Name:	aame_AnnualizedPremiumForHealthInsurancePolicies
Namespace Prefix:	aame_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Insurance benefits and losses incurred under long-duration contracts with respect to cash it must pay to policyholders upon their terminating, or surrendering, their insurance contracts.

No definition available.

Name:	aame_ChangeInCashSurrenderValueAndMaturedEndowments
Namespace Prefix:	aame_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	aame_FuturePolicyBenefitsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	aame_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

This element includes the aggregate amount of policy reserves (provided for future obligations including unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses) and policy benefits (liability for future policy benefits) as of the balance sheet dates; and unearned premiums and other policy liabilities.

No definition available.

Name:	aame_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsAndUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseAndOtherPolicyholderFunds
Namespace Prefix:	aame_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The known and estimated amount that is recoverable on unpaid claims through reinsurance as of the end of the year.

No definition available.

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

The known and estimated amount that is recoverable on unpaid claims through reinsurance as of the beginning of the year.

No definition available.

Name:	aame_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseReinsuranceRecoverablesBeginningOfYear
Namespace Prefix:	aame_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Provision for benefits, claims and claims settlement expenses incurred before adjustments during the period net of the effects of contracts assumed and ceded.

No definition available.

Name:	aame_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredBeforeAdjustments
Namespace Prefix:	aame_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	aame_ReservesForLifeAccidentAndHealthAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	aame_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The amount needed to reflect the estimated ultimate cost of settling claims relating to insured events that have occurred on or before the balance sheet date, whether or not reported to the insurer at that date.

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

The assumed interest rate used to determine present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders and related expenses less the present value of future net premiums using assumptions such as estimates of expected investment yields, mortality, morbidity, terminations and expenses, applicable at the time the insurance contracts are made and unpaid claim costs relating to insurance contracts including estimates of costs relating to incurred but not reported claims based on the estimated ultimate cost of settling the claims (including effects of inflation and other societal and economic factors), using past experience adjusted for current trends and any other factors that would modify past experience in the year the policy went into force.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph b

-Article 7

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.13(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentInterestRateYearOfIssue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Span of years during which policies were issued containing estimated present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders and related expenses less the present value of future net premiums using assumptions such as estimates of expected investment yields, mortality, morbidity, terminations and expenses, applicable at the time the insurance contracts are made and unpaid claim costs relating to insurance contracts including estimates of costs relating to incurred but not reported claims based on the estimated ultimate cost of settling the claims (including effects of inflation and other societal and economic factors), using past experience adjusted for current trends and any other factors that would modify past experience.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentPolicyIssueYearRange
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The sum of the known and estimated amounts payable as of the balance sheet date to policyholders pertaining to insured events for long-duration contracts, which can be viewed as either (a) the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders and expenses less the present value of future net premiums payable under the insurance contracts or (b) the accumulated amount of net premiums already collected less the accumulated amount of benefits and expenses already paid to or on behalf of policyholders.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 25

-Paragraph 11

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482067&loc=d3e13145-158430

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph a

-Article 7

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.13(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 60

-Paragraph 21-26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 97

-Paragraph 15-21

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 113

-Paragraph 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

Increases and decreases to the future policy benefit reserve based on changes in actuarial calculations, catastrophes, historical results and any other factors that influence the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)

-Number 403

-Paragraph 04

-Subparagraph b

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)

-Number AAG-LHI

-Paragraph 27, 28

-IssueDate 2006-05-01

-Chapter 9

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsPeriodExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Total amount of payments made during the reporting period to settle insured claims and pay costs incurred in the claims settlement process.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 94-5

-Paragraph 11

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)

-Number 403

-Paragraph 04

-Subparagraph b

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaid
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount of payments made in the reporting period to settle claims incurred in the current period and related claims settlement costs.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)

-Number 403

-Paragraph 04

-Subparagraph b

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 94-5

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidCurrentYear
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of payments made in the reporting period to settle claims incurred in prior periods and related claims settlement costs.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)

-Number 403

-Paragraph 04

-Subparagraph b

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 94-5

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The estimated cost of settling claims under the terms of the underlying insurance policies and assumed and ceded insurance contracts as of the balance sheet date, including an estimate for claims which have been incurred but not reported and the actual and estimated costs of settling claims.

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

Total provision in the period for claims incurred and costs incurred in the claim settlement process.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)

-Number 403

-Paragraph 04

-Subparagraph b

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 94-5

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaims
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount of provision in the period for claims incurred in the reporting period and related claims settlement costs.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)

-Number 403

-Paragraph 04

-Subparagraph b

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 94-5

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsCurrentYear
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of provision in the period for claims incurred in prior reporting periods and related claims settlement costs.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)

-Number 403

-Paragraph 04

-Subparagraph b

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 94-5

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsPriorYears
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Liability as of the balance sheet date for amounts representing estimated cost of settling unpaid claims under the terms of the underlying insurance policies, less estimated reinsurance recoveries on such claims. This includes an estimate for claims which have been incurred but not reported. Claim adjustment expenses represent the costs estimated to be incurred in the settlement of unpaid claims.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)

-Number 403

-Paragraph 04

-Subparagraph b

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph a

-Article 7

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 01-5

-Paragraph 10

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 94-5

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 60

-Paragraph 17, 18, 19, 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 113

-Paragraph 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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

Name:	us-gaap_MovementInLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Liability as of the balance sheet date to the policyholders for funds held that are returnable under the terms of insurance contracts that were not separately reported.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.14)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 14

-Article 7

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

Name:	us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Provision for benefits, claims and claims settlement expenses incurred during the period net of the effects of contracts assumed and ceded.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.5)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 5

-Article 7

Name:	us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Carrying amount of premiums written on insurance contracts that have not been earned as of the balance sheet date.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 16

-Article 12

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 60

-Paragraph 13

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.(a),13(a)(2))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 97

-Paragraph 16, 17, 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph a(2)

-Article 7