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Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] |
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | Schedule V—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
| Balance January 1, |  | Charged to Costs and Expenses |  | Translation Adjustment |  | Write-offs/ Payments/Other |  | Balance December 31,
| (Dollars in thousands
Year ended December 31, 2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Valuation allowance on mortgage loans | $ | (34,234 | ) |  | $ | (5,621 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 13,808 |  |  | $ | (26,047 | )
Year ended December 31, 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Valuation allowance on mortgage loans | $ | (32,964 | ) |  | $ | (16,832 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 15,562 |  |  | $ | (34,234 | )
Year ended December 31, 2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Valuation allowance on mortgage loans | $ | (16,224 | ) |  | $ | (30,770 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 14,030 |  |  | $ | (32,964 | )
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

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