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Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] |  |
Loss contingency, loss in period | $ 17.5 |
Estimated litigation liability |  | 17.5
Unfunded commitments to limited partnerships |  | 30.1
Unfunded commitments to secured bank loans |  | $ 19.7

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- Definition Amount that we have committed to investment partnerships, less what we have contributed as capital to date. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | ael_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of secured bank loans that we have agreed to purchase as of the end of the reporting period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ael_UnfundedCommitmentsToSecuredBankLoans
Namespace Prefix: | ael_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
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Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Aggregate carrying amount of the estimated litigation liability for known or estimated probable loss from litigation, which may include attorneys' fees and other litigation costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14326-108349 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationReserve
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of loss pertaining to the specified contingency that was charged against earnings in the period, including the effects of revisions in previously reported estimates. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14326-108349 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 5 -Paragraph 9 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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Period Type: | duration