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Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Valuation allowance on mortgage loans | $ | (14,142 | ) |  | $ | (4,846 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 10,561 |  |  | $ | (8,427 | )
Year ended December 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Valuation allowance on mortgage loans | $ | (22,633 | ) |  | $ | 1,018 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 7,473 |  |  | $ | (14,142 | )
Year ended December 31, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Valuation allowance on mortgage loans | $ | (26,047 | ) |  | $ | (6,052 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 9,466 |  |  | $ | (22,633 | )
See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

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