Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions (Narrative and Statutory Accounting Practices Tables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
American Equity Life, statutory net income	$ 375,900	$ 75,035	$ 131,452
American Equity Life, statutory capital and surplus balance	3,005,654	2,726,664
Total adjusted capital	3,260,328	2,933,193
Company Action Level RBC	$ 861,419	$ 857,321
Ratio of adjusted capital to Company Action Level RBC	378.00%	342.00%
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments [Abstract]
Statutory amount available for dividend payments without regulatory approval	$ 377,100
Dividends paid by insurance subsidiaries	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0