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Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
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Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] |
Unfunded commitments to limited partnerships | $ 48.6
Unfunded commitments to secured bank loans | $ 36.9

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

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration