v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Nov. 07, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0000008177  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   20,439,411
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2017