v3.19.2
Cover Page - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2019
Aug. 02, 2019
Cover page.    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2019  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-31911  
Entity Registrant Name American Equity Investment Life Holding Co  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code IA  
Entity Tax Identification Number 42-1447959  
Entity Address, Address Line One 6000 Westown Parkway  
Entity Address, City or Town West Des Moines  
Entity Address, State or Province IA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 50266  
City Area Code 515  
Local Phone Number 221-0002  
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, par value $1  
Trading Symbol AEL  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   90,979,184
Entity Central Index Key 0001039828  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Amendment Flag false