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Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions | Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
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Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] |
Unfunded commitments to limited partnerships | $ 47.3
Unfunded commitments to privately placed corporate securities | $ 60.0

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

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- Definition Unfunded Commitments To Privately Placed Corporate Securities + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | ael_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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