<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.24.0.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>1051</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>691</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>248</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>17</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000001 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DocumentandEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000002 - Document - Audit Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/AuditInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Audit Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000003 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000004 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000005 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000006 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsParentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000007 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000008 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000009 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityParentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000010 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000011 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000012 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000013 - Disclosure - Investments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/Investments</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000014 - Disclosure - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstate</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage Loans on Real Estate</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000015 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/VariableInterestEntities</Role>
      <ShortName>Variable Interest Entities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000016 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000017 - Disclosure - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsandDeferredSalesInducements</Role>
      <ShortName>Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000018 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000019 - Disclosure - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisions</Role>
      <ShortName>Reinsurance and Policy Provisions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000020 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000021 - Disclosure - Notes and Loan Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/NotesandLoanPayable</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes and Loan Payable</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000022 - Disclosure - Subordinated Debentures</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SubordinatedDebentures</Role>
      <ShortName>Subordinated Debentures</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000023 - Disclosure - Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000024 - Disclosure - Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/StatutoryFinancialInformationandDividendRestrictions</Role>
      <ShortName>Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000025 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000026 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000027 - Disclosure - Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleISummaryofInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsinRelatedParties</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000028 - Disclosure - Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIICondensedFinancialInformationofRegistrant</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000029 - Disclosure - Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIIISupplementaryInsuranceInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000030 - Disclosure - Schedule IV - Reinsurance</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIVReinsurance</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule IV - Reinsurance</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954471 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954472 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954473 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954474 - Disclosure - Investments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/Investments</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954475 - Disclosure - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstate</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954476 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/VariableInterestEntities</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954477 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954478 - Disclosure - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsandDeferredSalesInducementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsandDeferredSalesInducements</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954479 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilities</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954480 - Disclosure - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisions</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954481 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954482 - Disclosure - Notes and Loan Payable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/NotesandLoanPayableTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes and Loan Payable (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/NotesandLoanPayable</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954483 - Disclosure - Subordinated Debentures (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SubordinatedDebenturesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Subordinated Debentures (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SubordinatedDebentures</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954484 - Disclosure - Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954485 - Disclosure - Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/StatutoryFinancialInformationandDividendRestrictionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/StatutoryFinancialInformationandDividendRestrictions</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954486 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954487 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquity</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954488 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954489 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Annuity Deposits (Net of Coinsurance), By Product Type) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAnnuityDepositsNetofCoinsuranceByProductTypeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Annuity Deposits (Net of Coinsurance), By Product Type) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954490 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Long-Duration Contracts) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleofLongDurationContractsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Long-Duration Contracts) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954491 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Agreement and Plan of Merger) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAgreementandPlanofMergerDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Agreement and Plan of Merger) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954492 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954493 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsCarryingAmountsandFairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954494 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis by Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredonaRecurringBasisbyFairValueHierarchyDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis by Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954495 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsReconciliationofBeginningandEndingBalancesofLevel3AssetsandLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balances of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954496 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsQuantitativeInformationAboutLevel3FairValueMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954497 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Other Investments Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsOtherInvestmentsNotMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Other Investments Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954498 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Assumptions Used in Estimating Fair Value) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsAssumptionsUsedinEstimatingFairValueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Assumptions Used in Estimating Fair Value) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/FairValuesofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954499 - Disclosure - Investments (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954500 - Disclosure - Investments (Schedule of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsScheduleofFixedMaturitySecuritiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Schedule of Fixed Maturity Securities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954501 - Disclosure - Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsFixedMaturitySecuritiesbyContractualMaturityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954502 - Disclosure - Investments (Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available for Sale Fixed Maturity Securities Reported as a Seperate Component of Stockholders' Equity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsNetUnrealizedGainsLossesonAvailableforSaleFixedMaturitySecuritiesReportedasaSeperateComponentofStockholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available for Sale Fixed Maturity Securities Reported as a Seperate Component of Stockholders' Equity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954503 - Disclosure - Investments (Credit Quality of Fixed Maturity Security Portfolio by NAIC Designation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsCreditQualityofFixedMaturitySecurityPortfoliobyNAICDesignationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Credit Quality of Fixed Maturity Security Portfolio by NAIC Designation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954504 - Disclosure - Investments (Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments, By Category and Length of Time) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsGrossUnrealizedLossesonInvestmentsByCategoryandLengthofTimeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments, By Category and Length of Time) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954505 - Disclosure - Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Gains/Losses on Investments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsChangesinNetUnrealizedGainsLossesonInvestmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Changes in Net Unrealized Gains/Losses on Investments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954506 - Disclosure - Investments (Components of Net Investment Income) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsComponentsofNetInvestmentIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Components of Net Investment Income) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954507 - Disclosure - Investments (Net Realized Losses on Investments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsNetRealizedLossesonInvestmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Net Realized Losses on Investments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954508 - Disclosure - Investments (Non-Income Producing Investments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsNonIncomeProducingInvestmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Non-Income Producing Investments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954509 - Disclosure - Investments (Rollforward of Allowance for Credit Loss) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsRollforwardofAllowanceforCreditLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments (Rollforward of Allowance for Credit Loss) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/InvestmentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954510 - Disclosure - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954511 - Disclosure - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Summary of Mortgage Loan Portfolio) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateSummaryofMortgageLoanPortfolioDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Summary of Mortgage Loan Portfolio) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954512 - Disclosure - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Commercial Mortgage Loan Portfolio Summarized by Geographic Region and Property Type) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateCommercialMortgageLoanPortfolioSummarizedbyGeographicRegionandPropertyTypeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Commercial Mortgage Loan Portfolio Summarized by Geographic Region and Property Type) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954513 - Disclosure - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Rollforward of Valuation Allowance on Mortgage Loan Portfolios) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateRollforwardofValuationAllowanceonMortgageLoanPortfoliosDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Rollforward of Valuation Allowance on Mortgage Loan Portfolios) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954514 - Disclosure - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Summary By Debt Service Coverage and Loan to Value Ratios) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateSummaryByDebtServiceCoverageandLoantoValueRatiosDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Summary By Debt Service Coverage and Loan to Value Ratios) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954515 - Disclosure - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Aging of Financing Receivables) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateAgingofFinancingReceivablesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Aging of Financing Receivables) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/MortgageLoansonRealEstateTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954516 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954517 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (Consolidated VIEs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesConsolidatedVIEsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Variable Interest Entities (Consolidated VIEs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954518 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (Unconsolidated VIEs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesUnconsolidatedVIEsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Variable Interest Entities (Unconsolidated VIEs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954519 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954520 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Notional and Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsNotionalandFairValueofDerivativeInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Notional and Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954521 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Carrying Amount and Cumulative Fair Value Hedging Adjustments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsCarryingAmountandCumulativeFairValueHedgingAdjustmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Carrying Amount and Cumulative Fair Value Hedging Adjustments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954522 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Gains (Losses) Related to Derivatives and Hedged Items) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsGainsLossesRelatedtoDerivativesandHedgedItemsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Gains (Losses) Related to Derivatives and Hedged Items) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954523 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Change in Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsChangeinFairValueofDerivativesNotDesignatedasHedgingDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Change in Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954524 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Call Options and Interest Rate Swaps by Counterparty) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsScheduleofCallOptionsandInterestRateSwapsbyCounterpartyDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Call Options and Interest Rate Swaps by Counterparty) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954525 - Disclosure - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsandDeferredSalesInducementsDeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsandDeferredSalesInducementsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954526 - Disclosure - Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Deferred Sales Inducements) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsandDeferredSalesInducementsDeferredSalesInducementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Deferred Sales Inducements (Deferred Sales Inducements) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsandDeferredSalesInducementsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954527 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Schedule of Present Value of Expected Future Policy Benefits) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesScheduleofPresentValueofExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Schedule of Present Value of Expected Future Policy Benefits) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954528 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Summary of Liability For Future Policy Benefits Activity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesSummaryofLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Summary of Liability For Future Policy Benefits Activity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954529 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Schedule of Changes in the Net Market Risk Benefit) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesScheduleofChangesintheNetMarketRiskBenefitDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Schedule of Changes in the Net Market Risk Benefit) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954530 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Reconciliation of Market Risk Benefits in an Asset Position and in a Liability Position) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesReconciliationofMarketRiskBenefitsinanAssetPositionandinaLiabilityPositionDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Reconciliation of Market Risk Benefits in an Asset Position and in a Liability Position) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>90</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954531 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Schedule of Reinsured Market Risk Benefits) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesScheduleofReinsuredMarketRiskBenefitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Schedule of Reinsured Market Risk Benefits) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>91</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954532 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Schedule of Reconciliation of Reinsurance Market Risk Benefits by Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesScheduleofReconciliationofReinsuranceMarketRiskBenefitsbyAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Schedule of Reconciliation of Reinsurance Market Risk Benefits by Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>92</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954533 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Significant Inputs and Assumptions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesSignificantInputsandAssumptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Significant Inputs and Assumptions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>93</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954534 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Changes in Policyholder Account Balances) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesChangesinPolicyholderAccountBalancesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Changes in Policyholder Account Balances) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>94</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954535 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Reconciliation of Policyholders??? Account Balances to the Policyholders??? Account Balances??? Liability) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesReconciliationofPolicyholdersAccountBalancestothePolicyholdersAccountBalancesLiabilityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Reconciliation of Policyholders??? Account Balances to the Policyholders??? Account Balances??? Liability) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>95</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R96.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954536 - Disclosure - Policyholder Liabilities (Account Balances by Guaranteed Minimum Interest Rates) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesAccountBalancesbyGuaranteedMinimumInterestRatesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Policyholder Liabilities (Account Balances by Guaranteed Minimum Interest Rates) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/PolicyholderLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>96</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R97.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954537 - Disclosure - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (EquiTrust Coinsurance Agreements) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsEquiTrustCoinsuranceAgreementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (EquiTrust Coinsurance Agreements) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>97</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R98.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954538 - Disclosure - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Athene Coinsurance Agreements) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsAtheneCoinsuranceAgreementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Athene Coinsurance Agreements) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>98</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R99.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954539 - Disclosure - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (North End Re) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsNorthEndReDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (North End Re) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>99</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R100.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954540 - Disclosure - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (AeBe) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsAeBeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (AeBe) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>100</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R101.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954541 - Disclosure - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Amounts Ceded, Impact on Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsAmountsCededImpactonConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsandConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Amounts Ceded, Impact on Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>101</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R102.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954542 - Disclosure - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Hannover Financing Arrangements) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsHannoverFinancingArrangementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Hannover Financing Arrangements) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>102</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R103.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954543 - Disclosure - Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Intercompany Reinsurance Agreements) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsIntercompanyReinsuranceAgreementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Reinsurance and Policy Provisions (Intercompany Reinsurance Agreements) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ReinsuranceandPolicyProvisionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>103</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R104.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954544 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsofIncomeTaxExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>104</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R105.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954545 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/IncomeTaxesEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>105</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R106.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954546 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>106</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R107.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954547 - Disclosure - Notes and Loan Payable (Schedule of Notes and Loan Payable) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/NotesandLoanPayableScheduleofNotesandLoanPayableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes and Loan Payable (Schedule of Notes and Loan Payable) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/NotesandLoanPayableTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>107</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R108.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954548 - Disclosure - Notes and Loan Payable (2027 Notes Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/NotesandLoanPayable2027NotesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes and Loan Payable (2027 Notes Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/NotesandLoanPayableTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>108</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R109.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954549 - Disclosure - Notes and Loan Payable (Term Loan Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/NotesandLoanPayableTermLoanNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes and Loan Payable (Term Loan Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/NotesandLoanPayableTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>109</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R110.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954550 - Disclosure - Subordinated Debentures (Summary of Subordinated Debt Obligations to the Trusts) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SubordinatedDebenturesSummaryofSubordinatedDebtObligationstotheTrustsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subordinated Debentures (Summary of Subordinated Debt Obligations to the Trusts) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/SubordinatedDebenturesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>110</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R111.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954551 - Disclosure - Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Defined Contribution Plan) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansDefinedContributionPlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Defined Contribution Plan) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>111</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R112.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954552 - Disclosure - Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Compensation Expense Recognized For Employees and Directors) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansCompensationExpenseRecognizedForEmployeesandDirectorsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Compensation Expense Recognized For Employees and Directors) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>112</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R113.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954553 - Disclosure - Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansEmployeeStockOwnershipPlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>113</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R114.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954554 - Disclosure - Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Incentive Plans) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansIncentivePlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Incentive Plans) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>114</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R115.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954555 - Disclosure - Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Changes in Stock Options Outstanding) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansChangesinStockOptionsOutstandingDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Changes in Stock Options Outstanding) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>115</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R116.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954556 - Disclosure - Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding, By Exercise Price Range) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansScheduleofStockOptionsOutstandingByExercisePriceRangeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement and Share-based Compensation Plans (Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding, By Exercise Price Range) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/RetirementandSharebasedCompensationPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>116</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R117.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954557 - Disclosure - Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions (Narrative and Statutory Accounting Practices Tables) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/StatutoryFinancialInformationandDividendRestrictionsNarrativeandStatutoryAccountingPracticesTablesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Statutory Financial Information and Dividend Restrictions (Narrative and Statutory Accounting Practices Tables) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/StatutoryFinancialInformationandDividendRestrictionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>117</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R118.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954558 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative and Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesNarrativeandScheduleofFutureMinimumRentalPaymentsforOperatingLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative and Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>118</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R119.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954559 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Earnings Per Common Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquityScheduleofEarningsPerCommonShareBasicandDilutedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Schedule of Earnings Per Common Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>119</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R120.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954560 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Stockholders' Equity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquityStockholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Stockholders' Equity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>120</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R121.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954561 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Brookfield) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquityBrookfieldDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Brookfield) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>121</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R122.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954562 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Share Repurchase Program and Treasury Stock) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquityShareRepurchaseProgramandTreasuryStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Common Share and Stockholders' Equity (Share Repurchase Program and Treasury Stock) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareandStockholdersEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>122</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R123.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954563 - Disclosure - Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleISummaryofInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsinRelatedPartiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleISummaryofInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsinRelatedParties</ParentRole>
      <Position>123</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R124.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954564 - Disclosure - Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIICondensedFinancialInformationofRegistrantCondensedBalanceSheetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIICondensedFinancialInformationofRegistrant</ParentRole>
      <Position>124</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R125.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954565 - Disclosure - Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Operations) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIICondensedFinancialInformationofRegistrantCondensedStatementsofOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Operations) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIICondensedFinancialInformationofRegistrant</ParentRole>
      <Position>125</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R126.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954566 - Disclosure - Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Cash Flows) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIICondensedFinancialInformationofRegistrantCondensedStatementsofCashFlowsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Cash Flows) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIICondensedFinancialInformationofRegistrant</ParentRole>
      <Position>126</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R127.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954567 - Disclosure - Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIIISupplementaryInsuranceInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIIISupplementaryInsuranceInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>127</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ael-20231231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R128.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9954568 - Disclosure - Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIVReinsuranceDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.american-equity.com/role/ScheduleIVReinsurance</ParentRole>
      <Position>128</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-K" isDefinitelyFs="true" isUsgaap="true" original="ael-20231231.htm">ael-20231231.htm</File>
    <File>ael-20231231.xsd</File>
    <File>ael-20231231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>ael-20231231_def.xml</File>
    <File>ael-20231231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>ael-20231231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>ael-20231231_g1.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="19">http://fasb.org/srt/2023</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="3066">http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="43">http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
