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Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
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