Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Stock Subscription Receivable [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Total Midwest Holding Inc.'s Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 11,595,345	$ 74	$ 9,106	$ 24,668,440	$ (24,917)	$ (14,099,307)	$ (391,051)	$ 10,162,345	$ 1,433,000
Non cash compensation expense	11,500				11,500			11,500
Changes in equity of noncontrolling interests	4,827,013			693,080			18,533	711,613	4,133,933
Net loss	(2,519,309)					(1,657,687)		(1,657,687)	(861,622)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	308,166						308,166	308,166
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	14,241,248	74	9,106	25,361,520	(13,417)	(15,756,994)	(64,352)	9,535,937	4,705,311
Non cash compensation expense	11,500				11,500			11,500
Issuances of common stock, net of capital raising expenses			60	(60)
Repurchases of common stock	(215,783)		(45)	(215,738)				(215,738)
Changes in equity of noncontrolling interests	(97,181)			(14,008)				(14,008)	(83,173)
Net loss	(2,217,920)					(1,950,439)		(1,950,439)	(267,481)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(707,709)						(675,739)	(675,739)	(31,970)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 11,014,155	$ 74	$ 9,121	$ 25,131,714	$ (1,917)	$ (17,707,433)	$ (740,091)	$ 6,691,468	$ 4,322,687