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Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Line Items] |  |  |
Deferred policy acquisition costs, unlocking adjustment | $ (18.5) | $ 3.7 | $ (9.1)
Deferred sales inducements, unlocking adjustment | $ (11.1) | $ (0.2) | $ (5.0)

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- Details
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- Definition Item represents adjustments to amortization through a retrospective unlocking process where amortization is adjusted to reflect current estimates of future gross profits/margins (including the impact of realized investment gains and losses) to be realized from a group of products. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Item represents adjustments to amortization through a retrospective unlocking process where amortization is adjusted to reflect current estimates of future gross profits/margins (including the impact of realized investment gains and losses) to be realized from a group of products. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ael_DeferredSalesInducementsUnlockingAdjustment
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration