Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions (Narrative and Statutory Accounting Practices Tables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions [Abstract]
American Equity Life, statutory net income	$ 131,452	$ 340,000	$ 205,202
American Equity Life, statutory capital and surplus balance	2,415,419	2,172,455
Total adjusted capital	2,593,472	2,327,335
Company Action Level RBC	$ 771,293	$ 625,373
Ratio of adjusted capital to Company Action Level RBC	336.00%	372.00%
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments [Abstract]
Statutory amount available for dividend payments without regulatory approval	$ 241,300
Dividends paid by insurance subsidiaries	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0