Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements [Abstract]
Deferred policy acquisition costs, increase (decrease) in amortization due to unlocking adjustment	$ (35.5)	$ (18.5)	$ 3.7
Deferred sales inducements, increase (decrease) in amortization due to unlocking adjustment	$ (12.6)	$ (11.1)	$ (0.2)

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.

No definition available.

Name:	ael_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsIncreaseDecreaseDueToUnlockingAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	ael_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration