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Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Deferred Compensation Arrangements) (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Compensation Plans, Certain Officers, Directors and Consultants [Member] |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] |  |  |
Shares earned and reserved for future issuance | 364,000 | 364,000 |
Share-based compensation expense |  |  | $ 102,000
Deferred Compensation Plans, Officer Rabbi Trust [Member] |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] |  |  |
Deferred compensation liability | $ 2,000,000 | $ 3,500,000 |
Shares held | 34,539 | 102,932 |

X
- Definition Item represents the number of shares held as of the end of the reporting period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ael_DeferredCompensationPlansSharesHeld
Namespace Prefix: | ael_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Item represents the number of shares earned by individuals under deferred compensation plans that have been reserved for issuance at a future date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ael_DeferredCompensationSharesEarnedAndReservedForFutureIssuance
Namespace Prefix: | ael_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of expense recognized from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments), awarded to key employees or individuals. Excludes amount related to plans that cover generally all employees (for example, but not limited to, qualified pension plans). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualAllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for deferred compensation arrangements. Represents currently earned compensation under cash arrangements (such as a profit-sharing plan, rabbi trust, and employee contract--excluding equity-based arrangements) that is not actually paid until a later date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationCashbasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=ael_DeferredCompensationPlansCertainOfficersDirectorsAndConsultantsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=ael_DeferredCompensationPlansAmericanEquityOfficerRabbiTrustMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |