Fidelity & Guaranty Life 10-Q 7 Feb 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 04, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'FGL	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Fidelity & Guaranty Life	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001585064	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	58,442,116

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'	'
Fixed maturities securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	$16,327,617	$15,541,526
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	286,922	271,075
Derivative investments	294,531	221,758
Other invested assets	316,552	188,180
Total investments	17,225,622	16,222,539
Related party loans and investments	96,442	119,044
Cash and cash equivalents	759,471	1,204,334
Accrued investment income	157,785	159,287
Reinsurance recoverable	3,723,693	3,728,632
Intangibles, net	601,444	563,758
Deferred tax assets	225,908	226,351
Other assets	155,292	205,230
Total assets	22,945,657	22,429,175
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY	'	'
Contractholder funds	15,519,722	15,248,216
Future policy benefits	3,545,881	3,556,808
Funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	60,331	51,456
Liability for policy and contract claims	1,381,238	1,407,713
Long-term debt	300,000	300,000
Other liabilities	806,662	700,097
Total liabilities	21,613,834	21,264,290
Common stock ($.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 58,270,822 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013; 47,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013)	583	0
Additional paid-in capital	700,528	527,124
Retained earnings	524,572	524,871
Accumulated other comprehensive income	106,140	112,890
Total shareholder's equity	1,331,823	1,164,885
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	$22,945,657	$22,429,175

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	58,270,822	47,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	58,270,822	47,000,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:	'	'
Premiums	$13,705	$13,796
Net investment income	183,437	170,298
Net investment gains	123,417	146,475
Insurance and investment product fees and other	15,552	13,729
Total revenues	336,111	344,298
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	216,856	83,644
Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals	26,004	26,914
Amortization of intangibles	22,892	69,511
Total benefits and expenses	265,752	180,069
Operating income	70,359	164,229
Interest expense	-5,624	-34
Other income	0	225
Income before income taxes	64,735	164,420
Income tax expense	22,041	53,815
Net income	42,694	110,605
Net income per common share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.87	$2.35
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.87	$2.35
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, Basic	49,142,208	47,000,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	49,263,675	47,000,000
Total other-than-temporary impairments	-34	-509
Less non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Net other-than-temporary impairments	-34	-509
Gains (losses) on derivative instruments	111,538	-25,568
Other realized investment gains	$11,913	$172,552

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$42,694	$110,605
Unrealized investment (losses) gains:	'	'
Changes in unrealized investment (losses) gains before reclassification adjustment	-10,275	126,252
Net reclassification adjustment for (gains) included in net investment gains	-8,134	-172,043
Changes in unrealized investment (losses) after reclassification adjustment	-18,409	-45,791
Adjustments to intangible assets	8,026	27,961
Changes in deferred income tax asset/liability	3,633	6,241
Net change to derive comprehensive income (loss) for the period	-6,750	-11,589
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$35,944	$99,016

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Statement (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Contributed Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	$1,290,781	$0	$415,576	$440,723	$434,482
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Capital contributions from Harbinger Group Inc.	111,711	'	111,711	'	'
Dividends	-93,654	'	'	-93,654	'
Distributions to Harbinger Group Inc. and subsidiaries	-169,859	'	'	-169,859	'
Net income	347,661	'	'	347,661	'
Unrealized investment losses, net	-321,592	'	'	'	-321,592
Stock compensation	-163	'	-163	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	1,164,885	0	527,124	524,871	112,890
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends	-42,993	'	'	-42,993	'
Issuance of common stock	0	583	-583	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of transaction fees	172,996	'	172,996	'	'
Net income	42,694	'	'	42,694	'
Unrealized investment losses, net	-6,750	'	'	'	-6,750
Stock compensation	991	'	991	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,331,823	$583	$700,528	$524,572	$106,140

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$42,694	$110,605
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation of properties	1,102	908
Amortization of intangibles	22,892	69,511
Stock-based compensation	7,139	897
Amortization of debt issuance costs	843	0
Deferred income taxes	4,079	122,033
Interest credited/index credits and other changes to contractholder account balances	178,298	55,936
Amortization of fixed maturity discounts and premiums	-14,845	13,235
Net recognized (gains) on investments and derivatives	-123,417	-146,475
Charges assessed to contractholders for mortality and administration	-9,577	-6,778
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-52,550	-35,698
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accrued investment income	1,502	38,573
Reinsurance recoverable	-17,748	-21,936
Future policy benefits	-10,927	-22,518
Funds withheld from reinsurers	-39,924	-672
Collateral (returned) posted	2,739	0
Liability for policy and contract claims	8,875	8,574
Other operating	36,868	-113,986
Net cash provided by operating activities	38,043	72,209
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Related party loans and investments	22,602	-35,666
Capital expenditures	-2,960	-1,348
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-938,141	-514,564
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Capital funding	0	-1,184
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of transaction fees	175,854	0
Dividends paid	-42,993	-20,000
Contractholder account deposits	772,257	491,480
Contractholder account withdrawals	-449,883	-475,558
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	455,235	-5,262
Change in cash & cash equivalents	-444,863	-447,617
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,204,334	1,054,589
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	759,471	606,972
Interest paid	9,775	0
Income taxes paid	0	1,683
Available-for-sale Securities	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid:	1,663,700	2,913,381
Cost of investments acquired:	-2,535,337	-3,379,147
Equity Securities	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid:	42,249	21
Cost of investments acquired:	-63,154	-15,965
Derivative and other	'	'
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid:	102,702	49,495
Cost of investments acquired:	($167,943)	($45,335)

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Natu

Basis of Presentation and Nature of Business	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Nature of Business	'
	Basis of Presentation and Nature of Business
	Fidelity & Guaranty Life (formerly, Harbinger F&G, LLC (“HFG”)) (“FGL” and, collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a direct, subsidiary of Harbinger Group Inc. (“HGI”). HGI is a diversified holding company focused on obtaining controlling equity stakes in companies that operate across a diversified set of industries. FGL and HGI’s shares of common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbols “FGL” and “HRG,” respectively. Subsequent to the Company's initial public offering in December 2013, HGI held 47,000,000 shares of FGL's outstanding common stock, representing an 80.7% interest. In January of 2014, HGI transferred HGI’s ownership interest in FGL common shares to FS Holdco, Ltd, which is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of HGI.
	FGL’s primary business is the sale of individual life insurance products and annuities through independent agents, managing general agents, and specialty brokerage firms and in selected institutional markets. FGL’s principal products are deferred annuities (including fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”) contracts), immediate annuities and life insurance products. FGL markets products through its wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (“FGL Insurance”) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York (“FGL NY Insurance”), which together are licensed in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
	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. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on December 3, 2013 (the “Form S-1”). The results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results for any subsequent periods or the entire fiscal year ending September 30, 2014.
	The Company’s fiscal quarters end on the last calendar day of the months of December, March, June and September.
	Dollar amounts in the accompanying footnotes are presented in thousands, unless otherwise noted.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	'
	Significant Accounting Policies and Practices
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FGL and all other entities in which FGL has a controlling financial interest (none of which are variable interest entities). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended disclosure requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities to allow investors to better compare financial statements prepared under US GAAP with financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standards are effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. ASU 2011-11 Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities - was adopted by the Company effective October 1, 2013. FGL does not offset any of its derivative transactions, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, in its statement of financial position. The Company only enters into purchased equity options and long futures contracts. The Company has not entered into any repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements or securities borrowing and lending transactions. Accordingly, no additional disclosures are required.
	Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects
	In January 2014, the 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.  The new standards will become effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Significant_Risks_and_Uncertai

Significant Risks and Uncertainties	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Significant Risks and Uncertainties	'
	Significant Risks and Uncertainties
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates.
	The Company’s significant estimates which are susceptible to change in the near term relate to (1) recognition of deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances, (2) fair value of certain invested assets and derivatives including embedded derivatives (see Notes 4 and 5), (3) Other than temporary impairment “OTTI”of available-for-sale investments (see Note 4), (4) amortization of intangibles (see Note 7), (5) estimates of reserves for loss contingencies, including litigation and regulatory reserves (see Note 12) and (6) reserves for future policy benefits and product guarantees.
	Concentrations of Financial Instruments
	As of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, the Company’s most significant investment in one industry, excluding U.S. Government securities, was its investment securities in the banking industry with a fair value of $1,973,981, or 11.5% and $1,892,103 or 11.7%, respectively, of the invested assets portfolio. The Company’s holdings in this industry include investments in 82 different issuers with the top ten investments accounting for 37.8% of the total holdings in this industry. As of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, the Company had investments in 3 and 6 issuers that exceeded 10% of stockholders equity with a fair value of $410,924 and $788,696, or 2.4% and 4.9% of the invested assets portfolio, respectively. Additionally, the Company’s largest concentration in any single issuer as of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, had a fair value of $140,532 and $150,716 or 0.8% and 0.9% of the invested assets portfolio, respectively.
	Concentrations of Financial and Capital Markets Risk
	The Company is exposed to financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads which can have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The Company expects to continue to face challenges and uncertainties that could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
	The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates, in the absence of other countervailing changes, will decrease the net unrealized gain position of the Company’s investment portfolio and, if long-term interest rates rise dramatically within a six to twelve month time period, certain of the Company’s products may be exposed to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk refers to the risk that policyholders may surrender their contracts in a rising interest rate environment, requiring the Company to liquidate assets in an unrealized loss position. This risk is mitigated to some extent by the high level of surrender charge protection provided by the Company’s products.
	Concentration of Reinsurance Risk
	The Company has a significant concentration of reinsurance with Wilton Reassurance Company (“Wilton Re”) and Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd. (“FSRCI”), an affiliate that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position in the event that Wilton Re and FSRCI fail to perform their obligations under the various reinsurance treaties. As of December 31, 2013, the net amount recoverable from Wilton Re was $1,350,092 and the net amount recoverable from FSRCI is $1,341,497. The Company monitors both the financial condition of individual reinsurers and risk concentration arising from similar geographic regions, activities and economic characteristics of reinsurers to reduce the risk of default by such reinsurers.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	The Company’s debt and equity securities have been designated as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) net of associated adjustments for value of business acquired (“VOBA”), deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and deferred income taxes. The Company’s consolidated investments at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013 are summarized as follows:
		December 31, 2013
		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Available-for sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	1,830,206		$	20,737		$	(8,165	)	$	1,842,778		$	1,842,778
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	422,575			25,236			(3,182		)	444,629			444,629
	Corporates	9,963,806			272,090			(189,278		)	10,046,618			10,046,618
	Equities	293,940			6,810			(13,828		)	286,922			286,922
	Hybrids	400,547			20,755			(3,228		)	418,074			418,074
	Municipals	1,121,207			45,199			(44,980		)	1,121,426			1,121,426
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	88,948			2,192			(91		)	91,049			91,049
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	1,564,094			99,209			(11,276		)	1,652,027			1,652,027
	U.S. Government	711,453			5,796			(6,233		)	711,016			711,016
	Total available-for-sale securities	16,396,776			498,024			(280,261		)	16,614,539			16,614,539
	Derivative investments	148,310			147,034			(813		)	294,531			294,531
	Other invested assets	316,552			—			—			316,552			316,552
	Total investments	$	16,861,638		$	645,058		$	(281,074	)	$	17,225,622		$	17,225,622
		September 30, 2013
		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Available-for-sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	1,745,241		$	24,529		$	(5,176	)	$	1,764,594		$	1,764,594
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	431,265			24,660			(1,596		)	454,329			454,329
	Corporates	9,314,661			288,702			(185,054		)	9,418,309			9,418,309
	Equities	274,647			6,683			(10,255		)	271,075			271,075
	Hybrids	412,640			19,481			(3,304		)	428,817			428,817
	Municipals	998,832			49,013			(40,835		)	1,007,010			1,007,010
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	96,452			2,397			(252		)	98,597			98,597
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	1,304,007			77,410			(13,394		)	1,368,023			1,368,023
	U.S. Government	998,530			7,174			(3,857		)	1,001,847			1,001,847
	Total available-for-sale securities	15,576,275			500,049			(263,723		)	15,812,601			15,812,601
	Derivatives Instruments	141,664			88,461			(8,367		)	221,758			221,758
	Other invested assets	188,180			—			—			188,180			188,180
	Total investments	$	15,906,119		$	588,510		$	(272,090	)	$	16,222,539		$	16,222,539
	Included in AOCI were cumulative unrealized gains of $851 and unrealized losses of $1,880 related to the non-credit portion of OTTI on non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013. The non-agency RMBS unrealized gains and losses represent the difference between book value and fair value on securities that were previously impaired. There have been no impairments or write downs on any of the 2013 purchased non-agency RMBS.
	Securities held on deposit with various state regulatory authorities had a fair value of $13,727,760 and $19,350 at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The increase in securities held on deposits is due to the FGL Insurance's re-domestication from Maryland to Iowa. 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.
	In accordance with the Company's Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) agreements, the investments supporting the funding agreement liabilities are pledged as collateral to secure the FHLB funding agreement liabilities. The collateral investments had a fair value of $591,783 and $604,899 at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively.
	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, 2013
		Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	Corporates, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and U.S. Government securities:
	Due in one year or less	$	345,545		$	348,092
	Due after one year through five years	3,059,155			3,133,238
	Due after five years through ten years	3,315,121			3,332,054
	Due after ten years	5,444,439			5,448,255
	Subtotal	12,164,260			12,261,639
	Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
	Asset-backed securities	1,830,206			1,842,778
	Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	422,575			444,629
	Structured hybrids	32,753			35,495
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	88,948			91,049
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	1,564,094			1,652,027
	Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	16,102,836		$	16,327,617
	The Company's available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses are reviewed for potential OTTI. In evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, the Company considers several factors including, but not limited to the following: (1) the extent and the duration of the decline; (2) the reasons for the decline in value (credit event, currency or interest-rate related, including general credit spread widening); and (3) the financial condition of and near-term prospects of the issuer. The Company also considers the ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time to allow for a recovery of value.
	The Company analyzes its ability to recover the amortized cost by comparing the net present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost of the security. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates consider the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, including interest rate and prepayment assumptions, based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to interest rate and prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates also include other assumptions regarding the underlying collateral including default rates and recoveries, which vary based on the asset type and geographic location, as well as the vintage year of the security. For structured securities, the payment priority within the tranche structure is also considered. For all other debt securities, cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default. If the net present value is less than the amortized cost of the investment, an OTTI impairment is recognized. FGL has concluded that the fair values of the securities presented in the table below were not OTTI as of December 31, 2013.
	The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category, were as follows:
		December 31, 2013
		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	$	496,893		$	(6,931	)	$	127,497		$	(1,234	)	$	624,390	$	(8,165	)
	Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	29,419			(507		)	5,926			(2,675		)	35,345		(3,182		)
	Corporates	3,355,410			(162,999		)	477,879			(26,279		)	3,833,289		(189,278		)
Equities	131,677			(13,772		)	6,909			(56		)	138,586		(13,828		)
Hybrids	106,254			(3,119		)	8,256			(109		)	114,510		(3,228		)
Municipals	478,220			(28,368		)	168,055			(16,612		)	646,275		(44,980		)
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	11,871			(78		)	526			(13		)	12,397		(91		)
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	354,502			(10,554		)	55,235			(722		)	409,737		(11,276		)
U.S. Government	337,957			(6,233		)	—			—			337,957		(6,233		)
Total available-for-sale securities	$	5,302,203		$	(232,561	)	$	850,283		$	(47,700	)	$	6,152,486	$	(280,261	)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months															634
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer															109
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position															743
	September 30, 2013
	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	$	329,319		$	(4,496	)	$	81,483		$	(680	)	$	410,802	$	(5,176	)
Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	26,575			(525		)	4,860			(1,071		)	31,435		(1,596		)
Corporates	3,457,206			(174,989		)	185,956			(10,065		)	3,643,162		(185,054		)
Equities	118,609			(9,120		)	32,240			(1,135		)	150,849		(10,255		)
Hybrids	52,027			(3,304		)	—			—			52,027		(3,304		)
Municipals	333,278			(27,359		)	144,365			(13,476		)	477,643		(40,835		)
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	9,791			(117		)	1,148			(135		)	10,939		(252		)
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	325,170			(12,224		)	69,910			(1,170		)	395,080		(13,394		)
U.S government	753,899			(3,857		)	—			—			753,899		(3,857		)
Total available-for-sale securities	$	5,405,874		$	(235,991	)	$	519,962		$	(27,732	)	$	5,925,836	$	(263,723	)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months															588
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer															78
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position															666
At December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, securities in an unrealized loss position were primarily concentrated in investment grade corporate debt instruments and municipals. Total unrealized losses were $280,261 and $263,723 at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively.
At December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, securities with a fair value of $77,074 and $60,931, 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.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the credit loss portion of OTTI on fixed maturity securities held by the Company for the three months ended December 31, 2013, and December 31,2012, for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in AOCI:
	Three months ended December 31,
	2013			2012
Beginning balance	$	2,681		$	2,681
Increases attributable to credit losses on securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	—			—
Other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	—			—
Ending balance	$	2,681		$	2,681
For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized impairment losses in operations totaling $34, including credit impairments of $0 and change-of-intent impairments of $34 and had an amortized cost of $229 and a fair value of $195 at the time of impairment. For the three months ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized impairment losses in operations totaling $509, including credit impairments of $155, and change-of-intent impairments of $354 and had an amortized cost of $1,608 and a fair value of $1,099 at December 31, 2012.
Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of OTTI that were recognized in net income and included in net realized gains on securities were as follows:
	Three months ended December 31,
	2013			2012
OTTI recognized in net income:
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	$	34		$	509
Total OTTI	$	34		$	509
The portion of OTTI recognized in AOCI is disclosed in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
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,
	2013			2012
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	175,286		$	165,415
Equity available-for-sale securities	4,390			5,351
Related party loans	1,877			2,183
Policy loans	168			266
Invested cash and short-term investments	74			835
Other investments	5,194			346
Gross investment income	186,989			174,396
Investment expense	(3,552		)	(4,098		)
Net investment income	$	183,437		$	170,298
Net investment gains
Details underlying “Net investment gains ” reported on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
	Three months ended December 31,
	2013			2012
Net realized gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	13,564		$	172,033
Realized (losses) on equity securities	(1,613		)	—
Net realized gains on securities	11,951			172,033
Realized gains on certain derivative instruments	54,880			15,717
Unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments	60,972			(41,285		)
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	(4,314		)	—
Realized gains (losses) on derivatives and reinsurance related embedded derivative	111,538			(25,568		)
Realized (losses) gains on other invested assets	(72		)	10
Net investment gains	$	123,417		$	146,475
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 $1,663,700, gross gains on such sales totaled $14,390 and gross losses totaled $826, respectively.
For the three months ended December 31, 2012, principal repayments, calls, tenders, and proceeds from the sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, totaled $2,415,143, gross gains on such sales totaled $177,972 and gross losses totaled $463, respectively.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The carrying amounts (which equal fair value) of derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in FIA contracts, is as follows:
		December 31, 2013				September 30, 2013
	Assets:
	Derivative investments:
	Call options	$	294,094			$	221,758
	Futures contracts	437				—
	Other Assets:
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	113,710				118,025
		$	408,241			$	339,783
	Liabilities:
	Contractholder funds:
	FIA embedded derivative	$	1,644,724			$	1,544,447
	Funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities:
	Call options payable to FSRCI	28,328				22,833
	Other liabilities:
	Futures contracts	—				1,028
		$	1,673,052			$	1,568,308
	The change in fair value of derivative instruments included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows:
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Revenues:
	Net investment gains (losses):
	Call options	$	102,742			$	(20,889	)
	Futures contracts	13,110				(4,679		)
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	(4,314		)		—
		$	111,538			$	(25,568	)
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves:
	FIA embedded derivatives	$	100,277			$	(33,754	)
	Additional Disclosures
	Reinsurance Related Embedded Derivatives
	Effective December 31, 2012, FGL Insurance entered into a modified coinsurance arrangement with FSRCI, meaning that funds were withheld by FGL Insurance. This arrangement creates an obligation for FGL Insurance to pay FSRCI at a later date, which resulted in an embedded derivative. This embedded derivative is considered a total return swap with contractual returns that are attributable to the assets and liabilities associated with this reinsurance arrangement. The fair value of the total return swap is based on the change in fair value of the underlying assets held in the funds withheld portfolio. Investment results for the assets that support the coinsurance with funds withheld reinsurance arrangement, including gains and losses from sales, are passed directly to the reinsurer pursuant to contractual terms of the reinsurance arrangement. The reinsurance related embedded derivative is reported in “Other assets” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related gains or losses are reported in “Net investment gains” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Information regarding the Company’s exposure to credit loss on the call options it holds is presented in the following table:
					December 31, 2013										September 30, 2013
	Counterparty		Credit Rating		Notional				Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk		Notional		Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk
			(Moody's/S&P) (a)		Amount										Amount
	Merrill Lynch		NA/A		$	2,157,932			$	99,627	$	45,103	$	54,524	$	2,037,781	$	70,695	$	—	$	70,695
	Deutsche Bank		A2/A		1,706,800				70,379		—		70,379		1,620,404		51,667		23,000		28,667
	Morgan Stanley		A3/A		2,379,038				103,087		74,739		28,348		2,264,136		75,729		49,000		26,729
	Royal Bank of Scotland		A3/A		245,300				16,899		—		16,899		364,300		20,313		—		20,313
	Barclay's Bank		A2/A		117,835				4,102		—		4,102		120,789		3,354		—		3,354
					$	6,606,905			$	294,094	$	119,842	$	174,252	$	6,407,410	$	221,758	$	72,000	$	149,758
	(a) Credit rating as of December 31, 2013.
	Collateral Agreements
	The Company is required to maintain minimum ratings as a matter of routine practice under its over-the-counter derivative agreements on forms International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc (“ISDA”). Under some ISDA agreements, the Company 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 the Company or the counterparty would be dependent on the market value of the underlying derivative contracts. The Company’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, the Company 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, 2013 and September 30, 2013, counterparties posted $119,842 and $72,000 of collateral of which 74,739 and 72,000 is included in "Cash and cash equivalents" with an associated payable for this collateral included in "Other liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining, $45,103 of non-cash collateral was held by a third-party custodian at December 31, 2013. Accordingly, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that the Company would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts was $174,252 and $149,758 at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively.
	The Company held 1,190 and 1,693 futures contracts at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements). The Company 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 accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount of collateral held by the counterparties for such contracts was $4,835 and $5,861 at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s measurement of fair value is based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset or non-performance risk, which may include the Company’s own credit risk. The Company’s estimate of an exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability (“exit price”) in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability, as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or receive a liability (“entry price”). The Company categorizes financial instruments carried at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of inputs to the respective valuation technique. The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:
	Level 1 -Values are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets accessible at the measurement date.
	Level 2 -Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices from those willing to trade in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by market data for the term of the instrument. Such inputs include market interest rates and volatilities, spreads and yield curves.
	Level 3 - Certain inputs are unobservable (supported by little or no market activity) and significant to the fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s best estimate of what hypothetical market participants would use to determine a transaction price for the asset or liability at the reporting date based on the best information available in the circumstances.
	In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lower level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.
	When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement. Because certain securities trade in less liquid or illiquid markets with limited or no pricing information, the determination of fair value for these securities is inherently more difficult. However, Level 3 fair value investments may include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 inputs, observable components, which are components that are actively quoted or can be validated to market-based sources.
	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for which the disclosure of fair values is required, including financial assets and liabilities measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis, with the exception of investment contracts, related party loans, portions of other invested assets and debt, are summarized according to the hierarchy previously described, as follows:
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3			Fair Value			Carrying Amount
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	759,471		$	—			$	—		$	759,471		$	759,471
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			1,591,978				250,800			1,842,778			1,842,778
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			438,653				5,976			444,629			444,629
	Corporates	—			9,439,479				607,139			10,046,618			10,046,618
	Hybrids	—			418,074				—			418,074			418,074
	Municipals	—			1,087,052				34,374			1,121,426			1,121,426
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—			91,049				—			91,049			91,049
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—			1,652,027				—			1,652,027			1,652,027
	U.S. Government	502,531			208,485				—			711,016			711,016
	Equity securities available-for-sale	—			286,922				—			286,922			286,922
	Derivative financial instruments	—			294,531				—			294,531			294,531
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	—			113,710				—			113,710			113,710
	Related party loans	—			—				96,442			96,442			96,442
	Other invested assets	—			—				316,552			316,552			316,552
	Total financial assets at fair value	$	1,262,002		$	15,621,960			$	1,311,283		$	18,195,245		$	18,195,245
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractor funds	$	—		$	—			$	1,644,724		$	1,644,724		$	1,644,724
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—				12,513,803			12,513,803			13,874,998
	Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	—			28,328				—			28,328			28,328
	Debt	—			300,000				—			300,000			300,000
	Total financial liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	328,328			$	14,158,527		$	14,486,855		$	15,848,050
		September 30, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3			Fair Value			Carrying Amount
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,204,334		$	—			$	—		$	1,204,334		$	1,204,334
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			1,518,066				246,528			1,764,594			1,764,594
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			448,694				5,635			454,329			454,329
	Corporates	—			8,957,196				461,113			9,418,309			9,418,309
	Hybrids	—			428,817				—			428,817			428,817
	Municipals	—			1,007,010				—			1,007,010			1,007,010
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—			98,597				—			98,597			98,597
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—			1,368,023				—			1,368,023			1,368,023
	U.S. Government	790,926			210,921				—			1,001,847			1,001,847
	Equity securities available-for-sale	—			271,075				—			271,075			271,075
	Derivative financial instruments	—			221,758				—			221,758			221,758
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	—			118,025				—			118,025			118,025
	Related party loans	—			—				119,044			119,044			119,044
	Other invested assets	—			—				188,180			188,180			188,180
	Total financial assets at fair value	$	1,995,260		$	14,648,182			$	1,020,500		$	17,663,942		$	17,663,942
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	—		$	—			$	1,544,447		$	1,544,447		$	1,544,447
	Derivative instruments: futures contracts	—			1,028				—			1,028			1,028
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—				12,378,645			12,378,645			13,703,769
	Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	—			22,833				—			22,833			22,833
	Debt	—			300,000				—			300,000			300,000
	Total financial liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	323,861			$	13,923,092		$	14,246,953		$	15,572,077
	The carrying amounts of 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.
	Valuation Methodologies
Fixed Maturity Securities & Equity Securities
The Company measures the fair value of its securities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the security. The most appropriate valuation methodology is selected based on the specific characteristics of the fixed maturity or equity security, and the Company will then consistently apply the valuation methodology to measure the security’s fair value. The Company'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. The Company 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. 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.
The Company did not adjust prices received from third parties as of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013. However, the Company does analyze the third-party valuation methodologies and its related inputs to perform assessments to determine the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities is based upon valuation pricing models, which represents what the Company would expect to receive or pay at the balance sheet date if it canceled the options, entered into offsetting positions, or exercised the options. The fair value of futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements). Fair values for these instruments are determined externally by an independent actuarial firm using market-observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curve volatilities, and other factors. Credit risk related to the counterparty is considered when estimating the fair values of these derivatives. The fair values of the embedded derivatives in the Company’s FIA products are derived using market indices, pricing assumptions and historical data. The fair value of the reinsurance related embedded derivative in the funds withheld reinsurance agreement with FSRCI is estimated based upon the change in the fair value of the assets supporting the funds withheld from reinsurance liabilities. As the fair value of the assets is based on a quoted market price (Level 2), the fair value of the embedded derivative is based on market-observable inputs and is classified as Level 2.
Investment contracts include deferred annuities, FIAs, indexed universal life policies (“IULs”) and immediate annuities. The fair value of deferred annuity, FIA, and IUL contracts is based on their cash surrender value (i.e. the cost the Company 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, 2013 and September 30, 2013, this resulted in lower fair value reserves relative to the carrying value. The Company 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 disclosures of fair value.
Other Invested Assets
Fair value of our loan participation interest securities has been assessed to be equal to the unpaid principal balance of the participation interest as of December 31, 2013. In making this assessment the Company considered the sufficiency of the underlying loan collateral, movements in the benchmark interest rate between origination date and December 31, 2013, the primary market participant for these securities and the short-term maturity of these loans (less than 1 year).
All of the other financial instruments included in other investments, primarily commercial mortgage loans ("CMLs") and policy loans, are carried at amortized cost which approximates fair value. Information on determining the carry value of these investments is described below:
In September 2013, the Company initiated a commercial loan program with Principal Real Estate Investors ("Principal"). The Company has funded seven commercial mortgage loans ("CMLs") originated and serviced by Principal with a fair value of $103,283 at December 31, 2013 which is equal to amortized cost as these loans were recently originated. Principal monitors the status of the payment obligations, the credit quality of the borrower and the property as well as for other events that may impact the performance and principal repayment of the CMLs. Additionally, the Company reviews Principal's valuation methodologies and processes as disclosed in their SSAE 16 to perform assessments. A CMLs' good standing and payment obligations are material factors in evaluating CMLs carrying value. At December 31, 2013, all seven CMLs are performing in good standing and there are no credit or other events which would require impairment evaluation.
Also included in other invested assets are policy loans. We have not attempted to determine the fair values associated with our policy loans, as we believe any differences between carrying value and the fair values afforded these instruments are immaterial to our consolidated financial position and, accordingly, the cost to provide such disclosure does not justify the benefit to be derived.
Related Party Loans & Related Party Investments
The related party loans (discussed in Note 14) carrying value at par approximates fair value, as this is the exit price for the obligation of these loans.
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, 2013 and September 30, 2013 are as follows:
		Fair Value at							Range (Weighted average)
		December 31,			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		December 31,
		2013							2013
Assets
Asset-backed securities		$	250,800		Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		98.00% - 106.98% (100.61%)
Corporates		540,918			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		0.00% - 115.00% (91.54%)
Corporates		66,221			Market Pricing		Quoted prices		91.38%-131.62% (98.72%)
Municipal		34,374			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		98.21%
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		5,976			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		101.64%
Other invested assets		199,636			Market Pricing		Offered quotes		100.00%
Total		$	1,097,925
Liabilities
Derivatives:
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	1,644,724		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0% - 43.28% (4.78%)
							SWAP rates		1.79% - 3.09% (2.45%)
							Mortality multiplier		80%
							Surrender rates		0.50% - 75% (7%)
							Non-performance spread		0.25%
Total liabilities at fair value		$	1,644,724
		Fair Value at							Range (Weighted average)
		September 30,			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		30-Sep-13
		2013
Assets
Asset-backed securities		$	246,528		Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100.00% - 107.25% (100.91%)
Corporates		404,508			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		0.00% - 113.00% (90.45%)
Corporates		56,605			Market Pricing		Quoted prices		90.06% - 130.92% (97.19%)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		5,635			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		95.50%
Other invested assets		157,000			Market Pricing		Offered quotes		100.00%
Total		$	870,276
Liabilities
Derivatives:
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	1,544,447		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0% - 38.24% (3.82%)
							SWAP rates		1.54% - 2.77% (2.16%)
							Mortality multiplier		80%
							Surrender rates		0.50% - 75% (7%)
							Non-performance spread		0.25%
Total liabilities at fair value		$	1,544,447
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, 2013 and September 30, 2013, 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 or lower, respectively, fair value measurement. Significant increases or decreases in interest swap rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, or non-performance spread in isolation would result in a lower or higher, respectively, fair value measurement. Generally, a change in any one unobservable input would not result in a change in any other unobservable input.
Changes in unrealized losses (gains), net in the Company’s FIA embedded derivatives are included in "Benefits and other changes in policy reserves" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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, 2013 and December 31,2012, respectively. This summary excludes any impact of amortization of VOBA and 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, 2013
	Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)							Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
	of Period			Included in				Included in						Level 3 (a)			Period
				Earnings				AOCI
Assets
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	$	246,528		$	—			$	(747	)	$	5,019		$	—		$	250,800
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5,635			—				363			(22		)	—			5,976
Corporates	461,113			(27		)		(6,098		)	152,151			—			607,139
Municipals	—			—				(626		)	35,000			—			34,374
Other invested assets	157,000			—				—			42,636			—			199,636
Total assets at Level 3 fair value	$	870,276		$	(27	)		$	(7,108	)	$	234,784		$	—		$	1,097,925
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,544,447		$	100,277			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,644,724
Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value	$	1,544,447		$	100,277			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,644,724
(a)	There were no net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2013.
	Three months ended December 31, 2012
	Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)							Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
	of Period			Included in				Included in						Level 3 (a)			Period
				Earnings				AOCI
Assets
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	$	15,855		$	—			$	(43	)	$	(18	)	$	(10,500	)	$	5,294
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5,023			—				81			1,006			—			6,110
Corporates	135,296			(180		)		(1,964		)	122,890			80			256,122
Hybrids	8,873			—				(175		)	—			(3,723		)	4,975
Related party investments	32,000			—				—			—			—			32,000
Total assets at Level 3 fair value	$	197,047		$	(180	)		$	(2,101	)	$	123,878		$	(14,143	)	$	304,501
Liabilities
Fixed indexed annuities	$	1,550,805		$	(33,754	)											$	1,517,051
AFS embedded derivatives	—			—				—			—			—			—
Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value	$	1,550,805		$	(33,754	)		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,517,051
(a)	The net transfers in and out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2012 were exclusively to or from Level 2.
The Company 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, 2013 and December 31,2012, respectively.
There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2013. Primary market issuance and secondary market activity for certain asset-backed, hybrid and corporate securities during the three months ended December 31, 2012 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 the Company concluding that there is sufficient trading activity in similar instruments to support classifying these securities as Level 2 as of December 31, 2012. Accordingly, the Company’s assessment resulted in net transfers out of Level 3 of $14,143 related to asset-backed securities, corporates, hybrids, municipals and residential mortgage-backed securities during three months ended December 31, 2012.
The following tables present the gross components of purchases, sales, and settlements, net, of Level 3 financial instruments for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. There were no issuances during these periods.
	Three months ended December 31, 2013
	Purchases			Sales				Settlements			Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements
Assets
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	$	5,038		$	—			$	(19	)	$	5,019
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			—				(22		)	(22		)
Corporates	152,684			—				(533		)	152,151
Municipal	35,000			—				—			35,000
Other invested assets	77,755			—				(35,119		)	42,636
Total assets at fair value	$	270,477		$	—			$	(35,693	)	$	234,784
	Three months ended December 30, 2012
	Purchases			Sales				Settlements			Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements
Assets
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	$	—		$	—			$	(18	)	$	(18	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	1,026			—				(20		)	1,006
Corporates	133,175			(9,561		)		(724		)	122,890
Total assets at fair value	$	134,201		$	(9,561	)		$	(762	)	$	123,878

Intangibles_Assets

Intangibles Assets	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangibles	'
	Intangible Assets
	Information regarding VOBA and DAC, DSI, is as follows:
		VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	104,320		$	169,223		$	273,543
	Deferrals	—			35,697			35,697
	Less: Amortization related to:
	Unlocking	9,310			2,100			11,410
	Interest	5,347			2,327			7,674
	Other amortization	(73,536		)	(15,059		)	(88,595		)
	Add: Adjustment for unrealized investment gains/losses	31,173			(3,212		)	27,961
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	76,614		$	191,076		$	267,690
		VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	225,289		$	338,469		$	563,758
	Deferrals	—			52,552			52,552
	Less: Amortization related to:
	Unlocking	11,656			3,427			15,083
	Interest	3,686			3,339			7,025
	Other amortization	(29,218		)	(15,782		)	(45,000		)
	Add: Adjustment for unrealized investment gains/losses	1,741			6,285			8,026
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	213,154		$	388,290		$	601,444
	Amortization of VOBA and DAC is based on the amount of gross margins or profits recognized, including investment gains and losses. 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, 2013 and September 30, 2013, the VOBA balance included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains/losses of $79,700 and $81,442 respectively, and the DAC balances included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains/losses of $24,889 and $18,604, respectively.
	The above DAC balances include $29,564 and $26,159 of DSI, net of shadow adjustments, as of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively.
	The weighted average amortization period for VOBA is approximately 4.8 years. Estimated amortization expense for VOBA in future fiscal periods is as follows:
		Estimated Amortization Expense
	Fiscal Year	VOBA
	2014	33,446
	2015	44,769
	2016	39,452
	2017	32,244
	2018	25,946
	Thereafter	116,998

Long_Term_Debt

Long Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long Term Debt	'
	Long Term Debt
	In March 2013, FGL's wholly owned subsidiary, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. ("FGLH"), issued $300,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.375% senior notes (“Notes offering”) due April 1, 2021, at par value, which FGLH may elect to redeem after April 1, 2015. Interest payments are due semi-annually, April 1 and October 1, commencing October 1, 2013, and total interest expense was $4,781 for the three months ended December 31, 2013.
	In connection with the Notes offering, FGL capitalized $10,195 of debt issue costs. The fees are classified as “Other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and are being are amortized over the redemption date using the straight-line method over the remaining term of the debt, of which $843 has been amortized for the three months ended December 31, 2013.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	Equity
	On November 26, 2013, the Company’s board of directors increased the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, from 100,000 to 500,000,000 and approved a stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock at a ratio of 4,700-for-1, resulting in 47,000,000 shares outstanding. Net income per common share and the weighted average common shares used in computing net income per share for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations, have been adjusted to give effect to the stock split. Likewise, the amount of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding disclosed in the Company’s Consolidated Balance sheets have also been adjusted.
	In December of 2013 the Company issued 9,750,000 shares of common stock as well as 58,322 unrestricted shares to its directors in connection with its initial public offering ("IPO") and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FGL." FGL also granted the underwriters an option to purchase an additional 1,462,500 shares of common stock that was subsequently exercised. Subsequent to the offering HGI held 47,000,000 shares of FGL's outstanding common stock, representing an 80.7% interest.
	On December 18, 2013, the Company received net proceeds from the IPO of $172,996. A portion of the proceeds were used to pay a special dividend of $42,993 to HGI.

Stock_Compensation

Stock Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Compensation	'
	Stock Compensation
	In conjunction with the IPO, on November 7, 2013, FGL’s Board of Directors adopted a long term stock-based incentive plan (the “FGL 2013 Stock Incentive Plan” or the “Omnibus Plan”) under which certain officers, employees, directors and consultants are eligible to receive equity based awards. The Omnibus Plan was approved by the stockholder on November 19, 2013, became effective on December 12, 2013 and expires in December 2023. FGL’s Compensation Committee approved the granting of awards under the Omnibus Plan to certain employees, officers and directors (other than the members of the Compensation Committee). In addition, FGL’s Board of Directors approved the granting of awards to members of FGL’s Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee Awards”). The Compensation Committee Awards were not made under the Omnibus Plan; however, these awards will be construed and administered as if subject to the terms of the Omnibus Plan. FGL’s Board of Directors and stockholder also approved the granting of unrestricted common shares to its directors in lieu of cash compensation at the election of each individual director (the “Unrestricted Share Awards”). The Omnibus Plan, Compensation Committee Awards and the Unrestricted Share Awards are collectively referred to as the “FGL Plans” and are accounted for as equity plans. Prior to the initial public offering, FGL did not offer stock-based compensation plans to any of its directors, employees or the directors or employees of its subsidiaries.
	FGL’s principal subsidiary, FGLH, sponsors stock-based incentive plans and dividend equivalent plans (“DEPs”) for its employees (the “FGLH Plans”). Awards under the FGLH Plans are based on the common stock of FGLH. In 2013, FGLH determined that all equity awards will be settled in cash when exercised and therefore are classified as liability plans.
	The Company recognized total stock compensation expense related to the FGL Plans and FGLH Plans as follows:
			Three months ended
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	FGL Plans
	Stock options		$	11		$	—
	Restricted shares		32			—
	Performance restricted stock units		148			—
	Unrestricted shares		991			—
			1,182			—
	FGLH Plans
	Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2,765			690
	2011 DEP		261			207
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2,290			—
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - restricted stock units		719			—
	2012 DEP		113			—
	Total stock compensation expense		7,330			897
	Related tax benefit		2,566			314
	Net stock compensation expense		$	4,764		$	583
	The stock compensation expense is included in "Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Total compensation expense related to the FGL Plans and FGLH Plans not yet recognized as of December 31, 2013 and the weighted-average period over which this expense will be recognized are as follows:
			Unrecognized Compensation Expense			Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years
	FGL Plans
	Stock options		$	620		3
	Restricted shares		1,793			3
	Performance restricted stock units		7,824			2.8
	Unrestricted shares		—			N/A
			10,237
	FGLH Plans
	Stock Incentive Plan		1,960			0.7
	2011 DEP		277			0.2
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2,784			1.8
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - restricted stock units		2,091			2
	2012 DEP		1,082			2.2
			8,194			0
	Total unrecognized stock compensation expense		$	18,431		2.3
	FGL Plans
	On December 12, 2013, FGL granted 181 thousand stock options to certain officers and directors under the Omnibus Plan and 10 thousand stock options to Compensation Committee members. These stock options vest in equal installments over a period of three years and expire on the seventh anniversary of the grant date. The total fair value of the option grants on the grant date was $631.
	A summary of FGL’s outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2013, and related activity during the three month period, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted
								Average Grant
								Date Fair Value
	Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2013		—		$	—		$	—
	Granted		191		17			3.3
	Forfeited or expired		—		—			—
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013		191		17			3.3
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		—		—			—
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		191		17			3.3
	The following assumptions were used in the determination of these grant date fair values using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and based on the value of FGL's common stock:
		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.40%
	Assumed dividend yield	1.50%
	Expected option term	4.5 years
	Volatility	25%
	On December 12, 2013, FGL also granted 96 thousand restricted shares to certain officers and directors under the Omnibus Plan and 11 thousand restricted shares to Compensation Committee members. These shares vest in equal installments over a period of three years and expire on the seventh anniversary of the grant date. The total fair value of the restricted shares granted on their grant dates was $1,824.
	A summary of FGL’s restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013, and related activity during the three months then ended, are as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
	Restricted shares outstanding at September 30, 2013		—		$	—
	Granted		107		17
	Forfeited or expired		—		—
Restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 2013		107		17
Exercisable at December 31, 2013		—		—
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		107		17
On December 12, 2013, FGL also granted 469 thousand performance restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) to senior executive officers under the Omnibus Plan. These units vest on September 30, 2016, contingent on the satisfaction of performance criteria and on the officer's continued employment unless, otherwise noted in the agreement. The total fair value of the PRSUs on the grant date was $7,973.
PRSUs subject to vesting are adjusted based on yearly performance, which is evaluated on two non-US GAAP measures: (1) adjusted operating income, and (2) return on equity.
A summary of PRSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2013, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
Performance Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs)		Shares		Average grant date fair value
PRSUs outstanding at September 30, 2013		—		$	—
Granted		469		17
Forfeited or expired		—		—
PRSUs outstanding at December 31, 2013		469		17
Exercisable at December 31, 2013		—		—
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		469		17
Additionally, on December 12, 2013, FGL granted unrestricted shares totaling 58 thousand to certain directors in payment for services rendered. Total fair value of the unrestricted shares on the grant date was $991.
FGLH Plans
A summary of FGLH's outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2013 and changes during the three months then ended are as follows (share amount in thousands):
		FGLH
Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price (a)
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2013		335		$	44.23
Granted		—		—
Exercised		(28	)	41.79
Forfeited or expired		(1	)	45.55
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013		306		44.44
Exercisable at December 31, 2013		129		42.56
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		296		44.4
(a)	The exercise price is based on the value of FGLH’s common stock, not the value of the Company’s common stock. The fair value of FGLH stock at December 31, 2013 is $83.67.
A summary of FGLH's restricted stock units outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and related activity during the three months then ended is as follows (share amount in thousands):
Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Average Grant
				Date Fair Value (a)
Restricted shares outstanding at September 30, 2013		46		$	49.6
Granted		—		—
Exercised		(15	)	49.45
Forfeited or expired		—		—
Restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 2013		31		49.68
Exercisable at December 31, 2013		—		—
Restricted stock vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		28		49.58
(a)	Fair value is based on the value of FGLH’s common stock, not the value of the Company’s common stock.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes represents federal income taxes. The effective tax rate for the three month period ended December 31, 2013 was 34.0%. The effective tax rate for the three month period ended December 31, 2012 was 32.7%. The effective tax rate (“ETR”) on pre-tax income differs from the U.S Federal statutory rate primarily due to current period changes to the Company’s valuation allowance offsetting its deferred tax asset position.
	The Company’s tax provision changes quarterly based on recurring and non-recurring factors, including but not limited to, enacted tax legislation, tax audit settlements and changes in judgment from the evaluation of new information resulting in the recognition or de-recognition and/or re-measurement of a tax position taken in a prior period. Changes in judgment related to a tax position are generally recognized in the quarter in which any such change occurs.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Contingencies
	Regulatory and Litigation Matters
	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, 2013, FGL has accrued $4,763 for guaranty fund assessments which is expected to be offset by estimated future premium tax deductions of $4,591.
	The Company has received inquiries from a number of state regulatory authorities regarding its use of the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (the "Death Master File") and compliance with state claims practices regulation. To date, the Company has received inquiries from authorities in Maryland, Minnesota and New York. The New York Insurance Department issued a letter and subsequent regulation requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use the Death Master File or similar databases to determine if benefits were payable under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts. Legislation requiring insurance companies to use the Death Master File to identify potential claims has recently been enacted in Maryland and other states. As a result of these legislative and regulatory developments, in May 2012, the Company 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. During fiscal 2012, the Company incurred an $11,000 benefit expense, net of reinsurance, to increase reserves to cover potential benefits payable resulting from this ongoing effort. Based on its analysis to date, and management’s estimate, the Company believes the remaining accrual will cover the reasonably estimated liability arising out of these developments. In addition, the Company has received audit and examination notices from several state agencies responsible for escheatment and unclaimed property regulation in those states.  The Company has established a contingency of $2,000, the mid-point of an estimated range of $1,000 to $3,000, related to the external legal costs and administrative costs of said audits and examinations. 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.
	The Company 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 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 the Company’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.
	Guarantees
	The First Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement, dated February 17, 2011 (the “F&G Stock Purchase Agreement”) between HFG and OM Group (UK) Limited ("OMGUK") includes a Guarantee and Pledge Agreement which creates certain obligations for FGLH as a grantor and also grants a security interest to OMGUK of FGLH’s equity interest in FGL Insurance in the event that HFG 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.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	Reinsurance
	The Company 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 the Company's retention limit is reinsured with other insurers. The Company seeks reinsurance coverage in order to limit its exposure to mortality losses and enhance capital management. The Company follows reinsurance accounting when there is adequate risk transfer. Otherwise, the deposit method of accounting is followed. The Company also assumes 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Net Premiums Earned			Net Benefits Incurred			Net Premiums Earned			Net Benefits Incurred
	Direct	$	67,753		$	296,480		$	72,448		$	139,560
	Assumed	9,271			6,086			12,097			6,559
	Ceded	(63,319		)	(85,710		)	(70,749		)	(62,475		)
	Net	$	13,705		$	216,856		$	13,796		$	83,644
	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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company did not write off any reinsurance balances. During the three months ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company did not commute any ceded reinsurance.
	No policies issued by the Company 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.
	The Company 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.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	Since its inception, the Company has utilized the services of the management and staff of HGI and also shares office space with HGI. The Company recorded approximately $0 and $7 as contributed capital for such services for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company believes these allocations were made on a reasonable basis; however, they do not necessarily represent the costs that would have been incurred by the Company on a stand-alone basis.
	FSRCI
	Effective December 31, 2012, FGL Insurance entered into a reinsurance treaty with FSRCI, an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of HGI, FGL’s parent, whereby FGL ceded 10% of its June 30, 2012 in-force annuity block business not already reinsured on a funds withheld basis. Under the terms of the agreement, FSRCI paid FGL Insurance an initial ceding allowance of $15,000. A study prepared by an independent third party actuarial firm determined that the initial ceding allowance of $15,000 is a fair and reasonable valuation. The coinsurance agreement was on a funds withheld basis, meaning that funds were withheld by FSRCI from the coinsurance premium owed to Front Street Re Ltd. ("Front Street"), a Bermuda-based reinsurer, as collateral for FSRCI’s payment obligations. Accordingly, the collateral assets remain under the ultimate ownership of FGL Insurance.
	At December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, the Company's reinsurance recoverable included $1,334,724 and $1,364,965, respectively, related to FSRCI and funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities included $1,341,497 and $1,368,322, respectively, related to FSRCI.
	Below are the ceded operating results to FSRCI’s for the three months ended December 31, 2013:
	Revenues:	Three months ended December 31, 2013
	Premiums	$	232
	Net investment income	15,154
	Net investment gains	7,848
	Insurance and investment product fees	1,310
	Total Revenues	24,544
	Benefits and expenses:
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	(18,605		)
	Acquisition & operating expenses, net of deferrals	(2,559		)
	Amortization of intangibles	—
	Total benefits and expenses	(21,164		)
	Operating income	$	3,380
	Salus
	FGL Insurance participates in loans to third parties originated by Salus, an affiliated company indirectly owned by HGI that provides asset-based financing. In addition to the participation in loans originated by Salus Capital Partners, LLC ("Salus"), FGLH also agreed to provide Salus with financing in the form of a revolving loan.
	The Company’s consolidated related party investments as of December 31, 2013 and September 30,2013, and related net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 summarized as follows:
				December 31, 2013
	Type	Balance Sheet Classification		Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Salus collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)	Fixed Maturities, available for sale		$	241,019	$	635	$	241,654
	Salus 2013 participations	Other Invested Assets		199,636		1,517		201,153
	HGI energy loan	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		70,000		—		70,000
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		5,944		83		6,027
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		20,000		368		20,368
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		—		46		46
				30-Sep-13
	Type	Balance Sheet Classification		Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Salus collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)	Fixed Maturities, available for sale		$	241,482	$	427	$	241,909
	Salus 2013 participations	Other Invested Assets		157,000		1,517		158,517
	HGI energy loan	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		70,000		1,575		71,575
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		27,287		124		27,411
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		20,000		12		20,012
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		—		46		46
				Three months ended December 31,
				2013		2012
	Type	Investment Income Classification		Net investment income		Net investment income
	Salus collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)	Fixed Maturities		$	2,829	$	—
	Salus 2013 participations	Other Invested Assets		4,367		—
	HGI energy loan	Related Party Loans		1,575		—
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans		261		1,803
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans		353		353
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans		139		27
	The Company’s pre-closing and closing obligations under the F&G Stock Purchase Agreement, including payment of the purchase price, were guaranteed by the Master Fund. Pursuant to the Transfer Agreement, HGI entered into a Guaranty Indemnity Agreement (the “Guaranty Indemnity”) with the Master Fund, pursuant to which HGI agreed to indemnify the Master Fund for any losses incurred by it or its representatives in connection with the Master Fund’s guaranty of the Company’s pre-closing and closing obligations under the F&G Stock Purchase Agreement.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS (share amounts in thousands):
		Three months ended December 31,
		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to common shares - basic and diluted	$	42,694	$	110,605
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	49,142		47,000
	Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and unvested performance restricted stock	119		—
	Dilutive effect of stock options	3		—
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	49,264		47,000
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.87	$	2.35
	Diluted	$	0.87	$	2.35
	The number of shares of common stock outstanding used in calculating the weighted average thereof reflects the actual number of FGL shares of common stock outstanding, excluding unvested restricted stock.

Insurance_Subsidiary_Financial

Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance [Abstract]	'
Insurance Disclosure	'
	Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters
	The Company’s insurance subsidiaries file financial statements with state insurance regulatory authorities and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) that are prepared in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles (“SAP”) prescribed or permitted by such authorities, which may vary materially from US GAAP. Prescribed SAP includes the Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual of the NAIC as well as state laws, regulations and administrative rules. Permitted SAP encompasses all accounting practices not so prescribed. The principal differences between statutory financial statements and financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP are that statutory financial statements do not reflect DAC and VOBA, some bond portfolios may be carried at amortized cost, assets and liabilities are presented net of reinsurance, contractholder liabilities are generally valued using more conservative assumptions and certain assets are non-admitted. Accordingly, statutory operating results and statutory capital and surplus may differ substantially from amounts reported in the US GAAP basis financial statements for comparable items
	On November 1, 2013, Fidelity and Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("FGL Insurance") re-domesticated from Maryland to Iowa. After re-domestication, FGL Insurance elected to apply Iowa-prescribed accounting practices that permit Iowa-domiciled insurers to report equity call options used to economically hedge FIA index credits at amortized cost for statutory accounting purposes and to calculate FIA statutory reserves such that index credit returns will be included in the reserve only after crediting to the annuity contract. This resulted in a $11,517 decrease to statutory capital and surplus. Also, the Iowa Insurance Division granted FGL Insurance a permitted statutory accounting practice to reclassify its negative unassigned surplus balance of $805,818 (unaudited) to additional paid in capital as of April 6, 2011, the date the Company acquired FGL Insurance, which will have the effect of setting FGL Insurance’s statutory unassigned surplus to zero as of this date. The prescribed and permitted statutory accounting practice will have no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with US GAAP.
	As of December 31, 2013 Fidelity and Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York ("FGL NY Insurance")does not follow any prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices that differ from the NAIC’s statutory accounting practices. However, FGL Insurance’s statutory carrying value of Raven Re reflects the effect of permitted practices Raven Re received. Raven Re is also permitted to follow Iowa prescribed practice statutory accounting for its reserves on reinsurance assumed from FGL Insurance. Without such permitted statutory accounting Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus would be negative and its risk-based capital would fall below the minimum regulatory requirements.
	On October 7, 2013 the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYDFS”) announced an agreement with Philip A. Falcone, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HGI (FGL’s ultimate parent company), HGI, FGL and FGL NY Insurance that Mr. Falcone will not exercise control, within the meaning of New York insurance law, over FGL NY Insurance or any other New York-licensed insurer for seven years (the “NYDFS commitment”). Under the NYDFS commitment agreement, FGL agreed to maintain FGL NY Insurance’s risk based capital ("RBC") level at no less than 225% company action level RBC ratio, and established a trust account funded with $18,500 of cash or eligible securities to support that agreement.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies and Practices (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FGL and all other entities in which FGL has a controlling financial interest (none of which are variable interest entities). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended disclosure requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities to allow investors to better compare financial statements prepared under US GAAP with financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standards are effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. ASU 2011-11 Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities - was adopted by the Company effective October 1, 2013. FGL does not offset any of its derivative transactions, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, in its statement of financial position. The Company only enters into purchased equity options and long futures contracts. The Company has not entered into any repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements or securities borrowing and lending transactions. Accordingly, no additional disclosures are required.
	Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects
	In January 2014, the 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.  The new standards will become effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Available-for-Sale Securities	'
	The Company’s consolidated investments at December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013 are summarized as follows:
		December 31, 2013
		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Available-for sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	1,830,206		$	20,737		$	(8,165	)	$	1,842,778		$	1,842,778
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	422,575			25,236			(3,182		)	444,629			444,629
	Corporates	9,963,806			272,090			(189,278		)	10,046,618			10,046,618
	Equities	293,940			6,810			(13,828		)	286,922			286,922
	Hybrids	400,547			20,755			(3,228		)	418,074			418,074
	Municipals	1,121,207			45,199			(44,980		)	1,121,426			1,121,426
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	88,948			2,192			(91		)	91,049			91,049
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	1,564,094			99,209			(11,276		)	1,652,027			1,652,027
	U.S. Government	711,453			5,796			(6,233		)	711,016			711,016
	Total available-for-sale securities	16,396,776			498,024			(280,261		)	16,614,539			16,614,539
	Derivative investments	148,310			147,034			(813		)	294,531			294,531
	Other invested assets	316,552			—			—			316,552			316,552
	Total investments	$	16,861,638		$	645,058		$	(281,074	)	$	17,225,622		$	17,225,622
		September 30, 2013
		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Available-for-sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	1,745,241		$	24,529		$	(5,176	)	$	1,764,594		$	1,764,594
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	431,265			24,660			(1,596		)	454,329			454,329
	Corporates	9,314,661			288,702			(185,054		)	9,418,309			9,418,309
	Equities	274,647			6,683			(10,255		)	271,075			271,075
	Hybrids	412,640			19,481			(3,304		)	428,817			428,817
	Municipals	998,832			49,013			(40,835		)	1,007,010			1,007,010
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	96,452			2,397			(252		)	98,597			98,597
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	1,304,007			77,410			(13,394		)	1,368,023			1,368,023
	U.S. Government	998,530			7,174			(3,857		)	1,001,847			1,001,847
	Total available-for-sale securities	15,576,275			500,049			(263,723		)	15,812,601			15,812,601
	Derivatives Instruments	141,664			88,461			(8,367		)	221,758			221,758
	Other invested assets	188,180			—			—			188,180			188,180
	Total investments	$	15,906,119		$	588,510		$	(272,090	)	$	16,222,539		$	16,222,539
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, 2013
		Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	Corporates, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and U.S. Government securities:
	Due in one year or less	$	345,545		$	348,092
	Due after one year through five years	3,059,155			3,133,238
	Due after five years through ten years	3,315,121			3,332,054
	Due after ten years	5,444,439			5,448,255
	Subtotal	12,164,260			12,261,639
	Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
	Asset-backed securities	1,830,206			1,842,778
	Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	422,575			444,629
	Structured hybrids	32,753			35,495
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	88,948			91,049
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	1,564,094			1,652,027
	Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	16,102,836		$	16,327,617
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, 2013
		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	$	496,893		$	(6,931	)	$	127,497		$	(1,234	)	$	624,390	$	(8,165	)
	Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	29,419			(507		)	5,926			(2,675		)	35,345		(3,182		)
	Corporates	3,355,410			(162,999		)	477,879			(26,279		)	3,833,289		(189,278		)
	Equities	131,677			(13,772		)	6,909			(56		)	138,586		(13,828		)
	Hybrids	106,254			(3,119		)	8,256			(109		)	114,510		(3,228		)
	Municipals	478,220			(28,368		)	168,055			(16,612		)	646,275		(44,980		)
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	11,871			(78		)	526			(13		)	12,397		(91		)
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	354,502			(10,554		)	55,235			(722		)	409,737		(11,276		)
	U.S. Government	337,957			(6,233		)	—			—			337,957		(6,233		)
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	5,302,203		$	(232,561	)	$	850,283		$	(47,700	)	$	6,152,486	$	(280,261	)
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months															634
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer															109
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position															743
		September 30, 2013
		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	$	329,319		$	(4,496	)	$	81,483		$	(680	)	$	410,802	$	(5,176	)
	Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	26,575			(525		)	4,860			(1,071		)	31,435		(1,596		)
	Corporates	3,457,206			(174,989		)	185,956			(10,065		)	3,643,162		(185,054		)
	Equities	118,609			(9,120		)	32,240			(1,135		)	150,849		(10,255		)
	Hybrids	52,027			(3,304		)	—			—			52,027		(3,304		)
	Municipals	333,278			(27,359		)	144,365			(13,476		)	477,643		(40,835		)
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	9,791			(117		)	1,148			(135		)	10,939		(252		)
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	325,170			(12,224		)	69,910			(1,170		)	395,080		(13,394		)
	U.S government	753,899			(3,857		)	—			—			753,899		(3,857		)
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	5,405,874		$	(235,991	)	$	519,962		$	(27,732	)	$	5,925,836	$	(263,723	)
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months															588
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer															78
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position															666
Reconciliation of Other-than-Temporary Impairment on Fixed Maturity	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the credit loss portion of OTTI on fixed maturity securities held by the Company for the three months ended December 31, 2013, and December 31,2012, for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in AOCI:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	2,681		$	2,681
	Increases attributable to credit losses on securities:
	Other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	—			—
	Other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	—			—
	Ending balance	$	2,681		$	2,681
Other-than-Temporary Impairments	'
	Details underlying write-downs taken as a result of OTTI that were recognized in net income and included in net realized gains on securities were as follows:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	OTTI recognized in net income:
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	$	34		$	509
	Total OTTI	$	34		$	509
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,
		2013			2012
	Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	175,286		$	165,415
	Equity available-for-sale securities	4,390			5,351
	Related party loans	1,877			2,183
	Policy loans	168			266
	Invested cash and short-term investments	74			835
	Other investments	5,194			346
	Gross investment income	186,989			174,396
	Investment expense	(3,552		)	(4,098		)
	Net investment income	$	183,437		$	170,298
Net Investment Gains	'
	Details underlying “Net investment gains ” reported on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
		Three months ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Net realized gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	13,564		$	172,033
	Realized (losses) on equity securities	(1,613		)	—
	Net realized gains on securities	11,951			172,033
	Realized gains on certain derivative instruments	54,880			15,717
	Unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments	60,972			(41,285		)
	Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	(4,314		)	—
	Realized gains (losses) on derivatives and reinsurance related embedded derivative	111,538			(25,568		)
	Realized (losses) gains on other invested assets	(72		)	10
	Net investment gains	$	123,417		$	146,475

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Outstanding Derivative Contracts in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	The carrying amounts (which equal fair value) of derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in FIA contracts, is as follows:
		December 31, 2013				September 30, 2013
	Assets:
	Derivative investments:
	Call options	$	294,094			$	221,758
	Futures contracts	437				—
	Other Assets:
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	113,710				118,025
		$	408,241			$	339,783
	Liabilities:
	Contractholder funds:
	FIA embedded derivative	$	1,644,724			$	1,544,447
	Funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities:
	Call options payable to FSRCI	28,328				22,833
	Other liabilities:
	Futures contracts	—				1,028
		$	1,673,052			$	1,568,308
Schedule of Change in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'
	The change in fair value of derivative instruments included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows:
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Revenues:
	Net investment gains (losses):
	Call options	$	102,742			$	(20,889	)
	Futures contracts	13,110				(4,679		)
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	(4,314		)		—
		$	111,538			$	(25,568	)
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves:
	FIA embedded derivatives	$	100,277			$	(33,754	)
FGL's Exposure to Credit Loss on Call Options Held	'
	Information regarding the Company’s exposure to credit loss on the call options it holds is presented in the following table:
					December 31, 2013										September 30, 2013
	Counterparty		Credit Rating		Notional				Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk		Notional		Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk
			(Moody's/S&P) (a)		Amount										Amount
	Merrill Lynch		NA/A		$	2,157,932			$	99,627	$	45,103	$	54,524	$	2,037,781	$	70,695	$	—	$	70,695
	Deutsche Bank		A2/A		1,706,800				70,379		—		70,379		1,620,404		51,667		23,000		28,667
	Morgan Stanley		A3/A		2,379,038				103,087		74,739		28,348		2,264,136		75,729		49,000		26,729
	Royal Bank of Scotland		A3/A		245,300				16,899		—		16,899		364,300		20,313		—		20,313
	Barclay's Bank		A2/A		117,835				4,102		—		4,102		120,789		3,354		—		3,354
					$	6,606,905			$	294,094	$	119,842	$	174,252	$	6,407,410	$	221,758	$	72,000	$	149,758
	(a) Credit rating as of December 31, 2013.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3			Fair Value			Carrying Amount
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	759,471		$	—			$	—		$	759,471		$	759,471
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			1,591,978				250,800			1,842,778			1,842,778
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			438,653				5,976			444,629			444,629
	Corporates	—			9,439,479				607,139			10,046,618			10,046,618
	Hybrids	—			418,074				—			418,074			418,074
	Municipals	—			1,087,052				34,374			1,121,426			1,121,426
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—			91,049				—			91,049			91,049
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—			1,652,027				—			1,652,027			1,652,027
	U.S. Government	502,531			208,485				—			711,016			711,016
	Equity securities available-for-sale	—			286,922				—			286,922			286,922
	Derivative financial instruments	—			294,531				—			294,531			294,531
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	—			113,710				—			113,710			113,710
	Related party loans	—			—				96,442			96,442			96,442
	Other invested assets	—			—				316,552			316,552			316,552
	Total financial assets at fair value	$	1,262,002		$	15,621,960			$	1,311,283		$	18,195,245		$	18,195,245
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractor funds	$	—		$	—			$	1,644,724		$	1,644,724		$	1,644,724
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—				12,513,803			12,513,803			13,874,998
	Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	—			28,328				—			28,328			28,328
	Debt	—			300,000				—			300,000			300,000
	Total financial liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	328,328			$	14,158,527		$	14,486,855		$	15,848,050
		September 30, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3			Fair Value			Carrying Amount
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,204,334		$	—			$	—		$	1,204,334		$	1,204,334
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			1,518,066				246,528			1,764,594			1,764,594
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			448,694				5,635			454,329			454,329
	Corporates	—			8,957,196				461,113			9,418,309			9,418,309
	Hybrids	—			428,817				—			428,817			428,817
	Municipals	—			1,007,010				—			1,007,010			1,007,010
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—			98,597				—			98,597			98,597
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—			1,368,023				—			1,368,023			1,368,023
	U.S. Government	790,926			210,921				—			1,001,847			1,001,847
	Equity securities available-for-sale	—			271,075				—			271,075			271,075
	Derivative financial instruments	—			221,758				—			221,758			221,758
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	—			118,025				—			118,025			118,025
	Related party loans	—			—				119,044			119,044			119,044
	Other invested assets	—			—				188,180			188,180			188,180
	Total financial assets at fair value	$	1,995,260		$	14,648,182			$	1,020,500		$	17,663,942		$	17,663,942
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	—		$	—			$	1,544,447		$	1,544,447		$	1,544,447
	Derivative instruments: futures contracts	—			1,028				—			1,028			1,028
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—				12,378,645			12,378,645			13,703,769
	Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	—			22,833				—			22,833			22,833
	Debt	—			300,000				—			300,000			300,000
	Total financial liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	323,861			$	13,923,092		$	14,246,953		$	15,572,077
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, 2013 and September 30, 2013 are as follows:
			Fair Value at							Range (Weighted average)
			December 31,			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		December 31,
			2013							2013
	Assets
	Asset-backed securities		$	250,800		Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		98.00% - 106.98% (100.61%)
	Corporates		540,918			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		0.00% - 115.00% (91.54%)
	Corporates		66,221			Market Pricing		Quoted prices		91.38%-131.62% (98.72%)
	Municipal		34,374			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		98.21%
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		5,976			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		101.64%
	Other invested assets		199,636			Market Pricing		Offered quotes		100.00%
	Total		$	1,097,925
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	1,644,724		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0% - 43.28% (4.78%)
								SWAP rates		1.79% - 3.09% (2.45%)
								Mortality multiplier		80%
								Surrender rates		0.50% - 75% (7%)
								Non-performance spread		0.25%
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	1,644,724
			Fair Value at							Range (Weighted average)
			September 30,			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		30-Sep-13
			2013
	Assets
	Asset-backed securities		$	246,528		Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100.00% - 107.25% (100.91%)
	Corporates		404,508			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		0.00% - 113.00% (90.45%)
	Corporates		56,605			Market Pricing		Quoted prices		90.06% - 130.92% (97.19%)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		5,635			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		95.50%
	Other invested assets		157,000			Market Pricing		Offered quotes		100.00%
	Total		$	870,276
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	1,544,447		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0% - 38.24% (3.82%)
								SWAP rates		1.54% - 2.77% (2.16%)
								Mortality multiplier		80%
								Surrender rates		0.50% - 75% (7%)
								Non-performance spread		0.25%
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	1,544,447
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, 2013 and December 31,2012, respectively. This summary excludes any impact of amortization of VOBA and 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, 2013
		Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)							Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
		of Period			Included in				Included in						Level 3 (a)			Period
					Earnings				AOCI
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	$	246,528		$	—			$	(747	)	$	5,019		$	—		$	250,800
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5,635			—				363			(22		)	—			5,976
	Corporates	461,113			(27		)		(6,098		)	152,151			—			607,139
	Municipals	—			—				(626		)	35,000			—			34,374
	Other invested assets	157,000			—				—			42,636			—			199,636
	Total assets at Level 3 fair value	$	870,276		$	(27	)		$	(7,108	)	$	234,784		$	—		$	1,097,925
	Liabilities
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,544,447		$	100,277			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,644,724
	Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value	$	1,544,447		$	100,277			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,644,724
	(a)	There were no net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2013.
		Three months ended December 31, 2012
		Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)							Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of			Balance at End of
		of Period			Included in				Included in						Level 3 (a)			Period
					Earnings				AOCI
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	$	15,855		$	—			$	(43	)	$	(18	)	$	(10,500	)	$	5,294
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5,023			—				81			1,006			—			6,110
	Corporates	135,296			(180		)		(1,964		)	122,890			80			256,122
	Hybrids	8,873			—				(175		)	—			(3,723		)	4,975
	Related party investments	32,000			—				—			—			—			32,000
	Total assets at Level 3 fair value	$	197,047		$	(180	)		$	(2,101	)	$	123,878		$	(14,143	)	$	304,501
	Liabilities
	Fixed indexed annuities	$	1,550,805		$	(33,754	)											$	1,517,051
	AFS embedded derivatives	—			—				—			—			—			—
	Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value	$	1,550,805		$	(33,754	)		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,517,051
	(a)	The net transfers in and out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2012 were exclusively to or from Level 2.
Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Purchases Sales Issuances Settlements Table	'
	The following tables present the gross components of purchases, sales, and settlements, net, of Level 3 financial instruments for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. There were no issuances during these periods.
		Three months ended December 31, 2013
		Purchases			Sales				Settlements			Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	$	5,038		$	—			$	(19	)	$	5,019
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			—				(22		)	(22		)
	Corporates	152,684			—				(533		)	152,151
	Municipal	35,000			—				—			35,000
	Other invested assets	77,755			—				(35,119		)	42,636
	Total assets at fair value	$	270,477		$	—			$	(35,693	)	$	234,784
		Three months ended December 30, 2012
		Purchases			Sales				Settlements			Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	$	—		$	—			$	(18	)	$	(18	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	1,026			—				(20		)	1,006
	Corporates	133,175			(9,561		)		(724		)	122,890
	Total assets at fair value	$	134,201		$	(9,561	)		$	(762	)	$	123,878

Intangibles_Assets_Tables

Intangibles Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Definite Lived Intangible Assets	'
	Information regarding VOBA and DAC, DSI, is as follows:
		VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	104,320		$	169,223		$	273,543
	Deferrals	—			35,697			35,697
	Less: Amortization related to:
	Unlocking	9,310			2,100			11,410
	Interest	5,347			2,327			7,674
	Other amortization	(73,536		)	(15,059		)	(88,595		)
	Add: Adjustment for unrealized investment gains/losses	31,173			(3,212		)	27,961
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	76,614		$	191,076		$	267,690
		VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	225,289		$	338,469		$	563,758
	Deferrals	—			52,552			52,552
	Less: Amortization related to:
	Unlocking	11,656			3,427			15,083
	Interest	3,686			3,339			7,025
	Other amortization	(29,218		)	(15,782		)	(45,000		)
	Add: Adjustment for unrealized investment gains/losses	1,741			6,285			8,026
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	213,154		$	388,290		$	601,444
Estimated Amortization Expense for VOBA and DAC in Future Fiscal Periods	'
	Estimated amortization expense for VOBA in future fiscal periods is as follows:
		Estimated Amortization Expense
	Fiscal Year	VOBA
	2014	33,446
	2015	44,769
	2016	39,452
	2017	32,244
	2018	25,946
	Thereafter	116,998

Stock_Compensation_Tables

Stock Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	'
	The Company recognized total stock compensation expense related to the FGL Plans and FGLH Plans as follows:
			Three months ended
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	FGL Plans
	Stock options		$	11		$	—
	Restricted shares		32			—
	Performance restricted stock units		148			—
	Unrestricted shares		991			—
			1,182			—
	FGLH Plans
	Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2,765			690
	2011 DEP		261			207
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2,290			—
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - restricted stock units		719			—
	2012 DEP		113			—
	Total stock compensation expense		7,330			897
	Related tax benefit		2,566			314
	Net stock compensation expense		$	4,764		$	583
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan, Unrecognized	'
	Total compensation expense related to the FGL Plans and FGLH Plans not yet recognized as of December 31, 2013 and the weighted-average period over which this expense will be recognized are as follows:
			Unrecognized Compensation Expense			Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years
	FGL Plans
	Stock options		$	620		3
	Restricted shares		1,793			3
	Performance restricted stock units		7,824			2.8
	Unrestricted shares		—			N/A
			10,237
	FGLH Plans
	Stock Incentive Plan		1,960			0.7
	2011 DEP		277			0.2
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2,784			1.8
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - restricted stock units		2,091			2
	2012 DEP		1,082			2.2
			8,194			0
	Total unrecognized stock compensation expense		$	18,431		2.3
FGL Plan	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Related Activity	'
	A summary of FGL’s outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2013, and related activity during the three month period, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted
								Average Grant
								Date Fair Value
	Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2013		—		$	—		$	—
	Granted		191		17			3.3
	Forfeited or expired		—		—			—
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013		191		17			3.3
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		—		—			—
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		191		17			3.3
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 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and based on the value of FGL's common stock:
		2013
	Risk-free interest rate	1.40%
	Assumed dividend yield	1.50%
	Expected option term	4.5 years
	Volatility	25%
Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Outstanding and Related Activity	'
	A summary of FGL’s restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013, and related activity during the three months then ended, are as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
	Restricted shares outstanding at September 30, 2013		—		$	—
	Granted		107		17
	Forfeited or expired		—		—
	Restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 2013		107		17
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		—		—
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		107		17
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity	'
	A summary of PRSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2013, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Performance Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs)		Shares		Average grant date fair value
	PRSUs outstanding at September 30, 2013		—		$	—
	Granted		469		17
	Forfeited or expired		—		—
	PRSUs outstanding at December 31, 2013		469		17
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		—		—
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		469		17
FGLH Plan	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Related Activity	'
	A summary of FGLH's outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2013 and changes during the three months then ended are as follows (share amount in thousands):
			FGLH
	Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price (a)
	Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2013		335		$	44.23
	Granted		—		—
	Exercised		(28	)	41.79
	Forfeited or expired		(1	)	45.55
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013		306		44.44
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		129		42.56
	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		296		44.4
	(a)	The exercise price is based on the value of FGLH’s common stock, not the value of the Company’s common stock. The fair value of FGLH stock at December 31, 2013 is $83.67.
Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Outstanding and Related Activity	'
	A summary of FGLH's restricted stock units outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and related activity during the three months then ended is as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Average Grant
					Date Fair Value (a)
	Restricted shares outstanding at September 30, 2013		46		$	49.6
	Granted		—		—
	Exercised		(15	)	49.45
	Forfeited or expired		—		—
	Restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 2013		31		49.68
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		—		—
	Restricted stock vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		28		49.58
	(a)	Fair value is based on the value of FGLH’s common stock, not the value of the Company’s common stock.

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Net Premiums Earned			Net Benefits Incurred			Net Premiums Earned			Net Benefits Incurred
	Direct	$	67,753		$	296,480		$	72,448		$	139,560
	Assumed	9,271			6,086			12,097			6,559
	Ceded	(63,319		)	(85,710		)	(70,749		)	(62,475		)
	Net	$	13,705		$	216,856		$	13,796		$	83,644

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd.	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	'
	Below are the ceded operating results to FSRCI’s for the three months ended December 31, 2013:
	Revenues:	Three months ended December 31, 2013
	Premiums	$	232
	Net investment income	15,154
	Net investment gains	7,848
	Insurance and investment product fees	1,310
	Total Revenues	24,544
	Benefits and expenses:
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	(18,605		)
	Acquisition & operating expenses, net of deferrals	(2,559		)
	Amortization of intangibles	—
	Total benefits and expenses	(21,164		)
	Operating income	$	3,380
Salus Capital Partners LLC	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	'
	The Company’s consolidated related party investments as of December 31, 2013 and September 30,2013, and related net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 summarized as follows:
				December 31, 2013
	Type	Balance Sheet Classification		Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Salus collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)	Fixed Maturities, available for sale		$	241,019	$	635	$	241,654
	Salus 2013 participations	Other Invested Assets		199,636		1,517		201,153
	HGI energy loan	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		70,000		—		70,000
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		5,944		83		6,027
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		20,000		368		20,368
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		—		46		46
				30-Sep-13
	Type	Balance Sheet Classification		Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Salus collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)	Fixed Maturities, available for sale		$	241,482	$	427	$	241,909
	Salus 2013 participations	Other Invested Assets		157,000		1,517		158,517
	HGI energy loan	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		70,000		1,575		71,575
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		27,287		124		27,411
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		20,000		12		20,012
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans, including accrued investment income		—		46		46
				Three months ended December 31,
				2013		2012
	Type	Investment Income Classification		Net investment income		Net investment income
	Salus collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)	Fixed Maturities		$	2,829	$	—
	Salus 2013 participations	Other Invested Assets		4,367		—
	HGI energy loan	Related Party Loans		1,575		—
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans		261		1,803
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans		353		353
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans		139		27

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Summary of Basic and Diluted EPS	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS (share amounts in thousands):
		Three months ended December 31,
		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to common shares - basic and diluted	$	42,694	$	110,605
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	49,142		47,000
	Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and unvested performance restricted stock	119		—
	Dilutive effect of stock options	3		—
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	49,264		47,000
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.87	$	2.35
	Diluted	$	0.87	$	2.35

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Natu1

Basis of Presentation and Nature of Business - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 13, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' disclosure, common stock (in shares)	47,000,000
Shareholders' disclosure, ownership percentage	80.70%

Significant_Risks_and_Uncertai1

Significant Risks and Uncertainties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Insurers	Insurers	Wilton Reassurance Company	Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd.	All Financial Instruments	All Financial Instruments	Single Issuer	Single Issuer
					Insurers
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
FGL's investment securities in the banking industry	$410,924	$788,696	'	'	$1,973,981	$1,892,103	$140,532	$150,716
Exposure of FGL's invested assets	2.40%	4.90%	'	'	11.50%	11.70%	0.80%	0.90%
Number of issuers in investment	3	6	'	'	82	'	'	'
Percentage of total holdings in industry	'	'	'	'	37.80%	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity exceeded percentage	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net amount recoverable	'	'	$1,350,092	$1,341,497	'	'	'	'

Investments_AvailableforSale_S

Investments - Available-for-Sale Securities Table (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Carrying Value	$17,225,622	$16,222,539
Derivative Investments, Fair Value	408,241	339,783
Derivative Investments, Carrying Value	294,531	221,758
Total Investments, Cost or Amortized Cost	16,861,638	15,906,119
Total Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	645,058	588,510
Total Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-281,074	-272,090
Total Investment, Fair Value	17,225,622	16,222,539
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	16,396,776	15,576,275
Gross Unrealized Gains	498,024	500,049
Gross Unrealized Losses	-280,261	-263,723
Investment, Fair Value	16,614,539	15,812,601
Investment, Carrying Value	16,614,539	15,812,601
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale | Asset-backed securities	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	1,830,206	1,745,241
Gross Unrealized Gains	20,737	24,529
Gross Unrealized Losses	-8,165	-5,176
Investment, Fair Value	1,842,778	1,764,594
Investment, Carrying Value	1,842,778	1,764,594
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale | Commercial mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	422,575	431,265
Gross Unrealized Gains	25,236	24,660
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,182	-1,596
Investment, Fair Value	444,629	454,329
Investment, Carrying Value	444,629	454,329
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale | Corporates	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	9,963,806	9,314,661
Gross Unrealized Gains	272,090	288,702
Gross Unrealized Losses	-189,278	-185,054
Investment, Fair Value	10,046,618	9,418,309
Investment, Carrying Value	10,046,618	9,418,309
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale | Hybrids	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	400,547	412,640
Gross Unrealized Gains	20,755	19,481
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,228	-3,304
Investment, Fair Value	418,074	428,817
Investment, Carrying Value	418,074	428,817
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale | Municipals	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	1,121,207	998,832
Gross Unrealized Gains	45,199	49,013
Gross Unrealized Losses	-44,980	-40,835
Investment, Fair Value	1,121,426	1,007,010
Investment, Carrying Value	1,121,426	1,007,010
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale | Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	88,948	96,452
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,192	2,397
Gross Unrealized Losses	-91	-252
Investment, Fair Value	91,049	98,597
Investment, Carrying Value	91,049	98,597
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale | Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	1,564,094	1,304,007
Gross Unrealized Gains	99,209	77,410
Gross Unrealized Losses	-11,276	-13,394
Investment, Fair Value	1,652,027	1,368,023
Investment, Carrying Value	1,652,027	1,368,023
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale | U.S. Government securities	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	711,453	998,530
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,796	7,174
Gross Unrealized Losses	-6,233	-3,857
Investment, Fair Value	711,016	1,001,847
Investment, Carrying Value	711,016	1,001,847
Other Investments Asset | Policy loans and other invested assets	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	316,552	188,180
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Investment, Fair Value	316,552	188,180
Investment, Carrying Value	316,552	188,180
Equity Securities Available For Sale | Equity Securities	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investment, Cost or Amortized Cost	293,940	274,647
Gross Unrealized Gains	6,810	6,683
Gross Unrealized Losses	-13,828	-10,255
Investment, Fair Value	286,922	271,075
Investment, Carrying Value	286,922	271,075
Derivative Instruments	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Investments, Cost or Amortized Cost	148,310	141,664
Derivative Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	147,034	88,461
Derivative Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-813	-8,367
Derivative Investments, Fair Value	294,531	221,758
Derivative Investments, Carrying Value	$294,531	$221,758

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
				Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	Insurance and Financial Services	Insurance and Financial Services	Available-for-sale Securities	Available-for-sale Securities	Scenario, Previously Reported
											Available-for-sale Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,663,700	$2,913,381	$2,415,143
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, General Debt Obligations, Disclosures, Collateral Pledged	591,783	'	604,899	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on Sale of Investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,390	177,972	'
Unrealized gains included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities	'	'	'	851	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized losses included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities	'	'	'	'	'	-1,880	'	'	'	'	'
Other Marketable Securities, Current	'	'	'	13,727,760	19,350	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Losses Investment	280,261	'	263,723	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value on securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	77,074	60,931	'	'	'
Percentage of amortized cost	'	'	'	'	'	'	20.00%	'	'	'	'
Percentage of carrying values of all investments (less than 1%)	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.00%	'	'	'	'
Other than temporary impairment credit losses recognized in earnings additions other	34	509	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Credit losses in operations, including credit impairments	0	155	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Credit losses in operations, change of intent operations	34	354	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost on other-than temporary impairments	229	1,608	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value on other than temporary impairments	195	1,099	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss on Sale of Investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($826)	($463)	'

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost	$16,102,836
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	16,327,617
Asset-backed securities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	1,830,206
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	1,842,778
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	422,575
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	444,629
Structured hybrids	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	32,753
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	35,495
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	88,948
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	91,049
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	1,564,094
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	1,652,027
Non-structured Hybrids | Corporate | Municipal | U.S. Government securities	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	345,545
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	3,059,155
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	3,315,121
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	5,444,439
Subtotal, Amortized Cost	12,164,260
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	348,092
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	3,133,238
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	3,332,054
Due after ten years, Fair Value	5,448,255
Subtotal, Fair Value	$12,261,639

Investments_Fair_Value_and_Gro

Investments - Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Security	Security
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$5,302,203	$5,405,874
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-232,561	-235,991
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	850,283	519,962
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-47,700	-27,732
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	6,152,486	5,925,836
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-280,261	-263,723
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	634	588
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer	109	78
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position	743	666
Asset-backed securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	496,893	329,319
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-6,931	-4,496
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	127,497	81,483
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-1,234	-680
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	624,390	410,802
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-8,165	-5,176
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	29,419	26,575
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-507	-525
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	5,926	4,860
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-2,675	-1,071
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	35,345	31,435
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-3,182	-1,596
Corporates	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	3,355,410	3,457,206
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-162,999	-174,989
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	477,879	185,956
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-26,279	-10,065
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	3,833,289	3,643,162
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-189,278	-185,054
Equities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	131,677	118,609
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-13,772	-9,120
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	6,909	32,240
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-56	-1,135
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	138,586	150,849
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-13,828	-10,255
Hybrids	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	106,254	52,027
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-3,119	-3,304
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	8,256	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-109	0
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	114,510	52,027
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-3,228	-3,304
Municipals	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	478,220	333,278
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-28,368	-27,359
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	168,055	144,365
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-16,612	-13,476
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	646,275	477,643
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-44,980	-40,835
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	11,871	9,791
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-78	-117
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	526	1,148
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-13	-135
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	12,397	10,939
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-91	-252
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	354,502	325,170
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-10,554	-12,224
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	55,235	69,910
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-722	-1,170
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	409,737	395,080
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-11,276	-13,394
U.S. Government securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	337,957	753,899
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-6,233	-3,857
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	337,957	753,899
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	($6,233)	($3,857)

Investments_Reconciliation_of_

Investments - Reconciliation of Other than Temporary Impairment on Fixed Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$2,681	$2,681
Increases attributable to credit losses on securities:	'	'
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, Additional Credit Losses	0	0
Other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	0	0
Balance at the end of the period	$2,681	$2,681

Investments_OtherthanTemporary

Investments - Other-than-Temporary Impairments Table (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total other-than-temporary impairments	$34	$509
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairments	$34	$509

Investments_Net_Investment_Inc

Investments - Net Investment Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross investment income	$186,989	$174,396
External investment expense	-3,552	-4,098
Net investment income	183,437	170,298
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross investment income	175,286	165,415
Equity available-for-sale securities	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross investment income	4,390	5,351
Related Party Loans	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross investment income	1,877	2,183
Policy loans	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross investment income	168	266
Invested cash and short-term investments	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross investment income	74	835
Other investments	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gross investment income	$5,194	$346

Investments_Net_Investment_Gai

Investments - Net Investment Gains (Losses) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Gain Loss On Sale Of Available For Sale Securities	$13,564	$172,033
Realized gains on equity securities	-1,613	0
Net realized gains on securities	11,951	172,033
Realized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments	54,880	15,717
Unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments	60,972	-41,285
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	-4,314	0
Change in fair value of derivatives	111,538	-25,568
Realized gains on other invested assets	-72	10
Net investment gains	$123,417	$146,475

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total asset derivatives	$408,241	$339,783
Total liability derivatives	1,673,052	1,568,308
Derivative Instruments	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total asset derivatives	294,531	221,758
Call options | Derivative Instruments	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total asset derivatives	294,094	221,758
Call options | Funds withheld for reinsurance liability	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total liability derivatives	28,328	22,833
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Other assets	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total asset derivatives	113,710	118,025
Fia Embedded Derivatives | Contractholder funds	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total liability derivatives	1,644,724	1,544,447
Future | Other liabilities	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total liability derivatives	0	1,028
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Future | Derivative Instruments	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Total asset derivatives	$437	$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Schedule of Change in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	($4,314)	$0
Net Realized Investment Gains	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	111,538	-25,568
Call options | Net Realized Investment Gains	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	102,742	-20,889
Future | Net Realized Investment Gains	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	13,110	-4,679
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Net Realized Investment Gains	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	-4,314	0
Fia Embedded Derivatives	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$100,277	($33,754)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments - FGL's Exposure to Credit Loss on Call Options Held (Detail) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Merrill Lynch

Deutsche Bank

Morgan Stanley

Royal Bank of Scotland

Barclay's Bank

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Derivatives For Trading And Investment

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Call options

Call options

Call options

Call options

Call options

Call options

Call options

Call options

Call options

Call options

Call options

Call options

Merrill Lynch

Merrill Lynch

Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley

Royal Bank of Scotland

Royal Bank of Scotland

Barclay's Bank

Barclay's Bank

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)

'

'

'NA/A

[1]

'A2/A

[1]

'A3/A

[1]

'A3/A

[1]

'A2/A

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Notional Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,606,905

$6,407,410

$2,157,932

$2,037,781

$1,706,800

$1,620,404

$2,379,038

$2,264,136

$245,300

$364,300

$117,835

$120,789

Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset

408,241

339,783

'

'

'

'

'

294,094

221,758

99,627

70,695

70,379

51,667

103,087

75,729

16,899

20,313

4,102

3,354

Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

119,842

72,000

45,103

0

0

23,000

74,739

49,000

0

0

0

0

Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$174,252

$149,758

$54,524

$70,695

$70,379

$28,667

$28,348

$26,729

$16,899

$20,313

$4,102

$3,354

[1]

Credit rating as of December 31, 2013.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum exposure	$174,252	$149,758
Future	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Number of instruments held	1,190	1,693
Collateral held	4,835	5,861
Other liabilities | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Call options	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Collateral posted	74,739	72,000
Derivatives For Trading And Investment | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Call options	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Collateral posted	119,842	72,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Call options	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Collateral posted	$74,739	$72,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative investments	$294,531	$221,758
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,097,925	870,276
Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	759,471	1,204,334
Equity securities - available-for-sale	0	0
Derivative investments	0	0
Related Party Loans and Investments, Fair Value	0	0
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,262,002	1,995,260
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	'	0
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity securities - available-for-sale	286,922	271,075
Derivative investments	294,531	221,758
Related Party Loans and Investments, Fair Value	0	0
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	15,621,960	14,648,182
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	'	22,833
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	300,000	300,000
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	328,328	323,861
Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity securities - available-for-sale	0	0
Derivative investments	0	0
Related Party Loans and Investments, Fair Value	96,442	119,044
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	316,552	188,180
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,311,283	1,020,500
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	12,513,803	12,378,645
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	'	0
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	14,158,527	13,923,092
Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	759,471	1,204,334
Equity securities - available-for-sale	286,922	271,075
Derivative investments	294,531	221,758
Related Party Loans and Investments, Fair Value	96,442	119,044
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	316,552	188,180
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	18,195,245	17,663,942
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	12,513,803	12,378,645
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	'	22,833
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	300,000	300,000
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	14,486,855	14,246,953
Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	759,471	1,204,334
Equity securities - available-for-sale	286,922	271,075
Derivative investments	294,531	221,758
Related Party Loans and Investments, Fair Value	96,442	119,044
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	316,552	188,180
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	18,195,245	17,663,942
Liabilities Related to Investment Contracts, Fair Value Disclosure	13,874,998	13,703,769
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	'	22,833
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	300,000	300,000
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure	15,848,050	15,572,077
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative investments	0	0
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative investments	113,710	118,025
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative investments	0	0
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative investments	113,710	118,025
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative investments	113,710	118,025
Fixed Index Annuity | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	0	0
Fixed Index Annuity | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	0	0
Fixed Index Annuity | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	1,644,724	1,544,447
Fixed Index Annuity | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	1,644,724	1,544,447
Fixed Index Annuity | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	1,644,724	1,544,447
Future Contracts | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	'	0
Future Contracts | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	'	1,028
Future Contracts | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	'	0
Future Contracts | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	'	1,028
Future Contracts | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability	'	1,028
Call options | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	'
Call options | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,328	'
Call options | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	'
Call options | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,328	'
Call options | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,328	'
Asset-backed securities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Asset-backed securities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,591,978	1,518,066
Asset-backed securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	250,800	246,528
Asset-backed securities | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,842,778	1,764,594
Asset-backed securities | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,842,778	1,764,594
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	438,653	448,694
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	5,976	5,635
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	444,629	454,329
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	444,629	454,329
Corporates | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Corporates | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	9,439,479	8,957,196
Corporates | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	607,139	461,113
Corporates | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	10,046,618	9,418,309
Corporates | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	10,046,618	9,418,309
Hybrids | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Hybrids | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	418,074	428,817
Hybrids | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Hybrids | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	418,074	428,817
Hybrids | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	418,074	428,817
Municipals | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Municipals | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,087,052	1,007,010
Municipals | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	34,374	0
Municipals | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,121,426	1,007,010
Municipals | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,121,426	1,007,010
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	91,049	98,597
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	91,049	98,597
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	91,049	98,597
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,652,027	1,368,023
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,652,027	1,368,023
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	1,652,027	1,368,023
U.S. Government securities | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	502,531	790,926
U.S. Government securities | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	208,485	210,921
U.S. Government securities | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
U.S. Government securities | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	711,016	1,001,847
U.S. Government securities | Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities	$711,016	$1,001,847

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 Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,097,925	$870,276
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,644,724	1,544,447
Broker Quoted | Asset-backed securities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Technique	'Broker-quoted	'Broker-quoted
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	250,800	246,528
Broker Quoted | Corporates	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Technique	'Broker-quoted	'Broker-quoted
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	540,918	404,508
Broker Quoted | Municipals	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Technique	'Broker-quoted	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	34,374	'
Fair Value Inputs Market Pricing	98.21%	'
Broker Quoted | Commercial mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Technique	'Broker-quoted	'Broker-quoted
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	5,976	5,635
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	100.64%	95.50%
Market pricing | Corporates	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Technique	'Market Pricing	'Market Pricing
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	66,221	56,605
Market pricing | Other Invested Assets	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Technique	'Market Pricing	'Market Pricing
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	199,636	157,000
Fair Value Inputs Market Pricing	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed Index Annuity | Discounted Cash Flow	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Technique	'Discounted cash flow	'Discounted cash flow
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,644,724	1,544,447
Fair Value Measurements Mortality Multiplier	80.00%	80.00%
Fair Value Measurements Non Performance Spread	0.25%	0.25%
Minimum | Broker Quoted | Asset-backed securities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	98.00%	100.00%
Minimum | Broker Quoted | Corporates	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum | Market pricing | Corporates	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Market Pricing	91.38%	90.06%
Minimum | Fixed Index Annuity | Discounted Cash Flow	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Market Value Of Option	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Swap Rates	1.79%	1.54%
Fair Value Measurements Surrender Rates	0.50%	0.50%
Weighted Average | Broker Quoted | Asset-backed securities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	100.61%	100.91%
Weighted Average | Broker Quoted | Corporates	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	91.54%	90.45%
Weighted Average | Market pricing | Corporates	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Market Pricing	98.72%	97.19%
Weighted Average | Fixed Index Annuity | Discounted Cash Flow	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Market Value Of Option	4.78%	3.82%
Fair Value Inputs, Swap Rates	2.45%	2.16%
Fair Value Measurements Surrender Rates	7.00%	7.00%
Maximum | Broker Quoted | Asset-backed securities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	106.98%	107.25%
Maximum | Broker Quoted | Corporates	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	115.00%	113.00%
Maximum | Market pricing | Corporates	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Market Pricing	131.62%	130.92%
Maximum | Fixed Index Annuity | Discounted Cash Flow	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Market Value Of Option	43.28%	38.24%
Fair Value Inputs, Swap Rates	3.09%	2.77%
Fair Value Measurements Surrender Rates	75.00%	75.00%
Level 3	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,311,283	$1,020,500

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Changes to Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 3 (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$870,276		$197,047
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	-27		-180
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	-7,108		-2,101
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	234,784		123,878
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	[1]	-14,143	[2]
Balance at End of Period	1,097,925		304,501
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,544,447		1,550,805
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	100,277		-33,754
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0		0
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	0		0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3	0	[1]	0	[2]
Balance at End of Period	1,644,724		1,517,051
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements) [Abstract]	'		'
Purchases	270,477		134,201
Sales	0		-9,561
Settlements	-35,693		-762
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	'		'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,544,447		1,550,805
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	100,277		-33,754
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0		'
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	0		'
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3	0	[1]	'
Balance at End of Period	1,644,724		1,517,051
Available-for-sale embedded derivatives	'		'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	'		0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	'		0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	'		0
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	'		0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3	'		0	[2]
Balance at End of Period	'		0
Asset-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	246,528		15,855
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0		0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	-747		-43
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	5,019		-18
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	[1]	-10,500	[2]
Balance at End of Period	250,800		5,294
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements) [Abstract]	'		'
Purchases	5,038		0
Sales	0		0
Settlements	-19		-18
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	5,635		5,023
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0		0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	363		81
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	-22		1,006
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	[1]	0	[2]
Balance at End of Period	5,976		6,110
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements) [Abstract]	'		'
Purchases	0		1,026
Sales	0		0
Settlements	-22		-20
Corporates	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	461,113		135,296
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	-27		-180
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	-6,098		-1,964
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	152,151		122,890
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	[1]	80	[2]
Balance at End of Period	607,139		256,122
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements) [Abstract]	'		'
Purchases	152,684		133,175
Sales	0		-9,561
Settlements	-533		-724
Hybrids	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	'		8,873
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	'		0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	'		-175
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	'		0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	'		-3,723	[2]
Balance at End of Period	'		4,975
Municipals	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	0		'
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0		'
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	-626		'
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	35,000		'
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	[1]	'
Balance at End of Period	34,374		'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements) [Abstract]	'		'
Purchases	35,000		'
Sales	0		'
Settlements	0		'
Other Invested Assets	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'		'
Balance at Beginning of Period	157,000		32,000
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0		0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0		0
Net Purchases, Sales, & Settlements	42,636		0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	[1]	0	[2]
Balance at End of Period	199,636		32,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements) [Abstract]	'		'
Purchases	77,755		'
Sales	0		'
Settlements	($35,119)		'
[1]	There were no net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2013.
[2]	The net transfers in and out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2012 were exclusively to or from Level 2.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Percentage of male contractholder	50.00%		'
Percentage of female contractholder	50.00%		'
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	$0	[1]	($14,143)	[2]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Loans receivable, fair value	$103,283		'
[1]	There were no net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2013.
[2]	The net transfers in and out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2012 were exclusively to or from Level 2.

Intangibles_Assets_Summary_of_

Intangibles Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Intangible Assets Including DAC, VOBA , and DSI (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance, Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill	$563,758	$273,543
Deferrals	52,552	35,697
Amortization of intangibles	22,892	69,511
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	8,026	27,961
Ending Balance, Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill	601,444	267,690
Unlocking	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	15,083	11,410
Interest	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	7,025	7,674
Other amortization	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	-45,000	-88,595
VOBA	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	225,289	104,320
Deferrals	'	0
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	1,741	31,173
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	213,154	76,614
VOBA | Unlocking	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	11,656	9,310
VOBA | Interest	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	3,686	5,347
VOBA | Other amortization	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	-29,218	-73,536
DAC	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	338,469	169,223
Deferrals	52,552	35,697
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	6,285	-3,212
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	388,290	191,076
DAC | Unlocking	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	3,427	2,100
DAC | Interest	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	3,339	2,327
DAC | Other amortization	'	'
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	($15,782)	($15,059)

Intangibles_Assets_Additional_

Intangibles Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	VOBA	VOBA	DAC	DAC	Weighted Average
					VOBA
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cumulative Adjustments For Net Unrealized Investment Loss	$79,700	'	'	'	'
Cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains	'	81,442	24,889	18,604	'
Deferred sales inducements, net of shadow adjustments	'	'	$29,564	$26,159	'
Weighted average amortization period	'	'	'	'	'4 years 9 months

Intangibles_Assets_Estimated_A

Intangibles Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense for VOBA in Future Fiscal Periods (Detail) (VOBA, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
VOBA	'
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
2014	$33,446
2015	44,769
2016	39,452
2017	32,244
2018	25,946
Thereafter	$116,998

Long_Term_Debt_Detail

Long Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
				6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021	6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021	6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021
				Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes
						Other assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$300,000,000	'	$300,000,000	'	$300,000,000	'
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.38%	'	'	'	6.38%	'
Interest Expense, Debt	'	'	'	4,781,000	'	'
Debt Issuance Cost	'	'	'	'	'	10,195,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs	$843,000	$0	'	$843,000	'	'

Equity_Details

Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 18, 2013	Nov. 26, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 13, 2013	Nov. 25, 2013	Dec. 12, 2013	Dec. 12, 2013
							Common Stock	Common Stock
								Director
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	'	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01	'	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	'	500,000,000	500,000,000	500,000,000	'	100,000	'	'
Common stock split ratio	'	4,700	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued in stock split (in shares)	'	47,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued during period (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,750,000	58,322
Underwriter option to purchase common stock (in shares)	'	'	1,462,500	'	'	'	'	'
Shareholders' disclosure, common stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	47,000,000	'	'	'
Shareholders' disclosure, ownership percentage	'	'	'	'	80.70%	'	'	'
Net proceeds from the IPO	$172,996	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends	'	'	$42,993	$93,654	'	'	'	'

Stock_Compensation_Schedule_of

Stock Compensation - Schedule of Stock Based Compensation Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$7,330	$897
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	2,566	314
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	4,764	583
FGL Plan	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,182	0
FGL Plan | Employee Stock Option	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	11	0
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	32	0
FGL Plan | Performance Shares	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	148	0
FGL Plan | Unrestricted Shares	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	991	0
2011 Stock Incentive Plan | Employee Stock Option	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	2,765	690
2011 Dividend Equivalent Plan	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	261	207
2011 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated | Employee Stock Option	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	2,290	0
2011 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated | Restricted stock units	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	719	0
2012 Dividend Equivalent Plan	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$113	$0

Stock_Compensation_Summary_of_

Stock Compensation - Summary of unrecognized stock compensation expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$18,431
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'2 years 3 months 18 days
FGL Plan	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	10,237
FGL Plan | Employee Stock Option	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	620
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'3 years
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,793
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'3 years
FGL Plan | Performance Shares	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	7,824
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'2 years 9 months
FGL Plan | Unrestricted Shares	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	0
2011 Stock Incentive Plan | Employee Stock Option	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,960
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'0 years 8 months 12 days
2011 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated | Employee Stock Option	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	2,784
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'1 year 9 months
2011 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated | Restricted stock units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	2,091
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'2 years
2012 Dividend Equivalent Plan	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,082
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'2 years 2 months 12 days
2011 Dividend Equivalent Plan	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	277
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'0 years 2 months 12 days
FGLH Plan	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$8,194

Stock_Compensation_Summary_of_1

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, 2013
Options (in shares):	'
Exercisable at end of period	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):	'
Exercisable at end of period (USD per share)	$0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):	'
Exercisable at end of period (USD per share)	$0
FGL Plan | Stock Option Awards	'
Options (in shares):	'
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period	0
Granted	191
Forfeited or expired	0
Stock options outstanding at end of period	191
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	191
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):	'
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$0
Granted (USD per share)	$17
Forfeited or expired (USD per share)	$0
Stock options outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$17
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):	'
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$0
Granted (USD per share)	$3.30
Forfeited or expired (USD per share)	$0
Stock options outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$3.30
FGLH Plan | Stock Option Awards	'
Options (in shares):	'
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period	335
Granted	0
Exercised	-28
Forfeited or expired	-1
Stock options outstanding at end of period	306
Exercisable at end of period	129
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	296
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):	'
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$44.23	[1]
Granted (USD per share)	$0	[1]
Exercised (USD per share)	$41.79	[1]
Forfeited or expired (USD per share)	$45.55	[1]
Stock options outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$44.44	[1]
Exercisable at end of period (USD per share)	$42.56	[1]
Vested or expected to vest at end of period (USD per share)	$44.40	[1]
FGLH Plan | Restricted stock units	'
Options (in shares):	'
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	28
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):	'
Vested or expected to vest at end of period (USD per share)	$49.58	[2]
Fidelity And Guaranty Life Holdings	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):	'
Share Price	$83.67
[1]	The exercise price is based on the value of FGLHbs common stock, not the value of the Companybs common stock. The fair value of FGLH stock at December 31, 2013 is $83.67.
[2]	Fair value is based on the value of FGLHbs common stock, not the value of the Companybs common stock.

Stock_Compensation_Assumptions

Stock Compensation - Assumptions Used in Determination of Grant Date Fair Values Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (Detail) (FGL Plan)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
FGL Plan	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Risk-free interest rate	1.40%
Assumed dividend yield	2.00%
Expected option term	'4 years 6 months
Volatility	25.00%

Stock_Compensation_Summary_of_2

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, 2013
Shares:	'
Exercisable	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):	'
Average grant date fair value, Exercisable (USD per share)	$0
FGL Plan | Performance Shares	'
Shares:	'
Restricted shares outstanding at beginning of period	0
Granted	469
Forfeited or expired	0
Restricted shares outstanding at end of period	469
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):	'
Average grant date fair value outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$0
Average grant date fair value, Granted (USD per share)	$17
Average grant date fair value, Forfeited or Expired (USD per share)	$0
Average grant date fair value outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$17
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units	'
Shares:	'
Restricted shares outstanding at beginning of period	0
Granted	107
Forfeited or expired	0
Restricted shares outstanding at end of period	107
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):	'
Average grant date fair value outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$0
Average grant date fair value, Granted (USD per share)	$17
Average grant date fair value, Forfeited or Expired (USD per share)	$0
Average grant date fair value outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$17
FGLH Plan | Restricted stock units	'
Shares:	'
Restricted shares outstanding at beginning of period	46
Granted	0
Exercised	-15
Forfeited or expired	0
Restricted shares outstanding at end of period	31
Exercisable	0
Restricted stock expected to vest	28
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):	'
Average grant date fair value outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$49.60	[1]
Average grant date fair value, Granted (USD per share)	$0	[1]
Average grant date fair value, Exercised (USD per share)	$49.45	[1]
Average grant date fair value, Forfeited or Expired (USD per share)	$0	[1]
Average grant date fair value outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$49.68	[1]
Average grant date fair value, Exercisable (USD per share)	$0	[1]
Average grant date fair value, Restricted award expected to vest (USD per share)	$49.58	[1]
[1]	Fair value is based on the value of FGLHbs common stock, not the value of the Companybs common stock.

Stock_Compensation_Additional_

Stock Compensation - Additional Information (Details) (FGL Plan, USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 12, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Option Awards	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock options granted	'	191
Fair value at grant date	$631	'
Restricted stock units	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value at grant date	1,824	'
Restricted stock unit grants	'	107
Performance Shares	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value at grant date	7,973	'
Restricted stock unit grants	'	469
Unrestricted Shares	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value at grant date	$991	'
Directors, senior officers, and other employees | Stock Option Awards	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock options granted	'	181
Directors, senior officers, and other employees | Restricted stock units	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock unit grants	'	96
Executive Officer | Performance Shares	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock unit grants	'	469
Compensation Committee | Stock Option Awards	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock options granted	'	10
Compensation Committee | Restricted stock units	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock unit grants	'	11
Director | Stock Option Awards	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock options granted	'	58

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	34.00%	32.70%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
FGL	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued amount of guaranty fund assessments	$4,763	'
Estimated future premium tax deductions	4,591	'
Pre-tax charge, net of reinsurance, to increase reserves to cover potential benefits payable	'	11,000
Administrative costs and potential liabilities	2,000	'
Minimum	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated range of external legal costs	1,000	'
Maximum	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated range of external legal costs	$3,000	'

Reinsurance_Effect_of_Reinsura

Reinsurance - Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Earned, Benefits Incurred and Reserve Changes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance Premiums:	'	'
Direct	$67,753	$72,448
Assumed	9,271	12,097
Ceded	-63,319	-70,749
Net	13,705	13,796
Benefits and Other Changes in Insurance Policy Reserves:	'	'
Direct	296,480	139,560
Assumed	6,086	6,559
Ceded	-85,710	-62,475
Net	$216,856	$83,644

Related_Party_Transactions_Sum

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Affiliated Entity Operations (Details) (Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd., USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd.	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Premiums	$232
Net investment income	15,154
Gain (Loss) on Investments	7,848
Insurance and investment product fees and other	1,310
Total revenues	24,544
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net	-18,605
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	-2,559
Amortization of Intangible Assets	0
Costs and Expenses	21,164
Operating income	$3,380

Related_Party_Transactions_Rel

Related Party Transactions - Related Party Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Fixed Maturities Available For Sale | Salus Collateralized Loan Obligation	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	$2,829	$0	'
Asset carrying value	241,019	'	241,482
Accrued Investment Income	635	'	427
Total carrying value	241,654	'	241,909
Other Invested Assets | Salus 2013 Participations	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	4,367	0	'
Asset carrying value	199,636	'	157,000
Accrued Investment Income	1,517	'	1,517
Total carrying value	201,153	'	158,517
Related Party Loans and Investments | HGI Energy Loan	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	1,575	0	'
Asset carrying value	70,000	'	70,000
Accrued Investment Income	0	'	1,575
Total carrying value	70,000	'	71,575
Related Party Loans and Investments | Salus 2012 Participations	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	261	1,803	'
Asset carrying value	5,944	'	27,287
Accrued Investment Income	83	'	124
Total carrying value	6,027	'	27,411
Related Party Loans and Investments | Salus Promissory Note	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	353	353	'
Asset carrying value	20,000	'	20,000
Accrued Investment Income	368	'	12
Total carrying value	20,368	'	20,012
Related Party Loans and Investments | Salus Revolver	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	139	27	'
Asset carrying value	0	'	0
Accrued Investment Income	46	'	46
Total carrying value	$46	'	$46

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Contributed Capital from Parent Company	'	$0	$7,000	'
Ceded premium allowance	15,000,000	'	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	'	3,723,693,000	'	3,728,632,000
Funds Held under Reinsurance Agreements, Liability	'	1,381,238,000	'	1,407,713,000
Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd.	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	'	1,334,724,000	'	1,364,965,000
Funds Held under Reinsurance Agreements, Liability	'	$1,341,497,000	'	$1,368,322,000
Fgl Reinsurance Agreement With Fsr	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance Arrangement In Percentage	10.00%	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Summary_of_

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to common shares - diluted	$42,694	$110,605
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	49,142,208	47,000,000
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and unvested performance restricted stock	119,023	'
Dilutive effect of stock options	3,000	'
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	49,263,675	47,000,000
Net income per common share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.87	$2.35
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.87	$2.35

Insurance_Subsidiary_Financial1

Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013	Apr. 06, 2011
Insurance [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Change in Statutory Capital and Surplus Required as a Result of Electing New Statutory Accounting Practice	'	$11,517	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Unassigned Balance Netted Against Additional Paid in Capital	'	'	805,818
Commitment by Parent Company not to Exercise Control, Period	'7 years	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required, Percent	225.00%	'	'
Collateral Requirement, Regulatory Agreement	$18,500	'	'