Spectrum Brands (SPB) 10-Q 6 Feb 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 02, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	HRG
Entity Registrant Name	HARBINGER GROUP INC.
Entity Central Index Key	109177
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		201,516,319

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments:
Fixed maturities	$17,677.80	$17,211.50
Equity securities	717.4	768.1
Derivatives	306.2	296.3
Asset-based loans	791.9	811.6
Other invested assets	247	165
Total investments	19,740.30	19,252.50
Cash and cash equivalents	1,311.40	1,319.20
Receivables, net	660.1	585.1
Inventories, net	710.2	635.2
Accrued investment income	167.9	184.9
Reinsurance recoverable	2,416.70	2,397.60
Deferred tax assets	178.8	186.7
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	1,054.80	908.6
Goodwill	1,491.90	1,524.80
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	2,712.30	2,683.70
Other assets	762.3	421.9
Total assets	31,206.70	30,100.20
Insurance reserves:
Contractholder funds	17,160.10	16,463.50
Future policy benefits	3,980.30	3,655.50
Liability for policy and contract claims	67.8	58.1
Funds withheld from reinsurers	38.4	38
Total insurance reserves	21,246.60	20,215.10
Debt	5,666	5,157.80
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	899.6	1,033
Employee benefit obligations	82.5	86.2
Deferred tax liabilities	518	533.3
Other liabilities	712	817.8
Total liabilities	29,124.70	27,843.20
Commitments and contingencies
Harbinger Group Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock	2	2
Additional paid-in capital	1,437.70	1,472.30
Accumulated deficit	-386.1	-276.3
Accumulated other comprehensive income	222.6	243.6
Total Harbinger Group Inc. stockholders' equity	1,276.20	1,441.60
Noncontrolling interest:	805.8	815.4
Total permanent equity	2,082	2,257
Total liabilities and equity	$31,206.70	$30,100.20

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	$1,088.80	$1,100.60
Oil and natural gas	34.3	35.5
Insurance premiums	11.7	13.9
Net investment income	230.8	201.2
Net investment gains	52	141.9
Insurance and investment product fees and other	20.8	16.9
Total revenues	1,438.40	1,510
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	712	719.4
Oil and natural gas direct operating costs	20.5	16.1
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	241.5	234.7
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	365.4	317.1
Unamortized costs exceed ceiling limitations	190
Asset Impairment Charges			250.2
Amortization of intangibles	31.8	43.4
Total operating costs and expenses	1,621.40	1,330.70
Operating (loss) income	-183	179.3
Interest expense	-80.6	-84
Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock	0	-47.2
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction	0	0.5
Other income (expense), net	174	-11.9
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-89.6	36.7
Income tax expense	16.8	38.3
Net loss	-106.4	-1.6
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3.4	25.2
Net loss attributable to controlling interest	-109.8	-26.8
Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion		12.2
Net loss attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	-109.8	-39
Net loss per common share attributable to controlling interest:
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.56)	($0.28)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.56)	($0.28)
Consumer Products Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	1,067.80	1,100.60
Total revenues	1,067.80	1,100.60
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	697.6	719.4
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	234.1	236
Amortization of intangibles	20.5	20.2
Total operating costs and expenses	952.2	975.6
Operating (loss) income	115.6	125
Interest expense	-44.4	-57
Other income (expense), net	-0.7	-0.9
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	70.5	67.1
Income tax expense	20.5	12.7
Net loss	50	54.4
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	20.8	22.6
Net loss attributable to controlling interest	29.2	31.8
Net loss attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders		$31.80

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	($109.80)	($26.80)
Net loss	-106.4	-1.6
Other comprehensive loss
Foreign currency translation losses	-34.5	-0.3
Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments
Changes in derivative instruments before reclassification adjustment	7.7	0.9
Net reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	-4.8	0.9
Changes in derivative instruments after reclassification adjustment	2.9	1.8
Changes in deferred income tax asset/liability		-0.5
Deferred tax valuation allowance adjustments	-1	0.1
Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments	1.9	1.4
Actuarial adjustments to pension plans
Changes in actuarial adjustments before reclassification adjustment	1	-0.4
Net reclassification adjustment for losses included in cost of goods sold	0.2	0.1
Net reclassification adjustment for losses included in selling and general and administrative expenses	0.2	0.3
Net actuarial adjustments to pension plans	1.1
Unrealized investment losses:
Changes in unrealized investment losses before reclassification adjustment	-7.8	-9.9
Net reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	4.1	-8.1
Changes in unrealized investment losses after reclassification adjustment	-3.7	-18
Adjustments to intangible assets	1.2	7.9
Changes in deferred income tax asset/liability	0.6	3.6
Net unrealized loss on investments	-1.9	-6.5
Non-credit related other-than-temporary impairment:
Net change to derive comprehensive loss for the period	-33.4	-5.4
Comprehensive loss	-139.8	-7
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interest:
Net income	3.4	25.2
Other comprehensive loss	-13.9	-0.9
Total comprehensive income (loss)	-10.5	24.3
Comprehensive loss attributable to the controlling interest	-129.3	-31.3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax	1.4
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	($0.30)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($106.40)	($1.60)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	-109.8	-26.8
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to operating cash flows
Depreciation of properties	34.1	30.3
Amortization of intangibles	31.8	43.4
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	60.2	0
Unamortized costs exceed ceiling limitations	190
Impairment of Proved Oil and Gas Properties		0
Stock-based compensation	20.1	23.4
Amortization of debt issuance costs	4.5	5
Amortization of debt discount	1.2	0.6
Write-off of debt issuance costs and (premiums) discounts on retired debt		9.2
Deferred income taxes	-11.2	2.5
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction		-0.5
Interest credited/index credits to contractholder account balances	210.8	194.3
Increase (Decrease) Cash Collateral from Counterparties	39.3	2.7
Amortization of fixed maturity discounts and premiums	-13.2	-14.8
Net recognized gains on investments and derivatives	-220.9	-88.3
Charges assessed to contractholders for mortality and administration	-14.8	-9.8
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-95.5	-52.6
Non-cash increase to cost of goods sold due to the sale of HHI Business acquisition inventory	0.8
Non-cash restructuring and related charges	1.1	1.4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	-303.6	-234.6
Net change in cash due to operating activities	-171.7	-89.4
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid	982.2	1,820.30
Cost of investments acquired	-1,526	-2,728.20
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-147.3
Net asset-based loan repayments (originations)	20.1	-110.4
Capital expenditures	-22.5	-21
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets	1.1	0
Other investing activities, net	-1
Net change in cash due to investing activities	-693.4	-1,039.30
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of new debt	442.7	537.9
Repayment of debt, including tender and call premiums	-1.8	-513.8
Revolving credit facility activity		97.3
Debt issuance costs	-6.1	-4.7
Purchases of subsidiary stock, net	-29	-4.5
Contractholder account deposits	945.9	774.4
Contractholder account withdrawals	-445	-494.8
Dividend paid by subsidiary to noncontrolling interest	-7.4	-5.5
Dividends paid on preferred stock		-8.2
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	-18.6	-31.2
Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering	0	175.9
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	19
Other financing activities, net	1.9	0.5
Net change in cash due to financing activities	863.6	523.3
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-6.3	-0.5
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-7.8	-605.9
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,319.20	1,899.70
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,311.40	1,293.80
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid		1,705.90
Cost of investments acquired	-1,371.80	-2,598.50
Trading Securities [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cost of investments acquired	0	-4.4
Derivative and other [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid	128.1	114.4
Cost of investments acquired	-154.2	-125.3
Investment Income [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid	$854.10

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business
	Harbinger Group Inc. (“HGI” and, collectively with its respective subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a diversified holding company. HGI is focused on obtaining controlling equity stakes in companies that operate across a diversified set of industries and growing acquired businesses. In addition to acquiring controlling interests, HGI may make investments in debt instruments, acquire minority equity interests in companies and expand its operating businesses. HGI’s shares of common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “HRG.”
	In October 2014, HGI's subsidiary Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Spectrum Brands”), completed a $30.3 cash acquisition of Tell Manufacturing, Inc. (“Tell”), a manufacturer and distributor of commercial doors, locks and hardware. See Note 3, Acquisitions.
	Also in October 2014, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, HGI Energy Holdings, LLC (“HGI Energy”), acquired approximately 25.5% remaining interests in a joint venture (Compass Production GP, LLC and Compass Production Partners, LP collectively, and together with their respective subsidiaries, “Compass", and formerly referred to as the “EXCO/HGI JV”) from EXCO Resources, Inc. (“EXCO”) for $118.8 in cash. See Note 3, Acquisitions.
	On November 25, 2014, the Company announced that Philip Falcone, HGI's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors (the "Board") had, effective December 1, 2014, resigned from his positions with the Company. In connection with his resignation, the Company paid Mr. Falcone the payments described in Note 14. below. In addition, the warrants to acquire common stock of HGI that were previously awarded to Mr. Falcone will continue to vest in accordance with their existing vesting schedule.
	In November 2014, Front Street Re (Cayman) Ltd. (“Front Street Cayman”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of HGI, purchased Ability Reinsurance (Bermuda) Limited (“Ability Re”) from Ability Reinsurance Holdings Limited (“Ability Re Holdings”) for $19.2. Upon the purchase, Ability Re was concurrently merged into Front Street Cayman, where Front Street Cayman was the surviving entity. See Note 3, Acquisitions.
	In December 2014, Spectrum Brands issued $250.0 aggregate principal amount of 6.125% unsecured notes at par value, due December 15, 2024 (the “6.125% Notes”) and entered into a new term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of €150.0 (the “Euro Term Loan Tranche B”). See Note 8, Debt.
	During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, HGI purchased 1.5 million shares of its outstanding common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $19.0 under the $100.0 repurchase program authorized by HGI's Board in May 2014. At December 31, 2014, the Company had a remaining balance of $15.5 in its repurchase program, the remainder of which was fully utilized during the second fiscal quarter of 2015.
	The Company’s reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how HGI’s management views those business activities. Accordingly, the Company currently operates its business in four reporting segments: (i) Consumer Products, (ii) Insurance, (iii) Energy, and (iv) Asset Management. For the results of operations by segment, and other segment data, see Note 15, Segment Data.

Basis_of_Presentation_Signific

Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Polices and Practicies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Polices and Practicies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of such information. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures, including a description of significant accounting policies normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP"), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Certain prior amounts have been reclassified or combined to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications and combinations had no effect on previously reported results of operations or accumulated deficit. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, filed with the SEC on November 21, 2014 (the "Form 10-K"). The results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results for any subsequent periods or the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2015.
	The Company’s fiscal year ends on September 30 and the quarters end on the last calendar day of the months of December, March and June. The Company's significant subsidiary, Spectrum Brands' fiscal year ends September 30 and its interim fiscal quarters end every thirteenth Sunday, except for its first fiscal quarter which may end on the fourteenth Sunday following September 30. The Company does not adjust for the difference in fiscal periods between Spectrum Brands and itself, as such difference would be less than 93 days, pursuant to Regulation S-X Rule 3A-02.
	At December 31, 2014, the non-controlling interest component of total equity primarily represents the 41.4% share of Spectrum Brands and the 19.9% of Fidelity & Guaranty Life ("FGL") not owned by HGI.
	Oil and natural gas properties
	Ceiling Test
	For the three months ended December 31, 2014, Compass recognized an impairment of $190.0 to its proved oil and natural gas properties. As further discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions, the change in control resulting from the acquisition of EXCO's remaining interest in Compass triggered the remeasurement of the Company's initial basis in Compass at fair value which increased the Compass' full cost pool. The purchase price for the acquisition was based on both the income and market approach models which incorporate, among other things, market prices based on the New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") futures as of the acquisition date, which the Company believes reflects an independent proxy point for determining fair value. The ceiling test, however, requires companies using the full cost accounting method to price period-ending proved reserves using the simple average spot price for the trailing 12 month period, which may not be indicative of actual market values. As a result, Compass' full cost pool exceeded its ceiling test limitation at December 31, 2014 resulting in an impairment. For the three months ended December 31, 2013 the ceiling test did not result in an impairment to Compass' oil and natural gas properties. As a result of recent decline in oil and natural gas prices, Compass expects to incur additional impairments to its oil and natural gas properties in fiscal year 2015 if prices do not increase.
	The ceiling test is computed using the simple average spot price for the trailing 12 month period using the first day of each month. As of December 31, 2014, the trailing 12 month reference prices were $4.35 per Million British Thermal Units ("Mmbtu") for natural gas at Henry Hub ("HH"), and $94.99 per barrel ("Bbl") of oil for West Texas Intermediate at Cushing, Oklahoma. Each of the reference prices for oil and natural gas are further adjusted for quality factors and regional differentials to derive estimated future net revenues. The price used for natural gas liquids was $42.55 per Bbl and was based on the trailing 12 month average of realized prices. Under full cost accounting rules, any ceiling test impairments of oil and natural gas properties may not be reversed in subsequent periods. Since Compass does not designate its derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments, Compass is not allowed to use the impacts of the derivative financial instruments in the ceiling test computations.
	The ceiling test calculation and impairment evaluation are based upon estimates of proved reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves, in projecting the future rates of production and in the timing of development activities. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify revision of such estimate. Accordingly, reserve estimates are often different from the quantities of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids that are ultimately recovered.
	Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters
	Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company's ("FGL Insurance") statutory carrying value of Raven Reinsurance Company ("Raven Re") reflects the effect of permitted practices Raven Re received to treat the available amount of a letter of credit as an admitted asset which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $245.0(unaudited) and $270.0 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Raven Re is also permitted to follow Iowa prescribed statutory accounting practice for its reserves on reinsurance assumed from FGL Insurance which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $17.3 (unaudited) and $20.5 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Without such permitted statutory accounting practices Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus would be negative $75.1 (unaudited) and negative $108.9 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and its risk-based capital would fall below the minimum regulatory requirements. The letter of credit facility is collateralized by debt securities rated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) as "NAIC-1". If the permitted practice was revoked, the letter of credit could be replaced by the collateral assets with Nomura Bank International plc's consent.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued amended guidance which allows investors in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) programs that meet specified conditions to present the net tax benefits (net of the amortization of the cost of the investment) within income tax expense. The cost of the investments that meet the specified conditions will be amortized in proportion to (and over the same period as) the total expected tax benefits, including the tax credits and other tax benefits, as they are realized on the tax return. The guidance is required to be applied retrospectively, if investors elect the proportional amortization method. However, if investors have existing LIHTC investments accounted for under the effective-yield method at adoption, they may continue to apply that method for those existing investments.  ASU 2014-01, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Project.  The Company early adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2014 for all new LIHTC investments made subsequent to that date. Prior LIHTC investments will continue to be accounted for under the effective-yield method. This adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	Share-Based Payments When a Performance Target is Achieved after the Requisite Service Period
	In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance on Stock Compensation (ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Term of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those years. The new guidance requires that performance targets that affect vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period to be treated as performance conditions. Such performance targets would not be included in the grant-date fair value calculation of the award, rather compensation cost should be recorded when it is probable the performance target will be reached and should represent the compensation cost attributable to period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. This standard may be early adopted and the amendments in this accounting standards update may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company will not early adopt this standard and is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	In accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”), the Company accounts for acquisitions by applying the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination be measured at their fair values as of the closing date of the acquisition. The fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on valuations using management’s best estimates and assumptions and are preliminary pending the completion of the valuation analysis of selected assets and liabilities. During the measurement period (which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date), the Company is required to retrospectively adjust the provisional assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have resulted in the recognition of those assets or liabilities as of that date.
	The results of operations of the acquired companies since the respective acquisition dates are included in the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Compass
	On October 6, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to buy from EXCO the remaining 25.5% economic interest in Compass for $118.8. The transaction closed on October 31, 2014 resulting in the Company owning an economic interest of 99.8% in Compass and 100% of the ownership interests in the general partner of Compass. As a result of this transaction, Compass became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. At the closing, EXCO and the Company terminated the existing operating and administrative services agreements and entered into a customary transition services agreement pursuant to which EXCO will provide certain transition services to Compass for up to nine months following the closing date.
	In accordance with ASC 805-10, if the acquirer holds a noncontrolling equity investment in the acquiree immediately before obtaining control, the acquirer must remeasure its investment to fair value as of the acquisition date and recognize any remeasurement gains or losses in earnings. As a result of the acquisition, the Company is the majority owner of Compass and will therefore have a controlling interest. As a result of the revaluation of the Company's existing equity-method investment upon gaining control, the Company's initial investment in Compass increased by $141.2 on October 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to the valuation of proved developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas properties which increased $145.4.
	The following table presents a summary of the fair value of assets and liabilities on October 31, 2014, which was the date the Company acquired control of Compass through the acquisition of the additional interest from EXCO:
		Preliminary Valuation
	Purchase price allocation	31-Oct-14
	Assets acquired:
	Current assets	$	56.1
	Unproved oil and natural gas properties	26.3
	Proved developed oil and natural gas properties	767.5
	Gathering assets	20.8
	Other non-current assets	1.9
	Liabilities assumed:
	Accounts payable	(23.2		)
	Revenues and royalties payable	(18.9		)
	Other current liabilities	(1.0		)
	Long term debt, less current maturities	(327.0		)
	Asset retirement obligations	(36.0		)
	Total identifiable net assets	466.5
	Non-controlling interests	(0.8		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	465.7
	Cash paid upon the acquisition of additional interest	$	118.8
	Fair value of equity investment in Compass prior to acquisition	346.9
	Total purchase price	$	465.7
	The Company performed a valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at October 31, 2014. A summary of key inputs is as follows:
	Unproved oil and natural gas properties - The fair value of unproved oil and natural gas properties was determined based on a discounted cash flow model of the estimated reserves for unproved reserve categories (probable, possible and contingent). The estimated quantities of reserves utilized assumptions were based on the Company's internal geological, engineering and financial data. The Company utilized NYMEX forward strip prices to value the reserves, and then applied various discount rates depending on the classification of reserves and other risk characteristics.
	Proved oil and natural gas properties - The fair value of proved oil and natural gas properties was determined based on the combination of income approach and market approach. The Company used the income approach which uses underlying reserves to estimate the fair value. For the market approach, the Company used a comparable company method as well as a comparable transaction method. Under the comparable company method, the fair value was estimated by comparing Compass to publicly-traded firms in similar lines of business. Comparable company multiples were applied to the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") in order to calculate fair value. Under the comparable transaction method, transaction multiples based on total reserves acquired and average daily production were applied.
	Current assets, accounts payable, revenues and royalties payable, current liabilities and debt - The fair value of the current assets and liabilities was equivalent to the carrying amount because of their short-term nature. The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value, as it is subject to short-term floating interest rates that approximate the rates available for those periods. Current assets include inventory that was transferred from EXCO to Compass. The fair value of transferred inventory was primarily based on a third party pricing system which contains current market prices for certain inventory items.
	Gathering Assets - The fair value of gas gathering assets was determined based on a market approach using other recent transactions involving gathering and processing assets. The EBITDA multiple based on these market transactions was applied to the trailing twelve month EBITDA of the gas gathering assets in order to calculate fair value.
	Asset Retirement Obligations - Asset retirement obligations represent the present value of the estimated amount to be incurred to plug, abandon and remediate the Company's proved producing properties at the end of their productive lives, in accordance with applicable state laws. The fair value was determined based on a discounted cash flow model, which included assumptions of the estimated current abandonment costs, discount rate, inflation rate, and timing associated with the incurrence of these costs.
	Ability Re
	On November 3, 2014, Front Street Cayman purchased Ability Re from Ability Re Holdings for $19.2. Upon the purchase, Ability Re was concurrently merged into Front Street Cayman, where Front Street Cayman was the surviving entity. The Ability Re acquisition consisted of approximately $368.0 of assets supporting two closed block long-term care reinsurance agreements and the associated capital. The acquired reinsurance agreements complement Front Street Cayman’s existing in force long-duration insurance liabilities.
	The Company elected to use October 31, 2014 as the closing date for accounting purposes as Ability Re’s accounting close process is based on a month end close, there were zero business days between October 31 and November 3 and no material transactions took place between the accounting close date and November 3, 2014.
	The following table summarizes the consideration paid by Front Street Cayman for Ability Re:
	Cash paid at November 3, 2014 close	$	17.9
	Cash purchase price adjustments	(1.5		)
	Contingent consideration premium increase benefit	2.8
	Total consideration	$	19.2
	Net Assets Acquired
	The following table summarizes the preliminary amounts recognized at fair value for each major class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 31, 2014:
		Preliminary Valuation
	Purchase price allocation	31-Oct-14
	Assets acquired:
	Investments	$	0.1
	Cash and cash equivalents	8.4
	Funds withheld	359.5
	Total assets acquired	368
	Liabilities assumed:
	Insurance reserves	346.9
	Other liabilities	1.9
	Total liabilities assumed	348.8
	Net assets acquired	$	19.2
	The Company performed a valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at October 31, 2014. A summary of key inputs is as follows:
	Funds withheld assets - The fair value of the funds withheld assets was based on the fair values of the securities in the underlying funds withheld portfolio held in trust by the cedant.
	Insurance reserves - The fair value of insurance reserves was determined based on a discounted cash flow model, which included assumptions related to future premium rates and benefit costs, including assumptions for lapse, mortality, maintenance expense and a margin for potential adverse deviations. The discount rate was based on prevailing risk free rates adjusted for credit spreads and expected return on capital.
	Tell Manufacturing
	On October 1, 2014, Spectrum Brands completed the acquisition of Tell, a leading manufacturer and distributor of commercial doors, locks and hardware. The preliminary value of the consideration given in this acquisition, net of working capital adjustments, was $30.3.
	Preliminary Valuation of Assets and Liabilities
	The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Tell acquisition have been measured at their fair values at October 1, 2014 as set forth below. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets was recorded as goodwill, which includes value associated with the assembled workforce including an experienced research team, and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
	The preliminary fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Tell were as follows:
		Preliminary Valuation
	1-Oct-14
Cash	$	1.1
Accounts receivable	5.4
Inventories	7.2
Prepaid expense	0.6
Property, plant and equipment, net	1.5
Intangible assets	12.5
Total assets acquired	28.3
Total liabilities assumed	5.1
Total identifiable net assets less goodwill	23.2
Goodwill	7.1
Total identifiable net assets	$	30.3
Preliminary Valuation Adjustments
Spectrum Brands performed a preliminary valuation of the acquired inventories, property, plant and equipment, trade name and customer relationships at October 1, 2014. A summary of the significant key inputs is as follows:
Inventories - replacement cost approach was applied to estimate the fair value of the raw materials inventory. Finished goods were valued at estimated selling price less the sum of costs of disposal and reasonable profit on value added the completion and disposal effort.
Property, plant and equipment - the cost approach was utilized to value approximately 97.0% of the property, plant and equipment by fair value. The sales comparison approach was utilized to value the remaining 3.0% of the property, plant and equipment by fair value.
Intangible assets - trade name - Spectrum Brands valued an indefinite-lived trade name using the income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method. Under this method, the asset value was determined by estimating the hypothetical royalties that would have to be paid if the trade name was not owned. Royalty rates were selected based on consideration of several factors, including prior transactions of Tell, related trademarks and trade names, other similar trademark licensing and transaction agreements and the relative profitability and perceived contribution of the trade name. Trade name was valued at $4.0 under this approach.
Intangible assets - customer relationships - Spectrum Brands valued customer relationships using the income approach, specifically the multi-period excess earnings method. In determining the fair value of the customer relationships, the multi-period excess earnings approach values the intangible asset at the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows attributable only to the customer relationship after deducting contributory asset charges. The incremental after-tax cash flows attributable to the subject intangible asset are then discounted to their present value. Only expected sales from current customers were used, which included an annual expected growth rate of 2.5% to 7.1%. The Company assumed a customer retention rate of approximately 90%, which was supported by historical retention rates. Income taxes were estimated at 38% and amounts were discounted using a rate of 20%. The customer relationships were valued at $8.5 under this approach and will be amortized over 13 years.
None of the acquisitions discussed above, both individually and in the aggregate, were considered to be significant.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments
	The Company’s consolidated investments are summarized as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Cost or Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Fixed-maturity securities, available-for sale
	Asset-backed securities	$	1,862.90		$	8.3			$	(32.1	)		$	1,839.10		$	1,839.10
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	649.4			20				(1.0		)		668.4			668.4
	Corporates	9,265.80			550.6				(95.0		)		9,721.40			9,721.40
	Hybrids	1,268.70			55.6				(22.8		)		1,301.50			1,301.50
	Municipals	1,221.50			143.2				(2.8		)		1,361.90			1,361.90
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,095.40			124.6				(18.1		)		2,201.90			2,201.90
	U.S. Government	576.1			8.3				(0.8		)		583.6			583.6
	Total fixed maturities	16,939.80			910.6				(172.6		)		17,677.80			17,677.80
	Equity securities
	Available-for-sale	607.4			25.3				(6.8		)		625.9			625.9
	Held for trading	112.8			30.4				(51.7		)		91.5			91.5
	Total equity securities	720.2			55.7				(58.5		)		717.4			717.4
	Derivatives	191.4			124				(9.2		)		306.2			306.2
	Asset-based loans	791.9			—				—				791.9			791.9
	Other invested assets	247			—				—				247			247
	Total investments	$	18,890.30		$	1,090.30			$	(240.3	)		$	19,740.30		$	19,740.30
		September 30, 2014
		Cost or Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale
	Asset-backed securities	$	1,800.80		$	10.9			$	(18.8	)		$	1,792.90		$	1,792.90
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	617.6			21.3				(2.0		)		636.9			636.9
	Corporates	9,345.50			499.2				(48.9		)		9,795.80			9,795.80
	Hybrids	1,279.10			52.2				(15.2		)		1,316.10			1,316.10
	Municipals	1,149.90			116.2				(6.3		)		1,259.80			1,259.80
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,984.80			140.3				(11.1		)		2,114.00			2,114.00
	U.S. Government	291			6.4				(1.4		)		296			296
	Total fixed-maturity securities	16,468.70			846.5				(103.7		)		17,211.50			17,211.50
	Equity securities
	Available-for-sale	645.7			23				(5.1		)		663.6			663.6
	Held for trading	141.2			8.2				(44.9		)		104.5			104.5
	Total equity securities	786.9			31.2				(50.0		)		768.1			768.1
	Derivatives	177.7			123.3				(4.7		)		296.3			296.3
	Asset-based loans	811.6			—				—				811.6			811.6
	Other invested assets	164.9			0.1				—				165			165
	Total investments	$	18,409.80		$	1,001.10			$	(158.4	)		$	19,252.50		$	19,252.50
	Included in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") were cumulative unrealized gains of $0.9 and unrealized losses of $1.9 related to the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments ("OTTI") on non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities unrealized gains and losses represent the difference between amortized cost and fair value on securities that were previously impaired. There have been no impairments or write downs on any of the non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities purchased in 2014.
	Securities held on deposit with various state regulatory authorities had a fair value of $15,555.0 and $15,009.3 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. FGL Insurance is domesticated in Iowa and under Iowa regulations, insurance companies are required to hold securities on deposit in an amount no less than the company's legal reserve as prescribed by Iowa regulations.
	FGL held no non-income producing investments during three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	In accordance with FGL Insurance's Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) agreements, the investments supporting the funding agreement liabilities are pledged as collateral to secure the FHLB agreement liabilities. The collateral investments had a fair value of $566.1 and $573.2 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	Maturities of Fixed-maturity Securities
	The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities by contractual maturities, as applicable, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.
		December 31, 2014
		Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	Corporates, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and U.S. Government securities:
	Due in one year or less	$	302.3		$	304.4
	Due after one year through five years	2,786.20			2,830.00
	Due after five years through ten years	2,899.60			2,990.60
	Due after ten years	5,840.60			6,341.50
	Subtotal	11,828.70			12,466.50
	Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
	Asset-backed securities	1,862.90			1,839.10
	Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	649.4			668.4
	Structured hybrids	503.4			501.9
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,095.40			2,201.90
	Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	16,939.80		$	17,677.80
	Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
	The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category, were as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Less than 12 months							12 months or longer							Total
	Fair Value			Gross Unrealized				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized			Fair Value			Gross Unrealized
				Losses								Losses						Losses
Available-for-sale securities
Asset-backed securities	$	834.2		$	(16.1	)		$	499.2			$	(16.0	)	$	1,333.40		$	(32.1	)
Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	57.9			(0.5		)		0.3				(0.5		)	58.2			(1.0		)
Corporates	898.1			(32.0		)		1,339.00				(63.0		)	2,237.10			(95.0		)
Equities	117.2			(3.6		)		50.9				(3.2		)	168.1			(6.8		)
Hybrids	270.8			(4.9		)		234.4				(17.9		)	505.2			(22.8		)
Municipals	9.4			(0.1		)		194.3				(2.7		)	203.7			(2.8		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	454.5			(10.2		)		227				(7.9		)	681.5			(18.1		)
U.S. Government	—			—				58.8				(0.8		)	58.8			(0.8		)
Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,642.10		$	(67.4	)		$	2,603.90			$	(112.0	)	$	5,246.00		$	(179.4	)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position				378								328						706
	September 30, 2014
	Less than 12 months							12 months or longer							Total
	Fair Value			Gross Unrealized				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized			Fair Value			Gross Unrealized
				Losses								Losses						Losses
Available-for-sale securities
Asset-backed securities	$	825.8		$	(11.8	)		$	288.2			$	(7.0	)	$	1,114.00		$	(18.8	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	160.3			(0.9		)		0.4				(1.1		)	160.7			(2.0		)
Corporates	816.6			(16.3		)		1,127.80				(32.6		)	1,944.40			(48.9		)
Equities	180.4			(2.2		)		54.9				(2.9		)	235.3			(5.1		)
Hybrids	258.2			(2.3		)		290				(12.9		)	548.2			(15.2		)
Municipals	—			—				264.9				(6.3		)	264.9			(6.3		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	298.5			(5.8		)		177.6				(5.3		)	476.1			(11.1		)
U.S. Government	37.3			(0.1		)		81.7				(1.3		)	119			(1.4		)
Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,577.10		$	(39.4	)		$	2,285.50			$	(69.4	)	$	4,862.60		$	(108.8	)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position				319								310						629
At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, securities in an unrealized loss position were primarily concentrated in investment grade corporate debt instruments.
At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, securities with a fair value of $40.0 and $0.2, respectively, were depressed greater than 20% of amortized cost (excluding U.S. Government and U.S. Government sponsored agency securities), which represented less than 1% of the carrying values of all investments.
For the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, FGL recognized no material impairment losses in operations. The portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in AOCI is disclosed in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss.
Asset-based Loans
Salus Capital Partners, LLC (“Salus”) portfolio of asset-based loans receivable, included in “Asset-based loans” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, consisted of the following:
	December 31,			September 30,
	2014			2014
Asset-based loans, net of deferred fees, by major industry:
Electronics	$	245.7		$	245.4
Apparel	198.2			191.6
Jewelry	89.6			100.1
Home Furnishings	57.2			71.7
Manufacturing	54.1			56.9
Transportation	45.3			44.3
Sporting Goods	11			13.9
Other	98.3			94.9
Total asset-based loans	799.4			818.8
Less: Allowance for credit losses	7.5			7.2
Total asset-based loans, net	$	791.9		$	811.6
Salus establishes its allowance for credit losses through a provision for credit losses based on its evaluation of the credit quality of its loan portfolio. The following table presents the activity in its allowance for credit losses for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Three months ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Allowance for credit losses:
Balance at beginning of period	$	7.2		$	5.2
Provision for credit losses	0.3			1.8
Balance at end of period	$	7.5		$	7
Credit Quality Indicators
Salus monitors credit quality as indicated by various factors and utilizes such information in its evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, Salus had no outstanding loans that were considered delinquent by Salus. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, there were no outstanding loans that had been individually considered impaired, as all loans were in current payment status.
	Internal Risk Rating
	Pass			Special Mention				Substandard				Doubtful			Total
31-Dec-14	$	209.1		$	108.5			$	481.8			$	—		$	799.4
30-Sep-14	$	195.3		$	372.7			$	250.8			$	—		$	818.8
At December 31, 2014, approximately $250.0 of par value or 31.6% of the Company’s total Asset-based loans, net balance represent a term loan receivable from a national electronics retailer. The aforementioned receivable balance is collateralized by various assets including inventory, real estate, receivables, machinery and equipment and intellectual property rights. The net exposure is $150.0 as there is non-qualifying participation of $100.0 by a third party. The Company believes that this receivable is adequately collateralized, however, as part of the Salus' monitoring process, the Company changed the internal risk rating of this loan from special mention to substandard. The Company has assessed the adequacy of its allowance for loan assets and believes the level of allowance for loan losses to be adequate to mitigate inherent losses in the portfolio.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Included in Other invested assets on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were Commercial mortgage loans ("CMLs") of $206.8 and $136.2, or approximately 1.0% and 0.7% of the Company's total investments as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. FGL primarily makes mortgage loans on income producing properties including hotels, industrial properties, retail buildings, multifamily properties and office buildings. FGL diversifies its CML portfolio by geographic region and property type to reduce concentration risk. Subsequent to origination, FGL continuously evaluates CMLs based on relevant current information to ensure properties are performing at a consistent and acceptable level to secure the related debt.
The distribution of CMLs, gross of valuation allowances, by property type and geographic region is reflected in the following tables:
	December 31, 2014						September 30, 2014
	Gross Carrying Value			% of Total			Gross Carrying Value				% of Total
Property Type:
Industrial- General	$	20		9.7	%		$	—			—	%
Industrial- Warehouse	47.7			23.1	%		48				35.2	%
Multifamily	29.9			14.5	%		37.8				27.8	%
Office	76			36.7	%		44.6				32.7	%
Retail	33.2			16	%		5.8				4.3	%
Total	$	206.8		100	%		$	136.2			100	%
US Region:
East North Central	$	64.3		31.1	%		$	27.8			20.4	%
Middle Atlantic	18			8.7	%		10.9				8	%
Pacific	61.2			29.6	%		61.5				45.1	%
South Atlantic	37.5			18.1	%		—				—	%
West North Central	5.8			2.8	%		5.8				4.3	%
West South Central	20			9.7	%		30.2				22.2	%
Total	$	206.8		100	%		$	136.2			100	%
FGL has a CML portfolio with 100% of all CMLs having a loan-to-value ("LTV") ratio of less than 75% at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2014 all CMLs are current and have not experienced credit or other events which would require the recording of an impairment loss. FGL has not established a collective or specific CML valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014.
LTV and debt service coverage (“DSC”) ratios are measures commonly used to assess the risk and quality of mortgage loans. The LTV ratio, calculated at time of origination, is expressed as a percentage of the amount of the loan relative to the value of the underlying property. A LTV ratio in excess of 100% indicates the unpaid loan amount exceeds the underlying collateral. The DSC ratio, based upon the most recently received financial statements, is expressed as a percentage of the amount of a property’s net income to its debt service payments. A DSC ratio of less than 1.0 indicates that a property’s operations do not generate sufficient income to cover debt payments.
The following table presents the recorded investment in CMLs by LTV and DSC ratio categories and estimated fair value by the indicated loan-to-value ratios at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014:
	Debt-Service Coverage Ratios											Total Amount			% of Total		Estimated Fair Value				% of Total
	>1.25			1.00 - 1.25				N/A (a)
December 31, 2014
LTV Ratios:
Less than 50%	$	44.3		$	—			$	0.8			$	45.1		21.8	%	$	45.1			21.8	%
50% to 60%	51.4			—				—				51.4			24.9	%	51.4				24.9	%
60% to 75%	90.3			20				—				110.3			53.3	%	110.3				53.3	%
Total mortgage loans on real estate	$	186		$	20			$	0.8			$	206.8		100	%	$	206.8			100	%
September 30, 2014
LTV Ratios:
Less than 50%	$	44.6		$	—			$	0.8			$	45.4		33.3	%	$	45.4			33.3	%
50% to 60%	19.9			—				—				19.9			14.6	%	19.9				14.6	%
60% to 75%	70.9			—				—				70.9			52.1	%	70.9				52.1	%
Total mortgage loans on real estate	$	135.4		$	—			$	0.8			$	136.2		100	%	$	136.2			100	%
(a) N/A - Current financial information not available.
FGL recognizes a mortgage loan as delinquent when payments on the loan are greater than 30 days past due. At December 31, 2014, FGL had no CMLs that were delinquent in principal or interest payments. The following provides the current and past due composition of FGL's CMLs on real estate:
	December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014
Current to 30 days	$	206.8		$	136.2
Total carrying value	$	206.8		$	136.2
As of December 31, 2014, FGL's CML portfolio had no impairments, modifications or troubled debt restructuring.
Net Investment Income
The major sources of “Net investment income” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
	Three months ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	212.8		$	191.8
Equity available-for-sale securities	9.9			4.5
Policy loans	0.2			0.2
Invested cash and short-term investments	—			0.1
Asset-based loans	9.3			7.4
Other investments	3.1			0.8
Gross investment income	235.3			204.8
External investment expense	(4.5		)	(3.6		)
Net investment income	$	230.8		$	201.2
Net investment gains
“Net investment gains” reported on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
	Three months ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Net realized (losses) gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	(1.8	)	$	9.8
Realized gains on equity securities	3.2			5.4
Net realized gains on securities	1.4			15.2
Realized gains on certain derivative instruments	45			66.8
Unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments	0.5			60.6
Change in fair value of other embedded derivatives	0.6			—
Change in fair value of derivatives	46.1			127.4
Realized gains (losses) on other invested assets	4.5			(0.7		)
Net investment gains	$	52		$	141.9
For the three months ended December 31, 2014, principal repayments, calls, tenders, and proceeds from the sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities totaled $809.6, gross gains on such sales totaled $10.5 and gross losses totaled $14.3. The proceeds from the sale of fixed maturity available-for sale securities exclude maturities and repayments for the three months ended December 31, 2014.
For the three months ended December 31, 2013, principal repayments, calls, tenders, and proceeds from the sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities totaled $1,705.9, gross gains on such sales totaled $21.8 and gross losses totaled $12.0. The proceeds from the sale of fixed maturity available-for sale securities exclude maturities and repayments for the three months ended December 31, 2013.
Cash flows from consolidated investing activities by security classification were as follows:
	Three months ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid:
Available-for-sale	$	854.1		$	1,705.90
Derivatives and other	128.1			114.4
	$	982.2		$	1,820.30
Cost of investments acquired:
Available-for-sale	$	(1,371.8	)	$	(2,598.5	)
Trading (acquired for holding)	—			(4.4		)
Derivatives and other	(154.2		)	(125.3		)
	$	(1,526.0	)	$	(2,728.2	)
Concentrations of Investments
As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the Company’s most significant investment in one industry, excluding U.S. Government securities, was the Company’s investment securities in the banking industry with a fair value of $2,217.7 or 11.2% and $2,240.3, or 11.6%, of the Company's invested assets portfolio, respectively. FGL’s holdings in this industry includes investments in 80 different issuers with the top ten investments accounting for 39.3% of the total holdings in this industry. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the Company had investments in 6 and 4 issuers that exceeded 10% of the Company's stockholders’ equity with a fair value of $1,011.0 and $768.5, or 5.1% and 4.0% of the invested assets portfolio, respectively. Additionally, the Company’s largest concentration in any single issuer as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, had a fair value of $250.0 or 1.3% of the Company's invested assets portfolio.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
	Asset Derivatives	Classification	December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts	Other assets	$	0.6		$	0.6
	Commodity swap and option agreements	Receivables, net	0.4			1.3
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other assets	0.1			0.3
	Foreign exchange contracts	Receivables, net	16.9			12
	Total asset derivatives designated as hedging instruments		18			14.2
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts	Receivables, net	19.5			1.9
	Call options	Derivatives	306.2			296.3
	Other embedded derivatives	Other invested assets	11.8			11.2
	Foreign exchange contracts	Receivables, net	0.3			0.5
	Total asset derivatives		$	355.8		$	324.1
	Liability Derivatives	Classification	December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	1.9		$	1.8
	Commodity contracts	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	0.8			0.1
	Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments		2.7			1.9
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts	Other liabilities	0.1			0.3
	FIA embedded derivative	Contractholder funds	2,140.20			1,908.10
	Futures contracts	Other liabilities	1.9			0.5
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	2.6			0.1
	Total liability derivatives		$	2,147.50		$	1,910.90
	Fair Value Contracts and Other
	For derivative instruments that are used to economically hedge the fair value of Spectrum Brands’ third party and intercompany foreign currency payments, commodity purchases and interest rate payments, the gain (loss) associated with the derivative contract is recognized in earnings in the period of change. FGL recognizes all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, including derivative instruments embedded in Fixed Indexed Annuity ("FIA") contracts, and any changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recognized immediately in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized the following gains and losses on these derivatives:
			Three months ended December 31,
	Classification	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Net investment gains	Call options	$	41.3		$	114.3
		Futures contracts	4.2			13.1
		Change in fair value of other embedded derivatives	0.6			—
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	Commodity contracts	$	—		$	(0.1	)
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	FIA embedded derivatives	232.1			100.3
	Other income and expense:
	Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock	Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	$	—		$	(47.2	)
	Other income (expense), net	Oil and natural gas commodity contracts	18.7			(3.4		)
		Foreign exchange contracts	(1.7		)	0.8
	Additional Disclosures
	Cash Flow Hedges
	When it deems appropriate, Spectrum Brands has used interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges with the changes in fair value recorded in AOCI and as a derivative hedge asset or liability, as applicable. The swaps settle periodically in arrears with the related amounts for the current settlement period payable to, or receivable from, the counter-parties included in accrued liabilities or receivables, respectively, and recognized in earnings as an adjustment to interest expense from the underlying debt to which the swap is designated. At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, Spectrum Brands had a series of U.S. dollar denominated interest rate swaps outstanding which effectively fix the interest on floating rate debt, exclusive of lender spreads, at 1.36% for a notional principal amount of $300.0 through April 2017. The derivative net loss on these contracts recorded in AOCI by Spectrum Brands at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 was $0.5 and $0.4, respectively, net of tax and noncontrolling interest. At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the portion of derivative net loss estimated to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings by Spectrum Brands over the next 12 months was $0.9 and $0.8, respectively, net of tax and noncontrolling interest.
	Spectrum Brands periodically enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge the risk from forecasted foreign currency denominated third party and intercompany sales or payments. These obligations generally require Spectrum Brands to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, Australian Dollars, Brazilian Reals, Mexican Pesos, Canadian Dollars or Japanese Yen. These foreign exchange contracts are cash flow hedges of fluctuating foreign exchange related to sales of product or raw material purchases. Until the sale or purchase is recognized, the fair value of the related hedge is recorded in AOCI and as a derivative hedge asset or liability, as applicable. At the time the sale or purchase is recognized, the fair value of the related hedge is reclassified as an adjustment to "Net consumer and other product sales" or purchase price variance in "Cost of consumer products and other goods sold." At December 31, 2014, Spectrum Brands had a series of foreign exchange derivative contracts outstanding through March 2016 with a contract value of $157.0. The derivative net gain on these contracts recorded in AOCI at December 31, 2014 was $7.3, net of tax expense of $2.7. At December 31, 2014, the portion of derivative net gains estimated to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months was $7.3, net of tax.
	Spectrum Brands is exposed to risk from fluctuating prices for raw materials, specifically zinc and brass used in its manufacturing processes. Spectrum Brands hedges a portion of the risk associated with the purchase of these materials through the use of commodity swaps. The hedge contracts are designated as cash flow hedges with the fair value changes recorded in AOCI and as a hedge asset or liability, as applicable. The unrecognized changes in fair value of the hedge contracts are reclassified from AOCI into earnings when the hedged purchase of raw materials also affects earnings. The swaps effectively fix the floating price on a specified quantity of raw materials through a specified date. At December 31, 2014, Spectrum Brands had a series of zinc swap contracts outstanding through March 2016 for 7 thousand tons with a contract value of $14.7. At December 31, 2014, Spectrum Brands had a series of brass swap contracts outstanding through March 2016 for 1 thousand tons with a contract value of $6.3. The derivative net loss on these contracts recorded in AOCI at December 31, 2014 was $0.2, net of tax. At December 31, 2014, the portion of derivative net loss estimated to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months is $0.2, net of tax.
	Fair Value Contracts
	Spectrum Brands
	Spectrum Brands periodically enters into forward and swap foreign exchange contracts to economically hedge the risk from third party and intercompany payments resulting from existing obligations. These obligations generally require Spectrum Brands to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Euros or Australian Dollars. These foreign exchange contracts are fair value hedges of a related liability or asset recorded in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The gain or loss on the derivative hedge contracts is recorded in earnings as an offset to the change in value of the related liability or asset at each period end. At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, Spectrum Brands had $313.7 and $108.9, respectively, of notional value for such foreign exchange derivative contracts outstanding.
	Spectrum Brands periodically enters into commodity swap contracts to economically hedge the risk from fluctuating prices for raw materials, specifically the pass-through of market prices for silver used in manufacturing purchased watch batteries. Spectrum Brands hedges a portion of the risk associated with these materials through the use of commodity swaps. The swap contracts are designated as economic hedges with the unrealized gain or loss recorded in earnings and as an asset or liability at each period end. The unrealized changes in fair value of the hedge contracts are adjusted through earnings when the realized gains or losses affect earnings upon settlement of the hedges. The swaps effectively fix the floating price on a specified quantity of silver through a specified date. At December 31, 2014, Spectrum Brands had a series of such swap contracts outstanding through September 2015 for 20 troy ounces with a contract value of $0.3. At September 30, 2014, Spectrum Brands had a series of such swap contracts outstanding through September 2015 for 25 troy ounces with a contract value of $0.4.
	Oil and natural gas commodity contracts
	Compass enters into derivative financial instruments as it deems appropriate. Compass’ primary objective in entering into derivative financial instruments is to manage its exposure to commodity price fluctuations, protect its returns on investments and achieve a more predictable cash flow in connection with its operations. These transactions limit exposure to declines in commodity prices, but also limit the benefits Compass would realize if commodity prices increase. When prices for oil and natural gas are volatile, a significant portion of the effect of its derivative financial instrument management activities consists of non-cash income or expense due to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instrument contracts. Cash losses or gains only arise from payments made or received on monthly settlements of contracts or if Compass terminates a contract prior to its expiration. Compass does not designate its derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments for financial reporting purposes and, as a result, Compass recognizes the change in the respective instruments’ fair value in earnings.
	Settlements in the normal course of maturities of derivative financial instrument contracts result in cash receipts from, or cash disbursements to, Compass' derivative contract counterparties. Changes in the fair value of Compass' derivative financial instrument contracts, which includes both cash and non-cash changes in fair value, are included in earnings with a corresponding increase or decrease in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets fair value amounts.
	Compass' natural gas and oil commodity contract derivative instruments are comprised of swap contracts. Swap contracts allow Compass to receive a fixed price and pay a floating market price to the counterparty for the hedged commodity.
	The following table presents Compass’ volumes and fair value of the oil derivative financial instrument as of December 31, 2014 (presented on a calendar-year basis):
	(in millions, except volumes and prices)	Volume Mmmbtus/Mbbls		Weighted average strike price per Mmbtu/Bbl			Fair Value at December 31, 2014
	Natural gas swaps:
	2015	10,950		$	3.95		$	10
	Oil swaps:
	2015	250		$	94.98		9.5
	Total oil and natural gas derivatives						$	19.5
At September 30, 2014, Compass had outstanding derivative contracts to mitigate price volatility covering 6,821 Billion British Thermal Units ("Mmmbtus") of natural gas and 254 Thousand Barrels ("Mbbls") of oil. At December 31, 2014, the average forward NYMEX oil prices per Bbl for the remainder of 2015 was $56.26, and the average forward NYMEX natural gas prices per Mmbtu for 2015 was $3.01.
Compass derivative financial instruments covered approximately 71% and 84% of production volumes for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
Other Embedded Derivatives
On June 16, 2014, FGL invested in a $35.0 fund-linked note issued by Nomura International Funding Pte. Ltd. The note provides for an additional payment at maturity based on the value of a hypothetical investment in AnchorPath Dedicated Return Fund (the "AnchorPath Fund") of $11.3 which was based on the actual return of the fund. At December 31, 2014 the fair value of the embedded derivative was $11.8 and the fair value of the fund-linked note was $22.7. At maturity of the fund-linked note, FGL will receive the $35.0 face value of the note plus the value of the hypothetical investment in the AnchorPath Fund. The additional payment at maturity is an embedded derivative reported in "Other invested assets", while the host is an available-for-sale security reported in "Fixed maturities" within the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Credit Risk
Compass places derivative financial instruments with the financial institutions that are lenders under a revolving credit agreement entered into by Compass (the "Compass Credit Agreement") that it believes have high quality credit ratings. To mitigate risk of loss due to default, Compass has entered into master netting agreements with its counterparties on its derivative financial instruments that allow it to offset its asset position with its liability position in the event of a default by the counterparty.
FGL is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties on the call options and reflects assumptions regarding this nonperformance risk in the fair value of the call options. The nonperformance risk is the net counterparty exposure based on the fair value of the open contracts less collateral held. FGL maintains a policy of requiring all derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreement.
Information regarding FGL’s exposure to credit loss on the call options it holds is presented in the following table:
		December 31, 2014										September 30, 2014
Counterparty	Credit Rating	Notional			Fair Value			Collateral		Net Credit Risk		Notional		Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk
	(Fitch/Moody's/S&P) (a)	Amount										Amount
Merrill Lynch	A/*/A	$	2,004.80		$	74.6		$	38.4	$	36.2	$	2,239.90	$	92.7	$	52.5	$	40.2
Deutsche Bank	A+/A3/A	3,205.60			123			95.8		27.2		2,810.00		108		72.5		35.5
Morgan Stanley	*/A3/A	2,681.80			96.9			79		17.9		2,294.70		85		63		22
Barclay's Bank	A/A2/A	259.3			11.7			—		11.7		258		10.6		—		10.6
		$	8,151.50		$	306.2		$	213.2	$	93	$	7,602.60	$	296.3	$	188	$	108.3
(a) An * represents credit ratings that were not available.
Collateral Agreements
FGL is required to maintain minimum ratings as a matter of routine practice under its over-the-counter derivative agreements on ISDA forms. Under some ISDA agreements, FGL has agreed to maintain certain financial strength ratings. A downgrade below these levels provides the counterparty under the agreement the right to terminate the open derivative contracts between the parties, at which time any amounts payable by FGL or the counterparty would be dependent on the market value of the underlying derivative contracts. FGL’s current rating allows multiple counterparties the right to terminate ISDA agreements. No ISDA agreements have been terminated, although the counterparties have reserved the right to terminate the ISDA agreements at any time. In certain transactions, FGL and the counterparty have entered into a collateral support agreement requiring either party to post collateral when the net exposures exceed pre-determined thresholds. These thresholds vary by counterparty and credit rating. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, counterparties posted $213.2 and $188.0 of collateral, of which $174.8 and $135.5, respectively, is included in "Cash and cash equivalents," with an associated payable for this collateral included in "Other liabilities" in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining $38.4 and $52.5 of non-cash collateral was held by a third-party custodian at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Accordingly, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that FGL would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts was $93.0 and $108.3 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
FGL held 1,627 and 2,348 futures contracts at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The fair value of the futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements). FGL provides cash collateral to the counterparties for the initial and variation margin on the futures contracts which is included in "Cash and cash equivalents" in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of cash collateral held by the counterparties for such contracts was $7.4 and $10.8 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s consolidated assets and liabilities measured at fair value are summarized according to the hierarchy previously described as follows:
		December 31, 2014													September 30, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3				Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value
	Assets
	Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	—		$	—		$	41.5			$	41.5		$	—	$	—		$	41.5		$	41.5
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate contracts	—			0.6			—				0.6			—		0.6			—			0.6
	Commodity swap and option agreements	—			19.9			—				19.9			—		3.2			—			3.2
	Foreign exchange forward agreements	—			17.3			—				17.3			—		12.8			—			12.8
	Call options and futures contracts	—			306.2			—				306.2			—		296.3			—			296.3
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			1,804.50			34.6				1,839.10			—		1,755.90			37			1,792.90
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			548			120.4				668.4			—		553.8			83.1			636.9
	Corporates	—			8,813.80			907.6				9,721.40			—		8,945.80			850			9,795.80
	Hybrids	—			1,301.50			—				1,301.50			—		1,316.10			—			1,316.10
	Municipals	—			1,323.10			38.8				1,361.90			—		1,222.60			37.2			1,259.80
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			2,201.90			—				2,201.90			—		2,114.00			—			2,114.00
	U.S. Government	401.6			182			—				583.6			115.6		180.4			—			296
	Equity securities:
	Available-for-sale	57.1			562.7			6.1				625.9			59.2		598.4			6			663.6
	Trading	91.5			—			—				91.5			104.5		—			—			104.5
	Other invested assets	—			2			11.8				13.8			—		2.1			11.2			13.3
	Funds withheld receivable (a)	—			512.6			—				512.6			—		154.4			—			154.4
	Total financial assets	$	550.2		$	17,596.10		$	1,160.80			$	19,307.10		$	279.3	$	17,156.40		$	1,066.00		$	18,501.70
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	—		$	—		$	2,140.20			$	2,140.20		$	—	$	—		$	1,908.10		$	1,908.10
	Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	—			—			496.4				496.4			—		—			151.3			151.3
	Foreign exchange forward agreements and contracts	—			2.6			—				2.6			—		0.1			—			0.1
	Futures contracts	—			1.9			—				1.9			—		0.4			—			0.4
	Commodity contracts	—			0.9			—				0.9			—		0.5			—			0.5
	Interest rate contracts	—			1.9			—				1.9			—		1.8			—			1.8
	Total financial liabilities	$	—		$	7.3		$	2,636.60			$	2,643.90		$	—	$	2.8		$	2,059.40		$	2,062.20
	(a) included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Valuation Methodologies
	Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities and Other Invested Assets
	FGL measures the fair value of its securities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity or equity security, and FGL will then consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value. FGL’s fair value measurement is based on a market approach, which utilizes prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. Sources of inputs to the market approach include a third-party pricing service, independent broker quotations or pricing matrices. FGL uses observable and unobservable inputs in its valuation methodologies. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. In addition, market indicators and industry and economic events are monitored and further market data will be acquired when certain thresholds are met. For certain security types, additional inputs may be used, or some of the inputs described above may not be applicable. The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of equity securities available-for-sale for which the market-approach valuation technique is employed, is yields for comparable securities. Increase (decrease) in such yields, respectively, would result in lower or higher fair value measurements. For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. Management believes the broker quotes are prices at which trades could be executed based on historical trades executed at broker-quoted or slightly higher prices.
	FGL did not adjust prices received from third parties as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. However, FGL does analyze the third-party valuation methodologies and its related inputs to perform assessments to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.
	Fair value of FGL's available-for-sale embedded derivative, included in "Other invested assets", is based on an unobservable input, the net asset value of the AnchorPath Fund at the balance sheet date. The available-for-sale embedded derivative is similar to a call option on the net asset value of the AnchorPath Fund with a strike price of zero since FGL will not be required to make any additional payments at maturity of the fund-linked note in order to receive the net asset value of the AnchorPath Fund on the maturity date. Therefore, the Black Scholes model returns the net asset value of the AnchorPath Fund as the fair value of the call option regardless of the values used for the other inputs to the option pricing model. The net asset value of the AnchorPath Fund is provided by the fund manager at the end of each calendar month and represents the value an investor would receive if it withdrew its investment on the balance sheet date. Therefore, the key unobservable input used in the Black Scholes model is the value of the AnchorPath Fund. As the value of the AnchorPath Fund increases or decreases, the fair value of the embedded derivative will increase or decrease.
	Funds Withheld Receivables and Future Policy Holder Benefits Reserve
	Front Street Re (Delaware) Ltd. and its subsidiaries ("Front Street") elected to apply the Fair Value Option to account for its Funds Withheld Receivables and Future Policy Holder Benefits Reserve related to its assumed reinsurance. Front Street measures fair value of the Funds Withheld Receivables based on the fair values of the securities in the underlying funds withheld portfolio held in trust by the cedant. Front Street uses a discounted cash flows approach to measure the fair value of the Future Policy Holder Benefits Reserve. The cash flows associated with future policy premiums and benefits are generated using best estimate assumptions (plus a risk margin, where applicable) and are consistent with market prices, where available. Risk margins are typically applied to non-observable, non-hedgeable market inputs such as long term volatility, mortality, morbidity, lapse, etc.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is based upon valuation pricing models, which represents what FGL would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if it canceled the options, entered into offsetting positions, or exercised the options. Fair values for these instruments are determined externally by using market-observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curve volatilities, and other factors. The fair value of the embedded derivatives in FGL’s FIA products are derived using market indices, pricing assumptions and historical data. The fair value of futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements).
	Compass evaluates derivative assets and liabilities in accordance with master netting agreements with the derivative counterparties, but reports them on a gross basis on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net derivative asset values are determined primarily by quoted futures prices and utilization of the counterparties’ credit-adjusted risk-free rate curves and net derivative liabilities are determined by utilization of a credit-adjusted risk-free rate curve. The credit-adjusted risk-free rates of Compass’ counterparties are based on an independent market-quoted credit default swap rate curve for the counterparties’ debt plus the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) curve as of the end of the reporting period. Compass’ credit-adjusted risk-free rate is based on its cost of debt plus the LIBOR curve as of the end of the reporting period.
	Compass’ oil derivatives are swap contracts for notional Bbls of oil at fixed NYMEX West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) oil prices. The asset and liability values attributable to oil derivatives as of the end of the reporting period are based on (i) the contracted notional volumes, (ii) independent active NYMEX futures price quotes for WTI oil, and (iii) the applicable estimated credit-adjusted risk-free rate curve, as described above.
	Compass’ natural gas derivatives are swap contracts for notional Mmbtus of natural gas at posted price indexes, including NYMEX HH swap contracts. The asset and liability values attributable to natural gas derivatives as of the end of the reporting period are based on (i) the contracted notional volumes, (ii) independent active NYMEX futures price quotes for HH for natural gas swaps, and (iii) the applicable credit-adjusted risk-free rate curve, as described above.
	Quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs used for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments carried at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 were as follows:
			Fair Value at										Range (Weighted average)
	Assets		December 31,			September 30,			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		December 31,	September 30,
			2014			2014							2014	2014
	Contingent purchase price reduction receivable		$	41.5		$	41.5		Discounted cash flow		Probability of collection		88% - 96% (92%)	88% - 96% (92%)
											Expected term		1.8 months	4.5 months
											Discount rate		1%	1%
											Credit insurance risk premium		12%	12%
	Asset-backed securities		34.6			37			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100% - 109%	100% - 109% (101%)
													-100%
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		120.4			83.1			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100% - 122%	105% - 121% (118%)
													-115%
	Corporates		905.5			848			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		65% - 122% (102%)	62% - 120% (100%)
	Corporates		2.1			2			Matrix Pricing		Quoted prices		148%	142%
	Municipal		38.8			37.2			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		112%	107%
	Equity		6.1			6			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100%	100%
	Other invested assets		11.8			11.2			Black Scholes model		Net asset value of AnchorPath Fund		100%	100%
Total		$	1,160.80		$	1,066.00
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	2,140.20		$	1,908.10		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0% - 43% (3%)	0% - 50% (3%)
										SWAP rates		2%	2% - 3% (2%)
										Mortality multiplier		80%	80%
										Surrender rates		0.50% - 75% (7%)	0.50% - 75% (7%)
										Non-performance risk spread		0.25%	0.25%
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability		496.4			151.3			Discounted cash flow		Non-performance risk spread		0.50% - 1.50%	0.50% - 1.50%
										Risk margin to reflect uncertainty		0.50%	0.50%
Total		$	2,636.60		$	2,059.40
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the contingent purchase price reduction receivable are the probability of collection depending on the outcomes of litigation and regulatory action, the expected term until payment, discount rate and the credit insurance risk premium. Generally, an increase in the assumptions for the expected term, discount rate and credit insurance risk premium would decrease the fair value of the contingent purchase price receivable. An increase in the probability of collection would increase the fair value of the contingent purchase price reduction receivable.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the equity investment are revenue multiple and probability of the transaction closing. Significant increases (decreases) in the revenue multiple and the probability of the transaction closing would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in any one unobservable input would not result in a change in any other unobservable input.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of FIA embedded derivatives included in contractholder funds are market value of option, interest swap rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, and non-performance spread. The mortality multiplier at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, is based on the 2000 and 1983 annuity tables, respectively, and assumes the contractholder population is 50% female and 50% male. Significant increases (decreases) in the market value of option in isolation would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in interest swap rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, or non-performance spread in isolation would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in any one unobservable input would not result in a change in any other unobservable input.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Front Street future policyholder benefit liability are non-performance risk spread and risk spread to reflect uncertainty. Significant increases (decreases) in non-performance risk spread and risk margin to reflect uncertainty would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement.
The following tables summarize changes to the Company’s financial instruments carried at fair value and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. This summary excludes any impact of amortization of value of business acquired ("VOBA") and deferred acquisition costs ("DAC"). The gains and losses below may include changes in fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology.
	Three months ended December 31, 2014
	Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)															Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
	of Period			Included in			Included in				Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Level 3 (a)			Period
				Earnings			AOCI
Assets
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	41.5		$	—		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	41.5
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	37			—			—				3.5			—		—			(5.9		)	34.6
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	83.1			—			0.8				36.8			—		(0.3		)	—			120.4
Corporates	850			(0.1		)	8.4				51.9			—		(2.6		)	—			907.6
Municipals	37.2			—			1.8				—			—		(0.2		)	—			38.8
Equity securities - available-for-sale	6			—			0.1				—			—		—			—			6.1
Other invested assets	11.2			0.6																		11.8
Total assets at fair value	$	1,066.00		$	0.5		$	11.1			$	92.2		$	—	$	(3.1	)	$	(5.9	)	$	1,160.80
	Balance at Beginning			Total (Gains) Losses															Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
	of Period			Included in			Included in				Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Level 3 (a)			Period
				Earnings			AOCI
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,908.10		$	232.1		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,140.20
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	151.3			(1.3		)	—				346.9			—		(0.5		)	—			496.4
Total liabilities at fair value	$	2,059.40		$	230.8		$	—			$	346.9		$	—	$	(0.5	)	$	—		$	2,636.60
(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2014 were exclusively to Level 2.
	Three months ended December 31, 2013
	Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)															Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
	of Period			Included in			Included in				Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Level 3 (a)			Period
				Earnings			AOCI
Assets
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	41		$	0.5		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	41.5
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	5			—			(0.2		)		5			—		—			—			9.8
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5.7			—			0.3				—			—		—			—			6
Corporates	461.1			—			(6.1		)		152.6			—		(0.5		)	—			607.1
Municipals	—			—			(0.7		)		35			—		—			—			34.3
Equity securities available-for-sale	10.7			0.1			—				—			—		—			—			10.8
Total assets at fair value	$	523.5		$	0.6		$	(6.7	)		$	192.6		$	—	$	(0.5	)	$	—		$	709.5
	Balance at Beginning			Total (Gains) Losses															Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
	of Period			Included in			Included in				Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Level 3 (a)			Period
				Earnings			AOCI
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,544.40		$	100.3		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,644.70
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	—			(0.7		)	—				150.6			—		—			—			149.9
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	330.8			47.2			—				—			—		—			—			378
Total liabilities at fair value	$	1,875.20		$	146.8		$	—			$	150.6		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,172.60
(a) There were no net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2013.
FGL reviews the fair value hierarchy classifications each reporting period. Changes in the observability of the valuation attributes may result in a reclassification of certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications are reported as transfers in and out of Level 3, or between other levels, at the beginning fair value for the reporting period in which the changes occur. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Primary market issuance and secondary market activity for certain asset-backed securities during the three months ended December 31, 2014 increased the market observable inputs used to establish fair values for similar securities. These factors, along with more consistent pricing from third-party sources, resulted in FGL's conclusion that there was sufficient trading activity in similar instruments to support classifying these securities as Level 2 as of December 31, 2014. Accordingly, FGL’s assessment resulted in net transfers out of Level 3 of $5.9 related to asset backed securities during the three months ended December 31, 2014.
During the three months ended December 31, 2013, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets are tested annually or if an event occurs that indicates an impairment loss may have been incurred using fair value measurements with unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
The carrying amount, estimated fair value and the level of the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instrument assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows:
	December 31, 2014
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3				Fair Value			Carrying Amount
Assets (a)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,311.40		$	—		$	—			$	1,311.40		$	1,311.40
Asset-based loans	—			—			791.9				791.9			791.9
Other invested assets	—			—			233.2				233.2			233.2
Total financial assets	$	1,311.40		$	—		$	1,025.10			$	2,336.50		$	2,336.50
Liabilities (a)
Total debt (b)	$	—		$	5,842.60		$	—			$	5,842.60		$	5,666.00
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—			13,442.90				13,442.90			15,019.90
Total financial liabilities	$	—		$	5,842.60		$	13,442.90			$	19,285.50		$	20,685.90
	September 30, 2014
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3				Fair Value			Carrying Amount
Assets (a)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,319.20		$	—		$	—			$	1,319.20		$	1,319.20
Asset-based loans	—			—			811.6				811.6			811.6
Other invested assets	—			—			151.7				151.7			151.7
Total financial assets	$	1,319.20		$	—		$	963.3			$	2,282.50		$	2,282.50
Liabilities (a)
Total debt (b)	$	—		$	5,308.50		$	—			$	5,308.50		$	5,157.80
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—			13,108.80				13,108.80			14,555.40
Total financial liabilities	$	—		$	5,308.50		$	13,108.80			$	18,417.30		$	19,713.20
(a)	The carrying amounts of trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued investment income and portions of other insurance liabilities approximate fair value due to their short duration and, accordingly, they are not presented in the tables above.
(b)	The fair values of debt set forth above are generally based on quoted or observed market prices.
Valuation Methodology
Asset-based loans
The fair value of the asset-based loans originated by Salus approximate their carrying value. Such loans carry a variable rate that are typically revolving in nature and can be settled at the demand of either party.
Other Invested Assets - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is established using a discounted cash flow method based on credit rating, maturity and future income. The ratings for mortgages in good standing are based on property type, location, market conditions, occupancy, debt-service coverage, loan-to-value, quality of tenancy, borrower and payment record. As these loans were originated in the past sixteen months, none are past due, or have material credit issues and given that there has not been material changes in market interest since origination, FGL views amortized cost as representative of fair value. The fair value for impaired mortgage loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The inputs used to measure the fair value of the mortgage loans on real estate are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
Other Invested Assets - Policy Loans
Also included in other invested assets are policy loans. FGL has not attempted to determine the fair values associated with its policy loans, as they believe any differences between carrying value and the fair values afforded these instruments are immaterial to its consolidated financial position and, accordingly, the cost to provide such disclosure does not justify the benefit to be derived.
Investment Contracts Included in Contractholder Funds
Investment contracts include deferred annuities, FIAs, indexed universal life ("IUL") and immediate annuities. The fair values of deferred annuity, FIAs, and IUL contracts are based on their cash surrender value (i.e. the cost FGL would incur to extinguish the liability) as these contracts are generally issued without an annuitization date. The fair value of immediate annuities contracts is derived by calculating a new fair value interest rate using the updated yield curve and treasury spreads as of the respective reporting date. At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, this resulted in lower fair value reserves relative to the carrying value. FGL is not required to and has not estimated the fair value of the liabilities under contracts that involve significant mortality or morbidity risks, as these liabilities fall within the definition of insurance contracts that are exceptions from financial instruments that require disclosure of fair value.

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_inclu

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA	Goodwill and Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net
	A summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets, including FGL’s DAC and VOBA balances, are as follows:
					Intangible Assets
		Goodwill			Indefinite Lived			Definite Lived			VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1,524.80		$	1,215.90		$	917.2		$	86.8		$	463.8		$	2,683.70
	Acquisitions	7.1			4			9.4			—			—			13.4
	Impairments	(28.3		)	(31.9		)	—			—			—			(31.9		)
	Deferrals	—			—			—			—			95.5			95.5
	Less: Components of amortization
	Periodic amortization	—			—			(20.5		)	(7.6		)	(10.5		)	(38.6		)
	Interest	—			—			—			3			5.3			8.3
	Unlocking	—			—			—			0.6			(2.1		)	(1.5		)
	Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	—			—			—			6.9			(6.0		)	0.9
	Effect of translation	(11.7		)	(9.4		)	(8.1		)	—			—			(17.5		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,491.90		$	1,178.60		$	898		$	89.7		$	546		$	2,712.30
	Intangible assets are recorded at cost or at fair value if acquired in a purchase business combination. Definite lived intangible assets include customer relationships, proprietary technology intangibles and certain trade names that are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of ranging from one to twenty years.
	Goodwill and indefinite lived trade name intangibles are not amortized and are tested for impairment at least annually at the Company’s August financial period end, or more frequently if an event or circumstance indicates that an impairment loss may have been incurred between annual impairment tests.
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company concluded that an interim impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for its Fredrick’s of Hollywood (“FOH”) reporting unit was necessary. This conclusion was based on certain indicators of impairment, primarily related to the resignation of the Company’s CEO in December of 2014 and subsequent change in strategic direction of FOH. The revised plan changes the focus from expansion to rationalization of the existing business and is expected to result in lower revenues and profitability with a reduced level of investment from levels originally contemplated under prior management at the time of the acquisition in May of 2014. There were no other indicators of impairment for the Company's other reporting units.
	Intangibles Impairment Test
	Prior to conducting the goodwill impairment test for the FOH reporting unit, the Company first evaluated the recoverability of FOH's intangible assets. The Company valued indefinite lived trade names and trademarks using the income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method. Under this method, the asset value was determined by estimating the hypothetical royalties that would have to be paid if the trade name was not owned. Royalty rates were selected based on consideration of several factors, including prior transactions of the FOH business, related trademarks and trade names, other similar trademark licensing and transaction agreements and the relative profitability and perceived contribution of the trademarks and trade names. Management estimated the fair value of the trade name and trademarks at $9.9 under this approach, which resulted in an impairment of $31.9.
	Goodwill Impairment Test
	As noted above, during the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment existed to require an interim goodwill impairment analysis for the FOH reporting unit. The Company estimated the fair value of the FOH reporting unit using a combination of the income and market multiple approaches. Under the income approach, the Company calculates the fair value of the FOH reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The Company's estimate of discounted cash flows for each reporting unit required significant judgment. Cash flow projections are based on management's estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions, projected costs of closures, including the costs of exiting leases. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the FOH's ability to execute on the projected cash flows. The market data utilized included publicly-traded prices and transaction values of comparable companies with operations considered to be similar to those of the Company’s reporting units. Collectively, these evaluations were management’s best estimate of projected fair values.
	Management's estimate of implied fair value of goodwill of $16.2 was below the carrying value for the FOH reporting unit and, consequently, resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $28.3.
	While the Company believes the assumptions used in the interim impairment analysis are reasonable, its analysis is sensitive to adverse changes in the assumptions used in the valuations. In particular, changes in the projected cash flows, the discount rate, the terminal year growth rate and market multiple assumptions could produce significantly different results for the impairment analyses. Changes in these assumptions against actual results could result in future impairment tests and charges. The Company will continue to monitor any changes in circumstances for indicators of impairment and closely monitor its actual results against these assumptions.
	Both the goodwill impairment charge and the intangible assets impairment charge, totaling $60.2, were reflected in “Impairments” on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Definite Lived Intangible Assets
	Definite lived intangible assets are summarized as follows:
		December 31, 2014									September 30, 2014
		Cost			Accumulated Amortization			Net			Cost			Accumulated Amortization			Net			Amortizable Life
	Customer relationships	$	876.3		$	(213.9	)	$	662.4		$	877.1		$	(204.6	)	$	672.5		15 to 20 years
	Trade names	170.7			(65.0		)	105.7			171.1			(61.0		)	110.1			1 to 12 years
	Technology assets	192.2			(62.3		)	129.9			192.2			(57.6		)	134.6			4 to 17 years
		$	1,239.20		$	(341.2	)	$	898		$	1,240.40		$	(323.2	)	$	917.2
	Amortization expense for definite lived intangible assets is as follows:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Customer relationships	$	11.7		$	11.7
	Trade names	4.1			4.1
	Technology assets	4.7			4.4
		$	20.5		$	20.2
	The Company estimates annual amortization expense of amortizable intangible assets for the next five fiscal years will approximate $77.5 per year.
	Amortization of DAC and VOBA
	Amortization of DAC and VOBA is based on the amount of gross margins or profits recognized, including investment gains and losses. The interest accrual rate utilized to calculate the accretion of interest on VOBA ranged
	from 4.0% to 5.0%. The adjustment for unrealized net investment gains represents the amount of VOBA and DAC that would have been amortized if such unrealized gains and losses had been recognized. This is referred to as the “shadow adjustments” as the additional amortization is reflected in AOCI rather than the statement of operations. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the VOBA balance included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment (gains) of $(157.2) and $(164.2), respectively, and the DAC balances included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment (gains) of $(61.5) and $(55.5), respectively. Amortization of VOBA and DAC for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $4.0 and $13.2, and $7.3 and $10.0, respectively. Accumulated amortization of VOBA for three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $342.4 and $283.7, respectively.
	The above DAC balances include $35.8 and $32.7 of deferred sales inducements (“DSI”), net of shadow adjustments, as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	The weighted average amortization period for VOBA is approximately 4.9 years. Estimated amortization expense for VOBA in future fiscal periods is as follows:
			Estimated Amortization Expense
	Fiscal Year		VOBA
	2015		$	32.9
	2016		40.4
	2017		32.9
	2018		26.4
	2019		21.3
	Thereafter		93

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	The Company’s consolidated debt consists of the following:
		December 31, 2014					September 30, 2014
		Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate
	HGI
	7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019	$	604.4		7.9	%	$	604.4		7.9	%
	7.75% Senior Unsecured Notes, due January 15, 2022	750			7.8	%	750			7.8	%
	Spectrum Brands
	Term Loan, due September 4, 2017 (Tranche A)*	648.4			3	%	648.4			3	%
	Term Loan, due September 4, 2019 (Tranche C)*	509.9			3.6	%	509.9			3.6	%
	CAD Term Loan, due December 17, 2019*	32.9			5.1	%	34.2			5.1	%
	Euro Term Loan, due September 4, 2019 (Tranche A)*	272.9			3.8	%	283.3			3.8	%
	Euro Term Loan, due December 19, 2021 (Tranche B)*	183.3			3.8	%	—			—	%
	6.375% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2020	520			6.4	%	520			6.4	%
	6.625% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2022	570			6.6	%	570			6.6	%
	6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020	300			6.8	%	300			6.8	%
	6.125% Notes, due December 15, 2024	250			6.1	%	—			—	%
	ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017	—			2.5	%	—			2.5	%
	Other notes and obligations	42.3			10.3	%	36.6			8.8	%
	Capitalized lease obligations	92			6.1	%	94.7			6.1	%
	FGL
	6.375% Senior Notes, due April 1, 2021	300			6.4	%	300			6.4	%
	Compass
	Compass Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018	327			2.7	%	243.2			2.7	%
	Salus
	Unaffiliated long-term debt of consolidated variable-interest entity	193			6.6	%	193			6.7	%
	Secured borrowings under non-qualifying loan participations	105.8			10.8	%	106.8			10.8	%
	Total	5,701.90					5,194.50
	Original issuance discounts on debt, net of premiums	(35.9		)			(36.7		)
	Total debt	5,666.00					5,157.80
	Less current maturities	105.3					96.7
	Non-current portion of debt	$	5,560.70				$	5,061.10
	________________________
	*Together, defined as the "Term Loan"
	Spectrum Brands
	Euro Term Loan Tranche B
	On December 19, 2014, Spectrum Brands amended the Term Loan, issuing the Euro Term Loan Tranche B maturing December 19, 2021, which provides for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount of €150.0. The Euro Term Loan Tranche B is guaranteed by Spectrum Brands' wholly owned subsidiary, SB/RH Holdings, LLC, as well as by existing and future domestic subsidiaries.
	The Euro Term Loan Tranche B was issued at a 0.25% discount and recorded net of the discount incurred. The €0.4 discount is reflected as an adjustment to the carrying value of principal, and is being amortized with a corresponding charge to interest expense over the remaining life of the debt. In connection with the Euro Term Loan Tranche B, Spectrum Brands recorded $2.1 of fees for the three months ended December 31, 2014. The fees are classified as debt issuance costs within the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and are being amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining life of the loan.
	6.125% Notes
	On December 4, 2014, Spectrum Brands issued $250.0 aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Notes at par value, due December 15, 2024. The 6.125% Notes are guaranteed by Spectrum Brands' wholly owned subsidiary, SB/RH Holdings, LLC, as well as by existing and future domestic subsidiaries. The net proceeds from the 6.125% Notes, together with the net proceeds from the Euro Term Loan Tranche B, will be used to repay certain amounts drawn under Spectrum Brands' revolving credit facility, to fund a planned acquisition and for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, working capital needs, the refinancing of existing indebtedness, business expansion and possible future acquisitions.
	Spectrum Brands may redeem all or a part of the 6.125% Notes, upon not less than 30 or more than 60 days notice, at specified redemption prices. Further, the indenture governing the 6.125% Notes (the “2024 Indenture”) requires Spectrum Brands to make an offer, in cash, to repurchase all or a portion of the applicable outstanding notes for a specified redemption price, including a redemption premium, upon the occurrence of a change of control of Spectrum Brands, as defined in such indenture.
	The 2024 Indenture contains customary covenants that limit, among other things, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, payment of dividends on or redemption or repurchase of equity interests, the making of certain investments, expansion into unrelated businesses, creation of liens on assets, merger or consolidation with another company, transfer or sale of all or substantially all assets, and transactions with affiliates.
	In addition, the 2024 Indenture provides for customary events of default, including failure to make required payments, failure to comply with certain agreements or covenants, failure to make payments when due or on acceleration of certain other indebtedness, and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Events of default under the 2024 Indenture arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency will automatically cause the acceleration of the amounts due under the 6.125% Notes. If any other event of default under the 2024 Indenture occurs and is continuing, the trustee for the 2024 Indenture or the registered holders of at least 25% in the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 6.125% Notes, may declare the acceleration of the amounts due under those notes.
	Spectrum Brands recorded $4.0 of fees in connection with the offering of the 6.125% Notes for the three months ended December 31, 2014. The fees were classified as debt issuance costs within the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining life of the 6.125% Notes.
	ABL Facility
	As a result of borrowings and payments under Spectrum Brands' asset based lending revolving credit facility (the “ABL Facility”), at December 31, 2014, Spectrum Brands had aggregate borrowing availability of approximately $236.2, net of lender reserves of $6.4 and outstanding letters of credit of $50.3.
	FGL
	As of December 31, 2014, FGL had a borrowing base of $150.0 under their three-year unsecured revolving credit facility with no unfunded investment commitments.
	Compass
	As of December 31, 2014, Compass had a borrowing base of $400.0 with $327.0 of outstanding indebtedness under the Compass Credit Agreement. The borrowing base is redetermined semi-annually, with Compass and the lenders having the right to request interim unscheduled redeterminations in certain circumstances. In October 2014, the borrowing base of $400.0 was reaffirmed as a result of the semi-annual redetermination. The Compass Credit Agreement matures on February 14, 2018.
	Salus
	Salus acts as co-lender under some of the asset-based loans that it originates, and such loans are structured to meet the definition of a "participating interest" as defined under ASC 860-10, Transfers and Servicing. For loans originated with co-lenders that have terms that result in such a co-lender not having a qualifying "participating interest", Salus recognizes the whole, undivided loan. Salus also reflects a secured borrowing owing to the co-lender representing their share in the undivided whole loan. As of December 31, 2014, Salus had $105.8 of such secured borrowings to co-lenders outstanding related to non-qualifying "participating interests."

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance
	FGL reinsures portions of its policy risks with other insurance companies. The use of reinsurance does not discharge an insurer from liability on the insurance ceded. The insurer is required to pay in full the amount of its insurance liability regardless of whether it is entitled to or able to receive payment from the reinsurer. The portion of risks exceeding FGL’s retention limit is reinsured with other insurers. FGL seeks reinsurance coverage in order to limit its exposure to mortality losses and enhance capital management. FGL follows reinsurance accounting when there is adequate risk transfer. Otherwise, the deposit method of accounting is followed.
	FGL and Front Street Cayman also assume policy risks from other insurance companies.
	The effect of reinsurance on premiums earned, benefits incurred and reserve changes for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Insurance Premiums			Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves			Insurance Premiums			Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves
	Direct	$	63.2		$	304.2		$	67.7		$	296.4
	Assumed	8.8			10			9.3			5.4
	Ceded	(60.3		)	(72.7		)	(63.1		)	(67.1		)
	Net	$	11.7		$	241.5		$	13.9		$	234.7
	Amounts payable or recoverable for reinsurance on paid and unpaid claims are not subject to periodic or maximum limits. During the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, FGL did not write off any reinsurance balances. During the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, FGL did not commute any ceded reinsurance.
	No policies issued by FGL have been reinsured with any foreign company, which is controlled, either directly or indirectly, by a party not primarily engaged in the business of insurance.
	FGL has not entered into any reinsurance agreements in which the reinsurer may unilaterally cancel any reinsurance for reasons other than non-payment of premiums or other similar credit issues.
	Front Street
	As discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions, during the three months ended December 31, 2014, Front Street Cayman purchased Ability Re from Ability Re Holdings. The Ability Re acquisition consisted of approximately $368.0 of assets supporting two closed block long-term care reinsurance agreements and the associated capital. The acquired reinsurance agreements complement Front Street Cayman’s existing in force long-duration insurance liabilities. The fair value of the assumed liabilities upon the acquisition was $346.9. Front Street Cayman will manage the assets supporting reserves in accordance with the internal investment policy of Ability Re and applicable law.

Stock_Compensation

Stock Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Compensation	Stock Compensation
	The Company recognized consolidated stock compensation expense of $20.1 and $23.4 during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Stock compensation expense is principally included in “Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	A summary of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and related activity during the three months then ended, under HGI, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. ("FGH"), and FGL’s respective incentive plans are as follows (option amounts in thousands):
			HGI							FGH					FGL
	Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted			Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted
							Average Grant												Average Grant
							Date Fair Value												Date Fair Value
	Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014		4,624		$	8.14	$	3.28		225		$	46.19		242		$	17	$	3.72
	Granted		822		13.36		5.25			—		—			176		24.87		5.1
	Exercised		(306	)	6.32		2.41			—		—			(2	)	17		5.26
	Forfeited or expired		—		—		—			(1	)	49.45			(1	)	20.93		5.18
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014		5,140		9.09		3.65			224		46.18			415		20.32		4.29
	Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014		2,419		7.96		3.18			166		45.02			78		17		3.67
	Stock options outstanding and expected to vest		2,721		10.09		4.08			56		46.15			313		20.25		4.24
	A summary of restricted stock, restricted stock units and Performance Restricted Stock Units ("PRSUs") outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and related activity during the three months then ended, under HGI, Spectrum Brands, FGH and FGL’s respective incentive plans are as follows (share amounts in thousands):
			HGI				FGL
	Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
					Average Grant				Average Grant
					Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value
	Restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2014		5,438		$	9.75	172		$	18.18
	Granted		1,885		13.36		250		24.34
	Exercised / Released		(2,447	)	8.84		(55	)	18.03
	Forfeited		—		—		(2	)	22.49
	Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2014		4,876		11.6		365		22.4
	Restricted stock outstanding and expected to vest		4,855		11.61		342		22.34
			HGI				Spectrum Brands					FGH
	Restricted Stock Units		Units		Weighted		Units		Weighted			Units		Weighted
					Average Grant				Average Grant					Average Grant
					Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value					Date Fair Value
	Restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2014		7		$	11.84	827		$	67.66		26		$	49.55
	Granted		6		13.36		233		90.4			—		—
	Exercised / Released		—		—		(584	)	69.12			(12	)	49.45
	Forfeited		—		—		(5	)	69.49			—		—
	Restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2014		13		12.54		471		77.08			14		49.64
	Restricted stock units outstanding and expected to vest		13		12.54		471		77.08			13		49.64
			FGL
	Performance Restricted Stock Units		Units		Weighted
					Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
	Performance restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2014		578		$	17.37
	Granted		40		20.36
	Performance restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2014		618		17.56
	Performance restricted stock units expected to vest		618		17.56
	A summary of warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and related activity during the three months then ended, under HGI's incentive plan are as follows (share amounts in thousands):
			HGI
	Warrants		Units		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted
							Average Grant
							Date Fair Value
	Warrants outstanding at September 30, 2014		3,000		$	13.13	$	3.22
	Exercised		—		—		—
	Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2014		3,000		13.13		3.22
	Warrants vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014		600		13.13		3.22
	Warrants outstanding and expected to vest		2,400		13.13		3.22
	HGI
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014, HGI granted stock option awards, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards representing approximately 822 thousand, 1,885 thousand and 6 thousand shares, respectively. All of these grants are time based, and vest either immediately, or over a period of up to three years. The total fair value of the stock grants during the three months ended December 31, 2014 on their respective grant dates was approximately $29.6. During the three months ended December 31, 2014 stock option awards and restricted stock awards with a total fair value of $25.7 vested. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised during the three months ended December 31, 2014 was $2.2, for which HGI received cash of $1.9 in settlement.
	During the three months ended December 31, 2013, HGI granted stock option awards and restricted stock awards representing approximately 1,326 thousand and 3,302 thousand, respectively. All of these grants are time based, and vest either immediately, or over a period of up to 3 years. The total fair value of the stock grants on their respective grant dates was approximately $46.3. During the three months ended December 31, 2013 stock option awards and restricted stock awards with a total fair value of $14.4 vested. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised during the three months ended December 31, 2013 was $0.9, for which HGI received cash of $0.6 in settlement.
	Under HGI’s executive bonus plan for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, executives will be paid in cash, stock, stock options and restricted stock shares. The equity grants are expected to be granted in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and to vest, either immediately, or between 1 year and 3 years from the grant date.
	As of December 31, 2014, there was approximately $35.0 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation agreements previously granted, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.84 years.
	The fair values of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are determined based on the market price of HGI’s common stock on the grant date. The fair value of stock option awards and warrants are determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
	The following assumptions were used in the determination of these grant date fair values for options awarded using the Black-Scholes option pricing model:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.58% to 1.87%		1.46% to 1.75%
	Assumed dividend yield	—%		—%
Expected option term	5.0 to 6.5 years		5.3 to 6.0 years
Volatility	38.0% to 39.0%		41.20%
The weighted-average remaining contractual term of outstanding stock option awards and warrants at December 31, 2014 was 8.28 years.
Spectrum Brands
Spectrum Brands granted restricted stock units representing approximately 233 thousand shares during the three months ended December 31, 2014. Of these grants, 111 thousand restricted stock units vested immediately and 118 thousand restricted stock units are time-based and vest over a period ranging from one to three years. The remaining 4 thousand restricted stock units are performance and time-based and vest over a period of two years. The total market value of the restricted shares on the date of the grant was approximately $21.1. The remaining unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost related to restricted stock units at December 31, 2014 was $17.1.
Spectrum Brands granted restricted stock units representing approximately 414 thousand shares during the three months ended December 31, 2013. Of these grants, 81 thousand restricted stock units vested immediately and 45 thousand restricted stock units are time-based and vest over a period of one year. The remaining 288 thousand restricted stock units are performance and time-based and vest over a period of two years. The total market value of the restricted shares on the date of the grant was approximately $29.0.
The fair value of restricted stock units are determined based on the market price of Spectrum Brands’ common stock on the grant date.
FGL
During the three months ended December 31, 2014, FGL granted stock option awards, restricted stock awards and performance restricted stock units representing approximately 176 thousand, 250 thousand and 40 thousand shares (including 8 additional units based on 2014 financial performance), respectively. The stock option and restricted stock awards vest over a period of 3 years. The performance restricted stock units vest on September 30, 2016, contingent on the satisfaction of performance criteria and on the participant's continued employment unless otherwise noted in the agreement. The total fair value the stock grants during three months ended December 31, 2014 on their respective grant dates was approximately $7.8.
During the three months ended December 31, 2013, FGL granted stock option awards, restricted stock awards and performance restricted stock units representing approximately 191 thousand, 107 thousand and 469 thousand shares, respectively. The stock option and restricted stock awards vest over a period of 3 years. The performance restricted stock units vest on September 30, 2016 contingent on the satisfaction of performance criteria and on the participant's continued employment unless otherwise noted in the agreement. The total fair value the stock grants during three months ended December 31, 2013 on their respective grant dates was approximately $10.4. Additionally, on December 12, 2013, FGL granted 58 thousand unrestricted shares to certain directors in payment for services rendered. Total fair value of the unrestricted shares on the grant date was $1.0.
The total compensation cost related to non-vested options, restricted stock units and dividend equivalent plans, not yet recognized as of December 31, 2014 totaled $20.2 and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.
The fair values of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are determined based on the market price of FGL's common stock on the grant date. The fair value of stock options awarded by FGL during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used in the determination of these grant date fair values using the Black-Scholes option pricing model:
	Three months ended December 31,
	2014		2013
Risk-free interest rate	1.40% to 1.50%		1.40%
Assumed dividend yield	1.20% to 1.50%		1.50%
Expected option term	4.5 years		4.5 years
Volatility	25%		25%

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	For the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company's effective tax rate was (18.8)%. It differs from U.S Federal statutory rate of 35% and was negatively impacted by: (i) the profitability of FGL’s life insurance business which files its own consolidated Federal income tax return; (ii) pretax losses in the U.S. and some foreign jurisdictions for which the Company concluded that the tax benefits are not more-likely-than-not realizable, resulting in valuation allowances and (iii) non-U.S. tax expense on income in certain foreign jurisdictions that are not indefinitely reinvested and where the Company is not recognizing any incremental U.S. tax expense on expected future repatriations of foreign earnings due to its tax net operating loss position. Partially offsetting these factors for the three months ended December 31, 2014 included recognition of a nonrecurring net income tax benefit of $12.3 attributable to tax impact related to the impairment of certain FOH indefinite lived intangible assets. Due to the indefinite life of these assets for book purposes, the related deferred tax liability was not regarded as a source of taxable income to support the realization of deferred tax assets. Consequently, the impairment recorded this quarter resulted in a reduction to the deferred tax liability previously recorded.
	For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company's effective tax rate of 104.4% was negatively impacted by the following: (i) the profitability of our life insurance group which files its own consolidated Federal income tax return; (ii) pretax losses in the U.S. and some foreign jurisdictions for which the Company concluded that the tax benefits are not more likely-than-not realizable, resulting in valuation allowances; (iii) book expense for the increase in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock, for which no tax benefit is available; and (iv) tax amortization of certain indefinite lived intangibles. In addition, the Company is not permanently reinvesting income from its foreign operations, thereby subjecting unremitted foreign earnings to an incremental tax in the U.S. at Federal statutory income tax rate of 35%, as no U.S. foreign tax credits can be claimed to U.S. net operating losses ("NOL").
	NOL, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards of HGI, Spectrum Brands and FGL are subject to valuation allowances, as the Company concluded that all or a portion of the associated tax benefits are not more likely-than-not realizable. Utilization of a portion of the NOL, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards of HGI, Spectrum Brands and FGL are subject to limitations under Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Sections 382 and 383. Such limitations result from ownership changes of more than 50 percentage points over a three-year period.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") (share amounts in thousands):
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Net loss attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	$	(109.8	)	$	(39.0	)
	Participating shares at end of period:
	Common shares outstanding	196,879			139,574
	Preferred shares (as-converted basis)	—			61,986
	Total	196,879			201,560
	Percentage of income loss allocated to:
	Common shares	100		%	100		%
	Preferred shares (a)	—		%	—		%
	Net loss attributable to common shares - basic and diluted	$	(109.8	)	$	(39.0	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	196,997			139,173
	Net loss per common share attributable to controlling interest:
	Basic	$	(0.56	)	$	(0.28	)
	Diluted	$	(0.56	)	$	(0.28	)
	(a)	Losses are not allocated to the convertible participating preferred shares for the period that these shares were outstanding, since they have no contractual obligation to share in such losses.
	The number of shares of common stock outstanding used in calculating the weighted average thereof reflects the actual number of HGI common stock outstanding, excluding unvested restricted stock.
	For the three months ended December 31, 2014, there were 3.3 million, 1.5 million and 3.0 million weighted-average shares, respectively, of the unvested restricted stock and stock units, stock options and warrants that were excluded from the calculation of “diluted net loss per common share attributable to controlling interest” because the as-converted effect of the unvested restricted stock and stock units and stock options would have been anti-dilutive for the three months ended December 31, 2014.
	For the three months ended December 31, 2013, there were 62.0 million shares issuable upon the conversion of the Company's Series A Participating Convertible Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Participating Convertible Preferred Stock (together, the "Preferred Stock"), and 2.4 million and 1.2 million shares, respectively, of the unvested restricted stock and stock units and stock options that were excluded from the calculation of “diluted net loss per common share attributable to controlling interest” because the as-converted effect of the Preferred Stock and unvested restricted stock and stock units and stock options would have been anti-dilutive for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The Preferred Stock had a weighted average conversion price of $6.64 per share.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company has aggregate reserves for its legal, environmental and regulatory matters of approximately $21.2 at December 31, 2014. These reserves relate primarily to the matters described below. However, based on currently available information, including legal defenses available to the Company, and given the aforementioned reserves and related insurance coverage, the Company does not believe that the outcome of these legal, environmental and regulatory matters will have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Legal and Environmental Matters
	HGI
	HGI is a nominal defendant, and the members of its Board are named as defendants in a purported class and derivative action filed in March 2014 by Haverhill Retirement System in the Delaware Court of Chancery.  Harbinger Capital Partners LLC and certain of its affiliated funds (“HCP”) and Leucadia National Corporation (“Leucadia”), each a stockholder of HGI, are also named as defendants in the complaint. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with transactions involving Leucadia. The complaint seeks, among other things, an unspecified award of compensatory damages and costs and disbursements. The Company believes the allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this matter.
	HGI is a nominal defendant, and the members of its Board are named as defendants in a derivative action filed in December 2010 by Alan R. Kahn in the Delaware Court of Chancery. HCP is also named as a defendant. The plaintiff alleges that HGI's acquisition of HCP shares of Spectrum Brands in exchange for shares of common stock of HGI from HGI was financially unfair to HGI and its public stockholders and seeks unspecified damages and the rescission of the transaction. The Company believes the allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously defend this matter.
	In a pending case before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, in which FGL is suing OM Group (UK) Limited (“OMGUK”) for a $50.0 purchase price adjustment in connection with HGI’s acquisition of FGL’s subsidiaries on April 6, 2011, OMGUK counterclaimed that FGL breached its obligations under the First Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 17, 2011 (“F&G Stock Purchase Agreement”) to pay required fees to OMGUK related to the financing of reserves referred to as “CARVM”. FGL has opposed this counterclaim. On May 27, 2014, the court granted OMGUK’s motion for summary judgment as to the CARVM fees, the damages for which are estimated to be approximately $6.1. The court is expected to rule on CARVM damages, as well as FGL’s claim for $50.0, by early 2015. HGI is considering taking an appeal of any judgment on the CARVM counterclaim. HGI owns all of the rights, title, interest, liabilities and obligations under this litigation against OMGUK.
	HGI and its subsidiaries are also involved in other litigation and claims related to their current and prior businesses. These include claims and litigations involving HGI's and its subsidiaries current business practices and transactions and certain workers compensation, environmental matters, cases in state courts and in a Federal multi-district litigation alleging injury from exposure to asbestos on offshore drilling rigs and shipping vessels alleged to have been formerly owned or operated by HGI's offshore drilling and bulk-shipping affiliates. Based on currently available information, including legal defenses available to it, and given its reserves and related insurance coverage, the Company does not believe that the outcome of these legal and environmental matters will have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Spectrum Brands
	Spectrum Brands has accrued approximately $4.6 for the estimated costs associated with environmental remediation activities at some of its current and former manufacturing sites. Spectrum Brands believes that any additional liability which may result from resolution of these matters in excess of the amounts provided for will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of Spectrum Brands.
	Spectrum Brands is a defendant in various other matters of litigation generally arising out of the ordinary course of business. Spectrum Brands does not believe that the resolution of any other matters or proceedings presently pending will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows.
	FGL
	FGL is involved in various pending or threatened legal proceedings, including purported class actions, arising in the ordinary course of business. In some instances, these proceedings include claims for unspecified or substantial punitive damages and similar types of relief in addition to amounts for alleged contractual liability or requests for equitable relief. In the opinion of FGL management and in light of existing insurance and other potential indemnification, reinsurance and established reserves, such litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on FGL’s financial position, although it is possible that the results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected by an unfavorable outcome in any one period.
	FGL is assessed amounts by the state guaranty funds to cover losses to policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurance companies. Those mandatory assessments may be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in certain states. At December 31, 2014, FGL has accrued $3.8 for guaranty fund assessments which is expected to be offset by estimated future premium tax deductions of $4.0.
	FGL has received inquiries from a number of state regulatory authorities regarding its use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File ("Death Master File") and compliance with state claims practices regulation. Legislation requiring insurance companies to use the Death Master File to identify potential claims has been enacted in a number of states. As a result of these legislative and regulatory developments, in May 2012, FGL undertook an initiative to use the Death Master File and other publicly available databases to identify persons potentially entitled to benefits under life insurance policies, annuities and retained asset accounts. In addition, FGL has received audit and examination notices from several state agencies responsible for escheatment and unclaimed property regulation in those states and in some cases has challenged the audits. FGL established a contingency of $2.5 based on its estimates related to the external legal costs and administrative costs of challenging said audits and examinations of which $1.1 has been paid through December 31, 2014. Additional costs that cannot be reasonably estimated as of the date of this filing are possible as a result of ongoing regulatory developments and other future requirements related to this matter.
	On July 5, 2013, a putative class action Complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (the "Court"), captioned Eddie L. Cressy v. Fidelity Guaranty Life Insurance Company, et al. Case No. BC-514340. The state court Complaint asserts, inter alia, that the Plaintiff and members of the putative class relied on Defendants' advice in purchasing unsuitable equity-indexed insurance policies.
	On April 4, 2014, the Plaintiff, FGL Insurance and the other two defendants signed a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which FGL Insurance has agreed to pay a total of $5.3 to settle the claims of a nationwide class consisting, with certain exclusions, of all persons who own or owned an OM Financial/FGL Insurance indexed universal life insurance policy issued from January 1, 2007 through March 31, 2014, inclusive. As part of the settlement, FGL Insurance agreed to certification of the nationwide class for settlement purposes only. An amended Settlement Agreement was filed with the Court on June 5, 2014. On November 18, 2014, the Court granted final approval for the class settlement, subject to entry of a Final Order and Judgement.
	At December 31, 2014, FGL estimated the total cost for the settlement, legal fees and other costs related to this class action would be $9.0 and established a liability for the unpaid portion of the estimate of $3.4. Based on the information currently available, FGL does not expect the actual cost for settlement, legal fees and other related costs to differ materially from the amount accrued. FGL is seeking indemnification from OMGUK under the F&G Stock Purchase Agreement between FGL (formerly, Harbinger F&G, LLC) and OMGUK related to the settlement and the costs and fees in defending the Cressy litigation in both the federal and state courts. FGL has established an amount recoverable from OMGUK for the amount of $4.4, the collection of which FGL believes is probable. The actual amount recovered from OMGUK could be greater or less than FGL’s estimate, but FGL anticipates that the amount recovered will not be materially different than its current estimate. The settlement, legal fees and other costs related to this class action and the amount recoverable from OMGUK is presented net on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in the caption "Benefits and other changes in policy reserves."
	On January 2, 2015, the Court entered the Final Order and Judgement, finally certifying the class for settlement purposes, and finally approving the class settlement. According to the class settlement, the final settlement date means the date on which the Final Order and Judgement becomes final for all purposes, including appeal.
	In light of the inherent uncertainties involved in the matters described above and uncertainties in litigation generally, there can be no assurance that the matters described above, or any other pending or future litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on FGL's business, financial condition, or results of operations.
	Compass
	Various federal, state and local laws and regulations covering discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, may affect Compass’ operations and the costs of its oil and natural gas exploitation, development and production operations. Compass does not anticipate that it will be required in the foreseeable future to expend amounts material in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole by reason of environmental laws and regulations. Because these laws and regulations are constantly being changed, Compass is unable to predict the conditions and other factors over which Compass does not exercise control that may give rise to environmental liabilities affecting it.
	Guarantees
	Throughout its history, the Company has entered into indemnifications in the ordinary course of business with customers, suppliers, service providers, business partners and, in certain instances, when it sold businesses. Additionally, the Company has indemnified its directors and officers who are, or were, serving at the request of the Company in such capacities. Although the specific terms or number of such arrangements is not precisely known due to the extensive history of past operations, costs incurred to settle claims related to these indemnifications have not been material to the Company’s financial statements. The Company has no reason to believe that future costs to settle claims related to its former operations will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	The F&G Stock Purchase Agreement includes a Guarantee and Pledge Agreement (the "Guarantee and Pledge Agreement") which creates certain obligations for FGH as a grantor and also grants a security interest to OMGUK of FGH’s equity interest in FGL Insurance in the event that FGL fails to perform in accordance with the terms of the F&G Stock Purchase Agreement. The Company is not aware of any events or transactions that resulted in non-compliance with the Guarantee and Pledge Agreement.
	Unfunded Asset Based Lending Commitments
	Through Salus, the Company enters into commitments to extend credit to meet the financing needs of its asset based lending customers upon satisfaction of certain conditions. At December 31, 2014, the notional amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments was approximately $217.9, of which $64.8 expires in one year or less, and the remainder expires between one and five years.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions

In November 2012, the Company had entered a reciprocal services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Harbinger Capital Partners LLC ("Harbinger Capital"), a related party of the Company, with respect to the provision of services that may include providing office space and operational support and each party making available their respective employees to provide services as reasonably requested by the other party, subject to any limitations contained in applicable employment agreements and the terms of the Services Agreement. On December 14, 2014, in accordance with the Services Agreement, the Company gave Harbinger Capital ninety days advance written notice of the termination of the Services Agreement effective as of March 1, 2015. Under the Services Agreement, the Company recognized $2.0 and $1.4 of expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In connection with Mr. Falcone’s resignation, on November 25, 2014, the Company and Mr. Falcone entered into a Separation and General Release Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Falcone was paid $20.5 as a one-time payment, $16.5, which constituted the unpaid portion of Mr. Falcone’s Fiscal 2014 annual bonus (in cash, rather than a combination of cash and equity) and $3.3, which constituted a pro-rata bonus for Fiscal 2015 (in cash, rather than a combination of cash and equity) for service through December 1, 2014 based on anticipated results. Mr. Falcone’s warrant was amended to provide for their continued vesting, in accordance with their prior vesting schedule, as if Mr. Falcone remained employed with the Company through each applicable vesting date. In exchange, Mr. Falcone executed a general release of claims in favor of the Company and agreed to various restrictive covenants, including covenants relating to non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, confidentiality, and further cooperation. The Falcone Separation Agreement further provides, among other things, that for a period of two years from the date of Mr. Falcone’s resignation, without the approval of a majority of the directors on the Board, Mr. Falcone may not, and may not cause his affiliates, to (i) enter into or seek to enter into a business combination involving the Company, (ii) seek representation or control of the Board or affairs of the Company, (iii) purchase or acquire additional securities of the Company, (iv) make certain proposals or solicit such proxies, or (v) have any discussions or enter into any arrangements with, or assist any other person in connection with any of the foregoing.

On March 18, 2014, HGI entered into the Letter Agreement with Leucadia (the “Letter Agreement”). The Letter Agreement was entered into in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by that certain Preferred Securities Purchase Agreement, dated March 18, 2014 (the “PSPA”), by and among Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd., Global Opportunities Breakaway Ltd. and Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. (together, the “HCP Stockholders”) and Leucadia, pursuant to which Leucadia acquired, following receipt of regulatory approval, 23 million shares of Common Stock, at a price of $11.00 per share of Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $253.0 in cash. HGI did not sell any securities in the transaction. Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, Leucadia have designated two directors to HGI's board. The Letter Agreement further provides, among other things, that without the prior approval of a majority of the directors on HGI's board (other than the Leucadia designees), Leucadia and its affiliates will not acquire additional shares or voting rights of HGI that would increase Leucadia’s beneficial ownership above 27.5% of the voting power of HGI’s outstanding securities. The Letter Agreement also restricts Leucadia’s and its affiliates’ ability to make certain proposals or solicit such proxies and limits their ability to sell Leucadia’s investment in HGI to counterparties who hold, or after giving effect to a sale would hold, in excess of 4.9% of HGI’s voting stock (subject to certain exceptions). Leucadia also agreed to vote in favor of the slate of directors nominated by a majority of HGI’s board (other than the Leucadia designees). The terms of the Letter Agreement, including the provisions described above, last until March 18, 2016. In connection with the March 2014 transaction with Leucadia, under the terms of an existing registration rights agreement, the HCP Stockholders transferred a portion of their rights under the registration rights agreement with respect to the shares underlying Leucadia’s Preferred Stock and HGI entered into a Registration Rights Acknowledgement among it, the HCP Stockholders and Leucadia acknowledging such transfer. A special committee of HGI’s board, comprised of independent directors under the NYSE rules, advised by two separate outside counsel, determined that it is in the best interests of HGI and its stockholders (not including Harbinger Capital and Leucadia and their respective affiliates) for HGI to enter into the foregoing agreements and the related transactions.

FGL invested in collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") securities issued by Fortress Credit Opportunities III CLO LP ("FCO III") and also invested in securities issued by Fortress Credit BSL Limited ("Fortress BSL"). The parent of both FCO III and Fortress BSL is Fortress Investment Group LLC ("Fortress"), which has acquired interests greater than 10% ownership in HGI as of December 31, 2014.

FGL’s consolidated related party investments as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:

December 31, 2014

September 30, 2014

Issuer

Balance Sheet Classification

Asset carrying value

Accrued Investment Income

Total carrying value

Asset carrying value

Accrued Investment Income

Total carrying value

Fortress

Fixed maturities

$

201.7

$

2.3

$

204

$

194.9

$

1.9

$

196.8

FGL's related net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:

Three months ended December 31,

Issuer

Investment Income Classification

2014

2013

Fortress

Net investment income

$

2

$

—

Segment_Data

Segment Data	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Data	Segment Data
	The Company follows the accounting guidance which establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. The Company’s reportable business segments are organized in a manner that reflects how HGI’s management views those business activities. Accordingly, the Company currently operates its business in four reporting segments: (i) Consumer Products, (ii) Insurance, (iii)Energy and (iv) Asset Management.
	The following schedules present the Company’s segment information for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
			Three months ended December 31,
			2014				2013
	Revenues:
	Consumer Products		$	1,067.80			$	1,100.60
	Insurance		310.8				373.1
	Energy		34.3				35.5
	Asset Management		8				4.5
	Intersegment elimination		(3.5		)		(3.7		)
	Consolidated segment revenues		1,417.40				1,510.00
	Corporate and Other		21				—
	Total revenues		$	1,438.40			$	1,510.00
	Operating (loss) income:
	Consumer Products		$	115.6			$	125
	Insurance		25.2				85.3
	Energy		(195.0		)		6
	Asset Management		(1.1		)		(3.9		)
	Intersegment elimination		(4.0		)		(3.7		)
	Total segment operating (loss) income		(59.3		)		208.7
	Corporate and Other and eliminations		(123.7		)		(29.4		)
	Consolidated operating (loss) income		(183.0		)		179.3
	Interest expense		(80.6		)		(84.0		)
	Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock		—				(47.2		)
	Gain on contingent purchase price reduction		—				0.5
	Other income (expense), net		174				(11.9		)
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	(89.6	)		$	36.7
		Three months ended December 31,
	Net change in cash due to operating activities	2014				2013
	Consumer Products	$	(146.5	)		$	(136.0	)
	Insurance	57.8				58.8
	Energy	4.4				7.2
	Asset Management	(7.9		)		5.4
	Net change in cash due to segment operating activities	(92.2		)		(64.6		)
	Net change in cash due to corporate and other operating activities, including intersegment eliminations	(79.5		)		(24.8		)
	Consolidated change in cash due to operating activities	$	(171.7	)		$	(89.4	)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform

Consolidating Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Consolidating Financial Information	Consolidating Financial Information
	The following schedules present the Company’s consolidating balance sheet information at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, and consolidating statements of operations information for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. These schedules present the individual segments of the Company and their contribution to the consolidated financial statements. Amounts presented will not necessarily be the same as those in the individual financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries due to adjustments for purchase accounting, income taxes and noncontrolling interests. In addition, some of the Company’s subsidiaries use a classified balance sheet which also leads to differences in amounts reported for certain line items.
	The Corporate and Other column primarily reflects the parent company’s investment in its subsidiaries, invested cash portfolio and corporate long term debt, and the results of FOH for the three months ended December 31, 2014. The elimination adjustments are for intercompany assets and liabilities, interest and dividends, the parent company’s investment in capital stocks of subsidiaries, and various reclasses of debit or credit balances to the amounts in consolidation. Purchase accounting adjustments have been pushed down to the appropriate subsidiary.
	Harbinger Group Inc. - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Information
	December 31, 2014	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
	Assets:
	Investments	$	—		$	19,359.70		$	—		$	546.3		$	81.9		$	(247.6	)	$	19,740.30
	Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	—			64.5			—			—			2,309.10			(2,373.6		)	—
	Affiliated loans and receivables	—			138.8			—			18.3			0.1			(157.2		)	—
	Cash and cash equivalents	408.4			599.5			12.9			78.9			211.7			—			1,311.40
	Receivables, net	576.8			0.8			36.4			0.8			45.3			—			660.1
	Inventories, net	701.9			—			—			—			8.3			—			710.2
	Accrued investment income	—			163.8			—			4.8			—			(0.7		)	167.9
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,416.70			—			—			—			—			2,416.70
	Deferred tax assets	41.7			136			—			0.1			1.1			(0.1		)	178.8
	Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	419.8			11.7			620			1.3			2			—			1,054.80
	Goodwill	1,465.00			—			—			10.7			16.2			—			1,491.90
	Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net	2,066.70			635.7			—			—			9.9			—			2,712.30
	Other assets	151.8			564.7			1.7			8.9			35.1			0.1			762.3
	Total assets	$	5,832.10		$	24,091.90		$	671		$	670.1		$	2,720.70		$	(2,779.1	)	$	31,206.70
	Liabilities and Equity:
	Insurance reserves	$	—		$	21,246.60		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	21,246.60
	Debt	3,415.60			300			327			297.7			1,325.70			—			5,666.00
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	714.1			50.1			31.1			11.3			92.5			0.5			899.6
	Employee benefit obligations	78.3			—			—			—			4.2			—			82.5
	Deferred tax liabilities	510.2			—			—			—			5.4			2.4			518
	Other liabilities	20.2			640.3			37.4			12.8			1.3			—			712
	Affiliated debt and payables	—			1.2			100			271.4			30.9			(403.5		)	—
	Total liabilities	4,738.40			22,238.20			495.5			593.2			1,460.00			(400.6		)	29,124.70
	Total stockholders’ equity	615.3			1,522.30			175.1			65.8			1,276.20			(2,378.5		)	1,276.20
	Noncontrolling interests	478.4			331.4			0.4			11.1			(15.5		)	—			805.8
	Total permanent equity	1,093.70			1,853.70			175.5			76.9			1,260.70			(2,378.5		)	2,082.00
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,832.10		$	24,091.90		$	671		$	670.1		$	2,720.70		$	(2,779.1	)	$	31,206.70
	September 30, 2014	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
	Assets:
	Investments	$	—		$	18,820.70		$	—		$	584.6		$	93.7		$	(246.5	)	$	19,252.50
	Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates	—			68.2			—			—			2,237.90			(2,306.1		)	—
	Affiliated loans and receivables	—			157.2			—			28.5			—			(185.7		)	—
	Cash and cash equivalents	194.6			633.8			14.2			53.5			423.1			—			1,319.20
	Receivables, net	515.3			2.1			23.7			0.9			43.1			—			585.1
	Inventories, net	624.5			—			—			—			10.7			—			635.2
	Accrued investment income	—			181.8			—			3.7			—			(0.6		)	184.9
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,397.60			—			—			—			—			2,397.60
	Deferred tax assets	46.7			139			—			—			1.1			(0.1		)	186.7
	Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	428.9			11.4			464.4			1.4			2.5			—			908.6
	Goodwill	1,469.60			—			—			10.7			44.5			—			1,524.80
	Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net	2,091.50			550.4			—			—			41.8			—			2,683.70
	Other assets	141.9			233.6			2.5			9.2			34.7			—			421.9
	Total assets	$	5,513.00		$	23,195.80		$	504.8		$	692.5		$	2,933.10		$	(2,739.0	)	$	30,100.20
	Liabilities and Equity:
	Insurance reserves	$	—		$	20,215.10		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	20,215.10
	Debt	2,990.90			300			243.2			298.7			1,325.00			—			5,157.80
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	816.2			71.9			31.3			8.5			104.6			0.5			1,033.00
	Employee benefit obligations	81.9			—			—			—			4.3			—			86.2
	Deferred tax liabilities	516			—			—			—			17.2			0.1			533.3
	Other liabilities	21.2			748.9			27.3			19.3			1.1			—			817.8
	Affiliated debt and payables	—			7.8			102.3			286.5			34.8			(431.4		)	—
	Total liabilities	4,426.20			21,343.70			404.1			613			1,487.00			(430.8		)	27,843.20
	Temporary equity	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
	Total stockholders’ equity	612.4			1,526.90			100.7			68.2			1,441.60			(2,308.2		)	1,441.60
	Noncontrolling interests	474.4			325.2			—			11.3			4.5			—			815.4
	Total permanent equity	1,086.80			1,852.10			100.7			79.5			1,446.10			(2,308.2		)	2,257.00
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,513.00		$	23,195.80		$	504.8		$	692.5		$	2,933.10		$	(2,739.0	)	$	30,100.20
	Harbinger Group Inc. - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations Information
Three months ended December 31, 2014	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	$	1,067.80		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	21		$	—		$	1,088.80
Oil and natural gas	—			—			34.3			—			—			—			34.3
Insurance premiums	—			11.7			—			—			—			—			11.7
Net investment income	—			226.9			—			8			—			(4.1		)	230.8
Net investment gains	—			51.4			—			—			—			0.6			52
Insurance and investment product fees and other	—			20.8			—			—			—			—			20.8
Total revenues	1,067.80			310.8			34.3			8			21			(3.5		)	1,438.40
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	697.6			—			—			—			14.4			—			712
Oil and natural gas direct operating costs	—			—			20.5			—			—			—			20.5
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	—			241.5			—			—			—			—			241.5
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	234.1			32.8			18.8			9.1			70.1			0.5			365.4
Impairments	—			—			190			—			60.2			—			250.2
Amortization of intangibles	20.5			11.3			—			—			—			—			31.8
Total operating costs and expenses	952.2			285.6			229.3			9.1			144.7			0.5			1,621.40
Operating (loss) income	115.6			25.2			(195.0		)	(1.1		)	(123.7		)	(4.0		)	(183.0		)
Equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries	—			(2.8		)	—			—			(7.5		)	10.3			—
Interest expense	(44.4		)	(5.9		)	(2.2		)	—			(28.1		)	—			(80.6		)
Affiliated interest expense	—			—			(2.3		)	(1.5		)	(1.2		)	5			—
Other income (expense), net	(0.7		)	—			160			(0.5		)	17.4			(2.2		)	174
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	70.5			16.5			(39.5		)	(3.1		)	(143.1		)	9.1			(89.6		)
Income tax expense	20.5			7.8			—			—			(13.2		)	1.7			16.8
Net (income) loss	50			8.7			(39.5		)	(3.1		)	(129.9		)	7.4			(106.4		)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	20.8			3.3			(0.3		)	(0.3		)	(20.1		)	—			3.4
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	29.2		$	5.4		$	(39.2	)	$	(2.8	)	$	(109.8	)	$	7.4		$	(109.8	)
Three months ended December 31, 2013	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	$	1,100.60		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,100.60
Oil and natural gas	—			—			35.5			—			—			—			35.5
Insurance premiums	—			13.9			—			—			—			—			13.9
Net investment income	—			200.4			—			4.5			—			(3.7		)	201.2
Net investment gains	—			141.9			—			—			—			—			141.9
Insurance and investment product fees and other	—			16.9			—			—			—			—			16.9
Total revenues	1,100.60			373.1			35.5			4.5			—			(3.7		)	1,510.00
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	719.4			—			—			—			—			—			719.4
Oil and natural gas operating costs	—			—			16.1			—			—			—			16.1
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	—			234.7			—			—			—			—			234.7
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	236			29.9			13.4			8.4			29.4			—			317.1
Amortization of intangibles	20.2			23.2			—			—			—			—			43.4
Total operating costs and expenses	975.6			287.8			29.5			8.4			29.4			—			1,330.70
Operating (loss) income	125			85.3			6			(3.9		)	(29.4		)	(3.7		)	179.3
Equity in net income of subsidiaries	—			—			—			—			71.5			(71.5		)	—
Interest expense	(57.0		)	(5.6		)	(2.4		)	—			(19.0		)	—			(84.0		)
Affiliated interest expense	—			—			(2.3		)	(1.4		)	—			3.7			—
Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock	—			—			—			—			(47.2		)	—			(47.2		)
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction	—			—			—			—			0.5			—			0.5
Other income (expense), net	(0.9		)	—			(3.4		)	(3.7		)	(3.9		)	—			(11.9		)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	67.1			79.7			(2.1		)	(9.0		)	(27.5		)	(71.5		)	36.7
Income tax expense	12.7			26.5			—			(0.2		)	(0.7		)	—			38.3
Net loss	54.4			53.2			(2.1		)	(8.8		)	(26.8		)	(71.5		)	(1.6		)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	22.6			3.3			—			(0.7		)	—			—			25.2
Net loss attributable to controlling interest	31.8			49.9			(2.1		)	(8.1		)	(26.8		)	(71.5		)	(26.8		)
Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion	—			—			—			—			12.2			—			12.2
Net loss attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	$	31.8		$	49.9		$	(2.1	)	$	(8.1	)	$	(39.0	)	$	(71.5	)	$	(39.0	)

Subsequent_Events_Notes

Subsequent Events (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Schedule of Subsequent Events [Table Text Block]	ASC 855, “Subsequent Events” (“ASC 855”), establishes general standards of accounting and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. ASC 855 requires the Company to evaluate events that occur after the balance date through the date of the Company’s financial statements are issued, and to determine whether adjustments to or additional disclosures in the financial statements are necessary. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued.
	On December 29, 2014 (subsequent to Spectrum Brands' December 28, 2014 quarter end), Spectrum Brands completed a $120.0 cash acquisition, excluding working capital adjustments, of Procter & Gamble’s European pet food business, consisting of premium brands for dogs and cats. The Company will account for this acquisition in accordance with ASC 805. Spectrum Brands is in the process of completing the preliminary purchase accounting.
	On January 16, 2015, Spectrum Brands completed a $150.5 cash acquisition, excluding working capital adjustments, of Salix Animal Health LLC, which provides premium pet food products. The Company will account for this acquisition in accordance with ASC 805. The Company is in the process of completing the preliminary purchase accounting.

Basis_of_Presentation_Signific1

Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Polices and Practicies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Share-Based Payments When a Performance Target is Achieved after the Requisite Service Period
	In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance on Stock Compensation (ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Term of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those years. The new guidance requires that performance targets that affect vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period to be treated as performance conditions. Such performance targets would not be included in the grant-date fair value calculation of the award, rather compensation cost should be recorded when it is probable the performance target will be reached and should represent the compensation cost attributable to period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. This standard may be early adopted and the amendments in this accounting standards update may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company will not early adopt this standard and is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
Oil and natural gas properties	Oil and natural gas properties
	Ceiling Test
	For the three months ended December 31, 2014, Compass recognized an impairment of $190.0 to its proved oil and natural gas properties. As further discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions, the change in control resulting from the acquisition of EXCO's remaining interest in Compass triggered the remeasurement of the Company's initial basis in Compass at fair value which increased the Compass' full cost pool. The purchase price for the acquisition was based on both the income and market approach models which incorporate, among other things, market prices based on the New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") futures as of the acquisition date, which the Company believes reflects an independent proxy point for determining fair value. The ceiling test, however, requires companies using the full cost accounting method to price period-ending proved reserves using the simple average spot price for the trailing 12 month period, which may not be indicative of actual market values. As a result, Compass' full cost pool exceeded its ceiling test limitation at December 31, 2014 resulting in an impairment. For the three months ended December 31, 2013 the ceiling test did not result in an impairment to Compass' oil and natural gas properties. As a result of recent decline in oil and natural gas prices, Compass expects to incur additional impairments to its oil and natural gas properties in fiscal year 2015 if prices do not increase.
	The ceiling test is computed using the simple average spot price for the trailing 12 month period using the first day of each month. As of December 31, 2014, the trailing 12 month reference prices were $4.35 per Million British Thermal Units ("Mmbtu") for natural gas at Henry Hub ("HH"), and $94.99 per barrel ("Bbl") of oil for West Texas Intermediate at Cushing, Oklahoma. Each of the reference prices for oil and natural gas are further adjusted for quality factors and regional differentials to derive estimated future net revenues. The price used for natural gas liquids was $42.55 per Bbl and was based on the trailing 12 month average of realized prices. Under full cost accounting rules, any ceiling test impairments of oil and natural gas properties may not be reversed in subsequent periods. Since Compass does not designate its derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments, Compass is not allowed to use the impacts of the derivative financial instruments in the ceiling test computations.
	The ceiling test calculation and impairment evaluation are based upon estimates of proved reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves, in projecting the future rates of production and in the timing of development activities. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify revision of such estimate. Accordingly, reserve estimates are often different from the quantities of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids that are ultimately recovered.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compass Production Partners [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a summary of the fair value of assets and liabilities on October 31, 2014, which was the date the Company acquired control of Compass through the acquisition of the additional interest from EXCO:
		Preliminary Valuation
	Purchase price allocation	31-Oct-14
	Assets acquired:
	Current assets	$	56.1
	Unproved oil and natural gas properties	26.3
	Proved developed oil and natural gas properties	767.5
	Gathering assets	20.8
	Other non-current assets	1.9
	Liabilities assumed:
	Accounts payable	(23.2		)
	Revenues and royalties payable	(18.9		)
	Other current liabilities	(1.0		)
	Long term debt, less current maturities	(327.0		)
	Asset retirement obligations	(36.0		)
	Total identifiable net assets	466.5
	Non-controlling interests	(0.8		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	465.7
	Cash paid upon the acquisition of additional interest	$	118.8
	Fair value of equity investment in Compass prior to acquisition	346.9
	Total purchase price	$	465.7
Ability Re [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Preliminary Allocation Of Purchase Price Disclosure Table [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the consideration paid by Front Street Cayman for Ability Re:
	Cash paid at November 3, 2014 close	$	17.9
	Cash purchase price adjustments	(1.5		)
	Contingent consideration premium increase benefit	2.8
	Total consideration	$	19.2
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the preliminary amounts recognized at fair value for each major class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 31, 2014:
		Preliminary Valuation
	Purchase price allocation	31-Oct-14
	Assets acquired:
	Investments	$	0.1
	Cash and cash equivalents	8.4
	Funds withheld	359.5
	Total assets acquired	368
	Liabilities assumed:
	Insurance reserves	346.9
	Other liabilities	1.9
	Total liabilities assumed	348.8
	Net assets acquired	$	19.2
Tell Manufacturing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The preliminary fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Tell were as follows:
		Preliminary Valuation
		1-Oct-14
	Cash	$	1.1
	Accounts receivable	5.4
	Inventories	7.2
	Prepaid expense	0.6
	Property, plant and equipment, net	1.5
	Intangible assets	12.5
	Total assets acquired	28.3
	Total liabilities assumed	5.1
	Total identifiable net assets less goodwill	23.2
	Goodwill	7.1
	Total identifiable net assets	$	30.3

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities	The Company’s consolidated investments are summarized as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Cost or Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Fixed-maturity securities, available-for sale
	Asset-backed securities	$	1,862.90		$	8.3		$	(32.1	)	$	1,839.10		$	1,839.10
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	649.4			20			(1.0		)	668.4			668.4
	Corporates	9,265.80			550.6			(95.0		)	9,721.40			9,721.40
	Hybrids	1,268.70			55.6			(22.8		)	1,301.50			1,301.50
	Municipals	1,221.50			143.2			(2.8		)	1,361.90			1,361.90
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,095.40			124.6			(18.1		)	2,201.90			2,201.90
	U.S. Government	576.1			8.3			(0.8		)	583.6			583.6
	Total fixed maturities	16,939.80			910.6			(172.6		)	17,677.80			17,677.80
	Equity securities
	Available-for-sale	607.4			25.3			(6.8		)	625.9			625.9
	Held for trading	112.8			30.4			(51.7		)	91.5			91.5
	Total equity securities	720.2			55.7			(58.5		)	717.4			717.4
	Derivatives	191.4			124			(9.2		)	306.2			306.2
	Asset-based loans	791.9			—			—			791.9			791.9
	Other invested assets	247			—			—			247			247
	Total investments	$	18,890.30		$	1,090.30		$	(240.3	)	$	19,740.30		$	19,740.30
		September 30, 2014
		Cost or Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale
	Asset-backed securities	$	1,800.80		$	10.9		$	(18.8	)	$	1,792.90		$	1,792.90
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	617.6			21.3			(2.0		)	636.9			636.9
	Corporates	9,345.50			499.2			(48.9		)	9,795.80			9,795.80
	Hybrids	1,279.10			52.2			(15.2		)	1,316.10			1,316.10
	Municipals	1,149.90			116.2			(6.3		)	1,259.80			1,259.80
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,984.80			140.3			(11.1		)	2,114.00			2,114.00
	U.S. Government	291			6.4			(1.4		)	296			296
	Total fixed-maturity securities	16,468.70			846.5			(103.7		)	17,211.50			17,211.50
	Equity securities
	Available-for-sale	645.7			23			(5.1		)	663.6			663.6
	Held for trading	141.2			8.2			(44.9		)	104.5			104.5
	Total equity securities	786.9			31.2			(50.0		)	768.1			768.1
	Derivatives	177.7			123.3			(4.7		)	296.3			296.3
	Asset-based loans	811.6			—			—			811.6			811.6
	Other invested assets	164.9			0.1			—			165			165
	Total investments	$	18,409.80		$	1,001.10		$	(158.4	)	$	19,252.50		$	19,252.50
Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Available-for-Sale Securities	The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities by contractual maturities, as applicable, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.
		December 31, 2014
		Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	Corporates, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and U.S. Government securities:
	Due in one year or less	$	302.3		$	304.4
	Due after one year through five years	2,786.20			2,830.00
	Due after five years through ten years	2,899.60			2,990.60
	Due after ten years	5,840.60			6,341.50
	Subtotal	11,828.70			12,466.50
	Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
	Asset-backed securities	1,862.90			1,839.10
	Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	649.4			668.4
	Structured hybrids	503.4			501.9
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,095.40			2,201.90
	Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	16,939.80		$	17,677.80
Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses of Available-for-Sale-Securities	The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category, were as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Less than 12 months						12 months or longer						Total
		Fair Value			Gross Unrealized			Fair Value			Gross Unrealized			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized
					Losses						Losses					Losses
	Available-for-sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	834.2		$	(16.1	)	$	499.2		$	(16.0	)	$	1,333.40	$	(32.1	)
	Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	57.9			(0.5		)	0.3			(0.5		)	58.2		(1.0		)
	Corporates	898.1			(32.0		)	1,339.00			(63.0		)	2,237.10		(95.0		)
	Equities	117.2			(3.6		)	50.9			(3.2		)	168.1		(6.8		)
	Hybrids	270.8			(4.9		)	234.4			(17.9		)	505.2		(22.8		)
	Municipals	9.4			(0.1		)	194.3			(2.7		)	203.7		(2.8		)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	454.5			(10.2		)	227			(7.9		)	681.5		(18.1		)
	U.S. Government	—			—			58.8			(0.8		)	58.8		(0.8		)
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,642.10		$	(67.4	)	$	2,603.90		$	(112.0	)	$	5,246.00	$	(179.4	)
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position				378						328					706
		September 30, 2014
		Less than 12 months						12 months or longer						Total
		Fair Value			Gross Unrealized			Fair Value			Gross Unrealized			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized
					Losses						Losses					Losses
	Available-for-sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	825.8		$	(11.8	)	$	288.2		$	(7.0	)	$	1,114.00	$	(18.8	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	160.3			(0.9		)	0.4			(1.1		)	160.7		(2.0		)
	Corporates	816.6			(16.3		)	1,127.80			(32.6		)	1,944.40		(48.9		)
	Equities	180.4			(2.2		)	54.9			(2.9		)	235.3		(5.1		)
	Hybrids	258.2			(2.3		)	290			(12.9		)	548.2		(15.2		)
	Municipals	—			—			264.9			(6.3		)	264.9		(6.3		)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	298.5			(5.8		)	177.6			(5.3		)	476.1		(11.1		)
	U.S. Government	37.3			(0.1		)	81.7			(1.3		)	119		(1.4		)
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,577.10		$	(39.4	)	$	2,285.50		$	(69.4	)	$	4,862.60	$	(108.8	)
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position				319						310					629
Portfolio of Asset-Backed Loans and Other Invested Assets	portfolio of asset-based loans receivable, included in “Asset-based loans” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, consisted of the following:
		December 31,			September 30,
		2014			2014
	Asset-based loans, net of deferred fees, by major industry:
	Electronics	$	245.7		$	245.4
	Apparel	198.2			191.6
	Jewelry	89.6			100.1
	Home Furnishings	57.2			71.7
	Manufacturing	54.1			56.9
	Transportation	45.3			44.3
	Sporting Goods	11			13.9
	Other	98.3			94.9
	Total asset-based loans	799.4			818.8
	Less: Allowance for credit losses	7.5			7.2
	Total asset-based loans, net	$	791.9		$	811.6
Schedule of Allowance for Credit Losses	The following table presents the activity in its allowance for credit losses for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Balance at beginning of period	$	7.2		$	5.2
	Provision for credit losses	0.3			1.8
	Balance at end of period	$	7.5		$	7
Schedule of Credit Quality of Asset-Based Loan Portfolio	As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, there were no outstanding loans that had been individually considered impaired, as all loans were in current payment status.
		Internal Risk Rating
		Pass			Special Mention			Substandard			Doubtful			Total
	31-Dec-14	$	209.1		$	108.5		$	481.8		$	—		$	799.4
	30-Sep-14	$	195.3		$	372.7		$	250.8		$	—		$	818.8
Net Investment Income	The major sources of “Net investment income” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	212.8		$	191.8
	Equity available-for-sale securities	9.9			4.5
	Policy loans	0.2			0.2
	Invested cash and short-term investments	—			0.1
	Asset-based loans	9.3			7.4
	Other investments	3.1			0.8
	Gross investment income	235.3			204.8
	External investment expense	(4.5		)	(3.6		)
	Net investment income	$	230.8		$	201.2
Net Investment Gains	“Net investment gains” reported on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Net realized (losses) gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	(1.8	)	$	9.8
	Realized gains on equity securities	3.2			5.4
	Net realized gains on securities	1.4			15.2
	Realized gains on certain derivative instruments	45			66.8
	Unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments	0.5			60.6
	Change in fair value of other embedded derivatives	0.6			—
	Change in fair value of derivatives	46.1			127.4
	Realized gains (losses) on other invested assets	4.5			(0.7		)
	Net investment gains	$	52		$	141.9
Cash Flows from Consolidated Investing Activities by Security	Cash flows from consolidated investing activities by security classification were as follows:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid:
	Available-for-sale	$	854.1		$	1,705.90
	Derivatives and other	128.1			114.4
		$	982.2		$	1,820.30
	Cost of investments acquired:
	Available-for-sale	$	(1,371.8	)	$	(2,598.5	)
	Trading (acquired for holding)	—			(4.4		)
	Derivatives and other	(154.2		)	(125.3		)
		$	(1,526.0	)	$	(2,728.2	)
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	Concentrations of Investments
	As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the Company’s most significant investment in one industry, excluding U.S. Government securities, was the Company’s investment securities in the banking industry with a fair value of $2,217.7 or 11.2% and $2,240.3, or 11.6%, of the Company's invested assets portfolio, respectively. FGL’s holdings in this industry includes investments in 80 different issuers with the top ten investments accounting for 39.3% of the total holdings in this industry. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the Company had investments in 6 and 4 issuers that exceeded 10% of the Company's stockholders’ equity with a fair value of $1,011.0 and $768.5, or 5.1% and 4.0% of the invested assets portfolio, respectively. Additionally, the Company’s largest concentration in any single issuer as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, had a fair value of $250.0 or 1.3% of the Company's invested assets portfolio.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value of Outstanding Derivative Contracts in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
	Asset Derivatives	Classification	December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2014
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts	Other assets	$	0.6		$	0.6
	Commodity swap and option agreements	Receivables, net	0.4			1.3
	Foreign exchange contracts	Other assets	0.1			0.3
	Foreign exchange contracts	Receivables, net	16.9			12
	Total asset derivatives designated as hedging instruments		18			14.2
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts	Receivables, net	19.5			1.9
	Call options	Derivatives	306.2			296.3
	Other embedded derivatives	Other invested assets	11.8			11.2
	Foreign exchange contracts	Receivables, net	0.3			0.5
	Total asset derivatives		$	355.8		$	324.1
Summary of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	During the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized the following gains and losses on these derivatives:
			Three months ended December 31,
	Classification	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Net investment gains	Call options	$	41.3		$	114.3
		Futures contracts	4.2			13.1
		Change in fair value of other embedded derivatives	0.6			—
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	Commodity contracts	$	—		$	(0.1	)
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	FIA embedded derivatives	232.1			100.3
	Other income and expense:
	Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock	Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	$	—		$	(47.2	)
	Other income (expense), net	Oil and natural gas commodity contracts	18.7			(3.4		)
		Foreign exchange contracts	(1.7		)	0.8
Volumes and Fair Value of Oil and Natural Gas Derivative Financial Instruments	The following table presents Compass’ volumes and fair value of the oil derivative financial instrument as of December 31, 2014 (presented on a calendar-year basis):
	(in millions, except volumes and prices)	Volume Mmmbtus/Mbbls		Weighted average strike price per Mmbtu/Bbl			Fair Value at December 31, 2014
	Natural gas swaps:
	2015	10,950		$	3.95		$	10
	Oil swaps:
	2015	250		$	94.98		9.5
	Total oil and natural gas derivatives						$	19.5
Call options [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
FGL's Exposure to Credit Loss on Call Options Held	Information regarding FGL’s exposure to credit loss on the call options it holds is presented in the following table:
			December 31, 2014										September 30, 2014
	Counterparty	Credit Rating	Notional			Fair Value			Collateral		Net Credit Risk		Notional		Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk
		(Fitch/Moody's/S&P) (a)	Amount										Amount
	Merrill Lynch	A/*/A	$	2,004.80		$	74.6		$	38.4	$	36.2	$	2,239.90	$	92.7	$	52.5	$	40.2
	Deutsche Bank	A+/A3/A	3,205.60			123			95.8		27.2		2,810.00		108		72.5		35.5
	Morgan Stanley	*/A3/A	2,681.80			96.9			79		17.9		2,294.70		85		63		22
	Barclay's Bank	A/A2/A	259.3			11.7			—		11.7		258		10.6		—		10.6
			$	8,151.50		$	306.2		$	213.2	$	93	$	7,602.60	$	296.3	$	188	$	108.3

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities not Measured at Fair Value [Table Text Block]	The carrying amount, estimated fair value and the level of the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instrument assets and liabilities which are not measured at fair value on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3				Fair Value			Carrying Amount
	Assets (a)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,311.40		$	—		$	—			$	1,311.40		$	1,311.40
	Asset-based loans	—			—			791.9				791.9			791.9
	Other invested assets	—			—			233.2				233.2			233.2
	Total financial assets	$	1,311.40		$	—		$	1,025.10			$	2,336.50		$	2,336.50
	Liabilities (a)
	Total debt (b)	$	—		$	5,842.60		$	—			$	5,842.60		$	5,666.00
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—			13,442.90				13,442.90			15,019.90
	Total financial liabilities	$	—		$	5,842.60		$	13,442.90			$	19,285.50		$	20,685.90
		September 30, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3				Fair Value			Carrying Amount
	Assets (a)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,319.20		$	—		$	—			$	1,319.20		$	1,319.20
	Asset-based loans	—			—			811.6				811.6			811.6
	Other invested assets	—			—			151.7				151.7			151.7
	Total financial assets	$	1,319.20		$	—		$	963.3			$	2,282.50		$	2,282.50
	Liabilities (a)
	Total debt (b)	$	—		$	5,308.50		$	—			$	5,308.50		$	5,157.80
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—			13,108.80				13,108.80			14,555.40
	Total financial liabilities	$	—		$	5,308.50		$	13,108.80			$	18,417.30		$	19,713.20
	(a)	The carrying amounts of trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued investment income and portions of other insurance liabilities approximate fair value due to their short duration and, accordingly, they are not presented in the tables above.
	(b)	The fair values of debt set forth above are generally based on quoted or observed market prices.
Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The Company’s consolidated assets and liabilities measured at fair value are summarized according to the hierarchy previously described as follows:
		December 31, 2014													September 30, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3				Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Fair Value
	Assets
	Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	—		$	—		$	41.5			$	41.5		$	—	$	—		$	41.5		$	41.5
	Derivatives:
	Interest rate contracts	—			0.6			—				0.6			—		0.6			—			0.6
	Commodity swap and option agreements	—			19.9			—				19.9			—		3.2			—			3.2
	Foreign exchange forward agreements	—			17.3			—				17.3			—		12.8			—			12.8
	Call options and futures contracts	—			306.2			—				306.2			—		296.3			—			296.3
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			1,804.50			34.6				1,839.10			—		1,755.90			37			1,792.90
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			548			120.4				668.4			—		553.8			83.1			636.9
	Corporates	—			8,813.80			907.6				9,721.40			—		8,945.80			850			9,795.80
	Hybrids	—			1,301.50			—				1,301.50			—		1,316.10			—			1,316.10
	Municipals	—			1,323.10			38.8				1,361.90			—		1,222.60			37.2			1,259.80
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			2,201.90			—				2,201.90			—		2,114.00			—			2,114.00
	U.S. Government	401.6			182			—				583.6			115.6		180.4			—			296
	Equity securities:
	Available-for-sale	57.1			562.7			6.1				625.9			59.2		598.4			6			663.6
	Trading	91.5			—			—				91.5			104.5		—			—			104.5
	Other invested assets	—			2			11.8				13.8			—		2.1			11.2			13.3
	Funds withheld receivable (a)	—			512.6			—				512.6			—		154.4			—			154.4
	Total financial assets	$	550.2		$	17,596.10		$	1,160.80			$	19,307.10		$	279.3	$	17,156.40		$	1,066.00		$	18,501.70
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	—		$	—		$	2,140.20			$	2,140.20		$	—	$	—		$	1,908.10		$	1,908.10
	Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	—			—			496.4				496.4			—		—			151.3			151.3
	Foreign exchange forward agreements and contracts	—			2.6			—				2.6			—		0.1			—			0.1
	Futures contracts	—			1.9			—				1.9			—		0.4			—			0.4
	Commodity contracts	—			0.9			—				0.9			—		0.5			—			0.5
	Interest rate contracts	—			1.9			—				1.9			—		1.8			—			1.8
	Total financial liabilities	$	—		$	7.3		$	2,636.60			$	2,643.90		$	—	$	2.8		$	2,059.40		$	2,062.20
Schedule of Unobservable Inputs Used for Level Three Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments on Recurring Basis	Quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs used for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments carried at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 were as follows:
			Fair Value at										Range (Weighted average)
	Assets		December 31,			September 30,			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		December 31,	September 30,
			2014			2014							2014	2014
	Contingent purchase price reduction receivable		$	41.5		$	41.5		Discounted cash flow		Probability of collection		88% - 96% (92%)	88% - 96% (92%)
											Expected term		1.8 months	4.5 months
											Discount rate		1%	1%
											Credit insurance risk premium		12%	12%
	Asset-backed securities		34.6			37			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100% - 109%	100% - 109% (101%)
													-100%
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		120.4			83.1			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100% - 122%	105% - 121% (118%)
													-115%
	Corporates		905.5			848			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		65% - 122% (102%)	62% - 120% (100%)
	Corporates		2.1			2			Matrix Pricing		Quoted prices		148%	142%
	Municipal		38.8			37.2			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		112%	107%
	Equity		6.1			6			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100%	100%
	Other invested assets		11.8			11.2			Black Scholes model		Net asset value of AnchorPath Fund		100%	100%
	Total		$	1,160.80		$	1,066.00
	Liabilities
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	2,140.20		$	1,908.10		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0% - 43% (3%)	0% - 50% (3%)
											SWAP rates		2%	2% - 3% (2%)
											Mortality multiplier		80%	80%
											Surrender rates		0.50% - 75% (7%)	0.50% - 75% (7%)
											Non-performance risk spread		0.25%	0.25%
	Front Street future policyholder benefit liability		496.4			151.3			Discounted cash flow		Non-performance risk spread		0.50% - 1.50%	0.50% - 1.50%
											Risk margin to reflect uncertainty		0.50%	0.50%
	Total		$	2,636.60		$	2,059.40
Changes in Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The following tables summarize changes to the Company’s financial instruments carried at fair value and classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. This summary excludes any impact of amortization of value of business acquired ("VOBA") and deferred acquisition costs ("DAC"). The gains and losses below may include changes in fair value due in part to observable inputs that are a component of the valuation methodology.
		Three months ended December 31, 2014
		Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)															Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
		of Period			Included in			Included in				Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Level 3 (a)			Period
					Earnings			AOCI
	Assets
	Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	41.5		$	—		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	41.5
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	37			—			—				3.5			—		—			(5.9		)	34.6
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	83.1			—			0.8				36.8			—		(0.3		)	—			120.4
	Corporates	850			(0.1		)	8.4				51.9			—		(2.6		)	—			907.6
	Municipals	37.2			—			1.8				—			—		(0.2		)	—			38.8
	Equity securities - available-for-sale	6			—			0.1				—			—		—			—			6.1
	Other invested assets	11.2			0.6																		11.8
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,066.00		$	0.5		$	11.1			$	92.2		$	—	$	(3.1	)	$	(5.9	)	$	1,160.80
		Balance at Beginning			Total (Gains) Losses															Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
		of Period			Included in			Included in				Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Level 3 (a)			Period
					Earnings			AOCI
	Liabilities
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,908.10		$	232.1		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,140.20
	Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	151.3			(1.3		)	—				346.9			—		(0.5		)	—			496.4
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	2,059.40		$	230.8		$	—			$	346.9		$	—	$	(0.5	)	$	—		$	2,636.60
	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2014 were exclusively to Level 2.
		Three months ended December 31, 2013
		Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)															Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
		of Period			Included in			Included in				Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Level 3 (a)			Period
					Earnings			AOCI
	Assets
	Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	41		$	0.5		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	41.5
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	5			—			(0.2		)		5			—		—			—			9.8
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5.7			—			0.3				—			—		—			—			6
	Corporates	461.1			—			(6.1		)		152.6			—		(0.5		)	—			607.1
	Municipals	—			—			(0.7		)		35			—		—			—			34.3
	Equity securities available-for-sale	10.7			0.1			—				—			—		—			—			10.8
	Total assets at fair value	$	523.5		$	0.6		$	(6.7	)		$	192.6		$	—	$	(0.5	)	$	—		$	709.5
		Balance at Beginning			Total (Gains) Losses															Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
		of Period			Included in			Included in				Purchases			Sales		Settlements			Level 3 (a)			Period
					Earnings			AOCI
	Liabilities
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,544.40		$	100.3		$	—			$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,644.70
	Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	—			(0.7		)	—				150.6			—		—			—			149.9
	Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	330.8			47.2			—				—			—		—			—			378
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	1,875.20		$	146.8		$	—			$	150.6		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,172.60

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_inclu1

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Definite Lived Intangible Assets	A summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets, including FGL’s DAC and VOBA balances, are as follows:
					Intangible Assets
		Goodwill			Indefinite Lived			Definite Lived			VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1,524.80		$	1,215.90		$	917.2		$	86.8		$	463.8		$	2,683.70
	Acquisitions	7.1			4			9.4			—			—			13.4
	Impairments	(28.3		)	(31.9		)	—			—			—			(31.9		)
	Deferrals	—			—			—			—			95.5			95.5
	Less: Components of amortization
	Periodic amortization	—			—			(20.5		)	(7.6		)	(10.5		)	(38.6		)
	Interest	—			—			—			3			5.3			8.3
	Unlocking	—			—			—			0.6			(2.1		)	(1.5		)
	Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	—			—			—			6.9			(6.0		)	0.9
	Effect of translation	(11.7		)	(9.4		)	(8.1		)	—			—			(17.5		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,491.90		$	1,178.60		$	898		$	89.7		$	546		$	2,712.30
	Definite lived intangible assets are summarized as follows:
		December 31, 2014									September 30, 2014
		Cost			Accumulated Amortization			Net			Cost			Accumulated Amortization			Net			Amortizable Life
	Customer relationships	$	876.3		$	(213.9	)	$	662.4		$	877.1		$	(204.6	)	$	672.5		15 to 20 years
	Trade names	170.7			(65.0		)	105.7			171.1			(61.0		)	110.1			1 to 12 years
	Technology assets	192.2			(62.3		)	129.9			192.2			(57.6		)	134.6			4 to 17 years
		$	1,239.20		$	(341.2	)	$	898		$	1,240.40		$	(323.2	)	$	917.2
Summary of Amortization Expense of Definite Lived Intangible Assets	Amortization expense for definite lived intangible assets is as follows:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Customer relationships	$	11.7		$	11.7
	Trade names	4.1			4.1
	Technology assets	4.7			4.4
		$	20.5		$	20.2
Estimated Amortization Expense for VOBA and DAC in Future Fiscal Periods	stimated amortization expense for VOBA in future fiscal periods is as follows:
			Estimated Amortization Expense
	Fiscal Year		VOBA
	2015		$	32.9
	2016		40.4
	2017		32.9
	2018		26.4
	2019		21.3
	Thereafter		93

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Debt	The Company’s consolidated debt consists of the following:
		December 31, 2014					September 30, 2014
		Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate
	HGI
	7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019	$	604.4		7.9	%	$	604.4		7.9	%
	7.75% Senior Unsecured Notes, due January 15, 2022	750			7.8	%	750			7.8	%
	Spectrum Brands
	Term Loan, due September 4, 2017 (Tranche A)*	648.4			3	%	648.4			3	%
	Term Loan, due September 4, 2019 (Tranche C)*	509.9			3.6	%	509.9			3.6	%
	CAD Term Loan, due December 17, 2019*	32.9			5.1	%	34.2			5.1	%
	Euro Term Loan, due September 4, 2019 (Tranche A)*	272.9			3.8	%	283.3			3.8	%
	Euro Term Loan, due December 19, 2021 (Tranche B)*	183.3			3.8	%	—			—	%
	6.375% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2020	520			6.4	%	520			6.4	%
	6.625% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2022	570			6.6	%	570			6.6	%
	6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020	300			6.8	%	300			6.8	%
	6.125% Notes, due December 15, 2024	250			6.1	%	—			—	%
	ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017	—			2.5	%	—			2.5	%
	Other notes and obligations	42.3			10.3	%	36.6			8.8	%
	Capitalized lease obligations	92			6.1	%	94.7			6.1	%
	FGL
	6.375% Senior Notes, due April 1, 2021	300			6.4	%	300			6.4	%
	Compass
	Compass Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018	327			2.7	%	243.2			2.7	%
	Salus
	Unaffiliated long-term debt of consolidated variable-interest entity	193			6.6	%	193			6.7	%
	Secured borrowings under non-qualifying loan participations	105.8			10.8	%	106.8			10.8	%
	Total	5,701.90					5,194.50
	Original issuance discounts on debt, net of premiums	(35.9		)			(36.7		)
	Total debt	5,666.00					5,157.80
	Less current maturities	105.3					96.7
	Non-current portion of debt	$	5,560.70				$	5,061.10

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Earned, Benefits Incurred and Reserve Changes	The effect of reinsurance on premiums earned, benefits incurred and reserve changes for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014						2013
		Insurance Premiums			Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves			Insurance Premiums			Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves
	Direct	$	63.2		$	304.2		$	67.7		$	296.4
	Assumed	8.8			10			9.3			5.4
	Ceded	(60.3		)	(72.7		)	(63.1		)	(67.1		)
	Net	$	11.7		$	241.5		$	13.9		$	234.7

Stock_Compensation_Tables

Stock Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block]	A summary of warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and related activity during the three months then ended, under HGI's incentive plan are as follows (share amounts in thousands):
			HGI
	Warrants		Units		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted
							Average Grant
							Date Fair Value
	Warrants outstanding at September 30, 2014		3,000		$	13.13	$	3.22
	Exercised		—		—		—
	Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2014		3,000		13.13		3.22
	Warrants vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014		600		13.13		3.22
	Warrants outstanding and expected to vest		2,400		13.13		3.22
Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Related Activity	A summary of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and related activity during the three months then ended, under HGI, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. ("FGH"), and FGL’s respective incentive plans are as follows (option amounts in thousands):
			HGI							FGH					FGL
	Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted			Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted
							Average Grant												Average Grant
							Date Fair Value												Date Fair Value
	Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014		4,624		$	8.14	$	3.28		225		$	46.19		242		$	17	$	3.72
	Granted		822		13.36		5.25			—		—			176		24.87		5.1
	Exercised		(306	)	6.32		2.41			—		—			(2	)	17		5.26
	Forfeited or expired		—		—		—			(1	)	49.45			(1	)	20.93		5.18
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014		5,140		9.09		3.65			224		46.18			415		20.32		4.29
	Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014		2,419		7.96		3.18			166		45.02			78		17		3.67
	Stock options outstanding and expected to vest		2,721		10.09		4.08			56		46.15			313		20.25		4.24
Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Outstanding and Related Activity	A summary of restricted stock, restricted stock units and Performance Restricted Stock Units ("PRSUs") outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and related activity during the three months then ended, under HGI, Spectrum Brands, FGH and FGL’s respective incentive plans are as follows (share amounts in thousands):
			HGI				FGL
	Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
					Average Grant				Average Grant
					Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value
	Restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2014		5,438		$	9.75	172		$	18.18
	Granted		1,885		13.36		250		24.34
	Exercised / Released		(2,447	)	8.84		(55	)	18.03
	Forfeited		—		—		(2	)	22.49
	Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2014		4,876		11.6		365		22.4
	Restricted stock outstanding and expected to vest		4,855		11.61		342		22.34
			HGI				Spectrum Brands					FGH
	Restricted Stock Units		Units		Weighted		Units		Weighted			Units		Weighted
					Average Grant				Average Grant					Average Grant
					Date Fair Value				Date Fair Value					Date Fair Value
	Restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2014		7		$	11.84	827		$	67.66		26		$	49.55
	Granted		6		13.36		233		90.4			—		—
	Exercised / Released		—		—		(584	)	69.12			(12	)	49.45
	Forfeited		—		—		(5	)	69.49			—		—
	Restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2014		13		12.54		471		77.08			14		49.64
	Restricted stock units outstanding and expected to vest		13		12.54		471		77.08			13		49.64
			FGL
	Performance Restricted Stock Units		Units		Weighted
					Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
	Performance restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2014		578		$	17.37
	Granted		40		20.36
	Performance restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2014		618		17.56
	Performance restricted stock units expected to vest		618		17.56
Assumptions Used in Determination of Grant Date Fair Values Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	The following assumptions were used in the determination of these grant date fair values for options awarded using the Black-Scholes option pricing model:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.58% to 1.87%		1.46% to 1.75%
	Assumed dividend yield	—%		—%
	Expected option term	5.0 to 6.5 years		5.3 to 6.0 years
	Volatility	38.0% to 39.0%		41.20%

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Basic and Diluted EPS	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") (share amounts in thousands):
		Three months ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Net loss attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	$	(109.8	)	$	(39.0	)
	Participating shares at end of period:
	Common shares outstanding	196,879			139,574
	Preferred shares (as-converted basis)	—			61,986
	Total	196,879			201,560
	Percentage of income loss allocated to:
	Common shares	100		%	100		%
	Preferred shares (a)	—		%	—		%
	Net loss attributable to common shares - basic and diluted	$	(109.8	)	$	(39.0	)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	196,997			139,173
	Net loss per common share attributable to controlling interest:
	Basic	$	(0.56	)	$	(0.28	)
	Diluted	$	(0.56	)	$	(0.28	)

Related_Party_Transactions_Sch

Related Party Transactions Schedule of related party investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	In November 2012, the Company had entered a reciprocal services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Harbinger Capital Partners LLC ("Harbinger Capital"), a related party of the Company, with respect to the provision of services that may include providing office space and operational support and each party making available their respective employees to provide services as reasonably requested by the other party, subject to any limitations contained in applicable employment agreements and the terms of the Services Agreement. On December 14, 2014, in accordance with the Services Agreement, the Company gave Harbinger Capital ninety days advance written notice of the termination of the Services Agreement effective as of March 1, 2015. Under the Services Agreement, the Company recognized $2.0 and $1.4 of expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In connection with Mr. Falcone’s resignation, on November 25, 2014, the Company and Mr. Falcone entered into a Separation and General Release Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Falcone was paid $20.5 as a one-time payment, $16.5, which constituted the unpaid portion of Mr. Falcone’s Fiscal 2014 annual bonus (in cash, rather than a combination of cash and equity) and $3.3, which constituted a pro-rata bonus for Fiscal 2015 (in cash, rather than a combination of cash and equity) for service through December 1, 2014 based on anticipated results. Mr. Falcone’s warrant was amended to provide for their continued vesting, in accordance with their prior vesting schedule, as if Mr. Falcone remained employed with the Company through each applicable vesting date. In exchange, Mr. Falcone executed a general release of claims in favor of the Company and agreed to various restrictive covenants, including covenants relating to non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, confidentiality, and further cooperation. The Falcone Separation Agreement further provides, among other things, that for a period of two years from the date of Mr. Falcone’s resignation, without the approval of a majority of the directors on the Board, Mr. Falcone may not, and may not cause his affiliates, to (i) enter into or seek to enter into a business combination involving the Company, (ii) seek representation or control of the Board or affairs of the Company, (iii) purchase or acquire additional securities of the Company, (iv) make certain proposals or solicit such proxies, or (v) have any discussions or enter into any arrangements with, or assist any other person in connection with any of the foregoing.
	On March 18, 2014, HGI entered into the Letter Agreement with Leucadia (the “Letter Agreement”). The Letter Agreement was entered into in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by that certain Preferred Securities Purchase Agreement, dated March 18, 2014 (the “PSPA”), by and among Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I, Ltd., Global Opportunities Breakaway Ltd. and Harbinger Capital Partners Special Situations Fund, L.P. (together, the “HCP Stockholders”) and Leucadia, pursuant to which Leucadia acquired, following receipt of regulatory approval, 23 million shares of Common Stock, at a price of $11.00 per share of Common Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $253.0 in cash. HGI did not sell any securities in the transaction. Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, Leucadia have designated two directors to HGI's board. The Letter Agreement further provides, among other things, that without the prior approval of a majority of the directors on HGI's board (other than the Leucadia designees), Leucadia and its affiliates will not acquire additional shares or voting rights of HGI that would increase Leucadia’s beneficial ownership above 27.5% of the voting power of HGI’s outstanding securities. The Letter Agreement also restricts Leucadia’s and its affiliates’ ability to make certain proposals or solicit such proxies and limits their ability to sell Leucadia’s investment in HGI to counterparties who hold, or after giving effect to a sale would hold, in excess of 4.9% of HGI’s voting stock (subject to certain exceptions). Leucadia also agreed to vote in favor of the slate of directors nominated by a majority of HGI’s board (other than the Leucadia designees). The terms of the Letter Agreement, including the provisions described above, last until March 18, 2016. In connection with the March 2014 transaction with Leucadia, under the terms of an existing registration rights agreement, the HCP Stockholders transferred a portion of their rights under the registration rights agreement with respect to the shares underlying Leucadia’s Preferred Stock and HGI entered into a Registration Rights Acknowledgement among it, the HCP Stockholders and Leucadia acknowledging such transfer. A special committee of HGI’s board, comprised of independent directors under the NYSE rules, advised by two separate outside counsel, determined that it is in the best interests of HGI and its stockholders (not including Harbinger Capital and Leucadia and their respective affiliates) for HGI to enter into the foregoing agreements and the related transactions.
	FGL invested in collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") securities issued by Fortress Credit Opportunities III CLO LP ("FCO III") and also invested in securities issued by Fortress Credit BSL Limited ("Fortress BSL"). The parent of both FCO III and Fortress BSL is Fortress Investment Group LLC ("Fortress"), which has acquired interests greater than 10% ownership in HGI as of December 31, 2014.
	FGL’s consolidated related party investments as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:
			December 31, 2014						September 30, 2014
	Issuer	Balance Sheet Classification	Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value		Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Fortress	Fixed maturities	$	201.7	$	2.3	$	204	$	194.9	$	1.9	$	196.8
	FGL's related net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:
			Three months ended December 31,
	Issuer	Investment Income Classification	2014		2013
	Fortress	Net investment income	$	2	$	—
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	FGL’s consolidated related party investments as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:
			December 31, 2014						September 30, 2014
	Issuer	Balance Sheet Classification	Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value		Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Fortress	Fixed maturities	$	201.7	$	2.3	$	204	$	194.9	$	1.9	$	196.8
	FGL's related net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:
			Three months ended December 31,
	Issuer	Investment Income Classification	2014		2013
	Fortress	Net investment income	$	2	$	—

Segment_Data_Tables

Segment Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Accordingly, the Company currently operates its business in four reporting segments: (i) Consumer Products, (ii) Insurance, (iii)Energy and (iv) Asset Management.
	The following schedules present the Company’s segment information for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
			Three months ended December 31,
			2014				2013
	Revenues:
	Consumer Products		$	1,067.80			$	1,100.60
	Insurance		310.8				373.1
	Energy		34.3				35.5
	Asset Management		8				4.5
	Intersegment elimination		(3.5		)		(3.7		)
	Consolidated segment revenues		1,417.40				1,510.00
	Corporate and Other		21				—
	Total revenues		$	1,438.40			$	1,510.00
	Operating (loss) income:
	Consumer Products		$	115.6			$	125
	Insurance		25.2				85.3
	Energy		(195.0		)		6
	Asset Management		(1.1		)		(3.9		)
	Intersegment elimination		(4.0		)		(3.7		)
	Total segment operating (loss) income		(59.3		)		208.7
	Corporate and Other and eliminations		(123.7		)		(29.4		)
	Consolidated operating (loss) income		(183.0		)		179.3
	Interest expense		(80.6		)		(84.0		)
	Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock		—				(47.2		)
	Gain on contingent purchase price reduction		—				0.5
	Other income (expense), net		174				(11.9		)
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	(89.6	)		$	36.7
		Three months ended December 31,
	Net change in cash due to operating activities	2014				2013
	Consumer Products	$	(146.5	)		$	(136.0	)
	Insurance	57.8				58.8
	Energy	4.4				7.2
	Asset Management	(7.9		)		5.4
	Net change in cash due to segment operating activities	(92.2		)		(64.6		)
	Net change in cash due to corporate and other operating activities, including intersegment eliminations	(79.5		)		(24.8		)
	Consolidated change in cash due to operating activities	$	(171.7	)		$	(89.4	)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform1

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Balance Sheet Information	Harbinger Group Inc. - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Information
	December 31, 2014	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
	Assets:
	Investments	$	—		$	19,359.70		$	—		$	546.3		$	81.9		$	(247.6	)	$	19,740.30
	Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	—			64.5			—			—			2,309.10			(2,373.6		)	—
	Affiliated loans and receivables	—			138.8			—			18.3			0.1			(157.2		)	—
	Cash and cash equivalents	408.4			599.5			12.9			78.9			211.7			—			1,311.40
	Receivables, net	576.8			0.8			36.4			0.8			45.3			—			660.1
	Inventories, net	701.9			—			—			—			8.3			—			710.2
	Accrued investment income	—			163.8			—			4.8			—			(0.7		)	167.9
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,416.70			—			—			—			—			2,416.70
	Deferred tax assets	41.7			136			—			0.1			1.1			(0.1		)	178.8
	Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	419.8			11.7			620			1.3			2			—			1,054.80
	Goodwill	1,465.00			—			—			10.7			16.2			—			1,491.90
	Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net	2,066.70			635.7			—			—			9.9			—			2,712.30
	Other assets	151.8			564.7			1.7			8.9			35.1			0.1			762.3
	Total assets	$	5,832.10		$	24,091.90		$	671		$	670.1		$	2,720.70		$	(2,779.1	)	$	31,206.70
	Liabilities and Equity:
	Insurance reserves	$	—		$	21,246.60		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	21,246.60
	Debt	3,415.60			300			327			297.7			1,325.70			—			5,666.00
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	714.1			50.1			31.1			11.3			92.5			0.5			899.6
	Employee benefit obligations	78.3			—			—			—			4.2			—			82.5
	Deferred tax liabilities	510.2			—			—			—			5.4			2.4			518
	Other liabilities	20.2			640.3			37.4			12.8			1.3			—			712
	Affiliated debt and payables	—			1.2			100			271.4			30.9			(403.5		)	—
	Total liabilities	4,738.40			22,238.20			495.5			593.2			1,460.00			(400.6		)	29,124.70
	Total stockholders’ equity	615.3			1,522.30			175.1			65.8			1,276.20			(2,378.5		)	1,276.20
	Noncontrolling interests	478.4			331.4			0.4			11.1			(15.5		)	—			805.8
	Total permanent equity	1,093.70			1,853.70			175.5			76.9			1,260.70			(2,378.5		)	2,082.00
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,832.10		$	24,091.90		$	671		$	670.1		$	2,720.70		$	(2,779.1	)	$	31,206.70
	September 30, 2014	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
	Assets:
	Investments	$	—		$	18,820.70		$	—		$	584.6		$	93.7		$	(246.5	)	$	19,252.50
	Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates	—			68.2			—			—			2,237.90			(2,306.1		)	—
	Affiliated loans and receivables	—			157.2			—			28.5			—			(185.7		)	—
	Cash and cash equivalents	194.6			633.8			14.2			53.5			423.1			—			1,319.20
	Receivables, net	515.3			2.1			23.7			0.9			43.1			—			585.1
	Inventories, net	624.5			—			—			—			10.7			—			635.2
	Accrued investment income	—			181.8			—			3.7			—			(0.6		)	184.9
	Reinsurance recoverable	—			2,397.60			—			—			—			—			2,397.60
	Deferred tax assets	46.7			139			—			—			1.1			(0.1		)	186.7
	Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	428.9			11.4			464.4			1.4			2.5			—			908.6
	Goodwill	1,469.60			—			—			10.7			44.5			—			1,524.80
	Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net	2,091.50			550.4			—			—			41.8			—			2,683.70
	Other assets	141.9			233.6			2.5			9.2			34.7			—			421.9
	Total assets	$	5,513.00		$	23,195.80		$	504.8		$	692.5		$	2,933.10		$	(2,739.0	)	$	30,100.20
	Liabilities and Equity:
	Insurance reserves	$	—		$	20,215.10		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	20,215.10
	Debt	2,990.90			300			243.2			298.7			1,325.00			—			5,157.80
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities	816.2			71.9			31.3			8.5			104.6			0.5			1,033.00
	Employee benefit obligations	81.9			—			—			—			4.3			—			86.2
	Deferred tax liabilities	516			—			—			—			17.2			0.1			533.3
	Other liabilities	21.2			748.9			27.3			19.3			1.1			—			817.8
	Affiliated debt and payables	—			7.8			102.3			286.5			34.8			(431.4		)	—
	Total liabilities	4,426.20			21,343.70			404.1			613			1,487.00			(430.8		)	27,843.20
	Temporary equity	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
	Total stockholders’ equity	612.4			1,526.90			100.7			68.2			1,441.60			(2,308.2		)	1,441.60
	Noncontrolling interests	474.4			325.2			—			11.3			4.5			—			815.4
	Total permanent equity	1,086.80			1,852.10			100.7			79.5			1,446.10			(2,308.2		)	2,257.00
	Total liabilities and equity	$	5,513.00		$	23,195.80		$	504.8		$	692.5		$	2,933.10		$	(2,739.0	)	$	30,100.20
Schedule of Income Statement Information	Harbinger Group Inc. - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations Information
	Three months ended December 31, 2014	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
	Revenues:
	Net consumer and other product sales	$	1,067.80		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	21		$	—		$	1,088.80
	Oil and natural gas	—			—			34.3			—			—			—			34.3
	Insurance premiums	—			11.7			—			—			—			—			11.7
	Net investment income	—			226.9			—			8			—			(4.1		)	230.8
	Net investment gains	—			51.4			—			—			—			0.6			52
	Insurance and investment product fees and other	—			20.8			—			—			—			—			20.8
	Total revenues	1,067.80			310.8			34.3			8			21			(3.5		)	1,438.40
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	697.6			—			—			—			14.4			—			712
	Oil and natural gas direct operating costs	—			—			20.5			—			—			—			20.5
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	—			241.5			—			—			—			—			241.5
	Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	234.1			32.8			18.8			9.1			70.1			0.5			365.4
	Impairments	—			—			190			—			60.2			—			250.2
	Amortization of intangibles	20.5			11.3			—			—			—			—			31.8
	Total operating costs and expenses	952.2			285.6			229.3			9.1			144.7			0.5			1,621.40
	Operating (loss) income	115.6			25.2			(195.0		)	(1.1		)	(123.7		)	(4.0		)	(183.0		)
	Equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries	—			(2.8		)	—			—			(7.5		)	10.3			—
	Interest expense	(44.4		)	(5.9		)	(2.2		)	—			(28.1		)	—			(80.6		)
	Affiliated interest expense	—			—			(2.3		)	(1.5		)	(1.2		)	5			—
	Other income (expense), net	(0.7		)	—			160			(0.5		)	17.4			(2.2		)	174
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	70.5			16.5			(39.5		)	(3.1		)	(143.1		)	9.1			(89.6		)
	Income tax expense	20.5			7.8			—			—			(13.2		)	1.7			16.8
	Net (income) loss	50			8.7			(39.5		)	(3.1		)	(129.9		)	7.4			(106.4		)
	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	20.8			3.3			(0.3		)	(0.3		)	(20.1		)	—			3.4
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	29.2		$	5.4		$	(39.2	)	$	(2.8	)	$	(109.8	)	$	7.4		$	(109.8	)
	Three months ended December 31, 2013	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
	Revenues:
	Net consumer and other product sales	$	1,100.60		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,100.60
	Oil and natural gas	—			—			35.5			—			—			—			35.5
	Insurance premiums	—			13.9			—			—			—			—			13.9
	Net investment income	—			200.4			—			4.5			—			(3.7		)	201.2
	Net investment gains	—			141.9			—			—			—			—			141.9
	Insurance and investment product fees and other	—			16.9			—			—			—			—			16.9
	Total revenues	1,100.60			373.1			35.5			4.5			—			(3.7		)	1,510.00
	Operating costs and expenses:
	Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	719.4			—			—			—			—			—			719.4
	Oil and natural gas operating costs	—			—			16.1			—			—			—			16.1
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	—			234.7			—			—			—			—			234.7
	Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	236			29.9			13.4			8.4			29.4			—			317.1
	Amortization of intangibles	20.2			23.2			—			—			—			—			43.4
	Total operating costs and expenses	975.6			287.8			29.5			8.4			29.4			—			1,330.70
	Operating (loss) income	125			85.3			6			(3.9		)	(29.4		)	(3.7		)	179.3
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries	—			—			—			—			71.5			(71.5		)	—
	Interest expense	(57.0		)	(5.6		)	(2.4		)	—			(19.0		)	—			(84.0		)
	Affiliated interest expense	—			—			(2.3		)	(1.4		)	—			3.7			—
	Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock	—			—			—			—			(47.2		)	—			(47.2		)
	Gain on contingent purchase price reduction	—			—			—			—			0.5			—			0.5
	Other income (expense), net	(0.9		)	—			(3.4		)	(3.7		)	(3.9		)	—			(11.9		)
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	67.1			79.7			(2.1		)	(9.0		)	(27.5		)	(71.5		)	36.7
	Income tax expense	12.7			26.5			—			(0.2		)	(0.7		)	—			38.3
	Net loss	54.4			53.2			(2.1		)	(8.8		)	(26.8		)	(71.5		)	(1.6		)
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	22.6			3.3			—			(0.7		)	—			—			25.2
	Net loss attributable to controlling interest	31.8			49.9			(2.1		)	(8.1		)	(26.8		)	(71.5		)	(26.8		)
	Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion	—			—			—			—			12.2			—			12.2
	Net loss attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	$	31.8		$	49.9		$	(2.1	)	$	(8.1	)	$	(39.0	)	$	(71.5	)	$	(39.0	)

Subsequent_Events_Subsequent_E

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events - Event A (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Schedule of Subsequent Events [Table Text Block]	ASC 855, “Subsequent Events” (“ASC 855”), establishes general standards of accounting and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. ASC 855 requires the Company to evaluate events that occur after the balance date through the date of the Company’s financial statements are issued, and to determine whether adjustments to or additional disclosures in the financial statements are necessary. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued.
	On December 29, 2014 (subsequent to Spectrum Brands' December 28, 2014 quarter end), Spectrum Brands completed a $120.0 cash acquisition, excluding working capital adjustments, of Procter & Gamble’s European pet food business, consisting of premium brands for dogs and cats. The Company will account for this acquisition in accordance with ASC 805. Spectrum Brands is in the process of completing the preliminary purchase accounting.
	On January 16, 2015, Spectrum Brands completed a $150.5 cash acquisition, excluding working capital adjustments, of Salix Animal Health LLC, which provides premium pet food products. The Company will account for this acquisition in accordance with ASC 805. The Company is in the process of completing the preliminary purchase accounting.

Description_of_Business_Basis_

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014	Oct. 06, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Unamortized costs exceed ceiling limitations	$190,000,000
Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion		12,200,000
Long-term debt	5,701,900,000			5,194,500,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	1,464
Payments for Repurchase of Equity	19,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				100,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	15,500,000
Asset-based loans	791,900,000			811,600,000
Number of reporting segments	4
Compass Production Partners [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	118,800,000		118,800,000
FGLH [Member] | 6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.38%			6.38%
Long-term debt	300,000,000			300,000,000
Spectrum Brands [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	41.40%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Six Point One Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.13%			0.00%
Long-term debt	250,000,000			0
Spectrum Brands [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.80%			6.80%
Long-term debt	300,000,000			300,000,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.00%			3.60%
Long-term debt	648,400,000			509,900,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Six Point Three Seven Five Senior Notes [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.38%			6.38%
Long-term debt	520,000,000			520,000,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | 6.625% Notes [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.63%			6.63%
Long-term debt	570,000,000			570,000,000
HGI [Member] | 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	7.88%			7.88%
Long-term debt				604,400,000
HGI [Member] | Seven Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	7.75%			7.75%
Long-term debt	750,000,000			750,000,000
FGL [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	19.90%
Tell Manufacturing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net					30,300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill					12,500,000
Compass Production Partners [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Percentage Of Equity Interests Acquired			100.00%			26.00%
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest			465,700,000
Ability Re [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	19,200,000
Severance Cost, one time payments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Severance Costs	20,500,000
Severance Cost, Accrued Bonus [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Severance Costs	16,500,000
Severance Cost, Future Bonus [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Severance Costs	3,300,000
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Euro Term Loan, Due September 4, 2019 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.80%			3.80%
Long-term debt	272,900,000			283,300,000
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due December 19, 2021 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$150,000,000

Basis_of_Presentation_Signific2

Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Polices and Practicies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Unamortized costs exceed ceiling limitations	$190
Spectrum Brands [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	41.40%
FGL [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	19.90%
Natural Gas [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Average Sales Prices	4.35
Oil [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Average Sales Prices	94.99
Natural Gas Liquids [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Average Sales Prices	42.55

Basis_of_Presentation_Signific3

Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Polices and Practicies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$250.20
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Unamortized costs exceed ceiling limitations	190
FGL [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	19.90%
Raven Re [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	245		270
Statutory Accounting Practices, Permitted Practice, Change in Statutory Capital and Surplus	17.3		20.5
Statutory Accounting Practices, Non-Permitted Practice, Change in Statutory Capital and Surplus	-75.1		-108.9
Energy Segment [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$190

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014	Oct. 06, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Trade names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			1 year
Trade names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			12 years
Technology assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			4 years
Technology assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			17 years
Customer relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			15 years
Customer relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			20 years
Compass Production Partners [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain				$141,200,000
Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Period Increase (Decrease)				145,400,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets, Current				56,100,000
Business Acquisition Percentage Of Equity Interests Acquired				100.00%			26.00%
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Unproved Oil and Natural Gas Properties				26,300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Natural Gas Properties				767,500,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable				23,200,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other				1,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligations				36,000,000
Ability Re [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	19,200,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross					17,900,000
General Partner [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Percentage Of Equity Interests Acquired				100.00%
Tell Manufacturing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net						30,300,000
Tell Manufacturing [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles						4,000,000
Tell Manufacturing [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Retention Rate						90.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent						38.00%
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Key Assumptions Discount Rate						20.00%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value						$8,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life						13 years
Tell Manufacturing [Member] | Customer relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate						2.50%
Tell Manufacturing [Member] | Customer relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate						7.10%
Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Tell Manufacturing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Measurement Basis, Percentage of Total						97.00%
Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] | Tell Manufacturing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Measurement Basis, Percentage of Total						3.00%

Acquisitions_Companys_Pro_Form

Acquisitions - Company's Pro Forma Results (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Basic net income per common share attributable to controlling interest:
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.56)	($0.28)
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.56)	($0.28)
Revenues	$1,438.40	$1,510

Acquisitions_Acquisition_Compa

Acquisitions Acquisition - Compass (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014				Oct. 31, 2014
Compass Production Partners [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain	$141,200,000
Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Period Increase (Decrease)	145,400,000					145,400,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligations	-36,000,000					-36,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets Less Goodwill	466,500,000					466,500,000
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value	-800,000					-800,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest	465,700,000					465,700,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other	-1,000,000					-1,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets, Current	56,100,000					56,100,000
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date	346,900,000					346,900,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Unproved Oil and Natural Gas Properties	26,300,000					26,300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Natural Gas Properties	767,500,000					767,500,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Gathering Assets	20,800,000					20,800,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets	1,900,000					1,900,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable	-23,200,000					-23,200,000
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		The following table presents a summary of the fair value of assets and liabilities on October 31, 2014, which was the date the Company acquired control of Compass through the acquisition of the additional interest from EXCO:
			Preliminary Valuation
		Purchase price allocation	31-Oct-14
		Assets acquired:
		Current assets	$	56.1
		Unproved oil and natural gas properties	26.3
		Proved developed oil and natural gas properties	767.5
		Gathering assets	20.8
		Other non-current assets	1.9
		Liabilities assumed:
		Accounts payable	(23.2		)
		Revenues and royalties payable	(18.9		)
		Other current liabilities	(1.0		)
		Long term debt, less current maturities	(327.0		)
		Asset retirement obligations	(36.0		)
		Total identifiable net assets	466.5
		Non-controlling interests	(0.8		)
		Total net assets acquired	$	465.7
		Cash paid upon the acquisition of additional interest	$	118.8
		Fair value of equity investment in Compass prior to acquisition	346.9
		Total purchase price	$	465.7
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Revenues and Royalties Payable	-18,900,000					-18,900,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt	-327,000,000					-327,000,000
Compass Production Partners [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$118,800,000	118,800,000

Acquisitions_Acquisition_Tell_

Acquisitions Acquisition - Tell Manufacturing (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$1,491,900	$1,524,800
Tell Manufacturing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents			1,100
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables			5,400
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory			7,200
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets			600
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment			1,500
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill			12,500
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets			28,300
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities			5,100
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets Less Goodwill			23,200
Goodwill			7,100
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net			$30,300

Acquisitions_Acquisition_Abili

Acquisitions Acquisition - Ability Re (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 03, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Ability Re [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Marketable Securities			$100,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	17,900,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents			8,400,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Funds Withheld			359,500,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets			368,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Insurance Reserves			346,900,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other			1,900,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities			348,800,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets Less Goodwill			19,200,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		19,200,000
Shaser [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		-1,500,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other		$2,800,000

Investments_AvailableforSale_S

Investments - Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$1,160.80		$709.50		$1,066		$523.50
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0.5		0.6
Total investments, Carrying Value	19,740.30				19,252.50
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	16,939.80
Total investments, Cost or Amortized Cost	18,890.30				18,409.80
Investments, Unrealized Losses	-240.3				-158.4
Investments, Unrealized Gains	1,090.30				1,001.10
Total investment, Estimated Fair Value	19,740.30				19,252.50
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	11.1		-6.7
Purchases	92.2		192.6
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	3.1		0.5
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5.9	[1]
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	34.6		9.8		37		5
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0		-0.2
Purchases	3.5		5
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5.9	[1]			-5.9	[1]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	120.4		6		83.1		5.7
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0.8		0.3
Purchases	36.8
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0.3
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	907.6		607.1		850		461.1
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	-0.1
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	8.4		-6.1
Purchases	51.9		152.6
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	2.6		0.5
Hybrids [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value			34.3
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI			-0.7
Purchases			35
Municipals [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	38.8				37.2
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	1.8
Purchases	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0.2
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0
Non Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Unrealized gains included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities	0.9
Unrealized losses included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities	-1.9
Other Marketable Securities, Current	15,555				15,009.30
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	6.1		10.8		6		10.7
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings			0.1
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	55.7				31.2
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-58.5				-50
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	717.4				768.1
Total investments, Carrying Value	717.4				768.1
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	720.2				786.9
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0.1		0
Purchases	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0		0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	[1]	0	[1]
Equity Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	25.3				23
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-6.8				-5.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	625.9				663.6
Total investments, Carrying Value	625.9				663.6
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	607.4				645.7
Equity Securities [Member] | Held for trading [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	30.4				8.2
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-51.7				-44.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	91.5				104.5
Total investments, Carrying Value	91.5				104.5
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	112.8				141.2
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	910.6				846.5
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-172.6				-103.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	17,677.80				17,211.50
Total investments, Carrying Value	17,677.80				17,211.50
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	16,939.80				16,468.70
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	8.3				10.9
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-32.1				-18.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,839.10				1,792.90
Total investments, Carrying Value	1,839.10				1,792.90
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,862.90				1,800.80
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	20				21.3
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-1				-2
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	668.4				636.9
Total investments, Carrying Value	668.4				636.9
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	649.4				617.6
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	550.6				499.2
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-95				-48.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	9,721.40				9,795.80
Total investments, Carrying Value	9,721.40				9,795.80
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	9,265.80				9,345.50
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	55.6				52.2
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-22.8				-15.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,301.50				1,316.10
Total investments, Carrying Value	1,301.50				1,316.10
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,268.70				1,279.10
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] | Municipals [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	143.2				116.2
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-2.8				-6.3
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,361.90				1,259.80
Total investments, Carrying Value	1,361.90				1,259.80
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,221.50				1,149.90
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] | Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	124.6				140.3
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-18.1				-11.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	2,201.90				2,114
Total investments, Carrying Value	2,201.90				2,114
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,095.40				1,984.80
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	8.3				6.4
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-0.8				-1.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	583.6				296
Total investments, Carrying Value	583.6				296
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	576.1				291
Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Cost	191.4				177.7
Trading Securities	306.2				296.3
Other Investments Gross Unrealized Gain	124				123.3
Other Short Term Investments Gross Unrealized Losses	-9.2				-4.7
Asset based loan receivables [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Cost	791.9				811.6
Trading Securities	791.9				811.6
Other Invested Assets [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Cost					164.9
Trading Securities					165
Other Investments Gross Unrealized Gain					0.1
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Other Investments Asset [Member] | All Other Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Cost	247
Trading Securities	247
Other Investments Gross Unrealized Gain	0
Other Short Term Investments Gross Unrealized Losses	$0
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Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
	Investment
	industry
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Asset-backed loans	$791.90		$811.60
Significant investment, number of industries	1
Industry holdings, number of top investments	10
Equity Securities Holdings Exposure Amount of Single Issuer Greater than Stated Percentage of Total Investments	39.30%
Total investments, Carrying Value	19,740.30		19,252.50
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	206.8		136.2
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	100.00%		100.00%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 1 to 29 Days Past Due	206.8		136.2
Non Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Unrealized gains included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities	0.9
Unrealized losses included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities	-1.9
Other Marketable Securities, Current	15,555		15,009.30
FGLH [Member] | Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair value of investment	1,011		768.5
Percentage of fair value of the invested assets portfolio	5.10%		4.00%
Investment in issuers	6		4
Percentage of stockholders equity	10.00%
Investment Income [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	-14.3	-12
Available for sale securities on fixed maturity	809.6	1,705.90
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	10.5	21.8
Concentration [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment Securities Held by Subsidiaries Subject to Specialized Industry Accounting Principles at Fair Value	2,217.70		2,240.30
Percentage of fair value of the invested assets portfolio	11.20%		11.60%
Number Of Issuers In Investment	80
Concentration [Member] | FGLH [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair value of investment	250
Percentage of fair value of the invested assets portfolio	1.30%
Asset based loan receivables [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Asset-backed loans	150
Insurance Segment [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair value on securities	40		0.2
Percentage of amortized cost			20.00%
Percentage of carrying values of all investments (less than 1%)			1.00%
FHLB of Atlanta Funding Agreement Collateral Held [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	566.1		573.2
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total investments, Carrying Value	17,677.80		17,211.50
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total investments, Carrying Value	1,839.10		1,792.90
Commercial Mortgage Loan [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Ratio of Performing Loans to All Loans	100.00%
Loan to Value, Maximum Threshold	75.00%
Investments, Cost or Amortized, Percentage of Total	1.00%		0.70%
Asset based loan receivables [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Cost or Amortized, Percentage of Total	31.60%
Industrial Property [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	20		0
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	9.70%		0.00%
Warehouse [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	47.7		48
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	23.10%		35.20%
Apartment Building [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	29.9		37.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	14.50%		27.80%
Office Building [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	76		44.6
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	36.70%		32.70%
Retail Site [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	33.2		5.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	16.00%		4.30%
East North Central US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	64.3		27.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	31.10%		20.40%
Middle Atlantic US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	18		10.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	8.70%		8.00%
Pacific US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	61.2		61.5
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	29.60%		45.10%
South Atlantic US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	37.5		0
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	18.10%		0.00%
West North Central US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	5.8		5.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	2.80%		4.30%
West South Central US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	20		30.2
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	9.70%		22.20%
Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	186		135.4
Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	20		0
Ratio Not Available [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0.8		0.8
LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	45.1		45.4
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	21.80%		33.30%
LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member] | Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	44.3		44.6
LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member] | Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0		0
LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member] | Ratio Not Available [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0.8		0.8
LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	51.4		19.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	24.90%		14.60%
LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member] | Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	51.4		19.9
LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member] | Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0		0
LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member] | Ratio Not Available [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0		0
LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	110.3		70.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	53.30%		52.10%
LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member] | Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	90.3		70.9
LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member] | Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	20		0
LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member] | Ratio Not Available [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Asset-backed loans	791.9		151.7
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	206.8		136.2
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	100.00%		100.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	45.1		45.4
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	21.80%		33.30%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	51.4		19.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	24.90%		14.60%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	110.3		70.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	53.30%		52.10%
Non-Qualifying Participation [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Asset-backed loans	$100

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost	$16,939.80
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	17,677.80
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	649.4
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	668.4
Structured hybrids [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	503.4
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	501.9
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	2,095.40
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	2,201.90
Other Invested Assets [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Cost		164.9
Other Investments Gross Unrealized Gain		0.1
Trading Securities		165
Non-structured Hybrids [Member] | Corporate [Member] | Municipal [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	302.3
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	2,786.20
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	2,899.60
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	5,840.60
Subtotal, Amortized Cost	11,828.70
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	304.4
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	2,830
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	2,990.60
Due after ten years, Fair Value	6,341.50
Subtotal, Fair Value	12,466.50
Other Investments Asset [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | All Other Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Cost	247
Other Investments Gross Unrealized Gain	0
Other Short Term Investments Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Trading Securities	$247

Investments_Fair_Value_and_Gro

Investments - Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	Security	Security
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$2,642.10	$2,577.10
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-67.4	-39.4
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	2,603.90	2,285.50
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-112	-69.4
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	5,246	4,862.60
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	179.4	108.8
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	378	319
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer	328	310
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position	706	629
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	834.2	825.8
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-16.1	-11.8
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	499.2	288.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-16	-7
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	1,333.40	1,114
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	32.1	18.8
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	57.9	160.3
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-0.5	-0.9
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	0.3	0.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-0.5	-1.1
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	58.2	160.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	1	2
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	898.1	816.6
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-32	-16.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	1,339	1,127.80
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-63	-32.6
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	2,237.10	1,944.40
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	95	48.9
Equities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	117.2	180.4
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-3.6	-2.2
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	50.9	54.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-3.2	-2.9
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	168.1	235.3
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	6.8	5.1
Hybrids [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	270.8	258.2
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-4.9	-2.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	234.4	290
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-17.9	-12.9
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	505.2	548.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	22.8	15.2
Municipals [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	9.4
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-0.1
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	194.3	264.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-2.7	-6.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	203.7	264.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	2.8	6.3
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	454.5	298.5
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-10.2	-5.8
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	227	177.6
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-7.9	-5.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	681.5	476.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	18.1	11.1
U.S. Government securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months		37.3
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses		-0.1
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	58.8	81.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-0.8	-1.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	58.8	119
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$0.80	$1.40

Investments_Portfolio_of_Asset

Investments - Portfolio of Asset-Backed Loans and Other Invested Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	$799.40		$818.80
Less: Allowance for credit losses	7.5		7.2
Total asset-backed loans, net	791.9		811.6
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	7.5	7	7.2	5.2
Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses	0.3	1.8
Apparel [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	198.2		191.6
Jewelry [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	89.6		100.1
Home Furnishings [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	57.2		71.7
Manufacturing [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	54.1		56.9
Other [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	98.3		94.9
Transportation [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	45.3		44.3
Electronics [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	245.7		245.4
451110 Sporting Goods Stores [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	$11		$13.90

Investments_Schedule_of_Allowa

Investments - Schedule of Allowance for Credit Losses (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for credit losses:
Balance at beginning of period	$7.20	$5.20
Provision for credit losses	0.3	1.8
Balance at end of period	$7.50	$7

Investments_Schedule_of_Credit

Investments - Schedule of Credit Quality of Asset-Based Loan Portfolio (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	$206.80	$136.20
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans	799.4	818.8
Substandard [Member]
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans	481.8	250.8
Special Mention [Member]
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans	108.5	372.7
Pass [Member]
Asset-based loans, by credit quality rating
Total asset-backed loans	209.1	195.3
LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	45.1	45.4
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	21.80%	33.30%
LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	51.4	19.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	24.90%	14.60%
LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	110.3	70.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	53.30%	52.10%
Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	186	135.4
Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	44.3	44.6
Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	51.4	19.9
Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	90.3	70.9
Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	20	0
Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0	0
Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0	0
Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	20	0
Ratio Not Available [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0.8	0.8
Ratio Not Available [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0.8	0.8
Ratio Not Available [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0	0
Ratio Not Available [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	206.8	136.2
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	45.1	45.4
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	21.80%	33.30%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	51.4	19.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	24.90%	14.60%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	$110.30	$70.90
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	53.30%	52.10%

Investments_Investments_Schedu

Investments Investments - Schedule of Commercial Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	$206.80	$136.20
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	45.1	45.4
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	21.80%	33.30%
LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	51.4	19.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	24.90%	14.60%
LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	110.3	70.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	53.30%	52.10%
Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	186	135.4
Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	44.3	44.6
Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	51.4	19.9
Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	90.3	70.9
Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	20	0
Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0	0
Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0	0
Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	20	0
Ratio Not Available [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0.8	0.8
Ratio Not Available [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0.8	0.8
Ratio Not Available [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0	0
Ratio Not Available [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	206.8	136.2
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	45.1	45.4
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	21.80%	33.30%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	51.4	19.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	24.90%	14.60%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	110.3	70.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	53.30%	52.10%
Industrial Property [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	20	0
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	9.70%	0.00%
Warehouse [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	47.7	48
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	23.10%	35.20%
Apartment Building [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	29.9	37.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	14.50%	27.80%
Office Building [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	76	44.6
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	36.70%	32.70%
Retail Site [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	33.2	5.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	16.00%	4.30%
East North Central US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	64.3	27.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	31.10%	20.40%
Middle Atlantic US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	18	10.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	8.70%	8.00%
Pacific US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	61.2	61.5
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	29.60%	45.10%
South Atlantic US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	37.5	0
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	18.10%	0.00%
West North Central US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	5.8	5.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	2.80%	4.30%
West South Central US [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Gross, Commercial, Mortgage	$20	$30.20
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	9.70%	22.20%

Investments_Net_Investment_Inc

Investments - Net Investment Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$235.30	$204.80
External investment expense	-4.5	-3.6
Net investment income	230.8	201.2
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	212.8	191.8
Equity available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	9.9	4.5
Policy loans [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	0.2	0.2
Invested cash and short-term investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	0	0.1
Asset based loan receivables [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	9.3	7.4
Other investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$3.10	$0.80

Investments_Net_Investment_Gai

Investments - Net Investment Gains (Losses) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract]
Net realized gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	($1.80)	$9.80
Realized gains on equity securities	3.2	5.4
Net realized gains on securities	1.4	15.2
Realized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments	45	66.8
Unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments	0.5	60.6
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	0.6
Change in fair value of derivatives	46.1	127.4
Realized gains on other invested assets	4.5	-0.7
Net investment gains (losses)	$52	$141.90

Investments_Cash_Flows_from_Co

Investments - Cash Flows from Consolidated Investing Activities by Security (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid	$982.20	$1,820.30
Cost of investments acquired	-1,526	-2,728.20
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid		1,705.90
Cost of investments acquired	-1,371.80	-2,598.50
Trading Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Cost of investments acquired	0	-4.4
Derivative and other [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid	128.1	114.4
Cost of investments acquired	-154.2	-125.3
Investment Income [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid	$854.10

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Outstanding Derivative Contracts in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Derivatives	$306.20		$296.30
Other invested assets	247		165
Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	306.2		296.3
Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other invested assets	11.8
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	18		14.2
Total liability derivatives	2.7		1.9
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Accounts payable and other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	1.9		1.8
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Commodity swap and option agreements [Member] | Receivables, net [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	0.6		0.6
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Commodity swap and option agreements [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	0.4		1.3
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] | Receivables, net [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	0.1		0.3
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	16.9		12
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Accounts payable and other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	0.8		0.1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	355.8		324.1
Total liability derivatives	2,147.50		1,910.90
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] | Accounts payable and other current liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives			0.1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	2.6
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Receivables, net [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	0.3		0.5
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Receivables, net [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives			1.9
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	19.5
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	0.1		0.3
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call options [Member] | Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	306.2		296.3
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | FIA embedded derivatives [Member] | Contractholder funds [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives			1,908.10
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Futures contracts [Member] | Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	11.8
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Futures contracts [Member] | Contractholder funds [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	2,140.20
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Futures contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	1.9		0.5
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives			11.2
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure	41.5	[1]	41.5	[1]
Funds Withheld Receivable	512.6	[1]	154.4	[1]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	19,307.10	[1]	18,501.70	[1]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,643.90	[1]	2,062.20	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives	0.6	[1]	0.6	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives	19.9	[1]	3.2	[1]
Derivative Liability	0.9	[1]	0.5	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives			12.8	[1]
Derivative Liability	2.6	[1]	0.4	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives	306.2	[1]	296.3	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	625.9	[1]	663.6	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	2,140.20	[1]	1,908.10	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	1.9
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	1.9	[1]	1.8	[1]
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Funds Withheld Receivable	0	[1]	0	[1]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	550.2	[1]	279.3	[1]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	57.1	[1]	59.2	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Funds Withheld Receivable	512.6	[1]	154.4	[1]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	17,596.10	[1]	17,156.40	[1]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	7.3	[1]	2.8	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives	0.6	[1]	0.6	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives	19.9	[1]	3.2	[1]
Derivative Liability	0.9	[1]	0.5	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives			12.8	[1]
Derivative Liability	2.6	[1]	0.4	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives	306.2	[1]	296.3	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	562.7	[1]	598.4	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	1.9		0.1
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	1.9	[1]	1.8	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Funds Withheld Receivable	0	[1]	0	[1]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,160.80	[1]	1,066	[1]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,636.60	[1]	2,059.40	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale			6	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	2,140.20	[1]	1,908.10	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	496.4	[1]	151.3	[1]
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure	41.5	[1]	41.5	[1]
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,839.10	[1]	1,792.90	[1]
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,804.50	[1]	1,755.90	[1]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	668.4	[1]	636.9	[1]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	548	[1]	553.8	[1]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	9,721.40	[1]	9,795.80	[1]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	8,813.80	[1]	8,945.80	[1]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	907.6	[1]	850	[1]
Hybrids [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,301.50	[1]	1,316.10	[1]
Hybrids [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,301.50	[1]	1,316.10	[1]
Hybrids [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Municipals [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,361.90	[1]	1,259.80	[1]
Municipals [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,323.10	[1]	1,222.60	[1]
Municipals [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities			37.2	[1]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2,201.90	[1]	2,114	[1]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2,201.90	[1]	2,114	[1]
Broker Quoted [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	34.6	[1]	37	[1]
Broker Quoted [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	120.4	[1]	83.1	[1]
Market Pricing [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	38.8	[1]
Market Pricing [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	6.1	[1]
U.S. Government securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	583.6	[1]	296	[1]
U.S. Government securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	401.6	[1]	115.6	[1]
U.S. Government securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	182	[1]	180.4	[1]
Equity [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Trading Securities	91.5	[1]	104.5	[1]
Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Trading Securities	91.5	[1]	104.5	[1]
Other Invested Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Trading Securities			165
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other invested assets	13.8		13.3
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0		0
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other invested assets	2	[1]	2.1	[1]
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Option Pricing [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other invested assets			11.2
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Option Pricing [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other invested assets	11.8
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	496.4	[1]	151.3	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability			$0.10
[1]	DecemberB 31, 2014B SeptemberB 30, 2014B Level 1B Level 2B Level 3B Fair ValueB Level 1B Level 2B Level 3B Fair ValueAssets Contingent purchase price reduction receivable$bB $bB $41.5B $41.5B $bB $bB $41.5B $41.5Derivatives: Interest rate contractsbB 0.6B bB 0.6B bB 0.6B bB 0.6Commodity swap and option agreementsbB 19.9B bB 19.9B bB 3.2B bB 3.2Foreign exchange forward agreementsbB 17.3B bB 17.3B bB 12.8B bB 12.8Call options and futures contractsbB 306.2B bB 306.2B bB 296.3B bB 296.3Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: Asset-backed securitiesbB 1,804.5B 34.6B 1,839.1B bB 1,755.9B 37.0B 1,792.9Commercial mortgage-backed securitiesbB 548.0B 120.4B 668.4B bB 553.8B 83.1B 636.9CorporatesbB 8,813.8B 907.6B 9,721.4B bB 8,945.8B 850.0B 9,795.8HybridsbB 1,301.5B bB 1,301.5B bB 1,316.1B bB 1,316.1MunicipalsbB 1,323.1B 38.8B 1,361.9B bB 1,222.6B 37.2B 1,259.8Residential mortgage-backed securitiesbB 2,201.9B bB 2,201.9B bB 2,114.0B bB 2,114.0U.S. Government401.6B 182.0B bB 583.6B 115.6B 180.4B bB 296.0Equity securities: Available-for-sale57.1B 562.7B 6.1B 625.9B 59.2B 598.4B 6.0B 663.6Trading91.5B bB bB 91.5B 104.5B bB bB 104.5Other invested assetsbB 2.0B 11.8B 13.8B bB 2.1B 11.2B 13.3Funds withheld receivable (a)bB 512.6B bB 512.6B bB 154.4B bB 154.4Total financial assets$550.2B $17,596.1B $1,160.8B $19,307.1B $279.3B $17,156.4B $1,066.0B $18,501.7 Liabilities Derivatives: FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds$bB $bB $2,140.2B $2,140.2B $bB $bB $1,908.1B $1,908.1Front Street future policyholder benefit liabilitybB bB 496.4B 496.4B bB bB 151.3B 151.3Foreign exchange forward agreements and contractsbB 2.6B bB 2.6B bB 0.1B bB 0.1Futures contractsbB 1.9B bB 1.9B bB 0.4B bB 0.4Commodity contractsbB 0.9B bB 0.9B bB 0.5B bB 0.5Interest rate contractsbB 1.9B bB 1.9B bB 1.8B bB 1.8Total financial liabilities$bB $7.3B $2,636.6B $2,643.9B $bB $2.8B $2,059.4B $2,062.2

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	$0.60
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member] | Gain from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended December 31,	0	-47.2
Commodity contracts [Member] | Other (expense) income, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended December 31,	18.7	-3.4
Bronze Commodity Contract [Member] | Consumer products cost of goods sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended December 31,	0	-0.1
Bronze Commodity Contract [Member] | Net investment gains [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended December 31,	0.6	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other (expense) income, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended December 31,	-1.7	0.8
Call options [Member] | Net investment gains [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended December 31,	41.3	114.3
Futures contracts [Member] | Net investment gains [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended December 31,	4.2	13.1
FIA embedded derivatives [Member] | Benefits and other changes in policy reserves [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended December 31,	$232.10	$100.30

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 16, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
					MMBTU
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Other invested assets	$247,000,000		$165,000,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,151,500,000		7,602,600,000
Call options purchased to match the funding requirements			Call options are one, two and three year options
FGL purchases call options to fund the next index credit			One, two or three year call options to fund the next index credit
Derivative, Percentage of Production Volume Covered by Derivative Financial Instruments	71.00%	84.00%
Futures contracts [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash collateral	7,400,000		10,800,000
Futures contracts	1,627		2,348
Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	11,800,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	22,700,000
Investment Owned, Balance, Principal Amount				35,000,000
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability				11,300,000
Call options [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	213,200,000		188,000,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	306,200,000		296,300,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	93,000,000		108,300,000
Swap [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Natural Gas, Volume					6,821
Swap [Member] | Oil Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative, Commodity Contract, Oil Volume					254,366
Spectrum Brands [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	313,700,000		108,900,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit			0		0
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Zinc Commodity Swap Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Contract value	14,700,000
Derivative net loss/gain	200,000
Estimated amount of derivative net losses/gains to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months	200,000
Weight of raw materials under derivative contract	7,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Silver Commodity Swap Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Contract value	300,000		400,000
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	20		25
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Bronze Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Contract value	6,300,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	1.36%
Derivative net loss/gain	500,000		400,000
Estimated amount of derivative net losses/gains to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months	900,000		800,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	300,000,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Contract value	157,000,000
Derivative net loss/gain	7,300,000
Derivative net loss/gain, net of tax benefit/expense	2,700,000
Estimated amount of derivative net losses/gains to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months	7,300,000
Remainder of 2014 [Member] | Swap [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Forward Price	56.26
Remainder of 2014 [Member] | Swap [Member] | Oil Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Forward Price	3.01
Year Two [Member] | Swap [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Natural Gas, Volume	10,950,000
Year Two [Member] | Swap [Member] | Oil Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative, Commodity Contract, Oil Volume	250,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	355,800,000		324,100,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Call options [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	174,800,000		135,500,000
Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Futures contracts [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	11,800,000
Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	19,500,000
Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call options [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$306,200,000		$296,300,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments - FGL's Exposure to Credit Loss on Call Options Held (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Derivative, Notional Amount	$8,151.50	$7,602.60
Bank of America [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)	A/*/A
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,004.80	2,239.90
Deutsche Bank [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)	*/A3/A
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,681.80	2,810
Morgan Stanley [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)	A+/A3/A
Derivative, Notional Amount	3,205.60	2,294.70
Barclay's Bank [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)	A/A2/A
Derivative, Notional Amount	259.3	258
Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	93	108.3
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	306.2	296.3
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	213.2	188
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	355.8	324.1
Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	306.2	296.3
Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call options [Member] | Bank of America [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	36.2	40.2
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	74.6	92.7
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	38.4	52.5
Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call options [Member] | Deutsche Bank [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	27.2	35.5
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	123	108
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	95.8	72.5
Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call options [Member] | Morgan Stanley [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	17.9	22
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	96.9	85
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	79	63
Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call options [Member] | Barclay's Bank [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	11.7	10.6
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	11.7	10.6
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	$0	$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Oil and Gas Commodity Contracts on (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen7

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments - Oil and Gas Commodity Contracts (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			MMBTU
Derivative [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Derivative, Percentage of Production Volume Covered by Derivative Financial Instruments	71.00%	84.00%
Swap [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Natural Gas, Volume			6,821
Swap [Member] | Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] | Year Two [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Natural Gas, Volume	10,950,000
Weighted average strike price per Mmbtu/Bbl	3.95
Fair Value at December 31, 2014	10
Swap [Member] | Oil Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Commodity Contract, Oil Volume			254,366
Swap [Member] | Oil Commodity Contract [Member] | Year Two [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Weighted average strike price per Mmbtu/Bbl	94.98
Fair Value at December 31, 2014	9.5
Derivative, Commodity Contract, Oil Volume	250,000
Swap [Member] | Energy Related Derivative [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value at December 31, 2014	19.5

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value on Non-Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$1,160.80		$709.50		$1,066		$523.50
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,311.40		1,293.80		1,319.20		1,899.70
Derivatives, Assets
Derivatives	306.2				296.3
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Asset-backed loans	791.9				811.6
Other invested assets	247				165
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0.5		0.6
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	11.1		-6.7
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	92.2		192.6
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-3.1		-0.5
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net	-5.9	[1]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	2,636.60		2,172.60		2,059.40		1,875.20
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	230.8		146.8
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	346.9		150.6
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements	-0.5		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net	0		0
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	34.6		9.8		37		5
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0		-0.2
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	3.5		5
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net	-5.9	[1]			-5.9	[1]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	120.4		6		83.1		5.7
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0.8		0.3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	36.8
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-0.3
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	907.6		607.1		850		461.1
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-0.1
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	8.4		-6.1
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	51.9		152.6
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-2.6		-0.5
Hybrids [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value			34.3
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			-0.7
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases			35
Municipals [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	38.8				37.2
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1.8
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	-0.2
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net	0
Held for trading [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	6.1		10.8		6		10.7
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings			0.1
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0.1		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net	0	[1]	0	[1]
Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	11.8				11.2
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net		[1]
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0.6
Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Trading Securities					165
Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Total debt	5,842.60	[2]			5,308.50	[2]
Level 3 [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Asset-backed loans	791.9				151.7
Derivatives, Liabilities
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	13,442.90				13,108.80
Level 3 [Member] | Policy loans [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Policy loans and other invested assets	233.2				811.6
Recurring [Member]
Assets
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure	41.5	[3]			41.5	[3]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,643.90	[3]			2,062.20	[3]
Funds Withheld Receivable	512.6	[3]			154.4	[3]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	19,307.10	[3]			18,501.70	[3]
Recurring [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	583.6	[3]			296	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivatives					12.8	[3]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	2.6	[3]			0.4	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivatives	19.9	[3]			3.2	[3]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	0.9	[3]			0.5	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivatives	306.2	[3]			296.3	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - available-for-sale	625.9	[3]			663.6	[3]
Recurring [Member] | FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	2,140.20	[3]			1,908.10	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	1.9
Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivatives	0.6	[3]			0.6	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	1.9	[3]			1.8	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	1,839.10	[3]			1,792.90	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	668.4	[3]			636.9	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	9,721.40	[3]			9,795.80	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	1,301.50	[3]			1,316.10	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Municipals [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	1,361.90	[3]			1,259.80	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	2,201.90	[3]			2,114	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Equity [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Trading Securities	91.5	[3]			104.5	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Other invested assets	13.8				13.3
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total financial assets	1,311.40				1,319.20
Derivatives, Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0				0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	[3]			0	[3]
Funds Withheld Receivable	0	[3]			0	[3]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	550.2	[3]			279.3	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	401.6	[3]			115.6	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - available-for-sale	57.1	[3]			59.2	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	1,311.40				1,319.20	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Equity [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Trading Securities	91.5	[3]			104.5	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Other invested assets	0				0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total financial assets	0				0
Derivatives, Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	5,842.60				5,308.50
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	7.3	[3]			2.8	[3]
Funds Withheld Receivable	512.6	[3]			154.4	[3]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	17,596.10	[3]			17,156.40	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	182	[3]			180.4	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivatives					12.8	[3]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	2.6	[3]			0.4	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivatives	19.9	[3]			3.2	[3]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	0.9	[3]			0.5	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Call options [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivatives	306.2	[3]			296.3	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - available-for-sale	562.7	[3]			598.4	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	1.9				0.1
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Assets
Derivatives	0.6	[3]			0.6	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	1.9	[3]			1.8	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	1,804.50	[3]			1,755.90	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	548	[3]			553.8	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	8,813.80	[3]			8,945.80	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	1,301.50	[3]			1,316.10	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Municipals [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	1,323.10	[3]			1,222.60	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	2,201.90	[3]			2,114	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0				0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Other invested assets	2	[3]			2.1	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total financial assets	1,025.10				963.3
Derivatives, Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	13,442.90				13,108.80
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,636.60	[3]			2,059.40	[3]
Funds Withheld Receivable	0	[3]			0	[3]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,160.80	[3]			1,066	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Equity securities - available-for-sale					6	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	2,140.20	[3]			1,908.10	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	496.4	[3]			151.3	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	907.6	[3]			850	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities	0	[3]			0	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Municipals [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Available-for-sale Securities					37.2	[3]
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0				0	[3]
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	41.5		41.5		41.5		41
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings			0.5
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure	41.5	[3]			41.5	[3]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	2,140.20		1,644.70		1,908.10		1,544.40
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	232.1		100.3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases			0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales			0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements			0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net			0
Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	496.4		149.9		151.3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	-1.3		-0.7
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	346.9		150.6
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements	-0.5
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value			378				330.8
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings			47.2
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases			0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales			0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements			0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net			0
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Asset-backed loans	791.9				151.7
Total financial assets	2,336.50
Liabilities
Total debt	5,666	[2]			5,157.80	[2]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	15,019.90				14,555.40
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	20,685.90
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Policy loans [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Policy loans and other invested assets	233.2				811.6
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total financial assets					2,282.50
Derivatives, Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure					19,713.20
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	1,311.40				1,319.20
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Asset-backed loans	791.9				151.7
Liabilities
Total debt	5,842.60	[2]			5,308.50	[2]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	13,442.90				13,108.80
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Policy loans [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Policy loans and other invested assets	233.2				811.6
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Total financial assets	2,336.50				2,282.50
Derivatives, Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	19,285.50				18,417.30
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability					0.1
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]
Derivatives, Liabilities
Derivative Liability	496.4	[3]			151.3	[3]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	1,311.40				1,319.20	[3]
Option Pricing [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Other invested assets					$11.20
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmViNzU2N2Q0OTYxMTQyNzFiMTJmYjdjMmM4YTJkM2ZlfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246OUNENEUyQTc3QzdGNTE4MDlDRjNFNjY1RTQyMjIzMUIM}
[2]	(a)
[3]	DecemberB 31, 2014B SeptemberB 30, 2014B Level 1B Level 2B Level 3B Fair ValueB Level 1B Level 2B Level 3B Fair ValueAssets Contingent purchase price reduction receivable$bB $bB $41.5B $41.5B $bB $bB $41.5B $41.5Derivatives: Interest rate contractsbB 0.6B bB 0.6B bB 0.6B bB 0.6Commodity swap and option agreementsbB 19.9B bB 19.9B bB 3.2B bB 3.2Foreign exchange forward agreementsbB 17.3B bB 17.3B bB 12.8B bB 12.8Call options and futures contractsbB 306.2B bB 306.2B bB 296.3B bB 296.3Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: Asset-backed securitiesbB 1,804.5B 34.6B 1,839.1B bB 1,755.9B 37.0B 1,792.9Commercial mortgage-backed securitiesbB 548.0B 120.4B 668.4B bB 553.8B 83.1B 636.9CorporatesbB 8,813.8B 907.6B 9,721.4B bB 8,945.8B 850.0B 9,795.8HybridsbB 1,301.5B bB 1,301.5B bB 1,316.1B bB 1,316.1MunicipalsbB 1,323.1B 38.8B 1,361.9B bB 1,222.6B 37.2B 1,259.8Residential mortgage-backed securitiesbB 2,201.9B bB 2,201.9B bB 2,114.0B bB 2,114.0U.S. Government401.6B 182.0B bB 583.6B 115.6B 180.4B bB 296.0Equity securities: Available-for-sale57.1B 562.7B 6.1B 625.9B 59.2B 598.4B 6.0B 663.6Trading91.5B bB bB 91.5B 104.5B bB bB 104.5Other invested assetsbB 2.0B 11.8B 13.8B bB 2.1B 11.2B 13.3Funds withheld receivable (a)bB 512.6B bB 512.6B bB 154.4B bB 154.4Total financial assets$550.2B $17,596.1B $1,160.8B $19,307.1B $279.3B $17,156.4B $1,066.0B $18,501.7 Liabilities Derivatives: FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds$bB $bB $2,140.2B $2,140.2B $bB $bB $1,908.1B $1,908.1Front Street future policyholder benefit liabilitybB bB 496.4B 496.4B bB bB 151.3B 151.3Foreign exchange forward agreements and contractsbB 2.6B bB 2.6B bB 0.1B bB 0.1Futures contractsbB 1.9B bB 1.9B bB 0.4B bB 0.4Commodity contractsbB 0.9B bB 0.9B bB 0.5B bB 0.5Interest rate contractsbB 1.9B bB 1.9B bB 1.8B bB 1.8Total financial liabilities$bB $7.3B $2,636.6B $2,643.9B $bB $2.8B $2,059.4B $2,062.2

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Unobservable Inputs Used for Level Three Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 16, 2014
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,160.80		1,066
Other invested assets	247		165
Liabilities
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,636.60		2,059.40
Municipal [Member] | Broker Quoted [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Broker-quoted
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Broker Quoted [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Broker-quoted
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Broker Quoted [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	905.5		848
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Matrix Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Matrix Pricing
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2.1		2
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Broker Quoted [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Broker-quoted
Equities [Member] | Broker Quoted [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Broker-quoted
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Black Scholes Model [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Black Scholes model
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	19,307.10	[1]	18,501.70	[1]
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure	41.5	[1]	41.5	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,839.10	[1]	1,792.90	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	668.4	[1]	636.9	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	9,721.40	[1]	9,795.80	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,301.50	[1]	1,316.10	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipals [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,361.90	[1]	1,259.80	[1]
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow
Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	625.9	[1]	663.6	[1]
Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability					11.3
Other invested assets	11.8
Fixed Index Annuity [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow
Fixed Index Annuity [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	2,140.20	[1]	1,908.10	[1]
Minimum [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Offered quotes	100.00%		100.00%
Minimum [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Offered quotes	100.00%		105.00%
Minimum [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Quoted prices	65.00%		62.00%
Offered quotes			0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Quoted prices
Minimum [Member] | Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Probability of collection	88.00%		88.00%
Minimum [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member]
Liabilities
Market value of option	0.00%		0.00%
SWAP rates			2.00%
Surrender rates	0.50%		0.50%
Maximum [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Offered quotes	109.00%		109.00%
Maximum [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Offered quotes	122.00%		121.00%
Maximum [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Quoted prices			120.00%
Offered quotes	122.00%		0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Quoted prices
Maximum [Member] | Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Probability of collection	96.00%		96.00%
Expected term	1 month 8 days		4 months 5 days
Discount rate	1.00%		1.00%
Credit insurance risk premium	12.00%		12.00%
Maximum [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member]
Liabilities
Market value of option	43.00%		50.00%
SWAP rates			2.00%
Surrender rates	75.00%		75.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Offered quotes	100.00%		101.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Offered quotes	115.00%		118.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Quoted prices	102.00%		100.00%
Offered quotes	148.00%		142.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Municipal Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Offered quotes	112.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Quoted prices			107.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Equities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Offered quotes	100.00%		100.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Offered quotes	100.00%		100.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Probability of collection	92.00%		92.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member]
Liabilities
Market value of option	3.00%		3.00%
SWAP rates	2.00%		3.00%
Mortality multiplier	80.00%		80.00%
Surrender rates	7.00%		7.00%
Fair Value Measurements Non Performance Spread	0.25%		0.25%
Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Liabilities
Fair Value Measurements Non Performance Spread	0.50%		0.50%
Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Liabilities
Fair Value Measurements Non Performance Spread	1.50%		1.50%
Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Liabilities
Risk margin for uncertainty	0.50%		0.50%
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	550.2	[1]	279.3	[1]
Level 1 [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	57.1	[1]	59.2	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	17,596.10	[1]	17,156.40	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,804.50	[1]	1,755.90	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	548	[1]	553.8	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	8,813.80	[1]	8,945.80	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,301.50	[1]	1,316.10	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipals [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,323.10	[1]	1,222.60	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	562.7	[1]	598.4	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,160.80	[1]	1,066	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Broker Quoted [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	34.6	[1]	37	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Broker Quoted [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	120.4	[1]	83.1	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	907.6	[1]	850	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Hybrids [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | Market Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	38.8	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipals [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities			37.2	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure	41.5	[1]	41.5	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale			6	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Market Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	6.1	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	2,140.20	[1]	1,908.10	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	496.4	[1]	151.3	[1]
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Other invested assets	13.8		13.3
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0		0
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Other invested assets	2	[1]	2.1	[1]
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Option Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Other invested assets			11.2
Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Option Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Other invested assets	$11.80
[1]	DecemberB 31, 2014B SeptemberB 30, 2014B Level 1B Level 2B Level 3B Fair ValueB Level 1B Level 2B Level 3B Fair ValueAssets Contingent purchase price reduction receivable$bB $bB $41.5B $41.5B $bB $bB $41.5B $41.5Derivatives: Interest rate contractsbB 0.6B bB 0.6B bB 0.6B bB 0.6Commodity swap and option agreementsbB 19.9B bB 19.9B bB 3.2B bB 3.2Foreign exchange forward agreementsbB 17.3B bB 17.3B bB 12.8B bB 12.8Call options and futures contractsbB 306.2B bB 306.2B bB 296.3B bB 296.3Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: Asset-backed securitiesbB 1,804.5B 34.6B 1,839.1B bB 1,755.9B 37.0B 1,792.9Commercial mortgage-backed securitiesbB 548.0B 120.4B 668.4B bB 553.8B 83.1B 636.9CorporatesbB 8,813.8B 907.6B 9,721.4B bB 8,945.8B 850.0B 9,795.8HybridsbB 1,301.5B bB 1,301.5B bB 1,316.1B bB 1,316.1MunicipalsbB 1,323.1B 38.8B 1,361.9B bB 1,222.6B 37.2B 1,259.8Residential mortgage-backed securitiesbB 2,201.9B bB 2,201.9B bB 2,114.0B bB 2,114.0U.S. Government401.6B 182.0B bB 583.6B 115.6B 180.4B bB 296.0Equity securities: Available-for-sale57.1B 562.7B 6.1B 625.9B 59.2B 598.4B 6.0B 663.6Trading91.5B bB bB 91.5B 104.5B bB bB 104.5Other invested assetsbB 2.0B 11.8B 13.8B bB 2.1B 11.2B 13.3Funds withheld receivable (a)bB 512.6B bB 512.6B bB 154.4B bB 154.4Total financial assets$550.2B $17,596.1B $1,160.8B $19,307.1B $279.3B $17,156.4B $1,066.0B $18,501.7 Liabilities Derivatives: FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds$bB $bB $2,140.2B $2,140.2B $bB $bB $1,908.1B $1,908.1Front Street future policyholder benefit liabilitybB bB 496.4B 496.4B bB bB 151.3B 151.3Foreign exchange forward agreements and contractsbB 2.6B bB 2.6B bB 0.1B bB 0.1Futures contractsbB 1.9B bB 1.9B bB 0.4B bB 0.4Commodity contractsbB 0.9B bB 0.9B bB 0.5B bB 0.5Interest rate contractsbB 1.9B bB 1.9B bB 1.8B bB 1.8Total financial liabilities$bB $7.3B $2,636.6B $2,643.9B $bB $2.8B $2,059.4B $2,062.2

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Percentage of male contractholder	50.00%
Percentage of female contractholder	50.00%
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5,900,000	[1]
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5,900,000	[1]	-5,900,000	[1]
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	17,677,800,000		17,211,500,000
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$1,839,100,000		$1,792,900,000
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmViNzU2N2Q0OTYxMTQyNzFiMTJmYjdjMmM4YTJkM2ZlfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246OUNENEUyQTc3QzdGNTE4MDlDRjNFNjY1RTQyMjIzMUIM}

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Changes in Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,066,000,000		523,500,000		523,500,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	500,000		600,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	11,100,000		-6,700,000
Purchases	92,200,000		192,600,000
Settlements	-3,100,000		-500,000
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5,900,000	[1]
Balance at End of Period	1,160,800,000		709,500,000
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	2,059,400,000		1,875,200,000		1,875,200,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	230,800,000		146,800,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0
Purchases	346,900,000		150,600,000
Sales	0		0
Settlements	-500,000		0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3	0		0
Balance at End of Period	2,636,600,000		2,172,600,000
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,908,100,000		1,544,400,000		1,544,400,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	232,100,000		100,300,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI			0
Purchases			0
Sales			0
Settlements			0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3			0
Balance at End of Period	2,140,200,000		1,644,700,000
Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	151,300,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	-1,300,000		-700,000
Purchases	346,900,000		150,600,000
Settlements	-500,000
Balance at End of Period	496,400,000		149,900,000
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period			330,800,000		330,800,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings			47,200,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI			0
Purchases			0
Sales			0
Settlements			0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3			0
Balance at End of Period			378,000,000
Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI			0
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	37,000,000		5,000,000		5,000,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0		-200,000
Purchases	3,500,000		5,000,000
Settlements	0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5,900,000	[1]			-5,900,000	[1]
Balance at End of Period	34,600,000		9,800,000		37,000,000
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	83,100,000		5,700,000		5,700,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	800,000		300,000
Purchases	36,800,000
Settlements	-300,000
Balance at End of Period	120,400,000		6,000,000
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	850,000,000		461,100,000		461,100,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	-100,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	8,400,000		-6,100,000
Purchases	51,900,000		152,600,000
Sales	0
Settlements	-2,600,000		-500,000
Balance at End of Period	907,600,000		607,100,000
Hybrids [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI			-700,000
Purchases			35,000,000
Balance at End of Period			34,300,000
Municipals [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	37,200,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	1,800,000
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Settlements	-200,000
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0
Balance at End of Period	38,800,000
Equity securities available-for-sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	6,000,000		10,700,000		10,700,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings			100,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	100,000		0
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	0		0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	[1]	0	[1]
Balance at End of Period	6,100,000		10,800,000
Held for trading [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0
Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	11,200,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI
Purchases
Sales
Settlements
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)		[1]
Balance at End of Period	11,800,000
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	600,000
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period			41,000,000		41,000,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings			500,000
Balance at End of Period	$41,500,000		$41,500,000		$41,500,000
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOmViNzU2N2Q0OTYxMTQyNzFiMTJmYjdjMmM4YTJkM2ZlfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246OUNENEUyQTc3QzdGNTE4MDlDRjNFNjY1RTQyMjIzMUIM}

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru6

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,311.40		$1,319.20		$1,293.80	$1,899.70
Derivatives	306.2		296.3
Asset-backed loans	791.9		811.6
Other invested assets	247		165
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset-backed loans	791.9		151.7
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	13,442.90		13,108.80
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total debt	5,842.60	[1]	5,308.50	[1]
Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	11.8
Policy loans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Policy loans and other invested assets	233.2		811.6
Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities			165
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset-backed loans	791.9		151.7
Total debt	5,842.60	[1]	5,308.50	[1]
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	13,442.90		13,108.80
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Policy loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Policy loans and other invested assets	233.2		811.6
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset-backed loans	791.9		151.7
Total financial assets	2,336.50
Total debt	5,666	[1]	5,157.80	[1]
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	15,019.90		14,555.40
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	20,685.90
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Policy loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Policy loans and other invested assets	233.2		811.6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure	41.5	[2]	41.5	[2]
Funds Withheld Receivable	512.6	[2]	154.4	[2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	19,307.10	[2]	18,501.70	[2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,643.90	[2]	2,062.20	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds Withheld Receivable	0	[2]	0	[2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	1,160.80	[2]	1,066	[2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	2,636.60	[2]	2,059.40	[2]
Total financial assets	1,025.10		963.3
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	13,442.90		13,108.80
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds Withheld Receivable	0	[2]	0	[2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	550.2	[2]	279.3	[2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	[2]	0	[2]
Total financial assets	1,311.40		1,319.20
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Funds Withheld Receivable	512.6	[2]	154.4	[2]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	17,596.10	[2]	17,156.40	[2]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	7.3	[2]	2.8	[2]
Total financial assets	0		0
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	5,842.60		5,308.50
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	19.9	[2]	3.2	[2]
Derivative Liability	0.9	[2]	0.5	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	19.9	[2]	3.2	[2]
Derivative Liability	0.9	[2]	0.5	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	2,140.20	[2]	1,908.10	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	2,140.20	[2]	1,908.10	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	496.4	[2]	151.3	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	1.9
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	1.9		0.1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0.6	[2]	0.6	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	0.6	[2]	0.6	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives			12.8	[2]
Derivative Liability	2.6	[2]	0.4	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives			12.8	[2]
Derivative Liability	2.6	[2]	0.4	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	306.2	[2]	296.3	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	306.2	[2]	296.3	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	625.9	[2]	663.6	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale			6	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	57.1	[2]	59.2	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	562.7	[2]	598.4	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	1.9	[2]	1.8	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	1.9	[2]	1.8	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	17.3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivatives	17.3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	91.5	[2]	104.5	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	91.5	[2]	104.5	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	13.8		13.3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	2	[2]	2.1	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial assets	2,336.50		2,282.50
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	19,285.50		18,417.30
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	496.4	[2]	151.3	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liability			0.1
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial assets			2,282.50
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure			19,713.20
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure	41.5	[2]	41.5	[2]
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,839.10	[2]	1,792.90	[2]
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,804.50	[2]	1,755.90	[2]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	668.4	[2]	636.9	[2]
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	548	[2]	553.8	[2]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	9,721.40	[2]	9,795.80	[2]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	907.6	[2]	850	[2]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	8,813.80	[2]	8,945.80	[2]
Hybrids [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,301.50	[2]	1,316.10	[2]
Hybrids [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Hybrids [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,301.50	[2]	1,316.10	[2]
Municipals [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,361.90	[2]	1,259.80	[2]
Municipals [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities			37.2	[2]
Municipals [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,323.10	[2]	1,222.60	[2]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2,201.90	[2]	2,114	[2]
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2,201.90	[2]	2,114	[2]
Broker Quoted [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	34.6	[2]	37	[2]
Broker Quoted [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	120.4	[2]	83.1	[2]
Market Pricing [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities - available-for-sale	6.1	[2]
Market Pricing [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	38.8	[2]
Option Pricing [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets			11.2
Option Pricing [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other invested assets	11.8
U.S. Government securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	583.6	[2]	296	[2]
U.S. Government securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	401.6	[2]	115.6	[2]
U.S. Government securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$182	[2]	$180.40	[2]
[1]	(a)
[2]	DecemberB 31, 2014B SeptemberB 30, 2014B Level 1B Level 2B Level 3B Fair ValueB Level 1B Level 2B Level 3B Fair ValueAssets Contingent purchase price reduction receivable$bB $bB $41.5B $41.5B $bB $bB $41.5B $41.5Derivatives: Interest rate contractsbB 0.6B bB 0.6B bB 0.6B bB 0.6Commodity swap and option agreementsbB 19.9B bB 19.9B bB 3.2B bB 3.2Foreign exchange forward agreementsbB 17.3B bB 17.3B bB 12.8B bB 12.8Call options and futures contractsbB 306.2B bB 306.2B bB 296.3B bB 296.3Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: Asset-backed securitiesbB 1,804.5B 34.6B 1,839.1B bB 1,755.9B 37.0B 1,792.9Commercial mortgage-backed securitiesbB 548.0B 120.4B 668.4B bB 553.8B 83.1B 636.9CorporatesbB 8,813.8B 907.6B 9,721.4B bB 8,945.8B 850.0B 9,795.8HybridsbB 1,301.5B bB 1,301.5B bB 1,316.1B bB 1,316.1MunicipalsbB 1,323.1B 38.8B 1,361.9B bB 1,222.6B 37.2B 1,259.8Residential mortgage-backed securitiesbB 2,201.9B bB 2,201.9B bB 2,114.0B bB 2,114.0U.S. Government401.6B 182.0B bB 583.6B 115.6B 180.4B bB 296.0Equity securities: Available-for-sale57.1B 562.7B 6.1B 625.9B 59.2B 598.4B 6.0B 663.6Trading91.5B bB bB 91.5B 104.5B bB bB 104.5Other invested assetsbB 2.0B 11.8B 13.8B bB 2.1B 11.2B 13.3Funds withheld receivable (a)bB 512.6B bB 512.6B bB 154.4B bB 154.4Total financial assets$550.2B $17,596.1B $1,160.8B $19,307.1B $279.3B $17,156.4B $1,066.0B $18,501.7 Liabilities Derivatives: FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds$bB $bB $2,140.2B $2,140.2B $bB $bB $1,908.1B $1,908.1Front Street future policyholder benefit liabilitybB bB 496.4B 496.4B bB bB 151.3B 151.3Foreign exchange forward agreements and contractsbB 2.6B bB 2.6B bB 0.1B bB 0.1Futures contractsbB 1.9B bB 1.9B bB 0.4B bB 0.4Commodity contractsbB 0.9B bB 0.9B bB 0.5B bB 0.5Interest rate contractsbB 1.9B bB 1.9B bB 1.8B bB 1.8Total financial liabilities$bB $7.3B $2,636.6B $2,643.9B $bB $2.8B $2,059.4B $2,062.2

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_inclu2

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill and Intangible Assets Including FGL's DAC and VOBA Balances (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill	$1,524,800,000
Beginning Balance, Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	1,215,900,000
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	917,200,000
Beginning Balance, Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill	2,683,700,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	7,100,000
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	4,000,000
Acquisitions (Note 13)	13,400,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	-28,300,000
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	-31,900,000
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	60,200,000	0
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment	-31,900,000
Deferrals	95,500,000
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-31,800,000	-43,400,000
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	900,000
Effect of translation, Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill	-17,500,000
Ending Balance, Goodwill	1,491,900,000
Ending Balance, Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	1,178,600,000
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	898,000,000
Ending Balance, Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill	2,712,300,000
Unlocking [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-1,500,000
Interest [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	8,300,000
Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-38,600,000
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	917,200,000
Acquisitions (Note 3), Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	9,400,000
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	0
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-20,500,000	-20,200,000
Effect of translation, Finite Lived intangible assets	-8,100,000
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	898,000,000
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-20,500,000
VOBA [Member]
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	86,800,000
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-4,000,000	-13,200,000
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	6,900,000
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	89,700,000
VOBA [Member] | Unlocking [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	600,000
VOBA [Member] | Interest [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	3,000,000
VOBA [Member] | Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-7,600,000
DAC [Member]
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	463,800,000
Deferrals	95,500,000
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-7,300,000	-10,000,000
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	-6,000,000
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	546,000,000
DAC [Member] | Unlocking [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-2,100,000
DAC [Member] | Interest [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	5,300,000
DAC [Member] | Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	-10,500,000
Goodwill [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation, Finite Lived intangible assets	-11,700,000
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation, Finite Lived intangible assets	($9,400,000)

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_inclu3

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$7,100,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	77,500,000
Intangible assets amortization method	straight-line method
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	0.00%	0.00%
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	4,000,000
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment	-60,200,000
Amortization of intangibles	31,800,000	43,400,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	341,200,000		323,200,000
2014			80,700,000
2015			80,700,000
2016			80,700,000
2017			80,700,000
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	-31,900,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	-28,300,000
VOBA [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	32,900,000
Cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains	-157,200,000		-164,200,000
Amortization of intangibles	4,000,000	13,200,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-342,400,000	283,700,000
2014	40,400,000
2015	32,900,000
2016	26,400,000
2017	21,300,000
DAC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains	-61,500,000		-55,500,000
Amortization of intangibles	7,300,000	10,000,000
Deferred sales inducements, net of shadow adjustments	35,800,000		32,700,000
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accretion Rate, VOBA	4.00%
Amortizable Life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accretion Rate, VOBA	5.00%
Amortizable Life	20 years
Weighted Average [Member] | VOBA [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life	4 years 10 months 24 days
FOH [Member] | Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period			16,200,000
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$9,900,000

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_inclu4

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Summary of Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Cost	$1,239.20	1,240.40
Accumulated Amortization	-341.2	-323.2
Net	898	917.2
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life	20 years
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	876.3	877.1
Accumulated Amortization	-213.9	-204.6
Net	662.4	672.5
Customer relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life		15 years
Customer relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life		20 years
Trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	170.7	171.1
Accumulated Amortization	-65	-61
Net	105.7	110.1
Trade names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life		1 year
Trade names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life		12 years
Technology assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	192.2	192.2
Accumulated Amortization	-62.3	-57.6
Net	$129.90	134.6
Technology assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life		4 years
Technology assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life		17 years

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_inclu5

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Summary of Amortization Expense of Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	$31.80	$43.40
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	11.7	11.7
Trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	4.1	4.1
Technology assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	4.7	4.4
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	$20.50	$20.20

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_inclu6

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Estimated Amortization Expense for VOBA and DAC in Future Fiscal Periods (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2013	$77.50
2014		80.7
2015		80.7
2016		80.7
2017		80.7
VOBA [Member]
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2013	32.9
2014	40.4
2015	32.9
2016	26.4
2017	21.3
Thereafter	$93

Debt_Summary_of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Summary of Debt (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Long-term Debt	$5,701.90	$5,194.50
Original issuance (discounts) premiums on debt, net	-35.9	-36.7
Total Debt	5,666	5,157.80
Less current maturities	105.3	96.7
Non-current portion of debt	5,560.70	5,061.10
HGI [Member] | 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		604.4
Long-term debt, interest rate	7.88%	7.88%
HGI [Member] | Seven Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	750	750
Long-term debt, interest rate	7.75%	7.75%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	300	300
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.80%	6.80%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Six Point One Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	250	0
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.13%	0.00%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Six Point Three Seven Five Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	520	520
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.38%	6.38%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | 6.625% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	570	570
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.63%	6.63%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	0	0
Long-term debt, interest rate	2.50%	2.50%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Other notes and obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	42.3	36.6
Long-term debt, interest rate	10.30%	8.80%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Capitalized lease obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	92	94.7
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.10%	6.10%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due September 4, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	509.9	648.4
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.60%	3.00%
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	648.4	509.9
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.00%	3.60%
FGLH [Member] | 6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	300	300
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.38%	6.38%
EXCO/HGI JV [Member] | EXO/HGI Partnership Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	2.70%	2.70%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding		243.2
Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member] | Unaffiliated Long-Term Debt of Consolidated Variable-Interest-Entity [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	193	193
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.60%	6.65%
Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member] | Secured Borrowings Related to non-qualifying participating loan interests [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	105.8	106.8
Long-term debt, interest rate	10.80%	10.80%
Compass Credit Agreement [Member] | Compass Production Partners [Member] | EXO/HGI Partnership Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	327
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Euro Term Loan, Due September 4, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	272.9	283.3
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.80%	3.80%
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Euro Term Loan, Due December 19, 2021 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	0.4
Long-term Debt	150	0
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.80%	0.00%
United States of America, Dollars | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Euro Term Loan, Due December 19, 2021 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	183.3
Canada, Dollars | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due December 17, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$32.90	$34.20
Long-term debt, interest rate	5.10%	5.10%

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other assets	$762,300,000		$421,900,000
Interest Expense	80,600,000	84,000,000
Amortization of debt discount	1,200,000	600,000
Long-term Debt	5,701,900,000		5,194,500,000
Asset-based loans	791,900,000		811,600,000
HGI [Member] | Seven Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	7.75%		7.75%
Long-term Debt	750,000,000		750,000,000
HGI [Member] | 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	7.88%		7.88%
Long-term Debt			604,400,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.00%		3.60%
Long-term Debt	648,400,000		509,900,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	2.50%		2.50%
Long-term Debt	0		0
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	236,200,000
Debt Amount Reserve By Lender	6,400,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Six Point Three Seven Five Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.38%		6.38%
Long-term Debt	520,000,000		520,000,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | 6.625% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.63%		6.63%
Long-term Debt	570,000,000		570,000,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit outstanding	50,300,000
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Six Point One Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.13%		0.00%
Other assets	4,000,000
Long-term Debt	250,000,000		0
FGLH [Member] | FGL Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit outstanding	0
FGLH [Member] | 6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.38%		6.38%
Long-term Debt	300,000,000		300,000,000
EXCO/HGI JV [Member] | Compass Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	400,000,000
EXCO/HGI JV [Member] | EXO/HGI Partnership Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	2.70%		2.70%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			243,200,000
Compass Production Partners [Member] | EXO/HGI Partnership Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018 [Member] | Compass Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	327,000,000
Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member] | Secured Borrowings Related to non-qualifying participating loan interests [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	10.80%		10.80%
Long-term Debt	105,800,000		106,800,000
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Euro Term Loan, Due December 19, 2021 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.80%		0.00%
Other assets	2,100,000
Long-term Debt	150,000,000		0
Debt Instrument Discount Rate	0.00%
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Euro Term Loan, Due September 4, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	3.80%		3.80%
Long-term Debt	$272,900,000		$283,300,000

Reinsurance_Effect_of_Reinsura

Reinsurance - Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Earned, Benefits Incurred and Reserve Changes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance Premiums:
Direct	$63.20	$67.70
Assumed	8.8	9.3
Ceded	-60.3	-63.1
Net	11.7	13.9
Benefits and Other Changes in Insurance Policy Reserves:
Direct	304.2	296.4
Assumed	10	5.4
Ceded	-72.7	-67.1
Net	$241.50	$234.70

Reinsurance_Additional_Informa

Reinsurance - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Contractholder funds	$17,160,100,000	$16,463,500,000
Ability Re [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets			368,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Insurance Reserves			$346,900,000

Stock_Compensation_Consolidate

Stock Compensation - Consolidated Stock Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation	$20.10	$23.40

Stock_Compensation_Summary_of_

Stock Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Related Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Warrant [Member] | HGI [Member]
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	3,000
Granted	0
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	3,000
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	600
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	2,400
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$13.13
Granted	$0
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	$13.13
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	$13.13
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$13.13
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$3.22
Granted	$0
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	$3.22
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	$3.22
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$3.22
Employee Stock Option [Member] | HGI [Member]
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	4,624
Granted	822	1,326
Exercised	-306
Forfeited or expired	0
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	5,140
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	2,419
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	2,721
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$8.14
Granted	$13.36
Exercised	$6.32
Forfeited or expired	$0
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	$9.09
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	$7.96
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$10.09
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$3.28
Granted	$5.25
Exercised	$2.41
Forfeited or expired	$0
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	$3.65
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	$3.18
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$4.08
Employee Stock Option [Member] | FGLH [Member]
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	225
Granted	0
Exercised	0
Forfeited or expired	-1
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	224
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	166
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	56
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$46.19
Granted	$0
Exercised	$0
Forfeited or expired	$49.45
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	$46.18
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	$45.02
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$46.15
Employee Stock Option [Member] | FGL [Member]
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	242
Granted	176	191
Exercised	-2
Forfeited or expired	-1
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	415
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	78
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	313
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$17
Granted	$24.87
Exercised	$17
Forfeited or expired	$20.93
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	$20.32
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	$17
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$20.25
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$3.72
Granted	$5.10
Exercised	$5.26
Forfeited or expired	$5.18
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	$4.29
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	$3.67
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$4.24

Stock_Compensation_Summary_of_1

Stock Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Outstanding and Related Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
HGI [Member]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Granted	$29,600,000	46,300,000
Exercised / Released	$25,700,000	14,400,000
HGI [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted	6
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	0
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	7
Exercised / Released	0
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	13
Restricted award expected to vest	13
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	$11.84
Granted	$13.36
Exercised / Released	$0
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	$12.54
Restricted award expected to vest	$12.54
HGI [Member] | Restricted stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	0
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	5,438
Granted	1,885	3,302
Exercised / Released	-2,447
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	4,876
Restricted award expected to vest	4,855
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	$9.75
Granted	$13.36
Exercised / Released	$8.84
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	$11.60
Restricted award expected to vest	$11.61
FGL [Member]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Granted	$7,800,000	10,400,000
FGL [Member] | Restricted stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	-2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$22.49
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	172
Granted	250	107
Exercised / Released	-55
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	365
Restricted award expected to vest	342
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	$18.18
Granted	$24.34
Exercised / Released	$18.03
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	$22.40
Restricted award expected to vest	$22.34
FGL [Member] | Performance Restricted Stock Unit (PRSUs) [Member]
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	578
Granted	40	469
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	618
Restricted award expected to vest			618,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	$17.37
Granted	$20.36
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	$17.56
Restricted award expected to vest	$17.56
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	-5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$69.49
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	827
Granted	233	414
Exercised / Released	-584
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	471
Restricted award expected to vest	471
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	$67.66
Granted	$90.40
Exercised / Released	$69.12
Restricted award expected to vest	$77.08
FGLH [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	26
Exercised / Released	-12
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	14
Restricted award expected to vest	13
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012	$49.55
Granted	$0
Exercised / Released	$49.45
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	$49.64
Restricted award expected to vest	$49.64

Stock_Compensation_Additional_

Stock Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Stock-based compensation	$20.10	23.4
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Executive Bonus Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Executive Bonus Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
HGI [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years	3 years
Compensation cost not yet recognized	35
Unrecognized compensation cost expected to recognized, years	1 year 10 months 2 days
Granted	$29,600,000	46,300,000
Exercised / Released	$25,700,000	14,400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	2.2	0.9
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	1.9	0.6
HGI [Member] | Stock option awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding stock option awards	8 years 3 months 11 days
HGI [Member] | Restricted stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity intruments other than options granted	1,885	3,302
Granted	$13.36
Exercised / Released	$8.84
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	4,876		5,438
HGI [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, granted	6
Granted	$13.36
Exercised / Released	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	13		7
HGI [Member] | Warrant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, granted	0
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	600
HGI [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumed dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Options, granted	822	1,326
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	2,419
Spectrum Brands [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Time-based and vest over period of restricted stock units		1 year
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Time-based and vest over period of restricted stock units	1 year
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Time-based and vest over period of restricted stock units	3 years
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity intruments other than options granted	233	414
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	21.1	29
Compensation cost not yet recognized	17.1
Granted	$90.40
Exercised / Released	$69.12
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	471		827
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Immediate Vest Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	111	81
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Time Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	118	45
Spectrum Brands [Member] | Performance-based and Time-based Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	4	288
Time-based and vest over period of restricted stock units		2 years
FGL [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months
Vesting period	3 years	3 years
Granted	$7,800,000	10,400,000
FGL [Member] | Performance Restricted Stock Unit (PRSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity intruments other than options granted	40	469
Granted	$20.36
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	618		578
FGL [Member] | Restricted stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity intruments other than options granted	250	107
Granted	$24.34
Exercised / Released	$18.03
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	365		172
FGL [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted		1,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		58
FGL [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, granted	176	191
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	78
FGLH [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumed dividend yield		2.00%
Compensation cost not yet recognized	$20.20
Unrecognized compensation cost expected to recognized, years	1 year 10 months 24 days
FGLH [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumed dividend yield	1.00%
FGLH [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumed dividend yield	2.00%
FGLH [Member] | Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted	$0
Exercised / Released	$49.45
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	14		26
FGLH [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, granted	0
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014	166
Restricted stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,265	2,433
Stock option awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,500	1,200

Stock_Compensation_Assumptions

Stock Compensation - Assumptions Used in Determination of Grant Date Fair Values Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
FGLH [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumed dividend yield		2.00%
FGLH [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumed dividend yield	1.00%
FGLH [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumed dividend yield	2.00%
FGL [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected option term	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months
Employee Stock Option [Member] | FGL [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility	25.00%	25.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | FGL [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		1.40%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | HGI [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility		41.20%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | HGI [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.58%	1.46%
Expected option term	5 years 0 months 0 days	5 years 3 months 18 days
Volatility	38.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | HGI [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.87%	1.75%
Expected option term	6 years 6 months 0 days	6 years 0 months 0 days
Volatility	39.00%
Warrant [Member] | FGLH [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.40%
Warrant [Member] | FGLH [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | HGI [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumed dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	-18.80%	104.40%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	0.00%	0.00%
Income tax expense	$12.30
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock	$0	$47.20

Earnings_Per_Share_Summary_of_

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	($109.80)	($39)
Participating shares at end of period:
Common shares outstanding	196,879	139,574
Preferred shares (as-converted basis)	0	61,986
Total	196,879	201,560
Percentage of income (loss) allocated to:
Common shares	100.00%	100.00%
Preferred shares (a)	0.00%	0.00%
Net income (loss) attributable to common shares - basic	($109.80)	($39)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	196,997	139,173
Net loss per common share attributable to controlling interest:
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.56)	($0.28)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.56)	($0.28)

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Preferred shares (as-converted basis)	0	61,986
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.56)	($0.28)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.56)	($0.28)
Stock option awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,500	1,200
Warrant [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,000
Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		61,987
Share Price		$6.64
Restricted stock awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,265	2,433

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 06, 2011
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for legal, environmental and regulatory matters	21,200,000
Notional amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments	217,900,000
Expiration of partial amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments	64,800,000
Maximum [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Expiry date of partial amount of notional amount	1 year
Expiry date of remainder part of notional amount	5 years
Minimum [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Expiry date of remainder part of notional amount	1 year
FGLH [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Fair Value Of Contingent Purchase Price Consideration Reduction			50,000,000
Accrued amount of guaranty fund assessments	3,800,000
Estimated future premium tax deductions	4,000,000
Spectrum Brands [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental costs recognized, capitalized	4,600,000
OMGUK CARVM financing fee [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for legal, environmental and regulatory matters	6,100,000
Cressy Plaintiff [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Receivable	4,400,000
Litigation Settlement, Amount		5,300,000
Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision	9,000,000
Estimated Litigation Liability	3,400,000
Unasserted Claim [Member] | FGLH [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Administrative costs and potential liabilities	2,500,000
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments	1.1

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 18, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses related to Services Agreement	$2	$1.40
Preferred Stock [Member] | HCP Stockholders [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions			23,000
Share Price				$11
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions			253
Maximum [Member] | Leucadia [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage Of Beneficial Ownership			27.50%
Maximum [Member] | Leucadia [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage Of Beneficial Ownership			4.90%
Severance Cost, one time payments [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Severance Costs	20.5
Severance Cost, Accrued Bonus [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Severance Costs	16.5
Severance Cost, Future Bonus [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Severance Costs	$3.30

Related_Party_Transactions_Sch1

Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions - Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accrued investment income	$167.90		$184.90
Fortress Investment Group [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accrued investment income	2.3		1.9
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Noncurrent	204		196.8
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Fortress Investment Group [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	201.7		194.9
Net Investment Income	$2	$0

Segment_Data_Additional_Inform

Segment Data - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
		Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	4	4

Segment_Data_Segment_Informati

Segment Data - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Consolidated revenues	$1,438.40	$1,510
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	-183	179.3
Interest expense	-80.6	-84
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction	0	0.5
Other income (expense), net	174	-11.9
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-89.6	36.7
Total assets:
Consolidated total assets	31,206.70		30,100.20
Total cash provided from operating activities:
Consolidated cash provided from operating activities	-171.7	-89.4
Total segments [Member]
Revenues:
Consolidated revenues	1,417.40	1,510
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	-59.3	208.7
Total cash provided from operating activities:
Consolidated cash provided from operating activities	-92.2	-64.6
Intersegment elimination [Member]
Revenues:
Consolidated revenues	-3.5	-3.7
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	-4	-3.7
Other income (expense), net	-2.2
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	9.1	-71.5
Other Financial Services [Member]
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	-1.1	-3.9
Asset Management segment [Member]
Revenues:
Consolidated revenues	8	4.5
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	-1.1	-3.9
Other income (expense), net	-0.5	-3.7
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-3.1	-9
Total assets:
Consolidated total assets	670.1		692.5
Total cash provided from operating activities:
Consolidated cash provided from operating activities	-7.9	5.4
Energy Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Consolidated revenues	34.3	35.5
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	-195	6
Interest expense	-2.2	-2.4
Other income (expense), net	160	-3.4
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-39.5	-2.1
Total assets:
Consolidated total assets	671		504.8
Total cash provided from operating activities:
Consolidated cash provided from operating activities	4.4	7.2
Insurance Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Consolidated revenues	310.8	373.1
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	25.2	85.3
Interest expense	-5.9	-5.6
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	16.5	79.7
Total assets:
Consolidated total assets	24,091.90		23,195.80
Total cash provided from operating activities:
Consolidated cash provided from operating activities	57.8	58.8
Consumer Products Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Consolidated revenues	1,067.80	1,100.60
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	115.6	125
Interest expense	-44.4	-57
Other income (expense), net	-0.7	-0.9
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	70.5	67.1
Total assets:
Consolidated total assets	5,832.10		5,513
Total cash provided from operating activities:
Consolidated cash provided from operating activities	-146.5	-136
Corporate expenses [Member]
Revenues:
Consolidated revenues	21
Operating income (loss):
Consolidated operating income	-123.7	-29.4
Interest expense	-28.1	-19
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction		0.5
Other income (expense), net	17.4	-3.9
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-143.1	-27.5
Total assets:
Consolidated total assets	2,720.70		2,933.10
Corporate Segment [Member]
Total cash provided from operating activities:
Consolidated cash provided from operating activities	($79.50)	($24.80)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform2

Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Balance Sheet Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Assets:
Investments	$19,740,300,000	$19,252,500,000
Cash and cash equivalents	1,311,400,000	1,319,200,000	1,293,800,000	1,899,700,000
Receivables, net	660,100,000	585,100,000
Inventories, net	710,200,000	635,200,000
Accrued investment income	167,900,000	184,900,000
Reinsurance recoverable	2,416,700,000	2,397,600,000
Deferred tax assets	178,800,000	186,700,000
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	1,054,800,000	908,600,000
Goodwill	1,491,900,000	1,524,800,000
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	2,712,300,000	2,683,700,000
Other assets	762,300,000	421,900,000
Total assets	31,206,700,000	30,100,200,000
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt	5,560,700,000	5,061,100,000
Employee benefit obligations	82,500,000	86,200,000
Deferred tax liabilities	518,000,000	533,300,000
Total liabilities	29,124,700,000	27,843,200,000
Total stockholders' equity	1,276,200,000	1,441,600,000
Noncontrolling interests	805,800,000	815,400,000
Total permanent equity	2,082,000,000	2,257,000,000
Total liabilities and equity	31,206,700,000	30,100,200,000
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Assets:
Investments	19,740,300,000	19,252,500,000
Cash and cash equivalents	1,311,400,000	1,319,200,000
Receivables, net	660,100,000	585,100,000
Inventories, net	710,200,000	635,200,000
Accrued investment income	167,900,000	184,900,000
Reinsurance recoverable	2,416,700,000	2,397,600,000
Deferred tax assets	178,800,000	186,700,000
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	1,054,800,000	908,600,000
Goodwill	1,491,900,000	1,524,800,000
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	2,712,300,000	2,683,700,000
Other assets	762,300,000	421,900,000
Total assets	31,206,700,000	30,100,200,000
Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	21,246,600,000	20,215,100,000
Debt	5,666,000,000	5,157,800,000
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	899,600,000	1,033,000,000
Employee benefit obligations	82,500,000	86,200,000
Deferred tax liabilities	518,000,000	533,300,000
Other liabilities	712,000,000	817,800,000
Total liabilities	29,124,700,000	27,843,200,000
Total stockholders' equity	1,276,200,000	1,441,600,000
Noncontrolling interests	805,800,000	815,400,000
Total permanent equity	2,082,000,000	2,257,000,000
Total liabilities and equity	31,206,700,000	30,100,200,000
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Assets:
Investments	-247,600,000	-246,500,000
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	-2,373,600,000	-2,306,100,000
Affiliated loans and receivables	-157,200,000	-185,700,000
Accrued investment income	-700,000	-600,000
Deferred tax assets	-100,000	-100,000
Other assets	100,000
Total assets	-2,779,100,000	-2,739,000,000
Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	0
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	500,000	500,000
Employee benefit obligations	0
Deferred tax liabilities	2,400,000	100,000
Other liabilities	0
Affiliated debt and payables	-403,500,000	-431,400,000
Total liabilities	-400,600,000	-430,800,000
Total stockholders' equity	-2,378,500,000	-2,308,200,000
Noncontrolling interests	0
Total permanent equity	-2,378,500,000	-2,308,200,000
Total liabilities and equity	-2,779,100,000	-2,739,000,000
Corporate and Other [Member]
Assets:
Investments	81,900,000	93,700,000
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	2,309,100,000	2,237,900,000
Affiliated loans and receivables	100,000
Cash and cash equivalents	211,700,000	423,100,000
Receivables, net	45,300,000	43,100,000
Inventories, net	8,300,000	10,700,000
Deferred tax assets	1,100,000	1,100,000
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	2,000,000	2,500,000
Goodwill	16,200,000	44,500,000
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	9,900,000	41,800,000
Other assets	35,100,000	34,700,000
Total assets	2,720,700,000	2,933,100,000
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt	1,325,700,000	1,325,000,000
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	92,500,000	104,600,000
Employee benefit obligations	4,200,000	4,300,000
Deferred tax liabilities	5,400,000	17,200,000
Other liabilities	1,300,000	1,100,000
Affiliated debt and payables	30,900,000	34,800,000
Total liabilities	1,460,000,000	1,487,000,000
Total stockholders' equity	1,276,200,000	1,441,600,000
Noncontrolling interests	-15,500,000	4,500,000
Total permanent equity	1,260,700,000	1,446,100,000
Total liabilities and equity	2,720,700,000	2,933,100,000
Asset Management segment [Member]
Assets:
Investments	546,300,000	584,600,000
Affiliated loans and receivables	18,300,000	28,500,000
Cash and cash equivalents	78,900,000	53,500,000
Receivables, net	800,000	900,000
Accrued investment income	4,800,000	3,700,000
Deferred tax assets	100,000
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	1,300,000	1,400,000
Goodwill	10,700,000	10,700,000
Other assets	8,900,000	9,200,000
Total assets	670,100,000	692,500,000
Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	0
Debt	297,700,000	298,700,000
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	11,300,000	8,500,000
Employee benefit obligations	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0
Other liabilities	12,800,000	19,300,000
Affiliated debt and payables	271,400,000	286,500,000
Total liabilities	593,200,000	613,000,000
Total stockholders' equity	65,800,000	68,200,000
Noncontrolling interests	11,100,000	11,300,000
Total permanent equity	76,900,000	79,500,000
Total liabilities and equity	670,100,000	692,500,000
Energy Segment [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	12,900,000	14,200,000
Receivables, net	36,400,000	23,700,000
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	620,000,000	464,400,000
Other assets	1,700,000	2,500,000
Total assets	671,000,000	504,800,000
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt	327,000,000	243,200,000
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	31,100,000	31,300,000
Employee benefit obligations	0
Other liabilities	37,400,000	27,300,000
Affiliated debt and payables	100,000,000	102,300,000
Total liabilities	495,500,000	404,100,000
Total stockholders' equity	175,100,000	100,700,000
Noncontrolling interests	400,000
Total permanent equity	175,500,000	100,700,000
Total liabilities and equity	671,000,000	504,800,000
Insurance Segment [Member]
Assets:
Investments	19,359,700,000	18,820,700,000
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	64,500,000	68,200,000
Affiliated loans and receivables	138,800,000	157,200,000
Cash and cash equivalents	599,500,000	633,800,000
Receivables, net	800,000	2,100,000
Accrued investment income	163,800,000	181,800,000
Reinsurance recoverable	2,416,700,000	2,397,600,000
Deferred tax assets	136,000,000	139,000,000
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	11,700,000	11,400,000
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	635,700,000	550,400,000
Other assets	564,700,000	233,600,000
Total assets	24,091,900,000	23,195,800,000
Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	21,246,600,000	20,215,100,000
Debt	300,000,000	300,000,000
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	50,100,000	71,900,000
Employee benefit obligations	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0
Other liabilities	640,300,000	748,900,000
Affiliated debt and payables	1,200,000	7,800,000
Total liabilities	22,238,200,000	21,343,700,000
Total stockholders' equity	1,522,300,000	1,526,900,000
Noncontrolling interests	331,400,000	325,200,000
Total permanent equity	1,853,700,000	1,852,100,000
Total liabilities and equity	24,091,900,000	23,195,800,000
Consumer Products Segment [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	408,400,000	194,600,000
Receivables, net	576,800,000	515,300,000
Inventories, net	701,900,000	624,500,000
Deferred tax assets	41,700,000	46,700,000
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	419,800,000	428,900,000
Goodwill	1,465,000,000	1,469,600,000
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	2,066,700,000	2,091,500,000
Other assets	151,800,000	141,900,000
Total assets	5,832,100,000	5,513,000,000
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt	3,415,600,000	2,990,900,000
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	714,100,000	816,200,000
Employee benefit obligations	78,300,000	81,900,000
Deferred tax liabilities	510,200,000	516,000,000
Other liabilities	20,200,000	21,200,000
Total liabilities	4,738,400,000	4,426,200,000
Total stockholders' equity	615,300,000	612,400,000
Noncontrolling interests	478,400,000	474,400,000
Total permanent equity	1,093,700,000	1,086,800,000
Total liabilities and equity	$5,832,100,000	$5,513,000,000

Consolidating_Financial_Inform3

Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Income Statement Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	$1,088.80	$1,100.60
Oil and natural gas	34.3	35.5
Insurance premiums	11.7	13.9
Net investment income	230.8	201.2
Net investment gains	52	141.9
Insurance and investment product fees and other	20.8	16.9
Revenues	1,438.40	1,510
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	712	719.4
Oil and natural gas direct operating costs	20.5	16.1
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	241.5	234.7
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	365.4	317.1
Asset Impairment Charges			250.2
Impairment of Proved Oil and Gas Properties		0
Amortization of intangibles	31.8	43.4
Total operating costs and expenses	1,621.40	1,330.70
Operating income	-183	179.3
Interest expense	-80.6	-84
Other income (expense), net	174	-11.9
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-89.6	36.7
Income tax expense	16.8	38.3
Net income (loss)	-106.4	-1.6
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3.4	25.2
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	-109.8	-26.8
Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion		12.2
Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	-109.8	-39
Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock	0	47.2
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction	0	0.5
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	1,088.80	1,100.60
Oil and natural gas		35.5
Insurance premiums	11.7	13.9
Net investment income	230.8	201.2
Net investment gains	52	141.9
Insurance and investment product fees and other	20.8	16.9
Revenues	1,438.40	1,510
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	712	719.4
Oil and natural gas direct operating costs		16.1
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	241.5	234.7
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	365.4	317.1
Asset Impairment Charges	250.2
Amortization of intangibles	31.8	43.4
Total operating costs and expenses	1,621.40	1,330.70
Operating income	-183	179.3
Interest expense	-80.6	-84
Other income (expense), net	174	-11.9
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-89.6
Income tax expense	16.8	38.3
Net income (loss)	-106.4	-1.6
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3.4	25.2
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	-109.8	-26.8
Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion		12.2
Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders		-39
Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock		47.2
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction		0.5
Intersegment elimination [Member]
Revenues:
Net investment income	-4.1	-3.7
Net investment gains	0.6
Revenues	-3.5	-3.7
Operating costs and expenses:
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	0.5
Total operating costs and expenses	0.5
Operating income	-4	-3.7
Equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries	10.3	-71.5
Affiliated interest income	-5	-3.7
Other income (expense), net	-2.2
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	9.1	-71.5
Income tax expense	1.7
Net income (loss)	7.4	-71.5
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	7.4	-71.5
Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders		-71.5
Corporate and Other [Member]
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	21
Revenues	21
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	14.4
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	70.1	29.4
Asset Impairment Charges			60.2
Total operating costs and expenses	144.7	29.4
Operating income	-123.7	-29.4
Equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries	-7.5	71.5
Interest expense	-28.1	-19
Affiliated interest income	1.2
Other income (expense), net	17.4	-3.9
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-143.1	-27.5
Income tax expense	-13.2	-0.7
Net income (loss)	-129.9	-26.8
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-20.1
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	-109.8	-26.8
Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion		12.2
Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders		-39
Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock		47.2
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction		0.5
Other Financial Services [Member]
Operating costs and expenses:
Operating income	-1.1	-3.9
Asset Management segment [Member]
Revenues:
Net investment income	8	4.5
Revenues	8	4.5
Operating costs and expenses:
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	9.1	8.4
Total operating costs and expenses	9.1	8.4
Operating income	-1.1	-3.9
Affiliated interest income	1.5	1.4
Other income (expense), net	-0.5	-3.7
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-3.1	-9
Income tax expense		-0.2
Net income (loss)	-3.1	-8.8
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-0.3	-0.7
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	-2.8	-8.1
Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders		-8.1
Energy Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Oil and natural gas	34.3	35.5
Revenues	34.3	35.5
Operating costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas direct operating costs	20.5	16.1
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	18.8	13.4
Asset Impairment Charges			190
Total operating costs and expenses	229.3	29.5
Operating income	-195	6
Interest expense	-2.2	-2.4
Affiliated interest income	2.3	2.3
Other income (expense), net	160	-3.4
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-39.5	-2.1
Net income (loss)	-39.5	-2.1
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-0.3
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	-39.2	-2.1
Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders		-2.1
Insurance Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Insurance premiums	11.7	13.9
Net investment income	226.9	200.4
Net investment gains	51.4	141.9
Insurance and investment product fees and other	20.8	16.9
Revenues	310.8	373.1
Operating costs and expenses:
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	241.5	234.7
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	32.8	29.9
Amortization of intangibles	11.3	23.2
Total operating costs and expenses	285.6	287.8
Operating income	25.2	85.3
Equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries	-2.8
Interest expense	-5.9	-5.6
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	16.5	79.7
Income tax expense	7.8	26.5
Net income (loss)	8.7	53.2
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3.3	3.3
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	5.4	49.9
Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders		49.9
Consumer Products Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	1,067.80	1,100.60
Revenues	1,067.80	1,100.60
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	697.6	719.4
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	234.1	236
Amortization of intangibles	20.5	20.2
Total operating costs and expenses	952.2	975.6
Operating income	115.6	125
Interest expense	-44.4	-57
Other income (expense), net	-0.7	-0.9
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	70.5	67.1
Income tax expense	20.5	12.7
Net income (loss)	50	54.4
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	20.8	22.6
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	29.2	31.8
Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders		$31.80

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Informaiton (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Procter & Gamle European Pet Food [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$120
Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$150.50