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Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Deferred Compensation Arrangements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Compensation Plans, Certain Officers, Directors and Consultants
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future issuance	364,000	364,000
Deferred Compensation Plans, Officer Rabbi Trust
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future issuance	32,597	34,539
Deferred compensation liability	$ 1.5	$ 2.0

X

- Definition

Number of common shares reserved for future issuance related to deferred compensation arrangements with individuals.

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No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

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.

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No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
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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

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

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Namespace Prefix:
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Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

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