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Document and Entity Information Document
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Jul. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING CO  
Entity Central Index Key 0001039828  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2014  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2014  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   74,798,714