Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012 Subsidiary
Principles of Consolidation [Abstract]
Number of insurance subsidiaries owned by the Parent	3
Number of non-insurance subsidiaries owned by the Parent	1
Investments [Abstract]
Estimated fair value	$ 2,124

This item represents the carrying value of certain debt securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are categorized as available for sale.

No definition available.

Name:	aame_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesValuedUsingSignificantUnobserverableInputs
Namespace Prefix:	aame_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant