further developments that could affect the amount of the accrued liability that has been previously established, and any appropriate adjustments are made each quarter. Certain legal and regulatory proceedings are described below. In November 2014, a lawsuit was filed against the Company’s London-based asset management affiliate in England’s High Court of Justice Commercial Court, entitled Otkritie Capital International Ltd and JSC Otkritie Holding v. Threadneedle Asset Management Ltd. and Threadneedle Management Services Ltd. (“Threadneedle Defendants”). Claimants allege that the Threadneedle Defendants should be held liable for the wrongful acts of one of its former employees, who in February 2014 was held jointly and severally liable with several other parties for conspiracy and dishonest assistance in connection with a fraud perpetrated against Claimants in 2011. Claimants allege they were harmed by that fraud in the amount of $120 million . The Threadneedle Defendants applied to the Court for an Order dismissing the proceedings as an abuse of process of the Court. This application was declined in August 2015. The Threadneedle Defendants applied to the Court of Appeal for leave to appeal, which application was granted in November 2015. A hearing on the appeal is expected in January 2017 and the case is stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the range of loss, if any, that may result from this matter due to the early procedural status of the case, the number of parties involved, and the failure to allege any specific, evidence based damages.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions [Text Block]	Related Party Transactions The Company may engage in transactions in the ordinary course of business with significant shareholders or their subsidiaries, between the Company and its directors and officers or with other companies whose directors or officers may also serve as directors or officers for the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company carries out these transactions on customary terms. The transactions have not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. The Company’s executive officers and directors may have transactions with the Company or its subsidiaries involving financial products and insurance services. All obligations arising from these transactions are in the ordinary course of the Company’s business and are on the same terms in effect for comparable transactions with the general public. Such obligations involve normal risks of collection and do not have features or terms that are unfavorable to the Company or its subsidiaries.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information [Text Block]	Segment Information The Company’s reporting segments are Advice & Wealth Management, Asset Management, Annuities, Protection and Corporate & Other. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company, except for operating adjustments defined below, the method of capital allocation, the accounting for gains (losses) from intercompany revenues and expenses and not providing for income taxes on a segment basis. The largest source of intersegment revenues and expenses is retail distribution services, where segments are charged transfer pricing rates that approximate arm’s length market prices for distribution through the Advice & Wealth Management segment. The Advice & Wealth Management segment provides distribution services for affiliated and non-affiliated products and services. The Asset Management segment provides investment management services for the Company’s owned assets and client assets, and accordingly charges investment and advisory management fees to the other segments. All costs related to shared services are allocated to the segments based on a rate times volume or fixed basis. The Advice & Wealth Management segment provides financial planning and advice, as well as full-service brokerage services, primarily to retail clients through the Company’s advisors. These services are centered on long-term, personal relationships between the Company’s advisors and its clients and focus on helping clients confidently achieve their financial goals. The Company’s advisors provide a distinctive approach to financial planning and have access to a broad selection of both affiliated and non-affiliated products to help clients meet their financial needs. A significant portion of revenues in this segment is fee-based, driven by the level of client assets, which is impacted by both market movements and net asset flows. The Company also earns net investment income on invested assets primarily from certificate products. This segment earns revenues (distribution fees) for distributing non-affiliated products and intersegment revenues (distribution fees) for distributing the Company’s affiliated products and services provided to its retail clients. Intersegment expenses for this segment include expenses for investment management services provided by the Asset Management segment. The Asset Management segment provides investment management and advice and investment products to retail, high net worth and institutional clients on a global scale through Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a new brand launched on March 30, 2015 that represents the combined capabilities, resources and reach of Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (“Columbia Management”) and Threadneedle. Although the group now operates under one brand, established investment teams, strategies and processes in place at both firms will not change as a result of the new brand, nor will existing funds or client portfolios and mandates. Columbia Management primarily provides products and services in the U.S. and Threadneedle primarily provides products and services internationally. The Company provides U.S. retail clients with products through unaffiliated third party financial institutions and through the Advice & Wealth Management segment, and provides institutional products and services through its institutional sales force. International retail products are primarily distributed through third-party financial institutions and unaffiliated financial advisors. Retail products include U.S. mutual funds and their non-U.S. equivalents, exchange-traded funds and variable product funds underlying insurance and annuity separate accounts. Institutional asset management services are designed to meet specific client objectives and may involve a range of products, including those that focus on traditional asset classes, separately managed accounts, individually managed accounts, CLOs, hedge fund or alternative strategies, collective funds and property funds. CLOs, hedge fund or alternative strategies and certain private funds are often classified as alternative assets. Revenues in this segment are primarily earned as fees based on managed asset balances, which are impacted by market movements, net asset flows, asset allocation and product mix. The Company may also earn performance fees from certain accounts where investment performance meets or exceeds certain pre-identified targets. The Asset Management segment also provides intercompany asset management services for Ameriprise Financial subsidiaries. The fees for all such services are reflected within the Asset Management segment results through intersegment transfer pricing. Intersegment expenses for this segment include distribution expenses for services provided by the Advice & Wealth Management, Annuities and Protection segments. The Annuities segment provides variable and fixed annuity products of RiverSource Life companies to individual clients. The Company provides variable annuity products through its advisors and its fixed annuity products are distributed through both affiliated and unaffiliated advisors and financial institutions. Revenues for the Company’s variable annuity products are primarily earned as fees based on underlying account balances, which are impacted by both market movements and net asset flows. Revenues for the Company’s fixed annuity products are primarily earned as net investment income on assets supporting fixed account balances, with profitability significantly impacted by the spread between net investment income earned and interest credited on the fixed account balances. The Company also earns net investment income on owned assets supporting reserves for immediate annuities and for certain guaranteed benefits offered with variable annuities and on capital supporting the business. Intersegment revenues for this segment reflect fees paid by the Asset Management segment for marketing support and other services provided in connection with the availability of variable insurance trust funds (“VIT Funds”) under the variable annuity contracts. Intersegment expenses for this segment include distribution expenses for services provided by the Advice & Wealth Management segment, as well as expenses for investment management services provided by the Asset Management segment. The Protection segment offers a variety of products to address the protection and risk management needs of the Company’s retail clients including life, DI and property casualty insurance. Life and DI products are primarily provided through the Company’s advisors. The Company’s property casualty products are sold through affinity relationships. The Company issues insurance policies through its life insurance subsidiaries and the Property Casualty companies. The primary sources of revenues for this segment are premiums, fees, and charges that the Company receives to assume insurance-related risk. The Company earns net investment income on owned assets supporting insurance reserves and capital supporting the business. The Company also receives fees based on the level of assets supporting VUL separate account balances. This segment earns intersegment revenues from fees paid by the Asset Management segment for marketing support and other services provided in connection with the availability of VIT Funds under the VUL contracts. Intersegment expenses for this segment include distribution expenses for services provided by the Advice & Wealth Management segment, as well as expenses for investment management services provided by the Asset Management segment. The Corporate & Other segment consists of net investment income or loss on corporate level assets, including excess capital held in the Company’s subsidiaries and other unallocated equity and other revenues as well as unallocated corporate expenses. The Corporate & Other segment also includes revenues and expenses of consolidated investment entities, which are excluded on an operating basis. Management uses segment operating measures in goal setting, as a basis for determining employee compensation and in evaluating performance on a basis comparable to that used by some securities analysts and investors. Consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is the Company’s measure of segment performance. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP income from continuing operations before income tax provision. The Company believes the presentation of segment operating earnings, as the Company measures it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of its business by reflecting the underlying performance of its core operations and facilitating a more meaningful trend analysis. Operating earnings is defined as operating net revenues less operating expenses. Operating net revenues and operating expenses exclude the results of discontinued operations, the market impact on IUL benefits (net of hedges and the related DAC amortization, unearned revenue amortization, and the reinsurance accrual), integration and restructuring charges and the impact of consolidating investment entities. Operating net revenues also exclude net realized investment gains or losses. Operating expenses also exclude the market impact on variable annuity guaranteed benefits (net of hedges and the related DSIC and DAC amortization). The market impact on variable annuity guaranteed benefits and IUL benefits includes changes in embedded derivative values caused by changes in financial market conditions, net of changes in economic hedge values and unhedged items including the difference between assumed and actual underlying separate account investment performance, fixed income credit exposures, transaction costs and certain policyholder contract elections, net of related impacts on DAC and DSIC amortization. The market impact also includes certain valuation adjustments made in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, including the impact on embedded derivative values of discounting projected benefits to reflect a current estimate of the Company’s life insurance subsidiary’s nonperformance spread. Integration and restructuring charges primarily relate to the Company’s acquisition of the long-term asset management business of Columbia Management Group on April 30, 2010. The costs include system integration costs, proxy and other regulatory filing costs, employee reduction and retention costs and investment banking, legal and other acquisition costs. Beginning in the second quarter of 2012, integration and restructuring charges also include expenses related to the Company’s transition of its federal savings bank subsidiary, Ameriprise Bank, FSB, to a limited powers national trust bank. The following tables summarize selected financial information by segment and reconcile segment totals to those reported on the consolidated financial statements: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Advice & Wealth Management $ 11,338 $ 10,220 Asset Management 7,931 7,509 Annuities 94,002 98,535 Protection 20,755 20,779 Corporate & Other 11,316 11,767 Total assets $ 145,342 $ 148,810 Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Operating net revenues: Advice & Wealth Management $ 5,013 $ 4,806 $ 4,295 Asset Management 3,254 3,320 3,169 Annuities 2,541 2,591 2,561 Protection 2,384 2,287 2,186 Corporate & Other 3 4 15 Eliminations (1) (1,461 ) (1,417 ) (1,369 ) Total segment operating revenues 11,734 11,591 10,857 Net realized gains 4 37 7 Revenue attributable to CIEs 446 651 345 Market impact on IUL benefits, net 7 (11 ) (10 ) Market impact of hedges on investments (21 ) — — Total net revenues per consolidated statements of operations (2) $ 12,170 $ 12,268 $ 11,199 (1) Represents the elimination of intersegment revenues recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 in each segment as follows: Advice and Wealth Management ( $1,035 , $997 and $980 , respectively); Asset Management ( $43 , $44 and $39 , respectively); Annuities ( $340 , $235 and $307 , respectively); Protection ( $42 , $139 and $40 , respectively); and Corporate & Other ( $1 , $2 and $3 , respectively). (2) Includes foreign net revenues of $1,038 , $1,315 and $897 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Operating earnings: Advice & Wealth Management $ 859 $ 792 $ 592 Asset Management 761 788 691 Annuities 650 633 629 Protection 183 246 336 Corporate & Other (199 ) (230 ) (229 ) Total segment operating earnings 2,254 2,229 2,019 Net realized gains 4 37 7 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 125 381 141 Market impact on variable annuity guaranteed benefits, net (214 ) (94 ) (170 ) Market impact on IUL benefits, net (1 ) (6 ) (13 ) Market impact of hedges on investments (21 ) — — Integration and restructuring charges (5 ) — (14 ) Income from continuing operations before income tax provision per consolidated statements of operations $ 2,142 $ 2,547 $ 1,970

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 2015 2014 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 (in millions, except per share data) Net revenues $ 3,103 $ 2,886 $ 3,128 $ 3,053 $ 3,089 $ 3,111 $ 3,072 $ 2,996 Income from continuing operations before income tax provision 446 463 615 618 558 720 619 650 Income from continuing operations 380 352 476 479 454 565 467 516 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — — (1 ) — — (1 ) Net income 380 352 476 479 453 565 467 515 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 23 (45 ) 61 86 28 145 93 115 Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial $ 357 $ 397 $ 415 $ 393 $ 425 $ 420 $ 374 $ 400 Earnings per share attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. common shareholders: Basic Income from continuing operations $ 2.02 $ 2.20 $ 2.26 $ 2.11 $ 2.27 $ 2.21 $ 1.94 $ 2.05 Loss from discontinued operations — — — — (0.01 ) — — — Net income $ 2.02 $ 2.20 $ 2.26 $ 2.11 $ 2.26 $ 2.21 $ 1.94 $ 2.05 Diluted Income from continuing operations $ 2.00 $ 2.17 $ 2.23 $ 2.08 $ 2.23 $ 2.17 $ 1.91 $ 2.01 Loss from discontinued operations — — — — (0.01 ) — — — Net income $ 2.00 $ 2.17 $ 2.23 $ 2.08 $ 2.22 $ 2.17 $ 1.91 $ 2.01 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 176.6 180.4 183.8 186.3 187.9 190.3 192.7 195.5 Diluted 178.9 182.7 186.4 189.1 191.2 193.7 196.2 199.1 Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.67 $ 0.67 $ 0.67 $ 0.58 $ 0.58 $ 0.58 $ 0.58 $ 0.52 Common share price: High 120.29 129.22 131.76 138.26 137.33 128.51 120.32 116.82 Low 100.08 95.52 120.83 121.49 105.41 116.02 100.94 101.29

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIA

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Parent Company Only)	Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Revenues Management and financial advice fees $ (1 ) $ — $ 4 Distribution fees — — 1 Net investment income 2 30 33 Other revenues 14 11 7 Total revenues 15 41 45 Expenses Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses 13 11 19 Interest and debt expense 124 118 123 General and administrative expense 193 195 221 Total expenses 330 324 363 Pretax loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries (315 ) (283 ) (318 ) Income tax benefit (123 ) (88 ) (85 ) Loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries (192 ) (195 ) (233 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries excluding discontinued operations 1,754 1,816 1,570 Net income from continuing operations 1,562 1,621 1,337 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — (2 ) (3 ) Net income 1,562 1,619 1,334 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (409 ) 67 (599 ) Total comprehensive income $ 1,153 $ 1,686 $ 735 See Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant. Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions, except share amounts) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 661 $ 1,257 Investments 513 1,181 Loans to subsidiaries 167 167 Due from subsidiaries 227 212 Receivables 40 22 Land, buildings, equipment, and software, net of accumulated depreciation of $993 and $823, respectively 294 232 Investments in subsidiaries 7,779 7,762 Other assets 1,425 1,577 Total assets $ 11,106 $ 12,410 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 198 $ 211 Due to subsidiaries 148 329 Borrowings from subsidiaries 331 349 Debt 2,707 3,062 Other liabilities 642 569 Total liabilities 4,026 4,520 Shareholders’ Equity: Common shares ($.01 par value; shares authorized, 1,250,000,000; shares issued, 322,822,746 and 320,990,255, respectively) 3 3 Additional paid-in capital 7,611 7,345 Retained earnings 9,551 8,469 Treasury shares, at cost (151,789,486 and 137,880,746 shares, respectively) (10,338 ) (8,589 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, including amounts applicable to equity investments in subsidiaries 253 662 Total shareholders’ equity 7,080 7,890 Total liabilities and equity $ 11,106 $ 12,410 See Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant. Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net income $ 1,562 $ 1,619 $ 1,334 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries excluding discontinued operations (1,754 ) (1,816 ) (1,570 ) Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — 2 3 Dividends received from subsidiaries 1,485 1,569 1,163 Other operating activities, primarily with subsidiaries 183 614 (34 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 1,476 1,988 896 Cash Flows from Investing Activities Available-for-Sale securities: Proceeds from sales 112 62 2 Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls 506 284 191 Purchases (28 ) (756 ) (109 ) Proceeds from sale of other investments 62 — 43 Purchase of other investments (5 ) (50 ) (1 ) Purchase of land, buildings, equipment and software (47 ) (40 ) (54 ) Contributions to subsidiaries (271 ) (31 ) (106 ) Return of capital from subsidiaries 146 284 470 Repayment of loans to subsidiaries 2,897 3,402 1,420 Issuance of loans to subsidiaries (2,897 ) (3,112 ) (1,412 ) Other, net 7 99 20 Net cash provided by investing activities 482 142 464 Cash Flows from Financing Activities Dividends paid to shareholders (465 ) (426 ) (401 ) Repurchase of common shares (1,741 ) (1,577 ) (1,583 ) Cash paid for purchased options with deferred premiums (19 ) (388 ) (4 ) Cash received for purchased options with deferred premiums — 59 23 Issuances of debt, net of issuance costs — 543 744 Repayments of long-term debt (409 ) (200 ) (350 ) Loans from subsidiaries — 15 — Repayment of loans from subsidiaries (18 ) (15 ) — Exercise of stock options 16 33 118 Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 81 162 120 Other, net 1 (4 ) (2 ) Net cash used in financing activities (2,554 ) (1,798 ) (1,335 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (596 ) 332 25 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,257 925 900 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 661 $ 1,257 $ 925 Supplemental Disclosures: Interest paid on debt $ 154 $ 145 $ 129 Income taxes paid, net 378 482 354 Non-cash dividends from subsidiaries 52 152 — Non-cash contributions to subsidiaries — 51 — See Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant. Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying Condensed Financial Statements include the accounts of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (the “Registrant,” “Ameriprise Financial” or “Parent Company”) and, on an equity basis, its subsidiaries and affiliates. The appropriated retained earnings of consolidated investment entities are not included on the Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The financial information of the Parent Company should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes of Ameriprise Financial. Parent Company revenues and expenses, other than compensation and benefits and debt and interest expense, are primarily related to intercompany transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates. The change in the fair value of derivative instruments used as hedges is reflected in the Parent Company Only Condensed Statements of Operations. For certain of these derivatives, the change in the hedged item is reflected in the subsidiaries’ Statements of Operations. The change in fair value of derivatives used to hedge asset-based distribution fees is included in distribution fees, while the underlying distribution fee revenue is reflected in equity in earnings of subsidiaries. The change in fair value of derivatives used to economically hedge exposure to equity price risk of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. common stock granted as part of the Ameriprise Financial Franchise Advisor Deferred Compensation Plan is included in distribution expenses, while the underlying distribution expenses are reflected in equity in earnings of subsidiaries. The change in fair value of certain derivatives used to economically hedge risk related to GMWB provisions is included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses, while the underlying benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses are reflected in equity in earnings of subsidiaries. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Parent Company recorded a capital lease that had previously been incorrectly recorded as an operating lease for Ameriprise Financial Center. The cumulative adjustment included a capital lease asset of $70 million , net of accumulated depreciation, and a related capital lease obligation of $60 million and a $10 million increase in pretax income. The impact to the prior period financial statements was not material. The lease term for Ameriprise Financial Center began in November 2000 and extends for 20 years, with several options to extend the term. 2. Discontinued Operations The results of Securities America Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Securities America”) have been presented as discontinued operations for all prior periods presented. The Company completed the sale of Securities America in the fourth quarter of 2011. 3. Debt All of the debt of Ameriprise Financial is borrowings of the Parent Company, except as indicated below. • At both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the debt of Ameriprise Financial included $50 million of repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as secured borrowings. • At both December 31, 2015 and 2014 , Ameriprise Financial had $150 million of borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, which is collateralized with commercial mortgage backed securities. 4. Borrowings from Subsidiaries The Parent Company has intercompany lending arrangements with its subsidiaries. At the end of each business day, taking into consideration all legal and regulatory requirements associated with its subsidiaries, Ameriprise Financial is entitled to draw on all funds in specified bank accounts. Repayment of all or a portion of the funds is due on demand. The Parent Company also has revolving credit agreements with its subsidiaries as the borrower aggregating $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 , of which nil was outstanding. 5. Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies The Parent Company is the guarantor for operating leases of IDS Property Casualty Insurance Company and certain other subsidiaries. All consolidated legal, regulatory and arbitration proceedings, including class actions of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries are potential or current obligations of the Parent Company. The Parent Company has committed revolving credit agreements with its subsidiaries as the lender aggregating $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2015 . The Parent Company and Ameriprise Certificate Company (“ACC”) entered into a Capital Support Agreement on March 2, 2009, pursuant to which the Parent Company agrees to commit such capital to ACC as is necessary to satisfy applicable minimum capital requirements. Effective April 30, 2014, this agreement was amended to revise the maximum commitment to $50 million . For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , ACC did not draw upon the Capital Support Agreement and had met all applicable capital requirements. The Parent Company and IDS Property Casualty Insurance Company (“IDS Property Casualty”) entered into a Capital Support Agreement on September 30, 2015, pursuant to which the Parent Company agrees to commit such capital to IDS Property Casualty as is necessary to maintain IDS Property Casualty’s current financial strength ratings by AM Best. The maximum capital amount is $150 million . Effective February 1, 2016, this agreement was amended to revise the expiration date to be April 1, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2015 , IDS Property Casualty did not draw upon the Capital Support Agreement. Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. (“AFSI”) entered into a FINRA approved subrogation agreement with the Parent Company on December 15, 2014 for regulatory net capital purposes. The agreement consists of a $200 million secured demand note. The note is secured by cash and securities equal to the principal value of the note pledged by the Parent Company. For the year ended December 31, 2015 , AFSI had not made a demand of the principal amount.

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation Voting interest entities (“VOEs”) are those entities that do not qualify as a VIE. The Company consolidates VOEs in which it holds a greater than 50% voting interest. The Company generally accounts for entities using the equity method when it holds a greater than 20% but less than 50% voting interest or when the Company exercises significant influence over the entity. All other investments that are not reported at fair value as trading or Available-for-Sale securities are accounted for under the cost method when the Company owns less than a 20% voting interest and does not exercise significant influence. The Company manages certain VOE property funds that are structured as limited partnerships that are not VIEs, for which the Company is the general partner. As a general partner, the Company is presumed to control the limited partnership unless the limited partners have the ability to dissolve the partnership or have substantive participating rights such as the ability to remove the Company as general partner with a simple majority vote. A VIE is an entity that either has equity investors that lack certain essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest (including substantive voting rights, the obligation to absorb the entity’s losses, or the rights to receive the entity’s returns) or has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. An entity that meets one of these criteria is assessed for consolidation under one of the following models: • If the VIE is a registered money market fund, or is an investment company, or has the financial characteristics of an investment company, and the following are true: (i) the reporting entity does not have an explicit or implicit obligation to fund the investment company’s losses; and (ii) the investment company is not a securitization entity, asset backed financing entity, or an entity previously considered a qualifying special purpose entity, then, the VIE will be consolidated by the entity that determines it stands to absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses or to receive a majority of the VIE’s expected residual returns. Entities that are assessed for consolidation under this framework include hedge funds, property funds, private equity funds and venture capital funds. When determining whether the Company will absorb the majority of a VIE’s expected losses or receive a majority of a VIE’s expected returns, it analyzes the purpose and design of the VIE and identifies the variable interests it holds including those of related parties and de facto agents of the Company. The Company then quantitatively determines whether its variable interests will absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses or residual returns. If the Company will absorb the majority of the VIE’s expected losses or residual returns, the Company consolidates the VIE. • If the VIE does not meet the criteria above, then the VIE will be consolidated by the reporting entity that determines it has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities that are assessed for consolidation under this framework include asset-backed financing entities such as collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships. When evaluating entities for consolidation under this framework, the Company considers its contractual rights in determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance. In determining whether the Company has this power, it considers whether it is acting as an asset manager enabling it to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of an entity or if it is acting in a more passive role such as a limited partner without substantive rights to impact the economic performance of the entity. In determining whether the Company has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, the Company considers an analysis of its rights to receive benefits such as management and incentive fees and investment returns and its obligation to absorb losses associated with any investment in the VIE in conjunction with other qualitative factors. If the Company consolidates a VIE under either accounting model, it is referred to as the VIE’s primary beneficiary.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation Net assets of foreign subsidiaries, whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, are translated into U.S. dollars based upon exchange rates prevailing at the end of each period. Revenues and expenses are translated at daily exchange rates during the period. The resulting translation adjustment, along with any related hedge and tax effects, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The determination of the functional currency is based on the primary economic and other management indicators. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated results of operations.
Amounts Based on Estimates and Assumptions	Amounts Based on Estimates and Assumptions Accounting estimates are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. In part, they are based upon assumptions concerning future events. Among the more significant are those that relate to investment securities valuation and recognition of other-than-temporary impairments, deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and the corresponding recognition of DAC amortization, valuation of derivative instruments and hedging activities, litigation and claims reserves and income taxes and the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management and actual results could differ.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include time deposits and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
Investments	Investments Available-for-Sale Securities Available -for-Sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) recorded in AOCI, net of impacts to DAC, deferred sales inducement costs (“DSIC”), unearned revenue, benefit reserves, reinsurance recoverables and income taxes. Gains and losses are recognized on a trade date basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations upon disposition of the securities. When the fair value of an investment is less than its amortized cost, the Company assesses whether or not: (i) it has the intent to sell the security (made a decision to sell) or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions exist, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and the Company recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment for the difference between the investment’s amortized cost and its fair value through earnings. For securities that do not meet the above criteria and the Company does not expect to recover a security’s amortized cost, the security is also considered other-than-temporarily impaired. For these securities, the Company separates the total impairment into the credit loss component and the amount of the loss related to other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of impacts to DAC, DSIC, unearned revenue, benefit reserves, reinsurance recoverables and income taxes. For Available-for-Sale securities that have recognized an other-than-temporary impairment through earnings, the difference between the amortized cost and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as interest income if through subsequent evaluation there is a sustained increase in the cash flow expected. Subsequent increases and decreases in the fair value of Available-for-Sale securities are included in other comprehensive income. The Company provides a supplemental disclosure on the face of its Consolidated Statements of Operations that presents: (i) total other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized during the period and (ii) the portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income. The sum of these amounts represents the credit-related portion of other-than-temporary impairments that were recognized in earnings during the period. The portion of other-than-temporary losses recognized in other comprehensive income includes: (i) the portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to factors other than credit recognized during the period and (ii) reclassifications of 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. The amount presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as the portion of other-than-temporary losses recognized in other comprehensive income excludes subsequent increases and decreases in the fair value of these securities. For all securities that are considered temporarily impaired, the Company does not intend to sell these securities (has not made a decision to sell) and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. The Company believes that it will collect all principal and interest due on all investments that have amortized cost in excess of fair value that are considered only temporarily impaired. Factors the Company considers in determining whether declines in the fair value of fixed maturity securities are other-than-temporary include: (i) the extent to which the market value is below amortized cost; (ii) the duration of time in which there has been a significant decline in value; (iii) fundamental analysis of the liquidity, business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer; and (iv) market events that could impact credit ratings, economic and business climate, litigation and government actions, and similar external business factors. In order to determine the amount of the credit loss component for corporate debt securities considered other-than-temporarily impaired, a best estimate of the present value of cash flows expected to be collected discounted at the security’s effective interest rate is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. The significant inputs to cash flow projections consider potential debt restructuring terms, projected cash flows available to pay creditors and the Company’s position in the debtor’s overall capital structure. For structured investments (e.g., residential mortgage backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities, asset backed securities and other structured investments), the Company also considers factors such as overall deal structure and its position within the structure, quality of underlying collateral, delinquencies and defaults, loss severities, recoveries, prepayments and cumulative loss projections in assessing potential other-than-temporary impairments of these investments. Based upon these factors, securities that have indicators of potential other-than-temporary impairment are subject to detailed review by management. Securities for which declines are considered temporary continue to be monitored by management until management determines there is no current risk of an other-than-temporary impairment. Other Investments Other investments primarily reflect the Company’s interests in affordable housing partnerships, trading securities, seed money investments and syndicated loans. Affordable housing partnerships and seed money investments are accounted for under the equity method. Trading securities primarily include common stocks and trading bonds. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized and realized gains (losses) recorded within net investment income.
Financing Receivables	Financing Receivables Commercial Mortgage Loans, Syndicated Loans, and Consumer Loans Commercial mortgage loans, syndicated loans and consumer loans are reflected within investments at amortized cost less the allowance for loan losses. Syndicated loans represent the Company’s investment in below investment grade loan syndications and are carried at amortized cost less the related allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balances of the loans as earned. Other Loans Other loans consist of policy and certificate loans and brokerage margin loans. When originated, policy and certificate loan balances do not exceed the cash surrender value of the underlying products. As there is minimal risk of loss related to policy and certificate loans, the Company does not record an allowance for loan losses. Policy and certificate loans are reflected within investments at the unpaid principal balance, plus accrued interest. The Company’s broker dealer subsidiaries enter into lending arrangements with clients through the normal course of business, which are primarily based on customer margin levels. Margin loans are reported at the unpaid principal balance within receivables. The Company monitors the market value of collateral supporting the margin loans and requests additional collateral when necessary in order to mitigate the risk of loss. As there is minimal risk of loss related to margin loans, the allowance for loan losses is immaterial. Nonaccrual Loans Generally , loans are evaluated for or placed on nonaccrual status when either the collection of interest or principal has become 90 days past due or is otherwise considered doubtful of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest payments received on loans on nonaccrual status are generally applied to principal unless the remaining principal balance has been determined to be fully collectible. Revolving unsecured consumer lines are charged off at 180 days past due. Closed-end consumer loans, other than loans secured by one to four family properties, are charged off at 120 days past due and are generally not placed on nonaccrual status. Loans secured by one to four family properties are impaired when management determines the assets are uncollectible and commences foreclosure proceedings on the property, at which time the loan is written down to fair value less selling costs and recorded as real estate owned in other assets. Commercial mortgage loans are evaluated for impairment when the loan is considered for nonaccrual status, restructured or foreclosure proceedings are initiated on the property. If it is determined that the fair value is less than the current loan balance, it is written down to fair value less selling costs. Foreclosed property is recorded as real estate owned in other assets. Syndicated loans are placed on nonaccrual status when management determines it will not collect all contractual principal and interest on the loan. Allowance for Loan Losses Management determines the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses based on the overall loan portfolio composition, recent and historical loss experience, and other pertinent factors, including when applicable, internal risk ratings, loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios, FICO scores of the borrower, debt service coverage and occupancy rates, along with economic and market conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates, which may be susceptible to significant change. The Company determines the amount of the allowance based on management’s assessment of relative risk characteristics of the loan portfolio. The allowance is recorded for homogeneous loan categories on a pool basis, based on an analysis of product mix and risk characteristics of the portfolio, including geographic concentration, bankruptcy experiences, and historical losses, adjusted for current trends and market conditions. While the Company attributes portions of the allowance to specific loan pools as part of the allowance estimation process, the entire allowance is available to absorb losses inherent in the total loan portfolio. The allowance is increased through provisions charged to net investment income and reduced/increased by net charge-offs/recoveries. Impaired Loans The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due (both interest and principal) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans may also include loans that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings as a concession to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. Management evaluates for impairment all restructured loans and loans with higher impairment risk factors. Factors used by the Company to determine whether all amounts due on commercial mortgage loans will be collected, include but are not limited to, the financial condition of the borrower, performance of the underlying properties, collateral and/or guarantees on the loan, and the borrower’s estimated future ability to pay based on property type and geographic location. The evaluation of impairment on consumer loans is primarily driven by delinquency status of individual loans. The impairment recognized is measured as the excess of the loan’s recorded investment over: (i) the present value of its expected principal and interest payments discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (ii) the fair value of collateral or (iii) the loan’s observable market price. Restructured Loans A loan is classified as a restructured loan when the Company makes certain concessionary modifications to contractual terms for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. When the interest rate, minimum payments, and/or due dates have been modified in an attempt to make the loan more affordable to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring. Generally, performance prior to the restructuring or significant events that coincide with the restructuring are considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms which may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of the restructuring or after a performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is not reasonably assured, the loan remains on nonaccrual status.
Separate Account Assets and Liabilities	Separate Account Assets and Liabilities Separate account assets and liabilities are primarily funds held for the exclusive benefit of variable annuity contractholders and variable life insurance policyholders, who assume the related investment risk. Income and losses on separate account assets accrue directly to the contractholder or policyholder and are not reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Separate account assets are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of separate account assets are offset by changes in the related separate account liabilities. Included in separate account assets and liabilities is the fair value of the pooled pension funds that are offered by Threadneedle.
Restricted and Segregated Cash and Investments	Restricted and Segregated Cash and Investments Amounts segregated under federal and other regulations are held in special reserve bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of the Company’s brokerage customers.
Land, Buildings, Equipment and Software	Land, Buildings, Equipment and Software Land , buildings, equipment and internally developed or purchased software are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization and are reflected within other assets. The Company uses the straight-line method of depreciation and amortization over periods ranging from three to 39 years. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , land, buildings, equipment and software were $724 million and $667 million , respectively, net of accumulated depreciation of $1.6 billion and $1.4 billion , respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $150 million , $144 million and $144 million , respectively. Capitalized lease assets, net of accumulated depreciation, are included in land, buildings, equipment and software, and capital lease obligations are included in long-term debt.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the amount of an acquired company’s acquisition cost in excess of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually on the measurement date of July 1 and whenever events and circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate or a decision to sell or dispose of a reporting unit. Impairment is the amount carrying value exceeds fair value and is evaluated at the reporting unit level. The Company assesses various qualitative factors to determine whether impairment is likely to have occurred. If impairment were to occur, the Company would use the discounted cash flow method, a variation of the income approach. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives unless they are deemed to have indefinite useful lives. The Company evaluates the definite lived intangible assets remaining useful lives annually and tests for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred, such as a significant adverse change in the business climate. For definite lived intangible assets, impairment to fair value is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable. Indefinite lived intangibles are also tested for impairment annually or whenever circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. Goodwill and other intangible assets are reflected in other assets.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Freestanding derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and are reflected in other assets or other liabilities. The Company’s policy is to not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivatives and collateral arrangements executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on its intended use and the resulting hedge designation, if any. The Company primarily uses derivatives as economic hedges that are not designated as accounting hedges or do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The Company occasionally designates derivatives as (i) hedges of changes in the fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments (“fair value hedges”), (ii) hedges of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedges”), or ( iii) hedges of foreign currency exposures of net investments in foreign operations (“net investment hedges in foreign operations”). Derivative instruments that are entered into for hedging purposes are designated as such at the time the Company enters into the contract. For all derivative instruments that are designated for hedging activities, the Company documents all of the hedging relationships between the hedge instruments and the hedged items at the inception of the relationships. Management also documents its risk management objectives and strategies for entering into the hedge transactions. The Company assesses, at inception and on a quarterly basis, whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting the fair value or cash flows of hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge, the Company will discontinue the application of hedge accounting. For derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as accounting hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in current period earnings. Changes in fair value of derivatives are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the nature and use of the instrument. Changes in fair value of derivatives used as economic hedges are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations with the corresponding change in the hedged asset or liability. For derivative instruments that qualify as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivatives, as well as changes in the fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments, are recognized on a net basis in current period earnings. The carrying value of the hedged item is adjusted for the change in fair value from the designated hedged risk. If a fair value hedge designation is removed or the hedge is terminated prior to maturity, previous adjustments to the carrying value of the hedged item are recognized into earnings over the remaining life of the hedged item. For derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments is reported in AOCI and reclassified into earnings when the hedged item or transaction impacts earnings. The amount that is reclassified into earnings is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations with the hedged instrument or transaction impact. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in current period earnings as a component of net investment income. If a hedge designation is removed or a hedge is terminated prior to maturity, the amount previously recorded in AOCI is reclassified to earnings over the period that the hedged item impacts earnings. For hedge relationships that are discontinued because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur according to the original strategy, any related amounts previously recorded in AOCI are recognized in earnings immediately. For derivative instruments that qualify as net investment hedges in foreign operations, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recorded in AOCI as part of the foreign currency translation adjustment. Any ineffective portion of the net investment hedges in foreign operations is recognized in net investment income during the period of change. The equity component of equity indexed annuities (“EIA”), indexed universal life (“IUL”) and stock market certificate obligations are considered embedded derivatives. Additionally, certain annuities contain guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (“GMWB”) provisions. The GMAB and the non-life contingent benefits associated with GMWB provisions are also considered embedded derivatives. See Note 14 for information regarding the Company’s fair value measurement of derivative instruments and Note 16 for the impact of derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs The Company incurs costs in connection with acquiring new and renewal insurance and annuity businesses. The portion of these costs which are incremental and direct to the acquisition of a new or renewal insurance policy or annuity contract are deferred. Significant costs capitalized include sales based compensation related to the acquisition of new and renewal insurance policies and annuity contracts, medical inspection costs for successful sales, and a portion of employee compensation and benefit costs based upon the amount of time spent on successful sales. Sales based compensation paid to advisors and employees and third-party distributors is capitalized. Employee compensation and benefits costs which are capitalized relate primarily to sales efforts, underwriting and processing. All other costs which are not incremental direct costs of acquiring an insurance policy or annuity contract are expensed as incurred. The DAC associated with insurance policies or annuity contracts that are significantly modified or internally replaced with another contract are accounted for as contract terminations. These transactions are anticipated in establishing amortization periods and other valuation assumptions. The Company monitors other principal DAC amortization assumptions, such as persistency, mortality, morbidity, interest margin, variable annuity benefit utilization and maintenance expense levels each quarter and, when assessed independently, each could impact the Company’s DAC balances. The analysis of DAC balances and the corresponding amortization is a dynamic process that considers all relevant factors and assumptions described previously. Unless the Company’s management identifies a significant deviation over the course of the quarterly monitoring, management reviews and updates these DAC amortization assumptions annually in the third quarter of each year. Non-Traditional Long-Duration Products For non-traditional long-duration products (including variable and fixed annuity contracts, universal life (“UL”) and variable universal life (“VUL”) insurance products), DAC are amortized based on projections of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) over amortization periods equal to the approximate life of the business. EGPs vary based on persistency rates (assumptions at which contractholders and policyholders are expected to surrender, make withdrawals from and make deposits to their contracts), mortality levels, client asset value growth rates (based on equity and bond market performance), variable annuity benefit utilization and interest margins (the spread between earned rates on invested assets and rates credited to contractholder and policyholder accounts). When assumptions are changed, the percentage of EGPs used to amortize DAC might also change. A change in the required amortization percentage is applied retrospectively; an increase in amortization percentage will result in a decrease in the DAC balance and an increase in DAC amortization expense, while a decrease in amortization percentage will result in an increase in the DAC balance and a decrease in DAC amortization expense. The impact on results of operations of changing assumptions can be either positive or negative in any particular period and is reflected in the period in which such changes are made. The client asset value growth rates are the rates at which variable annuity and VUL insurance contract values invested in separate accounts are assumed to appreciate in the future. The rates used vary by equity and fixed income investments. Management reviews and, where appropriate, adjusts its assumptions with respect to client asset value growth rates on a regular basis. The Company typically uses a five-year mean reversion process as a guideline in setting near-term equity fund growth rates based on a long-term view of financial market performance as well as recent actual performance. The suggested near-term equity fund growth rate is reviewed quarterly to ensure consistency with management’s assessment of anticipated equity market performance. DAC amortization expense recorded in a period when client asset value growth rates exceed management’s near-term estimate will typically be less than in a period when growth rates fall short of management’s near-term estimate. Traditional Long-Duration Products For traditional long-duration products (including traditional life, disability income (“DI”) and long term care (“LTC”) insurance products), DAC are generally amortized as a percentage of premiums over amortization periods equal to the premium paying period. The assumptions made in calculating the DAC balance and DAC amortization expense are consistent with those used in determining the liabilities. For traditional life and DI insurance products, the assumptions provide for adverse deviations in experience and are revised only if management concludes experience will be so adverse that DAC are not recoverable. If management concludes that DAC are not recoverable, DAC are reduced to the amount that is recoverable based on best estimate assumptions and there is a corresponding expense recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The assumptions for LTC insurance products include interest rates, premium rate increases, persistency rates and morbidity rates. These assumptions are management's best estimate from previous loss recognition and thus no longer provide for adverse deviations in experience.
Deferred Sales Inducement Costs	Deferred Sales Inducement Costs Sales inducement costs consist of bonus interest credits and premium credits added to certain annuity contract and insurance policy values. These benefits are capitalized to the extent they are incremental to amounts that would be credited on similar contracts without the applicable feature. The amounts capitalized are amortized using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC. DSIC is recorded in other assets, and amortization of DSIC is recorded in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance The Company cedes significant amounts of insurance risk to other insurers under reinsurance agreements. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers prior to entering into new reinsurance contracts and on a periodic basis during the contract term. Reinsurance premiums paid and benefits received are accounted for consistently with the basis used in accounting for the policies from which risk is reinsured and consistently with the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Reinsurance premiums for traditional life, LTC, DI and auto and home, net of the change in any prepaid reinsurance asset, are reported as a reduction of premiums. Fixed and variable universal life reinsurance premiums are reported as a reduction of other revenues. In addition, for fixed and variable universal life insurance policies, the net cost of reinsurance ceded, which represents the discounted amount of the expected cash flows between the reinsurer and the Company, is classified as an asset or contra asset and amortized over the estimated life of the policies in proportion to the estimated gross profits and is subject to retrospective adjustment in a manner similar to retrospective adjustment of DAC. The assumptions used to project the expected cash flows are consistent with those used for DAC valuation for the same contracts. Changes in the net cost of reinsurance are reflected as a component of other revenues. Reinsurance recoveries are reported as components of benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses. Insurance liabilities are reported before the effects of reinsurance. Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims recoverable under reinsurance contracts are recorded within receivables. The Company also assumes life insurance and fixed annuity risk from other insurers in limited circumstances. Reinsurance premiums received and benefits paid are accounted for consistently with the basis used in accounting for the policies from which risk is reinsured and consistently with the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Liabilities for assumed business are recorded within policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims. See Note 7 for additional information on reinsurance.
Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims	Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims The Company establishes reserves to cover the risks associated with non-traditional and traditional long-duration products and short-duration products. Reserves for non-traditional long-duration products include the liabilities related to guaranteed benefit provisions added to variable annuity contracts, variable and fixed annuity contracts and UL and VUL policies and the embedded derivatives related to variable annuity contracts, EIA and IUL insurance. Reserves for traditional long-duration products are established to provide adequately for future benefits and expenses for term life, whole life, DI and LTC insurance products. Reserves for short-duration products are established to provide adequately for incurred losses primarily related to auto and home policies. The establishment of reserves is an estimation process using a variety of methods, assumptions and data elements. If actual experience is better than or equal to the results of the estimation process, then reserves should be adequate to provide for future benefits and expenses. If actual experience is worse than the results of the estimation process, additional reserves may be required. Changes in future policy benefits and claims are reflected in earnings in the period adjustments are made. Where applicable, benefit amounts expected to be recoverable from reinsurance companies who share in the risk are separately recorded as reinsurance recoverable within receivables. Non-Traditional Long-Duration Products Liabilities for fixed account values on variable and fixed deferred annuities and UL and VUL policies are equal to accumulation values, which are the cumulative gross deposits and credited interest less withdrawals and various charges. A portion of the Company’s UL and VUL policies have product features that result in profits followed by losses from the insurance component of the contract. These profits followed by losses can be generated by the cost structure of the product or secondary guarantees in the contract. The secondary guarantee ensures that, subject to specified conditions, 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. The liability for these future losses is determined by estimating the death benefits in excess of account value and recognizing the excess over the estimated life based on expected assessments (e.g. cost of insurance charges, contractual administrative charges, similar fees and investment margin). See Note 11 for information regarding the liability for contracts with secondary guarantees. Liabilities for EIA are equal to the host contract values covering guaranteed benefits and the fair value of embedded equity options. Liabilities for indexed accounts of IUL products are equal to the accumulation of host contract values covering guaranteed benefits and the fair value of embedded equity options. The majority of the variable annuity contracts offered by the Company contain guaranteed minimum death benefit (“GMDB”) provisions. When market values of the customer’s accounts decline, the death benefit payable on a contract with a GMDB may exceed the contract accumulation value. The Company also offers variable annuities with death benefit provisions that gross up the amount payable by a certain percentage of contract earnings, which are referred to as gain gross-up (“GGU”) benefits. In addition, the Company offers contracts containing GMWB and GMAB provisions, and until May 2007, the Company offered contracts containing guaranteed minimum income benefit (“GMIB”) provisions. The GMDB and GGU liability is determined by estimating the expected value of death benefits in excess of the projected contract accumulation value and recognizing the excess over the estimated life based on expected assessments (e.g., mortality and expense fees, contractual administrative charges and similar fees). If elected by the contract owner and after a stipulated waiting period from contract issuance, a GMIB guarantees a minimum lifetime annuity based on a specified rate of contract accumulation value growth and predetermined annuity purchase rates. The GMIB liability is determined each period by estimating the expected value of annuitization benefits in excess of the projected contract accumulation value at the date of annuitization and recognizing the excess over the estimated life based on expected assessments. The liability for the life contingent benefits associated with GMWB provisions is determined by estimating the expected value of benefits that are contingent upon survival after the account value is equal to zero and recognizing the benefits over the estimated life based on expected assessments (e.g., mortality and expense fees, contractual administrative charges and similar fees). In determining the liabilities for GMDB, GGU, GMIB and the life contingent benefits associated with GMWB, the Company projects these benefits and contract assessments using actuarial models to simulate various equity market scenarios. Significant assumptions made in projecting future benefits and assessments relate to customer asset value growth rates, mortality, persistency, benefit utilization and investment margins and are consistent with those used for DAC valuation for the same contracts. As with DAC, management reviews and, where appropriate, adjusts its assumptions each quarter. Unless management identifies a material deviation over the course of quarterly monitoring, management reviews and updates these assumptions annually in the third quarter of each year. The fair value of embedded derivatives related to GMAB and the non-life contingent benefits associated with GMWB provisions fluctuates based on equity, interest rate and credit markets which can cause these embedded derivatives to be either an asset or a liability. See Note 14 for information regarding the fair value measurement of embedded derivatives. Liabilities for fixed annuities in a benefit or payout status are based on future estimated payments using established industry mortality tables and interest rates. Traditional Long-Duration Products The liabilities for traditional long-duration products include liabilities for unpaid amounts on reported claims, estimates of benefits payable on claims incurred but not yet reported and estimates of benefits that will become payable on term life, whole life, DI and LTC policies as claims are incurred in the future. Liabilities for unpaid amounts on reported life insurance claims are equal to the death benefits payable under the policies. Liabilities for unpaid amounts on reported health insurance claims include any periodic or other benefit amounts due and accrued, along with estimates of the present value of obligations for continuing benefit payments. These amounts are calculated based on claim continuance tables which estimate the likelihood an individual will continue to be eligible for benefits. The discount rates used to calculate present values are based on average interest rates earned on assets supporting the liability for unpaid amounts. Anticipated claim continuance rates are based on established industry tables, adjusted as appropriate for the Company’s experience. Liabilities for estimated benefits payable on claims that have been incurred but not yet reported are based on periodic analysis of the actual time lag between when a claim occurs and when it is reported. Liabilities for estimates of benefits that will become payable on future claims on term life, whole life and health insurance policies are based on the net level premium method, using anticipated premium payments, mortality and morbidity rates, policy persistency and interest rates earned on assets supporting the liability. Anticipated mortality and morbidity rates are based on established industry mortality and morbidity tables, with modifications based on the Company’s experience. Anticipated premium payments and persistency rates vary by policy form, issue age, policy duration and certain other pricing factors. For term life, whole life, DI and LTC polices, the Company utilizes best estimate assumptions as of the date the policy is issued with provisions for the risk of adverse deviation, as appropriate. After the liabilities are initially established, management performs premium deficiency tests annually in the third quarter of each year using best estimate assumptions without provisions for adverse deviation. If the liabilities determined based on these best estimate assumptions are greater than the net reserves (i.e., GAAP reserves net of any DAC balance), the existing net reserves are adjusted by first reducing the DAC balance by the amount of the deficiency or to zero through a change to current period earnings. If the deficiency is more than the DAC balance, then the net reserves are increased by the excess through a charge to current period earnings. If a premium deficiency is recognized, the assumptions are locked in and used in subsequent valuations. The assumptions for LTC insurance products are management's best estimate from previous loss recognition and thus no longer provide for adverse deviations in experience. Short-Duration Products The liabilities for short-duration products primarily include auto and home reserves comprised of amounts determined from loss reports on individual claims, as well as amounts based on historical loss experience for losses incurred but not yet reported. Such liabilities are based on estimates. The Company’s methods for making such estimates and for establishing the resulting liabilities are continually reviewed, and any adjustments are reflected in earnings in the period such adjustments are made.
Unearned Revenue Liability	Unearned Revenue Liability The Company’s fixed and variable universal life policies require payment of fees or other policyholder assessments in advance for services to be provided in future periods. These charges are deferred as unearned revenue and amortized using estimated gross profits, similar to DAC. The unearned revenue liability is recorded in other liabilities and the amortization is recorded in other revenues. For clients who pay financial planning fees prior to the advisor’s delivery of the financial plan, the financial planning fees received in advance are deferred as unearned revenue until the plan is delivered to the client.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company measures and recognizes the cost of share-based awards granted to employees and directors based on the grant-date fair value of the award and recognizes the expense (net of estimated forfeitures) on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Excess tax benefits or deficiencies are created upon distribution or exercise of awards. Excess tax benefits are recognized in additional paid-in-capital and excess tax deficiencies are recognized either as an offset to accumulated excess tax benefits, if any, or in the income statement. The fair value of each option is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recognizes the cost of share-based awards granted to independent contractors and performance share units granted to the Company’s Executive Leadership Team on a fair value basis until fully vested.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s provision for income taxes represents the net amount of income taxes that the Company expects to pay or to receive from various taxing jurisdictions in connection with its operations. The Company provides for income taxes based on amounts that the Company believes it will ultimately owe taking into account the recognition and measurement for uncertain tax positions. Inherent in the provision for income taxes are estimates and judgments regarding the tax treatment of certain items. In connection with the provision for income taxes, the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect certain amounts related to deferred tax assets and liabilities, which result from temporary differences between the assets and liabilities measured for financial statement purposes versus the assets and liabilities measured for tax return purposes. The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for any portion of its deferred tax assets that management believes will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining if a valuation allowance should be established and the amount of such allowance if required. Factors used in making this determination include estimates relating to the performance of the business. Consideration is given to, among other things in making this determination: (i) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; (ii) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; (iii) taxable income in prior carryback years; and (iv) tax planning strategies. Management may need to identify and implement appropriate planning strategies to ensure its ability to realize deferred tax assets and reduce the likelihood of the establishment of a valuation allowance with respect to such assets. See Note 21 for additional information on the Company's valuation allowance.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company’s management and financial advice fees are generally recognized when earned as the service is provided. A significant portion of the Company’s management fees are calculated as a percentage of the fair value of its managed assets. A large majority of the Company’s managed assets are valued by third party pricing services vendors based upon observable market data. The selection of the Company’s third party pricing service vendors and the reliability of their prices are subject to certain governance procedures, such as exception reporting, subsequent transaction testing, and annual due diligence of the Company’s vendors, which includes assessing the vendor’s valuation qualifications, control environment, analysis of asset-class specific valuation methodologies and understanding of sources of market observable assumptions. The Company may receive performance-based incentive management fees on certain management contracts. Performance fees are paid when specific performance hurdles are met. The Company recognizes performance fees on the date the fee is no longer subject to adjustment. Any performance fees received are not subject to repayment or any other clawback provisions. Certain management and financial advice fees are charged based on an annual fee or a transaction fee. These fees include financial planning, certain custodial and fund administration and brokerage fees. Fees from financial planning services are recognized when the financial plan is delivered. Annual custodial and fund administration fees are recognized evenly as service is provided over the contract period. Transaction based brokerage fees are recognized on the transaction date. Mortality and expense risk fees are generally calculated as a percentage of the fair value of assets held in separate accounts and recognized when assessed. Point-of-sale fees (such as mutual fund front-end sales loads) and asset-based fees (such as 12b-1 distribution and shareholder service fees) are generally based on a contractual percentage of assets and recognized when earned. Amounts received under marketing support arrangements for sales of mutual funds and other companies’ products, such as through the Company’s wrap accounts, as well as surrender charges on fixed and variable universal life insurance and annuities, are recognized when assessed. Interest income is accrued as earned using the effective interest method, which makes an adjustment of the yield for security premiums and discounts on all performing fixed maturity securities classified as Available-for-Sale so that the related security or loan recognizes a constant rate of return on the outstanding balance throughout its term. Realized gains and losses on securities, other than trading securities and equity method investments, are recognized using the specific identification method on a trade date basis. Premiums on auto and home insurance are net of reinsurance premiums and recognized ratably over the coverage period. Premiums on traditional life, health insurance and immediate annuities with a life contingent feature are net of reinsurance ceded and recognized as revenue when due. Variable annuity guaranteed benefit rider charges and cost of insurance charges on fixed and variable universal life insurance (net of reinsurance premiums and cost of reinsurance for universal life products) are recognized as revenue when assessed.

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Investment Entities [Abstract].
Schedule of assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities of Ameriprise Financial measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Cash equivalents $ 80 $ 1,918 $ — $ 1,998 Available-for-Sale securities: Corporate debt securities — 14,923 1,425 16,348 Residential mortgage backed securities — 5,755 218 5,973 Commercial mortgage backed securities — 2,453 3 2,456 Asset backed securities — 1,134 162 1,296 State and municipal obligations — 2,290 — 2,290 U.S. government and agencies obligations 33 35 — 68 Foreign government bonds and obligations — 224 — 224 Common stocks 5 8 5 18 Total Available-for-Sale securities 38 26,822 1,813 28,673 Trading securities 6 18 — 24 Separate account assets — 80,349 — 80,349 Investments segregated for regulatory purposes 401 — — 401 Other assets: Interest rate derivative contracts — 1,940 — 1,940 Equity derivative contracts 92 1,495 — 1,587 Credit derivative contracts — 2 — 2 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 2 54 — 56 Other derivative contracts — 2 — 2 Total other assets 94 3,493 — 3,587 Total assets at fair value $ 619 $ 112,600 $ 1,813 $ 115,032 Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims: EIA embedded derivatives $ — $ 5 $ — $ 5 IUL embedded derivatives — — 364 364 GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — 851 851 (1) Total policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims — 5 1,215 1,220 (2) Customer deposits — 4 — 4 Other liabilities: Interest rate derivative contracts — 969 — 969 Equity derivative contracts 47 1,946 — 1,993 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 2 16 — 18 Other derivative contracts — 96 — 96 Other 1 12 — 13 Total other liabilities 50 3,039 — 3,089 Total liabilities at fair value $ 50 $ 3,048 $ 1,215 $ 4,313 (1) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives included $994 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $143 million of individual contracts in an asset position. (2) The Company’s adjustment for nonperformance risk resulted in a $398 million cumulative decrease to the embedded derivatives. December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Cash equivalents $ 27 $ 1,930 $ — $ 1,957 Available-for-Sale securities: Corporate debt securities — 15,647 1,518 17,165 Residential mortgage backed securities — 6,001 206 6,207 Commercial mortgage backed securities — 2,539 91 2,630 Asset backed securities — 1,301 169 1,470 State and municipal obligations — 2,239 — 2,239 U.S. government and agencies obligations 12 35 — 47 Foreign government bonds and obligations — 251 — 251 Common stocks 5 7 6 18 Total Available-for-Sale securities 17 28,020 1,990 30,027 Trading securities 54 28 1 83 Separate account assets — 83,256 — 83,256 Other assets: Interest rate derivative contracts — 2,031 — 2,031 Equity derivative contracts 282 1,757 — 2,039 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 1 29 — 30 Other derivative contracts — 1 — 1 Total other assets 283 3,818 — 4,101 Total assets at fair value $ 381 $ 117,052 $ 1,991 $ 119,424 Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims: EIA embedded derivatives $ — $ 6 $ — $ 6 IUL embedded derivatives — — 242 242 GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — 479 479 (1) Total policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims — 6 721 727 (2) Customer deposits — 6 — 6 Other liabilities: Interest rate derivative contracts — 1,136 — 1,136 Equity derivative contracts 376 2,326 — 2,702 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 1 2 — 3 Other derivative contracts — 114 — 114 Other — 12 — 12 Total other liabilities 377 3,590 — 3,967 Total liabilities at fair value $ 377 $ 3,602 $ 721 $ 4,700 (1) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives included $700 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $221 million of individual contracts in an asset position. (2) The Company’s adjustment for nonperformance risk resulted in a $311 million cumulative decrease to the embedded derivatives.
Schedule of debt of the consolidated investment entities and the stated interest rates	The balances and the stated interest rates of outstanding debt of Ameriprise Financial were as follows: Outstanding Balance Stated Interest Rate December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Long-term debt: Senior notes due 2015 $ — $ 358 (1) — % 5.7 % Senior notes due 2019 322 (1) 326 (1) 7.3 7.3 Senior notes due 2020 782 (1) 786 (1) 5.3 5.3 Senior notes due 2023 750 750 4.0 4.0 Senior notes due 2024 548 548 3.7 3.7 Junior subordinated notes due 2066 245 294 7.5 7.5 Capitalized lease obligations 60 (2) — Total long-term debt 2,707 3,062 Short-term borrowings: Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances 150 150 0.5 0.3 Repurchase agreements 50 50 0.5 0.4 Total short-term borrowings 200 200 Total $ 2,907 $ 3,262 (1) Amounts include adjustments for fair value hedges on the Company’s long-term debt. See Note 16 for information on the Company’s fair value hedges. (2) In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a capital lease that had previously been incorrectly recorded as an operating lease for the Ameriprise Financial Center. See Note 1 for additional information.
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt	At December 31, 2015 , future maturities of Ameriprise Financial long-term debt were as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 11 2017 12 2018 13 2019 313 2020 761 Thereafter 1,545 Total future maturities $ 2,655
Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Consolidated Investment Entities [Abstract].
Schedule of assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Investments: Corporate debt securities $ — $ 154 $ — $ 154 Common stocks 74 46 3 123 Other investments 4 22 — 26 Syndicated loans — 5,738 529 6,267 Total investments 78 5,960 532 6,570 Receivables — 70 — 70 Other assets — — 2,065 2,065 Total assets at fair value $ 78 $ 6,030 $ 2,597 $ 8,705 Liabilities Debt $ — $ — $ 6,630 $ 6,630 Other liabilities — 221 — 221 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 221 $ 6,630 $ 6,851 December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Investments: Corporate debt securities $ — $ 171 $ — $ 171 Common stocks 130 40 7 177 Other investments 4 25 — 29 Syndicated loans — 5,287 484 5,771 Total investments 134 5,523 491 6,148 Receivables — 49 — 49 Other assets — 1 1,935 1,936 Total assets at fair value $ 134 $ 5,573 $ 2,426 $ 8,133 Liabilities Debt $ — $ — $ 6,030 $ 6,030 Other liabilities — 193 — 193 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 193 $ 6,030 $ 6,223
Schedule of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables provide a summary of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Common Stocks Syndicated Loans Other Assets Debt (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 7 $ 484 $ 1,935 $ (6,030 ) Total gains (losses) included in: Net income (1 ) (1) (24 ) (1) 170 (2) 215 (1) Other comprehensive loss — — (154 ) — Purchases — 303 638 — Sales — (36 ) (524 ) — Issues — — — (1,267 ) Settlements — (161 ) — 452 Transfers into Level 3 7 776 — — Transfers out of Level 3 (10 ) (813 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 3 $ 529 $ 2,065 $ (6,630 ) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2015 $ — $ (19 ) (1) $ 20 (2) $ 219 (1) (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Corporate Debt Securities Common Stocks Syndicated Loans Other Assets Debt (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 2 $ 14 $ 368 $ 1,936 $ (4,804 ) Total gains (losses) included in: Net income 1 (1) 1 (1) 2 (1) 421 (2) (34 ) (1) Other comprehensive income — — — (175 ) — Purchases 2 — 417 289 — Sales (9 ) (2 ) (42 ) (547 ) — Issues — — — — (1,670 ) Settlements — — (100 ) — 478 Transfers into Level 3 10 13 551 11 — Transfers out of Level 3 (6 ) (19 ) (712 ) — — Balance, December 31, 2014 $ — $ 7 $ 484 $ 1,935 $ (6,030 ) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2014 $ — $ — $ (3 ) (1) $ 362 (2) $ 1 (1) (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Corporate Debt Securities Common Stocks Syndicated Loans Other Assets Debt (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 3 $ 14 $ 202 $ 1,214 $ (4,450 ) Total gains (losses) included in: Net income — 1 (1) (1 ) (1) 81 (2) (53 ) (1) Other comprehensive loss — — — 39 — Purchases 1 — 417 689 — Sales (1 ) (3 ) (63 ) (86 ) — Issues — — — — (1,330 ) Settlements (1 ) — (51 ) — 1,029 Transfers into Level 3 — 21 320 8 — Transfers out of Level 3 — (19 ) (456 ) (9 ) — Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 2 $ 14 $ 368 $ 1,936 $ (4,804 ) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in income relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2013 $ — $ (2 ) (1) $ (2 ) (1) $ 67 (2) $ (25 ) (1) (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities	The following tables provide a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements developed by the Company or reasonably available to the Company of Level 3 assets and liabilities held by consolidated investment entities: December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (in millions) Other assets (property funds) $ 2,060 Discounted cash flow/ market comparables Equivalent yield 2.6 % – 11.5% 5.8 % Expected rental value (per square foot) $3 – $159 $51 CLO debt $ 6,630 Discounted cash flow Annual default rate 2.5% Discount rate 2.0 % – 11.8% 3.4 % Constant prepayment rate 5.0 % – 10.0% 9.9 % Loss recovery 36.4 % – 63.6% 62.9 % December 31, 2014 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (in millions) Other assets (property funds) $ 1,935 Discounted cash flow/ market comparables Equivalent yield 4.4 % – 12.0% 6.5 % Expected rental value (per square foot) $3 – $94 $34 CLO debt $ 6,030 Discounted cash flow Annual default rate 2.5% Discount rate 1.2 % – 8.3% 2.4 % Constant prepayment rate 5.0 % – 10.0% 9.8 % Loss recovery 36.4 % – 63.6% 62.7 %
Schedule of fair value and unpaid principal balance of assets and liabilities carried at fair value under the fair value option	The following table presents the fair value and unpaid principal balance of loans and debt for which the fair value option has been elected: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Syndicated loans Unpaid principal balance $ 6,635 $ 5,871 Excess unpaid principal over fair value (368 ) (100 ) Fair value $ 6,267 $ 5,771 Fair value of loans more than 90 days past due $ 24 $ 32 Fair value of loans in nonaccrual status 24 32 Difference between fair value and unpaid principal of loans more than 90 days past due, loans in nonaccrual status or both 72 25 Debt Unpaid principal balance $ 7,063 $ 6,248 Excess unpaid principal over fair value (433 ) (218 ) Fair value $ 6,630 $ 6,030
Schedule of debt of the consolidated investment entities and the stated interest rates	Debt of the consolidated investment entities and the stated interest rates were as follows: Carrying Value Weighted Average Interest Rate December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Debt of consolidated CLOs due 2016-2026 $ 6,630 $ 6,030 1.6 % 1.3 % Floating rate revolving credit borrowings due 2017-2020 909 837 2.8 2.7 Total $ 7,539 $ 6,867
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt	At December 31, 2015 , future maturities of debt were as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 20 2017 48 2018 379 2019 1,442 2020 702 Thereafter 5,381 Total future maturities $ 7,972

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Investments [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of Ameriprise Financial investments: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Available-for-Sale securities, at fair value $ 28,673 $ 30,027 Mortgage loans, net 3,359 3,440 Policy and certificate loans 824 806 Other investments 1,288 1,309 Total $ 34,144 $ 35,582
Summary of Net Investment Income [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of net investment income: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Investment income on fixed maturities $ 1,403 $ 1,479 $ 1,575 Net realized gains 4 37 7 Affordable housing partnerships (18 ) (25 ) (12 ) Other 68 93 99 Consolidated investment entities 231 157 220 Total $ 1,688 $ 1,741 $ 1,889
Available-for-Sale Securities Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Available-for-Sale securities distributed by type were as follows: December 31, 2015 Description of Securities Amortized Gross Gross Fair Value Noncredit OTTI (1) (in millions) Corporate debt securities $ 15,750 $ 894 $ (296 ) $ 16,348 $ 3 Residential mortgage backed securities 5,933 106 (66 ) 5,973 (12 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 2,400 70 (14 ) 2,456 — Asset backed securities 1,273 34 (11 ) 1,296 — State and municipal obligations 2,105 213 (28 ) 2,290 — U.S. government and agencies obligations 66 2 — 68 — Foreign government bonds and obligations 218 17 (11 ) 224 — Common stocks 7 11 — 18 5 Total $ 27,752 $ 1,347 $ (426 ) $ 28,673 $ (4 ) December 31, 2014 Description of Securities Amortized Gross Gross Fair Value Noncredit (1) (in millions) Corporate debt securities $ 15,742 $ 1,482 $ (59 ) $ 17,165 $ 3 Residential mortgage backed securities 6,099 168 (60 ) 6,207 (15 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 2,513 120 (3 ) 2,630 — Asset backed securities 1,417 59 (6 ) 1,470 — State and municipal obligations 2,008 257 (26 ) 2,239 — U.S. government and agencies obligations 43 4 — 47 — Foreign government bonds and obligations 236 21 (6 ) 251 — Common stocks 8 10 — 18 5 Total $ 28,066 $ 2,121 $ (160 ) $ 30,027 $ (7 ) (1) Represents the amount of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses in AOCI. Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date. These amounts are included in gross unrealized gains and losses as of the end of the period.
Investments with Fixed Maturities Disclosure [Table Text Block]	A summary of fixed maturity securities by rating was as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Ratings Amortized Fair Value Percent of Amortized Fair Value Percent of (in millions, except percentages) AAA $ 7,147 $ 7,289 25 % $ 7,500 $ 7,776 26 % AA 1,732 1,930 7 1,581 1,799 6 A 5,131 5,507 19 6,028 6,668 22 BBB 12,052 12,353 43 11,187 12,025 40 Below investment grade 1,683 1,576 6 1,762 1,741 6 Total fixed maturities $ 27,745 $ 28,655 100 % $ 28,058 $ 30,009 100 %
Available-for-Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The following tables provide information about Available-for-Sale securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position: December 31, 2015 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Description of Securities Number of Securities Fair Unrealized Number of Fair Unrealized Number of Fair Unrealized (in millions, except number of securities) Corporate debt securities 347 $ 5,150 $ (220 ) 48 $ 454 $ (76 ) 395 $ 5,604 $ (296 ) Residential mortgage backed securities 123 1,869 (16 ) 164 1,350 (50 ) 287 3,219 (66 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 58 695 (13 ) 4 49 (1 ) 62 744 (14 ) Asset backed securities 50 455 (7 ) 14 254 (4 ) 64 709 (11 ) State and municipal obligations 31 100 (1 ) 5 110 (27 ) 36 210 (28 ) Foreign government bonds and obligations 9 39 (2 ) 15 27 (9 ) 24 66 (11 ) Total 618 $ 8,308 $ (259 ) 250 $ 2,244 $ (167 ) 868 $ 10,552 $ (426 ) December 31, 2014 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Description of Securities Number of Securities Fair Unrealized Number of Fair Unrealized Number of Fair Unrealized (in millions, except number of securities) Corporate debt securities 182 $ 2,165 $ (41 ) 40 $ 689 $ (18 ) 222 $ 2,854 $ (59 ) Residential mortgage backed securities 73 879 (7 ) 138 1,387 (53 ) 211 2,266 (60 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 15 173 — 12 131 (3 ) 27 304 (3 ) Asset backed securities 17 201 (2 ) 14 238 (4 ) 31 439 (6 ) State and municipal obligations 11 29 (1 ) 10 115 (25 ) 21 144 (26 ) Foreign government bonds and obligations 4 10 (1 ) 14 27 (5 ) 18 37 (6 ) Total 302 $ 3,457 $ (52 ) 228 $ 2,587 $ (108 ) 530 $ 6,044 $ (160 )
Credit Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a rollforward of the cumulative amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for other-than-temporary impairments related to credit losses on Available-for-Sale securities for which a portion of the securities’ total other-than-temporary impairments was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 98 $ 147 $ 176 Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized — — 2 Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized 2 1 7 Reductions for securities sold during the period (realized) (15 ) (50 ) (38 ) Ending balance $ 85 $ 98 $ 147
Available-for-Sale Securities Recognized in Earnings Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Net realized gains and losses on Available-for-Sale securities, determined using the specific identification method, recognized in earnings were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Gross realized gains $ 33 $ 53 $ 17 Gross realized losses (19 ) (8 ) (1 ) Other-than-temporary impairments (8 ) (6 ) (9 ) Total $ 6 $ 39 $ 7
Available-for-Sale Securities Contractual Maturity Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Available-for-Sale securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2015 were as follows: Amortized Cost Fair Value (in millions) Due within one year $ 1,485 $ 1,496 Due after one year through five years 6,754 7,053 Due after five years through 10 years 5,382 5,371 Due after 10 years 4,518 5,010 18,139 18,930 Residential mortgage backed securities 5,933 5,973 Commercial mortgage backed securities 2,400 2,456 Asset backed securities 1,273 1,296 Common stocks 7 18 Total $ 27,752 $ 28,673

Financing Receivables (Tables)

Financing Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Rollforward of the allowance for loan losses [Table Text Block]	The following tables present a rollforward of the allowance for loan losses for the years ended and the ending balance of the allowance for loan losses by impairment method: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 (in millions) Beginning balance $ 35 $ 37 $ 44 Charge-offs (4 ) (4 ) (7 ) Recoveries — 1 1 Provisions 1 1 (1 ) Ending balance $ 32 $ 35 $ 37 Individually evaluated for impairment $ 4 $ 9 $ 9 Collectively evaluated for impairment 28 26 28
Schedule of recorded investment in financing receivables by impairment method and type of loan [Table Text Block]	The recorded investment in financing receivables by impairment method was as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (in millions) Individually evaluated for impairment $ 34 $ 42 Collectively evaluated for impairment 3,910 3,951 Total $ 3,944 $ 3,993
Schedule of commercial mortgage loans by geographic region [Table Text Block]	Concentrations of credit risk of commercial mortgage loans by U.S. region were as follows: Loans Percentage December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) East North Central $ 211 $ 238 8 % 9 % East South Central 74 62 3 2 Middle Atlantic 210 217 8 8 Mountain 248 245 9 9 New England 123 140 4 5 Pacific 741 694 27 25 South Atlantic 782 740 28 27 West North Central 229 233 8 9 West South Central 137 160 5 6 2,755 2,729 100 % 100 % Less: allowance for loan losses 21 25 Total $ 2,734 $ 2,704
Schedule of commercial mortgage loans by property type [Table Text Block]	Concentrations of credit risk of commercial mortgage loans by property type were as follows: Loans Percentage December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Apartments $ 504 $ 500 18 % 18 % Hotel 35 34 1 1 Industrial 459 461 17 17 Mixed use 35 45 1 2 Office 541 545 20 20 Retail 984 988 36 36 Other 197 156 7 6 2,755 2,729 100 % 100 % Less: allowance for loan losses 21 25 Total $ 2,734 $ 2,704

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of effect of reinsurance on premiums - traditional long-duration products[Table Text Block]	The effect of reinsurance on premiums for the Company’s traditional long-duration contracts was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Direct premiums $ 629 $ 645 $ 650 Reinsurance ceded (223 ) (222 ) (220 ) Net premiums $ 406 $ 423 $ 430
Schedule of effect of reinsurance on premiums - short-duration products [Table Text Block]	The effect of reinsurance on premiums for the Company’s short-duration contracts was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Written premiums Direct $ 1,093 $ 1,025 $ 900 Ceded (19 ) (17 ) (16 ) Total net written premiums $ 1,074 $ 1,008 $ 884 Earned premiums Direct $ 1,068 $ 979 $ 868 Ceded (19 ) (17 ) (16 ) Total net earned premiums $ 1,049 $ 962 $ 852

Goodwill and Other Intangible40

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill reported in operating segments [Table Text Block]	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill reported in the Company’s main operating segments were as follows: Advice & Wealth Asset Annuities Protection Consolidated (in millions) Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 252 $ 821 $ 46 $ 45 $ 1,164 Foreign currency translation — (19 ) — — (19 ) Purchase price adjustments — 9 — — 9 Balance at December 31, 2014 252 811 46 45 1,154 Foreign currency translation — (15 ) — — (15 ) Purchase price adjustments — (2 ) — — (2 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 252 $ 794 $ 46 $ 45 $ 1,137
Definite-lived intangible assets [Table Text Block]	Definite-lived intangible assets consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount (in millions) Customer relationships $ 149 $ (106 ) $ 43 $ 150 $ (97 ) $ 53 Contracts 233 (189 ) 44 233 (180 ) 53 Other 149 (103 ) 46 151 (98 ) 53 Total $ 531 $ (398 ) $ 133 $ 534 $ (375 ) $ 159
Estimated intangible amortization expenses [Table Text Block]	Estimated intangible amortization expense as of December 31, 2015 for the next five years is as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 26 2017 22 2018 21 2019 18 2020 13

Deferred Acquisition Costs an41

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs
Schedule of balances of and changes in DAC [Table Text Block]	The balances of and changes in DAC were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Balance at January 1 $ 2,608 $ 2,663 $ 2,399 Capitalization of acquisition costs 361 336 339 Amortization, excluding the impact of valuation assumptions review (348 ) (360 ) (285 ) Amortization, impact of valuation assumptions review (6 ) (7 ) 78 Impact of change in net unrealized securities losses (gains) 110 (24 ) 132 Balance at December 31 $ 2,725 $ 2,608 $ 2,663
Schedule of balances of and changes in DSIC [Table Text Block]	The balances of and changes in DSIC, which is included in other assets, were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Balance at January 1 $ 362 $ 409 $ 404 Capitalization of sales inducement costs 4 5 5 Amortization, excluding the impact of valuation assumptions review (52 ) (51 ) (48 ) Amortization, impact of valuation assumptions review 1 (2 ) 25 Impact of change in net unrealized securities losses 20 1 23 Balance at December 31 $ 335 $ 362 $ 409

Policyholder Account Balances42

Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities
Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Policyholder account balances Fixed annuities $ 11,239 $ 12,700 Variable annuity fixed sub-accounts 4,912 4,860 VUL/UL insurance 2,897 2,856 IUL insurance 808 534 Other life insurance 794 840 Total policyholder account balances 20,650 21,790 Future policy benefits Variable annuity GMWB 1,057 693 Variable annuity GMAB — (41 ) (1) Other annuity liabilities 31 115 Fixed annuities life contingent liabilities 1,501 1,511 EIA 27 29 Life, DI and LTC insurance 5,112 5,106 VUL/UL and other life insurance additional liabilities 452 437 Total future policy benefits 8,180 7,850 Policy claims and other policyholders’ funds 869 710 Total policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims $ 29,699 $ 30,350 ( 1) Includes the fair value of GMAB embedded derivatives that was a net asset at December 31, 2014 reported as a contra liability.
Schedule of Separate Account Liabilities by Policy Type [Table Text Block]	Separate account liabilities consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Variable annuity $ 69,333 $ 72,125 VUL insurance 6,637 7,016 Other insurance 34 37 Threadneedle investment liabilities 4,345 4,078 Total $ 80,349 $ 83,256

Variable Annuity and Insuranc43

Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of variable annuity guarantees [Table Text Block]	The following table provides information related to variable annuity guarantees for which the Company has established additional liabilities: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type (1) Total Contract Value Contract Value in Separate Accounts Net Amount at Risk Weighted Average Attained Age Total Contract Value Contract Value in Separate Accounts Net Amount at Risk Weighted Average Attained Age (in millions, except age) GMDB: Return of premium $ 54,716 $ 52,871 $ 297 65 $ 55,378 $ 53,565 $ 24 64 Five/six-year reset 9,307 6,731 78 65 10,360 7,821 28 64 One-year ratchet 6,747 6,379 266 67 7,392 7,006 39 66 Five-year ratchet 1,613 1,556 20 63 1,773 1,717 2 63 Other 887 869 82 71 959 941 38 70 Total — GMDB $ 73,270 $ 68,406 $ 743 65 $ 75,862 $ 71,050 $ 131 64 GGU death benefit $ 1,056 $ 1,004 $ 113 67 $ 1,072 $ 1,019 $ 123 67 GMIB $ 270 $ 251 $ 17 68 $ 343 $ 321 $ 9 67 GMWB: GMWB $ 3,118 $ 3,109 $ 2 69 $ 3,671 $ 3,659 $ 1 68 GMWB for life 37,301 37,179 330 66 36,843 36,735 95 65 Total — GMWB $ 40,419 $ 40,288 $ 332 66 $ 40,514 $ 40,394 $ 96 65 GMAB $ 4,018 $ 4,006 $ 31 58 $ 4,247 $ 4,234 $ 2 58 (1) Individual variable annuity contracts may have more than one guarantee and therefore may be included in more than one benefit type. Variable annuity contracts for which the death benefit equals the account value are not shown in this table.
Schedule of net amount of risk UL secondary guarantees [Table Text Block]	The following table provides information related to insurance guarantees for which the Company has established additional liabilities: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Net Amount at Risk Weighted Average Attained Age Net Amount at Risk Weighted Average Attained Age (in millions, except age) UL secondary guarantees $ 6,601 63 $ 6,076 62
Schedule of changes in additional liabilities for variable annuity and insurance guarantees [Table Text Block]	Changes in additional liabilities (contra liabilities) for variable annuity and insurance guarantees were as follows: GMDB & GGU GMIB GMWB (1) GMAB (1) UL (in millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 4 $ 9 $ 799 $ 103 $ 155 Incurred claims 4 (2 ) (1,182 ) (165 ) 67 Paid claims (4 ) (1 ) — — (16 ) Balance at December 31, 2013 4 6 (383 ) (62 ) 206 Incurred claims 9 1 1,076 21 75 Paid claims (4 ) — — — (18 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 9 7 693 (41 ) 263 Incurred claims 10 1 364 41 92 Paid claims (5 ) — — — (23 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 14 $ 8 $ 1,057 $ — $ 332 (1) The incurred claims for GMWB and GMAB represent the total change in the liabilities (contra liabilities).
Schedule of separate account balances by asset type [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the distribution of separate account balances by asset type for variable annuity contracts providing guaranteed benefits: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Mutual funds: Equity $ 39,806 $ 41,403 Bond 23,700 25,060 Other 5,241 4,490 Total mutual funds $ 68,747 $ 70,953

Customer Deposits (Tables)

Customer Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of customer deposits [Table Text Block]	Customer deposits consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Fixed rate certificates $ 4,260 $ 3,597 Stock market certificates 553 581 Stock market embedded derivative 4 6 Other 18 23 Less: accrued interest classified in other liabilities (3 ) (8 ) Total investment certificate reserves 4,832 4,199 Brokerage deposits 3,802 3,465 Total $ 8,634 $ 7,664

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt [Table Text Block]	The balances and the stated interest rates of outstanding debt of Ameriprise Financial were as follows: Outstanding Balance Stated Interest Rate December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Long-term debt: Senior notes due 2015 $ — $ 358 (1) — % 5.7 % Senior notes due 2019 322 (1) 326 (1) 7.3 7.3 Senior notes due 2020 782 (1) 786 (1) 5.3 5.3 Senior notes due 2023 750 750 4.0 4.0 Senior notes due 2024 548 548 3.7 3.7 Junior subordinated notes due 2066 245 294 7.5 7.5 Capitalized lease obligations 60 (2) — Total long-term debt 2,707 3,062 Short-term borrowings: Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances 150 150 0.5 0.3 Repurchase agreements 50 50 0.5 0.4 Total short-term borrowings 200 200 Total $ 2,907 $ 3,262 (1) Amounts include adjustments for fair value hedges on the Company’s long-term debt. See Note 16 for information on the Company’s fair value hedges. (2) In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a capital lease that had previously been incorrectly recorded as an operating lease for the Ameriprise Financial Center. See Note 1 for additional information.
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2015 , future maturities of Ameriprise Financial long-term debt were as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 11 2017 12 2018 13 2019 313 2020 761 Thereafter 1,545 Total future maturities $ 2,655

Fair Values of Assets and Lia46

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Table Text Block]	The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities of Ameriprise Financial measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Cash equivalents $ 80 $ 1,918 $ — $ 1,998 Available-for-Sale securities: Corporate debt securities — 14,923 1,425 16,348 Residential mortgage backed securities — 5,755 218 5,973 Commercial mortgage backed securities — 2,453 3 2,456 Asset backed securities — 1,134 162 1,296 State and municipal obligations — 2,290 — 2,290 U.S. government and agencies obligations 33 35 — 68 Foreign government bonds and obligations — 224 — 224 Common stocks 5 8 5 18 Total Available-for-Sale securities 38 26,822 1,813 28,673 Trading securities 6 18 — 24 Separate account assets — 80,349 — 80,349 Investments segregated for regulatory purposes 401 — — 401 Other assets: Interest rate derivative contracts — 1,940 — 1,940 Equity derivative contracts 92 1,495 — 1,587 Credit derivative contracts — 2 — 2 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 2 54 — 56 Other derivative contracts — 2 — 2 Total other assets 94 3,493 — 3,587 Total assets at fair value $ 619 $ 112,600 $ 1,813 $ 115,032 Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims: EIA embedded derivatives $ — $ 5 $ — $ 5 IUL embedded derivatives — — 364 364 GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — 851 851 (1) Total policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims — 5 1,215 1,220 (2) Customer deposits — 4 — 4 Other liabilities: Interest rate derivative contracts — 969 — 969 Equity derivative contracts 47 1,946 — 1,993 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 2 16 — 18 Other derivative contracts — 96 — 96 Other 1 12 — 13 Total other liabilities 50 3,039 — 3,089 Total liabilities at fair value $ 50 $ 3,048 $ 1,215 $ 4,313 (1) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives included $994 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $143 million of individual contracts in an asset position. (2) The Company’s adjustment for nonperformance risk resulted in a $398 million cumulative decrease to the embedded derivatives. December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Assets Cash equivalents $ 27 $ 1,930 $ — $ 1,957 Available-for-Sale securities: Corporate debt securities — 15,647 1,518 17,165 Residential mortgage backed securities — 6,001 206 6,207 Commercial mortgage backed securities — 2,539 91 2,630 Asset backed securities — 1,301 169 1,470 State and municipal obligations — 2,239 — 2,239 U.S. government and agencies obligations 12 35 — 47 Foreign government bonds and obligations — 251 — 251 Common stocks 5 7 6 18 Total Available-for-Sale securities 17 28,020 1,990 30,027 Trading securities 54 28 1 83 Separate account assets — 83,256 — 83,256 Other assets: Interest rate derivative contracts — 2,031 — 2,031 Equity derivative contracts 282 1,757 — 2,039 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 1 29 — 30 Other derivative contracts — 1 — 1 Total other assets 283 3,818 — 4,101 Total assets at fair value $ 381 $ 117,052 $ 1,991 $ 119,424 Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims: EIA embedded derivatives $ — $ 6 $ — $ 6 IUL embedded derivatives — — 242 242 GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — 479 479 (1) Total policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims — 6 721 727 (2) Customer deposits — 6 — 6 Other liabilities: Interest rate derivative contracts — 1,136 — 1,136 Equity derivative contracts 376 2,326 — 2,702 Foreign exchange derivative contracts 1 2 — 3 Other derivative contracts — 114 — 114 Other — 12 — 12 Total other liabilities 377 3,590 — 3,967 Total liabilities at fair value $ 377 $ 3,602 $ 721 $ 4,700 (1) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives included $700 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $221 million of individual contracts in an asset position. (2) The Company’s adjustment for nonperformance risk resulted in a $311 million cumulative decrease to the embedded derivatives.
Summary of changes in level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Table Text Block]	The following tables provide a summary of changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities of Ameriprise Financial measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Available-for-Sale Securities Corporate Debt Securities Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks Total Trading Securities (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 1,518 $ 206 $ 91 $ 169 $ 6 $ 1,990 $ 1 Total gains (losses) included in: Net income (2 ) — — 1 — (1 ) (1) (1 ) (1) Other comprehensive loss (21 ) (2 ) — (2 ) — (25 ) — Purchases 189 334 41 72 — 636 — Settlements (248 ) (55 ) (7 ) (22 ) — (332 ) — Transfers into Level 3 — — 6 14 — 20 — Transfers out of Level 3 (11 ) (265 ) (128 ) (70 ) (1 ) (475 ) — Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 1,425 $ 218 $ 3 $ 162 $ 5 $ 1,813 $ — Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at December 31, 2015 included in: Net investment income $ (2 ) $ — $ — $ 1 $ — $ (1 ) $ — (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Policyholder Account Balances, IUL Embedded Derivatives GMWB and GMAB Embedded Derivatives Total (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 242 $ 479 $ 721 Total losses included in: Net income 27 (1) 105 (2) 132 Issues 114 271 385 Settlements (19 ) (4 ) (23 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 364 $ 851 $ 1,215 Changes in unrealized losses relating to liabilities held at December 31, 2015 included in: Interest credited to fixed accounts $ 27 $ — $ 27 Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses — 127 127 (1) Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Available-for-Sale Securities Corporate Debt Securities Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks Total Trading Securities (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 1,640 $ 187 $ 30 $ 260 $ 6 $ 2,123 $ 2 Total gains (losses) included in: Net income (1 ) (1 ) 1 1 — — (1) — Other comprehensive income (2 ) — (2 ) 2 (1 ) (3 ) — Purchases 213 399 59 32 1 704 1 Sales (18 ) — — — — (18 ) (2 ) Settlements (306 ) (24 ) (1 ) (11 ) — (342 ) — Transfers into Level 3 — — 78 — 1 79 — Transfers out of Level 3 (8 ) (355 ) (74 ) (115 ) (1 ) (553 ) — Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 1,518 $ 206 $ 91 $ 169 $ 6 $ 1,990 $ 1 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at December 31, 2014 included in: Net investment income $ (1 ) $ — $ 1 $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ — (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Policyholder Account Balances, IUL Embedded Derivatives GMWB and GMAB Embedded Derivatives Total (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2014 $ 125 $ (575 ) $ (450 ) Total losses included in: Net income 40 (1) 811 (2) 851 Issues 90 254 344 Settlements (13 ) (11 ) (24 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 242 $ 479 $ 721 Changes in unrealized losses relating to liabilities held at December 31, 2014 included in: Interest credited to fixed accounts $ 40 $ — $ 40 Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses — 811 811 (1) Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Available-for-Sale Securities Corporate Debt Securities Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Asset Backed Securities Common Stocks Total Trading Securities (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 1,764 $ 284 $ 206 $ 178 $ 6 $ 2,438 $ — Total gains (losses) included in: Net income (3 ) — — 2 — (1 ) (1) — Other comprehensive loss (41 ) — (6 ) 9 1 (37 ) — Purchases 135 335 25 259 — 754 2 Settlements (215 ) (18 ) (36 ) (5 ) — (274 ) — Transfers into Level 3 — — — 8 — 8 — Transfers out of Level 3 — (414 ) (159 ) (191 ) (1 ) (765 ) — Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 1,640 $ 187 $ 30 $ 260 $ 6 $ 2,123 $ 2 Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at December 31, 2013 included in: Net investment income $ (3 ) $ — $ — $ 2 $ — $ (1 ) $ — (1) Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Policyholder Account Balances, IUL Embedded Derivatives GMWB and GMAB Embedded Derivatives Total (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 45 $ 833 $ 878 Total (gains) losses included in: Net income 19 (1) (1,617 ) (2) (1,598 ) Issues 62 228 290 Settlements (1 ) (19 ) (20 ) Balance, December 31, 2013 $ 125 $ (575 ) $ (450 ) Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to liabilities held at December 31, 2013 included in: Interest credited to fixed accounts $ 19 $ — $ 19 Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses — (1,598 ) (1,598 ) (1) Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements [Table Text Block]	The following tables provide a summary of the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements developed by the Company or reasonably available to the Company of Level 3 assets and liabilities: December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (in millions) Corporate debt securities (private placements) $ 1,411 Discounted cash flow Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries 1.1 % – 3.8% 1.6% IUL embedded derivatives $ 364 Discounted cash flow Nonperformance risk (1) 68 bps GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives $ 851 Discounted cash flow Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (2) 0.0 % – 75.6% Surrender rate 0.0 % – 59.1% Market volatility (3) 5.4 % – 21.5% Nonperformance risk (1) 68 bps December 31, 2014 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (in millions) Corporate debt securities (private placements) $ 1,476 Discounted cash flow Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries 1.0 % – 3.9% 1.5% IUL embedded derivatives $ 242 Discounted cash flow Nonperformance risk (1) 65 bps GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives $ 479 Discounted cash flow Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (2) 0.0 % – 51.1% Surrender rate 0.0 % – 59.1% Market volatility (3) 5.2 % – 20.9% Nonperformance risk (1) 65 bps Elective contractholder strategy allocations (4) 0.0 % – 3.0% (1) The nonperformance risk is the spread added to the observable interest rates used in the valuation of the embedded derivatives. (2) The utilization of guaranteed withdrawals represents the percentage of contractholders that will begin withdrawing in any given year. (3) Market volatility is implied volatility of fund of funds and managed volatility funds. (4) The elective allocation represents the percentage of contractholders that are assumed to electively switch their investment allocation to a different allocation model. As the contractholder experience of related elective strategy allocations reached the ultimate expected levels in 2015, the Company is no longer including this input in the fair value measurement effective September 30, 2015.
Schedule of carrying value and the estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not reported at fair value [Table Text Block]	The following tables provide the carrying value and the estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not reported at fair value. All other financial instruments that are reported at fair value have been included above in the table with balances of assets and liabilities Ameriprise Financial measured at fair value on a recurring basis. December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Financial Assets Mortgage loans, net $ 3,359 $ — $ — $ 3,372 $ 3,372 Policy and certificate loans 824 — 1 803 804 Receivables 1,471 148 1,322 3 1,473 Restricted and segregated cash 2,548 2,548 — — 2,548 Other investments and assets 583 1 510 54 565 Financial Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims $ 11,523 $ — $ — $ 12,424 $ 12,424 Investment certificate reserves 4,831 — — 4,823 4,823 Brokerage customer deposits 3,802 3,802 — — 3,802 Separate account liabilities 4,704 — 4,704 — 4,704 Debt and other liabilities 3,173 202 2,958 113 3,273 December 31, 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Financial Assets Mortgage loans, net $ 3,440 $ — $ — $ 3,512 $ 3,512 Policy and certificate loans 806 — 1 793 794 Receivables 1,418 215 1,200 3 1,418 Restricted and segregated cash 2,614 2,614 — — 2,614 Other investments and assets 551 — 460 84 544 Financial Liabilities Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims $ 12,979 $ — $ — $ 13,996 $ 13,996 Investment certificate reserves 4,201 — — 4,195 4,195 Brokerage customer deposits 3,465 3,465 — — 3,465 Separate account liabilities 4,478 — 4,478 — 4,478 Debt and other liabilities 3,576 261 3,446 121 3,828

Offsetting Assets and Liabili47

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Offsetting [Abstract]
Schedule of gross and net information about the Company's assets subject to master netting arrangements [Table Text Block]	The following tables present the gross and net information about the Company’s assets subject to master netting arrangements: December 31, 2015 Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments (1) Cash Collateral Securities Collateral Net Amount (in millions) Derivatives: OTC $ 3,129 $ — $ 3,129 $ (2,331 ) $ (391 ) $ (320 ) $ 87 OTC cleared 418 — 418 (314 ) (102 ) — 2 Exchange-traded 40 — 40 (3 ) — — 37 Total derivatives 3,587 — 3,587 (2,648 ) (493 ) (320 ) 126 Securities borrowed 148 — 148 (30 ) — (115 ) 3 Total $ 3,735 $ — $ 3,735 $ (2,678 ) $ (493 ) $ (435 ) $ 129 December 31, 2014 Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments (1) Cash Collateral Securities Collateral Net Amount (in millions) Derivatives: OTC $ 3,735 $ — $ 3,735 $ (3,000 ) $ (281 ) $ (418 ) $ 36 OTC cleared 305 — 305 (224 ) (81 ) — — Exchange-traded 61 — 61 — — — 61 Total derivatives 4,101 — 4,101 (3,224 ) (362 ) (418 ) 97 Securities borrowed 215 — 215 (49 ) — (163 ) 3 Total $ 4,316 $ — $ 4,316 $ (3,273 ) $ (362 ) $ (581 ) $ 100 (1) Represents the amount of assets that could be offset by liabilities with the same counterparty under master netting or similar arrangements that management elects not to offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Schedule of gross and net information about the Company's liabilities subject to master netting arrangements [Table Text Block]	The following tables present the gross and net information about the Company’s liabilities subject to master netting arrangements: December 31, 2015 Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments (1) Cash Collateral Securities Collateral Net Amount (in millions) Derivatives: OTC $ 2,725 $ — $ 2,725 $ (2,331 ) $ — $ (393 ) $ 1 OTC cleared 345 — 345 (314 ) (25 ) — 6 Exchange-traded 6 — 6 (3 ) (1 ) — 2 Total derivatives 3,076 — 3,076 (2,648 ) (26 ) (393 ) 9 Securities loaned 203 — 203 (30 ) — (164 ) 9 Repurchase agreements 50 — 50 — — (50 ) — Total $ 3,329 $ — $ 3,329 $ (2,678 ) $ (26 ) $ (607 ) $ 18 December 31, 2014 Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments (1) Cash Collateral Securities Collateral Net Amount (in millions) Derivatives: OTC $ 3,723 $ — $ 3,723 $ (3,000 ) $ — $ (723 ) $ — OTC cleared 232 — 232 (224 ) (8 ) — — Total derivatives 3,955 — 3,955 (3,224 ) (8 ) (723 ) — Securities loaned 261 — 261 (49 ) — (205 ) 7 Repurchase agreements 50 — 50 — — (50 ) — Total $ 4,266 $ — $ 4,266 $ (3,273 ) $ (8 ) $ (978 ) $ 7 (1) Represents the amount of liabilities that could be offset by assets with the same counterparty under master netting or similar arrangements that management elects not to offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivatives and Hedging Activ48

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Schedule of gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives [Table Text Block]	The Company uses derivatives as economic hedges and accounting hedges. The following table presents the notional value and gross fair value of derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Notional Gross Fair Value Notional Gross Fair Value Assets (1) Liabilities (2)(3) Assets (1) Liabilities (2)(3) (in millions) Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts $ 675 $ 58 $ — $ 1,025 $ 76 $ — Total qualifying hedges 675 58 — 1,025 76 — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts 63,798 1,882 969 61,849 1,955 1,136 Equity contracts 70,238 1,587 1,993 69,805 2,039 2,702 Credit contracts 600 2 — 616 — — Foreign exchange contracts 4,408 56 18 2,029 30 3 Other contracts 3,760 2 96 2,744 1 114 Total non-designated hedges 142,804 3,529 3,076 137,043 4,025 3,955 Embedded derivatives GMWB and GMAB (4) N/A — 851 N/A — 479 IUL N/A — 364 N/A — 242 EIA N/A — 5 N/A — 6 SMC N/A — 4 N/A — 6 Total embedded derivatives N/A — 1,224 N/A — 733 Total derivatives $ 143,479 $ 3,587 $ 4,300 $ 138,068 $ 4,101 $ 4,688 N/A Not applicable. (1) The fair value of freestanding derivative assets is included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (2) The fair value of freestanding derivative liabilities is included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of GMWB and GMAB, IUL, and EIA embedded derivatives is included in Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the SMC embedded derivative liability is included in Customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (3) The fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities after considering the effects of master netting arrangements, cash collateral held by the same counterparty and the fair value of net embedded derivatives was $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. See Note 15 for additional information related to master netting arrangements and cash collateral. See Note 4 for information about derivatives held by consolidated VIEs. (4) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives at December 31, 2015 included $994 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $143 million of individual contracts in an asset position. The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives at December 31, 2014 included $700 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $221 million of individual contracts in an asset position.
Schedule of gain (loss) on derivative instruments [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations: Net Investment Income Banking and Deposit Interest Expense Distribution Expenses Interest Credited to Fixed Accounts Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses General and Administrative Expense (in millions) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Interest rate contracts $ (21 ) $ — $ — $ — $ 241 $ — Equity contracts — — 1 (10 ) (304 ) 2 Credit contracts — — — — (1 ) — Foreign exchange contracts 4 — (1 ) — 13 (2 ) Other contracts 1 — — — (27 ) — GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — — — (372 ) — IUL embedded derivatives — — — (8 ) — — EIA embedded derivatives — — — 1 — — SMC embedded derivatives — — — — — — Total loss $ (16 ) $ — $ — $ (17 ) $ (450 ) $ — Year Ended December 31, 2014 Interest rate contracts $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,122 $ — Equity contracts (4 ) 3 13 21 (304 ) 4 Credit contracts — — — — (33 ) — Foreign exchange contracts 2 — (5 ) — (9 ) (1 ) Other contracts — — — — (12 ) — GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — — — (1,054 ) — IUL embedded derivatives — — — (27 ) — — EIA embedded derivatives — — — (2 ) — — SMC embedded derivatives — (3 ) — — — — Total gain (loss) $ (1 ) $ — $ 8 $ (8 ) $ (290 ) $ 3 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Interest rate contracts $ 2 $ — $ — $ — $ (742 ) $ — Equity contracts (17 ) 7 9 14 (1,084 ) 5 Credit contracts — — — — 6 — Foreign exchange contracts (2 ) — — — 26 — Other contracts 1 — — — (42 ) — GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives — — — — 1,408 — IUL embedded derivatives — — — (16 ) — — EIA embedded derivatives — — — (3 ) — — SMC embedded derivatives — (6 ) — — — — Total gain (loss) $ (16 ) $ 1 $ 9 $ (5 ) $ (428 ) $ 5
Schedule of payments to make and receive for options [Table Text Block]	The deferred premium associated with certain of the above options is paid or received semi-annually over the life of the option contract or at maturity. The following is a summary of the payments the Company is scheduled to make and receive for these options: Premiums Payable Premiums Receivable (in millions) 2016 $ 331 $ 76 2017 273 76 2018 221 126 2019 264 128 2020 198 59 2021-2027 633 176 Total $ 1,920 $ 641
Fair value hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Schedule of gain (loss) on derivative instruments [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the amounts recognized in income related to fair value hedges: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Location of Gain Recorded into Income Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Interest rate contracts Interest and debt expense $ 31 $ 33 $ 57

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Components of share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures [Table Text Block]	The components of the Company’s share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Stock option $ 39 $ 37 $ 36 Restricted stock (1) 22 26 46 Restricted stock units 83 67 61 Liability awards 14 30 31 Total $ 158 $ 160 $ 174 (1) Includes nil , $3 million and $10 million of expense related to EIP for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively
Weighted average assumptions used for stock option grants [Table Text Block]	The following weighted average assumptions were used for stock option grants: 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 2.0 % 2.0 % 3.0 % Expected volatility 26 % 31 % 41 % Risk-free interest rate 1.2 % 1.5 % 0.9 % Expected life of stock option (years) 5.0 5.0 5.0
Summary of stock option activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for 2015 is presented below (shares and intrinsic value in millions): Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 1 7.2 $ 65.07 6.7 $ 485 Granted 1.6 128.58 Exercised (1.4 ) 50.50 Forfeited (0.1 ) 106.17 Outstanding at December 31 7.3 81.11 6.7 222 Exercisable at December 31 4.2 59.02 5.4 201
Summary of restricted stock award activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of activity for the Company’s restricted stock awards, restricted stock units granted to employees (including advisors), compensation deferrals into stock and deferred share units for 2015 is presented below (shares in millions): Shares Weighted Average Grant-date Fair Value Non-vested shares at January 1 1.4 $ 80.68 Granted 0.6 129.07 Deferred 0.3 121.17 Vested (1.0 ) 95.76 Forfeited — 101.84 Non-vested shares at December 31 1.3 103.01

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of other comprehensive income (loss) [Table Text Block]	The following tables provide the amounts related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”): Year Ended December 31, 2015 Pretax Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Net of Tax Net unrealized securities losses: (in millions) Net unrealized securities losses arising during the period (1) $ (1,027 ) $ 359 $ (668 ) Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income (2) (6 ) 2 (4 ) Impact of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables 480 (168 ) 312 Net unrealized securities losses (553 ) 193 (360 ) Net unrealized derivatives losses: Reclassification of net derivative losses included in net income (3) 1 — 1 Net unrealized derivatives losses 1 — 1 Defined benefit plans: Prior service credit (2 ) — (2 ) Net loss arising during the period (24 ) 6 (18 ) Defined benefit plans (26 ) 6 (20 ) Foreign currency translation (46 ) 16 (30 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to Ameriprise Financial (624 ) 215 (409 ) Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (60 ) — (60 ) Total other comprehensive loss $ (684 ) $ 215 $ (469 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Pretax Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Net of Tax Net unrealized securities gains: (in millions) Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period (1) $ 529 $ (184 ) $ 345 Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income (2) (39 ) 14 (25 ) Impact of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables (290 ) 101 (189 ) Net unrealized securities gains 200 (69 ) 131 Net unrealized derivatives losses: Reclassification of net derivative losses included in net income (3) 1 — 1 Net unrealized derivatives losses 1 — 1 Defined benefit plans: Prior service credit (1 ) — (1 ) Net loss arising during the period (37 ) 13 (24 ) Defined benefit plans (38 ) 13 (25 ) Foreign currency translation (62 ) 22 (40 ) Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial 101 (34 ) 67 Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (63 ) — (63 ) Total other comprehensive income $ 38 $ (34 ) $ 4 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Pretax Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Net of Tax Net unrealized securities losses: (in millions) Net unrealized securities losses arising during the period (1) $ (1,484 ) $ 513 $ (971 ) Reclassification of net securities gains included in net income (2) (7 ) 2 (5 ) Impact of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables 490 (171 ) 319 Net unrealized securities losses (1,001 ) 344 (657 ) Net unrealized derivatives losses: Reclassification of net derivative losses included in net income (3) 1 — 1 Net unrealized derivatives losses 1 — 1 Defined benefit plans: Prior service credit (2 ) 1 (1 ) Net gain arising during the period 71 (25 ) 46 Defined benefit plans 69 (24 ) 45 Foreign currency translation 18 (6 ) 12 Other comprehensive loss attributable to Ameriprise Financial (913 ) 314 (599 ) Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 25 — 25 Total other comprehensive loss $ (888 ) $ 314 $ (574 ) (1) Includes other-than-temporary impairment losses on Available-for-Sale securities related to factors other than credit that were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) during the period. (2) Reclassification amounts are recorded in net investment income. (3) Includes a $4 million , $4 million and $4 million pretax gain reclassified to interest and debt expenses and a $5 million , $5 million and $5 million pretax loss reclassified to net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
Information related to amounts reclassified from AOCI [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the changes in the balances of each component of AOCI, net of tax: Net Unrealized Securities Gains Net Unrealized Derivatives Losses Defined Benefit Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total (in millions) Balance, January 1, 2013 $ 1,312 $ (2 ) $ (91 ) $ (25 ) $ 1,194 OCI before reclassifications (652 ) — 39 12 (601 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (5 ) 1 6 — 2 OCI attributable to Ameriprise Financial (657 ) 1 45 12 (599 ) Balance, December 31, 2013 655 (1) (1 ) (46 ) (13 ) 595 OCI before reclassifications 156 — (30 ) (40 ) 86 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (25 ) 1 5 — (19 ) OCI attributable to Ameriprise Financial 131 1 (25 ) (40 ) 67 Balance, December 31, 2014 786 (1) — (71 ) (53 ) 662 OCI before reclassifications (356 ) — (25 ) (30 ) (411 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (4 ) 1 5 — 2 OCI attributable to Ameriprise Financial (360 ) 1 (20 ) (30 ) (409 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 426 (1) $ 1 $ (91 ) $ (83 ) $ 253 (1) Includes $4 million , $5 million and $(4) million of noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities gains (losses) on previously impaired securities at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Earnings per Share Attributab51

Earnings per Share Attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Common Shareholders (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings per Common Share	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. common shareholders are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions, except per share amounts) Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 1,687 $ 2,002 $ 1,478 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 125 381 141 Income from continuing operations attributable to Ameriprise Financial 1,562 1,621 1,337 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — (2 ) (3 ) Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial $ 1,562 $ 1,619 $ 1,334 Denominator: Basic: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 181.7 191.6 203.2 Effect of potentially dilutive nonqualified stock options and other share-based awards 2.5 3.4 3.9 Diluted: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 184.2 195.0 207.1 Earnings per share attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. common shareholders: Basic: Income from continuing operations $ 8.60 $ 8.46 $ 6.58 Loss from discontinued operations — (0.01 ) (0.02 ) Net income $ 8.60 $ 8.45 $ 6.56 Diluted: Income from continuing operations $ 8.48 $ 8.31 $ 6.46 Loss from discontinued operations — (0.01 ) (0.02 ) Net income $ 8.48 $ 8.30 $ 6.44

Regulatory Requirements (Tables

Regulatory Requirements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Regulatory Requirements
Summary of Statutory Net Gain from Operations and Net Income [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) RiverSource Life Statutory net gain from operations (1) $ 1,033 $ 1,412 $ 1,633 Statutory net income (1) 633 1,154 1,337 IDS Property Casualty Statutory net income (loss) (44 ) (25 ) 11 (1) Statutory net gain (loss) from operations and statutory net income (loss) are significantly impacted by changes in reserves for variable annuity guaranteed benefits, however, these impacts are substantially offset by unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives which are not included in statutory income but are recorded directly to surplus.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of income tax provision (benefit) [Table Text Block]	The components of income tax provision attributable to continuing operations were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Current income tax Federal $ 509 $ 248 $ 549 State and local 36 33 24 Foreign 41 36 37 Total current income tax 586 317 610 Deferred income tax Federal (124 ) 202 (102 ) State and local (4 ) 30 (10 ) Foreign (3 ) (4 ) (6 ) Total deferred income tax (131 ) 228 (118 ) Total income tax provision $ 455 $ 545 $ 492
Schedule of geographic sources of pretax income [Table Text Block]	The geographic sources of pretax income from continuing operations were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) United States $ 1,710 $ 1,858 $ 1,640 Foreign 432 689 330 Total $ 2,142 $ 2,547 $ 1,970
Reconciliation of the income tax provision [Table Text Block]	The principal reasons that the aggregate income tax provision attributable to continuing operations is different from that computed by using the U.S. statutory rate of 35% were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Tax at U.S. statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Changes in taxes resulting from: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2.0 ) (5.2 ) (2.5 ) Dividend exclusion (6.7 ) (4.7 ) (5.1 ) Low income housing tax credits (3.0 ) (2.1 ) (2.7 ) Foreign tax credits, net of addback (2.1 ) (2.0 ) (0.9 ) State taxes, net of federal benefit — 1.6 0.5 Tax-exempt interest income — (0.7 ) (0.9 ) Taxes applicable to prior years — (0.2 ) — Other, net 0.1 (0.3 ) 1.6 Income tax provision 21.3 % 21.4 % 25.0 %
Schedule of significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities [Table Text Block]	The significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities, which are included net within other assets or other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Deferred income tax assets Liabilities for policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims $ 1,391 $ 1,292 Deferred compensation 384 350 Investment related 118 83 Postretirement benefits 56 — Loss carryovers and tax credit carryforwards — 25 Other 87 102 Gross deferred income tax assets 2,036 1,852 Less: valuation allowance 11 20 Total deferred income tax assets 2,025 1,832 Deferred income tax liabilities Deferred acquisition costs 730 738 Net unrealized gains on Available-for-Sale securities 233 424 Depreciation expense 169 131 Deferred sales inducement costs 125 128 Intangible assets 113 96 Goodwill 66 — Other 18 101 Gross deferred income tax liabilities 1,454 1,618 Net deferred income tax assets $ 571 $ 214
Reconciliation of gross unrecognized tax benefits (expense) [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Balance at January 1 $ 242 $ 209 $ 116 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 18 17 22 Additions for tax positions of prior years 48 35 74 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (147 ) (19 ) (3 ) Balance at December 31 $ 161 $ 242 $ 209

Retirement Plans and Profit S54

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans
Reconciliation of the changes in the defined postretirement benefit plan obligation [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the benefit obligation: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Benefit obligation, January 1 $ 776 $ 676 $ 18 $ 18 Service cost 46 43 — — Interest cost 27 28 1 1 Benefits paid (6 ) (7 ) (3 ) (4 ) Actuarial (gain) loss (3 ) 30 — — Participant contributions — — 2 3 Settlements (20 ) (20 ) — — Foreign currency rate changes (8 ) (8 ) — — Additional voluntary contribution ("AVC") obligation — 34 — — Benefit obligation, December 31 $ 812 $ 776 $ 18 $ 18
Schedule of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, which equal the funded status of the plans: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in millions) Benefit liability $ (223 ) $ (178 ) $ (18 ) $ (18 ) Benefit asset 19 14 — — Net amount recognized $ (204 ) $ (164 ) $ (18 ) $ (18 )
Accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets [Table Text Block]	The following table provides information for pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Accumulated benefit obligation $ 620 $ 582 Fair value of plan assets 446 449 Pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets Projected benefit obligation $ 668 $ 628 Fair value of plan assets 446 449
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations [Table Text Block]	The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 Discount rates 3.66 % 3.44 % 3.90 % 3.60 % Rates of increase in compensation levels 4.36 4.35 N/A N/A Healthcare cost increase rates: Next year trend rate N/A N/A 5.75 6.00 Ultimate trend rate N/A N/A 5.00 5.00 Years to ultimate trend rate N/A N/A 3 4
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost of pension plans were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Discount rates 3.43 % 4.06 % 3.45 % Rates of increase in compensation levels 4.41 4.38 4.36 Expected long-term rates of return on assets 7.10 7.58 7.62
Schedule of pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Table Text Block]	The following tables present the Company’s pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2015 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Equity securities: U.S. large cap stocks $ 74 $ 83 $ — $ 157 U.S. small cap stocks 55 3 — 58 Non-U.S. large cap stocks 21 34 — 55 Non-U.S. small cap stocks 21 — — 21 Emerging markets 14 21 — 35 Debt securities: U.S. investment grade bonds 19 14 — 33 U.S. high yield bonds — 26 — 26 Non-U.S. investment grade bonds — 14 — 14 Real estate investment trusts — — 16 16 Hedge funds — — 21 21 Pooled pension funds — 143 — 143 AVC assets (pooled pension funds) — 19 — 19 Cash equivalents 10 — — 10 Total $ 214 $ 357 $ 37 $ 608 December 31, 2014 Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in millions) Equity securities: U.S. large cap stocks $ 74 $ 84 $ — $ 158 U.S. small cap stocks 59 1 — 60 Non-U.S. large cap stocks 21 33 — 54 Non-U.S. small cap stocks 18 — — 18 Emerging markets 15 24 — 39 Debt securities: U.S. investment grade bonds 19 15 — 34 U.S. high yield bonds — 27 — 27 Non-U.S. investment grade bonds — 15 — 15 Real estate investment trusts — — 14 14 Hedge funds — — 21 21 Pooled pension funds — 144 — 144 AVC assets (pooled pension funds) — 19 — 19 Cash equivalents 9 — — 9 Total $ 215 $ 362 $ 35 $ 612
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring ba sis: Asset Category Real Estate Investment Trusts Hedge Funds (in millions) Balance at January 1, 2013 $ 12 $ 18 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date — 2 Purchases 2 — Sales (12 ) — Balance at December 31, 2013 2 20 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 1 1 Purchases 11 — Balance at December 31, 2014 14 21 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date 2 — Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 16 $ 21
Schedule of expected benefit payments to retirees under retirement plans [Table Text Block]	The Company’s pension plans expect to make benefit payments to retirees as follows: Pension Plans Other Postretirement Plans (in millions) 2016 $ 71 $ 2 2017 75 2 2018 74 2 2019 78 1 2020 76 1 2021-2025 322 6
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans
Schedule of components of net periodic pension cost [Table Text Block]	The components of the net periodic benefit cost for pension plans were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Service cost $ 46 $ 43 $ 46 Interest cost 27 28 23 Expected return on plan assets (40 ) (38 ) (33 ) Amortization of prior service costs (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Amortization of net loss 9 7 11 Other 4 3 2 Net periodic benefit cost $ 45 $ 42 $ 48
Reconciliation of the changes in the fair value of plan assets for the pension plans [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of assets: Pension Plans 2015 2014 (in millions) Fair value of plan assets, January 1 $ 612 $ 544 Actual return on plan assets (9 ) 37 Employer contributions 40 47 Benefits paid (6 ) (7 ) Settlements (20 ) (20 ) Foreign currency rate changes (9 ) (8 ) AVC asset — 19 Fair value of plan assets, December 31 $ 608 $ 612

Commitments, Guarantees and C55

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The Company is committed to pay aggre gate minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases for office facilities and equipment in future years as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 56 2017 54 2018 45 2019 33 2020 26 Thereafter 63 Total (1) $ 277 (1) Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals due in the future under noncancelable subleases.
Unused Commitments to Extend Credit [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the Company’s funding commitments as of December 31: 2015 2014 (in millions) Commercial mortgage loans $ 73 $ 55 Consumer mortgage loans 447 491 Consumer lines of credit 3 3 Affordable housing partnerships 117 124 Total funding commitments $ 640 $ 673

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize selected financial information by segment and reconcile segment totals to those reported on the consolidated financial statements: December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions) Advice & Wealth Management $ 11,338 $ 10,220 Asset Management 7,931 7,509 Annuities 94,002 98,535 Protection 20,755 20,779 Corporate & Other 11,316 11,767 Total assets $ 145,342 $ 148,810 Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Operating net revenues: Advice & Wealth Management $ 5,013 $ 4,806 $ 4,295 Asset Management 3,254 3,320 3,169 Annuities 2,541 2,591 2,561 Protection 2,384 2,287 2,186 Corporate & Other 3 4 15 Eliminations (1) (1,461 ) (1,417 ) (1,369 ) Total segment operating revenues 11,734 11,591 10,857 Net realized gains 4 37 7 Revenue attributable to CIEs 446 651 345 Market impact on IUL benefits, net 7 (11 ) (10 ) Market impact of hedges on investments (21 ) — — Total net revenues per consolidated statements of operations (2) $ 12,170 $ 12,268 $ 11,199 (1) Represents the elimination of intersegment revenues recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 in each segment as follows: Advice and Wealth Management ( $1,035 , $997 and $980 , respectively); Asset Management ( $43 , $44 and $39 , respectively); Annuities ( $340 , $235 and $307 , respectively); Protection ( $42 , $139 and $40 , respectively); and Corporate & Other ( $1 , $2 and $3 , respectively). (2) Includes foreign net revenues of $1,038 , $1,315 and $897 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Operating earnings: Advice & Wealth Management $ 859 $ 792 $ 592 Asset Management 761 788 691 Annuities 650 633 629 Protection 183 246 336 Corporate & Other (199 ) (230 ) (229 ) Total segment operating earnings 2,254 2,229 2,019 Net realized gains 4 37 7 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 125 381 141 Market impact on variable annuity guaranteed benefits, net (214 ) (94 ) (170 ) Market impact on IUL benefits, net (1 ) (6 ) (13 ) Market impact of hedges on investments (21 ) — — Integration and restructuring charges (5 ) — (14 ) Income from continuing operations before income tax provision per consolidated statements of operations $ 2,142 $ 2,547 $ 1,970

Quarterly Financial Data Quarte

Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	2015 2014 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 (in millions, except per share data) Net revenues $ 3,103 $ 2,886 $ 3,128 $ 3,053 $ 3,089 $ 3,111 $ 3,072 $ 2,996 Income from continuing operations before income tax provision 446 463 615 618 558 720 619 650 Income from continuing operations 380 352 476 479 454 565 467 516 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — — — — (1 ) — — (1 ) Net income 380 352 476 479 453 565 467 515 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 23 (45 ) 61 86 28 145 93 115 Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial $ 357 $ 397 $ 415 $ 393 $ 425 $ 420 $ 374 $ 400 Earnings per share attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. common shareholders: Basic Income from continuing operations $ 2.02 $ 2.20 $ 2.26 $ 2.11 $ 2.27 $ 2.21 $ 1.94 $ 2.05 Loss from discontinued operations — — — — (0.01 ) — — — Net income $ 2.02 $ 2.20 $ 2.26 $ 2.11 $ 2.26 $ 2.21 $ 1.94 $ 2.05 Diluted Income from continuing operations $ 2.00 $ 2.17 $ 2.23 $ 2.08 $ 2.23 $ 2.17 $ 1.91 $ 2.01 Loss from discontinued operations — — — — (0.01 ) — — — Net income $ 2.00 $ 2.17 $ 2.23 $ 2.08 $ 2.22 $ 2.17 $ 1.91 $ 2.01 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 176.6 180.4 183.8 186.3 187.9 190.3 192.7 195.5 Diluted 178.9 182.7 186.4 189.1 191.2 193.7 196.2 199.1 Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.67 $ 0.67 $ 0.67 $ 0.58 $ 0.58 $ 0.58 $ 0.58 $ 0.52 Common share price: High 120.29 129.22 131.76 138.26 137.33 128.51 120.32 116.82 Low 100.08 95.52 120.83 121.49 105.41 116.02 100.94 101.29

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANC58

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT	Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Revenues Management and financial advice fees $ (1 ) $ — $ 4 Distribution fees — — 1 Net investment income 2 30 33 Other revenues 14 11 7 Total revenues 15 41 45 Expenses Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses 13 11 19 Interest and debt expense 124 118 123 General and administrative expense 193 195 221 Total expenses 330 324 363 Pretax loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries (315 ) (283 ) (318 ) Income tax benefit (123 ) (88 ) (85 ) Loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries (192 ) (195 ) (233 ) Equity in earnings of subsidiaries excluding discontinued operations 1,754 1,816 1,570 Net income from continuing operations 1,562 1,621 1,337 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — (2 ) (3 ) Net income 1,562 1,619 1,334 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (409 ) 67 (599 ) Total comprehensive income $ 1,153 $ 1,686 $ 735 See Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant. Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant December 31, 2015 2014 (in millions, except share amounts) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 661 $ 1,257 Investments 513 1,181 Loans to subsidiaries 167 167 Due from subsidiaries 227 212 Receivables 40 22 Land, buildings, equipment, and software, net of accumulated depreciation of $993 and $823, respectively 294 232 Investments in subsidiaries 7,779 7,762 Other assets 1,425 1,577 Total assets $ 11,106 $ 12,410 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 198 $ 211 Due to subsidiaries 148 329 Borrowings from subsidiaries 331 349 Debt 2,707 3,062 Other liabilities 642 569 Total liabilities 4,026 4,520 Shareholders’ Equity: Common shares ($.01 par value; shares authorized, 1,250,000,000; shares issued, 322,822,746 and 320,990,255, respectively) 3 3 Additional paid-in capital 7,611 7,345 Retained earnings 9,551 8,469 Treasury shares, at cost (151,789,486 and 137,880,746 shares, respectively) (10,338 ) (8,589 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, including amounts applicable to equity investments in subsidiaries 253 662 Total shareholders’ equity 7,080 7,890 Total liabilities and equity $ 11,106 $ 12,410 See Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant. Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net income $ 1,562 $ 1,619 $ 1,334 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries excluding discontinued operations (1,754 ) (1,816 ) (1,570 ) Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — 2 3 Dividends received from subsidiaries 1,485 1,569 1,163 Other operating activities, primarily with subsidiaries 183 614 (34 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 1,476 1,988 896 Cash Flows from Investing Activities Available-for-Sale securities: Proceeds from sales 112 62 2 Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls 506 284 191 Purchases (28 ) (756 ) (109 ) Proceeds from sale of other investments 62 — 43 Purchase of other investments (5 ) (50 ) (1 ) Purchase of land, buildings, equipment and software (47 ) (40 ) (54 ) Contributions to subsidiaries (271 ) (31 ) (106 ) Return of capital from subsidiaries 146 284 470 Repayment of loans to subsidiaries 2,897 3,402 1,420 Issuance of loans to subsidiaries (2,897 ) (3,112 ) (1,412 ) Other, net 7 99 20 Net cash provided by investing activities 482 142 464 Cash Flows from Financing Activities Dividends paid to shareholders (465 ) (426 ) (401 ) Repurchase of common shares (1,741 ) (1,577 ) (1,583 ) Cash paid for purchased options with deferred premiums (19 ) (388 ) (4 ) Cash received for purchased options with deferred premiums — 59 23 Issuances of debt, net of issuance costs — 543 744 Repayments of long-term debt (409 ) (200 ) (350 ) Loans from subsidiaries — 15 — Repayment of loans from subsidiaries (18 ) (15 ) — Exercise of stock options 16 33 118 Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 81 162 120 Other, net 1 (4 ) (2 ) Net cash used in financing activities (2,554 ) (1,798 ) (1,335 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (596 ) 332 25 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,257 925 900 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 661 $ 1,257 $ 925 Supplemental Disclosures: Interest paid on debt $ 154 $ 145 $ 129 Income taxes paid, net 378 482 354 Non-cash dividends from subsidiaries 52 152 — Non-cash contributions to subsidiaries — 51 — See Notes to Condensed Financial Information of Registrant.

Accounting Error Correction (De

Accounting Error Correction (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Land, buildings, equipment and software, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 724	$ 667
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Land, buildings, equipment and software, net of accumulated depreciation	294	$ 232
Capital lease obligation	60
Quantifying misstatement in current year financial statement	10
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Land, buildings, equipment and software, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 70

Summary of Significant Accoun60

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Principles of Consolidation
Minimum percentage of voting interest required to be held to consolidate an entity	50.00%
Maximum percentage of voting interest required to be held to be accounted for, under the cost method	20.00%
Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual status period for loans	90 days
Period for charging off revolving unsecured consumer lines	180 days
Period for charging off closed-end consumer loans, other than loans secured by one to four family properties	120 days
Land, Buildings, Equipment and Software
Land, buildings, equipment and software, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 724	$ 667
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	1,600	1,400
Depreciation and amortization expense for the year	$ 150	$ 144	$ 144
Minimum [Member]
Principles of Consolidation
Percentage of voting interest required to be held to be accounted for under the equity method	20.00%
Land, Buildings, Equipment and Software
Amortization periods	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Principles of Consolidation
Percentage of voting interest required to be held to be accounted for under the equity method	50.00%
Land, Buildings, Equipment and Software
Amortization periods	39 years

Recent Accounting Pronounceme61

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Assets	$ 145,342	$ 148,810
Liabilities	136,937	139,505
Total equity	8,405	$ 9,305	$ 9,232	$ 9,712
Consolidated investment entities [Member] | Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Assets	(6,200)
Liabilities	(4,900)
Total equity	$ (1,300)

Variable Interest Entities (Ass

Variable Interest Entities (Asset & Liability Balances) (Details) - Consolidated investment entities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Other assets	$ 2,065	$ 1,936
Liabilities
Debt	6,630	6,030
Other liabilities	221	193
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Investments:	78	134
Total assets at fair value	78	134
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Assets
Investments:	74	130
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other investments [Member]
Assets
Investments:	4	4
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Investments:	5,960	5,523
Receivables	70	49
Other assets		1
Total assets at fair value	6,030	5,573
Liabilities
Other liabilities	221	193
Total liabilities at fair value	221	193
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Assets
Investments:	154	171
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Assets
Investments:	46	40
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other investments [Member]
Assets
Investments:	22	25
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Syndicated loans [Member]
Assets
Investments:	5,738	5,287
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Investments:	532	491
Other assets	2,065	1,935
Total assets at fair value	2,597	2,426
Liabilities
Debt	6,630	6,030
Total liabilities at fair value	6,630	6,030
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Assets
Investments:	3	7
Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Syndicated loans [Member]
Assets
Investments:	529	484
Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member]
Assets
Investments:	6,570	6,148
Receivables	70	49
Other assets	2,065	1,936
Total assets at fair value	8,705	8,133
Liabilities
Debt	6,630	6,030
Other liabilities	221	193
Total liabilities at fair value	6,851	6,223
Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Assets
Investments:	154	171
Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Assets
Investments:	123	177
Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Other investments [Member]
Assets
Investments:	26	29
Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Syndicated loans [Member]
Assets
Investments:	$ 6,267	$ 5,771

Variable Interest Entities (Cha

Variable Interest Entities (Change in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Roll Forward]
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, Assets		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, Assets		0		0		0
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, Liabilities		0		0		0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, Liabilities		0		0		0
Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Roll Forward]
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, Assets		0		0		0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, Assets		0		0		0
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, Liabilities		0		0		0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, Liabilities		0		0		0
Corporate debt securities [Member] | Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets held by consolidated investment entities
Balance, at the beginning of the period		0		2		3
Total gains (losses) included in net income	[1]			1
Purchases				2		1
Sales				(9)		(1)
Settlements						(1)
Transfers into Level 3				10
Transfers out of Level 3				(6)
Balance, at the end of the period				0		2
Common stocks [Member] | Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets held by consolidated investment entities
Balance, at the beginning of the period		7		14		14
Total gains (losses) included in net income		(1)	[2]	1	[1]	1	[3]
Sales				(2)		(3)
Transfers into Level 3		7		13		21
Transfers out of Level 3		(10)		(19)		(19)
Balance, at the end of the period		3		7		14
Changes in unrealized gains/ (losses) included in income relating to assets held at end of period	[3]					(2)
Syndicated loans [Member] | Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets held by consolidated investment entities
Balance, at the beginning of the period		484		368		202	[3]
Total gains (losses) included in net income		(24)	[2]	2	[1]	(1)	[3]
Purchases		303		417		417
Sales		(36)		(42)		(63)
Settlements		(161)		(100)		(51)
Transfers into Level 3		776		551		320
Transfers out of Level 3		(813)		(712)		(456)
Balance, at the end of the period		529		484		368
Changes in unrealized gains/ (losses) included in income relating to assets held at end of period		(19)	[2]	(3)	[1]	(2)	[3]
Other assets [Member] | Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets held by consolidated investment entities
Balance, at the beginning of the period		1,935		1,936		1,214
Total gains (losses) included in net income		170	[4]	421	[5]	81	[6]
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		(154)		(175)		39
Purchases		638		289		689
Sales		(524)		(547)		(86)
Transfers into Level 3				11		8
Transfers out of Level 3						(9)
Balance, at the end of the period		2,065		1,935		1,936
Changes in unrealized gains/ (losses) included in income relating to assets held at end of period		20	[4]	362	[5]	67	[6]
Debt [Member] | Consolidated investment entities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Roll Forward]
Balance, at the beginning of the period		(6,030)		(4,804)		(4,450)
Total gains (losses) included in net income		215	[2]	(34)	[1]	(53)	[3]
Issues		(1,267)		(1,670)		(1,330)
Settlements		452		478		1,029
Balance, at the end of the period		(6,630)		(6,030)		(4,804)
Changes in unrealized gains/ (losses) included in income relating to liabilities held at end of period		$ 219	[2]	$ 1	[1]	$ (25)	[3]
[1]	Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[2]	Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[3]	Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[4]	Included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
[5]	Included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
[6]	Included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Variable Interest Entities (Fai

Variable Interest Entities (Fair Value Unobservable Inputs) (Details 3) - Consolidated investment entities [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / ft²	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / ft²
Summary of the significant unobservable inputs
Debt | $	$ 6,630	$ 6,030
Other assets (property funds) [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow/market comparables [Member]
Summary of the significant unobservable inputs
Equivalent yield	2.60%	4.40%
Expected rental value (per square foot) | $ / ft²	3	3
Other assets (property funds) [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow/market comparables [Member]
Summary of the significant unobservable inputs
Equivalent yield	11.50%	12.00%
Expected rental value (per square foot) | $ / ft²	159	94
Other assets (property funds) [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow/market comparables [Member]
Summary of the significant unobservable inputs
Equivalent yield	5.80%	6.50%
Expected rental value (per square foot) | $ / ft²	51	34
Debt [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation technique [Member]
Summary of the significant unobservable inputs
Annual default rate	2.50%	2.50%
Discount rate	2.00%	1.20%
Constant prepayment rate	5.00%	5.00%
Loss recovery	36.40%	36.40%
Debt [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation technique [Member]
Summary of the significant unobservable inputs
Discount rate	11.80%	8.30%
Constant prepayment rate	10.00%	10.00%
Loss recovery	63.60%	63.60%
Debt [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted cash flow valuation technique [Member]
Summary of the significant unobservable inputs
Discount rate	3.40%	2.40%
Constant prepayment rate	9.90%	9.80%
Loss recovery	62.90%	62.70%
Level 3 [Member] | Recurring basis [Member]
Summary of the significant unobservable inputs
Other assets (property funds) | $	$ 2,060
Debt | $	$ 6,630	$ 6,030

Variable Interest Entities (FV

Variable Interest Entities (FV Option for Consolidated CLOs) (Details 4) - Consolidated investment entities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Syndicated loans [Abstract]
Unpaid principal balance	$ 6,635	$ 5,871
Excess estimated unpaid principal over fair value	(368)	(100)
Fair value	6,267	5,771
Fair value of loans more than 90 days past due	24	32
Fair value of loans in nonaccrual status	24	32
Difference between fair value and unpaid principal of loans more than 90 days past due, loans in nonaccrual status or both	72	25
Debt [Abstract]
Unpaid principal balance	7,063	6,248
Excess estimated unpaid principal over fair value	(433)	(218)
Fair value	6,630	6,030
Net investment income [Member]
Fair value and unpaid principal balance of assets and liabilities carried at fair value under the fair value option
Total net losses recognized in net investment income related to changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value options was elected	$ (35)	$ (46)	$ 28

Variable Interest Entities (Con

Variable Interest Entities (Consolidating Entities) (Details 5) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Variable interest entity, not primary beneficiary [Member] | Sponsored hedge funds and private equity funds [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Variable interest entity, nonconsolidated, carrying amount, assets	$ 85	$ 89
Variable interest entity, not primary beneficiary [Member] | Affordable housing partnerships [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Variable interest entity, nonconsolidated, carrying amount, assets	$ 517	$ 504
Consolidated investment entities [Member] | CLO [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Number of variable interest or voting rights entities consolidated	2	3
Value of variable interest or voting rights entities consolidated	$ 1,300	$ 1,700
Number of variable interest or voting rights entities liquidated	1	1
Value of variable interest or voting rights entities liquidated	$ 203	$ 300
Consolidated investment entities [Member] | Property Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Number of variable interest or voting rights entities consolidated	3	2
Value of variable interest or voting rights entities consolidated	$ 452	$ 260

Variable Interest Entities (Deb

Variable Interest Entities (Debt Outstanding) (Details 6) - Consolidated investment entities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt and stated interest rates
Long-term debt	$ 7,539	$ 6,867
Floating Rate Debt Instrument, Fair Value	909	837
Fair value of derivative instruments	$ 8	$ 10
Effective interest rate reflecting the impact of derivative contracts	3.20%	3.10%
Maximum [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Stated interest rate according to terms of CDO structure	9.20%
Minimum [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Stated interest rate according to terms of CDO structure	0.00%
CLO [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Long-term debt	$ 6,630	$ 6,030
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.60%	1.30%
Property Fund [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Long-term debt	$ 909	$ 837
Weighted Average Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.80%	2.70%

Variable Interest Entities (Fut

Variable Interest Entities (Future Maturities of Debt) (Details 7) - Consolidated investment entities [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Future Debt Maturities [Line Items]
2,016	$ 20
2,017	48
2,018	379
2,019	1,442
2,020	702
Thereafter	5,381
Total future maturities	$ 7,972

Investments (Holdings info) (De

Investments (Holdings info) (Details) - Ameriprise Financial [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments	$ 34,144	$ 35,582
Available-for-Sale securities, at fair value [Member]
Investments	28,673	30,027
Mortgage loans, net [Member]
Investments	3,359	3,440
Policy and certificate loans [Member]
Investments	824	806
Other investments [Member]
Investments	$ 1,288	$ 1,309

Investments (Net investment inc

Investments (Net investment income summary) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment income on fixed maturities	$ 1,403	$ 1,479	$ 1,575
Net realized gains	4	37	7
Affordable housing partnerships	(18)	(25)	(12)
Other	68	93	99
Consolidated investment entities	231	157	220
Total net investment income	$ 1,688	$ 1,741	$ 1,889

Investments (AFS by Type) (Deta

Investments (AFS by Type) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments
Fair value of investment securities pledged as collateral		$ 1,000	$ 1,300
Fair value of investment securities pledged as collateral that may be repledged by the counterparty		478	769
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost		27,752	28,066
Gross unrealized gains		1,347	2,121
Gross unrealized losses		(426)	(160)
Fair value		28,673	30,027
Noncredit OTTI	[1]	(4)	(7)
Corporate debt securities [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost		15,750	15,742
Gross unrealized gains		894	1,482
Gross unrealized losses		(296)	(59)
Fair value		16,348	17,165
Noncredit OTTI	[1]	3	3
Residential mortgage backed securities [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost		5,933	6,099
Gross unrealized gains		106	168
Gross unrealized losses		(66)	(60)
Fair value		5,973	6,207
Noncredit OTTI	[1]	(12)	(15)
Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost		2,400	2,513
Gross unrealized gains		70	120
Gross unrealized losses		(14)	(3)
Fair value		2,456	2,630
Asset backed securities [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost		1,273	1,417
Gross unrealized gains		34	59
Gross unrealized losses		(11)	(6)
Fair value		1,296	1,470
State and municipal obligations [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost		2,105	2,008
Gross unrealized gains		213	257
Gross unrealized losses		(28)	(26)
Fair value		2,290	2,239
U.S. government and agencies obligations [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost		66	43
Gross unrealized gains		2	4
Fair value		68	47
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost		218	236
Gross unrealized gains		17	21
Gross unrealized losses		(11)	(6)
Fair value		224	251
Common stocks [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost		7	8
Gross unrealized gains		11	10
Fair value		18	18
Noncredit OTTI	[1]	$ 5	$ 5
[1]	Represents the amount of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses in AOCI. Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities subsequent to the initial impairment measurement date. These amounts are included in gross unrealized gains and losses as of the end of the period.

Investments (Rating info) (Deta

Investments (Rating info) (Details 4) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Investments
Fixed maturity securities as percentage of the entity's total investments	84.00%	84.00%
Number of holdings other than GNMA, FNMA, and FHLMC having greater than 10% of total equity | item	0
Holdings of Issuer Other than GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC as Percentage of Shareholders Equity Maximum	10.00%
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amount of securities internally rated	$ 1,300	$ 1,400
Percentage of GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC securities rated AAA	53.00%	52.00%
AAA [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost	$ 7,147	$ 7,500
Fair value	$ 7,289	$ 7,776
Percent of total fair value	25.00%	26.00%
AA [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost	$ 1,732	$ 1,581
Fair value	$ 1,930	$ 1,799
Percent of total fair value	7.00%	6.00%
A [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost	$ 5,131	$ 6,028
Fair value	$ 5,507	$ 6,668
Percent of total fair value	19.00%	22.00%
BBB [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost	$ 12,052	$ 11,187
Fair value	$ 12,353	$ 12,025
Percent of total fair value	43.00%	40.00%
Below investment grade [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost	$ 1,683	$ 1,762
Fair value	$ 1,576	$ 1,741
Percent of total fair value	6.00%	6.00%
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Amortized cost	$ 27,745	$ 28,058
Fair value	$ 28,655	$ 30,009
Percent of total fair value	100.00%	100.00%

Investments (EITF info) (Detail

Investments (EITF info) (Details 5) - Ameriprise Financial [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Positions	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Positions
Number of securities
Less than 12 months | Positions	618	302
12 months or more | Positions	250	228
Total | Positions	868	530
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 8,308	$ 3,457
12 months or more	2,244	2,587
Total	10,552	6,044
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(259)	(52)
12 months or more	(167)	(108)
Total	$ (426)	$ (160)
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Number of securities
Less than 12 months | Positions	347	182
12 months or more | Positions	48	40
Total | Positions	395	222
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 5,150	$ 2,165
12 months or more	454	689
Total	5,604	2,854
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(220)	(41)
12 months or more	(76)	(18)
Total	$ (296)	$ (59)
Residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Number of securities
Less than 12 months | Positions	123	73
12 months or more | Positions	164	138
Total | Positions	287	211
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 1,869	$ 879
12 months or more	1,350	1,387
Total	3,219	2,266
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(16)	(7)
12 months or more	(50)	(53)
Total	$ (66)	$ (60)
Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Number of securities
Less than 12 months | Positions	58	15
12 months or more | Positions	4	12
Total | Positions	62	27
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 695	$ 173
12 months or more	49	131
Total	744	304
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(13)	0
12 months or more	(1)	(3)
Total	$ (14)	$ (3)
Asset backed securities [Member]
Number of securities
Less than 12 months | Positions	50	17
12 months or more | Positions	14	14
Total | Positions	64	31
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 455	$ 201
12 months or more	254	238
Total	709	439
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(7)	(2)
12 months or more	(4)	(4)
Total	$ (11)	$ (6)
State and municipal obligations [Member]
Number of securities
Less than 12 months | Positions	31	11
12 months or more | Positions	5	10
Total | Positions	36	21
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 100	$ 29
12 months or more	110	115
Total	210	144
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(1)	(1)
12 months or more	(27)	(25)
Total	$ (28)	$ (26)
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Number of securities
Less than 12 months | Positions	9	4
12 months or more | Positions	15	14
Total | Positions	24	18
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	$ 39	$ 10
12 months or more	27	27
Total	66	37
Unrealized losses
Less than 12 months	(2)	(1)
12 months or more	(9)	(5)
Total	$ (11)	$ (6)

Investments (OTTI rollforward)

Investments (OTTI rollforward) (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Rollforward of the cumulative amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for other-than-temporary impairments related to credit losses on securities
Beginning balance	$ 98	$ 147	$ 176
Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	0		2
Credit losses for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	2	1	7
Reductions for securities sold during the period (realized)	(15)	(50)	(38)
Ending balance	$ 85	$ 98	$ 147

Investments (Realized GL Info)

Investments (Realized GL Info) (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments
Other-than-temporary impairments	$ (8)	$ (6)	$ (9)
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Investments
Gross realized gains	33	53	17
Gross realized losses	(19)	(8)	(1)
Other-than-temporary impairments	(8)	(6)	(9)
Total	$ 6	$ 39	$ 7

Investments (AFS contractual ma

Investments (AFS contractual maturity) (Details 8) - Ameriprise Financial [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amortized Cost
Due within one year	$ 1,485
Due after one year through five years	6,754
Due after five years through 10 years	5,382
Due after 10 years	4,518
Total having single maturity dates	18,139
Amortized cost	27,752	$ 28,066
Fair Value
Due within one year	1,496
Due after one year through five years	7,053
Due after five years through 10 years	5,371
Due after 10 years	5,010
Total having single maturity dates	18,930
Fair value	28,673	30,027
Residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity dates	5,933
Amortized cost	5,933	6,099
Fair Value
Without single maturity dates	5,973
Fair value	5,973	6,207
Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity dates	2,400
Amortized cost	2,400	2,513
Fair Value
Without single maturity dates	2,456
Fair value	2,456	2,630
Asset backed securities [Member]
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity dates	1,273
Amortized cost	1,273	1,417
Fair Value
Without single maturity dates	1,296
Fair value	1,296	1,470
Common stocks [Member]
Amortized Cost
Without single maturity dates	7
Amortized cost	7	8
Fair Value
Without single maturity dates	18
Fair value	$ 18	$ 18

Financing Receivables (Allowanc

Financing Receivables (Allowance for Loan Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Rollforward of the allowance for loan losses
Beginning balance	$ 35	$ 37	$ 44
Charge-offs	(4)	(4)	(7)
Recoveries	0	1	1
Provisions	1	1	(1)
Ending balance	32	35	37
Individually evaluated for impairment	4	9	9
Collectively evaluated for impairment	28	26	28
Recorded investment in financing receivables by impairment method and type of loan
Individually evaluated for impairment	34	42
Collectively evaluated for impairment	3,910	3,951
Total	3,944	3,993
Recorded investment in financing receivables individually evaluated for impairment with no related allowance for loan losses	21	13
Loans purchased	162	227	158
Loans sold	$ 16	$ 13	$ 3

Financing Receivables (Credit Q

Financing Receivables (Credit Quality Information Text) (Details 2) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)item
Credit quality information [Line Items]
Total loans, gross	$ 3,944	$ 3,993
90 days or more past due
Credit quality information [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	10	12
Commercial mortgage loans [Member]
Credit quality information [Line Items]
Total loans, gross	$ 2,755	$ 2,729
Percentage of commercial mortgage loans with highest risk rating	1.00%	1.00%
Syndicated loans [Member]
Credit quality information [Line Items]
Total loans, gross	$ 553	$ 511
Syndicated loans [Member] | 90 days or more past due
Credit quality information [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	6	4
Consumer loans [Member]
Credit quality information [Line Items]
Total loans, gross	$ 636	$ 753
Percentage of residential mortgage loans below specific FICO score	4.00%	6.00%
Specific FICO score | item	640	640
Percentage of residential mortgage loans above specific LTV ratio	2.00%	2.00%
Specific LTV ratio	90.00%	90.00%
Percentage of total loan portfolio represented by state of California	37.00%	37.00%

Financing Receivables (Credit79

Financing Receivables (Credit Quality Information Tables) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 3,944	$ 3,993
Less: allowance for loan losses	32	35	$ 37	$ 44
Commercial mortgage loans [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	2,755	2,729
Less: allowance for loan losses	21	25
Total loans, net	$ 2,734	$ 2,704
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	100.00%	100.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Apartments [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 504	$ 500
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	18.00%	18.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Hotel [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 35	$ 34
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	1.00%	1.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 459	$ 461
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	17.00%	17.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Mixed Use [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 35	$ 45
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	1.00%	2.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Office
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 541	$ 545
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	20.00%	20.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Retail
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 984	$ 988
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	36.00%	36.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Other
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 197	$ 156
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	7.00%	6.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | East North Central [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 211	$ 238
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	8.00%	9.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | East South Central [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 74	$ 62
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	3.00%	2.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Middle Atlantic [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 210	$ 217
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	8.00%	8.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 248	$ 245
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	9.00%	9.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | New England [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 123	$ 140
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	4.00%	5.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | Pacific [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 741	$ 694
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	27.00%	25.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | South Atlantic [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 782	$ 740
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	28.00%	27.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | West North Central [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 229	$ 233
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	8.00%	9.00%
Commercial mortgage loans [Member] | West South Central [Member]
Commercial mortgage loans
Total loans, gross	$ 137	$ 160
Percentage of gross commercial mortgage loans	5.00%	6.00%

Financing Receivables (Troubled

Financing Receivables (Troubled Debt Restructurings) (Details 4)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Receivables [Abstract]
Commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers for restructured loans	$ 0

Reinsurance (Product informatio

Reinsurance (Product information) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)agreement	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Maximum amount of life policy risk retained by entity, net of reinsured amounts		$ 1,500,000
Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance percentage of death benefit liability		90.00%
Reinsurance
Traditional Life and UL insurance in force, gross		$ 196,300,000,000	$ 195,500,000,000
Traditional Life and UL insurance in force, reinsured		$ 144,200,000,000	$ 143,400,000,000
IUL and VUL
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance percentage of death benefit liability		50.00%
TrioSource UL insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance percentage of death benefit liability		50.00%
Single Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Maximum amount of life insurance risk retained by the entity		$ 10,000,000
Flexible Premium Survivorship Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Maximum amount of life insurance risk retained by the entity		$ 10,000,000
Long Term Care Segment [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Reinsurance percentage of death benefit liability		50.00%
DI [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Maximum amount of life insurance risk retained by the entity		$ 5,000
Property, liability and casualty insurance product line [Member]
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Maximum amount of life insurance risk retained by the entity		$ 750,000
Number of types of reinsurance agreements | agreement		3
Maximum recovery per loss by entity		$ 5,000,000
Catastrophe reinsurance loss recovery per event by entity	$ 180,000,000	155,000,000
Maximum amount of auto and home catastrophe insurance risk retained by entity per event	$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000
Percentage of personal umbrella, loss ceded		80.00%
Maximum personal umbrella, recovery		$ 5,000,000

Reinsurance (Reinsurance on pre

Reinsurance (Reinsurance on premiums - long-duration contracts) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total net earned premiums	$ 1,455	$ 1,385	$ 1,282
Traditional Long-Duration Products [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct premiums earned	629	645	650
Ceded premiums earned	(223)	(222)	(220)
Total net earned premiums	$ 406	$ 423	$ 430

Reinsurance (Reinsurance on p83

Reinsurance (Reinsurance on premiums - short-duration contracts) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums Earned, Net, by Business [Abstract]
Total net earned premiums	$ 1,455	$ 1,385	$ 1,282
Property and casualty [Member]
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Direct premiums written	1,093	1,025	900
Ceded premiums written	(19)	(17)	(16)
Total net written premiums	1,074	1,008	884
Premiums Earned, Net, by Business [Abstract]
Direct premiums earned	1,068	979	868
Ceded premiums earned	(19)	(17)	(16)
Total net earned premiums	$ 1,049	$ 962	$ 852

Reinsurance (Ceded and recovere

Reinsurance (Ceded and recovered amounts) (Details 4) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recovered from reinsurers	$ 295	$ 260	$ 229
Reinsurance recoverables	2,500	2,300
Liabilities for assumed reinsurance arrangements	551	575
Non-Traditional Long-Duration Products [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded offset within other revenues	107	94	$ 87
Long Term Care Segment [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable related to LTC risk ceded to Genworth	$ 1,900	$ 1,800

Goodwill and Other Intangible85

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,154	$ 1,164
Foreign currency translation	(15)	(19)
Purchase price adjustment	(2)	9
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	1,137	1,154
Advice & Wealth Management [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period	252	252
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Purchase price adjustment		0
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	252	252
Asset Management [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period	811	821
Foreign currency translation	(15)	(19)
Purchase price adjustment	(2)	9
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	794	811
Annuities [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period	46	46
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Purchase price adjustment		0
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	46	46
Protection [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment:
Goodwill, balance at the beginning of the period	45	45
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Purchase price adjustment		0
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	$ 45	$ 45

Goodwill and Other Intangible86

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Definite-lived intangible assets
Carrying amount of indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 644	$ 630
Carrying amount of indefinite-lived intangible assets	67
Amount of indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired	14
Gross Carrying Amount	531	534
Accumulated Amortization	(398)	(375)
Net Carrying Amount	133	159
Definite-lived intangible assets acquired during the year, amount assigned	$ 9
Definite-lived intangible assets acquired during the year, weighted-average amortization period	5 years
Aggregate amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets	$ 33	40	$ 45
Estimated intangible amortization expense for next five years:
2,016	26
2,017	22
2,018	21
2,019	18
2,020	13
Customer relationships [Member]
Definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	149	150
Accumulated Amortization	(106)	(97)
Net Carrying Amount	43	53
Contracts [Member]
Definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	233	233
Accumulated Amortization	(189)	(180)
Net Carrying Amount	44	53
Other [Member]
Definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	149	151
Accumulated Amortization	(103)	(98)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 46	$ 53

Deferred Acquisition Costs an87

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducement Costs (Details) - Ameriprise Financial [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Balances of and changes in DAC
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 2,608	$ 2,663	$ 2,399
Capitalization of acquisition costs	361	336	339
Amortization, excluding the impact of valuation assumptions review	(348)	(360)	(285)
Amortization, impact of valuation assumptions review	(6)	(7)	78
Impact of change in net unrealized securities losses (gains)	110	(24)	132
Balance at the end of the period	2,725	2,608	2,663
Balances of and changes in DSIC
Balance at the beginning of the period	362	409	404
Capitalization of sales inducement costs	4	5	5
Amortization, excluding the impact of valuation assumptions review	(52)	(51)	(48)
Amortization, impact of valuation assumptions review	1	(2)	25
Impact of change in net unrealized securities losses	20	1	23
Balance at the end of the period	$ 335	$ 362	$ 409

Policyholder Account Balances88

Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Policyholder account balances	$ 20,650	$ 21,790
Future policy benefits	8,180	7,850
Policy claims and other policyholders' funds	869	710
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	29,699	30,350
Fixed annuities [Member]
Policyholder account balances	11,239	12,700
Variable annuity fixed sub-accounts [Member]
Policyholder account balances	4,912	4,860
VUL/UL insurance [Member]
Policyholder account balances	2,897	2,856
IUL insurance [Member]
Policyholder account balances	808	534
Other life insurance [Member]
Policyholder account balances	794	840
Variable annuity GMWB [Member]
Future policy benefits	1,057	693
Variable annuity GMAB [Member]
Future policy benefits	0	(41)	[1]
Other annuity liabilities [Member]
Future policy benefits	31	115
Fixed annuities life contingent liabilities [Member]
Future policy benefits	1,501	1,511
EIA [Member]
Future policy benefits	27	29
Life, DI and LTC insurance [Member]
Future policy benefits	5,112	5,106
VUL/UL and other life insurance additional liabilities [Member]
Future policy benefits	$ 452	$ 437
[1]	(1) Includes the fair value of GMAB embedded derivatives that was a net asset at December 31, 2014 reported as a contra liability.

Policyholder Account Balances89

Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities (Separate Account Liabilities) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Separate Account Liabilities
Variable annuity	$ 69,333	$ 72,125
VUL insurance	6,637	7,016
Other insurance	34	37
Threadneedle investment liabilities	4,345	4,078
Total	$ 80,349	$ 83,256

Policyholder Account Balances90

Policyholder Account Balances, Future Policy Benefits and Claims and Separate Account Liabilities (Text) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liability for Policyholder Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits and Policy Claims and Other Policyholders Funds [Line Items]
Policy claims and other policyholders' funds	$ 869	$ 710
Change in liability for prior year incurred unpaid reported claims and claim adjustment expenses	$ (2)	9	$ 2
EIA host values [Member]
Liability for Policyholder Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits and Policy Claims and Other Policyholders Funds [Line Items]
EIA contract initial term	7 years
Minimum interest rate guarantee	3.00%
Percentage of initial premium receiving interest guarantee	90.00%
Property, liability and casualty insurance product line [Member]
Liability for Policyholder Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits and Policy Claims and Other Policyholders Funds [Line Items]
Policy claims and other policyholders' funds	$ 640	$ 518
Increase (Decrease) in liability for prior year incurred unpaid reported claims and claim adjustment expenses	58	54	42
Life, DI and LTC insurance [Member]
Liability for Policyholder Account Balances and Future Policy Benefits and Policy Claims and Other Policyholders Funds [Line Items]
Policy claims and other policyholders' funds	$ 1,100	$ 1,000
Increase (Decrease) in liability for prior year incurred unpaid reported claims and claim adjustment expenses	60	42	38

Variable Annuity and Insuranc91

Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees (VA Guarantees Details Text) (Details) - GMAB [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Maximum age of variable annuity contractholders	79 years
GMAB rider guarantees waiting period	10 years

Variable Annuity and Insuranc92

Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees (VA Guarantee Details Table) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
GMDB [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 73,270	$ 75,862
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	68,406	71,050
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 743	$ 131
Weighted average attained age	[1]	65 years	64 years
GMDB [Member] | Return of premium [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 54,716	$ 55,378
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	52,871	53,565
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 297	$ 24
Weighted average attained age	[1]	65 years	64 years
GMDB [Member] | Five/six-year reset [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 9,307	$ 10,360
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	6,731	7,821
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 78	$ 28
Weighted average attained age	[1]	65 years	64 years
GMDB [Member] | One-year ratchet [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 6,747	$ 7,392
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	6,379	7,006
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 266	$ 39
Weighted average attained age	[1]	67 years	66 years
GMDB [Member] | Five-year ratchet [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 1,613	$ 1,773
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	1,556	1,717
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 20	$ 2
Weighted average attained age	[1]	63 years	63 years
GMDB [Member] | Other [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 887	$ 959
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	869	941
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 82	$ 38
Weighted average attained age	[1]	71 years	70 years
GGU death benefit [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 1,056	$ 1,072
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	1,004	1,019
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 113	$ 123
Weighted average attained age	[1]	67 years	67 years
GMIB [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 270	$ 343
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	251	321
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 17	$ 9
Weighted average attained age	[1]	68 years	67 years
GMWB [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 40,419	$ 40,514
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	40,288	40,394
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 332	$ 96
Weighted average attained age	[1]	66 years	65 years
GMWB [Member] | GMWB standard benefit [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 3,118	$ 3,671
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	3,109	3,659
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 2	$ 1
Weighted average attained age	[1]	69 years	68 years
GMWB [Member] | GMWB for life [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 37,301	$ 36,843
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	37,179	36,735
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 330	$ 95
Weighted average attained age	[1]	66 years	65 years
GMAB [Member]
Variable Annuity Guarantees by Benefit Type
Total contract value	[1]	$ 4,018	$ 4,247
Contract value in separate accounts	[1]	4,006	4,234
Net amount at risk	[1]	$ 31	$ 2
Weighted average attained age	[1]	58 years	58 years
[1]	Individual variable annuity contracts may have more than one guarantee and therefore may be included in more than one benefit type. Variable annuity contracts for which the death benefit equals the account value are not shown in this table

Variable Annuity and Insuranc93

Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees (UL Secondary Guarantee) (Details 3) - UL secondary guarantees [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Guarantees by Benefit Type
Net amount at risk	$ 6,601	$ 6,076
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee, Weighted Average Attained Age	63 years	62 years

Variable Annuity and Insuranc94

Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees (Liability Rollforward) (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
GMDB and GGU [Member]
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross
Balance, at the beginning of the period		$ 9	$ 4	$ 4
Incurred claims		10	9	4
Paid claims		(5)	(4)	(4)
Balance, at the end of the period		14	9	4
GMIB [Member]
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross
Balance, at the beginning of the period		7	6	9
Incurred claims		1	1	(2)
Paid claims		0		(1)
Balance, at the end of the period		8	7	6
GMWB [Member]
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross
Balance, at the beginning of the period	[1]	693	(383)	799
Incurred claims	[1]	364	1,076	(1,182)
Balance, at the end of the period	[1]	1,057	693	(383)
GMAB [Member]
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross
Balance, at the beginning of the period	[1]	(41)	(62)	103
Incurred claims	[1]	41	21	(165)
Balance, at the end of the period	[1]		(41)	(62)
UL [Member]
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross
Balance, at the beginning of the period		263	206	155
Incurred claims		92	75	67
Paid claims		(23)	(18)	(16)
Balance, at the end of the period		$ 332	$ 263	$ 206
[1]	The incurred claims for GMWB and GMAB represent the total change in the liabilities (contra liabilities).

Variable Annuity and Insuranc95

Variable Annuity and Insurance Guarantees (Separate Account Balance by Type) (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Mutual funds
Distribution of separate account balances by asset type for variable annuity contracts providing guaranteed benefits:
Total mutual funds	$ 68,747	$ 70,953
Equity
Distribution of separate account balances by asset type for variable annuity contracts providing guaranteed benefits:
Total mutual funds	39,806	41,403
Bond
Distribution of separate account balances by asset type for variable annuity contracts providing guaranteed benefits:
Total mutual funds	23,700	25,060
Other
Distribution of separate account balances by asset type for variable annuity contracts providing guaranteed benefits:
Total mutual funds	$ 5,241	$ 4,490

Customer Deposits (Details)

Customer Deposits (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Customer Deposits [Abstract]
Percentage of participation in the market index in the first option	100.00%
Percentage of participation in the market index in the second option	25.00%
Minimum [Member]
Customer Deposits [Abstract]
Amount of fixed rate investment certificates	$ 1,000
Term of fixed rate investment certificates	3 months
Returns on current first term stock market certificates (as a percent)	1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Customer Deposits [Abstract]
Amount of fixed rate investment certificates	$ 2,000,000
Term of fixed rate investment certificates	36 months
Returns on current first term stock market certificates (as a percent)	2.00%
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Customer Deposits [Abstract]
Fixed rate certificates	$ 4,260,000,000	$ 3,597,000,000
Stock market certificates	553,000,000	581,000,000
Stock market embedded derivative reserve	4,000,000	6,000,000
Other	18,000,000	23,000,000
Less: accrued interest classified in other liabilities	(3,000,000)	(8,000,000)
Total investment certificate reserves	4,832,000,000	4,199,000,000
Brokerage customer deposits	3,802,000,000	3,465,000,000
Total	$ 8,634,000,000	$ 7,664,000,000

Debt (Schedule of debt) (Detail

Debt (Schedule of debt) (Details) - Ameriprise Financial [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt		$ 2,707	$ 3,062
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations		2,707	3,062
Short-term borrowings		200	200
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations		2,907	3,262
Federal Home Loan Bank advances [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Short-term borrowings		$ 150	$ 150
Short-term borrowings, stated interest rate (as a percent)		0.50%	0.30%
Repurchase agreements [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Short-term borrowings		$ 50	$ 50
Short-term borrowings, stated interest rate (as a percent)		0.50%	0.40%
Senior notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	[1]		$ 358
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			5.70%
Senior notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	[1]	$ 322	$ 326
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		7.30%	7.30%
Senior notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt	[1]	$ 782	$ 786
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		5.30%	5.30%
Senior notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt		$ 750	$ 750
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		4.00%	4.00%
Senior notes due 2024 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt		$ 548	$ 548
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.70%	3.70%
Junior subordinated notes due 2066 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Total long-term debt		$ 245	$ 294
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		7.50%	7.50%
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Capital lease obligation	[2]	$ 60
[1]	Amounts include adjustments for fair value hedges on the Company’s long-term debt. See Note 16 for information on the Company’s fair value hedges.
[2]	(2) In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a capital lease that had previously been incorrectly recorded as an operating lease for the Ameriprise Financial Center. See Note 1 for additional information.

Debt (Narrative) (Details 2)

Debt (Narrative) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Repurchase agreements [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Remaining maturity of outstanding amount for short term borrowings								1 month	4 months
Federal Home Loan Bank advances [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Remaining maturity of outstanding amount for short term borrowings								3 months	2 months
Senior notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Extinguishment of debt, amount										$ 350
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Repurchase agreements [Member] | Residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Securities pledged as collateral								$ 30	$ 18
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Repurchase agreements [Member] | Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Securities pledged as collateral								22	34
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Federal Home Loan Bank advances [Member] | Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Securities pledged as collateral								290	$ 298
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Senior notes due 2039 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Extinguishment of debt, amount			$ 200
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Junior subordinated notes due 2066 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Extinguishment of debt, amount								$ 49
Minimum principal amount of junior subordinated notes outstanding after redemption							$ 50
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt				$ 1
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Senior notes due 2024 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Unsecured senior notes issued		$ 550
Debt issuance costs		$ 5
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Senior notes due 2023 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Unsecured senior notes issued				150		$ 600
Debt issuance costs				1		$ 5
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Senior notes due 2015 [Member]
Debt and stated interest rates
Extinguishment of debt, amount	$ 350				$ 350
Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt				$ 19

Debt Debt (Maturities) (Details

Debt Debt (Maturities) (Details 3) - Ameriprise Financial [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Future Debt Maturities [Line Items]
2,016	$ 11
2,017	12
2,018	13
2,019	313
2,020	761
Thereafter	1,545
Total future maturities	$ 2,655

Debt Debt (Line of Credit Narra

Debt Debt (Line of Credit Narrative) (Details 4) - Ameriprise Financial [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity under the line of credit	$ 500
Maximum borrowing capacity under the line of credit	750
Borrowings outstanding under credit facility	0	$ 0
Outstanding letters of credit issued against credit facility	$ 1

Fair Values of Assets and Li101

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Assets & Liabilities Reported at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Liabilities:
Liability	[1],[2]	$ 4,300		$ 4,688
Asset	[3]	3,587		4,101
Cumulative change in embedded derivatives due to nonperformance		(398)		(311)
GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member]
Liabilities:
Liability		994		700
Asset		143		221
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		28,673		30,027
Separate account assets		80,349		83,256
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		16,348		17,165
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		5,973		6,207
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		2,456		2,630
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Asset backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		1,296		1,470
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | State and municipal obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		2,290		2,239
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | U.S. government and agencies obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		68		47
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		224		251
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		18		18
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents		80		27
Available-for-Sale securities		38		17
Trading securities		6		54
Investments segregated for regulatory purposes		401
Other assets		94		283
Total assets at fair value		619		381
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		50		377
Total liabilities at fair value		50		377
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other [Member]
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		1
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Equity derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		92		282
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		47		376
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Foreign exchange derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		2		1
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		2		1
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. government and agencies obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		33		12
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		5		5
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents		1,918		1,930
Available-for-Sale securities		26,822		28,020
Trading securities		18		28
Separate account assets		80,349		83,256
Other assets		3,493		3,818
Total assets at fair value		112,600		117,052
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims		5		6
Customer deposits		4		6
Other liabilities		3,039		3,590
Total liabilities at fair value		3,048		3,602
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other [Member]
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		12		12
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		1,940		2,031
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		969		1,136
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Equity derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		1,495		1,757
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		1,946		2,326
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Credit derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		2
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign exchange derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		54		29
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		16		2
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		2		1
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		96		114
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | EIA embedded derivatives [Member]
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims		5		6
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		14,923		15,647
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		5,755		6,001
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		2,453		2,539
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Asset backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		1,134		1,301
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | State and municipal obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		2,290		2,239
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. government and agencies obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		35		35
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		224		251
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		8		7
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		1,813		1,990
Trading securities				1
Total assets at fair value		1,813		1,991
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims		1,215		721
Total liabilities at fair value		1,215		721
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | IUL embedded derivatives [Member]
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims		364		242
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member]
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims		851		479
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		1,425		1,518
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		218		206
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		3		91
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Asset backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		162		169
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		5		6
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member]
Assets
Cash equivalents		1,998		1,957
Available-for-Sale securities		28,673		30,027
Trading securities		24		83
Separate account assets		80,349		83,256
Investments segregated for regulatory purposes		401
Other assets		3,587		4,101
Total assets at fair value		115,032		119,424
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims		1,220	[4]	727	[5]
Customer deposits		4		6
Other liabilities		3,089		3,967
Total liabilities at fair value		4,313		4,700
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Other [Member]
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		13		12
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Interest rate derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		1,940		2,031
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		969		1,136
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Equity derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		1,587		2,039
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		1,993		2,702
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Credit derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		2
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Foreign exchange derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		56		30
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		18		3
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Other derivative contracts [Member]
Assets
Other assets		2		1
Liabilities:
Other liabilities		96		114
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | EIA embedded derivatives [Member]
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims		5		6
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | IUL embedded derivatives [Member]
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims		364		242
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member]
Liabilities:
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims		851	[6]	479	[7]
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		16,348		17,165
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		5,973		6,207
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		2,456		2,630
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Asset backed securities [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		1,296		1,470
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | State and municipal obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		2,290		2,239
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | U.S. government and agencies obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		68		47
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		224		251
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Recurring basis [Member] | Total [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Assets
Available-for-Sale securities		$ 18		$ 18
[1]	The fair value of freestanding derivative liabilities is included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of GMWB and GMAB, IUL, and EIA embedded derivatives is included in Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the SMC embedded derivative liability is included in Customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	The fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities after considering the effects of master netting arrangements, cash collateral held by the same counterparty and the fair value of net embedded derivatives was $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 15 for additional information related to master netting arrangements and cash collateral. See Note 4 for information about derivatives held by consolidated VIEs.
[3]	The fair value of freestanding derivative assets is included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]	(2) The Company’s adjustment for nonperformance risk resulted in a $398 million cumulative decrease to the embedded derivatives.
[5]	2) The Company’s adjustment for nonperformance risk resulted in a $311 million cumulative decrease to the embedded derivatives.
[6]	(1) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives included $994 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $143 million of individual contracts in an asset position.
[7]	(1) The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives included $700 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $221 million of individual contracts in an asset position.

Fair Values of Assets and Li102

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Level 3 rollforwards - Assets) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of the period included in:
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, Assets		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, Assets		0		0	0
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance, at the beginning of the period		1,518		1,640	1,764
Total gains (losses) included in net income		(2)		(1)	(3)
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		(21)		(2)	(41)
Purchases		189		213	135
Sales				(18)
Settlements		(248)		(306)	(215)
Transfers out of Level 3		(11)		(8)
Balance, at the end of the period		1,425		1,518	1,640
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of the period included in:
Net investment income		(2)		(1)	(3)
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Residential mortgage backed securities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance, at the beginning of the period		206		187	284
Total gains (losses) included in net income				(1)
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		(2)
Purchases		334		399	335
Settlements		(55)		(24)	(18)
Transfers out of Level 3		(265)		(355)	(414)
Balance, at the end of the period		218		206	187
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance, at the beginning of the period		91		30	206
Total gains (losses) included in net income				1
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)				(2)	(6)
Purchases		41		59	25
Settlements		(7)		(1)	(36)
Transfers into Level 3		6		78
Transfers out of Level 3		(128)		(74)	(159)
Balance, at the end of the period		3		91	30
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of the period included in:
Net investment income				1
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Asset backed securities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance, at the beginning of the period		169		260	178
Total gains (losses) included in net income		1		1	2
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		(2)		2	9
Purchases		72		32	259
Settlements		(22)		(11)	(5)
Transfers into Level 3		14			8
Transfers out of Level 3		(70)		(115)	(191)
Balance, at the end of the period		162		169	260
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of the period included in:
Net investment income		1		1	2
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Common stocks [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance, at the beginning of the period		6		6	6
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)				(1)	1
Purchases				1
Transfers into Level 3				1
Transfers out of Level 3		(1)		(1)	(1)
Balance, at the end of the period		5		6	6
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Total available-for-sale securities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance, at the beginning of the period		1,990		2,123	2,438
Total gains (losses) included in net income		(1)	[1]		(1)	[2]
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		(25)		(3)	(37)
Purchases		636		704	754
Sales				(18)
Settlements		(332)		(342)	(274)
Transfers into Level 3		20		79	8
Transfers out of Level 3		(475)		(553)	(765)
Balance, at the end of the period		1,813		1,990	2,123
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets held at the end of the period included in:
Net investment income		(1)		1	(1)
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Trading securities [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Balance, at the beginning of the period		1		2
Total gains (losses) included in net income	[1]	$ (1)
Purchases				1	2
Sales				(2)
Balance, at the end of the period				$ 1	$ 2
[1]	Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[2]	Included in net investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fair Values of Assets and Li103

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Level 3 Rollforwards - Liabilities) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2, Liabilities	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1, Liabilities	0		0		0
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Net increase (decrease) to pretax income from embedded derivative liability	74		124		(168)
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | IUL embedded derivatives [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Roll Forward]
Balance, at the beginning of the period	242		125		45
Total gains (losses) included in net income	27	[1]	40	[2]	19	[3]
Issues	114		90		62
Settlements	(19)		(13)		(1)
Balance, at the end of the period	364		242		125
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to liabilities held at the end of the period included in:
Interest credited to fixed accounts	27		40		19
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Roll Forward]
Balance, at the beginning of the period	479		(575)		833
Total gains (losses) included in net income	105	[4]	811	[5]	(1,617)	[6]
Issues	271		254		228
Settlements	(4)		(11)		(19)
Balance, at the end of the period	851		479		(575)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to liabilities held at the end of the period included in:
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	127		811		(1,598)
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims [Member]
Summary of changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Roll Forward]
Balance, at the beginning of the period	721		(450)		878
Total gains (losses) included in net income	132		851		(1,598)
Issues	385		344		290
Settlements	(23)		(24)		(20)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,215		721		(450)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to liabilities held at the end of the period included in:
Interest credited to fixed accounts	27		40		19
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	$ 127		$ 811		$ (1,598)
[1]	Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[2]	Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[3]	Included in interest credited to fixed accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[4]	Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[5]	Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[6]	Included in benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fair Values of Assets and Li104

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Unobservable inputs) (Details 4) - Ameriprise Financial [Member] - Discounted cash flow valuation technique [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
IUL embedded derivatives [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets (Liabilities) Quantitative Information
Liabilities at fair value		$ 364	$ 242
Nonperformance risk (as a percent)	[1]	0.68%	0.65%
GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets (Liabilities) Quantitative Information
Liabilities at fair value		$ 851	$ 479
Nonperformance risk (as a percent)	[1]	0.68%	0.65%
GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets (Liabilities) Quantitative Information
Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (as a percent)	[2]	0.00%	0.00%
Surrender rate (as a percent)		0.00%	0.00%
Market volatility	[3]	5.40%	5.20%
Elective contractholder strategy allocations	[4]		0.00%
GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets (Liabilities) Quantitative Information
Utilization of guaranteed withdrawals (as a percent)	[2]	75.60%	51.10%
Surrender rate (as a percent)		59.10%	59.10%
Market volatility	[3]	21.50%	20.90%
Elective contractholder strategy allocations	[4]		3.00%
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets (Liabilities) Quantitative Information
Assets at fair value		$ 1,411	$ 1,476
Corporate debt securities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets (Liabilities) Quantitative Information
Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries (as a percent)		1.10%	1.00%
Corporate debt securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets (Liabilities) Quantitative Information
Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries (as a percent)		3.80%	3.90%
Corporate debt securities [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets (Liabilities) Quantitative Information
Yield/spread to U.S. Treasuries (as a percent)		1.60%	1.50%
[1]	The nonperformance risk is the spread added to the observable interest rates used in the valuation of the embedded derivatives
[2]	The utilization of guaranteed withdrawals represents the percentage of contractholders that will begin withdrawing in any given year.
[3]	Market volatility is implied volatility of fund of funds and managed volatility funds.
[4]	The elective allocation represents the percentage of contractholders that are assumed to electively switch their investment allocation to a different allocation model. As the contractholder experience of related elective strategy allocations reached the ultimate expected levels in 2015, the Company is no longer including this input in the fair value measurement effective September 30, 2015.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabil

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Carrying & Estimated Fair Value of non-Fair Value Reported Instruments) (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Liabilities
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	$ 29,699	$ 30,350
Separate account liabilities	80,349	83,256
Ameriprise Financial [Member]
Financial Liabilities
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	29,699	30,350
Investment certificate reserves	4,832	4,199
Brokerage customer deposits	3,802	3,465
Separate account liabilities	80,349	83,256
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets
Receivables	148	215
Restricted and segregated cash	2,548	2,614
Other investments and assets	1
Financial Liabilities
Brokerage customer deposits	3,802	3,465
Debt and other liabilities	202	261
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Financial Assets
Policy and certificate loans	1	1
Receivables	1,322	1,200
Other investments and assets	510	460
Financial Liabilities
Separate account liabilities	4,704	4,478
Debt and other liabilities	2,958	3,446
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,372	3,512
Policy and certificate loans	803	793
Receivables	3	3
Other investments and assets	54	84
Financial Liabilities
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	12,424	13,996
Investment certificate reserves	4,823	4,195
Debt and other liabilities	113	121
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Total [Member]
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,372	3,512
Policy and certificate loans	804	794
Receivables	1,473	1,418
Restricted and segregated cash	2,548	2,614
Other investments and assets	565	544
Financial Liabilities
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	12,424	13,996
Investment certificate reserves	4,823	4,195
Brokerage customer deposits	3,802	3,465
Separate account liabilities	4,704	4,478
Debt and other liabilities	3,273	3,828
Ameriprise Financial [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Financial Assets
Mortgage loans, net	3,359	3,440
Policy and certificate loans	824	806
Receivables	1,471	1,418
Restricted and segregated cash	2,548	2,614
Other investments and assets	583	551
Financial Liabilities
Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	11,523	12,979
Investment certificate reserves	4,831	4,201
Brokerage customer deposits	3,802	3,465
Separate account liabilities	4,704	4,478
Debt and other liabilities	$ 3,173	$ 3,576

Offsetting Assets and Liabil106

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Assets Subject to Netting) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives: [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets	[1]	$ 3,587	$ 4,101
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[2]	(2,648)	(3,224)
Cash collateral		(493)	(362)
Securities collateral		(320)	(418)
Net amount		126	97
Securities borrowed [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets		148	215
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[2]	(30)	(49)
Securities collateral		(115)	(163)
Net amount		3	3
Total [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets		3,735	4,316
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[2]	(2,678)	(3,273)
Cash collateral		(493)	(362)
Securities collateral		(435)	(581)
Net amount		129	100
OTC [Member]
Derivatives: [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets		3,129	3,735
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[2]	(2,331)	(3,000)
Cash collateral		(391)	(281)
Securities collateral		(320)	(418)
Net amount		87	36
OTC cleared [Member]
Derivatives: [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets		418	305
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[2]	(314)	(224)
Cash collateral		(102)	(81)
Net amount		2
Exchange-traded [Member]
Derivatives: [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets		40	61
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[2]	(3)
Net amount		$ 37	$ 61
[1]	The fair value of freestanding derivative assets is included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Represents the amount of assets that could be offset by liabilities with the same counterparty under master netting or similar arrangements that management elects not to offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Offsetting Assets and Liabil107

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	[1],[2]	$ 4,300	$ 4,688
Securities loaned [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities		203	261
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[3]	(30)	(49)
Securities collateral		(164)	(205)
Net amount		9	7
Repurchase agreements [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities		50	50
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Securities collateral		(50)	(50)
Net amount		0	0
Total [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities		3,329	4,266
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[3]	(2,678)	(3,273)
Cash collateral		(26)	(8)
Securities collateral		(607)	(978)
Net amount		18	7
OTC [Member]
Derivatives [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities		2,725	3,723
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[3]	(2,331)	(3,000)
Securities collateral		(393)	(723)
Net amount		1	0
OTC cleared [Member]
Derivatives [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities		345	232
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[3]	(314)	(224)
Cash collateral		(25)	(8)
Net amount		6
Exchange-traded [Member]
Derivatives [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities		6
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[3]	(3)
Cash collateral		(1)
Net amount		2
Total Over the Counter Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities		3,076	3,955
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Financial instruments	[3]	(2,648)	(3,224)
Cash collateral		(26)	(8)
Securities collateral		(393)	$ (723)
Net amount		$ 9
[1]	The fair value of freestanding derivative liabilities is included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of GMWB and GMAB, IUL, and EIA embedded derivatives is included in Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the SMC embedded derivative liability is included in Customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	The fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities after considering the effects of master netting arrangements, cash collateral held by the same counterparty and the fair value of net embedded derivatives was $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 15 for additional information related to master netting arrangements and cash collateral. See Note 4 for information about derivatives held by consolidated VIEs.
[3]	Represents the amount of liabilities that could be offset by assets with the same counterparty under master netting or similar arrangements that management elects not to offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivatives and Hedging Acti108

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Notional amount		$ 143,479	$ 138,068
Asset	[1]	3,587	4,101
Liability	[2],[3]	4,300	4,688
Derivative liability after application of master netting arrangements and cash collateral including embedded derivative liabilities		1,600	1,500
Fair value of investment securities received as collateral		323	435
Fair value of investment securities received as collateral that can be repledged		193	151
Fair value of investment securities received as collateral that were repledged		0	0
GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Asset		143	221
Liability		994	700
Embedded derivatives [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Asset		0	0
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Notional amount		675	1,025
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Asset	[1]	58	76
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Notional amount		142,804	137,043
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Asset	[1]	3,529	4,025
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3]	3,076	3,955
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Notional amount		63,798	61,849
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Asset	[1]	1,882	1,955
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3]	969	1,136
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Equity contracts [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Notional amount		70,238	69,805
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Equity contracts [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Asset	[1]	1,587	2,039
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Equity contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3]	1,993	2,702
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Credit contracts [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Notional amount		600	616
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Credit contracts [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Asset	[1]	2	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Notional amount		4,408	2,029
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Asset	[1]	56	30
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3]	18	3
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Other contracts [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Notional amount		3,760	2,744
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Other contracts [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Asset	[1]	2	1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Other contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3]	96	114
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member] | Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3],[4]	851	479
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | IUL embedded derivatives [Member] | Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3]	364	242
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | EIA embedded derivatives [Member] | Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3]	5	6
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | SMC embedded derivatives [Member] | Customer deposits [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3]	4	6
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Embedded derivatives [Member]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Liability	[2],[3]	$ 1,224	$ 733
[1]	The fair value of freestanding derivative assets is included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	The fair value of freestanding derivative liabilities is included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of GMWB and GMAB, IUL, and EIA embedded derivatives is included in Policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the SMC embedded derivative liability is included in Customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[3]	The fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities after considering the effects of master netting arrangements, cash collateral held by the same counterparty and the fair value of net embedded derivatives was $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 15 for additional information related to master netting arrangements and cash collateral. See Note 4 for information about derivatives held by consolidated VIEs.
[4]	The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives at December 31, 2015 included $994 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $143 million of individual contracts in an asset position. The fair value of the GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives at December 31, 2014 included $700 million of individual contracts in a liability position and $221 million of individual contracts in an asset position.

Derivatives and Hedging Acti109

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Income Statement) (Details 2) - Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net investment income [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	$ (16)	$ (1)	$ (16)
Net investment income [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(21)	1	2
Net investment income [Member] | Equity contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	0	(4)	(17)
Net investment income [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	4	2	(2)
Net investment income [Member] | Other contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	1	0	1
Banking and deposit interest expense [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	0	0	1
Banking and deposit interest expense [Member] | Equity contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	0	3	7
Banking and deposit interest expense [Member] | SMC embedded derivatives [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	0	(3)	(6)
Distribution expenses [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	0	8	9
Distribution expenses [Member] | Equity contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	1	13	9
Distribution expenses [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(1)	(5)	0
Interest credited to fixed accounts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(17)	(8)	(5)
Interest credited to fixed accounts [Member] | Equity contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(10)	21	14
Interest credited to fixed accounts [Member] | IUL embedded derivatives [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(8)	(27)	(16)
Interest credited to fixed accounts [Member] | EIA embedded derivatives [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	1	(2)	(3)
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(450)	(290)	(428)
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	241	1,122	(742)
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses [Member] | Equity contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(304)	(304)	(1,084)
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses [Member] | Credit contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(1)	(33)	6
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	13	(9)	26
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses [Member] | Other contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(27)	(12)	(42)
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses [Member] | GMWB and GMAB embedded derivatives [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	(372)	(1,054)	1,408
General and administrative expense [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	0	3	5
General and administrative expense [Member] | Equity contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	2	4	5
General and administrative expense [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member]
Summary of the impact of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	$ (2)	$ (1)	$ 0

Derivatives and Hedging Acti110

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Option Pay/Rec) (Details 3) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Summary of Option Premiums Payable and Receivable [Line Items]
Premiums payable for derivative option contracts	$ 1,920
Premiums receivable for derivative option contracts	641
2016 [Member]
Summary of Option Premiums Payable and Receivable [Line Items]
Premiums payable for derivative option contracts	331
Premiums receivable for derivative option contracts	76
2017 [Member]
Summary of Option Premiums Payable and Receivable [Line Items]
Premiums payable for derivative option contracts	273
Premiums receivable for derivative option contracts	76
2018 [Member]
Summary of Option Premiums Payable and Receivable [Line Items]
Premiums payable for derivative option contracts	221
Premiums receivable for derivative option contracts	126
2018 [Member]
Summary of Option Premiums Payable and Receivable [Line Items]
Premiums payable for derivative option contracts	264
Premiums receivable for derivative option contracts	128
2019 [Member]
Summary of Option Premiums Payable and Receivable [Line Items]
Premiums payable for derivative option contracts	198
Premiums receivable for derivative option contracts	59
2020-2027 [Member]
Summary of Option Premiums Payable and Receivable [Line Items]
Premiums payable for derivative option contracts	633
Premiums receivable for derivative option contracts	$ 176

Derivatives and Hedging Acti111

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Impact of Hedging Activity) (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives liabilities, credit risk related contingent features
Aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments containing credit risk features	$ 284	$ 416
Aggregate fair value of assets posted as collateral	283	416
Additional collateral required to be posted	1	0
Senior notes due 2015 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Extinguishment of debt, amount			$ 350
Cash flow hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Gain on cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	1	1	1
Estimated reclassification of net pretax losses on cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the next 12 months	4
Cash flow hedge gain to be reclassified within twelve months to interest and debt expense	2
Cash flow hedge loss to be reclassified within twelve months recorded in net investment income	$ 6
Longest period of time over which the entity hedges exposure to the variability in future cash flows	20 years
Fair value hedges [Member] | Derivative contract settlement [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain recognized in income on derivatives			18
Interest rate contracts [Member] | Interest and debt expense [Member] | Fair value hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of gain recognized in income on derivatives	$ 31	$ 33	$ 57

Share-Based Compensation (Share

Share-Based Compensation (Share-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense		$ 158	$ 160	$ 174
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense		56	55	60
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards		$ 99
Weighted-average period to recognize compensation cost		2 years 5 months
Stock option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense		$ 39	37	36
Restricted stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	[1]	22	26	46
Restricted stock [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense		0	3	10
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense		83	67	61
Liability awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense		$ 14	$ 30	$ 31
[1]	Includes nil, $3 million and $10 million of expense related to EIP for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively

Share-Based Compensation (Stock

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Option Inputs) (Details 2) - $ / shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of current fair market value of common stock	100.00%
Maximum term of stock options granted	10 years
Dividend yield (as a percent)	2.00%	2.00%	3.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	26.00%	31.00%	41.00%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.20%	1.50%	0.90%
Expected life of stock option	5 years	5 years	5 years
Weighted average grant date fair value for options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 25.12	$ 25.59	$ 18.16
Stock option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Stock option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Restricted stock units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Restricted stock units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Amended and Restated Ameriprise Financial 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum shares which may be issued under incentive plan (in shares)	54.4
Maximum shares to be issued full value awards	4.5
Ameriprise Financial 2008 Employment Incentive Equity Award Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum shares which may be issued under incentive plan (in shares)	6

Share-Based Compensation (St114

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details 3) - Stock option [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding, at the beginning of the period (in shares)	7.2
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 81.11	$ 65.07
Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding	6 years 8 months 12 days	6 years 8 months 12 days
Granted (in shares)	1.6
Weighted average exercise price granted (in dollars per share)	$ 128.58
Exercised (in shares)	(1.4)
Weighted average exercise price exercised (in dollars per share)	$ 50.50
Forfeited (in shares)	(0.1)
Weighted average exercise price forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 106.17
Exercisable (in shares)	4.2
Weighted average exercise price exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 59.02
Weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable	5 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	$ 201
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 111	$ 243	$ 299
Outstanding, at the end of the period (in shares)	7.3	7.2
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding (in dollars)	$ 222	$ 485

Share-Based Compensation (Full

Share-Based Compensation (Full Value Share Award Activity) (Details 4) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended				23 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested at end of the period (in shares)	1.3	1.4
Weighted average grant-date fair value, non-vested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 103.01	$ 80.68
Granted (in shares)	0.6
Weighted average grant-date fair value, granted during the period (in dollars per share)	$ 129.07
Deferred (in shares)	0.3
Weighted average grant-date fair value, deferred during the period (in dollars per share)	$ 121.17
Vested (in shares)	(1)
Weighted average grant-date fair value, vested during the period (in dollars per share)	$ 95.76
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Weighted average grant-date fair value, forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	$ 101.84
Fair value of equity instruments other than options vested in period (in dollars)	$ 133,000,000	$ 259,000,000	$ 120,000,000
RSA RSU and DSU awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant-date fair value, non-vested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 128.43	$ 109.60	$ 68.90
Advisor deferral plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant-date fair value, non-vested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 123.88	$ 114.69	$ 80.77
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period to attain PSU goals against peers	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period	3 years
Units outstanding	0.2	0.2	0.3
Value of shares settled	$ 27,000,000	$ 20,000,000	$ 0
Performance Shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of PSUs earned	200.00%
Performance Shares [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of PSUs earned	0.00%
Franchise Advisor Deferral Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Franchise Advisor Deferral Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum shares which may be issued under incentive plan (in shares)	10.5
Franchise Advisor Top Performer Stock Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Franchise Consultant Growth Bonus [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Employee Advisor Deferral Program [Member] | Share-based bonus awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum shares which may be issued under incentive plan (in shares)	3
Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award Vesting Period under Cash Award Programs				3 years	2 years 6 months

Share-Based Compensation (Threa

Share-Based Compensation (Threadneedle Equity Incentive Plan) (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended				23 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of vesting of awards				100.00%	100.00%
Award Vesting Period under Cash Award Programs				3 years	2 years 6 months
Period of cash out under cash award programs				6 years
Equity Participation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period of cash out under cash award programs	5 years
Percentage of vesting after three years under equity participation plan	50.00%
Percentage of vesting after four years under equity participation plan	50.00%
Equity Participation Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Equity Participation Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Equity Incentive Plan and Equity Participation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee service share-based compensation, cash flow effect, cash used to settle awards	$ 28	$ 28	$ 23

Shareholders' Equity Comprehens

Shareholders' Equity Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net unrealized securities gains, before tax [Abstract]
Net unrealized securities gains (losses) arising during the period before tax	[1]	$ (1,027)	$ 529	$ (1,484)
Reclassification of net securities (gains) losses included in net income before tax	[2]	(6)	(39)	(7)
Impact of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables before tax		480	(290)	490
Net unrealized securities gains before tax		(553)	200	(1,001)
Net unrealized derivatives losses, before tax [Abstract]
Reclassification of net derivative losses included in net income before tax	[3]	1	1	1
Net unrealized derivatives losses before tax		1	1	1
Defined benefit plans, before tax [Abstract]
Prior service credit before tax		(2)	(1)	(2)
Net loss arising during the period before tax		(24)	(37)	71
Defined benefit plans before tax		(26)	(38)	69
Foreign currency translation before tax		(46)	(62)	18
Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial before tax		(624)	101	(913)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		(60)	(63)	25
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax		(684)	38	(888)
Net unrealized securities gains, tax impact [Abstract]
Net unrealized securities (gains) losses arising during the period tax impact	[1]	359	(184)	513
Reclassification of net securities gains (losses) included in net income tax impact	[2]	2	14	2
Impact of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables tax impact		(168)	101	(171)
Net unrealized securities gains tax impact		193	(69)	344
Net unrealized derivatives losses, tax impact [Abstract]
Reclassification of net derivative losses included in net income tax impact	[3]	0	0	0
Net unrealized derivatives losses tax impact		0	0	0
Defined benefit plans, net of tax [Abstract]
Prior service credit tax impact		0	0	1
Net loss arising during the period tax		6	13	(25)
Defined benefit plans tax impact		6	13	(24)
Foreign currency translation tax impact		16	22	(6)
Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial tax impact		215	(34)	314
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		215	(34)	314
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax [Abstract]
Net unrealized securities gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax	[1]	(668)	345	(971)
Reclassification of net securities (gains) losses included in net income net of tax	[2]	(4)	(25)	(5)
Impact of deferred acquisition costs, deferred sales inducement costs, unearned revenue, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables net of tax		312	(189)	319
Net unrealized securities gains net of tax		(360)	131	(657)
Net unrealized derivative losses, net of tax [Abstract]
Reclassification of net derivative losses included in net income net of tax	[3]	1	1	1
Net unrealized derivatives losses net of tax		1	1	1
Defined benefit plans, net of tax [Abstract]
Prior service credit net of tax		(2)	(1)	(1)
Net loss arising during the period net of tax		(18)	(24)	46
Defined benefit plans net of tax		(20)	(25)	45
Foreign currency translation net of tax		(30)	(40)	12
Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial net of tax		(409)	67	(599)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		(60)	(63)	25
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(469)	4	(574)
Net investment income [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income		4	4	4
Interest and debt expense [Member]
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income		$ (5)	$ (5)	$ (5)
[1]	Includes other-than-temporary impairment losses on Available-for-Sale securities related to factors other than credit that were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) during the period.
[2]	Reclassification amounts are recorded in net investment income.
[3]	Includes a $4 million, $4 million and $4 million pretax gain reclassified to interest and debt expenses and a $5 million, $5 million and $5 million pretax loss reclassified to net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Shareholders' Equity AOCI Rollf

Shareholders' Equity AOCI Rollforward (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance		$ 662		$ 595		$ 1,194
OCI before reclassifications		(411)		86		(601)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		2		(19)		2
Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial net of tax		(409)		67		(599)
Ending balance		253		662		595
Net unrealized securities gains [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance		786	[1]	655	[1]	1,312
OCI before reclassifications		(356)		156		(652)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(4)		(25)		(5)
Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial net of tax		(360)		131		(657)
Ending balance	[1]	426		786		655
Noncredit related impairments on AFS securities		4		5		(4)
Net unrealized derivatives losses [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance		0		(1)		(2)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		1		1		1
Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial net of tax		1		1		1
Ending balance		1		0		(1)
Defined benefit plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(71)		(46)		(91)
OCI before reclassifications		(25)		(30)		39
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		5		5		6
Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial net of tax		(20)		(25)		45
Ending balance		(91)		(71)		(46)
Foreign currency translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(53)		(13)		(25)
OCI before reclassifications		(30)		(40)		12
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		0		0		0
Other comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial net of tax		(30)		(40)		12
Ending balance		$ (83)		$ (53)		$ (13)
[1]	Includes $4 million, $5 million and $(4) million of noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities gains (losses) on previously impaired securities at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Shareholders' Equity Changes in

Shareholders' Equity Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Details 3) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 28, 2014
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 2,500			$ 2,500
Remaining balance under stock repurchase program	$ 2,604
Number of shares reacquired through surrender of restricted shares	0.4	0.8	0.4
Value of shares reacquired through surrender of restricted shares	$ 49	$ 92	$ 26
Number of shares reacquired through net settlement of options	0.7	2.1	2.9
Aggregate value of shares reacquired through net settlement of options	$ 92	$ 252	$ 227
Treasury shares reissued for restricted stock award grants and Ameriprise Financial Franchise Advisor Deferred Compensation Plan	1	1.6	1.9
Open Market Share Repurchases [Member]
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)	13.9	11.8	17.8
Repurchase of common shares	$ 1,700	$ 1,400	$ 1,500

Earnings per Share Attributa120

Earnings per Share Attributable to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Common Shareholders (Basic & Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$ 380	$ 352	$ 476	$ 479	$ 454	$ 565	$ 467	$ 516	$ 1,687	$ 2,002	$ 1,478
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	23	(45)	61	86	28	145	93	115	125	381	141
Income from continuing operations attributable to Ameriprise Financial									1,562	1,621	1,337
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1)	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1)	0	(2)	(3)
Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial									$ 1,562	$ 1,619	$ 1,334
Denominator:
Basic: Weighted-average common shares outstanding	176,600,000	180,400,000	183,800,000	186,300,000	187,900,000	190,300,000	192,700,000	195,500,000	181,700,000	191,600,000	203,200,000
Effect of potentially dilutive nonqualified stock options and other share-based awards (in shares)									2,500,000	3,400,000	3,900,000
Diluted: Weighted-average common shares outstanding	178,900,000	182,700,000	186,400,000	189,100,000	191,200,000	193,700,000	196,200,000	199,100,000	184,200,000	195,000,000	207,100,000
Basic:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per basic share)	$ 2.02	$ 2.20	$ 2.26	$ 2.11	$ 2.27	$ 2.21	$ 1.94	$ 2.05	$ 8.60	$ 8.46	$ 6.58
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per basic share)	0				(0.01)	0		0	0	(0.01)	(0.02)
Net income (in dollars per basic share)	2.02	2.20	2.26	2.11	2.26	2.21	1.94	2.05	8.60	8.45	6.56
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per diluted share)	2	2.17	2.23	2.08	2.23	2.17	1.91	2.01	8.48	8.31	6.46
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per diluted share)	0				(0.01)				0	(0.01)	(0.02)
Net income (in dollars per diluted share)	$ 2	$ 2.17	$ 2.23	$ 2.08	$ 2.22	$ 2.17	$ 1.91	$ 2.01	$ 8.48	$ 8.30	$ 6.44
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									1,700,000	100,000	0

Regulatory Requirements (Narrat

Regulatory Requirements (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)subsidiary	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Regulatory Requirements
Aggregate amount of unrestricted net assets	$ 2,000
Number of broker-dealer subsidiaries | subsidiary	4
Ameriprise Certificate Company [Member]
Regulatory Requirements
Requirement of qualified assets under Investment Company Act of 1940	$ 4,800	$ 4,200
Actual amount of qualified assets	5,100	4,500
RiverSource Life [Member]
Regulatory Requirements
Statutory unassigned surplus	$ 954	638
Percentage of previous year-end statutory capital and surplus (as a percent)	10.00%
Statutory capital and surplus	$ 3,700	3,300
Government debt securities on deposit with states under legal requirements	5	5
IDS Property Casualty [Member]
Regulatory Requirements
Statutory capital and surplus	684	560
Ameriprise Certificate Company [Member]
Regulatory Requirements
Maximum commitment under Capital Support Agreement	$ 50	$ 115

Regulatory Requirements (Table)

Regulatory Requirements (Table) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
RiverSource Life [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net gain from operations	[1]	$ 1,033	$ 1,412	$ 1,633
Statutory net income (loss)	[1]	633	1,154	1,337
IDS Property Casualty [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income (loss)		$ (44)	$ (25)	$ 11
[1]	Statutory net gain (loss) from operations and statutory net income (loss) are significantly impacted by changes in reserves for variable annuity guaranteed benefits, however, these impacts are substantially offset by unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives which are not included in statutory income but are recorded directly to surplus.

Income Taxes (Income Tax Compon

Income Taxes (Income Tax Components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current income tax:
Federal	$ 509	$ 248	$ 549
State and local	36	33	24
Foreign	41	36	37
Total current income tax	586	317	610
Deferred income tax:
Federal	(124)	202	(102)
State and local	(4)	30	(10)
Foreign	(3)	(4)	(6)
Total deferred income tax	(131)	228	(118)
Total income tax provision	$ 455	$ 545	$ 492

Income Taxes (Geographic Source

Income Taxes (Geographic Sources) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Geographic sources of pretax income
United States									$ 1,710	$ 1,858	$ 1,640
Foreign									432	689	330
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision	$ 446	$ 463	$ 615	$ 618	$ 558	$ 720	$ 619	$ 650	$ 2,142	$ 2,547	$ 1,970

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Income Tax Provision) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Approved change in income tax accounting method		$ 300
Reconciliation of the income tax provision
Tax at U.S. statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Changes in taxes resulting from:
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (as a percent)	(2.00%)	(5.20%)	(2.50%)
Dividend exclusion (as a percent)	(6.70%)	(4.70%)	(5.10%)
Low income housing tax credit (as a percent)	(3.00%)	(2.10%)	(2.70%)
Foreign tax credits, net of addback (as a percent)	(2.10%)	(2.00%)	(0.90%)
State taxes, net of federal benefit (as a percent)		1.60%	0.50%
Tax-exempt interest income (as a percent)		(0.70%)	(0.90%)
Taxes applicable to prior years (as a percent)		(0.20%)
Other, net (as a percent)	0.10%	(0.30%)	1.60%
Income tax provision (as a percent)	21.30%	21.40%	25.00%
Benefits Tax Planning and Completion of Audits		$ 17
Accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 272
Aggregate U.S. federal taxes not provided on earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 63

Income Taxes (Deferred Income T

Income Taxes (Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred income tax assets:
Liabilities for policyholder account balances, future policy benefits and claims	$ 1,391	$ 1,292
Deferred compensation	384	350
Investment related	118	83
Postretirement benefits	56
Loss carryovers and tax credit carryforwards		25
Other	87	102
Gross deferred income tax assets	2,036	1,852
Less: Valuation allowance	11	20
Total deferred income tax assets	2,025	1,832
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs	730	738
Net unrealized gains on Available-for-Sale securities	233	424
Depreciation expense	169	131
Deferred sales inducement costs	125	128
Intangible assets	113	96
Goodwill	66
Other	18	101
Gross deferred income tax liabilities	1,454	1,618
Net deferred income tax liabilities	571	214
State net operating losses	16
Valuation allowance	$ 11	$ 20

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits Information) (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits, net of federal tax benefits, that would impact the effective tax rate	$ 57	$ 57	$ 62
Increase (decrease) in interest and penalties	3	6	6
Payable related to accrued interest and penalties	51	48
Reconciliation of gross unrecognized tax benefits (expense)
Beginning balance	242	209	116
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	18	17	22
Additions for tax positions of prior years	48	35	74
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(147)	(19)	(3)
Ending balance	161	$ 242	$ 209
Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Decrease in gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits due to resolution of IRS examinations	90
Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Decrease in gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits due to resolution of IRS examinations	$ 100

Retirement Plans and Profit 128

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Text) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2010	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Yield period of U.S. Treasury Note		5 years
Minimum crediting rate (as a percent)		5.00%
Period of graded schedule for vesting		3 years
Minimum threshold percentage for amortization of actuarial gains and losses		10.00%
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		$ (97)
Unrecognized prior service credit (cost) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		2
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost - prior service credit (cost)		1
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost - actuarial gain (loss)		(4)
Accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans		$ 740	$ 702
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations
Range of the difference between the actual allocation and target allocations (as a percent)		5.00%
Pension Plans [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Eligible Contribution	2.50%	2.50%
Pension Plans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Eligible Contribution	10.00%	5.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		$ 4
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost - actuarial gain (loss)		$ 1
Equity securities [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations
Target allocations (as a percent)		70.00%
Target allocations for pooled pension funds (as a percent)		65.00%
Debt securities [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations
Target allocations (as a percent)		20.00%
Target allocations for pooled pension funds (as a percent)		35.00%
Other assets [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations
Target allocations (as a percent)		10.00%

Retirement Plans and Profit 129

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Net Periodic Pension Cost) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost	$ 46	$ 43	$ 46
Interest cost	27	28	23
Expected return on plan assets	(40)	(38)	(33)
Amortization of prior service costs	(1)	(1)	(1)
Amortization of net loss	9	7	11
Other	4	3	2
Net periodic benefit cost	45	42	48
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined benefit plans:
Interest cost	1	1
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Retirement Plans and Profit 130

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Benefit Obligation and Fair Value) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 776	$ 676
Service cost	46	43	$ 46
Interest cost	27	28	23
Benefits paid	(6)	(7)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(3)	30
Settlements	(20)	(20)
Foreign currency rate changes	(8)	(8)
Additional voluntary contribution (AVC) obligation		34
Benefit obligation at end of year	812	776	676
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	612	544
Actual return on plan assets	(9)	37
Employer contributions	40	47
Benefits paid	(6)	(7)
Settlements	(20)	(20)
Foreign currency rate changes	(9)	(8)
AVC asset		19
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	608	612	544
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	18	18
Interest cost	1	1
Benefits paid	(3)	(4)
Participant contributions	2	3
Benefit obligation at end of year	18	18	$ 18
Change in fair value of plan assets
Benefits paid	$ (3)	$ (4)

Retirement Plans and Profit 131

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Amounts recognized in Balance Sheet) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans [Member]
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Benefit liability	$ (223)	$ (178)
Benefit asset	19	14
Net amount recognized	(204)	(164)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Benefit liability	(18)	(18)
Net amount recognized	$ (18)	$ (18)

Retirement Plans and Profit 132

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Benefit Obligations that Exceeded the Fair Value) (Details 4) - Pension Plans [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 620	$ 582
Fair value of plan assets	446	449
Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	668	628
Fair value of plan assets	$ 446	$ 449

Retirement Plans and Profit 133

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Weighted Average Assumptions) (Details 5)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Plans [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for pension plans
Discount rates (as a percent)	3.66%	3.44%
Rates of increase in compensation levels (as a percent)	4.36%	4.35%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for pension plans
Discount rates (as a percent)	3.43%	4.06%	3.45%
Rates of increase in compensation levels (as a percent)	4.41%	4.38%	4.36%
Expected long term rates of return on assets (as a percent)	7.10%	7.58%	7.62%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for pension plans
Discount rates (as a percent)	3.90%	3.60%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Next year trend rate	5.75%	6.00%
Ultimate trend rate	5.00%	5.00%
Years to ultimate trend rate	3 years	4 years

Retirement Plans and Profit 134

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Assets Measured at Fair Value) (Details 6) - Pension Plans [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 608	$ 612	$ 544
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	214	215
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	357	362
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	37	35
Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	608	612
U.S. large cap stocks [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	74	74
U.S. large cap stocks [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	83	84
U.S. large cap stocks [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	157	158
U.S. small cap stocks [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	55	59
U.S. small cap stocks [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3	1
U.S. small cap stocks [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	58	60
Non-U.S. large cap stocks [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21	21
Non-U.S. large cap stocks [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	34	33
Non-U.S. large cap stocks [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	55	54
Non-U.S. small cap stocks [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21	18
Non-U.S. small cap stocks [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21	18
Emerging markets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14	15
Emerging markets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21	24
Emerging markets [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	35	39
U.S. investment grade bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	19	19
U.S. investment grade bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14	15
U.S. investment grade bonds [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	33	34
U.S. high yield bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	26	27
U.S. high yield bonds [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	26	27
Non-U.S. investment grade bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14	15
Non-U.S. investment grade bonds [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14	15
Real estate investment trusts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	16	14	2	$ 12
Real estate investment trusts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	16	14
Real estate investment trusts [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	16	14
Hedge funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21	21	$ 20	$ 18
Hedge funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21	21
Hedge funds [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21	21
Pooled pension funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	143	144
Pooled pension funds [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	143	144
AVC assets (pooled pension funds) [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	19	19
AVC assets (pooled pension funds) [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	19	19
Cash equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	10	9
Cash equivalents [Member] | Total [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 10	$ 9

Retirement Plans and Profit 135

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Level 3 Rollforward - Assets) (Details 7) - Pension Plans [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	$ 612	$ 544
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	608	612	$ 544
Hedge funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	21	20	18
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at the reporting date	0	1	2
Purchases		0	0
Sales			0
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	21	21	20
Real estate investment trusts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year	14	2	12
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at the reporting date	2	1	0
Purchases		11	2
Sales			(12)
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year	$ 16	$ 14	$ 2

Retirement Plans and Profit 136

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details 8) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Plans [Member]
Expected benefit payments to retirees
2,016	$ 71
2,017	75
2,018	74
2,019	78
2,020	76
2021-2025	322
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	23
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Expected benefit payments to retirees
2,016	2
2,017	2
2,018	2
2,019	1
2,020	1
2021-2025	6
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	$ 2

Retirement Plans and Profit 137

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Defined Contribution Plan) (Details 9) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay	5.00%
Employer contribution requisite service period	60 days
United States [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan expense	$ 47	$ 37	$ 35
Non-US [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan expense	$ 6	$ 6	$ 5
Ameriprise Financial Inc 401(k) Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Period of graded schedule for vesting of employer contributions	5 years

Retirement Plans and Profit 138

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Arrangements (Threadneedle Profit Sharing Plan) (Details 10) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Profit sharing plan [Member]
Defined Benefit, Threadneedle Profit Sharing Plan [Abstract]
Compensation expense (benefit) related to the employee profit sharing plan	$ 60	$ 66	$ 69

Commitments, Guarantees and 139

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies Aggregate Minimum Rentals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016		$ 56
2,017		54
2,018		45
2,019		33
2,020		26
Thereafter		63
Total	[1]	277
Operating lease expense		$ 67	$ 85	$ 85
[1]	Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

Commitments, Guarantees and 140

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies Future Funding Commitments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commercial mortgage loans	$ 73	$ 55
Consumer mortgage loans	447	491
Consumer lines of credit	3	3
Affordable housing partnerships	117	124
Total funding commitments	$ 640	$ 673

Commitments, Guarantees and 141

Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies Loss Contingencies (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Minimum interest rate guarantees in fixed accounts	5.00%
Insurance-related Assessments [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency for guaranty fund assessments	$ 13	$ 14
Loss contingency for guaranty fund assessments premium tax asset offset	12
Otkritie Capital International LTD and JSC Otkririe Holding v. Threadneedle Asset Management LTD. and Threadneedle Management Services Ltd. [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency for damages sought by plantiff	$ 120

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	$ 145,342	$ 148,810
Advice & Wealth Management [Member]
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	11,338	10,220
Asset Management [Member]
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	7,931	7,509
Annuities [Member]
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	94,002	98,535
Protection [Member]
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	20,755	20,779
Corporate & Other [Member]
Summary of assets by segment
Total assets	$ 11,316	$ 11,767

Segment Information (Details 2)

Segment Information (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										$ 11,734		$ 11,591		$ 10,857
Net realized gains										4		37		7
Revenues attributable to CIEs										446		651		345
Market impact on IUL benefits, net										7		(11)		(10)
Market impact of hedges on investments										(21)		0		0
Total net revenues		$ 3,103	$ 2,886	$ 3,128	$ 3,053	$ 3,089	$ 3,111	$ 3,072	$ 2,996	12,170	[1]	12,268	[1]	11,199	[1]
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings										2,254		2,229		2,019
Net realized gains										4		37		7
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		23	(45)	61	86	28	145	93	115	125		381		141
Market impact on variable annuity living benefits, net										(214)		(94)		(170)
Market impact on IUL benefits, net										(1)		(6)		(13)
Market impact of hedges on investments										(21)		0		0
Integration and restructuring charges										(5)				(14)
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision		$ 446	$ 463	$ 615	$ 618	$ 558	$ 720	$ 619	$ 650	2,142		2,547		1,970
Advice & Wealth Management [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										5,013		4,806		4,295
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings										859		792		592
Asset Management [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										3,254		3,320		3,169
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings										761		788		691
Annuities [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										2,541		2,591		2,561
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings										650		633		629
Protection [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										2,384		2,287		2,186
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings										183		246		336
Corporate & Other [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										3		4		15
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) from segments to consolidated
Total segment operating earnings										(199)		(230)		(229)
Eliminations
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues	[2]									(1,461)		(1,417)		(1,369)
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] | Advice & Wealth Management [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										1,035		997		980
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] | Asset Management [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										43		44		39
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] | Annuities [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										340		235		307
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] | Protection [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										42		139		40
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] | Corporate & Other [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total segment operating revenues										1		2		3
Non-US [Member]
Summary of segment operating results
Total net revenues										$ 1,038		$ 1,315		$ 897
[1]	(2) Includes foreign net revenues of $1,038, $1,315 and $897 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	Represents the elimination of intersegment revenues recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 in each segment as follows: Advice and Wealth Management ($1,035, $997 and $980, respectively); Asset Management ($43, $44 and $39, respectively); Annuities ($340, $235 and $307, respectively); Protection ($42, $139 and $40, respectively); and Corporate & Other ($1, $2 and $3, respectively).

Quarterly Financial Data (Un144

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 3,103	$ 2,886	$ 3,128	$ 3,053	$ 3,089	$ 3,111	$ 3,072	$ 2,996	$ 12,170	[1]	$ 12,268	[1]	$ 11,199	[1]
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision	446	463	615	618	558	720	619	650	2,142		2,547		1,970
Income from continuing operations	380	352	476	479	454	565	467	516	1,687		2,002		1,478
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	0	0	(1)	0	0	(1)	0		(2)		(3)
Net income	380	352	476	479	453	565	467	515	1,687		2,000		1,475
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	23	(45)	61	86	28	145	93	115	$ 125		$ 381		$ 141
Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial	$ 357	$ 397	$ 415	$ 393	$ 425	$ 420	$ 374	$ 400
Basic:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per basic share)	$ 2.02	$ 2.20	$ 2.26	$ 2.11	$ 2.27	$ 2.21	$ 1.94	$ 2.05	$ 8.60		$ 8.46		$ 6.58
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per basic share)	0				(0.01)	0		0	0		(0.01)		(0.02)
Net income (in dollars per basic share)	2.02	2.20	2.26	2.11	2.26	2.21	1.94	2.05	8.60		8.45		6.56
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per diluted share)	2	2.17	2.23	2.08	2.23	2.17	1.91	2.01	8.48		8.31		6.46
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per diluted share)	0				(0.01)				0		(0.01)		(0.02)
Net income (in dollars per diluted share)	$ 2	$ 2.17	$ 2.23	$ 2.08	$ 2.22	$ 2.17	$ 1.91	$ 2.01	$ 8.48		$ 8.30		$ 6.44
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic	176.6	180.4	183.8	186.3	187.9	190.3	192.7	195.5	181.7		191.6		203.2
Diluted	178.9	182.7	186.4	189.1	191.2	193.7	196.2	199.1	184.2		195		207.1
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.67	$ 0.67	$ 0.67	$ 0.58	$ 0.58	$ 0.58	$ 0.58	$ 0.52	$ 2.59		$ 2.26		$ 2.01
Common share price:
High (in dollars per share)	120.29	129.22	131.76	138.26	137.33	128.51	120.32	116.82	120.29		137.33
Low (in dollars per share)	$ 100.08	$ 95.52	$ 120.83	$ 121.49	$ 105.41	$ 116.02	$ 100.94	$ 101.29	$ 100.08		$ 105.41
[1]	(2) Includes foreign net revenues of $1,038, $1,315 and $897 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINAN145

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Statement of Operations)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Management and financial advice fees									$ 5,950	$ 5,810	$ 5,253
Distribution fees									1,847	1,894	1,771
Other revenues									1,260	1,466	1,035
Total revenues									12,200	12,296	11,230
Expenses
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses									2,261	1,982	1,954
Interest and debt expense									387	328	281
General and administrative expense									3,082	3,095	3,056
Total expenses									10,028	9,721	9,229
Income tax benefit									455	545	492
Income from continuing operations attributable to Ameriprise Financial									1,562	1,621	1,337
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1)	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1)	0	(2)	(3)
Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial									1,562	1,619	1,334
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(469)	4	(574)
Comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial									1,153	1,686	735
Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Revenues
Management and financial advice fees									(1)	0	4
Distribution fees									0	0	1
Net investment income									2	30	33
Other revenues									14	11	7
Total revenues									15	41	45
Expenses
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses									13	11	19
Interest and debt expense									124	118	123
General and administrative expense									193	195	221
Total expenses									330	324	363
Pretax loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									(315)	(283)	(318)
Income tax benefit									(123)	(88)	(85)
Loss before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									(192)	(195)	(233)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries excluding discontinued operations									1,754	1,816	1,570
Income from continuing operations attributable to Ameriprise Financial									1,562	1,621	1,337
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	(2)	(3)
Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial									1,562	1,619	1,334
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(409)	67	(599)
Comprehensive income attributable to Ameriprise Financial									$ 1,153	$ 1,686	$ 735

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINAN146

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Balance Sheet) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,357	$ 2,638	$ 2,632	$ 2,371
Land, buildings, equipment and software, net of accumulated depreciation of $993 and $823, respectively	724	667
Total assets	145,342	148,810
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	136,937	139,505
Shareholders' Equity:
Common shares ($.01 par value; shares authorized, 1,250,000,000; shares issued, 322,822,746 and 320,990,255, respectively)	3	3
Additional paid-in capital	7,611	7,345
Retained earnings	9,551	8,469
Treasury shares, at cost (151,789,486 and 137,880,746 shares, respectively)	(10,338)	(8,589)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, including amounts applicable to equity investment in subsidiaries	253	662	595	1,194
Total Ameriprise Financial, Inc. shareholders' equity	7,217	8,124
Total liabilities and equity	145,342	148,810
Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	661	1,257	$ 925	$ 900
Investments	513	1,181
Loans to subsidiaries	167	167
Due from subsidiaries	227	212
Receivables	40	22
Land, buildings, equipment and software, net of accumulated depreciation of $993 and $823, respectively	294	232
Investment in subsidiaries	7,779	7,762
Other assets	1,425	1,577
Total assets	11,106	12,410
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	198	211
Due to subsidiaries	148	329
Borrowings from subsidiaries	331	349
Long-term debt	2,707	3,062
Other liabilities	642	569
Total liabilities	4,026	4,520
Shareholders' Equity:
Common shares ($.01 par value; shares authorized, 1,250,000,000; shares issued, 322,822,746 and 320,990,255, respectively)	3	3
Additional paid-in capital	7,611	7,345
Retained earnings	9,551	8,469
Treasury shares, at cost (151,789,486 and 137,880,746 shares, respectively)	(10,338)	(8,589)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, including amounts applicable to equity investment in subsidiaries	253	662
Total Ameriprise Financial, Inc. shareholders' equity	7,080	7,890
Total liabilities and equity	$ 11,106	$ 12,410

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINAN147

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Balance Sheet - Parenthetical) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 1,600	$ 1,400
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, shares authorized	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	322,822,746	320,990,255
Treasury shares	151,789,486	137,880,746
Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 993	$ 823
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, shares authorized	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	322,822,746	320,990,255
Treasury shares	151,789,486	137,880,746

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINAN148

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Statement of Cash Flows) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial									$ 1,562	$ 1,619	$ 1,334
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1	0	2	3
Net cash provided by operating activities									2,572	2,399	1,364
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from sales									294	516	327
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls									4,542	4,352	5,101
Purchases									(4,562)	(4,127)	(5,780)
Purchase of other investments									(306)	(408)	(347)
Purchase of land, buildings, equipment and software									(133)	(113)	(105)
Other, net									11	(21)	46
Net cash used in investing activities									(514)	(715)	(802)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Dividends paid to shareholders									(465)	(426)	(401)
Repurchase of common shares									(1,741)	(1,577)	(1,583)
Cash paid for purchased options with deferred premiums									(392)	(417)	(396)
Cash received for purchased options with deferred premiums									16	59	0
Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs									0	543	744
Repayments of long-term debt									(409)	(200)	(350)
Exercise of stock options									16	33	118
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation									81	162	120
Other, net									0	(1)	15
Net cash used in financing activities									(2,318)	(1,657)	(306)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									(281)	6	261
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				2,638				2,632	2,638	2,632	2,371
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,357				2,638				2,357	2,638	2,632
Supplemental Disclosures:
Income taxes paid, net									439	578	391
Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income attributable to Ameriprise Financial									1,562	1,619	1,334
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries excluding discontinued operations									(1,754)	(1,816)	(1,570)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax									0	2	3
Dividends received from subsidiaries									1,485	1,569	1,163
Other operating activities, primarily with subsidiaries									183	614	(34)
Net cash provided by operating activities									1,476	1,988	896
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from sales									112	62	2
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls									506	284	191
Purchases									(28)	(756)	(109)
Proceeds from sale of other investments									62	0	43
Purchase of other investments									(5)	(50)	(1)
Purchase of land, buildings, equipment and software									(47)	(40)	(54)
Contributions to subsidiaries									(271)	(31)	(106)
Return of capital from subsidiaries									146	284	470
Repayment of loans from subsidiaries									2,897	3,402	1,420
Issuance of loans to subsidiaries									(2,897)	(3,112)	(1,412)
Other, net									7	99	20
Net cash used in investing activities									482	142	464
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Dividends paid to shareholders									(465)	(426)	(401)
Repurchase of common shares									(1,741)	(1,577)	(1,583)
Cash paid for purchased options with deferred premiums									(19)	(388)	(4)
Cash received for purchased options with deferred premiums									0	59	23
Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs									0	543	744
Repayments of long-term debt									(409)	(200)	(350)
Loans from subsidiaries									0	15	0
Repayment of loans from subsidiaries									(18)	(15)	0
Exercise of stock options									16	33	118
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation									81	162	120
Other, net									1	(4)	(2)
Net cash used in financing activities									(2,554)	(1,798)	(1,335)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									(596)	332	25
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				$ 1,257				$ 925	1,257	925	900
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 661				$ 1,257				661	1,257	925
Supplemental Disclosures:
Interest paid on debt									154	145	129
Income taxes paid, net									378	482	354
Non-cash dividends from subsidiaries									52	152	0
Non-cash contributions to subsidiaries									$ 0	$ 51	$ 0

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINAN149

SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Footnotes) (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Capital Leases [Abstract]
Capital lease asset, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 724	$ 667
Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Capital Leases [Abstract]
Capital lease asset, net of accumulated depreciation	294	232
Capital lease obligation	60
Increase in pretax income from lease reclassification	10
Debt
Repurchase agreements, debt	50	50
Short-term borrowings	150	150
Ameriprise Financial, Inc: | Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]
Capital Leases [Abstract]
Capital lease asset, net of accumulated depreciation	70
Subsidiaries [Member] | Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Debt
Current borrowing capacity under the line of credit	1,000
Line of Credit with Parent as Borrower	0
Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies
Maximum borrowing capacity under the line of credit	1,000
Ameriprise Certificate Company [Member]
Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies
Maximum commitment under Capital Support Agreement	50	$ 115
IDS Property Casualty [Member] | Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies
Maximum commitment under Capital Support Agreement	150
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. [Member] | Ameriprise Financial, Inc:
Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies
Secured demand notes	$ 200