Document and Entity Information (USD $) Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 01, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	GREAT WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000744455
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,032
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 0