Investments, Unrealized Gains (Losses) Related to Equity Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Net losses recognized during the period on equity securities	$ (4,419)	$ 0
Less: Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period	0	0
Unrealized losses recognized during the reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date	$ (4,419)	$ 0

Amount of realized gain (loss) from sale of investment in equity security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in net income (FV-NI).

No definition available.

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