Schedule II Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Equity method investments	$ 1,800,859		$ 1,887,196
Equity securities, at cost	1,273,938		1,267,938
Notes receivable	27,383		27,383
Total investments	20,137,132		17,655,801
Cash and cash equivalents	3,377,978		4,346,555		2,469,725
Property and equipment, net	372,368		445,860
Other assets	1,473,745		1,752,685
Total assets	62,238,672		62,878,763
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,451,464		874,642
Total liabilities	51,224,517		48,637,515
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock	9,121		9,106
Additional paid-in capital	25,131,714		25,361,520
Stock subscription receivable	(1,917)		(13,417)
Accumulated deficit	(17,707,433)		(15,756,994)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(740,091)		(64,352)
Total Midwest Holding Inc.'s stockholders' equity	11,014,155		14,241,248		11,595,345
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	62,238,672		62,878,763
Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Investment in subsidiaries	5,483,331	[1]	7,098,917	[1]
Equity method investments	1,800,859		1,887,196
Equity securities, at cost	208,750		217,750
Notes receivable	27,383		27,383
Total investments	7,520,323		9,231,246
Cash and cash equivalents	50,112		152,909		1,359,309
Property and equipment, net	68,584		105,936
Other assets	165,059		205,711
Total assets	7,804,078		9,695,802
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,112,610		159,865
Total liabilities	1,112,610		159,865
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, Series A	74		74
Common stock	9,121		2,106
Additional paid-in capital	25,131,714		25,361,520
Stock subscription receivable	(1,917)		(13,417)
Accumulated deficit	(17,707,433)		(15,756,994)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(740,091)		(64,352)
Total Midwest Holding Inc.'s stockholders' equity	6,691,468		9,535,937
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 7,804,078		$ 9,695,802

[1] Eliminated in consolidation.