v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Oct. 31, 2011
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 Sep. 30, 2011  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Common Stock Outstanding   59,581,489