XML 125 R105.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.20.4

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2020 | Sep. 30, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018
Premiums and product charges | $ 76,242 | $ 72,684 | $ 74,470 | $ 67,213 | $ 71,568 | $ 68,799 | $ 64,826 | $ 58,376 |  |  |
Net investment income | 521,725 | 543,331 | 543,704 | 573,318 | 588,217 | 590,412 | 570,568 | 558,438 | $ 2,182,078 | $ 2,307,635 | $ 2,147,812
Change in fair value of derivatives | 443,867 | 205,011 | 327,662 | (941,874) | 466,434 | (20,042) | 76,045 | 384,469 | 34,666 | 906,906 | (777,848)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments | (12,135) | (22,321) | (25,888) | (20,336) | 7,029 | 4,328 | (3,832) | (563) | (80,680) | 6,962 | (37,178)
Net OTTI losses recognized in operations |  |  |  |  | (17,412) | (101) | (1,213) | 0 | 0 | (18,726) | (36,656)
Loss on extinguishment of debt | 0 | 0 | 0 | (2,024) | (2,001) | 0 | 0 | 0 | (2,024) | (2,001) | 0
Total revenues | 1,029,699 | 798,705 | 919,948 | (323,703) | 1,113,835 | 643,396 | 706,394 | 1,000,720 | 2,424,649 | 3,464,345 | 1,547,098
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders | $ (6,262) | $ 661,250 | $ (253,379) | $ 236,336 | $ 220,150 | $ 37,360 | $ 18,590 | $ (30,010) | $ 637,945 | $ 246,090 | $ 458,016
Earnings (loss) per common share | $ (0.07) | $ 7.20 | $ (2.76) | $ 2.58 | $ 2.41 | $ 0.41 | $ 0.20 | $ (0.33) | $ 6.93 | $ 2.70 | $ 5.07
Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution | $ (0.07) | $ 7.17 | $ (2.76) | $ 2.57 | $ 2.40 | $ 0.41 | $ 0.20 | $ (0.33) | $ 6.90 | $ 2.68 | $ 5.01

X
- Definition Item represents a combination of insurance policy charges and premiums earned, net. Policy charges represent an amount that an insurer adds to a policy's premium, or deducts from a policy's cash value or contract holder's account, as compensation for services rendered; may include fees. Premiums earned, net, represents premiums earned on the income statement for all insurance and reinsurance contracts after subtracting any amounts ceded to another insurer and adding premiums assumed from other insurers. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ael_PolicyChargesInsuranceAndPremiumsEarnedNet
Namespace Prefix: | ael_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the fair value of derivatives recognized in the income statement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5618551-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(19)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637232&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1337-109256 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 52 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117327953&loc=d3e4984-109258 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(21)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22694-107794 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1252-109256 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(23)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637391&loc=SL114874048-224260 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60B -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=SL5780133-109256 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 52 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117327953&loc=d3e4984-109258 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1252-109256 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(23)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637391&loc=SL114874048-224260 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22694-107794 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1337-109256 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(21)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 60B -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=SL5780133-109256 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(19)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637232&loc=SL114874131-224263 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118939692&loc=d3e27405-111563 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c),9(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/recommendedDisclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12355-112629 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12317-112629 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after deduction of tax, noncontrolling interests, dividends on preferred stock and participating securities; of income (loss) available to common shareholders. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22694-107794 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1377-109256 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after investment expense, of income earned from investments in securities and real estate. Includes, but is not limited to, real estate investment, policy loans, dividends, and interest. Excludes realized gain (loss) on investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637232&loc=SL114874131-224263 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) on investment in debt security, recognized in earnings. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 8A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118954083&loc=SL6284422-111562 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossDebtSecuritiesPortionRecognizedInEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration