Fidelity & Guaranty Life 10-Q 4 Feb 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 02, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	FGL
Entity Registrant Name	Fidelity & Guaranty Life
Entity Central Index Key	1585064
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		58,702,042

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments:
Fixed maturities securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: December 31, 2014 - $17,172.2; September 30, 2014 - $16,691.9)	$17,910.40	$17,434.60
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: December 31, 2014 - $640.7; September 30, 2014 - $679.0)	657.9	697.7
Derivative investments	306.2	296.3
Commercial mortgage loans	206.8	136.2
Other invested assets	253.3	236.7
Total investments	19,334.60	18,801.50
Related party loans	93.2	112.7
Cash and cash equivalents	555.5	576.4
Accrued investment income	163.8	181.8
Reinsurance recoverable	3,728.60	3,664.80
Intangibles, net	592.6	515
Deferred tax assets	132.4	137.4
Other assets	150.9	163.1
Total assets	24,751.60	24,152.70
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Contractholder funds	17,160.10	16,463.50
Future policy benefits	3,483.80	3,504.30
Liability for policy and contract claims	1,376	1,330.80
Funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	67.8	58.1
Debt	300	300
Other liabilities	698.5	836.8
Total liabilities	23,086.20	22,493.50
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock ($.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued at December 31, 2014)	0	0
Common stock ($.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 58,702,042 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014; 58,442,721shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014)	0.6	0.6
Additional paid-in capital	703.7	702.1
Retained earnings	617.2	606.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income	345.2	349.6
Treasury Stock, at cost (51,115 shares at December 31, 2014; no shares at September 30, 2014)	-1.3	0
Total shareholders' equity	1,665.40	1,659.20
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$24,751.60	$24,152.70

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
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	58,702,042	58,442,721
Common stock, shares outstanding	58,702,042	58,442,721
Treasury stock, shares	51,115,000	0
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$17,172.20	$16,691.90
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$640.70	$679

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Premiums	$11.60	$13.70
Net investment income	208.4	183.4
Net investment gains	58.5	123.4
Insurance and investment product fees and other	19.8	15.6
Total revenues	298.3	336.1
Benefits and expenses:
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	223.7	216.9
Acquisition and operating expenses, net of deferrals	29.2	26
Amortization of intangibles	16.2	22.9
Total benefits and expenses	269.1	265.8
Operating income	29.2	70.3
Interest expense	-5.9	-5.6
Income before income taxes	23.3	64.7
Income tax expense	9.2	22
Net income	14.1	42.7
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.87
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.87
Weighted average common shares used in computing net income per common share:
Basic (shares)	58,283,327	49,142,208
Diluted (shares)	58,453,554	49,263,675
Cash dividend per common share	$0.07	$0.92
Total other-than-temporary impairments	0	0
Portion of other-than-temporary impairments included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Net other-than-temporary impairments	0	0
Gains on derivative instruments	62.6	111.5
Other realized investment (losses) gains	($4.10)	$11.90

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$14.10	$42.70
Unrealized investment (losses):
Changes in unrealized investment (losses) before reclassification adjustment	-10.9	-10.3
Net reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net investment gains	4.1	-8.1
Changes in unrealized investment (losses) after reclassification adjustment	-6.8	-18.4
Adjustments to intangible assets	1.2	8
Changes in deferred income tax asset/liability	1.2	3.6
Net change to derive comprehensive (loss) for the period	-4.4	-6.8
Comprehensive income, net of tax	$9.70	$35.90

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Statement (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital/Contributed Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$1,138.60	$0	$527.10	$498.60	$112.90	$0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends	-43			-43
Stock Split	0	0.6	-0.6
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of transaction fees	173	0	173
Net income	42.7			42.7
Unrealized investment losses, net	-6.8				-6.8
Stock compensation	1		1
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,305.50	0.6	700.5	498.3	106.1	0
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	1,659.20	0.6	702.1	606.9	349.6	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Treasury shares purchased	-1.3					-1.3
Dividends	-3.8			-3.8
Net income	14.1			14.1
Unrealized investment losses, net	-4.4				-4.4
Stock compensation	1.6		1.6
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,665.40	$0.60	$703.70	$617.20	$345.20	($1.30)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$14.10	$42.70
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	6	7.1
Amortization	-11.3	-12.9
Deferred income taxes	6.2	4.1
Interest credited/index credits and other changes to contractholder account balances	196.8	178.3
Net recognized (gains) on investments and derivatives	-58.5	-123.4
Charges assessed to contractholders for mortality and administration	-14.6	-9.6
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net of amortization	-76.4	-29.7
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Reinsurance recoverable	-14.5	-17.7
Future policy benefits	-20.5	-10.9
Funds withheld from reinsurers	37.3	-39.9
Collateral posted	39.3	2.7
Other assets and other liabilities	-15.5	47.2
Net cash provided by operating activities	88.4	38
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from commercial mortgage loans	30.8	0
Costs of commercial mortgage loans	-101.4	-86
Related party loans	19.5	22.6
Capital expenditures	-1.7	-2.9
Net increase in policy loans	-0.2	0
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-570	-938.1
Cash flows from financing activities:
Treasury stock	-1.2	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of transaction fees	0	175.9
Dividends paid	-3.8	-43
Contractholder account deposits	873.2	772.2
Contractholder account withdrawals	-407.5	-449.9
Net cash provided by financing activities	460.7	455.2
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-20.9	-444.9
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	576.4	1,204.30
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	555.5	759.4
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	4.8	9.8
Income taxes paid	26	0
Available-for-sale Securities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	824.6	1,705.90
Payments to Acquire Investments	-1,370.20	-2,598.50
Derivative and other
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	128.4	102.7
Payments to Acquire Investments	($99.80)	($81.90)

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Fidelity & Guaranty Life (formerly, Harbinger F&G, LLC (“HFG”)) (“FGL” and, collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a subsidiary of Harbinger Group Inc. (“HGI”). The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions for the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  Therefore, the information contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Fidelity & Guaranty Life and Subsidiaries' Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended September 30, 2014 (“2014 Form 10-K”), should be read in connection with the reading of these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.
	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.
	Certain GAAP policies, which significantly affect the determination of financial position, results of operations and cash flows, are summarized in our 2014 Form 10-K.
	In the opinion of management, these statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results.  Operating results for the three month period ended December 31, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending September 30, 2015.  All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income are reflected in net investment gains in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Dollar amounts in the accompanying sections are presented in millions, unless otherwise noted.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 the Company 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
	Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued amended guidance which allows investors in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) programs that meet specified conditions to present the net tax benefits (net of the amortization of the cost of the investment) within income tax expense. The cost of the investments that meet the specified conditions will be amortized in proportion to (and over the same period as) the total expected tax benefits, including the tax credits and other tax benefits, as they are realized on the tax return. The guidance is required to be applied retrospectively, if investors elect the proportional amortization method. However, if investors have existing LIHTC investments accounted for under the effective-yield method at adoption, they may continue to apply that method for those existing investments.  ASU 2014-01, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Project.  The Company early adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2014 for all new LIHTC investments made subsequent to that date.  Prior LIHTC investments will continue to be accounted for under the effective-yield method.  This adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	Share-Based Payments When a Performance Target is achieved after the Requisite Service Period
	In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on Stock Compensation (ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Term of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those years. The new guidance requires that performance targets that affect vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period to be treated as performance conditions. Such performance targets would not be included in the grant-date fair value calculation of the award, rather compensation cost should be recorded when it is probable the performance target will be reached and should represent the compensation cost attributable to period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. This standard may be early adopted and the amendments in this Update may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company will not early adopt this standard and is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Significant_Risks_and_Uncertai

Significant Risks and Uncertainties	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Significant Risks and Uncertainties	Significant Risks and Uncertainties
	Use of Estimates and Assumptions
	The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions used.
	Subsequent Events
	The Company has concluded that there were no material subsequent events requiring adjustment to or disclosure in its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Concentrations of Financial Instruments
	As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, 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 $2,217.7 or 11.5% and $2,240.3 or 11.9%, respectively, of the invested assets portfolio. The Company’s holdings in this industry include investments in 80 different issuers with the top ten investments accounting for 39.3% of the total holdings in this industry. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had investments in 1 issuer, Wells Fargo & Company, that exceeded 10.0% of shareholders' equity with a total fair value of $180.7 or 0.9% of the invested assets portfolio. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had investments in 2 issuers, Wells Fargo & Company and J.P. Morgan Chase, that exceeded 10.0% of shareholders' equity with a total fair value of $365.3 or 1.9% of the invested assets portfolio. Additionally, the Company’s largest concentration in any single issuer as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 was in Wells Fargo & Company which had a fair value of $180.7 or 0.9% and $185.4 or 1.0% 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 or FSRCI fail to perform their obligations under the various reinsurance treaties. Wilton Re is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB"). CPPIB has an AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the net amount recoverable from Wilton Re was $1,521.2 and the net amount recoverable from FSRCI was $1,311.9. The coinsurance agreement with FSRCI is on a funds withheld basis. 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, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments
	The Company’s debt and equity securities investments 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, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Available-for sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	2,102.50		$	9.3			$	(33.4	)		$	2,078.40		$	2,078.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	649.4			20				(1.0		)		668.4			668.4
	Corporates	9,258.60			550.6				(94.5		)		9,714.70			9,714.70
	Equities	640.7			25.3				(8.1		)		657.9			657.9
	Hybrids	1,268.70			55.6				(22.8		)		1,301.50			1,301.50
	Municipals	1,221.50			143.2				(2.8		)		1,361.90			1,361.90
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,095.40			124.6				(18.1		)		2,201.90			2,201.90
	U.S. Government	576.1			8.3				(0.8		)		583.6			583.6
	Total available-for-sale securities	17,812.90			936.9				(181.5		)		18,568.30			18,568.30
	Derivative investments	191.4			124				(9.2		)		306.2			306.2
	Commercial mortgage loans	206.8			—				—				206.8			206.8
	Other invested assets	257.9			—				(4.6		)		253.3			253.3
	Total investments	$	18,469.00		$	1,060.90			$	(195.3	)		$	19,334.60		$	19,334.60
		September 30, 2014
		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Available-for-sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	2,040.40		$	11.8			$	(19.8	)		$	2,032.40		$	2,032.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	617.6			21.3				(2.0		)		636.9			636.9
	Corporates	9,329.10			499.2				(48.9		)		9,779.40			9,779.40
	Equities	679			23.8				(5.1		)		697.7			697.7
	Hybrids	1,279.10			52.2				(15.2		)		1,316.10			1,316.10
	Municipals	1,149.90			116.2				(6.3		)		1,259.80			1,259.80
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,984.80			140.3				(11.1		)		2,114.00			2,114.00
	U.S. Government	291			6.4				(1.4		)		296			296
	Total available-for-sale securities	17,370.90			871.2				(109.8		)		18,132.30			18,132.30
	Derivatives Instruments	177.7			123.3				(4.7		)		296.3			296.3
	Commercial mortgage loans	136.2			—				—				136.2			136.2
	Other invested assets	237.2			—				(0.5		)		236.7			236.7
	Total investments	$	17,922.00		$	994.5			$	(115.0	)		$	18,801.50		$	18,801.50
	Included in AOCI were cumulative unrealized gains of $0.9 and unrealized losses of $1.9 related to the non-credit portion of other than temporary impairments ("OTTI") on non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. The non-agency RMBS unrealized gains and losses represent the difference between amortized cost and fair value on securities that were previously impaired. There have been no impairments or write downs on any of the non-agency RMBS purchased in 2014.
	Securities held on deposit with various state regulatory authorities had a fair value of $15,555.0 and $15,009.3 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. 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.
	The Company held no non-income producing investments during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	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 $566.1 and $573.2 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, 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, 2014
		Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	Corporates, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and U.S. Government securities:
	Due in one year or less	$	302.3		$	304.4
	Due after one year through five years	2,786.20			2,830.00
	Due after five years through ten years	2,899.60			2,990.60
	Due after ten years	5,833.40			6,334.80
	Subtotal	11,821.50			12,459.80
	Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
	Asset-backed securities	2,102.50			2,078.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	649.4			668.4
	Structured hybrids	503.4			501.9
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,095.40			2,201.90
	Subtotal	$	5,350.70		$	5,450.60
	Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	17,172.20		$	17,910.40
	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 is recognized. FGL has concluded that the fair values of the securities presented in the table below were not OTTI as of December 31, 2014.
	The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category, were as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Less than 12 months							12 months or longer							Total
		Fair Value			Gross Unrealized				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized			Fair Value			Gross Unrealized
					Losses								Losses						Losses
	Available-for-sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	940.8		$	(17.0	)		$	505.8			$	(16.4	)	$	1,446.60		$	(33.4	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	57.9			(0.5		)		0.3				(0.5		)	58.2			(1.0		)
Corporates	882.3			(31.5		)		1,339.00				(63.0		)	2,221.30			(94.5		)
Equities	149.2			(4.9		)		50.9				(3.2		)	200.1			(8.1		)
Hybrids	270.8			(4.9		)		234.4				(17.9		)	505.2			(22.8		)
Municipals	9.4			(0.1		)		194.3				(2.7		)	203.7			(2.8		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	454.5			(10.2		)		227				(7.9		)	681.5			(18.1		)
U.S. Government	—			—				58.8				(0.8		)	58.8			(0.8		)
Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,764.90		$	(69.1	)		$	2,610.50			$	(112.4	)	$	5,375.40		$	(181.5	)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months																		383
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer																		329
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position																		712
	September 30, 2014
	Less than 12 months							12 months or longer							Total
	Fair Value			Gross Unrealized				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized			Fair Value			Gross Unrealized
				Losses								Losses						Losses
Available-for-sale securities
Asset-backed securities	$	939.3		$	(12.8	)		$	289.7			$	(7.0	)	$	1,229.00		$	(19.8	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	160.3			(0.9		)		0.4				(1.1		)	160.7			(2.0		)
Corporates	816.6			(16.3		)		1,127.80				(32.6		)	1,944.40			(48.9		)
Equities	180.4			(2.2		)		54.9				(2.9		)	235.3			(5.1		)
Hybrids	258.2			(2.3		)		290				(12.9		)	548.2			(15.2		)
Municipals	—			—				264.9				(6.3		)	264.9			(6.3		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	298.5			(5.8		)		177.6				(5.3		)	476.1			(11.1		)
U.S Government	37.3			(0.1		)		81.7				(1.3		)	119			(1.4		)
Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,690.60		$	(40.4	)		$	2,287.00			$	(69.4	)	$	4,977.60		$	(109.8	)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months																		324
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer																		311
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position																		635
At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, securities in an unrealized loss position were primarily concentrated in investment grade corporate debt instruments.
At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, securities with a fair value of $40.0 and $0.2, respectively, were depressed greater than 20.0% of amortized cost (excluding U.S. Government and U.S. Government sponsored agency securities), which represented less than 1.0% 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in AOCI:
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Beginning balance		$	2.7		$	2.7
Increases attributable to credit losses on securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized		—			—
Other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized		—			—
Ending balance		$	2.7		$	2.7
The Company recognized no material impairment losses in operations during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Commercial mortgage loans ("CMLs") represented approximately 1.1% and 0.8% of the Company’s total investments as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The Company primarily makes mortgage loans on income producing properties including hotels, industrial properties, retail buildings, multifamily properties and office buildings. The company diversifies its CML portfolio by geographic region and property type to reduce concentration risk. Subsequent to origination the Company continuously evaluates CMLs based on relevant current information to ensure properties are performing at a consistent and acceptable level to secure the related debt. The distribution of CMLs, gross of valuation allowances, by property type and geographic region is reflected in the following tables:
	31-Dec-14						30-Sep-14
	Gross Carrying Value			% of Total			Gross Carrying Value				% of Total
Property Type:
Industrial - General	$	20		9.7	%		$	—			—	%
Industrial - Warehouse	47.7			23.1	%		48				35.2	%
Multifamily	29.9			14.5	%		37.8				27.7	%
Office	76			36.7	%		44.6				32.8	%
Retail	33.2			16	%		5.8				4.3	%
Total commercial mortgage loans	$	206.8		100	%		$	136.2			100	%
US Region:
East North Central	$	64.3		31.1	%		$	27.8			20.4	%
Middle Atlantic	18			8.7	%		10.9				8	%
Pacific	61.2			29.6	%		61.5				45.1	%
South Atlantic	37.5			18.1	%		—				—	%
West North Central	5.8			2.8	%		5.8				4.3	%
West South Central	20			9.7	%		30.2				22.2	%
Total commercial mortgage loans	$	206.8		100	%		$	136.2			100	%
The Company has a CML portfolio with 100.0% of all CMLs having a loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio of less than 75.0% at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, all CMLs are current and have not experienced credit or other events which would require the recording of an impairment loss. The Company has not established a collective or specific CML valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014.
LTV and debt service coverage (“DSC”) ratios are measures commonly used to assess the risk and quality of mortgage loans. The LTV ratio, calculated at time of origination, is expressed as a percentage of the amount of the loan relative to the value of the underlying property. A LTV ratio in excess of 100.0% indicates the unpaid loan amount exceeds the underlying collateral. The DSC ratio, based upon the most recently received financial statements, is expressed as a percentage of the amount of a property’s net income to its debt service payments. A DSC ratio of less than 1.0 indicates that a property’s operations do not generate sufficient income to cover debt payments.
The following table presents the recorded investment in CMLs by LTV and DSC ratio categories and estimated fair value by the indicated loan-to-value ratios at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014:
	Debt-Service Coverage Ratios											Total Amount			% of Total		Estimated Fair Value				% of Total
	>1.25			1.00 - 1.25				N/A(a)
December 31, 2014
LTV Ratios:
Less than 50%	$	44.3		$	—			$	0.8			$	45.1		21.8	%	$	45.1			21.8	%
50% to 60%	51.4			—				—				51.4			24.9	%	51.4				24.9	%
60% to 75%	90.3			20				—				110.3			53.3	%	110.3				53.3	%
Commercial mortgage loans	$	186		$	20			$	0.8			$	206.8		100	%	$	206.8			100	%
September 30, 2014
LTV Ratios:
Less than 50%	$	44.6		$	—			$	0.8			$	45.4		33.4	%	$	45.4			33.4	%
50% to 60%	19.9			—				—				19.9			14.6	%	19.9				14.6	%
60% to 75%	70.9			—				—				70.9			52	%	70.9				52	%
Commercial mortgage loans	$	135.4		$	—			$	0.8			$	136.2		100	%	$	136.2			100	%
(a) N/A - Current DSC ratio not available.
The Company recognizes a mortgage loan as delinquent when payments on the loan are greater than 30 days past due. At December 31, 2014, we had no CMLs that were delinquent in principal or interest payments. The following provides the current and past due composition of our CMLs:
	December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014
Current to 30 days	$	206.8		$	136.2
Total carrying value	$	206.8		$	136.2
A Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") is a situation where we have granted a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties that we would not otherwise consider. A mortgage loan that has been granted new terms, including workout terms as described previously, would be considered a TDR if it meets conditions that would indicate a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the new terms constitute a concession on our part. We analyze all loans where we have agreed to workout terms and all loans that we have refinanced to determine if they meet the definition of a TDR. We consider the following factors in determining whether or not a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty:
•borrower is in default,
•borrower has declared bankruptcy,
•there is growing concern about the borrower's ability to continue as a going concern,
•borrower has insufficient cash flows to service debt,
•borrower's inability to obtain funds from other sources, and
•there is a breach of financial covenants by the borrower.
If the borrower is determined to be in financial difficulty, we consider the following conditions to determine if the borrower was granted a concession:
•assets used to satisfy debt are less than our recorded investment,
•interest rate is modified,
•maturity date extension at an interest rate less than market rate,
•capitalization of interest,
•delaying principal and/or interest for a period of three months or more, and
•partial forgiveness of the balance or charge-off.
Mortgage loan workouts, refinances or restructures that are classified as TDRs are individually evaluated and measured for impairment. As of December 31, 2014, our CML portfolio had no impairments, modifications or troubled debt restructuring.
Net Investment Income
The major sources of “Net investment income” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
	Three months ended
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	195.6		$	175.3
Equity available-for-sale securities	9.2			4.4
Commercial mortgage loans	1.2			0.8
Related party loans	1.7			1.9
Invested cash and short-term investments	—			0.1
Other investments	5.8			4.5
Gross investment income	213.5			187
Investment expense	(5.1		)	(3.6		)
Net investment income	$	208.4		$	183.4
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, 2014			December 31, 2013
Net realized (losses) gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	(3.8	)	$	13.6
Realized gains (losses) on equity securities	1.1			(1.6		)
Net realized gains on securities	(2.7		)	12
Realized gains on certain derivative instruments	40.9			54.9
Unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments	1.8			60.9
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	18.4			(4.3		)
Change in fair value of other embedded derivatives	1.5			—
Realized gains on derivatives and embedded derivatives	62.6			111.5
Realized losses on other invested assets	(1.4		)	(0.1		)
Net investment gains	$	58.5		$	123.4
Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities are determined on the specific identification method.
For the three months ended December 31, 2014, principal repayments, calls, tenders, and proceeds from the sale of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities totaled $809.6, gross gains on such sales totaled $10.5 and gross losses totaled $14.3.
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 $1,663.7, gross gains on such sales totaled $14.4, and gross losses totaled $0.8.
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities
We own two investments in variable interest entities ("VIEs") that are not consolidated within the Company’s financial statements. VIEs do not have sufficient equity to finance their own activities without additional financial support and certain of its investors lack certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest.  These VIEs are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements for the following reasons: 1)  FGL Insurance does not have any voting rights or notice rights; 2)  the Company does not have any rights to remove the investment manager; and 3)  the Company was not involved in the design of the investment.  These characteristics indicate that FGL Insurance lacks the ability to direct the activities, or otherwise exert control, of the VIEs and is not considered the primary beneficiary of them.
FGL Insurance participates in loans to third parties originated by Salus Capital Partners, LLC ("Salus"). Salus is an affiliated, limited liability company indirectly owned by HGI that originates senior secured asset-based loans to unaffiliated third-party borrowers. FGL Insurance also participates in Collateralized Loan Obligations (“CLOs”) managed by Salus. Because Salus is not consolidated, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investments in Salus is limited to the carrying value of its investments in Salus which totaled $293.8 and $303.6 as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. FGL’s investments in Salus are detailed in “Note 14. Related Party Transactions” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
FGL Insurance also participates in an investment managed by Fifth Street Management, LLC (“Fifth Street”).  Fifth Street Senior Loan Fund II (the “Fund”) invests in loans selected and/or originated by Fifth Street. Fifth Street is an unaffiliated, limited liability company that originates financing for the Fund’s investment activity through CLOs.  The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investments in Fifth Street is limited to the carrying value of its investments in Fifth Street which totaled $30.0 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The carrying amounts of derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”) contracts, is as follows:
		December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Derivative investments:
	Call options	$	306.2		$	296.3
	Other Invested Assets:
	Other embedded derivatives	14.3			12.9
	Other Assets:
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	94.8			76.4
		$	415.3		$	385.6
	Liabilities:
	Contractholder funds:
	FIA embedded derivative	$	2,140.20		$	1,908.10
	Funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities
	Call options payable to FSRCI	21.5			22.9
	Other liabilities:
	Futures contracts	1.9			0.5
		$	2,163.60		$	1,931.50
	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, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Revenues:
	Net investment gains (losses):
	Call options	$	38.5		$	102.7
	Futures contracts	4.2			13.1
	Other embedded derivatives	1.5			—
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	18.4			(4.3		)
		$	62.6		$	111.5
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves:
	FIA embedded derivatives	$	232.1		$	100.3
	Additional Disclosures
	Other Embedded Derivatives
	On June 16, 2014, FGL Insurance invested in a $35.0 fund-linked note issued by Nomura International Funding Pte. Ltd. The note provides for an additional payment at maturity based on the value of an embedded derivative in AnchorPath Dedicated Return Fund (the "AnchorPath Fund") of $11.3 which is based on the actual return of the fund. At December 31, 2014 the fair value of the embedded derivative is $11.8 and the fair value of the fund link note is $22.7. At maturity of the fund-linked note, FGL Insurance will receive the $35.0 face value of the note plus the value of the embedded derivative in the AnchorPath Fund. The additional payment at maturity is an embedded derivative reported in "Other invested assets", while the host is an available-for-sale security reported in "Fixed maturities, available-for-sale".
	FGL Insurance participates in loans to third parties originated by Salus, an affiliated VIE, indirectly owned by HGI that provides asset-based financing. Three of the participating loans are denominated in Canadian dollars ("CAD") which is different from FGL Insurance's functional currency. Two of the participating loans include a provision for reimbursement from the borrower to FGL Insurance for any net foreign exchange losses realized by FGL Insurance under the loan in which FGL Insurance has a participation interest. FGL Insurance's ability to recover the foreign exchange losses under this loan participation is such that the Company has established an embedded derivative equal to FGL Insurance's cumulative net foreign exchange loss on this loan participation. The value of the embedded derivative is reflected in "Other invested assets" as of the balance sheet date with changes in fair value reflected in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The value of the embedded derivative at each balance sheet date is equal to the cumulative net foreign exchange loss recognized on this loan participation at the balance sheet date. The Company had realized losses of $1.3 and $0.0, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 related to its foreign exchange embedded derivative included in other invested assets.
	Credit Risk
	The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties on the call options and reflects assumptions regarding this nonperformance risk in the fair value of the call options. The nonperformance risk is the net counterparty exposure based on the fair value of the open contracts less collateral held. The Company maintains a policy of requiring all derivative contracts to be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement.
	Information regarding the Company’s exposure to credit loss on the call options it holds is presented in the following table:
				December 31, 2014										September 30, 2014
	Counterparty		Credit Rating	Notional				Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk		Notional		Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk
			(Fitch/Moody's/S&P)	Amount										Amount
	Merrill Lynch		A/*/A	$	2,004.80			$	74.6	$	38.4	$	36.2	$	2,239.90	$	92.7	$	52.5	$	40.2
	Deutsche Bank		A+/A3/A	3,205.60				123		95.8		27.2		2,810.00		108		72.5		35.5
	Morgan Stanley		*/A3/A	2,681.80				96.9		79		17.9		2,294.70		85		63		22
	Barclay's Bank		A/A2/A	259.3				11.7		—		11.7		258		10.6		—		10.6
				$	8,151.50			$	306.2	$	213.2	$	93	$	7,602.60	$	296.3	$	188	$	108.3
	An * represents credit ratings that were not available.
	Collateral Agreements
	The Company is required to maintain minimum ratings as a matter of routine practice as part of its over-the-counter derivative agreements on ISDA forms. 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, 2014 and September 30, 2014, counterparties posted $213.2 and $188.0 of collateral of which $174.8 and $135.5 is included in "Cash and cash equivalents" with an associated payable for this collateral included in "Other liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining $38.4 and $52.5 of non-cash collateral was held by a third-party custodian at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Accordingly, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that the Company would incur if parties to the call options failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts was $93.0 and $108.3 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	The Company held 1,627 and 2,348 futures contracts at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The fair value of the futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements). 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 cash collateral held by the counterparties for such contracts was $7.4 and $10.8 at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s 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, a portion of related party loans, portions of other invested assets and debt, are summarized according to the hierarchy previously described, as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3			Fair Value		Carrying Amount
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	555.5		$	—			$	—		$	555.5	$	555.5
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			2,007.40				71			2,078.40		2,078.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			548				120.4			668.4		668.4
	Corporates	—			8,813.80				900.9			9,714.70		9,714.70
	Hybrids	—			1,301.50				—			1,301.50		1,301.50
	Municipals	—			1,323.10				38.8			1,361.90		1,361.90
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			2,201.90				—			2,201.90		2,201.90
	U.S. Government	401.6			182				—			583.6		583.6
	Equity securities available-for-sale	57.1			562.7				38.1			657.9		657.9
	Derivative financial instruments	—			306.2				—			306.2		306.2
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative, included in other assets	—			94.8				—			94.8		94.8
	Commercial mortgage loans	—			—				206.8			206.8		206.8
	Related party loans	—			—				93.2			93.2		93.2
	Other invested assets	—			0.9				252.4			253.3		253.3
	Total financial assets at fair value	$	1,014.20		$	17,342.30			$	1,721.60		$	20,078.10	$	20,078.10
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	—		$	—			$	2,140.20		$	2,140.20	$	2,140.20
	Derivative instruments - futures contracts	—			1.9				—			1.9		1.9
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—				13,442.90			13,442.90		15,019.90
	Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	—			21.5				—			21.5		21.5
	Debt	—			316.1				—			316.1		300
	Total financial liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	339.5			$	15,583.10		$	15,922.60	$	17,483.50
		September 30, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3			Fair Value		Carrying Amount
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	576.4		$	—			$	—		$	576.4	$	576.4
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			1,958.60				73.8			2,032.40		2,032.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			553.8				83.1			636.9		636.9
	Corporates	—			8,945.80				833.6			9,779.40		9,779.40
	Hybrids	—			1,316.10				—			1,316.10		1,316.10
	Municipals	—			1,222.60				37.2			1,259.80		1,259.80
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			2,114.00				—			2,114.00		2,114.00
	U.S. Government	115.6			180.4				—			296		296
	Equity securities available-for-sale	59.2			598.4				40.1			697.7		697.7
	Derivative financial instruments	—			296.3				—			296.3		296.3
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative, included in other assets	—			76.4				—			76.4		76.4
	Commercial mortgage loans	—			—				136.2			136.2		136.2
	Related party loans	—			—				112.7			112.7		112.7
	Other invested assets	—			1.7				235			236.7		236.7
	Total financial assets at fair value	$	751.2		$	17,264.10			$	1,551.70		$	19,567.00	$	19,567.00
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	—		$	—			$	1,908.10		$	1,908.10	$	1,908.10
	Derivative instruments - futures contracts	—			0.5				—			0.5		0.5
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—				13,108.80			13,108.80		14,555.40
	Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	—			22.9				—			22.9		22.9
	Debt	—			316.5				—			316.5		300
	Total financial liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	339.9			$	15,016.90		$	15,356.80	$	16,786.90
	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. The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of equity securities available-for-sale for which the market-approach valuation technique is employed is yields for comparable securities. Increases (decreases) in the yields would result in lower or higher, respectively, fair value measurements. For broker-quoted only securities, quotes from market makers or broker-dealers are obtained from sources recognized to be market participants. The fair value of the Company's investment in mutual funds is based on the net asset value published by the respective mutual fund and represents the value the Company would have received if it withdrew its investment on the balance sheet date. 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, 2014 and September 30, 2014. 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. Fair values for these instruments are determined externally by an independent consulting firm using market-observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curve volatilities, and other factors. 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 of similar assets (Level 2), the fair value of the embedded derivative is based on market-observable inputs and is classified as Level 2. The fair value of futures contracts represents the cumulative unsettled variation margin (open trade equity, net of cash settlements).
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, 2014 and September 30, 2014, 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.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of FIA embedded derivatives included in contractholder funds are market value of option, interest swap rates, mortality multiplier, surrender rates, and non-performance spread. The mortality multiplier at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 is applied to the Annuity 2000 mortality tables. 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.
Other Invested Assets
Fair value of our loan participation interest securities approximates the unpaid principal balance of the participation interest as of December 31, 2014. 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, 2014, the primary market participant for these securities and the short-term maturity of these loans (less than 1 year).
Fair value of our embedded derivative is based on an unobservable input, the net asset value of the AnchorPath fund at the balance sheet date.  The embedded derivative is similar to a call option on the net asset value of the AnchorPath fund with a strike price of zero since FGL Insurance will not be required to make any additional payments at maturity of the fund-linked note in order to receive the net asset value of the AnchorPath fund on the maturity date.  Therefore, the Black Scholes model returns the net asset value of the AnchorPath fund as the fair value of the call option regardless of the values used for the other inputs to the option pricing model.  The net asset value of the AnchorPath fund is provided by the fund manager at the end of each calendar month and represents the value an investor would receive if it withdrew its investment on the balance sheet date. Therefore, the key unobservable input used in the Black Scholes model is the value of the AnchorPath fund. As the value of the AnchorPath fund increases or decreases, the fair value of the embedded derivative will increase or decrease.
Fair value of foreign exchange embedded derivative is based on the quoted United States dollar ("USD")/CAD exchange rates.
Valuation Methodologies and Associated Inputs for Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
The following discussion outlines the methodologies and assumptions used to determine the fair value of our financial instruments not carried at fair value. Considerable judgment is required to develop these assumptions used to measure fair value. Accordingly, the estimates shown are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that would be realized in a one-time, current market exchange of all of our financial instruments.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
The fair value of mortgage loans on real estate is established using a discounted cash flow method based on credit rating, maturity and future income. The ratings for mortgages in good standing are based on property type, location, market conditions, occupancy, debt-service coverage, loan-to-value, quality of tenancy, borrower and payment record. The fair value for impaired mortgage loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our mortgage loans on real estate are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.
In September 2013, the Company initiated a commercial loan program utilizing a third party CML asset manager, Principal Real Estate Investors. Subsequently in October 2014, the Company expanded the program with the addition of CorAmerica, a subsidiary of Harbinger Group, as an additional CML asset manager. As part of these programs, the Company has funded CMLs with a fair value of $206.1 at December 31, 2014, which is equal to amortized cost. As these loans were originated in the past sixteen months, none are past due or have material credit issues and given that there have not been material changes in market interest since origination the Company views amortized cost as representative of fair value. The CML asset managers monitor the status of the payment obligations, the credit quality of the borrower, the condition of the property, and any other events that may impact the performance and principal repayment of the CMLs.  Additionally, the Company periodically reviews the asset managers' valuation methodologies and investment processes to insure the program is performing in line with the objectives of the program. A CML's current standing and payment obligations are material factors in evaluating the CML's carrying value and related fair value. At December 31, 2014, all CMLs are current with no payments past due and there are no credit or other events which would require impairment evaluation.
Policy Loans (included within Other Invested Assets)
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
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.
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt
The fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices. For short-term debt, excluding current maturities of long-term debt, the carrying value approximates fair value. The inputs used to measure the fair value of our short-term and long-term debt are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs used for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments carried at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are as follows:
		Fair Value at							Range (Weighted average)
		December 31, 2014			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		December 31, 2014
Assets
Asset-backed securities		$	71		Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		94.45% - 108.81% (98.62%)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		120.4			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100.00% - 121.50% (114.89%)
Corporates		898.8			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		64.82% - 122.23% (101.02%)
Corporates		2.1			Matrix Pricing		Quoted prices		148.21%
Municipals		38.8			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		111.84%
Equity securities available-for-sale		6.1			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100.00%
Equity securities available-for-sale		32			Market-approach		Yield		8.87% - 10.37%
Other invested assets:
Embedded derivative		11.8			Black Scholes model		Net asset value of AnchorPath fund		100.00%
Salus participations		227.8			Market Pricing		Offered quotes		100.00%
Total		$	1,408.80
Liabilities
Derivatives:
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	2,140.20		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0.00% - 42.52% (3.36%)
							SWAP rates		1.77% - 2.28% (2.03%)
							Mortality multiplier		80.00%
							Surrender rates		0.50% - 75.00% (7.00%)
							Non-performance spread		0.25%
Total liabilities at fair value		$	2,140.20
		Fair Value at							Range (Weighted average)
		September 30, 2014			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		30-Sep-14
Assets
Asset-backed securities		$	73.8		Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		95.45% - 109.26% (99.26%)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		83.1			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		105.25% - 121.00% (118.29%)
Corporates		831.6			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		61.67% - 119.75% (100.04%)
Corporates		2			Matrix Pricing		Quoted prices		142.30%
Municipals		37.2			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		106.64%
Equity securities available-for-sale		6			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		99.75%
Equity securities available-for-sale		34.1			Market-approach		Yield		8.31% - 9.81%
Other invested assets:
Embedded derivative		11.2			Black Scholes model		Net asset value of AnchorPath fund		100.00%
Salus participations		213.3			Market Pricing		Offered quotes		100.00%
Total		$	1,292.30
Liabilities
Derivatives:
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	1,908.10		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0.00% - 49.82% (3.37%)
							SWAP rates		1.93% - 2.64% (2.29%)
							Mortality multiplier		80.00%
							Surrender rates		0.50% - 75.00% (7.00%)
							Non-performance spread		0.25%
Total liabilities at fair value		$	1,908.10
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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, 2014
	Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)							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	$	73.8		$	—			$	(0.4	)	$	3.5	$	—	$	—		$	(5.9	)	$	71
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	83.1			—				0.8			36.8		—		(0.3		)	—			120.4
Corporates	833.6			(0.1		)		8.9			61		—		(2.5		)	—			900.9
Municipals	37.2			—				1.8			—		—		(0.2		)	—			38.8
Equity securities available-for-sale	40.1			—				(2.0		)	—		—		—			—			38.1
Other invested assets:
Available-for-sale embedded derivative	11.2			0.6				—			—		—		—			—			11.8
Salus participations, included in other invested assets	213.3			(1.1		)		(0.7		)	47.3				(31.0		)	—			227.8
Total assets at Level 3 fair value	$	1,292.30		$	(0.6	)		$	8.4		$	148.6	$	—	$	(34.0	)	$	(5.9	)	$	1,408.80
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,908.10		$	232.1			$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,140.20
Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value	$	1,908.10		$	232.1			$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,140.20
(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2014 were exclusively to Level 2.
	Three months ended December 31, 2013
	Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)							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	$	246.4		$	—			$	(0.7	)	$	5	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	250.7
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5.6			—				0.4			—		—		—			—			6
Corporates	461.1			—				(6.1		)	152.7		—		(0.5		)	—			607.2
Municipals	—			—				(0.6		)	35		—		—			—			34.4
Other Invested Assets	157			—				—			77.8		—		(35.2		)	—			199.6
Total assets at Level 3 fair value	$	870.1		$	—			$	(7.0	)	$	270.5	$	—	$	(35.7	)	$	—		$	1,097.90
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,544.40		$	100.3			$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,644.70
Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value	$	1,544.40		$	100.3			$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,644.70
(a) There were no net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2013.
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Primary market issuance and secondary market activity for certain asset-backed securities during the three months ended December 31, 2014 increased the market observable inputs used to establish fair values for similar securities. These factors, along with more consistent pricing from third-party sources, resulted in the Company concluding that there is sufficient trading activity in similar instruments to support classifying these securities as Level 2 as of December 31, 2014. Accordingly, the Company’s assessment resulted in net transfers out of Level 3 of $5.9 related to asset-backed securities during the three months ended December 31, 2014.
During the three months ended December 31, 2013, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Information regarding VOBA and DAC which includes deferred sales inducement, is as follows:
		VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	59.3		$	455.7		$	515
	Deferrals	—			92.6			92.6
	Less: Amortization related to:
	Unlocking	0.6			(2.3		)	(1.7		)
	Interest	3			5.3			8.3
	Amortization	(10.9		)	(11.9		)	(22.8		)
	Add: Adjustment for unrealized investment losses (gains)	6.9			(5.7		)	1.2
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	58.9		$	533.7		$	592.6
	Accumulated Amortization	$	361
		VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	192.1		$	331.2		$	523.3
	Deferrals	—			52.6			52.6
	Less: Amortization related to:
	Unlocking	11.7			3.4			15.1
	Interest	3.7			3.3			7
	Amortization	(29.2		)	(15.8		)	(45.0		)
	Add: Adjustment for unrealized investment losses (gains)	1.7			6.3			8
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	180		$	381		$	561
	Accumulated Amortization	$	317.4
	Amortization of VOBA and DAC is based on the amount of gross margins or profits recognized, including investment gains and losses. The interest accrual rate utilized to calculate the accretion of interest on VOBA ranged from 4.0% to 5.0%. The adjustment for unrealized net investment gains represents the amount of VOBA and DAC that would have been amortized if such unrealized gains and losses had been recognized. This is referred to as the “shadow adjustments” as the additional amortization is reflected in AOCI rather than the statement of operations. As of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the VOBA balance included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains/losses of $157.2 and $164.2, respectively, and the DAC balances included cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains/losses of $61.5 and $55.5, respectively.
	The above DAC balances include $35.8 and $32.7 of deferred sales inducements, net of shadow adjustments, as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	The weighted average amortization period for VOBA is approximately 4.9 years. Estimated amortization expense for VOBA in future fiscal periods is as follows:
		Estimated Amortization Expense
	Fiscal Year	VOBA
	2015	$	28.8
	2016	35.3
	2017	28.8
	2018	23.1
	2019	18.7
	Thereafter	81.5

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	The interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs of the Company's debt for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were as follows:
		Three months ended
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	(dollars in millions)	Interest Expense		Amortization		Interest Expense		Amortization
	Debt	$	4.8	$	1.1	$	4.8	$	0.8
	As of August 26, 2014, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. ("FGLH"), a wholly owned subsidiary of FGL, as borrower, and the Company as guarantor, entered into a three-year $150.0 unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with certain lenders and RBC Capital Markets and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, acting as joint lead arrangers. The loan proceeds from the Credit Agreement may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has not drawn on the revolver.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Equity
	Share Repurchase
	On September 2, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500 thousand shares of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock over the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2014, 51 thousand shares of common stock have been repurchased at cost for $1.3, which are held in treasury, of which 39 thousand shares were pursuant to the repurchase program and 12 thousand shares were acquired to satisfy employee income tax withholding pursuant to the Company’s stock compensation plan. Subsequent to the Company's repurchase of shares, HGI indirectly held 47,000 thousand shares of FGL's outstanding common stock, representing an 80.1% interest at December 31, 2014.
	Dividends
	On November 18, 2014, FGL’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.065 per share. The dividend was paid on December 15, 2014 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 1, 2014 and total cash paid was $3.8 (based on fully vested, outstanding shares of 58,279 thousand).

Stock_Compensation

Stock Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Compensation	Stock Compensation
	The Company recognized total stock compensation expense related to the FGL Plans and FGLH Plans as follows:
			Three months ended
			31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	FGL Plans
	Stock options		$	0.1		$	—
	Restricted shares		0.6			—
	Performance restricted stock units		0.8			0.2
	Unrestricted shares		0.2			1
			1.7			1.2
	FGLH Plans
	Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		1.3			2.8
	2011 dividend equivalent plan		—			0.3
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2.3			2.3
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - restricted stock units		0.6			0.7
	2012 dividend equivalent plan		0.1			0.1
			4.3			6.2
	Total stock compensation expense		6			7.4
	Related tax benefit		2.1			2.6
	Net stock compensation expense		$	3.9		$	4.8
	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, 2014 and the weighted-average period over which this expense will be recognized are as follows:
			Unrecognized Compensation			Weighted Average Recognition
			Expense			Period in Years
	FGL Plans
	Stock options		$	1.3		2.5
	Restricted shares		7.3			2.3
	Performance restricted stock units		7.5			1.8
	Unrestricted shares		—			N/A
			16.1
	FGLH Plans
	Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		—			0.2
	2011 dividend equivalent plan		—			N/A
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2.2			1
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - restricted stock units		1.3			1
	2012 dividend equivalent plan		0.6			1.2
			4.1
	Total unrecognized stock compensation expense		$	20.2		1.9
	FGL Plans
	FGL’s Compensation Committee is authorized to grant up to 2,838 thousand equity awards under the FGL Plans. At December 31, 2014, 1,356 thousand equity awards are available for future issuance under the FGL Plans. On December 1, 2014, FGL granted 176 thousand stock options to certain officers, directors and other key employees under the Omnibus Plan. 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 to certain officers, directors and other employees on the grant date was $0.9.
	At December 31, 2014, the intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest was $1.7, $0.6 and $1.7, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the weighted average remaining contractual term of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest was 6.4 years, 6.0 years and 6.4 years, respectively.
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the intrinsic value of stock options exercised, total cash received upon exercise and the related tax benefit realized was $0, $0 and $0, respectively.
	A summary of FGL’s outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2014, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (option amount in thousands):
	Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average			Weighted Average Grant
					Exercise Price			Date Fair Value
	Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014		242		$	17		$	3.72
	Granted		176		24.87			5.1
	Exercised		(2	)	17			5.26
	Forfeited or expired		(1	)	20.93			5.18
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014		415		20.32			4.29
	Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014		78		17			3.67
	Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		391		20.25			4.24
	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:
	Risk-free interest rate	1.4% - 1.5%
	Assumed dividend yield	1.2% - 1.5%
	Expected option term	4.5 years
	Volatility	25.00%
	On October 6, 2014, FGL granted 12 thousand restricted shares to a certain officer under the Omnibus Plan. These shares cliff vest in one year. The total fair value of the restricted shares granted to this officer on their grant date was $0.2.
	On November 19, 2014, FGL also granted 100 thousand restricted shares to a certain director under the Omnibus Plan. These shares vest in three tranches; 20.0% on the first anniversary of the grant date; 50.0% on the second anniversary of the grant date; and 30.0% on the third anniversary of the grant date. The total fair value of the restricted shares granted to a certain director on their grant date was $2.4.
	On December 1, 2014, FGL also granted 138 thousand restricted shares to certain directors, officers and other key employees under the Omnibus Plan. These shares vest in equal installments over a period of three years. The total fair value of the restricted shares granted to certain officers, directors and key employees on their grant date was $3.4.
	A summary of FGL’s restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Weighted Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
	Nonvested restricted shares outstanding at September 30, 2014		172		$	18.18
Granted		250		24.34
Vested		(55	)	18.03
Forfeited		(2	)	22.49
Nonvested restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 2014		365		22.4
Expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		342		22.34
On October 6, 2014, FGL also granted 32 thousand performance restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) to a senior executive officer 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. PRSUs subject to vesting are adjusted based on FGL's financial yearly performance, which is evaluated on two non-GAAP measures: (1) adjusted operating income, and (2) return on equity. Depending on the performance results for each year, the ultimate payout of PRSUs could range from zero to 200.0% of the target award for each year. One-half of the award is earned based on each year’s results. The total fair value of the PRSUs on the grant date of October 6, 2014 assuming attainment of the target performance level in each year was $0.7.
A summary of PRSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2014, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
Performance Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs)		Shares		Weighted Average Grant
				Date Fair Value
Nonvested PRSUs outstanding at September 30, 2014		578		$	17.37
Granted, including 8 additional units based on 2014 financial performance		40		20.36
Forfeited		—		—
Nonvested PRSUs outstanding at December 31, 2014		618		17.56
Expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		618		17.56
Additionally, on October 6, 2014, FGL granted unrestricted shares totaling 8 thousand to certain directors in payment for services rendered. Total fair value of the unrestricted shares on the grant date was $0.2.
FGLH Plans
A summary of FGLH's outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2014, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
		FGLH
Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average
				Exercise Price (a)
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014		225		$	46.19
Granted		—		—
Exercised		—		—
Forfeited or expired		(1	)	49.45
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014		224		46.18
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014		166		45.02
Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		222		46.15
(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, 2014 is $114.10 per share.
At December 31, 2014, the intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest was $15.2, $11.5 and $15.1, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the weighted average remaining contractual term of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested or expected to vest was 4.7 years, 4.5 years and 4.7 years, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0.0 and $0.0, respectively.
A summary of FGLH's restricted stock units outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and related activity during the three months then ended is as follows (share amount in thousands):
Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Weighted Average Grant
				Date Fair Value (a)
Nonvested restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2014		26		$	49.55
Granted		—		—
Vested		(12	)	49.45
Forfeited		—		49.45
Nonvested restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2014		14		49.64
Restricted stock units expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		13		49.64
(a)	Fair value is based on the value of FGLH’s common stock, not the value of the Company’s common stock.
The primary assumption used in the determination of the fair value of FGLH’s awards is the value of the Company’s common stock, which was $24.27 and $21.35 as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively, with other assumptions as summarized in our 2014 Form 10-K.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 was 39.5%. The effective tax rate for the three month period ended December 31, 2013 was 34.0%. The effective tax rate 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 maintains a valuation allowance against certain U.S. Internal Revenue Code, Section 382 ("Section 382") limited capital loss carry forwards and the deferred tax assets of its non-life insurance company subsidiaries. A valuation allowance has been placed against Section 382 limited capital loss carry forwards to reduce these deferred tax assets to an amount that is more-likely than not to be realized before the attributes expire. The non-life insurance company subsidiaries have a history of losses and insufficient sources of future income in order to recognize any portion of their deferred tax assets. All other deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized based on expectations as to our future taxable income and considering all other available evidence, both positive and negative.
	The valuation allowance is reviewed quarterly and will be maintained until there is sufficient positive evidence to support a release. At each reporting date, management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact the future realization of deferred tax assets. Management will consider a release of the valuation allowance once there is sufficient positive evidence that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Any release of the valuation allowance will be recorded as a tax benefit increasing net income or other comprehensive income.
	During the period ended March 31, 2014, market conditions changed sufficiently that Management determined it was prudent and feasible to adopt a new tax planning strategy. The strategy involved repositioning a portion of the investment portfolio to trigger $100.0 in net unrealized built-in gains (“NUBIG”). The sale of these assets will result in an increase to the Company’s Section 382 limit (i.e. the “adjusted limit”), enabling the Company to utilize capital loss carry forwards that will offset NUBIG-related gains. This strategy makes it more likely than not that the amount of capital loss carryforwards needed to offset those gains will be utilized. Therefore, a partial release of the valuation allowance offsetting the deferred tax asset related to capital loss carry forwards was recorded at the March 31, 2014 reporting date. Management intends to execute the remaining transactions prior to the expiration of Section 382-limited capital loss carry forwards. As of December 31, 2014, approximately $68.5 of NUBIG has been recognized locking in $24.0 in tax benefits. The Company currently has capital loss carry forwards of $250.8 that are set to expire December 31, 2015.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a partial valuation allowance of $120.7 against its gross deferred tax assets of $253.1. The valuation allowance is an offset to capital loss carryforwards (post tax planning strategy execution) expected to expire, as well as non-life company deferred tax assets that will most likely not be recovered due to lack of forecasted taxable income in the non-life segment.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, FGL has accrued $3.8 for guaranty fund assessments which is expected to be offset by estimated future premium tax deductions of $4.0.
	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. Legislation requiring insurance companies to use the Death Master File to identify potential claims has been enacted in a number of states. As a result of these legislative and regulatory developments, in May 2012, 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. In addition, the Company has received audit and examination notices from several state agencies responsible for escheatment and unclaimed property regulation in those states and in some cases has challenged the audits.  The Company established a contingency of $2.5 based on its estimates related to the external legal costs and administrative costs of challenging said audits and examinations of which $1.1 has been paid through December 31, 2014. Additional costs that cannot be reasonably estimated as of the date of this filing are possible as a result of ongoing regulatory developments and other future requirements related to this matter.
	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.
	Except for the Eddie L. Cressy v. Fidelity Guaranty [sic] Life Insurance Company, et. al. class action Complaint discussed below, there has been no material updates to our legal proceedings during the period. See Note 14 in our 2014 Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of our legal proceedings.
	On July 5, 2013, a putative class action Complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (the "Court"), captioned Eddie L. Cressy v. Fidelity Guaranty [sic] Life Insurance Company, et. al. Case No. BC-514340. The state court Complaint asserts, inter alia, that the Plaintiff and members of the putative class relied on Defendants’ advice in purchasing unsuitable equity-indexed insurance policies.
	On April 4, 2014, the Plaintiff, FGL Insurance and the other two defendants signed a Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which FGL Insurance has agreed to pay a total of $5.3 to settle the claims of a nationwide class consisting, with certain exclusions, of all persons who own or owned an OM Financial/FGL Insurance indexed universal life insurance policy issued from January 1, 2007 through March 31, 2014, inclusive.  As part of the settlement, FGL Insurance agreed to certification of the nationwide class for settlement purposes only. An amended Settlement Agreement was filed with the Court on June 5, 2014. On November 18, 2014, the Court granted final approval of the class settlement, subject to entry of a Final Order and Judgment.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company estimated the total cost for the settlement, legal fees and other costs related to this class action would be $9.0 and established a liability for the unpaid portion of the estimate of $3.4. Based on the information currently available the Company does not expect the actual cost for settlement, legal fees and other related costs to differ materially from the amount accrued. The Company is seeking indemnification from OM Group (UK) Limited (“OMGUK”) under the First Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement, dated February 17, 2011 (the “F&G Stock Purchase Agreement”) between HFG and OMGUK related to the settlement and the costs and fees in defending the Cressy litigation in both the federal and state courts. The Company has established an amount recoverable from OMGUK for the amount of $4.4, the collection of which the Company believes is probable. The actual amount recovered from OMGUK could be greater or less than the Company’s estimate, but the Company anticipates that the amount recovered will not be materially different than its current estimate. The settlement, legal fees and other costs related to this class action and the amount recoverable from OMGUK is presented net in the income statement in the caption “Benefits and other changes in policy reserves.”
	On January 2, 2015, the Court entered the Final Order and Judgment, finally certifying the class for settlement purposes, and finally approving the class settlement. According to the class settlement, the final settlement date means the date on which the Final Order and Judgment becomes final for all purposes, including appeal.
	In light of the inherent uncertainties involved in the matter described above and uncertainties in litigation generally, there can be no assurance that this litigation, or any other pending or future litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Net Premiums Earned			Net Benefits Incurred			Net Premiums Earned			Net Benefits Incurred
	Direct	$	63.2		$	293.2		$	67.7		$	296.5
	Assumed	8.9			7.1			9.3			6.1
	Ceded	(60.5		)	(76.6		)	(63.3		)	(85.7		)
	Net	$	11.6		$	223.7		$	13.7		$	216.9
	Amounts payable or recoverable for reinsurance on paid and unpaid claims are not subject to periodic or maximum limits. During the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not write off any reinsurance balances. During the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	FSRCI
	At December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the Company's reinsurance recoverable included $1,311.9 and $1,267.2, respectively, related to FSRCI and funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities included $1,337.5 and $1,292.8, respectively, related to FSRCI.
	Below are the ceded operating results to FSRCI for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
	Revenues:	31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	Premiums	$	0.1			$	0.2
	Net investment income	16.3				15.2
	Net investment gains	5.9				7.8
	Insurance and investment product fees	1				1.3
	Total Revenues	23.3				24.5
	Benefits and expenses:
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	(15.0		)		(18.6		)
	Acquisition & operating expenses, net of deferrals	(1.0		)		(2.5		)
	Total benefits and expenses	(16.0		)		(21.1		)
	Operating income	$	7.3			$	3.4
	FGL Insurance participates in loans to third parties originated by Salus, an affiliated, limited liability company indirectly owned by HGI. Salus is also considered a VIE as described in “Note 4. Investments” to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Salus originates senior secured asset-based loans to unaffiliated third-party borrowers. In addition to the participation in loans originated by Salus, FGL Insurance also agreed to provide Salus with financing in the form of a revolving loan and promissory note. In January 2014, FGL Insurance acquired from FSRCI preferred equity interests in Salus which have a 10.0% per annum return and a total par value of $30.0 which is included in the FSRCI funds withheld portfolio. Accordingly all income on this asset is ceded to FSRCI. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its investments in Salus is limited to the carrying value of the preferred equity interests, the promissory note and any amounts owed under the revolving loan as reported in its balance sheet. The carrying value of these investments in Salus as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are disclosed in the tables below.
	The Company’s consolidated related party investments as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014, and related net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:
				December 31, 2014
	Type	Balance Sheet Classification		Asset carrying value				Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Salus collateralized loan obligations	Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale		$	239.3			$	0.6	$	239.9
	Fortress Investment Group collateralized loan obligations	Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale		201.7				2.3		204
	Salus preferred equity(a)	Equity securities, available-for-sale		32				—		32
	Salus participations	Other Invested Assets		227.8				2.1		229.9
	Foreign exchange embedded derivative	Other Invested Assets		2.6				—		2.6
	HGI energy loan (b)	Related Party Loans		70				—		70
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans		0.2				—		0.2
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans		20				0.5		20.5
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans		2.5				—		2.5
	(a) Salus preferred equity is included in the FSRCI funds withheld portfolio, accordingly all income on this asset is ceded to FSRCI.
	(b) $20.0 of the total HGI energy loan is included in the FSRCI funds withheld portfolio, accordingly the income related to this portion is ceded to FSRCI.
				September 30, 2014
	Type	Balance Sheet Classification		Asset carrying value				Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Salus collateralized loan obligation	Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale		$	239.5			$	0.6	$	240.1
	Fortress Investment Group collateralized loan obligations	Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale		194.9				1.9		196.8
	Salus preferred equity(a)	Equity securities, available-for-sale		34.1				—		34.1
	Salus participations	Other Invested Assets		213.3				1.5		214.8
	Foreign exchange embedded derivative	Other Invested Assets		1.7				—		1.7
	HGI energy loan (b)	Related Party Loans		70				1.6		71.6
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans		10.9				0.1		11
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans		20				—		20
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans		10				—		10
	(a) Salus preferred equity is included in the FSRCI funds withheld portfolio, accordingly all income on this asset is ceded to FSRCI.
	(b) $20.0 of the total HGI energy loan is included in the FSRCI funds withheld portfolio, accordingly the income related to this portion is ceded to FSRCI.
				Three months ended
				December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Type	Investment Income Classification		Net investment income				Net investment income
	Salus collateralized loan obligation	Fixed Maturities		$	3.1			$	2.8
	Fortress Investment Group collateralized loan obligations	Fixed Maturities		2				—
	Salus participations	Other Invested Assets		5.2				4.4
	HGI energy loan	Related Party Loans		1.1				1.6
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans		0.1				0.3
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans		0.4				0.4
	Salus Revolver	Related Party Loans		0.1				0.1
	The Company had realized losses of $1.3 and $0.0 for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 related to its foreign exchange embedded derivative included in other invested assets.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (share amounts in thousands):
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Net income attributable to common shares - basic	$	14.1	$	42.7
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	58,283		49,142
	Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and unvested performance restricted stock	140		119
	Dilutive effect of stock options	31		3
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	58,454		49,264
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.24	$	0.87
	Diluted	$	0.24	$	0.87
	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 and shares held in treasury. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2014 excludes the incremental effect related to certain outstanding stock options and restricted stock due to their anti-dilutive effect. The number of weighted average equivalent shares excluded is eleven thousand shares.  Also, stock-based compensation awards under the FGLH Plans are settled in cash and, therefore, are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.

Insurance_Subsidiary_Financial

Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters	Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters
	FGL Insurance’s statutory carrying value of Raven Re reflects the effect of permitted practices Raven Re received to treat the available amount of a letter of credit as an admitted asset which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $245.0 (unaudited) and $270.0 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Raven Re is also permitted to follow Iowa prescribed statutory accounting practice for its reserves on reinsurance assumed from FGL Insurance which increased Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus by $17.3 (unaudited) and $20.5 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Without such permitted statutory accounting practices Raven Re’s statutory capital and surplus would be negative $75.1 (unaudited) and negative $108.9 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and its risk-based capital would fall below the minimum regulatory requirements. The letter of credit facility is collateralized by National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) 1 rated debt securities. If the permitted practice was revoked, the letter of credit could be replaced by the collateral assets with Nomura’s consent.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies and Practices (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company 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	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued amended guidance which allows investors in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) programs that meet specified conditions to present the net tax benefits (net of the amortization of the cost of the investment) within income tax expense. The cost of the investments that meet the specified conditions will be amortized in proportion to (and over the same period as) the total expected tax benefits, including the tax credits and other tax benefits, as they are realized on the tax return. The guidance is required to be applied retrospectively, if investors elect the proportional amortization method. However, if investors have existing LIHTC investments accounted for under the effective-yield method at adoption, they may continue to apply that method for those existing investments.  ASU 2014-01, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Project.  The Company early adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2014 for all new LIHTC investments made subsequent to that date.  Prior LIHTC investments will continue to be accounted for under the effective-yield method.  This adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
	Share-Based Payments When a Performance Target is achieved after the Requisite Service Period
	In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on Stock Compensation (ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Term of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those years. The new guidance requires that performance targets that affect vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period to be treated as performance conditions. Such performance targets would not be included in the grant-date fair value calculation of the award, rather compensation cost should be recorded when it is probable the performance target will be reached and should represent the compensation cost attributable to period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. This standard may be early adopted and the amendments in this Update may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company will not early adopt this standard and is currently evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities	The Company’s consolidated investments at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Available-for sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	2,102.50		$	9.3			$	(33.4	)		$	2,078.40		$	2,078.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	649.4			20				(1.0		)		668.4			668.4
	Corporates	9,258.60			550.6				(94.5		)		9,714.70			9,714.70
	Equities	640.7			25.3				(8.1		)		657.9			657.9
	Hybrids	1,268.70			55.6				(22.8		)		1,301.50			1,301.50
	Municipals	1,221.50			143.2				(2.8		)		1,361.90			1,361.90
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,095.40			124.6				(18.1		)		2,201.90			2,201.90
	U.S. Government	576.1			8.3				(0.8		)		583.6			583.6
	Total available-for-sale securities	17,812.90			936.9				(181.5		)		18,568.30			18,568.30
	Derivative investments	191.4			124				(9.2		)		306.2			306.2
	Commercial mortgage loans	206.8			—				—				206.8			206.8
	Other invested assets	257.9			—				(4.6		)		253.3			253.3
	Total investments	$	18,469.00		$	1,060.90			$	(195.3	)		$	19,334.60		$	19,334.60
		September 30, 2014
		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Available-for-sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	2,040.40		$	11.8			$	(19.8	)		$	2,032.40		$	2,032.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	617.6			21.3				(2.0		)		636.9			636.9
	Corporates	9,329.10			499.2				(48.9		)		9,779.40			9,779.40
	Equities	679			23.8				(5.1		)		697.7			697.7
	Hybrids	1,279.10			52.2				(15.2		)		1,316.10			1,316.10
	Municipals	1,149.90			116.2				(6.3		)		1,259.80			1,259.80
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,984.80			140.3				(11.1		)		2,114.00			2,114.00
	U.S. Government	291			6.4				(1.4		)		296			296
	Total available-for-sale securities	17,370.90			871.2				(109.8		)		18,132.30			18,132.30
	Derivatives Instruments	177.7			123.3				(4.7		)		296.3			296.3
	Commercial mortgage loans	136.2			—				—				136.2			136.2
	Other invested assets	237.2			—				(0.5		)		236.7			236.7
	Total investments	$	17,922.00		$	994.5			$	(115.0	)		$	18,801.50		$	18,801.50
Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Available-for-Sale Securities	The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity available-for-sale securities by contractual maturities, as applicable, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.
		December 31, 2014
		Amortized Cost			Fair Value
	Corporates, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and U.S. Government securities:
	Due in one year or less	$	302.3		$	304.4
	Due after one year through five years	2,786.20			2,830.00
	Due after five years through ten years	2,899.60			2,990.60
	Due after ten years	5,833.40			6,334.80
	Subtotal	11,821.50			12,459.80
	Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
	Asset-backed securities	2,102.50			2,078.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	649.4			668.4
	Structured hybrids	503.4			501.9
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,095.40			2,201.90
	Subtotal	$	5,350.70		$	5,450.60
	Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	17,172.20		$	17,910.40
Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses of Available-for-Sale-Securities	The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category, were as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Less than 12 months							12 months or longer							Total
		Fair Value			Gross Unrealized				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized			Fair Value			Gross Unrealized
					Losses								Losses						Losses
	Available-for-sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	940.8		$	(17.0	)		$	505.8			$	(16.4	)	$	1,446.60		$	(33.4	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	57.9			(0.5		)		0.3				(0.5		)	58.2			(1.0		)
	Corporates	882.3			(31.5		)		1,339.00				(63.0		)	2,221.30			(94.5		)
	Equities	149.2			(4.9		)		50.9				(3.2		)	200.1			(8.1		)
	Hybrids	270.8			(4.9		)		234.4				(17.9		)	505.2			(22.8		)
	Municipals	9.4			(0.1		)		194.3				(2.7		)	203.7			(2.8		)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	454.5			(10.2		)		227				(7.9		)	681.5			(18.1		)
	U.S. Government	—			—				58.8				(0.8		)	58.8			(0.8		)
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,764.90		$	(69.1	)		$	2,610.50			$	(112.4	)	$	5,375.40		$	(181.5	)
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months																		383
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer																		329
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position																		712
		September 30, 2014
		Less than 12 months							12 months or longer							Total
		Fair Value			Gross Unrealized				Fair Value				Gross Unrealized			Fair Value			Gross Unrealized
					Losses								Losses						Losses
	Available-for-sale securities
	Asset-backed securities	$	939.3		$	(12.8	)		$	289.7			$	(7.0	)	$	1,229.00		$	(19.8	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	160.3			(0.9		)		0.4				(1.1		)	160.7			(2.0		)
	Corporates	816.6			(16.3		)		1,127.80				(32.6		)	1,944.40			(48.9		)
	Equities	180.4			(2.2		)		54.9				(2.9		)	235.3			(5.1		)
	Hybrids	258.2			(2.3		)		290				(12.9		)	548.2			(15.2		)
	Municipals	—			—				264.9				(6.3		)	264.9			(6.3		)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	298.5			(5.8		)		177.6				(5.3		)	476.1			(11.1		)
	U.S Government	37.3			(0.1		)		81.7				(1.3		)	119			(1.4		)
	Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,690.60		$	(40.4	)		$	2,287.00			$	(69.4	)	$	4,977.60		$	(109.8	)
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position less than twelve months																		324
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position twelve months or longer																		311
	Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position																		635
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in AOCI:
			Three months ended
			December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Beginning balance		$	2.7		$	2.7
	Increases attributable to credit losses on securities:
	Other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized		—			—
	Other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized		—			—
	Ending balance		$	2.7		$	2.7
Schedule of Loans	The distribution of CMLs, gross of valuation allowances, by property type and geographic region is reflected in the following tables:
		31-Dec-14						30-Sep-14
		Gross Carrying Value			% of Total			Gross Carrying Value				% of Total
	Property Type:
	Industrial - General	$	20		9.7	%		$	—			—	%
	Industrial - Warehouse	47.7			23.1	%		48				35.2	%
	Multifamily	29.9			14.5	%		37.8				27.7	%
	Office	76			36.7	%		44.6				32.8	%
	Retail	33.2			16	%		5.8				4.3	%
	Total commercial mortgage loans	$	206.8		100	%		$	136.2			100	%
	US Region:
	East North Central	$	64.3		31.1	%		$	27.8			20.4	%
	Middle Atlantic	18			8.7	%		10.9				8	%
	Pacific	61.2			29.6	%		61.5				45.1	%
	South Atlantic	37.5			18.1	%		—				—	%
	West North Central	5.8			2.8	%		5.8				4.3	%
	West South Central	20			9.7	%		30.2				22.2	%
	Total commercial mortgage loans	$	206.8		100	%		$	136.2			100	%
Schedule of Investment in Mortgage Loans by Loan to Value and Debt Service Coverage Ratios	The following table presents the recorded investment in CMLs by LTV and DSC ratio categories and estimated fair value by the indicated loan-to-value ratios at December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014:
		Debt-Service Coverage Ratios											Total Amount			% of Total		Estimated Fair Value				% of Total
		>1.25			1.00 - 1.25				N/A(a)
	December 31, 2014
	LTV Ratios:
	Less than 50%	$	44.3		$	—			$	0.8			$	45.1		21.8	%	$	45.1			21.8	%
	50% to 60%	51.4			—				—				51.4			24.9	%	51.4				24.9	%
	60% to 75%	90.3			20				—				110.3			53.3	%	110.3				53.3	%
	Commercial mortgage loans	$	186		$	20			$	0.8			$	206.8		100	%	$	206.8			100	%
	September 30, 2014
	LTV Ratios:
	Less than 50%	$	44.6		$	—			$	0.8			$	45.4		33.4	%	$	45.4			33.4	%
	50% to 60%	19.9			—				—				19.9			14.6	%	19.9				14.6	%
	60% to 75%	70.9			—				—				70.9			52	%	70.9				52	%
	Commercial mortgage loans	$	135.4		$	—			$	0.8			$	136.2		100	%	$	136.2			100	%
	(a) N/A - Current DSC ratio not available.
Loan Receivable Aging	The following provides the current and past due composition of our CMLs:
		December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014
	Current to 30 days	$	206.8		$	136.2
	Total carrying value	$	206.8		$	136.2
Net Investment Income	The major sources of “Net investment income” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	195.6		$	175.3
	Equity available-for-sale securities	9.2			4.4
	Commercial mortgage loans	1.2			0.8
	Related party loans	1.7			1.9
	Invested cash and short-term investments	—			0.1
	Other investments	5.8			4.5
	Gross investment income	213.5			187
	Investment expense	(5.1		)	(3.6		)
	Net investment income	$	208.4		$	183.4
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, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Net realized (losses) gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	(3.8	)	$	13.6
	Realized gains (losses) on equity securities	1.1			(1.6		)
	Net realized gains on securities	(2.7		)	12
	Realized gains on certain derivative instruments	40.9			54.9
	Unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments	1.8			60.9
	Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	18.4			(4.3		)
	Change in fair value of other embedded derivatives	1.5			—
	Realized gains on derivatives and embedded derivatives	62.6			111.5
	Realized losses on other invested assets	(1.4		)	(0.1		)
	Net investment gains	$	58.5		$	123.4

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value of Outstanding Derivative Contracts in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	The carrying amounts of derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”) contracts, is as follows:
		December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Derivative investments:
	Call options	$	306.2		$	296.3
	Other Invested Assets:
	Other embedded derivatives	14.3			12.9
	Other Assets:
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	94.8			76.4
		$	415.3		$	385.6
	Liabilities:
	Contractholder funds:
	FIA embedded derivative	$	2,140.20		$	1,908.10
	Funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities
	Call options payable to FSRCI	21.5			22.9
	Other liabilities:
	Futures contracts	1.9			0.5
		$	2,163.60		$	1,931.50
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, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Revenues:
	Net investment gains (losses):
	Call options	$	38.5		$	102.7
	Futures contracts	4.2			13.1
	Other embedded derivatives	1.5			—
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative	18.4			(4.3		)
		$	62.6		$	111.5
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves:
	FIA embedded derivatives	$	232.1		$	100.3
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, 2014										September 30, 2014
	Counterparty		Credit Rating	Notional				Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk		Notional		Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk
			(Fitch/Moody's/S&P)	Amount										Amount
	Merrill Lynch		A/*/A	$	2,004.80			$	74.6	$	38.4	$	36.2	$	2,239.90	$	92.7	$	52.5	$	40.2
	Deutsche Bank		A+/A3/A	3,205.60				123		95.8		27.2		2,810.00		108		72.5		35.5
	Morgan Stanley		*/A3/A	2,681.80				96.9		79		17.9		2,294.70		85		63		22
	Barclay's Bank		A/A2/A	259.3				11.7		—		11.7		258		10.6		—		10.6
				$	8,151.50			$	306.2	$	213.2	$	93	$	7,602.60	$	296.3	$	188	$	108.3

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	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, a portion of related party loans, portions of other invested assets and debt, are summarized according to the hierarchy previously described, as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3			Fair Value		Carrying Amount
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	555.5		$	—			$	—		$	555.5	$	555.5
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			2,007.40				71			2,078.40		2,078.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			548				120.4			668.4		668.4
	Corporates	—			8,813.80				900.9			9,714.70		9,714.70
	Hybrids	—			1,301.50				—			1,301.50		1,301.50
	Municipals	—			1,323.10				38.8			1,361.90		1,361.90
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			2,201.90				—			2,201.90		2,201.90
	U.S. Government	401.6			182				—			583.6		583.6
	Equity securities available-for-sale	57.1			562.7				38.1			657.9		657.9
	Derivative financial instruments	—			306.2				—			306.2		306.2
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative, included in other assets	—			94.8				—			94.8		94.8
	Commercial mortgage loans	—			—				206.8			206.8		206.8
	Related party loans	—			—				93.2			93.2		93.2
	Other invested assets	—			0.9				252.4			253.3		253.3
	Total financial assets at fair value	$	1,014.20		$	17,342.30			$	1,721.60		$	20,078.10	$	20,078.10
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	—		$	—			$	2,140.20		$	2,140.20	$	2,140.20
	Derivative instruments - futures contracts	—			1.9				—			1.9		1.9
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—				13,442.90			13,442.90		15,019.90
	Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	—			21.5				—			21.5		21.5
	Debt	—			316.1				—			316.1		300
	Total financial liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	339.5			$	15,583.10		$	15,922.60	$	17,483.50
		September 30, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2				Level 3			Fair Value		Carrying Amount
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	576.4		$	—			$	—		$	576.4	$	576.4
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
	Asset-backed securities	—			1,958.60				73.8			2,032.40		2,032.40
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—			553.8				83.1			636.9		636.9
	Corporates	—			8,945.80				833.6			9,779.40		9,779.40
	Hybrids	—			1,316.10				—			1,316.10		1,316.10
	Municipals	—			1,222.60				37.2			1,259.80		1,259.80
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—			2,114.00				—			2,114.00		2,114.00
	U.S. Government	115.6			180.4				—			296		296
	Equity securities available-for-sale	59.2			598.4				40.1			697.7		697.7
	Derivative financial instruments	—			296.3				—			296.3		296.3
	Reinsurance related embedded derivative, included in other assets	—			76.4				—			76.4		76.4
	Commercial mortgage loans	—			—				136.2			136.2		136.2
	Related party loans	—			—				112.7			112.7		112.7
	Other invested assets	—			1.7				235			236.7		236.7
	Total financial assets at fair value	$	751.2		$	17,264.10			$	1,551.70		$	19,567.00	$	19,567.00
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	—		$	—			$	1,908.10		$	1,908.10	$	1,908.10
	Derivative instruments - futures contracts	—			0.5				—			0.5		0.5
	Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—			—				13,108.80			13,108.80		14,555.40
	Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	—			22.9				—			22.9		22.9
	Debt	—			316.5				—			316.5		300
	Total financial liabilities at fair value	$	—		$	339.9			$	15,016.90		$	15,356.80	$	16,786.90
Schedule of Unobservable Inputs Used for Level Three Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments on Recurring Basis	Quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs used for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments carried at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 are as follows:
			Fair Value at							Range (Weighted average)
			December 31, 2014			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Asset-backed securities		$	71		Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		94.45% - 108.81% (98.62%)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		120.4			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100.00% - 121.50% (114.89%)
	Corporates		898.8			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		64.82% - 122.23% (101.02%)
	Corporates		2.1			Matrix Pricing		Quoted prices		148.21%
	Municipals		38.8			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		111.84%
	Equity securities available-for-sale		6.1			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		100.00%
	Equity securities available-for-sale		32			Market-approach		Yield		8.87% - 10.37%
	Other invested assets:
	Embedded derivative		11.8			Black Scholes model		Net asset value of AnchorPath fund		100.00%
	Salus participations		227.8			Market Pricing		Offered quotes		100.00%
	Total		$	1,408.80
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	2,140.20		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0.00% - 42.52% (3.36%)
								SWAP rates		1.77% - 2.28% (2.03%)
								Mortality multiplier		80.00%
								Surrender rates		0.50% - 75.00% (7.00%)
								Non-performance spread		0.25%
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	2,140.20
			Fair Value at							Range (Weighted average)
			September 30, 2014			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input(s)		30-Sep-14
	Assets
	Asset-backed securities		$	73.8		Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		95.45% - 109.26% (99.26%)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		83.1			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		105.25% - 121.00% (118.29%)
	Corporates		831.6			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		61.67% - 119.75% (100.04%)
	Corporates		2			Matrix Pricing		Quoted prices		142.30%
	Municipals		37.2			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		106.64%
	Equity securities available-for-sale		6			Broker-quoted		Offered quotes		99.75%
	Equity securities available-for-sale		34.1			Market-approach		Yield		8.31% - 9.81%
	Other invested assets:
	Embedded derivative		11.2			Black Scholes model		Net asset value of AnchorPath fund		100.00%
	Salus participations		213.3			Market Pricing		Offered quotes		100.00%
	Total		$	1,292.30
	Liabilities
	Derivatives:
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds		$	1,908.10		Discounted cash flow		Market value of option		0.00% - 49.82% (3.37%)
								SWAP rates		1.93% - 2.64% (2.29%)
								Mortality multiplier		80.00%
								Surrender rates		0.50% - 75.00% (7.00%)
								Non-performance spread		0.25%
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	1,908.10
Changes in Fair Value of Financial Instruments	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, 2014
		Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)							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	$	73.8		$	—			$	(0.4	)	$	3.5	$	—	$	—		$	(5.9	)	$	71
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	83.1			—				0.8			36.8		—		(0.3		)	—			120.4
	Corporates	833.6			(0.1		)		8.9			61		—		(2.5		)	—			900.9
	Municipals	37.2			—				1.8			—		—		(0.2		)	—			38.8
	Equity securities available-for-sale	40.1			—				(2.0		)	—		—		—			—			38.1
	Other invested assets:
	Available-for-sale embedded derivative	11.2			0.6				—			—		—		—			—			11.8
	Salus participations, included in other invested assets	213.3			(1.1		)		(0.7		)	47.3				(31.0		)	—			227.8
	Total assets at Level 3 fair value	$	1,292.30		$	(0.6	)		$	8.4		$	148.6	$	—	$	(34.0	)	$	(5.9	)	$	1,408.80
	Liabilities
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,908.10		$	232.1			$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,140.20
	Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value	$	1,908.10		$	232.1			$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,140.20
	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2014 were exclusively to Level 2.
		Three months ended December 31, 2013
		Balance at Beginning			Total Gains (Losses)							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	$	246.4		$	—			$	(0.7	)	$	5	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	250.7
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5.6			—				0.4			—		—		—			—			6
	Corporates	461.1			—				(6.1		)	152.7		—		(0.5		)	—			607.2
	Municipals	—			—				(0.6		)	35		—		—			—			34.4
	Other Invested Assets	157			—				—			77.8		—		(35.2		)	—			199.6
	Total assets at Level 3 fair value	$	870.1		$	—			$	(7.0	)	$	270.5	$	—	$	(35.7	)	$	—		$	1,097.90
	Liabilities
	FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,544.40		$	100.3			$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,644.70
	Total liabilities at Level 3 fair value	$	1,544.40		$	100.3			$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,644.70
	(a) There were no net transfers in and/or out of Level 3 during the three months ended December 31, 2013.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Definite Lived Intangible Assets	Information regarding VOBA and DAC which includes deferred sales inducement, is as follows:
		VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	59.3		$	455.7		$	515
	Deferrals	—			92.6			92.6
	Less: Amortization related to:
	Unlocking	0.6			(2.3		)	(1.7		)
	Interest	3			5.3			8.3
	Amortization	(10.9		)	(11.9		)	(22.8		)
	Add: Adjustment for unrealized investment losses (gains)	6.9			(5.7		)	1.2
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	58.9		$	533.7		$	592.6
	Accumulated Amortization	$	361
		VOBA			DAC			Total
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	192.1		$	331.2		$	523.3
	Deferrals	—			52.6			52.6
	Less: Amortization related to:
	Unlocking	11.7			3.4			15.1
	Interest	3.7			3.3			7
	Amortization	(29.2		)	(15.8		)	(45.0		)
	Add: Adjustment for unrealized investment losses (gains)	1.7			6.3			8
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	180		$	381		$	561
	Accumulated Amortization	$	317.4
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
	2015	$	28.8
	2016	35.3
	2017	28.8
	2018	23.1
	2019	18.7
	Thereafter	81.5

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs of the Company's debt for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were as follows:
		Three months ended
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	(dollars in millions)	Interest Expense		Amortization		Interest Expense		Amortization
	Debt	$	4.8	$	1.1	$	4.8	$	0.8

Stock_Compensation_Tables

Stock Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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-14			31-Dec-13
	FGL Plans
	Stock options		$	0.1		$	—
	Restricted shares		0.6			—
	Performance restricted stock units		0.8			0.2
	Unrestricted shares		0.2			1
			1.7			1.2
	FGLH Plans
	Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		1.3			2.8
	2011 dividend equivalent plan		—			0.3
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2.3			2.3
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - restricted stock units		0.6			0.7
	2012 dividend equivalent plan		0.1			0.1
			4.3			6.2
	Total stock compensation expense		6			7.4
	Related tax benefit		2.1			2.6
	Net stock compensation expense		$	3.9		$	4.8
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, 2014 and the weighted-average period over which this expense will be recognized are as follows:
			Unrecognized Compensation			Weighted Average Recognition
			Expense			Period in Years
	FGL Plans
	Stock options		$	1.3		2.5
	Restricted shares		7.3			2.3
	Performance restricted stock units		7.5			1.8
	Unrestricted shares		—			N/A
			16.1
	FGLH Plans
	Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		—			0.2
	2011 dividend equivalent plan		—			N/A
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - stock options		2.2			1
	Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan - restricted stock units		1.3			1
	2012 dividend equivalent plan		0.6			1.2
			4.1
	Total unrecognized stock compensation expense		$	20.2		1.9
Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Related Activity	A summary of FGLH's outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2014, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
			FGLH
	Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average
					Exercise Price (a)
	Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014		225		$	46.19
	Granted		—		—
	Exercised		—		—
	Forfeited or expired		(1	)	49.45
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014		224		46.18
	Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014		166		45.02
	Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		222		46.15
	(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, 2014 is $114.10 per share.
	A summary of FGL’s outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2014, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (option amount in thousands):
	Stock Option Awards		Options		Weighted Average			Weighted Average Grant
					Exercise Price			Date Fair Value
	Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014		242		$	17		$	3.72
	Granted		176		24.87			5.1
	Exercised		(2	)	17			5.26
	Forfeited or expired		(1	)	20.93			5.18
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014		415		20.32			4.29
	Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014		78		17			3.67
	Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		391		20.25			4.24
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:
	Risk-free interest rate	1.4% - 1.5%
	Assumed dividend yield	1.2% - 1.5%
	Expected option term	4.5 years
	Volatility	25.00%
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, 2014 and related activity during the three months then ended is as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Weighted Average Grant
					Date Fair Value (a)
	Nonvested restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2014		26		$	49.55
	Granted		—		—
	Vested		(12	)	49.45
	Forfeited		—		49.45
	Nonvested restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2014		14		49.64
	Restricted stock units expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		13		49.64
	(a)	Fair value is based on the value of FGLH’s common stock, not the value of the Company’s common stock.
	A summary of FGL’s restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Restricted Stock Awards		Shares		Weighted Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
	Nonvested restricted shares outstanding at September 30, 2014		172		$	18.18
	Granted		250		24.34
	Vested		(55	)	18.03
	Forfeited		(2	)	22.49
	Nonvested restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 2014		365		22.4
	Expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		342		22.34
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity	A summary of PRSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2014, and related activity during the three months then ended, is as follows (share amount in thousands):
	Performance Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs)		Shares		Weighted Average Grant
					Date Fair Value
	Nonvested PRSUs outstanding at September 30, 2014		578		$	17.37
	Granted, including 8 additional units based on 2014 financial performance		40		20.36
	Forfeited		—		—
	Nonvested PRSUs outstanding at December 31, 2014		618		17.56
	Expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		618		17.56

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Earned, Benefits Incurred and Reserve Changes	The effect of reinsurance on premiums earned, benefits incurred and reserve changes for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Net Premiums Earned			Net Benefits Incurred			Net Premiums Earned			Net Benefits Incurred
	Direct	$	63.2		$	293.2		$	67.7		$	296.5
	Assumed	8.9			7.1			9.3			6.1
	Ceded	(60.5		)	(76.6		)	(63.3		)	(85.7		)
	Net	$	11.6		$	223.7		$	13.7		$	216.9

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	Below are the ceded operating results to FSRCI for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
	Revenues:	31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	Premiums	$	0.1			$	0.2
	Net investment income	16.3				15.2
	Net investment gains	5.9				7.8
	Insurance and investment product fees	1				1.3
	Total Revenues	23.3				24.5
	Benefits and expenses:
	Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	(15.0		)		(18.6		)
	Acquisition & operating expenses, net of deferrals	(1.0		)		(2.5		)
	Total benefits and expenses	(16.0		)		(21.1		)
	Operating income	$	7.3			$	3.4
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, 2014 and September 30, 2014, and related net investment income for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:
				December 31, 2014
	Type	Balance Sheet Classification		Asset carrying value				Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Salus collateralized loan obligations	Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale		$	239.3			$	0.6	$	239.9
	Fortress Investment Group collateralized loan obligations	Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale		201.7				2.3		204
	Salus preferred equity(a)	Equity securities, available-for-sale		32				—		32
	Salus participations	Other Invested Assets		227.8				2.1		229.9
	Foreign exchange embedded derivative	Other Invested Assets		2.6				—		2.6
	HGI energy loan (b)	Related Party Loans		70				—		70
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans		0.2				—		0.2
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans		20				0.5		20.5
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans		2.5				—		2.5
	(a) Salus preferred equity is included in the FSRCI funds withheld portfolio, accordingly all income on this asset is ceded to FSRCI.
	(b) $20.0 of the total HGI energy loan is included in the FSRCI funds withheld portfolio, accordingly the income related to this portion is ceded to FSRCI.
				September 30, 2014
	Type	Balance Sheet Classification		Asset carrying value				Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
	Salus collateralized loan obligation	Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale		$	239.5			$	0.6	$	240.1
	Fortress Investment Group collateralized loan obligations	Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale		194.9				1.9		196.8
	Salus preferred equity(a)	Equity securities, available-for-sale		34.1				—		34.1
	Salus participations	Other Invested Assets		213.3				1.5		214.8
	Foreign exchange embedded derivative	Other Invested Assets		1.7				—		1.7
	HGI energy loan (b)	Related Party Loans		70				1.6		71.6
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans		10.9				0.1		11
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans		20				—		20
	Salus revolver	Related Party Loans		10				—		10
	(a) Salus preferred equity is included in the FSRCI funds withheld portfolio, accordingly all income on this asset is ceded to FSRCI.
	(b) $20.0 of the total HGI energy loan is included in the FSRCI funds withheld portfolio, accordingly the income related to this portion is ceded to FSRCI.
				Three months ended
				December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Type	Investment Income Classification		Net investment income				Net investment income
	Salus collateralized loan obligation	Fixed Maturities		$	3.1			$	2.8
	Fortress Investment Group collateralized loan obligations	Fixed Maturities		2				—
	Salus participations	Other Invested Assets		5.2				4.4
	HGI energy loan	Related Party Loans		1.1				1.6
	Salus 2012 participations	Related Party Loans		0.1				0.3
	Salus promissory note	Related Party Loans		0.4				0.4
	Salus Revolver	Related Party Loans		0.1				0.1

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Basic and Diluted EPS	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (share amounts in thousands):
		Three months ended
		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Net income attributable to common shares - basic	$	14.1	$	42.7
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	58,283		49,142
	Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and unvested performance restricted stock	140		119
	Dilutive effect of stock options	31		3
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	58,454		49,264
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.24	$	0.87
	Diluted	$	0.24	$	0.87

Significant_Risks_and_Uncertai1

Significant Risks and Uncertainties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Wilton Reassurance Company
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Net amount recoverable	$1,521.20
Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd.
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Net amount recoverable	1,311.90
All Financial Instruments
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
FGL's investment securities in the banking industry	2,217.70	2,240.30
Exposure of FGL's invested assets	11.50%	11.90%
Number of issuers in investment	80
Percentage of total holdings in industry	39.30%
Issuers Over 10% Holdings
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
FGL's investment securities in the banking industry	180.7	365.3
Exposure of FGL's invested assets		1.90%
Number of issuers in investment	1	2
Single Issuer
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
FGL's investment securities in the banking industry	$180.70	$185.40
Exposure of FGL's invested assets	0.90%	1.00%

Investments_AvailableforSale_S

Investments - Available-for-Sale Securities Table (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	$17,812.90	$17,370.90
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	936.9	871.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-181.5	-109.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	18,568.30	18,132.30
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	18,568.30	18,132.30
Derivative Investments, Cost or Amortized Cost	191.4	177.7
Derivative Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	124	123.3
Derivative Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-9.2	-4.7
Derivative Investments, Fair Value	306.2	296.3
Derivative Investments, Carrying Value	306.2	296.3
Investment, Commercial Mortgage Loans, Amortized Cost	206.8	136.2
Commercial Mortgage Loans, Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Commercial Mortgage Loans, Gross Unrealized Loss	0	0
Investments, Commercial Mortgage Loans, Fair Value Disclosure	206.8	136.2
Commercial Mortgage Loans, Carrying Value	206.8	136.2
Total Investments, Cost or Amortized Cost	18,469	17,922
Total Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,060.90	994.5
Total Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-195.3	-115
Total Investment, Fair Value	19,334.60	18,801.50
Total Investments, Carrying Value	19,334.60	18,801.50
Asset-backed securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	2,102.50	2,040.40
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	9.3	11.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-33.4	-19.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	2,078.40	2,032.40
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	2,078.40	2,032.40
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	649.4	617.6
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	20	21.3
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1	-2
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	668.4	636.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	668.4	636.9
Corporates
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	9,258.60	9,329.10
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	550.6	499.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-94.5	-48.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	9,714.70	9,779.40
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	9,714.70	9,779.40
Equities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	640.7	679
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	25.3	23.8
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-8.1	-5.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	657.9	697.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	657.9	697.7
Hybrids
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	1,268.70	1,279.10
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	55.6	52.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-22.8	-15.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,301.50	1,316.10
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	1,301.50	1,316.10
Municipals
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	1,221.50	1,149.90
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	143.2	116.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-2.8	-6.3
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,361.90	1,259.80
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	1,361.90	1,259.80
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	2,095.40	1,984.80
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	124.6	140.3
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-18.1	-11.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	2,201.90	2,114
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	2,201.90	2,114
U.S. Government
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	576.1	291
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	8.3	6.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-0.8	-1.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	583.6	296
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	583.6	296
Other invested assets
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	257.9	237.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-4.6	-0.5
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	253.3	236.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Carrying Value	$253.30	$236.70

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	$5,350.70
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost	17,172.20	16,691.90
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	5,450.60
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	17,910.40
U.S. Government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	302.3
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	2,786.20
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	2,899.60
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	5,833.40
Subtotal, Amortized Cost	11,821.50
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	304.4
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	2,830
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	2,990.60
Due after ten years, Fair Value	6,334.80
Subtotal, Fair Value	12,459.80
Asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	2,102.50
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	2,078.40
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	649.4
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	668.4
Structured hybrids
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	503.4
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	501.9
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost	2,095.40
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value	$2,201.90

Investments_Fair_Value_and_Gro

Investments - Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Security	Security
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$2,764.90	$2,690.60
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-69.1	-40.4
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	2,610.50	2,287
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-112.4	-69.4
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	5,375.40	4,977.60
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-181.5	-109.8
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	383	324
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer	329	311
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position	712	635
Asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	940.8	939.3
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-17	-12.8
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	505.8	289.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-16.4	-7
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	1,446.60	1,229
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-33.4	-19.8
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	57.9	160.3
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-0.5	-0.9
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	0.3	0.4
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-0.5	-1.1
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	58.2	160.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-1	-2
Corporates
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	882.3	816.6
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-31.5	-16.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	1,339	1,127.80
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-63	-32.6
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	2,221.30	1,944.40
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-94.5	-48.9
Equities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	149.2	180.4
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-4.9	-2.2
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	50.9	54.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-3.2	-2.9
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	200.1	235.3
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-8.1	-5.1
Hybrids
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	270.8	258.2
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-4.9	-2.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	234.4	290
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-17.9	-12.9
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	505.2	548.2
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-22.8	-15.2
Municipals
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	9.4	0
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-0.1	0
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	194.3	264.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-2.7	-6.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	203.7	264.9
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-2.8	-6.3
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months	454.5	298.5
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses	-10.2	-5.8
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	227	177.6
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-7.9	-5.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	681.5	476.1
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-18.1	-11.1
U.S. Government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Less than 12 months		37.3
Available For Sale Securities In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses		-0.1
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, 12 months or longer	58.8	81.7
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-0.8	-1.3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value, Total	58.8	119
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	($0.80)	($1.40)

Investments_Reconciliation_of_

Investments - Reconciliation of Other than Temporary Impairment on Fixed Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$2.70	$2.70
Increases attributable to credit losses on securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	0	0
Other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized	0	0
Ending balance	$2.70	$2.70

Investments_Schedule_of_Commer

Investments - Schedule of Commercial Mortgage Loan Investment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$206.80	$136.20
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
East North Central
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	64.3	27.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	31.10%	20.40%
Middle Atlantic
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	18	10.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	8.70%	8.00%
Pacific
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	61.2	61.5
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	29.60%	45.10%
South Atlantic
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	37.5	0
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	18.10%	0.00%
West North Central
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	5.8	5.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	2.80%	4.30%
West South Central
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	20	30.2
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	9.70%	22.20%
Industrial - General
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	20	0
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	9.70%	0.00%
Industrial - Warehouse
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	47.7	48
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	23.10%	35.20%
Multifamily
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	29.9	37.8
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	14.50%	27.70%
Office
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	76	44.6
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	36.70%	32.80%
Retail
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$33.20	$5.80
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	16.00%	4.30%

Investments_Commercial_Loans_b

Investments - Commercial Loans by LTV and DSCR (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$206.80	$136.20
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	206.8	136.2
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Less than 50%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	45.1	45.4
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	21.80%	33.40%
Less than 50% | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	45.1	45.4
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	21.80%	33.40%
50% to 60%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	51.4	19.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	24.90%	14.60%
50% to 60% | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	51.4	19.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	24.90%	14.60%
60% to 75%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	110.3	70.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	53.30%	52.00%
60% to 75% | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	110.3	70.9
Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total	53.30%	52.00%
Greater Than 1.25
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	186	135.4
Greater Than 1.25 | Less than 50%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	44.3	44.6
Greater Than 1.25 | 50% to 60%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	51.4	19.9
Greater Than 1.25 | 60% to 75%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	90.3	70.9
Greater Than 1.0 But Less Than 1.25
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	20	0
Greater Than 1.0 But Less Than 1.25 | Less than 50%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0	0
Greater Than 1.0 But Less Than 1.25 | 50% to 60%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0	0
Greater Than 1.0 But Less Than 1.25 | 60% to 75%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	20	0
Ratio Not Available
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0.8	0.8
Ratio Not Available | Less than 50%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0.8	0.8
Ratio Not Available | 50% to 60%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	0	0
Ratio Not Available | 60% to 75%
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans	$0	$0

Investments_Schedule_of_Loan_A

Investments - Schedule of Loan Aging (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
30 to 59 days past due	$206.80	$136.20
Commercial mortgage loans	$206.80	$136.20

Investments_Net_Investment_Inc

Investments - Net Investment Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$213.50	$187
External investment expense	-5.1	-3.6
Net investment income	208.4	183.4
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	195.6	175.3
Equity available-for-sale securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	9.2	4.4
Commercial mortgage loans
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	1.2	0.8
Related party loans
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	1.7	1.9
Invested cash and short-term investments
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	0	0.1
Other investments
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$5.80	$4.50

Investments_Net_Investment_Gai

Investments - Net Investment Gains (Losses) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract]
Net realized (losses) gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	($3.80)	$13.60
Realized gains (losses) on equity securities	1.1	-1.6
Net realized gains on securities	-2.7	12
Realized gains on certain derivative instruments	40.9	54.9
Unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments	1.8	60.9
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	18.4	-4.3
Change in fair value of other embedded derivatives	1.5	0
Realized gains on derivatives and embedded derivatives	62.6	111.5
Realized losses on other invested assets	-1.4	-0.1
Net investment gains	$58.50	$123.40

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
	Investment	Investment
	variable_interest_entity
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment, Non-Income Producing, Number of Investments	0	0
Federal Home Loan Bank, Advances, General Debt Obligations, Disclosures, Collateral Pledged	$566,100,000		$573,200,000
Fair value on securities	40,000,000		200,000
Percentage of amortized cost	20.00%
Percentage of carrying values of all investments (less than 1%)	1.00%
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated	2
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Salus Capital Partners LLC
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Maximum Loss Exposure	293,800,000		303,600,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary | Fifth Street Management LLC
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Maximum Loss Exposure	30,000,000		30,000,000
Available-for-sale Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Assets held by regulators	15,555,000,000		15,009,300,000
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	824,600,000	1,705,900,000
Available-for-sale Securities | Fixed Maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	809,600,000	1,663,700,000
Gain on Sale of Investments	10,500,000	14,400,000
Loss on Sale of Investments	14,300,000	800,000
Commercial mortgage loans
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Cost or Amortized, Percentage of Total	1.10%		0.80%
Loans and Leases Receivable, Ratio of Performing Loans to All Loans	100.00%		100.00%
Loan to Value, Maximum Threshold	75.00%		75.00%
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Unrealized gains included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities	900,000
Unrealized losses included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities			($1,900,000)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	$415.30	$385.60
Total liability derivatives	2,163.60	1,931.50
Call options | Derivative Instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	306.2	296.3
Call options | Funds withheld for reinsurance liability
Derivative [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	21.5	22.9
Future | Other liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	1.9	0.5
Other Embedded Derivative | Other assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	14.3	12.9
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Other assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	94.8	76.4
Fia Embedded Derivatives | Contractholder funds
Derivative [Line Items]
Total liability derivatives	2,140.20	1,908.10
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Call options
Derivative [Line Items]
Total asset derivatives	$306.20	$296.30

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Schedule of Change in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	$18.40	($4.30)
Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	62.6	111.5
Call options | Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	38.5	102.7
Future | Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	4.2	13.1
Other Embedded Derivative | Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	1.5	0
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	18.4	-4.3
Fia Embedded Derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	$232.10	$100.30

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments - FGL's Exposure to Credit Loss on Call Options Held (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	415.3	$385.60
Merrill Lynch
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)	A/*/A
Deutsche Bank
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)	A+/A3/A
Morgan Stanley
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)	*/A3/A
Barclay's Bank
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)	A/A2/A
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Call options
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,151.50	7,602.60
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	306.2	296.3
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	213.2	188
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	93	108.3
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Call options | Merrill Lynch
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,004.80	2,239.90
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	74.6	92.7
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	38.4	52.5
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	36.2	40.2
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Call options | Deutsche Bank
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	3,205.60	2,810
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	123	108
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	95.8	72.5
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	27.2	35.5
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Call options | Morgan Stanley
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,681.80	2,294.70
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	96.9	85
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	79	63
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	17.9	22
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Call options | Barclay's Bank
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	259.3	258
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	11.7	10.6
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	11.7	$10.60

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 16, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Value	$1,408.80	$1,097.90	$1,292.30	$870.10
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	-18.4	4.3
Maximum exposure	93		108.3
Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	-62.6	-111.5
Other Embedded Derivative | Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	-1.5	0
Foreign Exchange Contract | Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	1.3	0
Call options | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,151.50		7,602.60
Collateral posted	213.2		188
Call options | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Merrill Lynch
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,004.80		2,239.90
Collateral posted	38.4		52.5
Call options | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Collateral posted	174.8		135.5
Call options | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Derivative [Line Items]
Collateral posted	174.8		135.5
Call options | Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	-38.5	-102.7
Future
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of instruments held	1,627		2,348
Collateral held	7.4		10.8
Future | Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	-4.2	-13.1
Other invested assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Fund purchased					35
Asset Value	22.7
Other invested assets | Other Embedded Derivative
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount					11.3
Available-for-sale embedded derivative
Derivative [Line Items]
Asset Value	$11.80		$11.20

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$18,568.30	$18,132.30
Derivative investments	306.2	296.3
Investments, Commercial Mortgage Loans, Fair Value Disclosure	206.8	136.2
Total financial assets at fair value	1,408.80	1,292.30
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	555.5	576.4
Equity securities - available-for-sale	57.1	59.2
Derivative investments	0	0
Related party loans	0	0
Other invested assets	0	0
Total financial assets at fair value	1,014.20	751.2
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	0	0
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities		0
Debt	0	0
Total financial liabilities at fair value	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Equity securities - available-for-sale	562.7	598.4
Derivative investments	306.2	296.3
Related party loans	0	0
Other invested assets	0.9	1.7
Total financial assets at fair value	17,342.30	17,264.10
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	0	0
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities		22.9
Debt	316.1	316.5
Total financial liabilities at fair value	339.5	339.9
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Equity securities - available-for-sale	38.1	40.1
Derivative investments	0	0
Related party loans	93.2	112.7
Other invested assets	252.4	235
Total financial assets at fair value	1,721.60	1,551.70
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	13,442.90	13,108.80
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities		0
Debt	0	0
Total financial liabilities at fair value	15,583.10	15,016.90
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	555.5	576.4
Equity securities - available-for-sale	657.9	697.7
Derivative investments	306.2	296.3
Related party loans	93.2	112.7
Other invested assets	253.3	236.7
Total financial assets at fair value	20,078.10	19,567
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	13,442.90	13,108.80
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities		22.9
Debt	316.1	316.5
Total financial liabilities at fair value	15,922.60	15,356.80
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	555.5	576.4
Equity securities - available-for-sale	657.9	697.7
Derivative investments	306.2	296.3
Related party loans	93.2	112.7
Other invested assets	253.3	236.7
Total financial assets at fair value	20,078.10	19,567
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	15,019.90	14,555.40
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities		22.9
Debt	300	300
Total financial liabilities at fair value	17,483.50	16,786.90
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative investments	0	0
Investments, Commercial Mortgage Loans, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative investments	94.8	76.4
Investments, Commercial Mortgage Loans, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative investments	0	0
Investments, Commercial Mortgage Loans, Fair Value Disclosure	206.8	136.2
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative investments	94.8	76.4
Investments, Commercial Mortgage Loans, Fair Value Disclosure	206.8	136.2
Embedded derivatives in Reinsurance contracts | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative investments	94.8	76.4
Investments, Commercial Mortgage Loans, Fair Value Disclosure	206.8	136.2
Fixed Index Annuity | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	0	0
Fixed Index Annuity | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	0	0
Fixed Index Annuity | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	2,140.20	1,908.10
Fixed Index Annuity | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	2,140.20	1,908.10
Fixed Index Annuity | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	2,140.20	1,908.10
Future Contracts | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	0	0
Future Contracts | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	1.9	0.5
Future Contracts | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	0	0
Future Contracts | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	1.9	0.5
Future Contracts | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	1.9	0.5
Call options | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	0
Call options | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	21.5
Call options | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	0
Call options | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	21.5
Call options | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Call options payable for FSRCI, included in funds withheld for reinsurance liabilities	21.5
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,078.40	2,032.40
Asset-backed securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Asset-backed securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,007.40	1,958.60
Asset-backed securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	71	73.8
Asset-backed securities | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,078.40	2,032.40
Asset-backed securities | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,078.40	2,032.40
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	668.4	636.9
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	548	553.8
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	120.4	83.1
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	668.4	636.9
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	668.4	636.9
Corporates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	9,714.70	9,779.40
Corporates | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Corporates | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	8,813.80	8,945.80
Corporates | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	900.9	833.6
Corporates | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	9,714.70	9,779.40
Corporates | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	9,714.70	9,779.40
Hybrids
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,301.50	1,316.10
Hybrids | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Hybrids | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,301.50	1,316.10
Hybrids | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Hybrids | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,301.50	1,316.10
Hybrids | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,301.50	1,316.10
Municipals
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,361.90	1,259.80
Municipals | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Municipals | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,323.10	1,222.60
Municipals | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	38.8	37.2
Municipals | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,361.90	1,259.80
Municipals | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	1,361.90	1,259.80
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,201.90	2,114
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,201.90	2,114
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,201.90	2,114
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	2,201.90	2,114
U.S. Government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	583.6	296
U.S. Government | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	401.6	115.6
U.S. Government | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	182	180.4
U.S. Government | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	0	0
U.S. Government | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	583.6	296
U.S. Government | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	$583.60	$296

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Unobservable Inputs Used for Level Three Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	$1,408.80	$1,292.30
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,140.20	1,908.10
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	71	73.8
Valuation Technique	Broker-quoted	Broker-quoted
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Asset-backed securities | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	94.45%	94.45%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Asset-backed securities | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	98.62%	99.26%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Asset-backed securities | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	108.81%	109.26%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	120.4	83.1
Valuation Technique	Broker-quoted	Broker-quoted
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	100.00%	105.25%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	114.89%	118.29%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	121.50%	121.00%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Corporates
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	898.8	831.6
Valuation Technique	Broker-quoted	Broker-quoted
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Corporates | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	64.82%	61.67%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Corporates | Weighted Average
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	101.02%	100.04%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Corporates | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	122.23%	119.75%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Municipals
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	38.8	37.2
Valuation Technique	Broker-quoted	Broker-quoted
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	111.84%	106.64%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Equities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	6.1	6
Valuation Technique	Broker-quoted	Broker-quoted
Fair Value Inputs Broker Quoted	100.00%	99.75%
Market Approach Valuation Technique | Other assets
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	227.8	213.3
Valuation Technique	Market Pricing	Market Pricing
Fair Value Inputs Market Pricing	100.00%	100.00%
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Fixed Index Annuity
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow	Discounted cash flow
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	2,140.20	1,908.10
Fair Value Measurements Mortality Multiplier	80.00%	80.00%
Fair Value Measurements Non Performance Spread	0.25%	0.25%
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Minimum | Fixed Index Annuity
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	1.77%	1.93%
Fair Value Measurements Surrender Rates	0.50%	0.50%
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Weighted Average | Fixed Index Annuity
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Market Value Of Option	3.36%	3.37%
Fair Value Inputs, Swap Rates	2.03%	2.29%
Fair Value Measurements Surrender Rates	7.00%	7.00%
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Maximum | Fixed Index Annuity
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Market Value Of Option	42.52%	49.82%
Fair Value Inputs, Swap Rates	2.28%	2.64%
Fair Value Measurements Surrender Rates	75.00%	75.00%
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Corporates
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	2.1	2
Valuation Technique	Matrix Pricing	Matrix Pricing
Fair Value Inputs Market Pricing	148.21%	142.30%
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Equities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	32	34.1
Valuation Technique	Market-approach	Market-approach
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Equities | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Market Pricing	8.87%	8.31%
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Equities | Maximum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs Market Pricing	10.37%	9.81%
Income Approach Valuation Technique | Other assets
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total financial assets at fair value	$11.80	$11.20
Valuation Technique	Black Scholes model	Black Scholes model
Fair Value Inputs Black Scholes Model	100.00%	100.00%

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 Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$1,292.30	$870.10
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	-0.6	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	8.4	-7
Purchases	148.6	270.5
Sales	0	0
Settlements	-34	-35.7
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5.9	0
Balance at End of Period	1,408.80	1,097.90
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,908.10	1,544.40
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	232.1	100.3
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	0
Balance at End of Period	2,140.20	1,644.70
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	1,908.10	1,544.40
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	232.1	100.3
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	0
Balance at End of Period	2,140.20	1,644.70
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	73.8	246.4
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	-0.4	-0.7
Purchases	3.5	5
Sales	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5.9	0
Balance at End of Period	71	250.7
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	83.1	5.6
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0.8	0.4
Purchases	36.8	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements	-0.3	0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	0
Balance at End of Period	120.4	6
Corporates
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	833.6	461.1
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	-0.1	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	8.9	-6.1
Purchases	61	152.7
Sales	0	0
Settlements	-2.5	-0.5
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	0
Balance at End of Period	900.9	607.2
Municipals
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	37.2	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	1.8	-0.6
Purchases	0	35
Sales	0	0
Settlements	-0.2	0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0	0
Balance at End of Period	38.8	34.4
Equities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	40.1
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	-2
Purchases	0
Settlements	0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0
Balance at End of Period	38.1
Other assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period		157
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings		0
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI		0
Purchases		77.8
Sales		0
Settlements		-35.2
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)		0
Balance at End of Period		199.6
Available-for-sale embedded derivative
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	11.2
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0.6
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	0
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Settlements	0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0
Balance at End of Period	11.8
Salus participations
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	213.3
Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	-1.1
Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI	-0.7
Purchases	47.3
Sales
Settlements	-31
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	0
Balance at End of Period	$227.80

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	credit_quality_event
	payment
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Number of Loans Past Due	0
Number of Indicators Related to Credit Quality	0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	$0	$0
Fair Value, Asset, Issuances		0
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5,900,000	0
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)	-5,900,000	0
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Loans receivable, fair value	$206,100,000

Intangible_Assets_Summary_of_C

Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Intangible Assets Including DAC, VOBA , and DSI (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$361	$317.40
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill	515	523.3
Deferrals	92.6	52.6
Amortization of intangibles	16.2	22.9
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	1.2	8
Ending Balance, Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill	592.6	561
Unlocking
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortization of intangibles	-1.7	15.1
Interest
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortization of intangibles	8.3	7
Other amortization
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortization of intangibles	22.8	45
VOBA
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	59.3	192.1
Deferrals	0	0
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	6.9	1.7
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	58.9	180
VOBA | Unlocking
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortization of intangibles	0.6	11.7
VOBA | Interest
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortization of intangibles	3	3.7
VOBA | Other amortization
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortization of intangibles	10.9	29.2
DAC
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	455.7	331.2
Deferrals	92.6	52.6
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill	-5.7	6.3
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	533.7	381
DAC | Unlocking
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortization of intangibles	-2.3	3.4
DAC | Interest
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortization of intangibles	5.3	3.3
DAC | Other amortization
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortization of intangibles	$11.90	$15.80

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Am

Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense for VOBA in Future Fiscal Periods (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Thereafter	$81.50
VOBA
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	28.8
2016	35.3
2017	28.8
2018	23.1
2019	$18.70

Intangible_Assets_Narrative_De

Intangible Assets - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
VOBA
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains	-157.2
Cumulative Adjustments For Net Unrealized Investment Loss		164.2
DAC
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains	-61.5
Cumulative Adjustments For Net Unrealized Investment Loss		55.5
Deferred sales inducements, net of shadow adjustments	35.8	$32.70
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of Business Acquired, Assumption, Interest Rate to Calculate Accretion on Intangible Asset	4.00%
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of Business Acquired, Assumption, Interest Rate to Calculate Accretion on Intangible Asset	5.00%
Weighted Average | VOBA
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period	4 years 10 months 15 days

Debt_Narrative_Detail

Debt - Narrative (Detail) (Revolving Credit Facility, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Aug. 26, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Expiration for credit facility	3 years
Borrowing capacity for credit facility	$150,000,000

Debt_Schedule_of_Long_Term_Deb

Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Expense	$4.80	$4.80
Amortization	$1.10	$0.80

Equity_Narrative_Details

Equity - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 03, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014	Sep. 02, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares				51,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value			$1.30
Shareholders' disclosure, common stock (in shares)			47,000
Shareholders' disclosure, ownership percentage			80.10%
Cash dividend per common share	$0.07
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash		3.8
Common stock, shares outstanding			58,702,042	58,442,721	58,279,000
Treasury Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value			$1.30
September 2014 Repurchase Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased						500,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares				39,000
Stock Compensation Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares				12,000

Stock_Compensation_Schedule_of

Stock Compensation - Schedule of Stock Based Compensation Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$6,000,000	$7,400,000
Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	2,100,000	2,600,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	3,900,000	4,800,000
FGL Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,700,000	1,200,000
FGL Plan | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	100,000	0
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	600,000	0
FGL Plan | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	800,000	200,000
FGL Plan | Unrestricted Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	200,000	1,000,000
2011 Stock Incentive Plan | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,300,000	2,800,000
2011 Dividend Equivalent Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	300,000
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	2,300,000	2,300,000
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	600,000	700,000
2012 Dividend Equivalent Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	100,000	100,000
FGLH Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$4,300,000	$6,200,000

Stock_Compensation_Summary_of_

Stock Compensation - Summary of Unrecognized Stock Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$20.20
Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years	1 year 11 months
FGL Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	16.1
FGL Plan | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	1.3
Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years	2 years 6 months
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	7.3
Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years	2 years 4 months
FGL Plan | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	7.5
Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years	1 year 10 months
FGL Plan | Unrestricted Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	0
2011 Stock Incentive Plan | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	0
Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years	0 years 2 months
2011 Dividend Equivalent Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	0
2011 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	2.2
Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years	1 year
2011 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	1.3
Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years	1 year
2012 Dividend Equivalent Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	0.6
Weighted Average Recognition Period in Years	1 year 2 months 13 days
FGLH Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$4.10

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, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014
Fidelity And Guaranty Life Holdings
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Share Price	$114.10
FGL Plan | Stock Option Awards
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period	242
Granted	176
Exercised	-2
Forfeited or expired	-1
Stock options outstanding at end of period	415
Vested and exercisable at end of period	78
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	391
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$17
Granted (USD per share)	$24.87
Exercised (USD per share)	$17
Forfeited or expired (USD per share)	$20.93
Stock options outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$20.32
Vested and exercisable at end of period (USD per share)	$17
Vested or expected to vest at end of period (USD per share)	$20.25
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$3.72
Granted (USD per share)	$5.10
Exercised (USD per share)	$5.26
Forfeited or expired (USD per share)	$5.18
Stock options outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$4.29
Vested and exercisable at end of period (USD per share)	$3.67
Vested or expected to vest at end of period (USD per share)	$4.24
FGLH Plan
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Share Price	$24.27		$21.35
FGLH Plan | Stock Option Awards
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period	225
Granted	0
Exercised	0
Forfeited or expired	-1
Stock options outstanding at end of period	224
Vested and exercisable at end of period	166
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	222
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$46.19	[1]
Granted (USD per share)	$0	[1]
Exercised (USD per share)	$0	[1]
Forfeited or expired (USD per share)	$49.45	[1]
Stock options outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$46.18	[1]
Vested and exercisable at end of period (USD per share)	$45.02	[1]
Vested or expected to vest at end of period (USD per share)	$46.15	[1]
[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 DecemberB 31, 2014 is $114.10

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, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected option term	4 years 6 months
Volatility	25.00%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.40%
Assumed dividend yield	1.20%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%
Assumed dividend yield	1.50%

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, 2014
FGL Plan | Performance Shares
Shares:
Restricted shares outstanding at beginning of period	578
Granted	40
Forfeited	0
Restricted shares outstanding at end of period	618
Restricted stock expected to vest	618
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Average grant date fair value outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$17.37
Average grant date fair value, Granted (USD per share)	$20.36
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)	$17.56
Average grant date fair value, Restricted award expected to vest (USD per share)	$17.56
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units
Shares:
Restricted shares outstanding at beginning of period	172
Granted	250
Vested	-55
Forfeited	-2
Restricted shares outstanding at end of period	365
Restricted stock expected to vest	342
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Average grant date fair value outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$18.18
Average grant date fair value, Granted (USD per share)	$24.34
Average grant date fair value, Vested (USD per share)	$18.03
Average grant date fair value, Forfeited or Expired (USD per share)	$22.49
Average grant date fair value outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$22.40
Average grant date fair value, Restricted award expected to vest (USD per share)	$22.34
FGLH Plan | Restricted stock units
Shares:
Restricted shares outstanding at beginning of period	26
Granted	0
Vested	-12
Forfeited	0
Restricted shares outstanding at end of period	14
Restricted stock expected to vest	13
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Average grant date fair value outstanding at beginning of period (USD per share)	$49.55	[1]
Average grant date fair value, Granted (USD per share)	$0	[1]
Average grant date fair value, Vested (USD per share)	$49.45	[1]
Average grant date fair value, Forfeited or Expired (USD per share)	$49.45	[1]
Average grant date fair value outstanding at end of period (USD per share)	$49.64	[1]
Average grant date fair value, Restricted award expected to vest (USD per share)	$49.64	[1]
[1]	Fair value is based on the value of FGLHbs common stock, not the value of the Companybs common stock. The primary assumption used in the determination of the fair value of FGLHbs awards is the value of the Companybs common stock, which was $24.27 and $21.35 as of DecemberB 31, 2014 and SeptemberB 30, 2014, respectively, with other assumptions as summarized in our 2014 Form 10-K.

Stock_Compensation_Narrative_D

Stock Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 01, 2014	Oct. 06, 2014	Nov. 19, 2014	Nov. 19, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$2,100,000	$2,600,000
FGL Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Authorized							2,838,000
Awards available to grant	1,356,000
FGL Plan | Stock Option Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	176,000
Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	1,700,000
Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	600,000
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,700,000
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term			6 years 4 months 15 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term			6 years
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term			6 years 4 months 15 days
Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	0	0
Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	0
Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	0
FGL Plan | Stock Option Awards | Directors, Officers, and Other Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted				176,000
Award Vesting Period				3 years
Fair value at grant date (options)				900,000
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award Vesting Period					1 year
Restricted stock unit grants	250,000
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units | Directors, Officers, and Other Key Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award Vesting Period				3 years
Restricted stock unit grants				138,000
Fair value at grant date (other than options)				3,400,000
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units | Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock unit grants					12,000
Fair value at grant date (other than options)					200,000
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock unit grants						100,000
Fair value at grant date (other than options)						2,400,000
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units | Director | First anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage						20.00%
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units | Director | Second anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage						50.00%
FGL Plan | Restricted stock units | Director | Third anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage						30.00%
FGL Plan | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock unit grants	40,000
FGL Plan | Performance Shares | Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock unit grants					32,000
Fair value at grant date (other than options)					700,000
FGL Plan | Performance Shares | Officer | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage					0.00%
FGL Plan | Performance Shares | Officer | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage					200.00%
FGL Plan | Unrestricted Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value at grant date (other than options)					200,000
FGL Plan | Unrestricted Shares | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock unit grants					8,000
FGLH Plan | Stock Option Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	0
Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	15,200,000
Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	11,500,000
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	15,100,000
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 8 months 15 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 6 months
Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 8 months 15 days
Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	$0	$0
FGLH Plan | Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock unit grants	0

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Detail

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	39.50%	34.00%
Unrealized Built-in Gain on Securities Available for Sale			$100
Unrealized Built-in Gain on Securities Available for Sale, Amount Realized in Period	68.5
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) on Unrealized Built in Gain on Securities Available for Sale	24
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	120.7
Deferred gross tax assets	253.1
Tax Year 2015 | Capital Loss Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	$250.80

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments audit and legal costs		$1.10
Litigation Settlement, Amount	5.3
Estimated Litigation Liability		3.4
FGL
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued amount of guaranty fund assessments		3.8
Estimated future premium tax deductions		4
Administrative costs and potential liabilities		2.5
Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of Possible Loss		9
Insurance Settlements Receivable		$4.40

Reinsurance_Effect_of_Reinsura

Reinsurance - Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Earned, Benefits Incurred and Reserve Changes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance Premiums:
Direct	$63.20	$67.70
Assumed	8.9	9.3
Ceded	-60.5	-63.3
Net	11.6	13.7
Benefits and Other Changes in Insurance Policy Reserves:
Direct	293.2	296.5
Assumed	7.1	6.1
Ceded	-76.6	-85.7
Net	$223.70	$216.90

Reinsurance_Narrative_Details

Reinsurance - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Write-off of reinsurance	$0	$0
Ceded Reinsurance Commuted	60,500,000	63,300,000
Life and Annuity Insurance Product Line
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Ceded Reinsurance Commuted	$0	$0

Related_Party_Transactions_Sum

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Affiliated Entity Operations (Details) (Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd., USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premiums	$0.10	$0.20
Net investment income	16.3	15.2
Net investment gains	5.9	7.8
Insurance and investment product fees	1	1.3
Total Revenues	23.3	24.5
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	-15	-18.6
Acquisition & operating expenses, net of deferrals	-1	-2.5
Total benefits and expenses	-16	-21.1
Operating income	$7.30	$3.40

Related_Party_Transactions_Rel

Related Party Transactions - Related Party Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
HGI Energy Loan | Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value			$20
Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale | Salus collateralized loan obligations
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value	239.3		239.5
Accrued Investment Income	0.6		0.6
Total carrying value	239.9		240.1
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	3.1	2.8
Fixed Maturities, available-for-sale | Fortress Investment Group collateralized loan obligations
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value	201.7		194.9
Accrued Investment Income	2.3		1.9
Total carrying value	204		196.8
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	2	0
Equities | Salus Preferred Stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value	32		34.1
Accrued Investment Income	0		0
Total carrying value	32		34.1
Other assets
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value	2.6		1.7
Accrued Investment Income	0		0
Total carrying value	2.6		1.7
Other assets | Salus participations
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value	227.8		213.3
Accrued Investment Income	2.1		1.5
Total carrying value	229.9		214.8
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	5.2	4.4
Related Party Loans | HGI Energy Loan
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value	70		70
Accrued Investment Income	0		1.6
Total carrying value	70		71.6
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	1.1	1.6
Related Party Loans | Salus 2012 participations
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value	0.2		10.9
Accrued Investment Income	0		0.1
Total carrying value	0.2		11
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	0.1	0.3
Related Party Loans | Salus promissory note
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value	20		20
Accrued Investment Income	0.5		0
Total carrying value	20.5		20
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	0.4	0.4
Related Party Loans | Salus revolver
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset carrying value	2.5		10
Accrued Investment Income	0		0
Total carrying value	2.5		10
Related Party Transaction, Net Investment Income	$0.10	$0.10

Related_Party_Transactions_Nar

Related Party Transactions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable	$3,728.60			$3,664.80
Funds Held under Reinsurance Agreements, Liability	1,376			1,330.80
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	18.4	-4.3
Net Realized Investment Gains
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	62.6	111.5
Other Embedded Derivative | Net Realized Investment Gains
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	1.5	0
Other Embedded Derivative | Net Realized Investment Gains | Other assets
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Change in fair value of reinsurance related embedded derivative	1.3	0
Salus Preferred Stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage			10.00%
Related Party Transaction, Asset Par Value			30
Front Street RE (Cayman) Ltd.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable	1,311.90			1,267.20
Funds Held under Reinsurance Agreements, Liability	$1,337.50			$1,292.80

Earnings_Per_Share_Summary_of_

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$14.10	$42.70
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	58,283,327	49,142,208
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and unvested performance restricted stock	140,000	119,000
Dilutive effect of stock options	31,000	3,000
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	58,453,554	49,263,675
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.87
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.87

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share -Narrative (Details) (Stock Option Awards)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Option Awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from EPS	11

Insurance_Subsidiary_Financial1

Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information and Regulatory Matters - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance	$245	$270
Permitted Practice, Change in Statutory Capital and Surplus	17.3	20.5
Non-Permitted Practice, Change in Statutory Capital and Surplus	$75.10	$108.90