Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Unfunded commitments to limited partnerships	$ 46.5
Unfunded commitments to secured bank loans	$ 8.2

Amount that we have committed to investment partnerships, less what we have contributed as capital to date.

No definition available.

Name:	ael_UnfundedCommitmentsToPrivateEquityLimitedPartnerships
Namespace Prefix:	ael_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant