Great West Life & Annuity Insurance 10-K 1 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 01, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	GREAT WEST LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE CO
Entity Central Index Key	744,455
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,232,986
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $20,007,462 and $18,953,144)	$ 20,531,627,000	$ 20,162,078,000
Fixed maturities, held-for-trading, at fair value (amortized cost of $612,899 and $331,081)	615,839,000	338,543,000
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances of $2,890 and $2,890)	3,247,704,000	3,363,570,000
Policy loans	4,092,661,000	4,130,062,000
Short-term investments (amortized cost of $267,026 and $263,501)	267,026,000	263,501,000
Limited partnership and other corporation interests	40,980,000	49,421,000
Other investments	15,189,000	16,068,000
Total investments	28,811,026,000	28,323,243,000
Other assets:
Cash	34,362,000	12,775,000
Reinsurance receivable	604,946,000	611,270,000
Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”)	414,143,000	378,694,000
Investment income due and accrued	283,183,000	278,886,000
Collateral under securities lending agreements	0	13,741,000
Due from parent and affiliates	62,596,000	47,193,000
Goodwill	137,683,000	137,683,000
Other intangible assets	23,819,000	27,915,000
Other assets	874,918,000	773,651,000
Assets of discontinued operations	21,910,000	24,324,000
Separate account assets	26,631,193,000	27,718,844,000
Total assets	57,899,779,000	58,348,219,000
Policy benefit liabilities:
Future policy benefits	27,110,981,000	25,968,411,000
Policy and contract claims	354,899,000	339,104,000
Policyholders’ funds	299,577,000	335,484,000
Provision for policyholders’ dividends	55,481,000	58,577,000
Undistributed earnings on participating business	17,024,000	20,050,000
Total policy benefit liabilities	27,837,962,000	26,721,626,000
General liabilities:
Due to parent and affiliates	540,310,000	547,266,000
Commercial paper	93,371,000	98,589,000
Payable under securities lending agreements	0	13,741,000
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	137,116,000	314,616,000
Other liabilities	755,651,000	771,700,000
Liabilities of discontinued operations	21,910,000	24,324,000
Separate account liabilities	26,631,193,000	27,718,844,000
Total	$ 56,017,513,000	$ 56,210,706,000
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 21)
Stockholder’s equity:
Preferred stock, $1 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, $1 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 7,232,986 and 7,032,000 shares issued and outstanding	7,233,000	7,032,000
Additional paid-in capital	840,874,000	777,664,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	233,438,000	603,018,000
Retained earnings	800,721,000	749,799,000
Total stockholder’s equity	1,882,266,000	2,137,513,000
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity	$ 57,899,779,000	$ 58,348,219,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 20,007,462	$ 18,953,144
Fixed maturities, held for trading, amortized cost (in dollars)	612,899	331,081
Mortgage loans on real estate, allowances (in dollars)	2,890	2,890
Short-term investments, available-for-sale, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 267,026	$ 263,501
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	7,232,986	7,032,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,232,986	7,032,000

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Premium income	$ 445,550	$ 446,395	$ 464,093
Fee income	944,526	729,179	618,244
Other revenue	13,563	7,506	7,355
Net investment income	1,254,430	1,228,388	1,091,389
Realized investment gains (losses), net:
Total other-than-temporary losses	(1,044)	(4,334)	(372)
Other-than-temporary (gains) losses transferred to other comprehensive income	(78)	0	(434)
Other realized investment gains (losses), net	84,832	151,705	(13,330)
Total realized investment gains (losses), net	83,710	147,371	(14,136)
Total revenues	2,741,779	2,558,839	2,166,945
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits	636,855	643,420	650,584
(Decrease) increase in future policy benefits	(41,636)	(56,073)	5,575
Interest paid or credited to contractholders	583,319	575,400	505,698
Provision for policyholders’ share of (losses) earnings on participating business	(1,267)	(1,041)	3,976
Dividends to policyholders	57,356	60,739	66,258
Total benefits	1,234,627	1,222,445	1,232,091
General insurance expenses	1,078,996	780,991	650,347
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Present Value of Future Profits, Amortization	(100,588)	(44,846)	(59,645)
Amortization and writedowns	100,589	44,845	59,645
Interest expense	38,588	37,286	37,329
Total benefits and expenses	2,452,800	2,085,567	1,979,412
Income (loss) before income taxes	288,979	473,272	187,533
Income tax expense	98,524	155,903	58,791
Net income (loss)	$ 190,455	$ 317,369	$ 128,742

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 190,455	$ 317,369	$ 128,742
Components of other comprehensive income (loss)
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on available-for-sale fixed maturity investments		(643,880)	586,458	(718,735)
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges		31,061	20,137	3,102
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax		52,597	56,159	42,982
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments		(665,416)	550,436	(758,615)
Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments		65,245	(58,760)	190,995
Employee benefit plan adjustment		31,586	(95,886)	121,551
Other, net		96,831	(154,646)	312,546
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes		(568,585)	395,790	(446,069)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income		(199,005)	138,526	(156,124)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(369,580)	257,264	(289,945)
Total comprehensive income (loss)		$ (179,125)	$ 574,633	$ (161,203)
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the non-credit component of impaired losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale, net of future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments and income taxes, in the amounts of $(6,596), $177, and $18,388 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Non-credit component of impaired losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale, net of future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments and income taxes	$ (6,596)	$ 177	$ 18,388

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total		Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Retained earnings
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 2,136,297		$ 7,032	$ 771,041	$ 635,699	$ 722,525
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net income	128,742					128,742
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(289,945)	[1]			(289,945)
Dividends	(102,436)					(102,436)
Share-based compensation	2,578			2,578
Income tax benefit on share-based compensation	496			496
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	1,875,732		7,032	774,115	345,754	748,831
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net income	317,369					317,369
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	257,264	[1]			257,264
Dividends	(316,401)					(316,401)
Share-based compensation	3,384			3,384
Income tax benefit on share-based compensation	165			165
Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	2,137,513		7,032	777,664	603,018	749,799
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net income	190,455					190,455
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(369,580)	[1]			(369,580)
Dividends	(139,533)					(139,533)
Common stock issuance	60,803		201	60,602
Share-based compensation	1,655			1,655
Income tax benefit on share-based compensation	953			953
Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,882,266		$ 7,233	$ 840,874	$ 233,438	$ 800,721
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the non-credit component of impaired losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale, net of future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments and income taxes, in the amounts of $(6,596), $177, and $18,388 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 190,455	$ 317,369	$ 128,742
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses allocated to participating policyholders	(1,267)	(1,041)	(804)
Amortization of premiums (accretion of discounts) on investments, net	(12,213)	(42,022)	(20,751)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments	(73,331)	(64,323)	(38,517)
Net proceeds (purchases) of trading securities	(277,510)	11,478	23,677
Interest credited to contractholders	577,548	571,860	507,987
Depreciation and amortization	139,735	76,461	81,061
Deferral of acquisition costs	(64,709)	(110,843)	(80,486)
Deferred income taxes	21,682	75,044	(24,087)
Amortization of low-income housing partnerships	4,563	21,713	31,918
Other, net	(3,072)	(4,984)	2,432
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Policy benefit liabilities	(273,507)	(151,096)	(49,980)
Reinsurance receivable	8,738	(18,054)	12,013
Investment income due and accrued	(4,385)	(8,951)	(12,448)
Contingent consideration	(17,600)	0	0
Other assets	(13,101)	(5,705)	(106,923)
Other liabilities	22,050	(6,568)	78,829
Net cash provided by operating activities	224,076	660,338	532,663
Proceeds from sales, maturities, and redemptions of investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	5,470,124	4,124,159	4,022,064
Mortgage loans on real estate	594,497	384,306	289,531
Limited partnership interests, other corporation interests, and other investments	6,833	7,555	22,200
Purchases of investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	(6,468,699)	(5,174,996)	(5,012,792)
Mortgage loans on real estate	(448,924)	(609,008)	(562,940)
Limited partnership interests, other corporation interests, and other investments	(1,527)	(2,983)	(3,706)
Net change in short-term investments	(2,238)	22,096	(27,955)
Policy loans, net	98,143	(11,169)	(4,370)
Acquisition payment	0	(28,356)	0
Purchases of furniture, equipment, and software	(78,778)	(35,537)	(20,618)
Net cash used in investing activities	(830,569)	(1,323,933)	(1,298,586)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Contract deposits	2,527,039	2,709,043	2,601,820
Contract withdrawals	(1,782,571)	(1,757,936)	(1,780,048)
Change in due to/from parent and affiliates	(22,359)	49,337	(14,724)
Dividends paid	(139,533)	(316,401)	(102,436)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	60,803	0	0
Proceeds from financing element derivatives	0	5,516	51,832
Payments for and interest paid on financing element derivatives, net	(9,383)	(8,392)	(9,756)
Net commercial paper borrowings	(5,218)	(401)	1,003
Change in book overdrafts	(1,651)	(12,052)	13,840
Income tax benefit of stock option exercises	953	165	496
Net cash provided by financing activities	628,080	668,879	762,027
Net increase (decrease) in cash	21,587	5,284	(3,896)
Cash, beginning of year	12,775	7,491	11,387
Cash, end of year	34,362	12,775	7,491
Net cash received (paid) during the year for:
Income taxes	(4,093)	46,453	(10,327)
Interest	(37,288)	(37,284)	(37,329)
Non-cash investing and financing transactions during the years:
Share-based compensation expense	(1,655)	(3,384)	(2,578)
Contingent consideration (See Note 2)	0	(32,209)	0
Assets received from limited partnership investment distribution	0	0	(5,119)
Fixed maturity investments, available-for-sale acquired in reinsurance termination (See Note 4)	0	0	(44,104)
Policy loans acquired in reinsurance termination (See Note 4)	0	0	(6,468)
Fixed maturity investments, available-for-sale acquired in mortgage transfer (See Note 4)	$ 0	$ 0	$ (28,959)

Organization and Significant Ac

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Organization Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company (“GWLA”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of GWL&A Financial Inc. (“GWL&A Financial”), a holding company formed in 1998. GWL&A Financial is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco U.S. Inc. (“Lifeco U.S.”) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco Inc. (“Lifeco”), a Canadian holding company. The Company offers a wide range of life insurance, retirement, and investment products to individuals, businesses, and other private and public organizations throughout the United States. The Company is an insurance company domiciled in the State of Colorado and is subject to regulation by the Colorado Division of Insurance. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the accounts of its subsidiaries over which it exercises control and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are required to account for items and matters such as, but not limited to, the valuation of investments and derivatives in the absence of quoted market values, impairment of investments, accounting for derivative financial instruments, valuation of DAC, valuation of policy benefit liabilities, valuation of employee benefits plan obligation, and the valuation of deferred tax assets or liabilities, net, and valuation of contingent consideration. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Investments Investments are reported as follows: 1. The Company classifies the majority of its fixed maturity investments as available-for-sale which are recorded at fair value with the related net unrealized gain or loss, net of policyholder related amounts, and deferred taxes, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). Included in fixed maturities are perpetual debt investments which primarily consist of junior subordinated debt instruments that have no stated maturity date but pay fixed or floating interest in perpetuity. Also included in AOCI is net unrealized gain or loss resulting from foreign currency translations of fixed maturity investments denominated in foreign currencies. Premiums and discounts are recognized as a component of net investment income using the effective interest method, realized gains and losses are included in net realized investment gains (losses), and declines in value determined to be other-than-temporary are included in total other-than-temporary losses. The Company also classifies certain fixed maturity investments as held-for-trading. Assets in the held-for-trading category are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in net investment income. The recognition of income on certain investments (e.g. loan-backed securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities) is dependent upon market conditions, which may result in prepayments and changes in amounts to be earned. Prepayments on all mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are monitored monthly, and amortization of the premium and/or the accretion of the discount associated with the purchase of such securities are adjusted by such prepayments. The Company recognizes the acquisition of its fixed maturity investments on a trade date basis. 2. Mortgage loans on real estate consist of domestic commercial collateralized loans and are carried at their unpaid principal balances adjusted for any unamortized premiums or discounts, origination fees, and mortgage provision allowances. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance for all loans, except for loans on non-accrual status. Premiums, discounts, and origination fees are amortized to net investment income using the effective interest method. Prepayment penalty fees are recognized in other realized investment gains upon receipt. The Company actively manages its mortgage loan portfolio by completing ongoing comprehensive analysis of factors such as debt service coverage ratios, loan-to-value ratios, payment status, default or legal status, annual collateral property evaluations, and general market conditions. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews the above primary credit quality indicators in its internal risk assessment of loan impairment and credit loss. Management’s risk assessment process is subjective and includes the categorization of all loans, based on the above mentioned credit quality indicators, into one of the following categories: • Performing - generally indicates the loan has standard market risk and is within its original underwriting guidelines. • Non-performing - generally indicates there is a potential for loss due to the deterioration of financial/monetary default indicators or potential foreclosure. Due to the potential for loss, these loans are evaluated for impairment. The adequacy of the Company’s mortgage provision allowance is reviewed quarterly. The determination of the calculation and the adequacy of the mortgage provision allowance and mortgage impairments involve judgments that incorporate qualitative and quantitative Company and industry mortgage performance data. Management’s periodic evaluation and assessment of the adequacy of the mortgage provision allowance and the need for mortgage impairments is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the fair value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, loss experience, and other relevant factors. Loans included in the non-performing category and other loans with certain substandard credit quality indicators are individually reviewed to determine if a specific impairment is required. Risk is mitigated through first position collateralization, guarantees, loan covenants, and borrower reporting requirements. Since the Company does not originate or hold uncollateralized mortgages, loans are generally not deemed fully uncollectable. Generally, unrecoverable amounts are written off during the final stage of the foreclosure process. Loan balances are considered past due when payment has not been received based on contractually agreed upon terms. The accrual of interest is discontinued when concerns exist regarding the realization of loan principal or interest. The Company resumes interest accrual on loans when a loan returns to current status or under new terms when loans are restructured or modified. On a quarterly basis, any loans with terms that were modified during that period are reviewed to determine if the loan modifications constitute a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). In evaluating whether a loan modification constitutes a TDR, it must be determined that the modification is a significant concession and the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. 3. Limited partnership and other corporation interests are accounted for using either the cost or equity method of accounting. The Company uses the cost method on investments where it has a minor equity interest and no significant influence over the entity’s operations. The Company uses the equity method when it has a partnership interest that is considered more than minor, although the Company has no significant influence over the entity’s operations. Also included in limited partnership interests are limited partnerships established for the purpose of investing in low-income housing that qualify for federal and state tax credits. These interests are carried at amortized cost as determined using the effective yield method. In the normal course of its activities, the Company is involved with other entities that are considered variable interest entities (“VIE”). An entity would be determined to be a primary beneficiary, and thus consolidated when the entity has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. When the Company becomes involved with a VIE and when the nature of the Company’s involvement with the entity changes, in order to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the entity, it evaluates: • The structure and purpose of the entity; • The risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity; and • The entity’s participants’ ability to direct the activities, receive its benefits, and absorb its losses. The Company performs ongoing qualitative analyses of its involvement with VIEs to determine if consolidation is required. 4. Policy loans are carried at their unpaid balances. Interest income on policy loans is recognized in net investment income at the contract interest rate when earned. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the associated insurance policy. 5. Short-term investments include securities purchased with investment intent, with initial maturities of one year or less, and are generally carried at fair value which is approximated from amortized cost. 6. The Company participates in a securities lending program in which the Company lends fixed maturity securities that are held as part of its general account investment portfolio to third parties. The Company does not enter into these types of transactions for liquidity purposes, but rather for yield enhancement on its investment portfolio. The borrower can return and the Company can request the loaned securities at any time. The Company maintains ownership of the securities at all times and is entitled to receive from the borrower any payments for interest received on such securities during the loan term. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. The securities lending agent indemnifies the Company against borrower risk, meaning that the lending agent agrees contractually to replace securities not returned due to a borrower default. The Company generally requires initial collateral in an amount greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of domestic securities loaned and 105% of foreign securities loaned. Such collateral is used to replace the securities loaned in event of default by the borrower. Acceptable collateral is generally defined as government securities, letters of credit and/or cash collateral. Some cash collateral may be invested in short-term repurchase agreements which are also collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities. Cash collateral which is invested is recognized along with any cash collateral not invested within collateral under securities lending agreements in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Non-cash collateral is not recognized as the Company does not have effective control. 7. The Company’s other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) accounting policy requires that a decline in the value of a security below its cost or amortized cost basis be assessed to determine if the decline is other-than-temporary. The assessment of whether an OTTI has occurred on fixed maturity investments, where management does not intend to sell the fixed maturity investment and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, is based upon management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value of each individual security. Management considers a wide range of factors, as described below, regarding the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in its estimated fair value and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Considerations used by the Company in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to, the following: • The extent to which estimated fair value is below cost; • Whether the decline in fair value is attributable to specific adverse conditions affecting a particular instrument, its issuer, an industry, or geographic area; • The length of time for which the estimated fair value has been below cost; • Downgrade of a fixed maturity investment by a credit rating agency; • Deterioration of the financial condition of the issuer; • The payment structure of the fixed maturity investment and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments in the future; and • Whether dividends have been reduced or eliminated or scheduled interest payments have not been made. If either (a) management has the intent to sell a fixed maturity investment or (b) it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell a fixed maturity investment before its anticipated recovery, a charge is recorded in net realized investment losses equal to the difference between the fair value and cost or amortized cost basis of the security. If management does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected (discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity investment prior to impairment) is less than the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity investment (referred to as the credit loss portion), an OTTI is considered to have occurred. In this instance, total OTTI is bifurcated into two components: the amount related to the credit loss, which is recognized in current period earnings; and the amount attributed to other factors (referred to as the non-credit portion), which is recognized as a separate component in AOCI. The expected cash flows utilized during the impairment evaluation process are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company including default rates, credit ratings, collateral characteristics, and current levels of subordination. After the recognition of an OTTI, a fixed maturity investment is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI, with an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings. The difference between the new amortized cost basis and the future cash flows is accreted into net investment income. The Company continues to estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the security. Derivative financial instruments The Company enters into derivative transactions which include the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, cross-currency swaps, U.S. government treasury futures contracts, Eurodollar futures contracts, futures on equity indices, interest rate swap futures, and other forward contracts. The Company uses these derivative instruments to manage various risks, including interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with its invested assets and liabilities. Derivative instruments are not used for speculative reasons. Certain of the Company’s over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives are cleared and settled through a central clearing counterparty while others are bilateral contracts between the Company and a counterparty. All derivatives, regardless of hedge accounting treatment, are recorded in other assets and other liabilities at fair value. Although some derivatives are executed under a master netting arrangement, the Company does not offset in the consolidated balance sheets the fair value of those derivative instruments and the related cash collateral or net derivative receivables and payables executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. At inception of a derivative transaction, the hedge relationship and risk management objective is documented and the designation of the derivative is determined based on specific criteria of the transaction. Accounting for the ongoing changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in AOCI and are recognized in the consolidated income statements when the hedged item affects earnings. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in its fair value and of the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in net investment income. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting or where hedge accounting is not elected and the over effective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in net investment income in the period of the change. Depending on whether the derivative instrument is designated a cash flow hedge or not qualifying for hedge accounting, the changes in fair value resulting from foreign currency translations are recorded in AOCI or net investment income, respectively. Termination of derivative contracts prior to expiration generally result in investment gains and losses. Fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies, or equity markets may cause the Company to experience volatility in net income. The Company uses forward settling TBA securities to gain exposure to the investment risk and return of agency mortgage-backed securities (pass-throughs). These transactions are utilized to enhance the return of the Company’s investment portfolio and are accounted for as derivative instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting. The Company purchases agency mortgage-backed TBAs yet does not always take physical delivery of a security but rather may roll the security into the next month. The Company generally takes physical delivery of a security before year end. Changes in fair value on open TBA transactions are recorded in net investment income while realized investment gains or losses are recorded once the Company cash settles or accepts physical delivery of a security. As part of its hedging strategy, the Company may enter into certain derivative transactions where a cash investment is made by one party. Certain derivative instruments that contain a financing element at inception and where the Company is deemed to be the borrower are included in financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The cash flows from all other derivative transactions are included in operating activities. The Company uses derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes associated with certain invested assets and policy liabilities. Derivatives are used to (a) hedge the economic effects of interest rate and stock market movements on the Company’s guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (“GLWB”) liability, (b) hedge the economic effect of a large increase in interest rates on the Company’s general account life insurance, group pension liabilities, and certain separate account life insurance liabilities, (c) hedge the economic risks of other transactions such as future asset acquisitions or dispositions, the timing of liability pricing, currency risks on non-U.S. dollar denominated assets, and fee revenue based on equity market performance, and (d) convert floating rate assets to fixed rate assets for asset/liability management purposes. The Company controls the credit risk of its derivative contracts through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures, and in many cases, requiring collateral. The Company’s exposure is limited to the portion of the fair value of derivative instruments that exceeds the value of the collateral held and not to the notional or contractual amounts of the derivatives. Derivatives in a net asset position may have cash or securities pledged as collateral to the Company in accordance with the collateral support agreements with the counterparty. This collateral is held in a custodial account for the benefit of the Company. Unrestricted cash collateral is included in other assets and the obligation to return it is included in other liabilities. The cash collateral is reinvested in a government money market fund. Cash collateral pledged by the Company is included in other assets. Fair Value Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis have been categorized based upon the following fair value hierarchy: • Level 1 inputs utilize observable, quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include certain money market funds. • Level 2 inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. The fair values for some Level 2 securities are obtained from pricing services. The inputs used by the pricing services are reviewed at least quarterly or when the pricing vendor issues updates to its pricing methodology. For fixed maturity securities and separate account assets and liabilities, inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, evaluated bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Additional inputs utilized for assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 are: • Asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized debt obligations - new issue data, monthly payment information, collateral performance, and third party real estate analysis. • U.S. states and their subdivisions - material event notices. • Short-term investments - valued based on amortized cost due to their short term nature and high credit quality of the issuers. • Derivative instruments - trading activity, swap curves, credit spreads, currency volatility, net present value of cash flows, and news sources. • Separate account assets and liabilities - various index data and news sources, amortized cost (which approximates fair value), trading activity, swap curves, credit spreads, recovery rates, restructuring, net present value of cash flows, and quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. • Common collective trusts - the net asset value based on the underlying trust investments. • Level 3 inputs are unobservable and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In general, the prices of Level 3 securities are obtained from single broker quotes and internal pricing models. If the broker’s inputs are largely unobservable, the valuation is classified as a Level 3. Broker quotes are validated through an internal analyst review process, which includes validation through known market conditions and other relevant data, as noted below. Internal models are usually cash flow based utilizing characteristics of the underlying collateral of the security such as default rate and other relevant data. Inputs utilized for securities classified as Level 3 are as follows: • Corporate debt securities - unadjusted single broker quotes which may be in an illiquid market or otherwise deemed unobservable. • Asset-backed securities - internal models utilizing asset-backed securities index spreads. • Defined benefit plan limited partnership investments - capital account or net asset value adjusted for other relevant information. • GLWB - internal models utilizing long-term equity and interest rate implied volatility, mortality, and policyholder behavior assumptions, such as benefit utilization and partial withdrawals. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. 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 asset or liability. Overall, transfers between levels are attributable to a change in the observability of inputs. Assets and liabilities are transferred to a lower level in the hierarchy when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This may occur when market activity decreases and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred to a higher level in the hierarchy when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity including recent trades, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. All transfers between levels are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred. The policies and procedures utilized to review, account for, and report on the value and level of the Company’s securities were determined and implemented by the Finance division. The Investments division is responsible for the processes related to security purchases and sales and provides valuation and leveling input to the Finance division when necessary. Both divisions within the Company have worked in conjunction to establish thorough pricing, review, approval, accounting, and reporting policies and procedures around the securities valuation process. In some instances, securities are priced using external broker quotes. In most cases, when broker quotes are used as pricing inputs, more than one broker quote is obtained. External broker quotes are reviewed internally by comparing the quotes to similar securities in the public market and/or to vendor pricing, if available. Additionally, external broker quotes are compared to market reported trade activity to ascertain whether the price is reasonable, reflective of the current market prices, and takes into account the characteristics of the Company’s securities. Cash Cash includes only amounts in demand deposit accounts. Book overdrafts occur when checks have been issued by the Company, but have not been presented to the Company’s disbursement bank accounts for payment. These bank accounts allow the Company to delay funding of the issued checks until they are presented for payment. This delay in funding results in a temporary source of financing. The activity related to book overdrafts is included in the financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The book overdrafts, in the amounts of $137 and $1,788 , are included in other liabilities at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. Internal use software Purchased software costs, as well as certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal use computer software during the application development stage, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the software’s estimated useful life up to five years. Capitalized internal use software development costs, net of accumulated amortization, in the amounts of $93,646 and $66,012 , are included in other assets at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The Company capitalized $47,895 , $31,473 , and $14,640 of internal use software development costs during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , respectively. Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) The Company incurs costs in connection with the acquisition of new and renewal insurance business. Costs that vary directly with and relate to the successful production of new business are deferred as DAC. These costs consist primarily of commissions, costs associated with the Company’s sales representatives, and policy issuance and underwriting expenses related to the production of successfully acquired new business. A success factor is derived from actual contracts issued by the Company from requests for proposals or applications received and applied to the deferrable costs. The recoverability of such costs is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. Recoverability testing is performed for current issue year products to determine if gross revenues are sufficient to cover DAC and expenses. At least annually, loss recognition testing is performed on aggregated blocks of business to adjust the DAC balance. VOBA represents the estimated fair value of insurance or annuity contracts acquired either directly through the acquisition of another insurance company or through the acquisition of insurance or annuity contracts through assumption reinsurance transactions. DAC and VOBA associated with the annuity products and flexible premium universal life insurance products are being amortized over the life of the contracts in proportion to the emergence of gross profits. Retrospective adjustments of these amounts are made when the Company revises its estimates of current or future gross profits on an annual basis. DAC and VOBA associated with traditional life insurance are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium revenues recognized. DAC and VOBA, for applicable products, are adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains or losses on investments as if these gains or losses had been realized, with corresponding credits or charges included in AOCI. Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with an acquisition. It is considered an indefinite lived asset and therefore is not amortized. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, the excess is recognized as an impairment and recorded as a charge against net income in the period in which the impairment is identified. Other intangible assets represent the estimated fair value of the portion of the purchase price that was allocated to the value of customer relationships and non-competition intangible asset in various acquisitions. These intangible assets have been assigned values using various methodologies, including present value of projected future cash flows, analysis of similar transactions that have occurred or could be expected to occur in the market and replacement or reproduction cost. The initial valuations of these intangible assets were supported by an independent valuation study commissioned by the Company. Other identified intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which initially ranged from two to 18 years (weighted average 15 years), primarily based on the cash f

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Acquisition Putnam Retirement Business Description of transaction On January 1, 2015, the Company acquired the retirement business of Putnam Investments, LLC (“Putnam”), an affiliate of the Company. The transaction was accounted for as a combination between entities under common control. As such, the assets and liabilities acquired from Putnam were recorded at historical cost as of January 1, 2015. In exchange for cash paid in the amount of $4,114 , the Company acquired $11,501 of other assets, assumed $7,717 of other liabilities, and recognized a dividend of $330 . The 2015 amounts presented are aligned with the new business structure which includes the Putnam retirement business, while the 2014 comparative amounts reflect the previous structure which excludes the Putnam retirement business as the amounts are considered immaterial. J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services Description of transaction On August 29, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the voting equity interests in the J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services (“RPS”) large-market record-keeping business. This acquisition transformed the Company, together with Putnam, into the second largest provider based on number of participants in the U.S. defined contribution market. Allocation of purchase price During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company substantially completed its comprehensive evaluation of the fair value of the net assets acquired from RPS and the purchase price allocation. As a result, initial goodwill of $50,249 recognized upon the acquisition of RPS on August 29, 2014 in the Acquisition note to the September 30, 2014 condensed, consolidated interim unaudited financial statements was adjusted in the fourth quarter of 2014, as a result of valuations received during the measurement period. Adjustments were made to the provisional amounts disclosed in the September 30, 2014 condensed, consolidated interim unaudited financial statements for the recognition and measurement of intangible assets, contingent consideration, accounts receivable, other assets, and accrued expenses and other liabilities. At December 31, 2014, the Company updated the previously reported allocation of purchase price as of September 30, 2014 for the measurement period adjustments that are reflected in the table below: As of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited) Measurement Period Adjustment As of December 31, 2014 Assets acquired and goodwill: Goodwill (1) $ 50,249 $ (17,821 ) $ 32,428 Other intangible assets (2) — 16,291 16,291 Other assets Fixed assets (3) 12,680 — 12,680 Accounts receivable (4) 24,050 105 24,155 Other (4) 1,224 (122 ) 1,102 Total other assets 37,954 (17 ) 37,937 Total assets acquired and goodwill 88,203 (1,547 ) 86,656 Liabilities assumed and contingent consideration: Other liabilities Accrued expenses and other (4) 26,108 772 26,880 Contingent consideration (5) 33,739 (1,530 ) 32,209 Total other liabilities 59,847 (758 ) 59,089 Total liabilities assumed and contingent consideration $ 59,847 $ (758 ) $ 59,089 (1) Goodwill Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired and liabilities assumed that could not be individually identified (Level 3). Total goodwill resulting from the acquisition, in the amount of $32,428 , is allocated to the Retirement Services segment. No portion of goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. (2) Other Intangible Assets Other intangible assets include customer relationships and non-competition intangible assets. The fair value of the customer relationships intangible asset was determined using the excess earnings method under the income approach (Level 3). This valuation method is based on first forecasting revenue for the existing customer base and then applying expected attrition rates. The operating cash flows are calculated by determining the cost required to generate revenue from the existing customer base. Key assumptions include projections of revenues generated from existing customers which includes an estimated rate of attrition, projections of operating expenses, and a discount rate of 14% . The fair value of the non-competition intangible asset was determined using the with and without method under the income approach (Level 3). The premise associated with this valuation approach is that the value of an asset is represented by the differences in the subject business’ cash flows under scenarios where a) the asset is present and is used in operations; and b) the asset is absent and not used in operations. Such differences may arise due to additional revenue and/or cost savings associated with having the asset in place. Cash flow differentials are then discounted to present value to arrive at an estimate of fair value for the asset. Key assumptions include projected cash flows with the non-competition agreement in place, projected cash flows without the non-competition agreement in place, the expected time period under which the cash flow differences would occur, the probability of competition and success and a discount rate of 14% . (3) Fixed Assets The fair value of property, plant and equipment and software was determined using a cost approach and a market approach (Level 2). The cost approach is based on current replacement cost and/or reproduction costs of the assets as new less depreciation attributable to physical, functional and economic factors. The market approach is based on market data for similar assets. (4) Accounts receivable, other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts receivable, other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities are current assets and liabilities that are generally carried at fair value which is approximated from the carrying value (Level 2). (5) Contingent consideration The Company is obligated to make an additional earnout payment based on the retention of aggregated revenue, as defined in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, 24 months after the close date. As such, the remaining earnout payment is due on August 29, 2016. The potential undiscounted amount of the earnout payment that the Company could be required to make under the contingent consideration arrangement is between zero and $50,000 . During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company received notification from certain RPS customers terminating their contract with the Company. As a result, the Company reduced its retention rate expectation which is an input to the calculation of the contingent consideration liability. Due to the decline in the retention rate, the contingent consideration was reduced by $17,600 which was recognized in general insurance expenses. The contingent consideration liability was $14,609 and $32,209 for the years-ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The fair value of the contingent consideration is estimated by a discounted cash flow model (Level 3) which calculates the present value of a probability-weighted earnout using a discount rate of 3% . An increase to the retention rate would increase the liability while a decrease to the retention rate would decrease the liability. Revenues and earnings of the acquiree RPS contributed revenue and net income (loss), included in the consolidated statements of income, as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Revenue $ 182,759 $ 54,267 Net loss (944 ) (3,416 ) Costs related to acquisition The Company incurred $2,859 of acquisition costs for the year ended December 31, 2014. Such costs have been expensed as incurred and are included in general insurance expenses. Pro-forma information Supplementary pro-forma revenues and net earnings for the combined entity, as though the acquisition date for this business combination had been as of January 1, 2014 and 2013, respectively, have not been included as it is impracticable since historical records are not available.

Application of Recent Accountin

Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-11 Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures (“ASU No. 2014-11”). ASU No. 2014-11 amends the accounting for entities that enter into repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as repurchase financings. ASU No. 2014-11 requires new disclosures for repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The accounting changes in ASU 2014-11 are effective for public business entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. The disclosure for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required to be presented for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. The adoption of the accounting pronouncement did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company has included additional disclosures in Note 5 to these financial statements around collateral pledged for secured lending transactions on a prospective basis. Future adoption of new accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU No. 2014-09”). The update outlines a comprehensive model for accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. While the update does not apply to insurance contracts within the scope of Topic 944, it does apply to other fee income earned by the Company which includes fees from assets under management, assets under administration, shareholder servicing, administration and record-keeping services, and investment advisory services. The core principle of the model requires that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The update also requires increased disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. In adopting ASU No. 2014-09, the Company may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. The update is effective for public business entities for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, based upon an update issued by the FASB in August 2015. Early adoption is permitted as of accounting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (Topic 810) . The update primarily amends the criteria used to evaluate whether certain variable interest entities should be consolidated. The update also modifies the criteria used to determine whether partnerships and similar entities are variable interest entities. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, including in the interim periods. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (Subtopic 350-40) . The update requires the Company to determine if the cloud computing arrangement contains a software license and if so, apply the accounting requirements for other intangible assets. The update also supersedes the requirement to apply lease accounting requirements by analogy for lease classification. If the arrangement is not a software license, then the Company applies accounting requirements for a service requirement. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, Financial Services-Insurance: Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (Topic 944) . The update requires that all years in the claims development table that precede the current reporting period and the related disclosure about the history of claims duration should be presented as required supplementary information. The update also includes a disclosure objective of providing information about claim frequency along with a description of methodologies for determining claim frequency information, unless it is impracticable to do so. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10). The amendments in this update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments by requiring equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, use of exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and form of financial assets (i.e. securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or notes to the financial statements, eliminating the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value of a financial instrument measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet, requiring entities to present separately in other comprehensive income the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk (i.e. “own credit”) when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments, and clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU also permits early adoption of the own credit provision. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions In the normal course of its business, the Company enters into reinsurance agreements with related parties. Included in the consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to reinsurance ceded to and assumed from related parties: December 31, 2015 2014 Reinsurance receivable $ 530,213 $ 529,921 Future policy benefits 1,724,797 1,812,077 Included in the consolidated statements of income are the following related party amounts: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Premium income, net of related party premiums ceded of $15,731, $13,901, and $(30,114) $ 68,722 $ 71,453 $ 137,785 Life and other policy benefits, net of reinsurance recoveries of $6,494, $4,594, and $(536) 193,215 209,102 216,809 Decrease in future policy benefits (52,842 ) (46,915 ) (2,556 ) In the normal course of business the Company enters into agreements with related parties whereby it provides and/or receives record-keeping services, investment advisory services, and tax-related services, as well as corporate support services which include general and administrative services, information technology services, and marketing services. The following table presents revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided and/or received pursuant to these service agreements. These amounts, in accordance with the terms of the contracts, are based upon market price, estimated costs incurred or resources expended as determined by number of policies, number of participants, certificates in-force, administered assets, or other similar drivers. Year Ended December 31, Financial statement line Description Related party 2015 2014 2013 Provides corporate support service The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”) (1) , Great-West Life Assurance Company (“Great-West Life”) (1) , MAM Holding Inc. (1) , and Putnam (2) $ (4,115 ) $ (2,055 ) $ (1,971 ) General insurance expense Receives corporate support services CLAC (1) , Great-West Life (1) , Great West Global (1) , and Putnam (2) 12,609 4,053 2,556 General insurance expense Provides investment advisory and administrative services to U.S. branches of Lifeco insurance subsidiaries CLAC (1) and Great-West Life (1) 1,710 1,803 2,586 Net investment income Provides investment advisory and administrative services to Canadian subsidiaries of Lifeco CLAC (1) , Great-West Life (1) , and London Life Financial Corporation (“London Life”) (1) 3,882 3,912 4,487 Fee income Provides record-keeping services CLAC (1) and Putnam (2) 377 13,956 10,625 Fee income Provides U.S. tax services London Life (1) , LRG (US) Inc. (1) , Putnam (2) , Thomas H. Lee Partners L.P. (1) , and CLAC (1) (533 ) (402 ) (361 ) General insurance expense Provides shareholder services Putnam (2) 5,531 — — Fee income Receives reimbursement from tax sharing indemnification related to state and local tax liabilities Putnam (2) 13,563 7,506 — Other revenue — — 8,114 Fee income Received internally developed internal use software Putnam (2) 2,226 1,008 — Other assets (1) An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco (2) A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S. The following table summarizes amounts due from parent and affiliates: December 31, Related party Indebtedness Due date 2015 2014 GWL&A Financial On account On demand $ 38,864 $ 32,572 Lifeco U.S. On account On demand 11,783 13,369 Putnam On account On demand 9,547 — Other related party receivables On account On demand 2,402 1,252 Total $ 62,596 $ 47,193 The following table summarizes amounts due to parent and affiliates: December 31, Related party Indebtedness Due date 2015 2014 GWL&A Financial (1) Surplus note November 2034 $ 194,474 $ 194,446 GWL&A Financial (2) Surplus note May 2046 333,400 333,400 GWL&A Financial Note interest May 2016 4,701 4,701 Putnam On account On demand — 7,257 CLAC On account On demand 4,021 3,986 Great-West Life On account On demand 1,936 1,739 London Life On account On demand 1,778 1,737 Total $ 540,310 $ 547,266 (1) A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on November 15, 2004 , with a face amount of $195,000 and carrying amounts of $194,474 and $ 194,446 at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The surplus note bears interest at the rate of 6.675% per annum, payable in arrears each May and November. The note matures on November 14, 2034 . (2) A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on May 19, 2006 , with a face amount and carrying amount of $333,400 . The surplus note bears interest initially at the rate of 7.203% per annum, payable in arrears each May and November until May 16, 2016 . After May 16, 2016 , the surplus note bears an interest rate of 2.588% plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) . The surplus note is redeemable by the Company at the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest after May 16, 2016 . The note matures on May 16, 2046. Payments of principal and interest under the surplus notes shall be made only out of surplus funds of the Company and only with prior written approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Colorado when the Commissioner of Insurance is satisfied that the financial condition of the Company warrants such action pursuant to applicable Colorado law. Payments of principal and interest on the surplus notes are payable only if at the time of such payment and after giving effect to the making thereof, the Company’s surplus would not fall below 2.5 times the authorized control level as required by the most recent risk-based capital calculations. Interest expense attributable to these related party debt obligations was $37,059 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 . Included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015, and 2014 is $4,701 of interest payable attributable to these related party debt obligations. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company of South Carolina (“GWSC”) and CLAC are parties to a reinsurance agreement pursuant to which GWSC assumes term life insurance from CLAC. GWL&A Financial obtained two letters of credit for the benefit of the Company as collateral under the GWSC and CLAC reinsurance agreement for policy liabilities and capital support. The first letter of credit is for $1,176,680 and renews annually until it expires on July 3, 2027 . The second letter of credit is for $70,000 and renews annually until it expires on December 31, 2017 . At December 31, 2015, and 2014 there were no outstanding amounts related to the letters of credit. Included within reinsurance receivable in the consolidated balance sheets are $520,753 and $522,180 of funds withheld assets as of December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. CLAC pays the Company, on a quarterly basis, interest on the funds withheld balance at a rate of 4.55% per annum. The interest income, in the amount of $22,165 , $21,295 , and $20,876 , is included in net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , respectively. A subsidiary of the Company, Great-West Capital Management, LLC, serves as a Registered Investment Advisor to Great-West Funds, Inc., an affiliated open-end management investment company, to several affiliated insurance company separate accounts, and to Great-West Trust Company, LLC, an affiliated trust company. Great-West Trust Company, LLC, serves as trustee to several collective investment trusts. Additionally, effective May 1, 2015, Great-West Funds, Inc. entered into an Administrative Services Agreement with the Company. Pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement, the Company provides recordkeeping and administrative services to shareholders and account owners, and receives from certain share classes of the fund a fee equal to 0.35% of the average daily net asset value of the applicable share class. Included in fee income on the consolidated statements of income are $138,936 , $126,726 , and $107,854 of advisory, management, and trustee fee income from these affiliated entities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , respectively. The Company’s separate accounts invest in shares of Great-West Funds, Inc. and Putnam Funds, which are affiliates of the Company and shares of other non-affiliated mutual funds and government and corporate bonds. The Company’s separate accounts include mutual funds or other investment options that purchase guaranteed interest annuity contracts issued by the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , these purchases totaled $146,547 , $132,961 , and $198,107 , respectively. As the general account investment contracts are also included in the separate account balances in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the Company has reduced the separate account assets and liabilities by $309,108 and $343,471 at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively, to eliminate these amounts in its consolidated balance sheets at those dates. On January 1, 2013, the Company terminated its reinsurance agreement with its affiliate, CLAC, pursuant to which it had ceded certain participating life business on a coinsurance basis. The Company recorded the following on January 1, 2013, in its consolidated statement of income in connection with the termination of the reinsurance agreement: Premium income $ 42,297 Other revenue 7,355 Total 49,652 Increase in future policy benefits 41,297 Dividends to policyholders 1,000 Total 42,297 Participating policyholders’ net income before income taxes 7,355 Income tax expense 2,574 Participating policyholders’ income 4,781 Provision for policyholders’ share of earnings on participating business 4,781 Net income available to shareholder $ — In 2013, the Company performed its regular review of the investment portfolios. As a result of that review, on December 1, 2013, the Company transferred $3,862 of cash and two mortgages with a market value of $28,959 to CLAC in exchange for four fixed maturity investments with a market value of $32,821 . As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized realized investment loss of $1,041 .

Summary of Investments

Summary of Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Investments	Summary of Investments The following tables summarize fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale and the non-credit-related component of OTTI in AOCI: December 31, 2015 Amortized Gross unrealized Gross unrealized Estimated fair value OTTI (gain) loss Fixed maturities: cost gains losses and carrying value included in AOCI (1) U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ 3,291,167 $ 55,193 $ 4,608 $ 3,341,752 $ — Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 1,988,214 238,862 7,903 2,219,173 50 Foreign government securities 2,291 — 5 2,286 — Corporate debt securities (2) 12,388,886 437,207 320,381 12,505,712 (1,810 ) Asset-backed securities 1,196,326 128,406 13,362 1,311,370 (86,474 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 122,146 4,734 1,508 125,372 (123 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,009,320 19,117 11,529 1,016,908 — Collateralized debt obligations 9,112 — 58 9,054 — Total fixed maturities $ 20,007,462 $ 883,519 $ 359,354 $ 20,531,627 $ (88,357 ) (1) Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses. OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities with previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss was in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities. (2) Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $149,062 and estimated fair value of $116,423 . December 31, 2014 Amortized Gross unrealized Gross unrealized Estimated fair value OTTI (gain) loss Fixed maturities: cost gains losses and carrying value included in AOCI (1) U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ 3,478,153 $ 70,597 $ 1,494 $ 3,547,256 $ — Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 1,885,715 287,668 899 2,172,484 — Foreign government securities 2,455 — 4 2,451 — Corporate debt securities (2) 11,258,517 763,036 82,104 11,939,449 (2,228 ) Asset-backed securities 1,263,089 149,152 13,702 1,398,539 (96,603 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 167,793 7,368 1,932 173,229 (185 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 886,748 32,556 1,099 918,205 — Collateralized debt obligations 10,674 — 209 10,465 — Total fixed maturities $ 18,953,144 $ 1,310,377 $ 101,443 $ 20,162,078 $ (99,016 ) (1) Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses. OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities with previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss was in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities. (2) Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $157,742 and estimated fair value of $131,799 . See Note 8 for additional discussion regarding fair value measurements. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale, based on estimated cash flows, are shown in the table below. Actual maturities will likely differ from these projections because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Estimated fair value Maturing in one year or less $ 639,396 $ 663,243 Maturing after one year through five years 3,585,421 3,779,455 Maturing after five years through ten years 5,394,204 5,439,202 Maturing after ten years 5,126,013 5,240,709 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 5,262,428 5,409,018 Total fixed maturities $ 20,007,462 $ 20,531,627 Mortgage-backed (commercial and residential) and asset-backed securities include those issued by the U.S. government and U.S. agencies. The following table summarizes information regarding the sales of securities classified as available-for-sale: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Proceeds from sales $ 4,187,547 $ 2,705,999 $ 2,518,568 Gross realized gains from sales 47,965 47,852 71,758 Gross realized losses from sales 6,476 1,229 27,792 Included in net investment income are unrealized gains (losses) of $(2,241) , $3,119 , and $(9,447) on held-for-trading fixed maturity investments still held at December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Mortgage loans on real estate - The following table summarizes the carrying value of the mortgage loan portfolio by component: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Principal $ 3,242,627 $ 3,356,374 Unamortized premium (discount) and fees, net 7,967 10,086 Mortgage provision allowance (2,890 ) (2,890 ) Total mortgage loans $ 3,247,704 $ 3,363,570 The following table summarizes the recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category as of December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Performing $ 3,249,129 $ 3,366,460 Non-performing 1,465 — Total $ 3,250,594 $ 3,366,460 The following table summarizes activity in the mortgage provision allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Commercial mortgages Commercial mortgages Commercial mortgages Beginning balance $ 2,890 $ 2,890 $ 2,890 Provision increases — — 273 Charge-off — — (273 ) Recovery — — — Provision decreases — — — Ending balance $ 2,890 $ 2,890 $ 2,890 Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method: Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 2,890 $ 2,890 $ 2,890 Recorded investment balance in the mortgage loan portfolio, gross of allowance, by basis of impairment method: $ 3,250,594 $ 3,366,460 $ 3,137,145 Individually evaluated for impairment 14,031 12,986 13,906 Collectively evaluated for impairment 3,236,563 3,353,474 3,123,239 Limited partnership and other corporation interests - At December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , the Company had $40,980 and $49,421 , respectively, invested in limited partnership and other corporation interests. Included in limited partnership interests are investments in low-income housing limited partnerships (“LIHLP”) that qualify for federal and state tax credits and ownership interests in pooled investment funds. The Company has determined each investment in LIHLP to be considered a VIE but consolidation is not required because the Company has no power through voting rights or similar rights to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance. As a 99% limited partner in various upper-tier LIHLPs, the Company expects to receive the tax credits allocated to the partnership and operating losses from depreciation and interest expense. The general partner is most closely involved in the development and management of the LIHLP project and has a small ownership percentage of the partnership. The carrying value and maximum exposure to loss in relation to the activities of the VIEs was $2,728 and $7,464 at December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Special deposits - The Company had securities on deposit with government authorities as required by certain insurance laws with fair values of $14,000 and $14,612 at December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Securities lending - Securities with a cost or amortized cost of zero and $15,252 and estimated fair values of zero and $15,423 were on loan under the program at December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The Company received cash of zero and $13,741 and securities with a fair value of zero and $2,131 as collateral at December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The following table summarizes the collateral pledged by the Company under the securities lending program, by class of investment. Under the securities lending program the collateral pledged is, by definition, the securities loaned against the assets borrowed. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Securities lending transactions U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ — $ 11,148 Corporate debt securities — 4,275 Total secured borrowings $ — $ 15,423 The Company’s securities lending agreements are open agreements, meaning the borrower can return and the Company can recall the loaned securities at any time. The assets and liabilities associated with securities lending program are not subject to master netting arrangements and are not offset in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized losses on fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale - The following tables summarize unrealized investment losses, including the non-credit-related portion of OTTI losses reported in AOCI, by class of investment: December 31, 2015 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized Fixed maturities: fair value loss and OTTI fair value loss and OTTI fair value loss and OTTI U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ 1,357,822 $ 4,101 $ 23,604 $ 507 $ 1,381,426 $ 4,608 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 267,581 7,903 — — 267,581 7,903 Foreign government securities 2,286 5 — — 2,286 5 Corporate debt securities 4,412,965 202,874 552,791 117,507 4,965,756 320,381 Asset-backed securities 247,082 4,372 182,404 8,990 429,486 13,362 Residential mortgage-backed securities — — 18,625 1,508 18,625 1,508 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 429,175 11,154 44,498 375 473,673 11,529 Collateralized debt obligations 9,054 58 — — 9,054 58 Total fixed maturities $ 6,725,965 $ 230,467 $ 821,922 $ 128,887 $ 7,547,887 $ 359,354 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 558 106 664 December 31, 2014 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized Fixed maturities: fair value loss and OTTI fair value loss and OTTI fair value loss and OTTI U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ 566,335 $ 503 $ 74,322 $ 991 $ 640,657 $ 1,494 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 18,280 218 41,064 681 59,344 899 Foreign government securities 2,451 4 — — 2,451 4 Corporate debt securities 836,263 16,775 764,528 65,329 1,600,791 82,104 Asset-backed securities 88,312 849 200,072 12,853 288,384 13,702 Residential mortgage-backed securities 4,663 11 24,052 1,921 28,715 1,932 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 35,015 127 57,333 972 92,348 1,099 Collateralized debt obligations 10,465 209 — — 10,465 209 Total fixed maturities $ 1,561,784 $ 18,696 $ 1,161,371 $ 82,747 $ 2,723,155 $ 101,443 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 134 153 287 Fixed maturity investments - Total unrealized losses and OTTI increased by $257,911 , or 254% , from December 31, 2014 , to December 31, 2015 . The increase in unrealized losses was within corporate debt securities which have been influenced by market conditions with widening credit spreads resulting in generally lower valuations of these fixed maturity securities. Total unrealized losses greater than twelve months increased by $46,140 from December 31, 2014 , to December 31, 2015 . Corporate debt securities account for 91% , or $117,507 , of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months at December 31, 2015 . Non-investment grade corporate debt securities account for $14,096 of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months, and $10,222 of the losses are on perpetual debt investments issued by investment grade rated banks in the United Kingdom. Management does not have the intent to sell these assets; therefore, an OTTI was not recognized in earnings. Asset-backed securities account for 7% of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months at December 31, 2015 . The present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is not less than amortized cost and management does not have the intent to sell these assets; therefore, an OTTI was not recognized in earnings. Other-than-temporary impairment recognition - The OTTI on fixed maturity securities where the loss portion is bifurcated and the credit related component is recognized in realized investment gains (losses) is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ 119,532 $ 167,961 $ 167,788 Additions: Initial impairments - credit loss on securities not previously impaired 759 — — Credit loss recognized on securities previously impaired — — 173 Reductions: Due to sales, maturities, or payoffs during the period (559 ) (646 ) — Due to increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security (17,389 ) (47,783 ) — Ending balance $ 102,343 $ 119,532 $ 167,961 Net Investment Income The following table summarizes net investment income: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Investment income: Fixed maturity and short-term investments $ 796,133 $ 816,907 $ 766,367 Mortgage loans on real estate 150,284 149,497 147,944 Policy loans 206,081 207,013 206,718 Limited partnership interests 10,462 9,128 9,131 Net interest on funds withheld balances under reinsurance agreements, related party 22,165 21,295 20,876 Derivative instruments (1) 78,655 39,533 (44,610 ) Other 9,228 5,008 3,321 1,273,008 1,248,381 1,109,747 Investment expenses (18,578 ) (19,993 ) (18,358 ) Net investment income $ 1,254,430 $ 1,228,388 $ 1,091,389 (1) Includes gains (losses) on the hedged asset for fair value hedges. Realized Investment Gains (Losses) The following table summarizes realized investment gains (losses): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturity and short-term investments $ 46,027 $ 54,219 $ 37,312 Derivative instruments 5,840 90,504 (62,077 ) Mortgage loans on real estate 31,841 6,857 10,895 Other 2 (4,209 ) (266 ) Realized investment gains (losses) $ 83,710 $ 147,371 $ (14,136 ) Included in net investment income and realized investment gains (losses) are amounts allocable to the participating fund account. This allocation is based upon the activity in a specific block of investments that are segmented for the benefit of the participating fund account.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative transactions are generally entered into pursuant to International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreements or Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“MSFTA”) with approved counterparties that provide for a single net payment to be made by one party to the other on a daily basis, periodic payment dates, or at the due date, expiration, or termination of the agreement. The ISDA Master Agreements contain provisions that would allow the counterparties to require immediate settlement of all derivative instruments in a net liability position if the Company were to default on any debt obligations over a certain threshold. The MSFTA contain provisions which do not stipulate a threshold for default and only apply to debt obligations between the Company and the specific counterparty. The aggregate fair value, inclusive of accrued income and expense, of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position was $76,107 and $141,653 as of December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The Company had pledged collateral related to these derivatives of $45,940 and $106,110 as of December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively, in the normal course of business. If the credit-risk-related contingent features were triggered on December 31, 2015 , the fair value of assets that could be required to settle the derivatives in a net liability position was $30,167 . At December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , the Company had pledged $50,924 and $106,110 of unrestricted cash collateral to counterparties in the normal course of business, while other counterparties had pledged $19,060 and $791 of unrestricted cash collateral to the Company to satisfy collateral netting agreements, respectively. At December 31, 2015 , the Company estimated $9,411 of net derivative gains related to cash flow hedges included in AOCI will be reclassified into net income within the next twelve months. Gains and losses included in AOCI are reclassified into net income when the hedged item affects earnings. Types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies Interest rate contracts Cash flow hedges Interest rate swap agreements are used to convert the interest rate on certain debt securities from a floating rate to a fixed rate. Interest rate futures are used to manage the interest rate risks of forecasted acquisitions of fixed rate maturity investments and are primarily structured to hedge interest rate risk inherent in the assumptions used to price certain liabilities. Fair value hedges Interest rate swap agreements are used to convert the interest rate on certain debt securities from a fixed rate to a floating rate to manage the interest rate risk of the change in the fair value of certain fixed rate maturity investments. Not designated as hedging instruments The Company enters into certain transactions in which derivatives are hedging an economic risk but hedge accounting is not elected. These derivative instruments include: exchange-traded interest rate swap futures, over-the-counter (“OTC”) interest rate swaptions, OTC interest rate swaps, exchange-traded Eurodollar interest rate futures, and treasury interest rate futures. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through a central clearing counterparty while others are bilateral contracts between the Company and a counterparty. The derivative instruments mentioned above are economic hedges and used to manage risk. These transactions are used to offset changes in liabilities including those in variable annuity products, hedge the economic effect of a large increase in interest rates, manage the potential variability in future interest payments due to a change in credited interest rates and the related change in cash flows due to increased surrenders, and manage interest rate risks of forecasted acquisitions of fixed rate maturity investments and forecasted liability pricing. Cross-currency contracts Cross-currency swaps are used to manage the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with investments denominated in other than U.S. dollars. The Company uses cross-currency swaps to convert interest and principal payments on foreign denominated debt instruments into U.S. dollars. Cross-currency swaps may be designated as cash flow hedges; however, hedge accounting is not always elected. Equity contracts Futures on equity indices are used to reduce the Company’s exposure to equity market risks; however, hedge accounting is not elected. The Company is hedging the risk of declining equity market values having an adverse effect on fee income collected on equity funds. The Company also uses futures on equity indices to offset changes in GLWB liabilities. Other contracts The Company uses forward settling to be announced (“TBA”) securities to gain exposure to the investment risk and return of agency mortgage-backed securities (pass-throughs). These transactions enhance the return on the Company’s investment portfolio and provide a more liquid and cost effective method of achieving these goals than purchasing or selling individual agency mortgage-backed pools. As the Company does not regularly accept delivery of such securities, they are accounted for as derivatives but hedge accounting is not elected. The Company had no open TBA contracts at either December 31, 2015, or 2014. The following tables summarize the notional amount and fair value of derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives: December 31, 2015 Net derivatives Asset derivatives Liability derivatives Notional amount Fair value Fair value (1) Fair value (1) Hedge designation/derivative type: Derivatives designated as hedges: Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 143,800 $ 11,843 $ 11,843 $ — Cross-currency swaps 380,873 28,714 28,736 22 Total cash flow hedges 524,673 40,557 40,579 22 Total derivatives designated as hedges 524,673 40,557 40,579 22 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps 303,600 3,240 8,295 5,055 Futures on equity indices 29,310 — — — Interest rate futures 117,200 — — — Interest rate swaptions 151,204 189 189 — Cross-currency swaps 662,935 (51,759 ) 19,537 71,296 Total derivatives not designated as hedges 1,264,249 (48,330 ) 28,021 76,351 Total derivative financial instruments $ 1,788,922 $ (7,773 ) $ 68,600 $ 76,373 (1) The estimated fair value excludes accrued income and expense. The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other assets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2014 Net derivatives Asset derivatives Liability derivatives Notional amount Fair value Fair value (1) Fair value (1) Hedge designation/derivative type: Derivatives designated as hedges: Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 184,200 $ 17,746 $ 17,746 $ — Cross-currency swaps 174,245 2,322 5,143 2,821 Total cash flow hedges 358,445 20,068 22,889 2,821 Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps 78,000 1,506 1,637 131 Total fair value hedges 78,000 1,506 1,637 131 Total derivatives designated as hedges 436,445 21,574 24,526 2,952 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps 128,100 4,402 6,246 1,844 Futures on equity indices 5,505 — — — Interest rate futures 17,958 — — — Interest rate swaptions 293,964 271 271 — Cross-currency swaps 662,935 (127,230 ) 4,561 131,791 Total derivatives not designated as hedges 1,108,462 (122,557 ) 11,078 133,635 Total derivative financial instruments $ 1,544,907 $ (100,983 ) $ 35,604 $ 136,587 (1) The estimated fair value excludes accrued income and expense. The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other assets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Notional amounts are used to express the extent of the Company’s involvement in derivative transactions and represent a standard measurement of the volume of its derivative activity. Notional amounts represent those amounts used to calculate contractual flows to be exchanged and are not paid or received. The average notional outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2015 , was $443,589 , $937,242 , $111,801 , $212,299 , and $5,014,845 for interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, futures, swaptions, and other forward contracts, respectively. The average notional outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2014 , was $340,262 , $732,581 , $21,702 , $407,552 , and $4,217,408 for interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, futures, swaptions, and other forward contracts, respectively. The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income reported by cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and economic hedges, excluding embedded derivatives: Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (Effective portion) Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 2,228 $ 9,096 $ (12,285 ) $ 6,779 $ 7,462 $ 5,067 (A) Interest rate swaps — — — 3,634 — — (B) Cross-currency swaps 28,833 11,041 15,387 2,101 1,030 — (A) Cross-currency swaps — — — — (154 ) — (B) Interest rate futures — — — (134 ) 70 63 (A) Total cash flow hedges $ 31,061 $ 20,137 $ 3,102 $ 12,380 $ 8,408 $ 5,130 (A) Net investment income. (B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net. Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income Gain (loss) on hedged assets recognized in net income Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps $ (1,507 ) $ (3,444 ) $ 6,342 (A) $ — $ — $ — Interest rate swaps 773 — 1,909 (B) — — — Items hedged in interest rate swaps — — — 1,511 3,439 (5,308 ) (A) Items hedged in interest rate swaps — — — (773 ) — (2,943 ) (B) Total fair value hedges $ (734 ) $ (3,444 ) $ 8,251 $ 738 $ 3,439 $ (8,251 ) (A) Net investment income. (B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net. Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Futures on equity indices $ (284 ) (A) $ (41 ) (A) $ (97 ) (A) Futures on equity indices (527 ) (B) (534 ) (B) (3,396 ) (B) Interest rate swaps (1,094 ) (A) 6,508 (A) (3,668 ) (A) Interest rate swaps — (B) — (B) (622 ) (B) Interest rate futures (65 ) (A) (51 ) (A) (458 ) (A) Interest rate futures 1 (B) 305 (B) 303 (B) Interest rate swaptions 2,868 (A) 2,424 (A) 3,241 (A) Interest rate swaptions (3,115 ) (B) (3,578 ) (B) (2,828 ) (B) Other forward contracts 5,074 (B) 94,465 (B) (57,442 ) (B) Cross-currency swaps 69,819 (A) 24,588 (A) (50,111 ) (A) Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 72,677 $ 124,086 $ (115,078 ) (A) Net investment income. (B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net. Embedded derivative - GLWB The Company offers GLWB through a variable annuity or a contingent deferred annuity. The GLWB is deemed to be an embedded derivative. The GLWB is recorded at fair value within future policy benefits on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value of GLWB are recorded in net investment income in the consolidated statements of income. The estimated fair value of the GLWB was $11,257 at December 31, 2015. The changes in fair value of the GLWB were $11,257 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Summary of Offsetting Assets an

Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Offsetting [Abstract]
Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities The Company enters into derivative transactions with several approved counterparties. The Company’s derivative transactions are generally governed by MSFTA or ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting in the event of default or bankruptcy of the Company’s counterparties. The Company’s MSFTA and ISDA Master Agreements generally include provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative transactions. These provisions have the effect of securing each party’s position to the extent of collateral held. The following tables summarize the effect of master netting arrangements on the Company’s financial position in the normal course of business and in the event of default or bankruptcy of the Company’s counterparties: December 31, 2015 Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets Gross fair value of Financial Cash collateral Net Financial instruments: recognized assets/liabilities (1) instruments received/(pledged) fair value Derivative instruments (assets) (2) $ 66,435 $ (38,236 ) $ 19,060 $ 9,139 Derivative instruments (liabilities) (3) 76,107 (38,236 ) (37,871 ) — December 31, 2014 Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets Gross fair value of Financial Cash collateral Net Financial instruments: recognized assets/liabilities (1) instruments received/(pledged) fair value Derivative instruments (assets) (2) $ 32,895 $ (32,595 ) $ 279 $ 21 Derivative instruments (liabilities) (3) 140,655 (32,595 ) (105,929 ) 2,131 (1) The gross fair value of derivative instruments are not netted against offsetting liabilities for presentation on the consolidated balance sheets. (2) The estimated fair value of derivative instrument assets is reported in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals. (3) The estimated fair value of derivative instrument liabilities is reported in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Recurring fair value measurements The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy category: Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Assets Fixed maturities available-for-sale: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ — $ 3,341,752 $ — $ 3,341,752 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions — 2,219,173 — 2,219,173 Foreign government securities — 2,286 — 2,286 Corporate debt securities — 12,501,174 4,538 12,505,712 Asset-backed securities — 1,311,370 — 1,311,370 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 125,372 — 125,372 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,016,908 — 1,016,908 Collateralized debt obligations — 9,054 — 9,054 Total fixed maturities available-for-sale — 20,527,089 4,538 20,531,627 Fixed maturities held-for-trading: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies — 558,208 — 558,208 Corporate debt securities — 56,566 — 56,566 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,065 — 1,065 Total fixed maturities held-for-trading — 615,839 — 615,839 Short-term investments 132,288 134,738 — 267,026 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 69,984 — — 69,984 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 11,843 — 11,843 Cross-currency swaps — 28,736 — 28,736 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 8,295 — 8,295 Interest rate swaptions — 189 — 189 Cross-currency swaps — 19,537 — 19,537 Total derivative instruments — 68,600 — 68,600 Separate account assets 15,249,966 11,381,227 26,631,193 Total assets $ 15,452,238 $ 32,727,493 $ 4,538 $ 48,184,269 Liabilities Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements $ 19,060 $ — $ — $ 19,060 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Cross-currency swaps — 22 — 22 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 5,055 — 5,055 Cross-currency swaps — 71,296 — 71,296 Total derivative instruments — 76,373 — 76,373 Embedded derivatives - GLWB — — 11,257 11,257 Separate account liabilities (1) 24 290,293 — 290,317 Total liabilities $ 19,084 $ 366,666 $ 11,257 $ 397,007 (1) Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying liabilities owned by the separate accounts. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2014 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Assets Fixed maturities available-for-sale: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ — $ 3,547,256 $ — $ 3,547,256 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions — 2,172,484 — 2,172,484 Foreign government securities — 2,451 — 2,451 Corporate debt securities — 11,933,607 5,842 11,939,449 Asset-backed securities — 1,398,503 36 1,398,539 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 173,229 — 173,229 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 918,205 — 918,205 Collateralized debt obligations — 10,465 — 10,465 Total fixed maturities available-for-sale — 20,156,200 5,878 20,162,078 Fixed maturities held-for-trading: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies — 279,602 — 279,602 Corporate debt securities — 57,850 — 57,850 Asset-backed securities — — — — Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,091 — 1,091 Total fixed maturities held-for-trading — 338,543 — 338,543 Short-term investments 156,935 106,566 — 263,501 Collateral under securities lending agreements 13,741 — — 13,741 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 106,901 — — 106,901 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 19,383 — 19,383 Cross-currency swaps — 5,143 — 5,143 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 6,246 — 6,246 Interest rate swaptions — 271 — 271 Cross-currency swaps — 4,561 — 4,561 Total derivative instruments — 35,604 — 35,604 Separate account assets 16,146,057 11,572,787 — 27,718,844 Total assets $ 16,423,634 $ 32,209,700 $ 5,878 $ 48,639,212 Liabilities Payable under securities lending agreements $ 13,741 $ — $ — $ 13,741 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 791 — — 791 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 131 — 131 Cross-currency swaps — 2,821 — 2,821 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 1,844 — 1,844 Cross-currency swaps — 131,791 — 131,791 Total derivative instruments — 136,587 — 136,587 Separate account liabilities (1) 15 217,712 — 217,727 Total liabilities $ 14,547 $ 354,299 $ — $ 368,846 (1) Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying liabilities owned by the separate accounts. The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows: Fixed maturity investments The fair values for fixed maturity investments are generally based upon market prices from independent pricing services. In cases where market prices are not readily available, fair values are estimated by the Company. To determine estimated fair value for these instruments, the Company generally utilizes discounted cash flow models with market observable pricing inputs such as spreads, average life, and credit quality. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about financial instruments, including estimates of the timing and amounts of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer or counterparty. Short-term investments and securities lending agreements The amortized cost of short-term investments, collateral under securities lending agreements, and payable under securities lending agreements is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their short-term nature and high credit quality of the issuers. Derivative counterparty collateral agreements Included in other assets is cash collateral received from or pledged to derivative counterparties and included in other liabilities is the obligation to return the cash collateral to the counterparties. The carrying value of the collateral is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Derivative instruments Included in other assets and other liabilities are derivative financial instruments. The estimated fair values of OTC derivatives, primarily consisting of cross-currency swaps, interest rate swaps, and interest rate swaptions, are the estimated amounts the Company would receive or pay to terminate the agreements at the end of each reporting period, taking into consideration current interest rates and other relevant factors. Embedded derivatives - GLWB Significant unobservable inputs are used in the fair value measurements of GLWB include long-term equity and interest rate implied volatility, mortality, and policyholder behavior assumptions, such as benefit utilization and partial withdrawals. Separate account assets and liabilities Separate account assets and liabilities primarily include investments in mutual fund, fixed maturity, and short-term securities. Mutual funds are recorded at net asset value, which approximates fair value, on a daily basis. The fixed maturity and short-term investments are valued in the same manner, and using the same pricing sources and inputs as the fixed maturity and short-term investments of the Company. The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value: Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities Year Ended December 31, 2015 Assets Liabilities Fixed maturities available-for-sale Embedded derivatives - GLWB Corporate Asset-backed Collateralized debt securities securities debt obligations Total Balances, January 1, 2015 $ 5,842 $ 36 $ — $ 5,878 $ — Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Net Income — — — — 11,257 Other comprehensive income (loss) (178 ) — — (178 ) — Settlements (1,126 ) — — (1,126 ) — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — (36 ) — (36 ) $ — Balances, December 31, 2015 $ 4,538 $ — $ — $ 4,538 $ 11,257 Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets held at December 31, 2015 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 11,257 (1) Transfers out of Level 3 are due primarily to increased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced by corroboration of market prices with multiple pricing vendors and internal models. Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities Year Ended December 31, 2014 Fixed maturities available-for-sale Corporate Asset-backed Collateralized debt securities securities debt obligations Total Balances, January 1, 2014 $ 6,652 $ 252,958 $ 32 $ 259,642 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Net Income — — (17 ) (17 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (178 ) — (15 ) (193 ) Settlements (632 ) (19 ) — (651 ) Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — (252,903 ) — (252,903 ) Balances, December 31, 2014 $ 5,842 $ 36 $ — $ 5,878 Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets held at December 31, 2014 $ — $ — $ — $ — (1) Transfers out of Level 3 are due primarily to increased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced by corroboration of market prices with multiple pricing vendors and internal models. Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities Year Ended December 31, 2013 Fixed maturities available-for-sale Corporate Asset-backed Collateralized debt securities securities debt obligations Total January 1, 2013 $ 1,822 $ 265,538 $ 32 $ 267,392 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Other comprehensive income (loss) (240 ) 34,766 — 34,526 Settlements (762 ) (47,346 ) — (48,108 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) 5,832 — — 5,832 Balances, December 31, 2013 $ 6,652 $ 252,958 $ 32 $ 259,642 Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets held at December 31, 2013 $ — $ — $ — $ — (1) Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies. The following table presents significant unobservable inputs used during the valuation of certain assets categorized within Level 3 of the recurring fair value measurements table: December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Embedded derivatives - GLWB $ 11,257 Risk neutral stochastic valuation methodology Equity volatility 15% - 28% Swap curve 0.75% - 3.00% Mortality rate Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table Lapse rate 1% - 15% Generally, the following will cause an increase (decrease) in GLWB embedded derivative fair value liabilities: • An increase (decrease) in equity volatility; • A decrease (increase) in interest rates; • A decrease (increase) in mortality; • A decrease (increase) in lapses. The Company notes the following interrelationships: • Low equity returns will potentially result in higher in-the-moneyness. This may result in lower lapses increasing the projected number of inforce policies and may also increase the fair value of the GLWB. Non-recurring fair value measurements - Certain assets are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not included in the tables above. The Company held zero and $9,242 of adjusted cost basis limited partnership interests which were impaired at December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively, based on the fair value disclosed in the limited partnership financial statements. These limited partnership interests were recorded at estimated fair value and represent a non-recurring fair value measurement. The estimated fair value was categorized as Level 3. Fair value of financial instruments The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated amount fair value amount fair value Assets Mortgage loans on real estate $ 3,247,704 $ 3,362,496 $ 3,363,570 $ 3,558,111 Policy loans 4,092,661 4,092,661 4,130,062 4,130,062 Limited partnership interests 35,039 34,882 38,796 41,853 Other investments 14,596 44,723 15,614 43,263 Liabilities Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies $ 11,104,721 $ 10,839,205 $ 10,569,147 $ 10,563,477 Policyholders’ funds 299,577 299,577 335,484 335,484 Commercial paper 93,371 93,371 98,589 98,589 Notes payable 532,575 563,633 532,547 564,904 The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments not carried at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows: Mortgage loans on real estate Mortgage loan fair value estimates are generally based on discounted cash flows. A discount rate matrix is used where the discount rate valuing a specific mortgage generally corresponds to that mortgage’s remaining term and credit quality. Management believes the discount rate used is comparable to the credit, interest rate, term, servicing costs, and risks of loans similar to the portfolio loans that the Company would make today given its internal pricing strategy. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2. Policy loans Policy loans are funds provided to policyholders in return for a claim on the policy. The funds provided are limited to the cash surrender value of the underlying policy. The nature of policy loans is to have a negligible default risk as the loans are fully collateralized by the value of the policy. Policy loans do not have a stated maturity, and the balances and accrued interest are repaid either by the policyholder or with proceeds from the policy. Due to the collateralized nature of policy loans and unpredictable timing of repayments, the Company believes the fair value of policy loans approximates their carrying value. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2. Limited partnership interests Limited partnership interests, accounted for using the cost method, represent the Company’s minority ownership interests in pooled investment funds. These funds employ varying investment strategies that principally make private equity investments across diverse industries and geographical focuses. The estimated fair value was determined using the partnership financial statement reported capital account or net asset value adjusted for other relevant information which may impact the exit value of the investments. Distributions by these investments are generated from investment gains, from operating income generated by the underlying investments of the funds and from liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds which are estimated to be liquidated over the next 1 to 10 years . The estimated fair value is classified as Level 3. Other investments Other investments primarily include real estate held for investment. The estimated fair value for real estate is based on the unadjusted annual appraised value which includes factors such as comparable property sales, property income analysis, and capitalization rates. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2. Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies The estimated fair value of annuity contract benefits without life contingencies is estimated by discounting the projected expected cash flows to the maturity of the contracts utilizing risk-free spot interest rates plus a provision for the Company’s credit risk. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2. Policyholders’ funds The carrying amount of policyholders’ funds approximates the fair value since the Company can change the interest credited rates with 30 days notice. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2. Commercial paper The amortized cost of commercial paper is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to its short-term nature and the high credit quality of the obligor. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2. Notes payable Notes payable is recorded in due to parent and affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of the notes payable to GWL&A Financial is based upon quoted market prices from independent pricing services of securities with characteristics similar to those of the notes payable. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 2.

Minimum Guarantees

Minimum Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Minimum Guarantees	Minimum Guarantees The Company calculates additional liabilities for GMDB and GLWB. The following assumptions and methodology were used to determine GMDB additional reserves at December 31, 2015, and 2014 . Area Assumptions/Basis for Assumptions Data Used Based on 1,050 investment performance scenarios Mean Investment Performance Investment performance modeled in 3 classes: Volatility Volatility modeled in 3 classes: Mortality Based on the 1994 VA MGDB Mortality Table Lapse Rates Lapse Rates vary by duration and surrender charge Discount Rates 5% The following assumptions and methodology were used to determine GLWB additional reserves at December 31, 2015. December 31, 2015 Area Assumptions/Basis for Assumptions Equity volatility 15% - 28% Swap curve 0.75% - 3.00% Mortality rate Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table Lapse rate 1% - 15% The separate account liabilities subject to the requirements for additional liabilities for GMDB and GLWB, net amount at risk, net of reinsurance, and the weighted average attained age of contract owners for GMDB and GLWB at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , were as follows: GMDB GLWB Total December 31, 2015 Separate account liability $ 55,999 210,240 266,239 Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance $ 29,050 7,582 36,632 Weighted average attained age 70 57 N/A December 31, 2014 Separate account liability $ 60,388 — 60,388 Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance $ 30,095 — 30,095 Weighted average attained age 69 N/A N/A The paid and incurred amounts for GMDB and GLWB for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows: GMDB GLWB Total Additional liability balance: Balances, January 1, 2013 6,928 — 6,928 Incurred guaranteed benefits (135 ) — (135 ) Paid guaranteed benefits (800 ) — (800 ) Balances, December 31, 2013 5,993 — 5,993 Incurred guaranteed benefits 305 — 305 Paid guaranteed benefits (732 ) — (732 ) Balances, December 31, 2014 5,566 — 5,566 Incurred guaranteed benefits 821 4,813 5,634 Paid guaranteed benefits (920 ) — (920 ) Balances, December 31, 2015 5,467 4,813 10,280 The aggregate fair value of equity securities supporting separate accounts with GMDB and GLWB were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Equity securities - GMDB $ 55,997 $ 60,368 Equity securities - GLWB 209,828 — Total 265,825 60,368

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance In the normal course of its business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding risks to other insurance enterprises under excess coverage, quota share, yearly renewable term, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance contracts. The Company retains an initial maximum of $3,500 of coverage per individual life. This initial retention limit of $3,500 may increase due to automatic policy increases in coverage at a maximum rate of $175 per annum, with an overall maximum increase in coverage of $1,000 . Ceded reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. The failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. At December 31, 2015, and 2014 , the reinsurance receivables had carrying values in the amounts of $604,946 and $611,270 , respectively. Included in these amounts are $530,213 and $529,921 at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively, associated with reinsurance agreements with a related party. At December 31, 2015, and 2014 , 88% and 87% , respectively, of the total reinsurance receivable was due from CLAC, a related party. The Company assumes risk from approximately 40 insurers and reinsurers by participating in yearly renewable term and coinsurance pool agreements. When assuming risk, the Company seeks to generate revenue while maintaining reciprocal working relationships with these partners as they also seek to limit their exposure to loss on any single life. Maximum capacity to be retained by the Company is dictated at the treaty level and is monitored annually to ensure the total risk retained on any one life is limited to a maximum retention of $4,500 . The following tables summarize life insurance in-force and total premium income at and for the year ended December 31, 2015 : Life insurance in-force Individual Group Total Written and earned direct $ 53,403,194 $ 41,855,857 $ 95,259,051 Reinsurance ceded (10,169,625 ) (393,512 ) (10,563,137 ) Reinsurance assumed 58,742,234 — 58,742,234 Net $ 101,975,803 $ 41,462,345 $ 143,438,148 Percentage of amount assumed to net 58 % — % 41 % Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 368,442 $ 503 $ 368,945 Reinsurance ceded (48,107 ) (86 ) (48,193 ) Reinsurance assumed 124,798 — 124,798 Net $ 445,133 $ 417 $ 445,550 The following tables summarize life insurance in-force and total premium income at and for the year ended December 31, 2014 : Life insurance in-force Individual Group Total Written and earned direct $ 52,836,475 $ 41,268,214 $ 94,104,689 Reinsurance ceded (9,773,885 ) — (9,773,885 ) Reinsurance assumed 61,911,865 — 61,911,865 Net $ 104,974,455 $ 41,268,214 $ 146,242,669 Percentage of amount assumed to net 59 % — % 42 % Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 360,959 $ 1,255 $ 362,214 Reinsurance ceded (45,925 ) (95 ) (46,020 ) Reinsurance assumed 130,201 — 130,201 Net $ 445,235 $ 1,160 $ 446,395 The following table summarizes total premium income for the year ended December 31, 2013 : Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 315,100 $ 4,000 $ 319,100 Reinsurance ceded (1,338 ) (88 ) (1,426 ) Reinsurance assumed 146,419 — 146,419 Net $ 460,181 $ 3,912 $ 464,093 Reinsurance recoveries for life and other policy benefits were $23,179 , $23,965 , and $34,716 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , respectively.

Deferred Acquisition Costs and

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired	Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired The following table summarizes activity in DAC and VOBA: DAC VOBA Total Balances, January 1, 2013 $ 172,416 $ 32,045 $ 204,461 Correction to Balance, January 1, 2013 45,058 — 45,058 Capitalized additions 80,486 — 80,486 Amortization and writedowns (55,490 ) (4,155 ) (59,645 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses 71,601 1,327 72,928 Balances, December 31, 2013 314,071 29,217 343,288 Capitalized additions 110,315 — 110,315 Amortization and writedowns (41,045 ) (3,801 ) (44,846 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses (29,933 ) (130 ) (30,063 ) Balances, December 31, 2014 353,408 25,286 378,694 Capitalized additions 63,093 — 63,093 Amortization and writedowns (96,095 ) (4,493 ) (100,588 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses 73,012 (68 ) 72,944 Balances, December 31, 2015 $ 393,418 $ 20,725 $ 414,143 The estimated future amortization of VOBA for the years ended December 31, 2016 , through December 31, 2020 , is approximately $3,400 per annum.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The balance of goodwill, all of which is within the Empower Retirement (formerly known as “Retirement Services”) segment, is as follows: Goodwill 2015 2014 Balances, January 1 $ 137,683 $ 105,255 Acquisitions (1) — 32,428 Balances, December 31 $ 137,683 $ 137,683 (1) During 2014, the Company acquired goodwill of $32,428 from the acquisition of RPS. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the acquisition. The following tables summarize other intangible assets, all of which are within the Empower Retirement segment: December 31, 2015 Gross carrying Accumulated amount amortization Net book value Customer relationships $ 47,580 $ (24,251 ) $ 23,329 Non-competition 1,325 (835 ) 490 Total $ 48,905 $ (25,086 ) $ 23,819 December 31, 2014 Gross carrying Accumulated amount amortization Net book value Customer relationships (1) $ 51,280 $ (24,481 ) $ 26,799 Non-competition (1) 1,325 (209 ) 1,116 Total $ 52,605 $ (24,690 ) $ 27,915 (1) During 2014, the Company acquired $14,966 and $1,325 of customer relationship and non-competition intangible assets, respectively, from the acquisition of RPS. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the acquisition. Amortization expense for other intangible assets included in general insurance expenses was $4,096 , $3,531 , and $3,094 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , respectively. Except for goodwill, the Company has no intangible assets with indefinite lives. The estimated future amortization of other intangible assets using current assumptions, which are subject to change, for the years ended December 31, 2016 , through December 31, 2020 , is approximately $2,800 per annum.

Commercial Paper

Commercial Paper	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Commercial Paper	Commercial Paper The Company maintains a commercial paper program that is partially supported by a $50,000 corporate credit facility. The following table provides information regarding the Company’s commercial paper program: December 31, 2015 2014 Face value $93,371 $98,589 Carrying value 93,371 98,589 Effective interest rate 0.5%-0.6% 0.2% Maturity range (days) 8 - 28 7 - 27

Stockholder's Equity and Divide

Stockholder's Equity and Dividend Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholder's Equity and Dividend Restrictions	Stockholder’s Equity and Dividend Restrictions At December 31, 2015, and 2014 , the Company had 50,000,000 shares of $1 par value preferred stock authorized, none of which was issued or outstanding at either date. In addition, the Company has 50,000,000 shares of $1 par value common stock authorized, 7,232,986 and 7,032,000 of which were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The Company’s net income and capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles and practices as prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), is as follows: Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 Net income $ 187,232 $ 134,091 $ 175,292 Capital and surplus $ 1,114,764 $ 1,000,938 Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of a company’s total adjusted capital (“TAC”) to its authorized control level risk-based capital (“ACL”), as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles and practices as prescribed by the NAIC. Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective action. The minimum level of TAC before corrective action commences is 200% of ACL. The Company’s risk-based capital ratio was in excess of the required amount as of December 31, 2015 . Dividends are paid as determined by the Board of Directors, subject to restrictions as discussed below. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , the Company paid dividends in the amounts of $139,533 , $316,401 , and $102,436 , respectively, to its parent company, GWL&A Financial. As an insurance company domiciled in the State of Colorado, the Company is required to maintain a minimum of $2,000 of capital and surplus. In addition, the maximum amount of dividends which can be paid to stockholders by insurance companies domiciled in the State of Colorado, without prior approval of the Insurance Commissioner, is subject to restrictions relating to statutory capital and surplus and statutory net gain from operations. As filed with the Colorado Division of Insurance, the statutory capital and surplus and net gain from operations at and for the year ended December 31, 2015 , were $1,114,764 and $189,576 , respectively. Based on the as filed amounts, the Company may pay an amount less than $111,476 of dividends during the year ended December 31, 2016 , without the prior approval of the Colorado Insurance Commissioner. Prior to any payments of dividends, the Company seeks approval from the Colorado Insurance Commissioner.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	Other Comprehensive Income The following tables present the accumulated balances for each classification of other comprehensive income (loss): Year Ended December 31, 2015 Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on cash flow hedges Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments Employee benefit plan adjustment Total Balances, January 1, 2015 $ 784,183 $ 33,141 $ (108,194 ) $ (106,112 ) $ 603,018 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (418,522 ) 20,190 42,409 12,825 (343,098 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (26,141 ) (8,047 ) — 7,706 (26,482 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (444,663 ) 12,143 42,409 20,531 (369,580 ) Balances, December 31, 2015 $ 339,520 $ 45,284 $ (65,785 ) $ (85,581 ) $ 233,438 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on cash flow hedges Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments Employee benefit plan adjustment Total Balances, January 1, 2014 $ 434,023 $ 25,517 $ (70,000 ) $ (43,786 ) $ 345,754 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 381,198 13,089 (38,194 ) (67,380 ) 288,713 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (31,038 ) (5,465 ) — 5,054 (31,449 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 350,160 7,624 (38,194 ) (62,326 ) 257,264 Balances, December 31, 2014 $ 784,183 $ 33,141 $ (108,194 ) $ (106,112 ) $ 603,018 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on cash flow hedges Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments Employee benefit plan adjustment Total Balances, January 1, 2013 $ 927,678 $ 24,962 $ (194,147 ) $ (122,794 ) $ 635,699 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (467,178 ) 2,016 124,147 68,422 (272,593 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (26,477 ) (1,461 ) — 10,586 (17,352 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (493,655 ) 555 124,147 79,008 (289,945 ) Balances, December 31, 2013 $ 434,023 $ 25,517 $ (70,000 ) $ (43,786 ) $ 345,754 The following tables present the composition of other comprehensive income (loss): Year Ended December 31, 2015 Before-tax Tax (expense) Net-of-tax amount benefit amount Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ (643,880 ) $ 225,358 $ (418,522 ) Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges 31,061 (10,871 ) 20,190 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income (52,597 ) 18,409 (34,188 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments (665,416 ) 232,896 (432,520 ) Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments 65,245 (22,836 ) 42,409 Net unrealized gains (losses) (600,171 ) 210,060 (390,111 ) Employee benefit plan adjustment 31,586 (11,055 ) 20,531 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (568,585 ) $ 199,005 $ (369,580 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Before-tax Tax (expense) Net-of-tax amount benefit amount Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 586,458 $ (205,260 ) $ 381,198 Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges 20,137 (7,048 ) 13,089 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income (56,159 ) 19,656 (36,503 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments 550,436 (192,652 ) 357,784 Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments (58,760 ) 20,566 (38,194 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) 491,676 (172,086 ) 319,590 Employee benefit plan adjustment (95,886 ) 33,560 (62,326 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 395,790 $ (138,526 ) $ 257,264 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Before-tax Tax (expense) Net-of-tax amount benefit amount Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ (718,735 ) $ 251,557 $ (467,178 ) Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges 3,102 (1,086 ) 2,016 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income (42,982 ) 15,044 (27,938 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments (758,615 ) 265,515 (493,100 ) Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments 190,995 (66,848 ) 124,147 Net unrealized gains (losses) (567,620 ) 198,667 (368,953 ) Employee benefit plan adjustment 121,551 (42,543 ) 79,008 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (446,069 ) $ 156,124 $ (289,945 ) The following table presents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented Unrealized holdings (gains) losses, net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ (40,217 ) $ (47,751 ) Other realized investment (gains) losses, net (40,217 ) (47,751 ) Total before tax (14,076 ) (16,713 ) Tax expense or benefit $ (26,141 ) $ (31,038 ) Net of tax Unrealized holdings (gains) losses, net, arising on cash flow hedges $ (12,380 ) $ (8,408 ) Net investment income (12,380 ) (8,408 ) Total before tax (4,333 ) (2,943 ) Tax expense or benefit $ (8,047 ) $ (5,465 ) Net of tax Amortization of employee benefit plan items Prior service costs (benefits) $ (694 ) (1) $ 3,189 (1) Actuarial losses (gains) 12,550 (1) 2,730 (1) Settlement — (1) 1,857 (1) 11,856 7,776 Total before tax 4,150 2,722 Tax expense or benefit $ 7,706 $ 5,054 Net of tax Total reclassification $ (26,482 ) $ (31,449 ) Net of tax (1) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic (benefit) cost of employee benefit plans (see Note 17 for additional details).

General Insurance Expenses

General Insurance Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Abstract]
General Insurance Expenses	General Insurance Expenses The following table summarizes the significant components of general insurance expenses: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Compensation $ 564,008 $ 406,601 $ 359,280 Commissions 206,360 210,797 184,238 Other 308,628 163,593 106,829 Total general insurance expenses $ 1,078,996 $ 780,991 $ 650,347

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans The Company has a noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan covering substantially all of its employees that were hired before January 1, 1999. Prior to December 31, 2012, the Company accounted for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan as the direct legal obligation of the Company and accounted for the corresponding plan obligations on its balance sheet and statements of income. Effective December 31, 2012, the Company transferred the sponsorship of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan to GWL&A Financial, the Company’s immediate parent. Despite the change in sponsorship of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, the Company continues to account for the corresponding plan obligations on its balance sheet and statements of income. Benefits for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan are based principally on an employee’s years of service and compensation levels near retirement. The Company’s policy for funding the Defined Benefit Pension Plans is to make annual contributions, which equal or exceed regulatory requirements. The Company sponsors an unfunded Post-Retirement Medical Plan (the “Medical Plan”) that provides health benefits to retired employees who are not Medicare eligible. The Medical Plan is contributory and contains other cost sharing features which may be adjusted annually for the expected general inflation rate. The Company’s policy is to fund the cost of the Medical Plan benefits in amounts determined at the discretion of management. The Company also provides Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans to certain key executives. These plans provide key executives with certain benefits upon retirement, disability, or death based upon total compensation. The Company has purchased individual life insurance policies with respect to employees covered by these plans. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of the insurance contracts. A December 31 measurement date is used for the employee benefit plans. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and the underfunded status for the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Post-Retirement Medical Plan Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Total Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, January 1 $ 583,080 $ 456,402 $ 12,782 $ 11,081 $ 55,832 $ 62,305 $ 651,694 $ 529,788 Service cost 12,851 4,952 1,042 985 282 586 14,175 6,523 Interest cost 23,987 23,068 560 574 2,122 2,528 26,669 26,170 Actuarial (gain) loss (42,863 ) 113,410 3,360 (2,092 ) (9,504 ) 3,376 (49,007 ) 114,694 Regular benefits paid (16,238 ) (14,752 ) (1,446 ) (508 ) (4,874 ) (16,874 ) (22,558 ) (32,134 ) Amendment — — — (569 ) — 3,911 — 3,342 Acquisition — — 339 3,311 — — 339 3,311 Benefit obligation, December 31 $ 560,817 $ 583,080 $ 16,637 $ 12,782 $ 43,858 $ 55,832 $ 621,312 $ 651,694 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 544,011 $ 562,760 $ 16,637 $ 12,782 $ 42,182 $ 50,032 $ 602,830 $ 625,574 On January 1, 2015, the Company acquired the retirement business of Putnam, an affiliate of the Company. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the acquisition. Per the terms of the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Company was required to give each Putnam employee full credit for the employee’s service period with Putnam prior to the closing date for the purpose of eligibility to participate, vesting and level of benefits under the Post-Retirement Medical Plan. As a result, approximately 150 individuals became eligible participants of the Post-Retirement Medical Plan at January 1, 2015. The transaction was recorded as a prior service cost, which resulted in a $339 increase before tax to other liabilities and expenses and a decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income. On August 29, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of RPS. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the acquisition. Per the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Company was required to give each RPS employee full credit for the employee’s service period with RPS prior to the closing date, for the purpose of eligibility to participate, vesting, and level of benefits under the Post-Retirement Medical Plan. As a result, approximately 1,000 individuals became eligible participants of the Post-Retirement Medical Plan at the acquisition date. The acquisition resulted in a $3,311 increase before tax to other liabilities with an offsetting increase to goodwill. During 2014, one participant in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan received an enhancement to his benefit. The enhancement resulted in a $3,911 increase before tax to other liabilities with an offsetting decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income. During 2014, the Post-Retirement Medical Plan was amended to allow only one medical plan option to retirees. Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in plan assets: Value of plan assets, January 1 $ 443,962 $ 404,335 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 443,962 $ 404,335 Actual return on plan assets (593 ) 43,662 — — — — (593 ) 43,662 Employer contributions — 10,717 1,446 508 4,874 16,874 6,320 28,099 Benefits paid (16,238 ) (14,752 ) (1,446 ) (508 ) (4,874 ) (16,874 ) (22,558 ) (32,134 ) Value of plan assets, December 31 $ 427,131 $ 443,962 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 427,131 $ 443,962 Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Under funded status at December 31 $ (133,686 ) $ (139,118 ) $ (16,637 ) $ (12,782 ) $ (43,858 ) $ (55,832 ) $ (194,181 ) $ (207,732 ) The following table presents amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans: Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets: Other liabilities $ (133,686 ) $ (139,118 ) $ (16,637 ) $ (12,782 ) $ (43,858 ) $ (55,832 ) $ (194,181 ) $ (207,732 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (139,316 ) (165,652 ) 8,540 14,390 (890 ) (11,990 ) (131,666 ) (163,252 ) The following table provides information regarding amounts in AOCI that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2015 : Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Net gain (loss) $ (139,316 ) $ (90,555 ) $ 6,815 $ 4,430 $ 1,311 $ 852 $ (131,190 ) $ (85,273 ) Net prior service (cost) credit — — 1,725 1,121 (2,201 ) (1,431 ) (476 ) (310 ) $ (139,316 ) $ (90,555 ) $ 8,540 $ 5,551 $ (890 ) $ (579 ) $ (131,666 ) $ (85,583 ) The following table provides information regarding amounts in AOCI that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the year ended December 31, 2016 : Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Net gain (loss) $ (9,940 ) $ (6,461 ) $ 341 $ 222 $ 61 $ 40 $ (9,538 ) $ (6,199 ) Prior service (cost) credit — — 1,102 716 (501 ) (326 ) 601 390 $ (9,940 ) $ (6,461 ) $ 1,443 $ 938 $ (440 ) $ (286 ) $ (8,937 ) $ (5,809 ) The expected benefit payments for the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans for the years indicated are as follows: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Post-Retirement Medical Plan Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan 2016 $ 17,148 $ 787 $ 3,337 2017 18,164 805 3,320 2018 19,820 800 2,852 2019 21,211 880 2,535 2020 22,753 913 2,510 2021 through 2025 144,889 5,997 17,504 Net periodic (benefit) cost of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans included in general insurance expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income includes the following components: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Components of net periodic cost: Service cost $ 12,851 $ 4,952 $ 5,527 Interest cost 23,987 23,068 20,897 Expected return on plan assets (28,345 ) (29,288 ) (24,499 ) Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost 13 51 51 Amortization of loss from earlier periods 12,398 2,898 16,001 Net periodic cost $ 20,904 $ 1,681 $ 17,977 Post-Retirement Medical Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Components of net periodic benefit: Service cost $ 1,042 $ 985 $ 947 Interest cost 560 574 512 Amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit (1,640 ) (1,706 ) (1,650 ) Amortization of gain from earlier periods (511 ) (450 ) (348 ) Net periodic benefit $ (549 ) $ (597 ) $ (539 ) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Components of net periodic cost: Service cost $ 282 $ 586 $ 1,002 Interest cost 2,122 2,528 2,548 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost 933 4,844 933 Amortization of loss from earlier periods 663 282 1,299 Settlement — 1,857 — Net periodic cost $ 4,000 $ 10,097 $ 5,782 On August 1, 2014, the Company made a lump-sum benefit payment from the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The lump-sum distribution resulted in the settlement of 21% of the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan’s projected benefit obligation and exceeded the total of the projected service cost and interest cost for the plan year. In connection with this settlement during the third quarter of 2014, the Company reclassified a $1,857 loss before tax to earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income. The lump-sum benefit payment also resulted in the recognition of $3,911 of prior service costs within earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income. The following tables present the assumptions used in determining benefit obligations of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and the Supplemental Executive Retirement plans: Defined Benefit Pension Plan December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.55 % 4.17 % Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.47 % Post-Retirement Medical Plan December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.31 % 3.94 % Initial health care cost trend 7.00 % 6.50 % Ultimate health care cost trend 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend is reached 2024 2018 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.22 % 3.99 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % During 2015, the Company adopted the Society of Actuaries 2015 Mortality Tables Report (RP-2015) and Mortality Improvement Scale (MP-2015), which adjusted the mortality assumptions used to measure retirement plan obligations. These mortality assumptions are an update to the tables adopted in 2014, to reflect two additional years of U.S. population mortality improvement data. During 2014, the Company adopted the Society of Actuaries 2014 Mortality Tables Report (RP-2014) and Mortality Improvement Scale (MP-2014), which adjusted the mortality assumptions used to measure retirement plan obligations. The updated mortality assumptions reflect increasing life expectancies in the United States, reflecting an increase to the Company’s benefit obligations of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and the Supplemental Executive Retirement plans. Future expenses of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and the Supplemental Executive Retirement plans are also expected to increase due to the new mortality assumptions. The following tables present the assumptions used in determining the net periodic (benefit) cost of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and the Supplemental Executive Retirement plans: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.17 % 5.11 % Expected return on plan assets 6.50 % 7.25 % Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.47 % Post-Retirement Medical Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.94 % 4.83 % Initial health care cost trend 6.50 % 7.00 % Ultimate health care cost trend 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend is reached 2018 2018 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.99 % 4.61 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % The discount rate has been set based on the rates of return on high-quality fixed-income investments currently available and expected to be available during the period the benefits will be paid. In particular, the yields on bonds rated AA or better on the measurement date have been used to set the discount rate. The following table presents the impact on the Post-Retirement Medical Plan that a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have on the following: One percentage point increase One percentage Increase (decrease) on total service and interest cost on components $ 271 $ (225 ) Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation 2,099 (1,801 ) The following table presents how the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets are invested: December 31, 2015 2014 Equity securities 67 % 65 % Debt securities 31 % 33 % Other 2 % 2 % Total 100 % 100 % The following tables present information about the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value: Defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Common collective trust funds: Equity index funds $ — $ 94,751 $ — $ 94,751 Midcap index funds — 88,267 — 88,267 World equity index funds — 8,511 — 8,511 U.S. equity market funds — 94,471 — 94,471 Total common collective trust funds — 286,000 — 286,000 Fixed maturity investments: U.S. government direct obligations and agencies — 6,753 — 6,753 Obligations of U.S. states and their municipalities — 19,074 — 19,074 Corporate debt securities — 93,811 — 93,811 Asset-backed securities — 8,149 — 8,149 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 2,926 — 2,926 Total fixed maturity investments — 130,713 — 130,713 Preferred stock 280 — — 280 Limited partnership investments — — 7,654 7,654 Money market funds 2,484 — — 2,484 Total defined benefit plan assets $ 2,764 $ 416,713 $ 7,654 $ 427,131 Defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2014 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Common collective trust funds: Equity index funds $ — $ 93,415 $ — $ 93,415 Midcap index funds — 90,159 — 90,159 World equity index funds — 8,759 — 8,759 U.S. equity market funds — 93,911 — 93,911 Total common collective trust funds — 286,244 — 286,244 Fixed maturity investments: U.S. government direct obligations and agencies — 9,308 — 9,308 Obligations of U.S. states and their municipalities — 18,838 — 18,838 Corporate debt securities — 107,125 — 107,125 Asset-backed securities — 8,444 — 8,444 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 3,048 — 3,048 Total fixed maturity investments — 146,763 — 146,763 Preferred stock 310 — — 310 Limited partnership investments — — 8,114 8,114 Money market funds 2,531 — — 2,531 Total defined benefit plan assets $ 2,841 $ 433,007 $ 8,114 $ 443,962 The following tables present additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value: Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) limited partnership interest Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 8,114 $ 7,557 Actual return on plan assets (655 ) 510 Capital contributions to limited partnership interest 1,319 656 Capital distributions from limited partnership interest (1,124 ) (609 ) Balance, December 31 $ 7,654 $ 8,114 The investment objective of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan is to provide a risk-adjusted return that will ensure the payment of benefits while protecting against the risk of substantial investment losses. Correlations among the asset classes are used to identify an asset mix that the Company believes will provide the most attractive returns. Long-term return forecasts for each asset class using historical data and other qualitative considerations to adjust for projected economic forecasts are used to set the expected rate of return for the entire portfolio. The Defined Benefit Pension Plan utilizes various investment securities. Generally, investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate risks, credit risk, and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported. The following table presents the ranges the Company targets for the allocation of invested Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2016 : December 31, 2016 Equity securities 30 % Debt securities 52 % Other 18 % Total 100 % Management estimates the value of these investments will be recoverable. The Company does not expect any plan assets to be returned to it during the year ended December 31, 2016 . The Company expects to make payments of approximately $787 with respect to its Post-Retirement Medical Plan and $3,337 with respect to its Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan during the year ended December 31, 2016 . Other employee benefit plans The Company has an executive deferred compensation plan providing key executives with the opportunity to participate in an unfunded deferred compensation program. Under the program, participants may defer base compensation and bonuses and earn interest on the amounts deferred. The program is not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. Participant balances, which are reflected in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are $8,678 and $10,051 at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The participant deferrals earned interest at the average rates of 6.48% and 6.53% during the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The interest rate is based on the Moody’s Average Annual Corporate Bond Index rate plus 0.45% for actively employed participants and fixed rates ranging from 4.29% to 5.07% for retired participants. The Company offers an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan to a select group of management and highly compensated individuals. Participants defer a portion of their compensation and realize potential market gains or losses on the invested contributions. The program is not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. Participant balances, which are included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are $18,654 and $16,633 at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The Company sponsors a qualified defined contribution benefit plan covering all employees. Under this plan, employees may contribute a percentage of their annual compensation to the plan up to certain maximums, as defined by the plan and by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Currently, the Company matches a percentage of employee contributions in cash. The Company recognized $13,016 , $8,479 , and $6,693 in expense related to this plan for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current $ 76,842 $ 80,859 $ 82,878 Deferred 21,682 75,044 (24,087 ) Total income tax provision $ 98,524 $ 155,903 $ 58,791 The following table presents a reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Company’s effective federal income tax rate: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Income tax effect of: Investment income not subject to federal tax (3.0 )% (1.8 )% (4.6 )% Tax credits (0.2 )% (0.3 )% (2.0 )% State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.2 % 1.0 % 3.3 % Income tax contingency provisions — % (1.2 )% (0.4 )% Other, net (0.9 )% 0.2 % — % Effective federal income tax rate 34.1 % 32.9 % 31.3 % A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 26,890 $ 21,154 $ 25,850 Additions to tax positions in the current year 1,383 13,931 — Additions to tax positions in the prior year 50 — 1,497 Reductions to tax positions in the prior year — — (180 ) Reductions to tax positions from statutes expiring (5,230 ) (8,195 ) (6,013 ) Balance, end of year $ 23,093 $ 26,890 $ 21,154 There were no tax benefits included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $23,093 at December 31, 2015 , that would impact the annual effective tax rate. The Company anticipates a decrease in its unrecognized tax benefits of $4,500 to $5,500 in the next twelve months, primarily due to changes in the composition of the consolidated group. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in current income tax expense. The Company recognized decreases of $193 , $2,916 , and $286 in interest and penalties related to the uncertain tax positions during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , respectively. The Company had approximately $1,017 and $1,210 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years 2011 and prior. Tax years 2012 through 2014 are open to federal examination by the I.R.S. The Company does not expect significant increases or decreases to unrecognized tax benefits relating to federal, state, or local audits. Deferred income taxes represent the tax effect of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The tax effect of temporary differences, which give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities, is as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred Deferred Deferred Deferred tax asset tax liability tax asset tax liability Policyholder reserves $ — $ 262,822 $ — $ 255,926 Deferred acquisition costs — 8,533 2,467 — Investment assets — 221,303 — 426,477 Policyholder dividends 8,919 — 10,002 — Net operating loss carryforward 113,637 — 122,177 — Pension plan accrued benefit liability 79,945 — 84,351 — Goodwill — 33,034 — 26,022 Experience rated refunds 12,673 — 13,431 — Tax credits 154,017 — 149,516 — Other 19,385 — 11,865 — Total deferred taxes $ 388,576 $ 525,692 $ 393,809 $ 708,425 The deferred tax liability amounts presented for investment assets above include $171,780 and $381,838 related to the net unrealized losses (gains) on the Company’s investments, which are classified as available-for-sale at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The Company, together with certain of its subsidiaries, and Lifeco U.S. have entered into an income tax allocation agreement whereby Lifeco U.S. files a consolidated federal income tax return. Under the agreement, these companies are responsible for and will receive the benefits of any income tax liability or benefit computed on a separate tax return basis. The Company has federal net operating loss carry forwards generated by a subsidiary that is included in the Lifeco U.S. consolidated federal income tax return. As of December 31, 2015 , the subsidiary had net operating loss carry forwards expiring as follows: Year Amount 2021 $ 37,747 2022 136,796 2023 81,693 2028 2,215 Total $ 258,451 During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , the Company generated $3,295 , $15,506 , and $25,013 of Guaranteed Federal Low Income Housing tax credit carryforwards, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , the total credit carryforward for Low Income Housing is $142,878 . These credits will begin to expire in 2030 . Included in due from parent and affiliates at December 31, 2015, and 2014 is $11,790 and $13,400 , respectively, of income taxes receivable primarily from Lifeco U.S. related to the consolidated income tax return filed by the Company and certain subsidiaries. Included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015, and 2014 is $7,721 and $7,176 , respectively, of income taxes receivable in other assets primarily related to the separate state income tax returns filed by certain subsidiaries.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) of the Company is also the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company and Lifeco U.S. The CODM reviews the financial information for the purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources based upon the results of Lifeco U.S. and other U.S. affiliates prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. The CODM, in his capacity as CEO of the Company, reviews the Company’s financial information only in connection with the quarterly and annual reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Consequently, the Company does not provide its discrete financial information to the CODM to be regularly reviewed to make decisions about resources to be allocated or to assess performance. For purposes of SEC reporting requirements, the Company has chosen to present its financial information in three segments, notwithstanding the above. The three segments are: Individual Markets, Empower Retirement (formerly known as “Retirement Services”), and Other. Individual Markets The Individual Markets reporting and operating segment distributes life insurance and individual annuity products to both individuals and businesses through various distribution channels. Life insurance products in-force include participating and non-participating term life, whole life, universal life, and variable universal life. Empower Retirement The Empower Retirement reporting and operating segment provides various retirement plan products and investment options as well as comprehensive administrative and record-keeping services for financial institutions and employers, which include educational, advisory, enrollment, and communication services for employer-sponsored defined contribution plans and associated defined benefit plans. Other The Company’s Other reporting segment is substantially comprised of activity under the assumption of reinsurance between GWSC and CLAC (“the GWSC operating segment”), corporate items not directly allocated to the other operating segments and interest expense on long-term debt. The accounting principles used to determine segment results are the same as those used in the consolidated financial statements. The Company evaluates performance of its reportable segments based on their profitability from operations after income taxes. Inter-segment transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s operations are not materially dependent on one or a few customers, brokers, or agents. The following tables summarize segment financial information: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 360,783 $ 533 $ 84,234 $ 445,550 Fee income 87,471 853,076 3,979 944,526 Other revenue — 13,563 — 13,563 Net investment income 801,935 398,639 53,856 1,254,430 Realized investments gains (losses), net 28,864 54,752 94 83,710 Total revenues 1,279,053 1,320,563 142,163 2,741,779 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 931,631 201,791 101,205 1,234,627 Operating expenses 159,719 992,564 65,890 1,218,173 Total benefits and expenses 1,091,350 1,194,355 167,095 2,452,800 Income (loss) before income taxes 187,703 126,208 (24,932 ) 288,979 Income tax expense (benefit) 64,360 43,058 (8,894 ) 98,524 Net income (loss) $ 123,343 $ 83,150 $ (16,038 ) $ 190,455 December 31, 2015 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Assets: Investments $ 16,074,681 $ 10,966,096 $ 1,770,249 $ 28,811,026 Other assets 1,358,934 927,061 149,655 2,435,650 Separate account assets 7,031,013 19,600,180 — 26,631,193 Assets of continuing operations $ 24,464,628 $ 31,493,337 $ 1,919,904 57,877,869 Assets of discontinued operations 21,910 Total assets $ 57,899,779 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 360,305 $ 1,215 $ 84,875 $ 446,395 Fee income 95,631 629,533 4,015 729,179 Other revenue — 7,506 — 7,506 Net investment income 748,015 426,340 54,033 1,228,388 Realized investments gains (losses), net 44,381 102,597 393 147,371 Total revenues 1,248,332 1,167,191 143,316 2,558,839 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 902,982 206,339 113,124 1,222,445 Operating expenses 136,850 647,165 79,107 863,122 Total benefits and expenses 1,039,832 853,504 192,231 2,085,567 Income (loss) before income taxes 208,500 313,687 (48,915 ) 473,272 Income tax expense (benefit) 68,719 104,162 (16,978 ) 155,903 Net income (loss) $ 139,781 $ 209,525 $ (31,937 ) $ 317,369 December 31, 2014 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Assets: Investments $ 15,928,591 $ 10,621,831 $ 1,772,821 $ 28,323,243 Other assets 1,283,256 855,728 142,824 2,281,808 Separate account assets 7,247,463 20,471,381 — 27,718,844 Assets of continuing operations $ 24,459,310 $ 31,948,940 $ 1,915,645 58,323,895 Assets of discontinued operations 24,324 Total assets $ 58,348,219 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 354,202 $ 3,954 $ 105,937 $ 464,093 Fee income 94,037 519,842 4,365 618,244 Other revenue 7,355 — — 7,355 Net investment income 688,279 351,729 51,381 1,091,389 Realized investments gains (losses), net 19,071 (33,233 ) 26 (14,136 ) Total revenues 1,162,944 842,292 161,709 2,166,945 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 921,096 196,115 114,880 1,232,091 Operating expenses 142,141 538,209 66,971 747,321 Total benefits and expenses 1,063,237 734,324 181,851 1,979,412 Income (loss) before income taxes 99,707 107,968 (20,142 ) 187,533 Income tax expense 34,265 33,240 (8,714 ) 58,791 Net income (loss) $ 65,442 $ 74,728 $ (11,428 ) $ 128,742

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation Equity Awards Lifeco, of which the Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, maintains the Great-West Lifeco Inc. Stock Option Plan (the “Lifeco plan”) that provides for the granting of options on its common shares to certain of its officers and employees and those of its subsidiaries, including the Company. Options are granted with exercise prices not less than the average market price of the shares on the five days preceding the date of the grant. The Lifeco plan provides for the granting of options with varying terms and vesting requirements with vesting commencing on the first anniversary of the grant, exercisable within 10 years from the date of grant. Termination of employment prior to the vesting of the options results in the forfeiture of the unvested options, unless otherwise determined by Lifeco’s Compensation Committee. At its discretion the Compensation Committee may vest the unvested options of retiring option holders, with the options exercisable within five years from the date of retirement. In such event, the Company accelerates the recognition period to the date of retirement for any unrecognized share-based compensation cost related thereto and recognizes it in its earnings at that time. Liability Awards The Company maintains a Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU plan”) for senior executives of the Company. Under the PSU plan, “performance share units” are granted to certain senior executives of the Company. Each performance unit has a value equal to one share of Lifeco common stock and is subject to adjustment for cash dividends paid to Lifeco stockholders, Company earnings results as well as stock dividends and splits, consolidations and the like that affect shares of Lifeco common stock outstanding. If the performance share units vest, they are payable in cash equal to the average closing price of Lifeco common stock for the 20 trading days prior to the date following the last day of the three -year performance period. The estimated fair value of the performance unit is based on the average closing price of Lifeco common stock for the twenty trading days prior to the grant. The performance share units generally vest in their entirety at the end of the three years performance period based on continued service. The PSU plan contains a provision that permits all unvested performance share units to become vested upon death or retirement. Performance share units are settled in cash and are recorded as liabilities until payout is made. Unlike share-settled awards, which have a fixed grant-date fair value, the fair value of unsettled or unvested liabilities awards is remeasured at the end of each reporting period based on the change in fair value of one share of Lifeco common stock. The liability and corresponding expense are adjusted accordingly until the award is settled. Compensation Expense Related to Share-Based Compensation The compensation expense related to share-based compensation was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Lifeco Stock Plan $ 1,655 $ 3,384 $ 2,579 Performance Share Unit Plan 2,320 6,263 6,860 Total compensation expense $ 3,975 $ 9,647 $ 9,439 Income tax benefits $ 1,143 $ 2,404 $ 2,732 The following table presents the total unrecognized compensation expense related to share-based compensation at December 31, 2015 , and the expected weighted average period over which these expenses will be recognized: Expense Weighted average period (years) Lifeco Stock Plan $ 2,238 1.7 Performance Share Unit Plan 3,585 1.4 Equity Award Activity During the year ended December 31, 2015 , Lifeco granted 714,101 stock options to employees of the Company. These stock options vest over five-year periods ending in 2020 . Compensation expense of $2,376 will be recognized in the Company’s financial statements over the vesting period of these stock options using the accelerated method of recognition. The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, the Lifeco plan options granted to Company employees which are outstanding. The options granted relate to underlying stock traded in Canadian dollars on the Toronto Stock Exchange; therefore, the amounts, which are presented in United States dollars, will fluctuate as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. Weighted average Shares under option Exercise price (Whole dollars) Remaining contractual term (Years) Intrinsic value (1) Outstanding, January 1, 2015 3,793,658 $ 26.49 Granted 714,101 25.74 Exercised (692,756 ) 20.39 Cancelled and expired (181,660 ) 21.95 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 3,633,343 21.68 5.9 $ 13,154 Vested and expected to vest, 3,633,343 $ 21.68 5.9 $ 13,154 Exercisable, December 31, 2015 2,360,613 $ 21.01 4.7 $ 10,078 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on December 31, 2015 , and the exercise price of the option (only if the result is positive) multiplied by the number of options. The following table presents additional information regarding stock options under the Lifeco plan: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 3.33 $ 5.53 $ 4.56 Intrinsic value of options exercised (1) 4,234 401 1,437 Fair value of options vested 1,670 4,491 1,843 (1) The intrinsic value of options exercised is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of options exercised. The fair value of the options granted during was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 3.66 % 3.95 % 4.53 % Expected volatility 19.10 % 26.63 % 26.73 % Risk free interest rate 0.90 % 1.75 % 1.38 % Expected duration (years) 6.0 6.0 6.0 Liability Award Activity The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, the Performance Share Unit Plan units granted to Company employees which are outstanding: Performance Outstanding, January 1, 2015 521,295 Granted 204,864 Forfeited (55,316 ) Exercised (230,754 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2015 440,089 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2015 440,089 The cash payment in settlement of the Performance Share Unit Plan units was $6,375 and $5,914 for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments The following table summarizes the Company’s future purchase obligations and commitments: Payment due by period Less than one year One to three years Three to five years More than five years Total Related party long-term debt - principal (1) $ — $ — $ — $ 528,400 $ 528,400 Related party long-term debt - interest (2) 37,031 74,062 74,062 789,976 975,131 Investment purchase obligations (3) 50,692 — — — 50,692 Operating leases (4) 12,681 22,415 17,066 4,510 56,672 Other liabilities (5) 32,341 45,623 37,438 27,601 143,003 Total $ 132,745 $ 142,100 $ 128,566 $ 1,350,487 $ 1,753,898 (1) Related party long-term debt principal - Represents contractual maturities of principal due to the Company’s parent, GWL&A Financial, under the terms of two long-term surplus notes. The amounts shown in this table differ from the amounts included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet because the amounts shown above do not consider the discount upon the issuance of one of the surplus notes. (2) Related party long-term debt interest - One long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The second surplus note bears interest initially at a fixed rate that will change in the future based upon the then current three -month London Interbank Offering Rate. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2015 , and do not consider the impact of future interest rate changes. (3) Investment purchase obligations - The Company makes commitments to fund partnership interests, mortgage loans on real estate, and other investments in the normal course of its business. As the timing of the fulfillment of the commitment to fund partnership interests cannot be predicted, such obligations are presented in the less than one year category. The timing of the funding of mortgage loans on real estate is based on the expiration date of the commitment. The amounts of these unfunded commitments at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , were $50,692 and $166,356 , of which $8,692 and $4,997 was related to cost basis limited partnership interests, respectively, all of which is due within one year from the dates indicated. (4) Operating leases - The Company is obligated to make payments under various non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for office space. Contractual provisions exist that could increase the lease obligations presented, including operating expense escalation clauses. Management does not consider the impact of any such clauses to be material to the Company’s operating lease obligations. The Company incurred rent expense, net of sublease income, of $12,050 , $7,628 , and $5,439 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , respectively and is recorded in general insurance expense. The Company’s total future operating lease obligation will be reduced by minimum reimbursement of $8,640 due in the future under non-cancelable agreements. From time to time, the Company enters into agreements or contracts, including capital leases, to purchase goods or services in the normal course of its business. However, these agreements and contracts are not material and are excluded from the table above. (5) Other liabilities - Other liabilities include those other liabilities which represent contractual obligations not included elsewhere in the table above. If the timing of the payment of any other liabilities was sufficiently uncertain, the amounts were included in the less than one year category. Other liabilities presented in the table above include: · Expected contributions to the Company’s defined benefit pension plan and benefit payments for the Post-Retirement Medical Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan through 2021. · Miscellaneous purchase obligations to acquire goods and services. · Unrecognized tax benefits The Company has a revolving credit facility agreement in the amount of $50,000 for general corporate purposes. The credit facility expires on March 1, 2018 . Interest accrues at a rate dependent on various conditions and terms of borrowings. The agreement requires, among other things, the Company to maintain a minimum adjusted net worth, of $1,100,000 , as defined in the credit facility agreement (both compiled on the unconsolidated statutory accounting basis prescribed by the NAIC), for each quarter ending after December 31, 2014 . The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2015, and 2014 . At December 31, 2015, and 2014 there were no outstanding amounts related to the current and prior credit facilities. GWSC and CLAC are parties to a reinsurance agreement pursuant to which GWSC assumes term life insurance from CLAC. GWL&A Financial obtained two letters of credit for the benefit of the Company as collateral under the GWSC and CLAC reinsurance agreement for policy liabilities and capital support. The first letter of credit is for $1,176,680 and renews annually until it expires on July 3, 2027 . The second letter of credit is for $70,000 and renews annually until it expires on December 31, 2017 . At December 31, 2015, and 2014 , there were no outstanding amounts related to the letters of credit. See Note 4 for additional discussion regarding these letters of credit. In addition, the Company has other letters of credit with a total amount of $9,095 , renewable annually for an indefinite period of time. At December 31, 2015, and 2014 , there were no outstanding amounts related to those letters of credit. Contingencies From time to time, the Company may be threatened with, or named as a defendant in, lawsuits, arbitrations, and administrative claims. Any such claims that are decided against the Company could harm the Company’s business. The Company is also subject to periodic regulatory audits and inspections which could result in fines or other disciplinary actions. Unfavorable outcomes in such matters may result in a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company is defending a lawsuit related to a motor vehicle accident involving an employee. It received a $20,000 demand from the plaintiff’s attorney during the fourth quarter of 2014. The amount is fully indemnified by a third-party insurer. The Company is defending lawsuits relating to the administration of its staff retirement plan, or to the costs and features of certain of its retirement or fund products. These actions are at their early stages. Management believes the claims are without merit and will defend these actions. Based on the information known, these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company. The Company is involved in other various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, the likelihood of loss from the resolution of these proceedings is remote and/or the estimated loss is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of its operations, or cash flows.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Events On February 4, 2016 , the Company’s Board of Directors declared dividends of $73,401 , payable on March 15, 2016 , to its sole shareholder, GWL&A Financial.

Schedule III Supplemental Insur

Schedule III Supplemental Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Schedule III Supplemental Insurance Information	Schedule III Supplemental Insurance Information (In Thousands) As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Individual Markets Segment Empower Retirement Segment Other Segment Total Deferred acquisition costs $ 319,447 $ 73,971 $ — $ 393,418 Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses 15,835,811 10,810,352 419,493 27,065,656 Unearned premium reserves 45,325 — — 45,325 Other policy claims and benefits payable 699,559 662 26,760 726,981 Premium income 360,783 533 84,234 445,550 Net investment income 801,935 398,639 53,856 1,254,430 Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses 931,631 201,791 101,205 1,234,627 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 55,876 40,219 — 96,095 Other operating expenses 103,843 952,345 65,890 1,122,078 As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Individual Empower Other Total Deferred acquisition costs $ 284,174 $ 69,234 $ — $ 353,408 Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses 14,980,872 10,533,822 409,880 25,924,574 Unearned premium reserves 43,837 — — 43,837 Other policy claims and benefits payable 726,479 581 26,155 753,215 Premium income 360,305 1,215 84,875 446,395 Net investment income 748,015 426,340 54,033 1,228,388 Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses 902,982 206,339 113,124 1,222,445 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 13,700 27,345 — 41,045 Other operating expenses 123,150 619,820 79,107 822,077 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Individual Empower Other Total Premium income $ 354,202 $ 3,954 $ 105,937 $ 464,093 Net investment income 688,279 351,729 51,381 1,091,389 Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses 921,096 196,115 114,880 1,232,091 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 34,650 20,840 — 55,490 Other operating expenses 107,491 517,369 66,971 691,831

Organization and Significant 32

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the accounts of its subsidiaries over which it exercises control and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are required to account for items and matters such as, but not limited to, the valuation of investments and derivatives in the absence of quoted market values, impairment of investments, accounting for derivative financial instruments, valuation of DAC, valuation of policy benefit liabilities, valuation of employee benefits plan obligation, and the valuation of deferred tax assets or liabilities, net, and valuation of contingent consideration. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Investments	Investments Investments are reported as follows: 1. The Company classifies the majority of its fixed maturity investments as available-for-sale which are recorded at fair value with the related net unrealized gain or loss, net of policyholder related amounts, and deferred taxes, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). Included in fixed maturities are perpetual debt investments which primarily consist of junior subordinated debt instruments that have no stated maturity date but pay fixed or floating interest in perpetuity. Also included in AOCI is net unrealized gain or loss resulting from foreign currency translations of fixed maturity investments denominated in foreign currencies. Premiums and discounts are recognized as a component of net investment income using the effective interest method, realized gains and losses are included in net realized investment gains (losses), and declines in value determined to be other-than-temporary are included in total other-than-temporary losses. The Company also classifies certain fixed maturity investments as held-for-trading. Assets in the held-for-trading category are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in net investment income. The recognition of income on certain investments (e.g. loan-backed securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities) is dependent upon market conditions, which may result in prepayments and changes in amounts to be earned. Prepayments on all mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are monitored monthly, and amortization of the premium and/or the accretion of the discount associated with the purchase of such securities are adjusted by such prepayments. The Company recognizes the acquisition of its fixed maturity investments on a trade date basis. 2. Mortgage loans on real estate consist of domestic commercial collateralized loans and are carried at their unpaid principal balances adjusted for any unamortized premiums or discounts, origination fees, and mortgage provision allowances. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance for all loans, except for loans on non-accrual status. Premiums, discounts, and origination fees are amortized to net investment income using the effective interest method. Prepayment penalty fees are recognized in other realized investment gains upon receipt. The Company actively manages its mortgage loan portfolio by completing ongoing comprehensive analysis of factors such as debt service coverage ratios, loan-to-value ratios, payment status, default or legal status, annual collateral property evaluations, and general market conditions. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews the above primary credit quality indicators in its internal risk assessment of loan impairment and credit loss. Management’s risk assessment process is subjective and includes the categorization of all loans, based on the above mentioned credit quality indicators, into one of the following categories: • Performing - generally indicates the loan has standard market risk and is within its original underwriting guidelines. • Non-performing - generally indicates there is a potential for loss due to the deterioration of financial/monetary default indicators or potential foreclosure. Due to the potential for loss, these loans are evaluated for impairment. The adequacy of the Company’s mortgage provision allowance is reviewed quarterly. The determination of the calculation and the adequacy of the mortgage provision allowance and mortgage impairments involve judgments that incorporate qualitative and quantitative Company and industry mortgage performance data. Management’s periodic evaluation and assessment of the adequacy of the mortgage provision allowance and the need for mortgage impairments is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the fair value of the underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, loss experience, and other relevant factors. Loans included in the non-performing category and other loans with certain substandard credit quality indicators are individually reviewed to determine if a specific impairment is required. Risk is mitigated through first position collateralization, guarantees, loan covenants, and borrower reporting requirements. Since the Company does not originate or hold uncollateralized mortgages, loans are generally not deemed fully uncollectable. Generally, unrecoverable amounts are written off during the final stage of the foreclosure process. Loan balances are considered past due when payment has not been received based on contractually agreed upon terms. The accrual of interest is discontinued when concerns exist regarding the realization of loan principal or interest. The Company resumes interest accrual on loans when a loan returns to current status or under new terms when loans are restructured or modified. On a quarterly basis, any loans with terms that were modified during that period are reviewed to determine if the loan modifications constitute a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). In evaluating whether a loan modification constitutes a TDR, it must be determined that the modification is a significant concession and the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. 3. Limited partnership and other corporation interests are accounted for using either the cost or equity method of accounting. The Company uses the cost method on investments where it has a minor equity interest and no significant influence over the entity’s operations. The Company uses the equity method when it has a partnership interest that is considered more than minor, although the Company has no significant influence over the entity’s operations. Also included in limited partnership interests are limited partnerships established for the purpose of investing in low-income housing that qualify for federal and state tax credits. These interests are carried at amortized cost as determined using the effective yield method. In the normal course of its activities, the Company is involved with other entities that are considered variable interest entities (“VIE”). An entity would be determined to be a primary beneficiary, and thus consolidated when the entity has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. When the Company becomes involved with a VIE and when the nature of the Company’s involvement with the entity changes, in order to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary and must consolidate the entity, it evaluates: • The structure and purpose of the entity; • The risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity; and • The entity’s participants’ ability to direct the activities, receive its benefits, and absorb its losses. The Company performs ongoing qualitative analyses of its involvement with VIEs to determine if consolidation is required. 4. Policy loans are carried at their unpaid balances. Interest income on policy loans is recognized in net investment income at the contract interest rate when earned. Policy loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the associated insurance policy. 5. Short-term investments include securities purchased with investment intent, with initial maturities of one year or less, and are generally carried at fair value which is approximated from amortized cost. 6. The Company participates in a securities lending program in which the Company lends fixed maturity securities that are held as part of its general account investment portfolio to third parties. The Company does not enter into these types of transactions for liquidity purposes, but rather for yield enhancement on its investment portfolio. The borrower can return and the Company can request the loaned securities at any time. The Company maintains ownership of the securities at all times and is entitled to receive from the borrower any payments for interest received on such securities during the loan term. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. The securities lending agent indemnifies the Company against borrower risk, meaning that the lending agent agrees contractually to replace securities not returned due to a borrower default. The Company generally requires initial collateral in an amount greater than or equal to 102% of the fair value of domestic securities loaned and 105% of foreign securities loaned. Such collateral is used to replace the securities loaned in event of default by the borrower. Acceptable collateral is generally defined as government securities, letters of credit and/or cash collateral. Some cash collateral may be invested in short-term repurchase agreements which are also collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities. Cash collateral which is invested is recognized along with any cash collateral not invested within collateral under securities lending agreements in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Non-cash collateral is not recognized as the Company does not have effective control. 7. The Company’s other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) accounting policy requires that a decline in the value of a security below its cost or amortized cost basis be assessed to determine if the decline is other-than-temporary. The assessment of whether an OTTI has occurred on fixed maturity investments, where management does not intend to sell the fixed maturity investment and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, is based upon management’s case-by-case evaluation of the underlying reasons for the decline in fair value of each individual security. Management considers a wide range of factors, as described below, regarding the security issuer and uses its best judgment in evaluating the cause of the decline in its estimated fair value and in assessing the prospects for near-term recovery. Considerations used by the Company in the impairment evaluation process include, but are not limited to, the following: • The extent to which estimated fair value is below cost; • Whether the decline in fair value is attributable to specific adverse conditions affecting a particular instrument, its issuer, an industry, or geographic area; • The length of time for which the estimated fair value has been below cost; • Downgrade of a fixed maturity investment by a credit rating agency; • Deterioration of the financial condition of the issuer; • The payment structure of the fixed maturity investment and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments in the future; and • Whether dividends have been reduced or eliminated or scheduled interest payments have not been made. If either (a) management has the intent to sell a fixed maturity investment or (b) it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell a fixed maturity investment before its anticipated recovery, a charge is recorded in net realized investment losses equal to the difference between the fair value and cost or amortized cost basis of the security. If management does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected (discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity investment prior to impairment) is less than the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity investment (referred to as the credit loss portion), an OTTI is considered to have occurred. In this instance, total OTTI is bifurcated into two components: the amount related to the credit loss, which is recognized in current period earnings; and the amount attributed to other factors (referred to as the non-credit portion), which is recognized as a separate component in AOCI. The expected cash flows utilized during the impairment evaluation process are determined using judgment and the best information available to the Company including default rates, credit ratings, collateral characteristics, and current levels of subordination. After the recognition of an OTTI, a fixed maturity investment is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI, with an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings. The difference between the new amortized cost basis and the future cash flows is accreted into net investment income. The Company continues to estimate the present value of cash flows expected to be collected over the life of the security.
Derivatives	Derivative financial instruments The Company enters into derivative transactions which include the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, cross-currency swaps, U.S. government treasury futures contracts, Eurodollar futures contracts, futures on equity indices, interest rate swap futures, and other forward contracts. The Company uses these derivative instruments to manage various risks, including interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with its invested assets and liabilities. Derivative instruments are not used for speculative reasons. Certain of the Company’s over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives are cleared and settled through a central clearing counterparty while others are bilateral contracts between the Company and a counterparty. All derivatives, regardless of hedge accounting treatment, are recorded in other assets and other liabilities at fair value. Although some derivatives are executed under a master netting arrangement, the Company does not offset in the consolidated balance sheets the fair value of those derivative instruments and the related cash collateral or net derivative receivables and payables executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. At inception of a derivative transaction, the hedge relationship and risk management objective is documented and the designation of the derivative is determined based on specific criteria of the transaction. Accounting for the ongoing changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in AOCI and are recognized in the consolidated income statements when the hedged item affects earnings. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in its fair value and of the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings in net investment income. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting or where hedge accounting is not elected and the over effective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in net investment income in the period of the change. Depending on whether the derivative instrument is designated a cash flow hedge or not qualifying for hedge accounting, the changes in fair value resulting from foreign currency translations are recorded in AOCI or net investment income, respectively. Termination of derivative contracts prior to expiration generally result in investment gains and losses. Fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies, or equity markets may cause the Company to experience volatility in net income. The Company uses forward settling TBA securities to gain exposure to the investment risk and return of agency mortgage-backed securities (pass-throughs). These transactions are utilized to enhance the return of the Company’s investment portfolio and are accounted for as derivative instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting. The Company purchases agency mortgage-backed TBAs yet does not always take physical delivery of a security but rather may roll the security into the next month. The Company generally takes physical delivery of a security before year end. Changes in fair value on open TBA transactions are recorded in net investment income while realized investment gains or losses are recorded once the Company cash settles or accepts physical delivery of a security. As part of its hedging strategy, the Company may enter into certain derivative transactions where a cash investment is made by one party. Certain derivative instruments that contain a financing element at inception and where the Company is deemed to be the borrower are included in financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The cash flows from all other derivative transactions are included in operating activities. The Company uses derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes associated with certain invested assets and policy liabilities. Derivatives are used to (a) hedge the economic effects of interest rate and stock market movements on the Company’s guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (“GLWB”) liability, (b) hedge the economic effect of a large increase in interest rates on the Company’s general account life insurance, group pension liabilities, and certain separate account life insurance liabilities, (c) hedge the economic risks of other transactions such as future asset acquisitions or dispositions, the timing of liability pricing, currency risks on non-U.S. dollar denominated assets, and fee revenue based on equity market performance, and (d) convert floating rate assets to fixed rate assets for asset/liability management purposes. The Company controls the credit risk of its derivative contracts through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures, and in many cases, requiring collateral. The Company’s exposure is limited to the portion of the fair value of derivative instruments that exceeds the value of the collateral held and not to the notional or contractual amounts of the derivatives. Derivatives in a net asset position may have cash or securities pledged as collateral to the Company in accordance with the collateral support agreements with the counterparty. This collateral is held in a custodial account for the benefit of the Company. Unrestricted cash collateral is included in other assets and the obligation to return it is included in other liabilities. The cash collateral is reinvested in a government money market fund. Cash collateral pledged by the Company is included in other assets.
Fair Value	Fair Value Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis into a three-level hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the respective valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis have been categorized based upon the following fair value hierarchy: • Level 1 inputs utilize observable, quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include certain money market funds. • Level 2 inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. The fair values for some Level 2 securities are obtained from pricing services. The inputs used by the pricing services are reviewed at least quarterly or when the pricing vendor issues updates to its pricing methodology. For fixed maturity securities and separate account assets and liabilities, inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, evaluated bids, offers, and reference data including market research publications. Additional inputs utilized for assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 are: • Asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized debt obligations - new issue data, monthly payment information, collateral performance, and third party real estate analysis. • U.S. states and their subdivisions - material event notices. • Short-term investments - valued based on amortized cost due to their short term nature and high credit quality of the issuers. • Derivative instruments - trading activity, swap curves, credit spreads, currency volatility, net present value of cash flows, and news sources. • Separate account assets and liabilities - various index data and news sources, amortized cost (which approximates fair value), trading activity, swap curves, credit spreads, recovery rates, restructuring, net present value of cash flows, and quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. • Common collective trusts - the net asset value based on the underlying trust investments. • Level 3 inputs are unobservable and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In general, the prices of Level 3 securities are obtained from single broker quotes and internal pricing models. If the broker’s inputs are largely unobservable, the valuation is classified as a Level 3. Broker quotes are validated through an internal analyst review process, which includes validation through known market conditions and other relevant data, as noted below. Internal models are usually cash flow based utilizing characteristics of the underlying collateral of the security such as default rate and other relevant data. Inputs utilized for securities classified as Level 3 are as follows: • Corporate debt securities - unadjusted single broker quotes which may be in an illiquid market or otherwise deemed unobservable. • Asset-backed securities - internal models utilizing asset-backed securities index spreads. • Defined benefit plan limited partnership investments - capital account or net asset value adjusted for other relevant information. • GLWB - internal models utilizing long-term equity and interest rate implied volatility, mortality, and policyholder behavior assumptions, such as benefit utilization and partial withdrawals. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. 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 asset or liability. Overall, transfers between levels are attributable to a change in the observability of inputs. Assets and liabilities are transferred to a lower level in the hierarchy when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This may occur when market activity decreases and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred to a higher level in the hierarchy when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity including recent trades, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable. All transfers between levels are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred. The policies and procedures utilized to review, account for, and report on the value and level of the Company’s securities were determined and implemented by the Finance division. The Investments division is responsible for the processes related to security purchases and sales and provides valuation and leveling input to the Finance division when necessary. Both divisions within the Company have worked in conjunction to establish thorough pricing, review, approval, accounting, and reporting policies and procedures around the securities valuation process. In some instances, securities are priced using external broker quotes. In most cases, when broker quotes are used as pricing inputs, more than one broker quote is obtained. External broker quotes are reviewed internally by comparing the quotes to similar securities in the public market and/or to vendor pricing, if available. Additionally, external broker quotes are compared to market reported trade activity to ascertain whether the price is reasonable, reflective of the current market prices, and takes into account the characteristics of the Company’s securities.
Cash	Cash Cash includes only amounts in demand deposit accounts. Book overdrafts occur when checks have been issued by the Company, but have not been presented to the Company’s disbursement bank accounts for payment. These bank accounts allow the Company to delay funding of the issued checks until they are presented for payment. This delay in funding results in a temporary source of financing. The activity related to book overdrafts is included in the financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Internal use software	Internal use software Purchased software costs, as well as certain internal and external costs incurred to develop internal use computer software during the application development stage, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the software’s estimated useful life up to five years.
Deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired	Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) The Company incurs costs in connection with the acquisition of new and renewal insurance business. Costs that vary directly with and relate to the successful production of new business are deferred as DAC. These costs consist primarily of commissions, costs associated with the Company’s sales representatives, and policy issuance and underwriting expenses related to the production of successfully acquired new business. A success factor is derived from actual contracts issued by the Company from requests for proposals or applications received and applied to the deferrable costs. The recoverability of such costs is dependent upon the future profitability of the related business. Recoverability testing is performed for current issue year products to determine if gross revenues are sufficient to cover DAC and expenses. At least annually, loss recognition testing is performed on aggregated blocks of business to adjust the DAC balance. VOBA represents the estimated fair value of insurance or annuity contracts acquired either directly through the acquisition of another insurance company or through the acquisition of insurance or annuity contracts through assumption reinsurance transactions. DAC and VOBA associated with the annuity products and flexible premium universal life insurance products are being amortized over the life of the contracts in proportion to the emergence of gross profits. Retrospective adjustments of these amounts are made when the Company revises its estimates of current or future gross profits on an annual basis. DAC and VOBA associated with traditional life insurance are amortized over the premium-paying period of the related policies in proportion to premium revenues recognized. DAC and VOBA, for applicable products, are adjusted for the impact of unrealized gains or losses on investments as if these gains or losses had been realized, with corresponding credits or charges included in AOCI.
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with an acquisition. It is considered an indefinite lived asset and therefore is not amortized. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, the excess is recognized as an impairment and recorded as a charge against net income in the period in which the impairment is identified. Other intangible assets represent the estimated fair value of the portion of the purchase price that was allocated to the value of customer relationships and non-competition intangible asset in various acquisitions. These intangible assets have been assigned values using various methodologies, including present value of projected future cash flows, analysis of similar transactions that have occurred or could be expected to occur in the market and replacement or reproduction cost. The initial valuations of these intangible assets were supported by an independent valuation study commissioned by the Company. Other identified intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which initially ranged from two to 18 years (weighted average 15 years), primarily based on the cash flows generated by these assets.
Separate accounts	Separate accounts Separate account assets and related liabilities are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company issues variable annuity contracts and variable universal life contracts through separate accounts for which investment income and investment gains and losses accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contract holder and therefore, are not included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Revenues to the Company from the separate accounts consist of contract maintenance fees, investment management fees, administrative fees, and mortality and expense risk charges. The Company’s separate accounts invest in shares of Great-West Funds, Inc. (“Great-West Funds”) and Putnam Funds, open-end management investment companies, which are affiliates of the Company, and shares of other non-affiliated mutual funds and government and corporate bonds.
Life insurance and annuity future benefits	Future policy benefits liabilities Life insurance and annuity future benefits liabilities with life contingencies in the amounts of $15,955,510 and $15,349,322 at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively, are computed on the basis of assumed investment yield, mortality, morbidity, and expenses, including a margin for adverse deviation. These future policy benefits are calculated as the present value of future benefits (including dividends) and expenses less the present value of future net premiums. The assumptions used in calculating the future policy benefits generally vary by plan, year of issue, and policy duration. Additionally, these future policy benefits are established for claims that have been incurred but not reported based on factors derived from past experience. Annuity contract benefits liabilities without life contingencies in the amounts of $11,104,721 and $10,569,147 at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively, are established at the contract holder’s account value, which is equal to cumulative deposits and credited interest, less withdrawals and mortality, and expense and/or administrative service charges. The Company’s general account also has some immediate annuities. Future benefits for immediate annuities without life contingent payouts are computed on the basis of assumed investment yield and expenses.
Minimum Guarantees Policy	Minimum guarantees The Company calculates additional liabilities for certain variable annuity guaranteed death benefits. The additional reserve for such products recognizes the portion of contract assessments received to compensate the Company for death benefits. Reserves for annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) are determined by estimating the present value of expected benefits in excess of the projected account balance. Expected experience is based on a range of inputs and scenarios. The assumptions of investment performance and volatility are consistent with the historical experience of the appropriate underlying equity index, such as the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index. The Company also offers GLWB through a variable annuity or a contingent deferred annuity. The GLWB is deemed to be an embedded derivative. The GLWB is recorded at fair value within future policy benefits on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value of GLWB are recorded in net investment income in the consolidated statements of income.
Reinsurance ceded	Reinsurance In the normal course of its business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding risks to other insurance enterprises under excess coverage, quota share, yearly renewable term, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance contracts. The Company also assumes risk by participating in yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements. For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines if the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk in accordance with applicable accounting standards. If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not provide indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, the Company records the agreement using the deposit method of accounting. The Company reviews all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. Policy benefits, and policy and contract claims ceded to (assumed from) other insurance companies, are carried as a reinsurance receivable (payable) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Premiums, fee income, and policyholder benefits are reported net of reinsurance ceded (assumed) in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The cost of reinsurance related to long duration contracts is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies. The Company strives to cede risks to highly rated, well-capitalized reinsurers. The Company monitors and evaluates the financial condition of reinsurers to minimize exposure to credit risk.
Policy and contract claims	Policy and contract claims Policy and contract claims include provisions for claims incurred but not reported and claims in the process of settlement. The provision for claims incurred but not reported is valued based primarily on the Company’s prior experience. Claims in the process of settlement are valued in accordance with the terms of the related policies and contracts.
Participating business	Participating business The Company has participating policies in which the policyholder shares in the Company’s earnings through policyholder dividends that reflect the difference between the assumptions used in the premium charged and the actual experience on those policies. The amount of dividends to be paid is determined by the Board of Directors.
Recognition Of Premium And Fee Income And Benefits And Expenses	Revenue recognition Life insurance premiums are recognized when due. Annuity contract premiums with life contingencies are recognized as received. Revenues for annuity and other contracts without significant life contingencies consist of contract charges for the cost of insurance, and contract administration and surrender fees that have been assessed against the contract account balance during the period and are recognized when earned in fee income. Fees from assets under management, assets under administration, shareholder servicing, mortality and expense risk charges, administration and record-keeping services, and investment advisory services are recognized when earned in fee income.
Net investment income	Net investment income Interest income from fixed maturities, mortgage loans on real estate, and policy loans is recognized when earned.
Realized Investment Gain Loss And Derivative Financial Instruments	Realized investment gains (losses) Realized investment gains and losses are reported as a component of revenues and are determined on a specific identification basis. Realized investment gains and losses also result from the termination of derivative contracts prior to expiration that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and certain fair-value hedge relationships.
Recognition Of Benefits And Expenses On Policies With Life Contingencies [Policy Text Block]	Benefits and expenses Benefits and expenses on policies with life contingencies are associated with earned premiums so as to result in recognition of profits over the life of the contracts
Income taxes	Income taxes Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in either the Company’s consolidated financial statements or consolidated tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, all expected future events, other than enactments or changes in the tax laws or rules, are considered. A valuation allowance is provided to the extent that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized. The effect on deferred taxes from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Share-based compensation	Share-based compensation Lifeco maintains the Great-West Lifeco Inc. Stock Option Plan (the “Lifeco plan”) that is accounted for as an equity award that provides for the granting of options on its common shares to certain of its officers and employees and those of its subsidiaries, including the Company. The Lifeco plan provides for granting of options with varying terms and vesting requirements with vesting commencing on the first anniversary of the grant, exercisable within 10 years from the date of grant. The Company uses the fair value method to recognize the cost of share-based employee compensation under the Lifeco plan. The Company maintains a Performance Share Unit Plan (“PSU plan”) that is accounted for as a liability award for senior executives of the Company. Under the PSU plan, performance share units are granted to certain senior executives of the Company, having a value equal to the participants’ deferred incentive compensation for the period. The performance share units generally vest in their entirety at the end of the three years performance period based on continued service. The Company uses the fair value method to recognize the cost of share-based employee compensation under the PSU plan.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-11 Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures (“ASU No. 2014-11”). ASU No. 2014-11 amends the accounting for entities that enter into repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as repurchase financings. ASU No. 2014-11 requires new disclosures for repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. The accounting changes in ASU 2014-11 are effective for public business entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. The disclosure for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required to be presented for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. The adoption of the accounting pronouncement did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company has included additional disclosures in Note 5 to these financial statements around collateral pledged for secured lending transactions on a prospective basis. Future adoption of new accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU No. 2014-09”). The update outlines a comprehensive model for accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. While the update does not apply to insurance contracts within the scope of Topic 944, it does apply to other fee income earned by the Company which includes fees from assets under management, assets under administration, shareholder servicing, administration and record-keeping services, and investment advisory services. The core principle of the model requires that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The update also requires increased disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. In adopting ASU No. 2014-09, the Company may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. The update is effective for public business entities for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, based upon an update issued by the FASB in August 2015. Early adoption is permitted as of accounting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (Topic 810) . The update primarily amends the criteria used to evaluate whether certain variable interest entities should be consolidated. The update also modifies the criteria used to determine whether partnerships and similar entities are variable interest entities. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, including in the interim periods. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (Subtopic 350-40) . The update requires the Company to determine if the cloud computing arrangement contains a software license and if so, apply the accounting requirements for other intangible assets. The update also supersedes the requirement to apply lease accounting requirements by analogy for lease classification. If the arrangement is not a software license, then the Company applies accounting requirements for a service requirement. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, Financial Services-Insurance: Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (Topic 944) . The update requires that all years in the claims development table that precede the current reporting period and the related disclosure about the history of claims duration should be presented as required supplementary information. The update also includes a disclosure objective of providing information about claim frequency along with a description of methodologies for determining claim frequency information, unless it is impracticable to do so. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10). The amendments in this update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments by requiring equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, use of exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and form of financial assets (i.e. securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or notes to the financial statements, eliminating the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value of a financial instrument measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet, requiring entities to present separately in other comprehensive income the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk (i.e. “own credit”) when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments, and clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU also permits early adoption of the own credit provision. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	At December 31, 2014, the Company updated the previously reported allocation of purchase price as of September 30, 2014 for the measurement period adjustments that are reflected in the table below: As of September 30, 2014 (Unaudited) Measurement Period Adjustment As of December 31, 2014 Assets acquired and goodwill: Goodwill (1) $ 50,249 $ (17,821 ) $ 32,428 Other intangible assets (2) — 16,291 16,291 Other assets Fixed assets (3) 12,680 — 12,680 Accounts receivable (4) 24,050 105 24,155 Other (4) 1,224 (122 ) 1,102 Total other assets 37,954 (17 ) 37,937 Total assets acquired and goodwill 88,203 (1,547 ) 86,656 Liabilities assumed and contingent consideration: Other liabilities Accrued expenses and other (4) 26,108 772 26,880 Contingent consideration (5) 33,739 (1,530 ) 32,209 Total other liabilities 59,847 (758 ) 59,089 Total liabilities assumed and contingent consideration $ 59,847 $ (758 ) $ 59,089 (1) Goodwill Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired and liabilities assumed that could not be individually identified (Level 3). Total goodwill resulting from the acquisition, in the amount of $32,428 , is allocated to the Retirement Services segment. No portion of goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. (2) Other Intangible Assets Other intangible assets include customer relationships and non-competition intangible assets. The fair value of the customer relationships intangible asset was determined using the excess earnings method under the income approach (Level 3). This valuation method is based on first forecasting revenue for the existing customer base and then applying expected attrition rates. The operating cash flows are calculated by determining the cost required to generate revenue from the existing customer base. Key assumptions include projections of revenues generated from existing customers which includes an estimated rate of attrition, projections of operating expenses, and a discount rate of 14% . The fair value of the non-competition intangible asset was determined using the with and without method under the income approach (Level 3). The premise associated with this valuation approach is that the value of an asset is represented by the differences in the subject business’ cash flows under scenarios where a) the asset is present and is used in operations; and b) the asset is absent and not used in operations. Such differences may arise due to additional revenue and/or cost savings associated with having the asset in place. Cash flow differentials are then discounted to present value to arrive at an estimate of fair value for the asset. Key assumptions include projected cash flows with the non-competition agreement in place, projected cash flows without the non-competition agreement in place, the expected time period under which the cash flow differences would occur, the probability of competition and success and a discount rate of 14% . (3) Fixed Assets The fair value of property, plant and equipment and software was determined using a cost approach and a market approach (Level 2). The cost approach is based on current replacement cost and/or reproduction costs of the assets as new less depreciation attributable to physical, functional and economic factors. The market approach is based on market data for similar assets. (4) Accounts receivable, other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts receivable, other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities are current assets and liabilities that are generally carried at fair value which is approximated from the carrying value (Level 2). (5) Contingent consideration The Company is obligated to make an additional earnout payment based on the retention of aggregated revenue, as defined in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, 24 months after the close date. As such, the remaining earnout payment is due on August 29, 2016. The potential undiscounted amount of the earnout payment that the Company could be required to make under the contingent consideration arrangement is between zero and $50,000 . During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company received notification from certain RPS customers terminating their contract with the Company. As a result, the Company reduced its retention rate expectation which is an input to the calculation of the contingent consideration liability. Due to the decline in the retention rate, the contingent consideration was reduced by $17,600 which was recognized in general insurance expenses. The contingent consideration liability was $14,609 and $32,209 for the years-ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The fair value of the contingent consideration is estimated by a discounted cash flow model (Level 3) which calculates the present value of a probability-weighted earnout using a discount rate of 3% . An increase to the retention rate would increase the liability while a decrease to the retention rate would decrease the liability.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	RPS contributed revenue and net income (loss), included in the consolidated statements of income, as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Revenue $ 182,759 $ 54,267 Net loss (944 ) (3,416 )

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of related party amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets in connection with the reinsurance agreements	Included in the consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to reinsurance ceded to and assumed from related parties: December 31, 2015 2014 Reinsurance receivable $ 530,213 $ 529,921 Future policy benefits 1,724,797 1,812,077
Schedule of related party amounts included in the consolidated statements of income in connection with the reinsurance agreements	Included in the consolidated statements of income are the following related party amounts: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Premium income, net of related party premiums ceded of $15,731, $13,901, and $(30,114) $ 68,722 $ 71,453 $ 137,785 Life and other policy benefits, net of reinsurance recoveries of $6,494, $4,594, and $(536) 193,215 209,102 216,809 Decrease in future policy benefits (52,842 ) (46,915 ) (2,556 )
Schedule of revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided	The following table presents revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided and/or received pursuant to these service agreements. These amounts, in accordance with the terms of the contracts, are based upon market price, estimated costs incurred or resources expended as determined by number of policies, number of participants, certificates in-force, administered assets, or other similar drivers. Year Ended December 31, Financial statement line Description Related party 2015 2014 2013 Provides corporate support service The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”) (1) , Great-West Life Assurance Company (“Great-West Life”) (1) , MAM Holding Inc. (1) , and Putnam (2) $ (4,115 ) $ (2,055 ) $ (1,971 ) General insurance expense Receives corporate support services CLAC (1) , Great-West Life (1) , Great West Global (1) , and Putnam (2) 12,609 4,053 2,556 General insurance expense Provides investment advisory and administrative services to U.S. branches of Lifeco insurance subsidiaries CLAC (1) and Great-West Life (1) 1,710 1,803 2,586 Net investment income Provides investment advisory and administrative services to Canadian subsidiaries of Lifeco CLAC (1) , Great-West Life (1) , and London Life Financial Corporation (“London Life”) (1) 3,882 3,912 4,487 Fee income Provides record-keeping services CLAC (1) and Putnam (2) 377 13,956 10,625 Fee income Provides U.S. tax services London Life (1) , LRG (US) Inc. (1) , Putnam (2) , Thomas H. Lee Partners L.P. (1) , and CLAC (1) (533 ) (402 ) (361 ) General insurance expense Provides shareholder services Putnam (2) 5,531 — — Fee income Receives reimbursement from tax sharing indemnification related to state and local tax liabilities Putnam (2) 13,563 7,506 — Other revenue — — 8,114 Fee income Received internally developed internal use software Putnam (2) 2,226 1,008 — Other assets (1) An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco (2) A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S.
Schedule of amounts due from parent and affiliates	The following table summarizes amounts due from parent and affiliates: December 31, Related party Indebtedness Due date 2015 2014 GWL&A Financial On account On demand $ 38,864 $ 32,572 Lifeco U.S. On account On demand 11,783 13,369 Putnam On account On demand 9,547 — Other related party receivables On account On demand 2,402 1,252 Total $ 62,596 $ 47,193
Schedule of amounts due to parent and affiliates	The following table summarizes amounts due to parent and affiliates: December 31, Related party Indebtedness Due date 2015 2014 GWL&A Financial (1) Surplus note November 2034 $ 194,474 $ 194,446 GWL&A Financial (2) Surplus note May 2046 333,400 333,400 GWL&A Financial Note interest May 2016 4,701 4,701 Putnam On account On demand — 7,257 CLAC On account On demand 4,021 3,986 Great-West Life On account On demand 1,936 1,739 London Life On account On demand 1,778 1,737 Total $ 540,310 $ 547,266 (1) A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on November 15, 2004 , with a face amount of $195,000 and carrying amounts of $194,474 and $ 194,446 at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The surplus note bears interest at the rate of 6.675% per annum, payable in arrears each May and November. The note matures on November 14, 2034 . (2) A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on May 19, 2006 , with a face amount and carrying amount of $333,400 . The surplus note bears interest initially at the rate of 7.203% per annum, payable in arrears each May and November until May 16, 2016 . After May 16, 2016 , the surplus note bears an interest rate of 2.588% plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) . The surplus note is redeemable by the Company at the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest after May 16, 2016 . The note matures on May 16, 2046.
Schedule of related party amounts included in the condensed consolidated statements of income in connection with the termination of the reinsurance agreement	The Company recorded the following on January 1, 2013, in its consolidated statement of income in connection with the termination of the reinsurance agreement: Premium income $ 42,297 Other revenue 7,355 Total 49,652 Increase in future policy benefits 41,297 Dividends to policyholders 1,000 Total 42,297 Participating policyholders’ net income before income taxes 7,355 Income tax expense 2,574 Participating policyholders’ income 4,781 Provision for policyholders’ share of earnings on participating business 4,781 Net income available to shareholder $ —

Summary of Investments (Tables)

Summary of Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale and the non-credit related components of OTTI in AOCI	The following tables summarize fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale and the non-credit-related component of OTTI in AOCI: December 31, 2015 Amortized Gross unrealized Gross unrealized Estimated fair value OTTI (gain) loss Fixed maturities: cost gains losses and carrying value included in AOCI (1) U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ 3,291,167 $ 55,193 $ 4,608 $ 3,341,752 $ — Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 1,988,214 238,862 7,903 2,219,173 50 Foreign government securities 2,291 — 5 2,286 — Corporate debt securities (2) 12,388,886 437,207 320,381 12,505,712 (1,810 ) Asset-backed securities 1,196,326 128,406 13,362 1,311,370 (86,474 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 122,146 4,734 1,508 125,372 (123 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,009,320 19,117 11,529 1,016,908 — Collateralized debt obligations 9,112 — 58 9,054 — Total fixed maturities $ 20,007,462 $ 883,519 $ 359,354 $ 20,531,627 $ (88,357 ) (1) Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses. OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities with previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss was in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities. (2) Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $149,062 and estimated fair value of $116,423 . December 31, 2014 Amortized Gross unrealized Gross unrealized Estimated fair value OTTI (gain) loss Fixed maturities: cost gains losses and carrying value included in AOCI (1) U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ 3,478,153 $ 70,597 $ 1,494 $ 3,547,256 $ — Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 1,885,715 287,668 899 2,172,484 — Foreign government securities 2,455 — 4 2,451 — Corporate debt securities (2) 11,258,517 763,036 82,104 11,939,449 (2,228 ) Asset-backed securities 1,263,089 149,152 13,702 1,398,539 (96,603 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 167,793 7,368 1,932 173,229 (185 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 886,748 32,556 1,099 918,205 — Collateralized debt obligations 10,674 — 209 10,465 — Total fixed maturities $ 18,953,144 $ 1,310,377 $ 101,443 $ 20,162,078 $ (99,016 ) (1) Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses. OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities with previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss was in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities. (2) Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $157,742 and estimated fair value of $131,799 .
Schedule of amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale, based on estimated cash flows, are shown in the table below. Actual maturities will likely differ from these projections because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Estimated fair value Maturing in one year or less $ 639,396 $ 663,243 Maturing after one year through five years 3,585,421 3,779,455 Maturing after five years through ten years 5,394,204 5,439,202 Maturing after ten years 5,126,013 5,240,709 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 5,262,428 5,409,018 Total fixed maturities $ 20,007,462 $ 20,531,627
Summary of information regarding the sales of securities classified as available-for-sale	The following table summarizes information regarding the sales of securities classified as available-for-sale: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Proceeds from sales $ 4,187,547 $ 2,705,999 $ 2,518,568 Gross realized gains from sales 47,965 47,852 71,758 Gross realized losses from sales 6,476 1,229 27,792
Schedule of the carrying value of the mortgage loan portfolio by component	Mortgage loans on real estate - The following table summarizes the carrying value of the mortgage loan portfolio by component: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Principal $ 3,242,627 $ 3,356,374 Unamortized premium (discount) and fees, net 7,967 10,086 Mortgage provision allowance (2,890 ) (2,890 ) Total mortgage loans $ 3,247,704 $ 3,363,570
Summary of activity in the mortgage provision allowance	The following table summarizes activity in the mortgage provision allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Commercial mortgages Commercial mortgages Commercial mortgages Beginning balance $ 2,890 $ 2,890 $ 2,890 Provision increases — — 273 Charge-off — — (273 ) Recovery — — — Provision decreases — — — Ending balance $ 2,890 $ 2,890 $ 2,890 Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method: Collectively evaluated for impairment $ 2,890 $ 2,890 $ 2,890 Recorded investment balance in the mortgage loan portfolio, gross of allowance, by basis of impairment method: $ 3,250,594 $ 3,366,460 $ 3,137,145 Individually evaluated for impairment 14,031 12,986 13,906 Collectively evaluated for impairment 3,236,563 3,353,474 3,123,239
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings	The following table summarizes the collateral pledged by the Company under the securities lending program, by class of investment. Under the securities lending program the collateral pledged is, by definition, the securities loaned against the assets borrowed. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Securities lending transactions U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ — $ 11,148 Corporate debt securities — 4,275 Total secured borrowings $ — $ 15,423
Schedule of unrealized investment losses, including the non-credit-related portion of OTTI losses reported in AOCI, by class of investment	Unrealized losses on fixed maturity investments classified as available-for-sale - The following tables summarize unrealized investment losses, including the non-credit-related portion of OTTI losses reported in AOCI, by class of investment: December 31, 2015 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized Fixed maturities: fair value loss and OTTI fair value loss and OTTI fair value loss and OTTI U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ 1,357,822 $ 4,101 $ 23,604 $ 507 $ 1,381,426 $ 4,608 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 267,581 7,903 — — 267,581 7,903 Foreign government securities 2,286 5 — — 2,286 5 Corporate debt securities 4,412,965 202,874 552,791 117,507 4,965,756 320,381 Asset-backed securities 247,082 4,372 182,404 8,990 429,486 13,362 Residential mortgage-backed securities — — 18,625 1,508 18,625 1,508 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 429,175 11,154 44,498 375 473,673 11,529 Collateralized debt obligations 9,054 58 — — 9,054 58 Total fixed maturities $ 6,725,965 $ 230,467 $ 821,922 $ 128,887 $ 7,547,887 $ 359,354 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 558 106 664 December 31, 2014 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized Fixed maturities: fair value loss and OTTI fair value loss and OTTI fair value loss and OTTI U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ 566,335 $ 503 $ 74,322 $ 991 $ 640,657 $ 1,494 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 18,280 218 41,064 681 59,344 899 Foreign government securities 2,451 4 — — 2,451 4 Corporate debt securities 836,263 16,775 764,528 65,329 1,600,791 82,104 Asset-backed securities 88,312 849 200,072 12,853 288,384 13,702 Residential mortgage-backed securities 4,663 11 24,052 1,921 28,715 1,932 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 35,015 127 57,333 972 92,348 1,099 Collateralized debt obligations 10,465 209 — — 10,465 209 Total fixed maturities $ 1,561,784 $ 18,696 $ 1,161,371 $ 82,747 $ 2,723,155 $ 101,443 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 134 153 287
Schedule of OTTI of fixed maturity securities where loss portion is bifurcated and the credit related component recognized in realized investment gains (losses)	Other-than-temporary impairment recognition - The OTTI on fixed maturity securities where the loss portion is bifurcated and the credit related component is recognized in realized investment gains (losses) is summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ 119,532 $ 167,961 $ 167,788 Additions: Initial impairments - credit loss on securities not previously impaired 759 — — Credit loss recognized on securities previously impaired — — 173 Reductions: Due to sales, maturities, or payoffs during the period (559 ) (646 ) — Due to increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security (17,389 ) (47,783 ) — Ending balance $ 102,343 $ 119,532 $ 167,961
Summary of net investment income	The following table summarizes net investment income: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Investment income: Fixed maturity and short-term investments $ 796,133 $ 816,907 $ 766,367 Mortgage loans on real estate 150,284 149,497 147,944 Policy loans 206,081 207,013 206,718 Limited partnership interests 10,462 9,128 9,131 Net interest on funds withheld balances under reinsurance agreements, related party 22,165 21,295 20,876 Derivative instruments (1) 78,655 39,533 (44,610 ) Other 9,228 5,008 3,321 1,273,008 1,248,381 1,109,747 Investment expenses (18,578 ) (19,993 ) (18,358 ) Net investment income $ 1,254,430 $ 1,228,388 $ 1,091,389 (1) Includes gains (losses) on the hedged asset for fair value hedges.
Summary of realized investment gains (losses)	The following table summarizes realized investment gains (losses): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturity and short-term investments $ 46,027 $ 54,219 $ 37,312 Derivative instruments 5,840 90,504 (62,077 ) Mortgage loans on real estate 31,841 6,857 10,895 Other 2 (4,209 ) (266 ) Realized investment gains (losses) $ 83,710 $ 147,371 $ (14,136 )
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category as of December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Performing $ 3,249,129 $ 3,366,460 Non-performing 1,465 — Total $ 3,250,594 $ 3,366,460

Derivative Financial Instrume36

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of derivative financial instruments	The following tables summarize the notional amount and fair value of derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives: December 31, 2015 Net derivatives Asset derivatives Liability derivatives Notional amount Fair value Fair value (1) Fair value (1) Hedge designation/derivative type: Derivatives designated as hedges: Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 143,800 $ 11,843 $ 11,843 $ — Cross-currency swaps 380,873 28,714 28,736 22 Total cash flow hedges 524,673 40,557 40,579 22 Total derivatives designated as hedges 524,673 40,557 40,579 22 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps 303,600 3,240 8,295 5,055 Futures on equity indices 29,310 — — — Interest rate futures 117,200 — — — Interest rate swaptions 151,204 189 189 — Cross-currency swaps 662,935 (51,759 ) 19,537 71,296 Total derivatives not designated as hedges 1,264,249 (48,330 ) 28,021 76,351 Total derivative financial instruments $ 1,788,922 $ (7,773 ) $ 68,600 $ 76,373 (1) The estimated fair value excludes accrued income and expense. The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other assets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. December 31, 2014 Net derivatives Asset derivatives Liability derivatives Notional amount Fair value Fair value (1) Fair value (1) Hedge designation/derivative type: Derivatives designated as hedges: Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 184,200 $ 17,746 $ 17,746 $ — Cross-currency swaps 174,245 2,322 5,143 2,821 Total cash flow hedges 358,445 20,068 22,889 2,821 Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps 78,000 1,506 1,637 131 Total fair value hedges 78,000 1,506 1,637 131 Total derivatives designated as hedges 436,445 21,574 24,526 2,952 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps 128,100 4,402 6,246 1,844 Futures on equity indices 5,505 — — — Interest rate futures 17,958 — — — Interest rate swaptions 293,964 271 271 — Cross-currency swaps 662,935 (127,230 ) 4,561 131,791 Total derivatives not designated as hedges 1,108,462 (122,557 ) 11,078 133,635 Total derivative financial instruments $ 1,544,907 $ (100,983 ) $ 35,604 $ 136,587 (1) The estimated fair value excludes accrued income and expense. The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other assets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Schedule of the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income reported by cash flow hedges, fair value hedges and economic hedges	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income reported by cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and economic hedges, excluding embedded derivatives: Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (Effective portion) Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 2,228 $ 9,096 $ (12,285 ) $ 6,779 $ 7,462 $ 5,067 (A) Interest rate swaps — — — 3,634 — — (B) Cross-currency swaps 28,833 11,041 15,387 2,101 1,030 — (A) Cross-currency swaps — — — — (154 ) — (B) Interest rate futures — — — (134 ) 70 63 (A) Total cash flow hedges $ 31,061 $ 20,137 $ 3,102 $ 12,380 $ 8,408 $ 5,130 (A) Net investment income. (B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net. Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income Gain (loss) on hedged assets recognized in net income Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Fair value hedges: Interest rate swaps $ (1,507 ) $ (3,444 ) $ 6,342 (A) $ — $ — $ — Interest rate swaps 773 — 1,909 (B) — — — Items hedged in interest rate swaps — — — 1,511 3,439 (5,308 ) (A) Items hedged in interest rate swaps — — — (773 ) — (2,943 ) (B) Total fair value hedges $ (734 ) $ (3,444 ) $ 8,251 $ 738 $ 3,439 $ (8,251 ) (A) Net investment income. (B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net. Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Futures on equity indices $ (284 ) (A) $ (41 ) (A) $ (97 ) (A) Futures on equity indices (527 ) (B) (534 ) (B) (3,396 ) (B) Interest rate swaps (1,094 ) (A) 6,508 (A) (3,668 ) (A) Interest rate swaps — (B) — (B) (622 ) (B) Interest rate futures (65 ) (A) (51 ) (A) (458 ) (A) Interest rate futures 1 (B) 305 (B) 303 (B) Interest rate swaptions 2,868 (A) 2,424 (A) 3,241 (A) Interest rate swaptions (3,115 ) (B) (3,578 ) (B) (2,828 ) (B) Other forward contracts 5,074 (B) 94,465 (B) (57,442 ) (B) Cross-currency swaps 69,819 (A) 24,588 (A) (50,111 ) (A) Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ 72,677 $ 124,086 $ (115,078 ) (A) Net investment income. (B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.

Summary of Offsetting Assets 37

Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Offsetting [Abstract]
Summary of the Company's financial instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements	The following tables summarize the effect of master netting arrangements on the Company’s financial position in the normal course of business and in the event of default or bankruptcy of the Company’s counterparties: December 31, 2015 Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets Gross fair value of Financial Cash collateral Net Financial instruments: recognized assets/liabilities (1) instruments received/(pledged) fair value Derivative instruments (assets) (2) $ 66,435 $ (38,236 ) $ 19,060 $ 9,139 Derivative instruments (liabilities) (3) 76,107 (38,236 ) (37,871 ) — December 31, 2014 Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets Gross fair value of Financial Cash collateral Net Financial instruments: recognized assets/liabilities (1) instruments received/(pledged) fair value Derivative instruments (assets) (2) $ 32,895 $ (32,595 ) $ 279 $ 21 Derivative instruments (liabilities) (3) 140,655 (32,595 ) (105,929 ) 2,131 (1) The gross fair value of derivative instruments are not netted against offsetting liabilities for presentation on the consolidated balance sheets. (2) The estimated fair value of derivative instrument assets is reported in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals. (3) The estimated fair value of derivative instrument liabilities is reported in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy category: Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Assets Fixed maturities available-for-sale: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ — $ 3,341,752 $ — $ 3,341,752 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions — 2,219,173 — 2,219,173 Foreign government securities — 2,286 — 2,286 Corporate debt securities — 12,501,174 4,538 12,505,712 Asset-backed securities — 1,311,370 — 1,311,370 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 125,372 — 125,372 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,016,908 — 1,016,908 Collateralized debt obligations — 9,054 — 9,054 Total fixed maturities available-for-sale — 20,527,089 4,538 20,531,627 Fixed maturities held-for-trading: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies — 558,208 — 558,208 Corporate debt securities — 56,566 — 56,566 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,065 — 1,065 Total fixed maturities held-for-trading — 615,839 — 615,839 Short-term investments 132,288 134,738 — 267,026 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 69,984 — — 69,984 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 11,843 — 11,843 Cross-currency swaps — 28,736 — 28,736 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 8,295 — 8,295 Interest rate swaptions — 189 — 189 Cross-currency swaps — 19,537 — 19,537 Total derivative instruments — 68,600 — 68,600 Separate account assets 15,249,966 11,381,227 26,631,193 Total assets $ 15,452,238 $ 32,727,493 $ 4,538 $ 48,184,269 Liabilities Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements $ 19,060 $ — $ — $ 19,060 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Cross-currency swaps — 22 — 22 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 5,055 — 5,055 Cross-currency swaps — 71,296 — 71,296 Total derivative instruments — 76,373 — 76,373 Embedded derivatives - GLWB — — 11,257 11,257 Separate account liabilities (1) 24 290,293 — 290,317 Total liabilities $ 19,084 $ 366,666 $ 11,257 $ 397,007 (1) Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying liabilities owned by the separate accounts. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2014 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Assets Fixed maturities available-for-sale: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies $ — $ 3,547,256 $ — $ 3,547,256 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions — 2,172,484 — 2,172,484 Foreign government securities — 2,451 — 2,451 Corporate debt securities — 11,933,607 5,842 11,939,449 Asset-backed securities — 1,398,503 36 1,398,539 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 173,229 — 173,229 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 918,205 — 918,205 Collateralized debt obligations — 10,465 — 10,465 Total fixed maturities available-for-sale — 20,156,200 5,878 20,162,078 Fixed maturities held-for-trading: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies — 279,602 — 279,602 Corporate debt securities — 57,850 — 57,850 Asset-backed securities — — — — Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,091 — 1,091 Total fixed maturities held-for-trading — 338,543 — 338,543 Short-term investments 156,935 106,566 — 263,501 Collateral under securities lending agreements 13,741 — — 13,741 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 106,901 — — 106,901 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 19,383 — 19,383 Cross-currency swaps — 5,143 — 5,143 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 6,246 — 6,246 Interest rate swaptions — 271 — 271 Cross-currency swaps — 4,561 — 4,561 Total derivative instruments — 35,604 — 35,604 Separate account assets 16,146,057 11,572,787 — 27,718,844 Total assets $ 16,423,634 $ 32,209,700 $ 5,878 $ 48,639,212 Liabilities Payable under securities lending agreements $ 13,741 $ — $ — $ 13,741 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 791 — — 791 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 131 — 131 Cross-currency swaps — 2,821 — 2,821 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 1,844 — 1,844 Cross-currency swaps — 131,791 — 131,791 Total derivative instruments — 136,587 — 136,587 Separate account liabilities (1) 15 217,712 — 217,727 Total liabilities $ 14,547 $ 354,299 $ — $ 368,846 (1) Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying liabilities owned by the separate accounts.
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, for which Level 3 inputs are utilized to determine fair value	The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value: Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities Year Ended December 31, 2015 Assets Liabilities Fixed maturities available-for-sale Embedded derivatives - GLWB Corporate Asset-backed Collateralized debt securities securities debt obligations Total Balances, January 1, 2015 $ 5,842 $ 36 $ — $ 5,878 $ — Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Net Income — — — — 11,257 Other comprehensive income (loss) (178 ) — — (178 ) — Settlements (1,126 ) — — (1,126 ) — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — (36 ) — (36 ) $ — Balances, December 31, 2015 $ 4,538 $ — $ — $ 4,538 $ 11,257 Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets held at December 31, 2015 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 11,257 (1) Transfers out of Level 3 are due primarily to increased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced by corroboration of market prices with multiple pricing vendors and internal models. Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities Year Ended December 31, 2014 Fixed maturities available-for-sale Corporate Asset-backed Collateralized debt securities securities debt obligations Total Balances, January 1, 2014 $ 6,652 $ 252,958 $ 32 $ 259,642 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Net Income — — (17 ) (17 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (178 ) — (15 ) (193 ) Settlements (632 ) (19 ) — (651 ) Transfers out of Level 3 (1) — (252,903 ) — (252,903 ) Balances, December 31, 2014 $ 5,842 $ 36 $ — $ 5,878 Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets held at December 31, 2014 $ — $ — $ — $ — (1) Transfers out of Level 3 are due primarily to increased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced by corroboration of market prices with multiple pricing vendors and internal models. Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities Year Ended December 31, 2013 Fixed maturities available-for-sale Corporate Asset-backed Collateralized debt securities securities debt obligations Total January 1, 2013 $ 1,822 $ 265,538 $ 32 $ 267,392 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Other comprehensive income (loss) (240 ) 34,766 — 34,526 Settlements (762 ) (47,346 ) — (48,108 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) 5,832 — — 5,832 Balances, December 31, 2013 $ 6,652 $ 252,958 $ 32 $ 259,642 Total gains (losses) for the period included in net income attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to assets held at December 31, 2013 $ — $ — $ — $ — (1) Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies.
Schedule of significant unobservable inputs used during the valuation of assets categorized within Level 3 of the recurring fair value measurements table	The following table presents significant unobservable inputs used during the valuation of certain assets categorized within Level 3 of the recurring fair value measurements table: December 31, 2015 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Embedded derivatives - GLWB $ 11,257 Risk neutral stochastic valuation methodology Equity volatility 15% - 28% Swap curve 0.75% - 3.00% Mortality rate Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table Lapse rate 1% - 15%
Summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments not carried at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated amount fair value amount fair value Assets Mortgage loans on real estate $ 3,247,704 $ 3,362,496 $ 3,363,570 $ 3,558,111 Policy loans 4,092,661 4,092,661 4,130,062 4,130,062 Limited partnership interests 35,039 34,882 38,796 41,853 Other investments 14,596 44,723 15,614 43,263 Liabilities Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies $ 11,104,721 $ 10,839,205 $ 10,569,147 $ 10,563,477 Policyholders’ funds 299,577 299,577 335,484 335,484 Commercial paper 93,371 93,371 98,589 98,589 Notes payable 532,575 563,633 532,547 564,904

Minimum Guarantees (Tables)

Minimum Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Minimum Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities	The separate account liabilities subject to the requirements for additional liabilities for GMDB and GLWB, net amount at risk, net of reinsurance, and the weighted average attained age of contract owners for GMDB and GLWB at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , were as follows: GMDB GLWB Total December 31, 2015 Separate account liability $ 55,999 210,240 266,239 Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance $ 29,050 7,582 36,632 Weighted average attained age 70 57 N/A December 31, 2014 Separate account liability $ 60,388 — 60,388 Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance $ 30,095 — 30,095 Weighted average attained age 69 N/A N/A The following assumptions and methodology were used to determine GMDB additional reserves at December 31, 2015, and 2014 . Area Assumptions/Basis for Assumptions Data Used Based on 1,050 investment performance scenarios Mean Investment Performance Investment performance modeled in 3 classes: Volatility Volatility modeled in 3 classes: Mortality Based on the 1994 VA MGDB Mortality Table Lapse Rates Lapse Rates vary by duration and surrender charge Discount Rates 5% The following assumptions and methodology were used to determine GLWB additional reserves at December 31, 2015. December 31, 2015 Area Assumptions/Basis for Assumptions Equity volatility 15% - 28% Swap curve 0.75% - 3.00% Mortality rate Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table Lapse rate 1% - 15% The paid and incurred amounts for GMDB and GLWB for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows: GMDB GLWB Total Additional liability balance: Balances, January 1, 2013 6,928 — 6,928 Incurred guaranteed benefits (135 ) — (135 ) Paid guaranteed benefits (800 ) — (800 ) Balances, December 31, 2013 5,993 — 5,993 Incurred guaranteed benefits 305 — 305 Paid guaranteed benefits (732 ) — (732 ) Balances, December 31, 2014 5,566 — 5,566 Incurred guaranteed benefits 821 4,813 5,634 Paid guaranteed benefits (920 ) — (920 ) Balances, December 31, 2015 5,467 4,813 10,280

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Summary of life insurance in-force	The following tables summarize life insurance in-force and total premium income at and for the year ended December 31, 2015 : Life insurance in-force Individual Group Total Written and earned direct $ 53,403,194 $ 41,855,857 $ 95,259,051 Reinsurance ceded (10,169,625 ) (393,512 ) (10,563,137 ) Reinsurance assumed 58,742,234 — 58,742,234 Net $ 101,975,803 $ 41,462,345 $ 143,438,148 Percentage of amount assumed to net 58 % — % 41 % The following tables summarize life insurance in-force and total premium income at and for the year ended December 31, 2014 : Life insurance in-force Individual Group Total Written and earned direct $ 52,836,475 $ 41,268,214 $ 94,104,689 Reinsurance ceded (9,773,885 ) — (9,773,885 ) Reinsurance assumed 61,911,865 — 61,911,865 Net $ 104,974,455 $ 41,268,214 $ 146,242,669 Percentage of amount assumed to net 59 % — % 42 %
Summary of total premium income	Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 368,442 $ 503 $ 368,945 Reinsurance ceded (48,107 ) (86 ) (48,193 ) Reinsurance assumed 124,798 — 124,798 Net $ 445,133 $ 417 $ 445,550 The following table summarizes total premium income for the year ended December 31, 2013 : Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 315,100 $ 4,000 $ 319,100 Reinsurance ceded (1,338 ) (88 ) (1,426 ) Reinsurance assumed 146,419 — 146,419 Net $ 460,181 $ 3,912 $ 464,093 Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 360,959 $ 1,255 $ 362,214 Reinsurance ceded (45,925 ) (95 ) (46,020 ) Reinsurance assumed 130,201 — 130,201 Net $ 445,235 $ 1,160 $ 446,395

Deferred Acquisition Costs an41

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of activity in DAC and VOBA	The following table summarizes activity in DAC and VOBA: DAC VOBA Total Balances, January 1, 2013 $ 172,416 $ 32,045 $ 204,461 Correction to Balance, January 1, 2013 45,058 — 45,058 Capitalized additions 80,486 — 80,486 Amortization and writedowns (55,490 ) (4,155 ) (59,645 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses 71,601 1,327 72,928 Balances, December 31, 2013 314,071 29,217 343,288 Capitalized additions 110,315 — 110,315 Amortization and writedowns (41,045 ) (3,801 ) (44,846 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses (29,933 ) (130 ) (30,063 ) Balances, December 31, 2014 353,408 25,286 378,694 Capitalized additions 63,093 — 63,093 Amortization and writedowns (96,095 ) (4,493 ) (100,588 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses 73,012 (68 ) 72,944 Balances, December 31, 2015 $ 393,418 $ 20,725 $ 414,143

Goodwill and Other Intangible42

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The balance of goodwill, all of which is within the Empower Retirement (formerly known as “Retirement Services”) segment, is as follows: Goodwill 2015 2014 Balances, January 1 $ 137,683 $ 105,255 Acquisitions (1) — 32,428 Balances, December 31 $ 137,683 $ 137,683 (1) During 2014, the Company acquired goodwill of $32,428 from the acquisition of RPS. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the acquisition.
Schedule of other intangible assets	The following tables summarize other intangible assets, all of which are within the Empower Retirement segment: December 31, 2015 Gross carrying Accumulated amount amortization Net book value Customer relationships $ 47,580 $ (24,251 ) $ 23,329 Non-competition 1,325 (835 ) 490 Total $ 48,905 $ (25,086 ) $ 23,819 December 31, 2014 Gross carrying Accumulated amount amortization Net book value Customer relationships (1) $ 51,280 $ (24,481 ) $ 26,799 Non-competition (1) 1,325 (209 ) 1,116 Total $ 52,605 $ (24,690 ) $ 27,915 (1) During 2014, the Company acquired $14,966 and $1,325 of customer relationship and non-competition intangible assets, respectively, from the acquisition of RPS. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the acquisition.

Commercial Paper (Tables)

Commercial Paper (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of information regarding commercial paper program	The following table provides information regarding the Company’s commercial paper program: December 31, 2015 2014 Face value $93,371 $98,589 Carrying value 93,371 98,589 Effective interest rate 0.5%-0.6% 0.2% Maturity range (days) 8 - 28 7 - 27

Stockholder's Equity and Divi44

Stockholder's Equity and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of net income and capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles and practices as prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners	The Company’s net income and capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles and practices as prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), is as follows: Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 Net income $ 187,232 $ 134,091 $ 175,292 Capital and surplus $ 1,114,764 $ 1,000,938

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated balances for each classification of other comprehensive income (loss)	The following tables present the accumulated balances for each classification of other comprehensive income (loss): Year Ended December 31, 2015 Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on cash flow hedges Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments Employee benefit plan adjustment Total Balances, January 1, 2015 $ 784,183 $ 33,141 $ (108,194 ) $ (106,112 ) $ 603,018 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (418,522 ) 20,190 42,409 12,825 (343,098 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (26,141 ) (8,047 ) — 7,706 (26,482 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (444,663 ) 12,143 42,409 20,531 (369,580 ) Balances, December 31, 2015 $ 339,520 $ 45,284 $ (65,785 ) $ (85,581 ) $ 233,438 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on cash flow hedges Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments Employee benefit plan adjustment Total Balances, January 1, 2014 $ 434,023 $ 25,517 $ (70,000 ) $ (43,786 ) $ 345,754 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 381,198 13,089 (38,194 ) (67,380 ) 288,713 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (31,038 ) (5,465 ) — 5,054 (31,449 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 350,160 7,624 (38,194 ) (62,326 ) 257,264 Balances, December 31, 2014 $ 784,183 $ 33,141 $ (108,194 ) $ (106,112 ) $ 603,018 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on cash flow hedges Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments Employee benefit plan adjustment Total Balances, January 1, 2013 $ 927,678 $ 24,962 $ (194,147 ) $ (122,794 ) $ 635,699 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (467,178 ) 2,016 124,147 68,422 (272,593 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (26,477 ) (1,461 ) — 10,586 (17,352 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (493,655 ) 555 124,147 79,008 (289,945 ) Balances, December 31, 2013 $ 434,023 $ 25,517 $ (70,000 ) $ (43,786 ) $ 345,754
Schedule of composition of other comprehensive income (loss)	The following tables present the composition of other comprehensive income (loss): Year Ended December 31, 2015 Before-tax Tax (expense) Net-of-tax amount benefit amount Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ (643,880 ) $ 225,358 $ (418,522 ) Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges 31,061 (10,871 ) 20,190 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income (52,597 ) 18,409 (34,188 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments (665,416 ) 232,896 (432,520 ) Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments 65,245 (22,836 ) 42,409 Net unrealized gains (losses) (600,171 ) 210,060 (390,111 ) Employee benefit plan adjustment 31,586 (11,055 ) 20,531 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (568,585 ) $ 199,005 $ (369,580 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Before-tax Tax (expense) Net-of-tax amount benefit amount Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 586,458 $ (205,260 ) $ 381,198 Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges 20,137 (7,048 ) 13,089 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income (56,159 ) 19,656 (36,503 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments 550,436 (192,652 ) 357,784 Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments (58,760 ) 20,566 (38,194 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) 491,676 (172,086 ) 319,590 Employee benefit plan adjustment (95,886 ) 33,560 (62,326 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 395,790 $ (138,526 ) $ 257,264 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Before-tax Tax (expense) Net-of-tax amount benefit amount Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ (718,735 ) $ 251,557 $ (467,178 ) Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on cash flow hedges 3,102 (1,086 ) 2,016 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses, net, realized in net income (42,982 ) 15,044 (27,938 ) Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments (758,615 ) 265,515 (493,100 ) Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments 190,995 (66,848 ) 124,147 Net unrealized gains (losses) (567,620 ) 198,667 (368,953 ) Employee benefit plan adjustment 121,551 (42,543 ) 79,008 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (446,069 ) $ 156,124 $ (289,945 )
Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table presents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented Unrealized holdings (gains) losses, net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ (40,217 ) $ (47,751 ) Other realized investment (gains) losses, net (40,217 ) (47,751 ) Total before tax (14,076 ) (16,713 ) Tax expense or benefit $ (26,141 ) $ (31,038 ) Net of tax Unrealized holdings (gains) losses, net, arising on cash flow hedges $ (12,380 ) $ (8,408 ) Net investment income (12,380 ) (8,408 ) Total before tax (4,333 ) (2,943 ) Tax expense or benefit $ (8,047 ) $ (5,465 ) Net of tax Amortization of employee benefit plan items Prior service costs (benefits) $ (694 ) (1) $ 3,189 (1) Actuarial losses (gains) 12,550 (1) 2,730 (1) Settlement — (1) 1,857 (1) 11,856 7,776 Total before tax 4,150 2,722 Tax expense or benefit $ 7,706 $ 5,054 Net of tax Total reclassification $ (26,482 ) $ (31,449 ) Net of tax (1) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic (benefit) cost of employee benefit plans (see Note 17 for additional details).

General Insurance Expenses (Tab

General Insurance Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Abstract]
Summary of significant components of general insurance expenses	The following table summarizes the significant components of general insurance expenses: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Compensation $ 564,008 $ 406,601 $ 359,280 Commissions 206,360 210,797 184,238 Other 308,628 163,593 106,829 Total general insurance expenses $ 1,078,996 $ 780,991 $ 650,347

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligations	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and the underfunded status for the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Post-Retirement Medical Plan Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Total Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, January 1 $ 583,080 $ 456,402 $ 12,782 $ 11,081 $ 55,832 $ 62,305 $ 651,694 $ 529,788 Service cost 12,851 4,952 1,042 985 282 586 14,175 6,523 Interest cost 23,987 23,068 560 574 2,122 2,528 26,669 26,170 Actuarial (gain) loss (42,863 ) 113,410 3,360 (2,092 ) (9,504 ) 3,376 (49,007 ) 114,694 Regular benefits paid (16,238 ) (14,752 ) (1,446 ) (508 ) (4,874 ) (16,874 ) (22,558 ) (32,134 ) Amendment — — — (569 ) — 3,911 — 3,342 Acquisition — — 339 3,311 — — 339 3,311 Benefit obligation, December 31 $ 560,817 $ 583,080 $ 16,637 $ 12,782 $ 43,858 $ 55,832 $ 621,312 $ 651,694 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 544,011 $ 562,760 $ 16,637 $ 12,782 $ 42,182 $ 50,032 $ 602,830 $ 625,574
Schedule of fair value of plan assets	Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in plan assets: Value of plan assets, January 1 $ 443,962 $ 404,335 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 443,962 $ 404,335 Actual return on plan assets (593 ) 43,662 — — — — (593 ) 43,662 Employer contributions — 10,717 1,446 508 4,874 16,874 6,320 28,099 Benefits paid (16,238 ) (14,752 ) (1,446 ) (508 ) (4,874 ) (16,874 ) (22,558 ) (32,134 ) Value of plan assets, December 31 $ 427,131 $ 443,962 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 427,131 $ 443,962
Schedule of fair value of plan assets and the underfunded status	Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Under funded status at December 31 $ (133,686 ) $ (139,118 ) $ (16,637 ) $ (12,782 ) $ (43,858 ) $ (55,832 ) $ (194,181 ) $ (207,732 )
Schedule of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	The following table presents amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets for the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans: Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets: Other liabilities $ (133,686 ) $ (139,118 ) $ (16,637 ) $ (12,782 ) $ (43,858 ) $ (55,832 ) $ (194,181 ) $ (207,732 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (139,316 ) (165,652 ) 8,540 14,390 (890 ) (11,990 ) (131,666 ) (163,252 )
Schedule of amounts recognized in AOCI that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs	The following table provides information regarding amounts in AOCI that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2015 : Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Net gain (loss) $ (139,316 ) $ (90,555 ) $ 6,815 $ 4,430 $ 1,311 $ 852 $ (131,190 ) $ (85,273 ) Net prior service (cost) credit — — 1,725 1,121 (2,201 ) (1,431 ) (476 ) (310 ) $ (139,316 ) $ (90,555 ) $ 8,540 $ 5,551 $ (890 ) $ (579 ) $ (131,666 ) $ (85,583 )
Schedule of information regarding amounts in AOCI that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year	The following table provides information regarding amounts in AOCI that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the year ended December 31, 2016 : Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Gross Net of tax Net gain (loss) $ (9,940 ) $ (6,461 ) $ 341 $ 222 $ 61 $ 40 $ (9,538 ) $ (6,199 ) Prior service (cost) credit — — 1,102 716 (501 ) (326 ) 601 390 $ (9,940 ) $ (6,461 ) $ 1,443 $ 938 $ (440 ) $ (286 ) $ (8,937 ) $ (5,809 )
Schedule of expected benefit payments	The expected benefit payments for the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans for the years indicated are as follows: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Post-Retirement Medical Plan Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan 2016 $ 17,148 $ 787 $ 3,337 2017 18,164 805 3,320 2018 19,820 800 2,852 2019 21,211 880 2,535 2020 22,753 913 2,510 2021 through 2025 144,889 5,997 17,504
Schedule of net periodic (benefit) cost	Net periodic (benefit) cost of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans included in general insurance expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income includes the following components: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Components of net periodic cost: Service cost $ 12,851 $ 4,952 $ 5,527 Interest cost 23,987 23,068 20,897 Expected return on plan assets (28,345 ) (29,288 ) (24,499 ) Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost 13 51 51 Amortization of loss from earlier periods 12,398 2,898 16,001 Net periodic cost $ 20,904 $ 1,681 $ 17,977 Post-Retirement Medical Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Components of net periodic benefit: Service cost $ 1,042 $ 985 $ 947 Interest cost 560 574 512 Amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit (1,640 ) (1,706 ) (1,650 ) Amortization of gain from earlier periods (511 ) (450 ) (348 ) Net periodic benefit $ (549 ) $ (597 ) $ (539 ) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Components of net periodic cost: Service cost $ 282 $ 586 $ 1,002 Interest cost 2,122 2,528 2,548 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost 933 4,844 933 Amortization of loss from earlier periods 663 282 1,299 Settlement — 1,857 — Net periodic cost $ 4,000 $ 10,097 $ 5,782
Schedule of weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining benefit obligations	The following tables present the assumptions used in determining benefit obligations of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and the Supplemental Executive Retirement plans: Defined Benefit Pension Plan December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.55 % 4.17 % Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.47 % Post-Retirement Medical Plan December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.31 % 3.94 % Initial health care cost trend 7.00 % 6.50 % Ultimate health care cost trend 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend is reached 2024 2018 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.22 % 3.99 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 %
Schedule of weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining the net periodic (benefit) cost	The following tables present the assumptions used in determining the net periodic (benefit) cost of the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical, and the Supplemental Executive Retirement plans: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.17 % 5.11 % Expected return on plan assets 6.50 % 7.25 % Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.47 % Post-Retirement Medical Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.94 % 4.83 % Initial health care cost trend 6.50 % 7.00 % Ultimate health care cost trend 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend is reached 2018 2018 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.99 % 4.61 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 %
Schedule of effect of one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates	The following table presents the impact on the Post-Retirement Medical Plan that a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have on the following: One percentage point increase One percentage Increase (decrease) on total service and interest cost on components $ 271 $ (225 ) Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation 2,099 (1,801 )
Schedule of investment of defined benefit pension plan assets	The following table presents how the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets are invested: December 31, 2015 2014 Equity securities 67 % 65 % Debt securities 31 % 33 % Other 2 % 2 % Total 100 % 100 %
Schedule of defined benefit retirement plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables present information about the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value: Defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Common collective trust funds: Equity index funds $ — $ 94,751 $ — $ 94,751 Midcap index funds — 88,267 — 88,267 World equity index funds — 8,511 — 8,511 U.S. equity market funds — 94,471 — 94,471 Total common collective trust funds — 286,000 — 286,000 Fixed maturity investments: U.S. government direct obligations and agencies — 6,753 — 6,753 Obligations of U.S. states and their municipalities — 19,074 — 19,074 Corporate debt securities — 93,811 — 93,811 Asset-backed securities — 8,149 — 8,149 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 2,926 — 2,926 Total fixed maturity investments — 130,713 — 130,713 Preferred stock 280 — — 280 Limited partnership investments — — 7,654 7,654 Money market funds 2,484 — — 2,484 Total defined benefit plan assets $ 2,764 $ 416,713 $ 7,654 $ 427,131 Defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2014 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total Common collective trust funds: Equity index funds $ — $ 93,415 $ — $ 93,415 Midcap index funds — 90,159 — 90,159 World equity index funds — 8,759 — 8,759 U.S. equity market funds — 93,911 — 93,911 Total common collective trust funds — 286,244 — 286,244 Fixed maturity investments: U.S. government direct obligations and agencies — 9,308 — 9,308 Obligations of U.S. states and their municipalities — 18,838 — 18,838 Corporate debt securities — 107,125 — 107,125 Asset-backed securities — 8,444 — 8,444 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 3,048 — 3,048 Total fixed maturity investments — 146,763 — 146,763 Preferred stock 310 — — 310 Limited partnership investments — — 8,114 8,114 Money market funds 2,531 — — 2,531 Total defined benefit plan assets $ 2,841 $ 433,007 $ 8,114 $ 443,962
Schedule of defined benefit retirement plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which Level 3 inputs are utilized	The following tables present additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value: Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) limited partnership interest Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 8,114 $ 7,557 Actual return on plan assets (655 ) 510 Capital contributions to limited partnership interest 1,319 656 Capital distributions from limited partnership interest (1,124 ) (609 ) Balance, December 31 $ 7,654 $ 8,114
Schedule of targets for the allocation of invested Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets	The following table presents the ranges the Company targets for the allocation of invested Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2016 : December 31, 2016 Equity securities 30 % Debt securities 52 % Other 18 % Total 100 %

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of the provision for income taxes	The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current $ 76,842 $ 80,859 $ 82,878 Deferred 21,682 75,044 (24,087 ) Total income tax provision $ 98,524 $ 155,903 $ 58,791
Schedule of reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Company's effective federal income tax rate	The following table presents a reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Company’s effective federal income tax rate: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Income tax effect of: Investment income not subject to federal tax (3.0 )% (1.8 )% (4.6 )% Tax credits (0.2 )% (0.3 )% (2.0 )% State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.2 % 1.0 % 3.3 % Income tax contingency provisions — % (1.2 )% (0.4 )% Other, net (0.9 )% 0.2 % — % Effective federal income tax rate 34.1 % 32.9 % 31.3 %
Schedule of reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 26,890 $ 21,154 $ 25,850 Additions to tax positions in the current year 1,383 13,931 — Additions to tax positions in the prior year 50 — 1,497 Reductions to tax positions in the prior year — — (180 ) Reductions to tax positions from statutes expiring (5,230 ) (8,195 ) (6,013 ) Balance, end of year $ 23,093 $ 26,890 $ 21,154
Schedule of tax effect of temporary differences, which give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities	The tax effect of temporary differences, which give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities, is as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred Deferred Deferred Deferred tax asset tax liability tax asset tax liability Policyholder reserves $ — $ 262,822 $ — $ 255,926 Deferred acquisition costs — 8,533 2,467 — Investment assets — 221,303 — 426,477 Policyholder dividends 8,919 — 10,002 — Net operating loss carryforward 113,637 — 122,177 — Pension plan accrued benefit liability 79,945 — 84,351 — Goodwill — 33,034 — 26,022 Experience rated refunds 12,673 — 13,431 — Tax credits 154,017 — 149,516 — Other 19,385 — 11,865 — Total deferred taxes $ 388,576 $ 525,692 $ 393,809 $ 708,425
Schedule of federal net operating loss carry forwards of a subsidiary	As of December 31, 2015 , the subsidiary had net operating loss carry forwards expiring as follows: Year Amount 2021 $ 37,747 2022 136,796 2023 81,693 2028 2,215 Total $ 258,451

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of financial information related to segments	The following tables summarize segment financial information: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 360,783 $ 533 $ 84,234 $ 445,550 Fee income 87,471 853,076 3,979 944,526 Other revenue — 13,563 — 13,563 Net investment income 801,935 398,639 53,856 1,254,430 Realized investments gains (losses), net 28,864 54,752 94 83,710 Total revenues 1,279,053 1,320,563 142,163 2,741,779 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 931,631 201,791 101,205 1,234,627 Operating expenses 159,719 992,564 65,890 1,218,173 Total benefits and expenses 1,091,350 1,194,355 167,095 2,452,800 Income (loss) before income taxes 187,703 126,208 (24,932 ) 288,979 Income tax expense (benefit) 64,360 43,058 (8,894 ) 98,524 Net income (loss) $ 123,343 $ 83,150 $ (16,038 ) $ 190,455 December 31, 2015 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Assets: Investments $ 16,074,681 $ 10,966,096 $ 1,770,249 $ 28,811,026 Other assets 1,358,934 927,061 149,655 2,435,650 Separate account assets 7,031,013 19,600,180 — 26,631,193 Assets of continuing operations $ 24,464,628 $ 31,493,337 $ 1,919,904 57,877,869 Assets of discontinued operations 21,910 Total assets $ 57,899,779 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 360,305 $ 1,215 $ 84,875 $ 446,395 Fee income 95,631 629,533 4,015 729,179 Other revenue — 7,506 — 7,506 Net investment income 748,015 426,340 54,033 1,228,388 Realized investments gains (losses), net 44,381 102,597 393 147,371 Total revenues 1,248,332 1,167,191 143,316 2,558,839 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 902,982 206,339 113,124 1,222,445 Operating expenses 136,850 647,165 79,107 863,122 Total benefits and expenses 1,039,832 853,504 192,231 2,085,567 Income (loss) before income taxes 208,500 313,687 (48,915 ) 473,272 Income tax expense (benefit) 68,719 104,162 (16,978 ) 155,903 Net income (loss) $ 139,781 $ 209,525 $ (31,937 ) $ 317,369 December 31, 2014 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Assets: Investments $ 15,928,591 $ 10,621,831 $ 1,772,821 $ 28,323,243 Other assets 1,283,256 855,728 142,824 2,281,808 Separate account assets 7,247,463 20,471,381 — 27,718,844 Assets of continuing operations $ 24,459,310 $ 31,948,940 $ 1,915,645 58,323,895 Assets of discontinued operations 24,324 Total assets $ 58,348,219 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 354,202 $ 3,954 $ 105,937 $ 464,093 Fee income 94,037 519,842 4,365 618,244 Other revenue 7,355 — — 7,355 Net investment income 688,279 351,729 51,381 1,091,389 Realized investments gains (losses), net 19,071 (33,233 ) 26 (14,136 ) Total revenues 1,162,944 842,292 161,709 2,166,945 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 921,096 196,115 114,880 1,232,091 Operating expenses 142,141 538,209 66,971 747,321 Total benefits and expenses 1,063,237 734,324 181,851 1,979,412 Income (loss) before income taxes 99,707 107,968 (20,142 ) 187,533 Income tax expense 34,265 33,240 (8,714 ) 58,791 Net income (loss) $ 65,442 $ 74,728 $ (11,428 ) $ 128,742

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of compensation expense related to stock-based compensation	The compensation expense related to share-based compensation was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Lifeco Stock Plan $ 1,655 $ 3,384 $ 2,579 Performance Share Unit Plan 2,320 6,263 6,860 Total compensation expense $ 3,975 $ 9,647 $ 9,439 Income tax benefits $ 1,143 $ 2,404 $ 2,732
Schedule of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock-based compensation and the expected weighted-average period over which these expenses will be recognized	The following table presents the total unrecognized compensation expense related to share-based compensation at December 31, 2015 , and the expected weighted average period over which these expenses will be recognized: Expense Weighted average period (years) Lifeco Stock Plan $ 2,238 1.7 Performance Share Unit Plan 3,585 1.4
Summary of status of, and changes in, the Lifeco plan options granted to employees	The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, the Lifeco plan options granted to Company employees which are outstanding. The options granted relate to underlying stock traded in Canadian dollars on the Toronto Stock Exchange; therefore, the amounts, which are presented in United States dollars, will fluctuate as a result of exchange rate fluctuations. Weighted average Shares under option Exercise price (Whole dollars) Remaining contractual term (Years) Intrinsic value (1) Outstanding, January 1, 2015 3,793,658 $ 26.49 Granted 714,101 25.74 Exercised (692,756 ) 20.39 Cancelled and expired (181,660 ) 21.95 Outstanding, December 31, 2015 3,633,343 21.68 5.9 $ 13,154 Vested and expected to vest, 3,633,343 $ 21.68 5.9 $ 13,154 Exercisable, December 31, 2015 2,360,613 $ 21.01 4.7 $ 10,078 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on December 31, 2015 , and the exercise price of the option (only if the result is positive) multiplied by the number of options.
Schedule of additional information regarding stock options under the Lifeco plan	The following table presents additional information regarding stock options under the Lifeco plan: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 3.33 $ 5.53 $ 4.56 Intrinsic value of options exercised (1) 4,234 401 1,437 Fair value of options vested 1,670 4,491 1,843 (1) The intrinsic value of options exercised is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of options exercised.
Schedule of weighted average assumptions	The fair value of the options granted during was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 3.66 % 3.95 % 4.53 % Expected volatility 19.10 % 26.63 % 26.73 % Risk free interest rate 0.90 % 1.75 % 1.38 % Expected duration (years) 6.0 6.0 6.0
Summary of the status of, and changes in, the Performance Share Unit Plan units granted to employees	The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, the Performance Share Unit Plan units granted to Company employees which are outstanding: Performance Outstanding, January 1, 2015 521,295 Granted 204,864 Forfeited (55,316 ) Exercised (230,754 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2015 440,089 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2015 440,089

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of estimated future contractual obligations	The following table summarizes the Company’s future purchase obligations and commitments: Payment due by period Less than one year One to three years Three to five years More than five years Total Related party long-term debt - principal (1) $ — $ — $ — $ 528,400 $ 528,400 Related party long-term debt - interest (2) 37,031 74,062 74,062 789,976 975,131 Investment purchase obligations (3) 50,692 — — — 50,692 Operating leases (4) 12,681 22,415 17,066 4,510 56,672 Other liabilities (5) 32,341 45,623 37,438 27,601 143,003 Total $ 132,745 $ 142,100 $ 128,566 $ 1,350,487 $ 1,753,898 (1) Related party long-term debt principal - Represents contractual maturities of principal due to the Company’s parent, GWL&A Financial, under the terms of two long-term surplus notes. The amounts shown in this table differ from the amounts included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet because the amounts shown above do not consider the discount upon the issuance of one of the surplus notes. (2) Related party long-term debt interest - One long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The second surplus note bears interest initially at a fixed rate that will change in the future based upon the then current three -month London Interbank Offering Rate. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2015 , and do not consider the impact of future interest rate changes. (3) Investment purchase obligations - The Company makes commitments to fund partnership interests, mortgage loans on real estate, and other investments in the normal course of its business. As the timing of the fulfillment of the commitment to fund partnership interests cannot be predicted, such obligations are presented in the less than one year category. The timing of the funding of mortgage loans on real estate is based on the expiration date of the commitment. The amounts of these unfunded commitments at December 31, 2015, and 2014 , were $50,692 and $166,356 , of which $8,692 and $4,997 was related to cost basis limited partnership interests, respectively, all of which is due within one year from the dates indicated. (4) Operating leases - The Company is obligated to make payments under various non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for office space. Contractual provisions exist that could increase the lease obligations presented, including operating expense escalation clauses. Management does not consider the impact of any such clauses to be material to the Company’s operating lease obligations. The Company incurred rent expense, net of sublease income, of $12,050 , $7,628 , and $5,439 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 , respectively and is recorded in general insurance expense. The Company’s total future operating lease obligation will be reduced by minimum reimbursement of $8,640 due in the future under non-cancelable agreements. From time to time, the Company enters into agreements or contracts, including capital leases, to purchase goods or services in the normal course of its business. However, these agreements and contracts are not material and are excluded from the table above. (5) Other liabilities - Other liabilities include those other liabilities which represent contractual obligations not included elsewhere in the table above. If the timing of the payment of any other liabilities was sufficiently uncertain, the amounts were included in the less than one year category. Other liabilities presented in the table above include: · Expected contributions to the Company’s defined benefit pension plan and benefit payments for the Post-Retirement Medical Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan through 2021. · Miscellaneous purchase obligations to acquire goods and services. · Unrecognized tax benefits

Organization and Significant 52

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments
Initial minimum collateral as a percentage of fair value of domestic securities loaned	102.00%
Initial minimum collateral as a percentage of fair value of foreign securities loaned	105.00%
Cash
Book overdrafts, included in other liabilities	$ 137,000	$ 1,788,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Capitalized internal use software development costs, net of accumulated amortization	93,646,000	66,012,000
Internal use software development costs capitalized	47,895,000	31,473,000	$ 14,640,000
Life insurance and annuity future benefits
Life insurance and annuity future benefits with life contingencies	15,955,510,000	15,349,322,000
Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies	11,104,721,000	10,569,147,000
Participating business
Participating life and annuity policy benefit liabilities	$ 6,890,616,000	$ 6,804,898,000
Participating business as a percentage of individual life insurance in-force	10.00%	9.00%
Participating business income as a percentage of individual life insurance premium income	20.00%	21.00%	32.00%
Minimum
Other intangible assets
Useful life of other intangible assets	2 years
Maximum
Other intangible assets
Useful life of other intangible assets	18 years
Life insurance and annuity future benefits
Life insurance and annuity future benefits with life contingencies	$ 4,500,000
Maximum | Internal use software
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Useful life of internal use software	5 years
Weighted average
Other intangible assets
Useful life of other intangible assets	15 years

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2015	Aug. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill			$ 137,683,000	$ 137,683,000	$ 137,683,000	$ 137,683,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract]
Goodwill			137,683,000	137,683,000	137,683,000	137,683,000
Decrease in contingent consideration					$ 17,600,000	0	$ 0
J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services (RPS)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill				32,428,000		32,428,000		$ 50,249,000
Other intangible assets				16,291,000		16,291,000		0
Fixed assets				12,680,000		12,680,000		12,680,000
Accounts receivable				24,155,000		24,155,000		24,050,000
Other				1,102,000		1,102,000		1,224,000
Total other assets				37,937,000		37,937,000		37,954,000
Total assets acquired and goodwill				86,656,000		86,656,000		88,203,000
Accrued expenses and other				26,880,000		26,880,000		26,108,000
Contingent consideration				32,209,000		32,209,000		33,739,000
Total liabilities assumed and contingent consideration				59,089,000		59,089,000		59,847,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract]
Goodwill				(17,821,000)
Other intangible assets				16,291,000
Fixed assets				0
Accounts receivable				105,000
Other				(122,000)
Total other assets				(17,000)
Total assets acquired and goodwill				(1,547,000)
Accrued expenses and other				772,000
Contingent consideration				(1,530,000)
Total other liabilities				(758,000)
Total liabilities assumed and contingent consideration				(758,000)
Goodwill				32,428,000		32,428,000		50,249,000
Discount rate					3.00%
Business Combination, Period After Close of Acquisition		24 months
Minimum contingent consideration potential earnout payment		$ 0
Maximum contingent consideration potential earnout payment		$ 50,000,000
Decrease in contingent consideration			17,600,000
Contingent consideration liability			14,609,000	32,209,000	$ 14,609,000	32,209,000
Contingent consideration				32,209,000		32,209,000		$ 33,739,000
Revenue from acquired entity from date of acquisition					182,759,000	54,267,000
Net loss from acquired entity from date of acquisition					944,000	3,416,000
Acquisition costs				2,859,000		2,859,000
Retirement Services segment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill			137,683,000	137,683,000	137,683,000	137,683,000	105,255,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract]
Goodwill			$ 137,683,000	$ 137,683,000	$ 137,683,000	$ 137,683,000	$ 105,255,000
Noncompete agreements | J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services (RPS)
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract]
Discount rate						14.00%
Customer relationships | J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services (RPS)
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract]
Discount rate						14.00%
Putnam Retirement Business [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transactions Between Entities Under Common Control, Cash Paid	$ 4,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract]
Transactions Between Entities Under Common Control, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets	12,000
Transactions Between Entities Under Common Control, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Liabilities	8,000
Dividends	$ 0

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	May. 19, 2006USD ($)	Nov. 15, 2004USD ($)
Related party transactions
Due to parent and affiliates		$ 540,310,000	$ 547,266,000
Reinsurance receivable		530,213,000	529,921,000
Future policy benefits		27,110,981,000	25,968,411,000
Premium income, net of related party premiums ceded of $15,731, $13,901, and $(30,114)		68,722,000	71,453,000	$ 137,785,000
Related party premiums ceded		15,731,000	13,901,000	(30,114,000)
Life and other policy benefits, net of reinsurance recoveries of $6,494, $4,594, and $(536)		193,215,000	209,102,000	216,809,000
Reinsurance recoveries		6,494,000	4,594,000	(536,000)
Decrease in future policy benefits		(52,842,000)	(46,915,000)	(2,556,000)
Due from parent and affiliates		62,596,000	47,193,000
Affiliated Entity
Related party transactions
Future policy benefits		1,724,797,000	1,812,077,000
The Canada Life Assurance Company (CLAC), Great-West Life, MAM Holding, and Putnam
Revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided
Provides corporate support service	[1],[2]	(4,115,000)	(2,055,000)	(1,971,000)
The Canada Life Assurance Company (CLAC), Great-West Life, Great West Global, and Putnam
Revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided
Receives corporate support services	[1],[2]	(12,609,000)	(4,053,000)	(2,556,000)
CLAC and Putnam
Revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided
Related Party Transaction Investment Management and Administrative Revenue Included in Fee Income and Net Investment Income	[1],[2]	377,000	13,956,000	10,625,000
London Life, LRG (US) Inc., Putnam, Thomas H. Lee Partners L.P. and CLAC
Revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided
Provides U.S. tax services	[1],[2]	(533,000)	(402,000)	(361,000)
Putnam
Related party transactions
Due to parent and affiliates		0	7,257,000
Due from parent and affiliates		9,547,000	0
Revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided
Provides shareholder services	[1]	5,531,000	0	0
Receives reimbursement from tax sharing indemnification related to state and local tax liabilities	[1]	13,563,000	7,506,000	8,114,000
Received internally developed internal use software	[1]	2,226,000	1,008,000	0
Lifeco U.S.
Related party transactions
Due from parent and affiliates		11,783,000	13,369,000
GWL&A Financial
Related party transactions
Due from parent and affiliates		38,864,000	32,572,000
Interest payable	[3]	$ 975,131,000
GWL&A Financial | Surplus note
Related party transactions
Minimum multiple required to be applied on authorized control level at the time of payments of principal and interest		2.5
Interest expense attributable to related party debt obligations		$ 37,059,000	37,059,000	37,059,000
Interest payable		4,701,000	4,701,000
GWL&A Financial | Surplus note, November 2034
Related party transactions
Due to parent and affiliates	[4]	$ 194,474,000	194,446,000
Face amount						$ 195,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.675%
GWL&A Financial | Surplus note, May 2046
Related party transactions
Due to parent and affiliates	[5]	$ 333,400,000	333,400,000
Face amount					$ 333,400,000
GWL&A Financial | Surplus note, May 2046 | Until May 16, 2016
Related party transactions
Interest rate (as a percent)		7.203%
GWL&A Financial | Surplus note, May 2046 | After May 16, 2016
Related party transactions
Margin added to variable rate basis (as a percent)		2.588%
Variable rate basis		three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”)
GWL&A Financial | Note interest, May 2014
Related party transactions
Due to parent and affiliates		$ 4,701,000	4,701,000
Other related party receivables
Related party transactions
Due from parent and affiliates		2,402,000	1,252,000
London Life
Related party transactions
Due to parent and affiliates		1,778,000	1,737,000
Great-West Life
Related party transactions
Due to parent and affiliates		1,936,000	1,739,000
CLAC
Related party transactions
Due to parent and affiliates		4,021,000	3,986,000
UNITED STATES | The Canada Life Assurance Company (CLAC) and Great-West Life
Revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided
Related Party Transaction Investment Management and Administrative Revenue Included in Fee Income and Net Investment Income	[2]	1,710,000	1,803,000	2,586,000
CANADA | The Canada Life Assurance Company (CLAC), Great-West Life, and London Life
Revenue, expenses incurred and expense reimbursement from related parties for services provided
Related Party Transaction Investment Management and Administrative Revenue Included in Fee Income and Net Investment Income	[2]	$ 3,882,000	$ 3,912,000	$ 4,487,000
[1]	A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S.
[2]	An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco
[3]	Related party long-term debt interest - One long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The second surplus note bears interest initially at a fixed rate that will change in the future based upon the then current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2015, and do not consider the impact of future interest rate changes.
[4]	A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on November 15, 2004, with a face amount of $195,000 and carrying amounts of $194,474 and $194,446 at December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The surplus note bears interest at the rate of 6.675% per annum, payable in arrears each May and November. The note matures on November 14, 2034.
[5]	A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on May 19, 2006, with a face amount and carrying amount of $333,400. The surplus note bears interest initially at the rate of 7.203% per annum, payable in arrears each May and November until May 16, 2016. After May 16, 2016, the surplus note bears an interest rate of 2.588% plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”). The surplus note is redeemable by the Company at the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest after May 16, 2016. The note matures on May 16, 2046.

Related Party Transactions (D55

Related Party Transactions (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)debt_instrument	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
GWL&A Financial
Related party transactions
Number of letters of credit obtained for the benefit of related party | debt_instrument	2
GWL&A Financial | First letter of credit
Related party transactions
First letter of credit	$ 1,176,680,000
Amount outstanding	0	$ 0
GWL&A Financial | Second letter of credit
Related party transactions
Second letter of credit	70,000,000
CLAC
Related party transactions
Withheld assets included within reinsurance receivable	$ 520,753,000	522,180,000
Funds Held under Reinsurance Agreements Asset Interest Rate	4.55%
Interest income	$ 22,165,000	21,295,000	$ 20,876,000
Affiliated entities of subsidiaries
Related party transactions
Advisory and management fee income	138,936,000	126,726,000	107,854,000
Guaranteed interest annuity contracts purchased	146,547,000	132,961,000	$ 198,107,000
Reduction in separate account assets and liabilities	$ 309,108,000	$ 343,471,000

Related Party Transactions (D56

Related Party Transactions (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	$ 20,531,627	$ 20,162,078
Policy loans	4,092,661	4,130,062
Reinsurance receivable	604,946	611,270
Investment income due and accrued	283,183	278,886
Total assets	57,899,779	58,348,219
Liabilities
Undistributed earnings on participating business	17,024	20,050
Due to parent and affiliates	540,310	547,266
Total	56,017,513	56,210,706
CLAC
Liabilities
Due to parent and affiliates	$ 4,021	$ 3,986

Related Party Transactions (D57

Related Party Transactions (Details 4) $ in Thousands	Jan. 02, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)debt_instrument	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Revenue:
Premium income		$ 445,550	$ 446,395	$ 464,093
Other revenue		13,563	7,506	7,355
Total revenues		2,741,779	2,558,839	2,166,945
Benefits and expenses:
Increase in future policy benefits		(41,636)	(56,073)	5,575
Dividends to policyholders		57,356	60,739	66,258
Total benefits and expenses		2,452,800	2,085,567	1,979,412
Participating policyholders’ net income before income taxes		288,979	473,272	187,533
Income tax expense		98,524	155,903	58,791
Provision for policyholders’ share of earnings on participating business		(1,267)	(1,041)	(804)
Net income (loss)		$ 190,455	317,369	$ 128,742
CLAC
Revenue:
Premium income	$ 42,297
Other revenue	7,355
Total revenues	49,652
Benefits and expenses:
Increase in future policy benefits	41,297
Dividends to policyholders	1,000
Total benefits and expenses	42,297
Participating policyholders’ net income before income taxes	7,355
Income tax expense	2,574
Participating policyholders’ income	4,781
Provision for policyholders’ share of earnings on participating business	4,781
Net income (loss)	$ 0
Cash transferred			$ 3,862
Number of mortgages transferred | debt_instrument			2
Market value of investment transferred			$ 28,959
Number of fixed maturity investments received | debt_instrument			4
Value of fixed maturity investment received			$ 32,821
Loss on realized investment loss			$ 1,041

SOI Fixed Maturity AFS and non-

SOI Fixed Maturity AFS and non-credit OTTI in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	$ 20,007,462		$ 18,953,144
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	20,531,627		20,162,078
Fixed maturities
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	20,007,462		18,953,144
Gross unrealized gains	883,519		1,310,377
Gross unrealized losses	359,354		101,443
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	20,531,627		20,162,078
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	(88,357)	[1]	(99,016)	[2]
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	3,291,167		3,478,153
Gross unrealized gains	55,193		70,597
Gross unrealized losses	4,608		1,494
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	3,341,752		3,547,256
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	0	[1]	0	[2]
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	1,988,214		1,885,715
Gross unrealized gains	238,862		287,668
Gross unrealized losses	7,903		899
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	2,219,173		2,172,484
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	50	[1]	0	[2]
Foreign government securities
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	2,291		2,455
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	5		4
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	2,286		2,451
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	0	[1]	0	[2]
Corporate debt securities
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	12,388,886	[3]	11,258,517	[4]
Gross unrealized gains	437,207	[3]	763,036	[4]
Gross unrealized losses	320,381	[3]	82,104	[4]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	12,505,712	[3]	11,939,449	[4]
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	(1,810)	[1],[3]	(2,228)	[2],[4]
Perpetual debt investments
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	149,062		157,742
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	116,423		131,799
Asset-backed securities
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	1,196,326		1,263,089
Gross unrealized gains	128,406		149,152
Gross unrealized losses	13,362		13,702
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	1,311,370		1,398,539
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	(86,474)	[1]	(96,603)	[2]
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	122,146		167,793
Gross unrealized gains	4,734		7,368
Gross unrealized losses	1,508		1,932
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	125,372		173,229
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	(123)	[1]	(185)	[2]
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	1,009,320		886,748
Gross unrealized gains	19,117		32,556
Gross unrealized losses	11,529		1,099
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	1,016,908		918,205
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	0	[1]	0	[2]
Collateralized debt obligations
Securities available-for-sale
Total fixed maturities	9,112		10,674
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	58		209
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	9,054		10,465
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[2]
[1]	Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses. OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities with previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss was in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.
[2]	Indicates the amount of any OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI that is included in gross unrealized gains and losses. OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI, as presented above, includes both the initial recognition of non-credit losses and the effects of subsequent increases and decreases in estimated fair value for those fixed maturity securities with previous non-credit impairment. The non-credit loss component of OTTI (gain) loss was in an unrealized gain position due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of non-credit losses on such securities.
[3]	Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $149,062 and estimated fair value of $116,423.
[4]	Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $157,742 and estimated fair value of $131,799.

SOI Fixed Maturity AFS maturity

SOI Fixed Maturity AFS maturity aging (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amortized cost
Maturing in one year or less	$ 639,396
Maturing after one year through five years	3,585,421
Maturing after five years through ten years	5,394,204
Maturing after ten years	5,126,013
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	5,262,428
Total fixed maturities	20,007,462	$ 18,953,144
Estimated fair value
Maturing in one year or less	663,243
Maturing after one year through five years	3,779,455
Maturing after five years through ten years	5,439,202
Maturing after ten years	5,240,709
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	5,409,018
Total fixed maturities	$ 20,531,627	$ 20,162,078

SOI Proceeds from sales (Detail

SOI Proceeds from sales (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales	[1]	$ 4,187,547	$ 2,705,999	$ 2,518,568
Gross realized gains from sales		47,965	47,852	71,758
Gross realized losses from sales		$ 6,476	$ 1,229	$ 27,792
[1]	Includes gains (losses) on the hedged asset for fair value hedges.

SOI Fixed Maturity HFT Unrealiz

SOI Fixed Maturity HFT Unrealized in NII (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Trading Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	$ (2,241)	$ 3,119	$ (9,447)

SOI Mortgage provision allowanc

SOI Mortgage provision allowance rollforward (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Activity in the allowance for commercial mortgage loans credit losses
Beginning balance	$ 2,890	$ 2,890	$ 2,890
Provision increases	0	0	273
Charge-off	0	0	(273)
Recovery	0	0	0
Provision decreases	0	0	0
Ending balance	2,890	2,890	2,890
Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method:
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,890	2,890	2,890
Recorded investment balance in the mortgage loan portfolio, gross of allowance, by basis of impairment method:
Recorded investment balance in the mortgage loan portfolio, gross of allowance, by basis of impairment method	3,250,594	3,366,460	3,137,145
Individually evaluated for impairment	14,031	12,986	13,906
Collectively evaluated for impairment	$ 3,236,563	$ 3,353,474	$ 3,123,239

SOI Mortgage loans on real esta

SOI Mortgage loans on real estate by component (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Mortgage loans on real estate
Principal	$ 3,242,627	$ 3,356,374
Unamortized premium (discount) and fees, net	7,967	10,086
Mortgage provision allowance	(2,890)	(2,890)	$ (2,890)	$ (2,890)
Total mortgage loans	3,247,704	3,363,570
Recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category
Recorded investment	3,250,594	3,366,460	$ 3,137,145
Mortgage loans on real estate | Performing
Recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category
Recorded investment	3,249,129	3,366,460
Mortgage loans on real estate | Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member]
Recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category
Recorded investment	$ 1,465	$ 0

SOI Limited partnerships Sec Le

SOI Limited partnerships Sec Lending Special Deposits (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Limited partnership and other corporation interests	$ 40,980	$ 49,421
Interest in various upper-tier LIHLPs (as a percent)	99.00%
Nature and activities of the VIEs and the effect on financial statements
Carrying value in relation to the activities of the VIEs	$ 2,728	7,464
Maximum exposure to loss in relation to the activities of the VIEs	2,728	7,464
Special deposits and securities lending
Fair value of securities on deposit with governmental authorities	14,000	14,612
Securities loaned to third parties at amortized cost	0	15,252
Estimated fair value of securities loaned to third parties	0	15,423
Restricted cash received as collateral	0	13,741
Securities received as collateral	0	2,131
Maturity Overnight and Continuous
Transfer of certain financial assets accounted for as secured borrowings
Securities lending transactions	0	15,423
Maturity Overnight and Continuous | U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Transfer of certain financial assets accounted for as secured borrowings
Securities lending transactions	0	11,148
Maturity Overnight and Continuous | Corporate debt securities
Transfer of certain financial assets accounted for as secured borrowings
Securities lending transactions	$ 0	$ 4,275

SOI Unrealized losses fixed mat

SOI Unrealized losses fixed maturities AFS (Details 6) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)position
Fixed maturities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	$ 6,725,965	$ 1,561,784
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	230,467	18,696
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	821,922	1,161,371
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	128,887	82,747
Total Estimated fair value	7,547,887	2,723,155
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	$ 359,354	$ 101,443
Additional disclosure
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position, Less than twelve months | position	558	134
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position, twelve months or longer | position	106	153
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position | position	664	287
Increase in total unrealized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses (as a percent)	(254.00%)
Increase (decrease) in less than twelve months unrealized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ (257,911)
Increase (decrease) in greater than twelve months unrealized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(46,140)
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	1,357,822	$ 566,335
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	4,101	503
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	23,604	74,322
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	507	991
Total Estimated fair value	1,381,426	640,657
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	4,608	1,494
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	267,581	18,280
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	7,903	218
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	0	41,064
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	0	681
Total Estimated fair value	267,581	59,344
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	7,903	899
Foreign government securities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	2,286	2,451
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	5	4
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	0	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	0	0
Total Estimated fair value	2,286	2,451
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	5	4
Corporate debt securities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	4,412,965	836,263
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	202,874	16,775
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	552,791	764,528
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	117,507	65,329
Total Estimated fair value	4,965,756	1,600,791
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	$ 320,381	82,104
Additional disclosure
Unrealized losses and OTTI over twelve months on securities (as a percent)	91.00%
Corporate debt securities | Non-investment grade
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	$ 14,096
Perpetual debt investments
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	10,222
Asset-backed securities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	247,082	88,312
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	4,372	849
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	182,404	200,072
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	8,990	12,853
Total Estimated fair value	429,486	288,384
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	$ 13,362	13,702
Additional disclosure
Unrealized losses and OTTI over twelve months on securities (as a percent)	7.00%
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	$ 0	4,663
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	0	11
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	18,625	24,052
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	1,508	1,921
Total Estimated fair value	18,625	28,715
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	1,508	1,932
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	429,175	35,015
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	11,154	127
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	44,498	57,333
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	375	972
Total Estimated fair value	473,673	92,348
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	11,529	1,099
Collateralized debt obligations
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	9,054	10,465
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	58	209
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	0	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized loss and OTTI	0	0
Total Estimated fair value	9,054	10,465
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	$ 58	$ 209

SOI OTTI table (Details 7)

SOI OTTI table (Details 7) - Fixed maturities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 119,532	$ 167,961	$ 167,788
Initial impairments - credit loss on securities not previously impaired	759	0	0
Credit loss recognized on securities previously impaired	0	0	173
Due to sales, maturities, or payoffs during the period	(559)	(646)	0
Due to increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security	(17,389)	(47,783)	0
Ending balance	$ 102,343	$ 119,532	$ 167,961

SOI Net investment income and R

SOI Net investment income and Realized gains losses (Details 8) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		$ 1,273,008	$ 1,248,381	$ 1,109,747
Investment expenses		(18,578)	(19,993)	(18,358)
Net investment income		1,254,430	1,228,388	1,091,389
Realized investment gains (losses):
Realized investment gains (losses)		83,710	147,371	(14,136)
Fixed maturity and short-term investments
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		796,133	816,907	766,367
Realized investment gains (losses):
Realized investment gains (losses)		46,027	54,219	37,312
Mortgage loans on real estate
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		150,284	149,497	147,944
Realized investment gains (losses):
Realized investment gains (losses)		31,841	6,857	10,895
Policy loans
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		206,081	207,013	206,718
Limited partnership interests
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		10,462	9,128	9,131
Net interest on funds withheld balances under reinsurance agreements, related party
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		22,165	21,295	20,876
Derivative instruments
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses	[1]	78,655	39,533	(44,610)
Realized investment gains (losses):
Realized investment gains (losses)		5,840	90,504	(62,077)
Other
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		9,228	5,008	3,321
Realized investment gains (losses):
Realized investment gains (losses)		$ 2	$ (4,209)	$ (266)
[1]	Includes gains (losses) on the hedged asset for fair value hedges.

Derivative Financial Instrume68

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregate fair value of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features, in case of net liability position		$ 76,107	$ 141,653
Collateral related to the derivatives		45,940	106,110
Fair value of assets required to settle the derivatives in, net liability position		30,167
Amount of unrestricted cash collateral to counterparties in the normal course of business		50,924	106,110
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		19,060	791
Net derivative gains estimated to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income within the next twelve months		9,411
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		1,788,922	1,544,907
Net derivatives, Fair value		(7,773)	(100,983)
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	68,600	35,604
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	76,373	136,587
Interest rate swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments		443,589	340,262
Other forward contracts
Derivative financial instruments
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments		5,014,845	4,217,408
Cross-currency swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments		937,242	732,581
Futures
Derivative financial instruments
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments		111,801	21,702
Swaption
Derivative financial instruments
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments		212,299	407,552
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		524,673	436,445
Net derivatives, Fair value		40,557	21,574
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	40,579	24,526
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	22	2,952
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash flow hedges
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		524,673	358,445
Net derivatives, Fair value		40,557	20,068
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	40,579	22,889
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	22	2,821
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		143,800	184,200
Net derivatives, Fair value		11,843	17,746
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	11,843	17,746
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash flow hedges | Cross-currency swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		380,873	174,245
Net derivatives, Fair value		28,714	2,322
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	28,736	5,143
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	22	2,821
Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedges
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount			78,000
Net derivatives, Fair value			1,506
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]		1,637
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]		131
Derivatives designated as hedges | Fair value hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount			78,000
Net derivatives, Fair value			1,506
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]		1,637
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]		131
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		1,264,249	1,108,462
Net derivatives, Fair value		(48,330)	(122,557)
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	28,021	11,078
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	76,351	133,635
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		303,600	128,100
Net derivatives, Fair value		3,240	4,402
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	8,295	6,246
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	5,055	1,844
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Futures on equity indices
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		29,310	5,505
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Interest rate futures
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		117,200	17,958
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Interest rate swaptions
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		151,204	293,964
Net derivatives, Fair value		189	271
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	189	271
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Cross-currency swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		662,935	662,935
Net derivatives, Fair value		(51,759)	(127,230)
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	19,537	4,561
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	$ 71,296	$ 131,791
[1]	The estimated fair value excludes accrued income and expense. The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other assets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative Financial Instrume69

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income		$ 72,677	$ 124,086	$ (115,078)
Policyholders' Funds
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Embedded derivatives - GLWB		11,257
Net investment income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Change in fair value		11,257
Futures on equity indices | Net investment income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	(284)	(41)	(97)
Futures on equity indices | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	(527)	(534)	(3,396)
Interest rate swaps | Net investment income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	(1,094)	6,508	(3,668)
Interest rate swaps | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	0	0	(622)
Interest rate futures | Net investment income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	(65)	(51)	(458)
Interest rate futures | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	1	305	303
Interest rate swaptions | Net investment income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	2,868	2,424	3,241
Interest rate swaptions | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	(3,115)	(3,578)	(2,828)
Other forward contracts | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	5,074	94,465	(57,442)
Cross-currency swaps | Net investment income
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	69,819	24,588	(50,111)
Cash flow hedges
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (Effective portion)		31,061	20,137	3,102
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)		12,380	8,408	5,130
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (Effective portion)		2,228	9,096	(12,285)
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps | Net investment income
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[1]	6,779	7,462	5,067
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps | Realized investment gains (losses)
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[2]	3,634	0	0
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate futures | Net investment income
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[1]	(134)	70	63
Cash flow hedges | Cross-currency swaps
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (Effective portion)		28,833	11,041	15,387
Cash flow hedges | Cross-currency swaps | Net investment income
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[1]	2,101	1,030	0
Cash flow hedges | Cross-currency swaps | Realized investment gains (losses)
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[2]	0	(154)	0
Fair value hedges
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income		(734)	(3,444)	8,251
Gain (loss) on hedged assets recognized in net income		738	3,439	(8,251)
Fair value hedges | Interest rate swaps | Net investment income
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	(1,507)	(3,444)	6,342
Gain (loss) on hedged assets recognized in net income	[1]	1,511	3,439	(5,308)
Fair value hedges | Interest rate swaps | Realized investment gains (losses)
Effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of income
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	773	0	1,909
Gain (loss) on hedged assets recognized in net income	[2]	$ (773)	$ 0	$ (2,943)
[1]	Net investment income.
[2]	Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.

Summary of Offsetting Assets 70

Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative instruments (assets)
Gross fair value of recognized assets	[1],[2]	$ 66,435	$ 32,895
Assets Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets
Financial instruments	[1]	(38,236)	(32,595)
Cash collateral pledged	[1]	19,060	279
Net fair value	[1]	9,139	21
Derivatives instrument (liabilities)
Gross fair value of recognized liabilities	[2],[3]	76,107	140,655
Liabilities Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets
Financial Instruments	[3]	(38,236)	(32,595)
Cash collateral pledged	[3]	(37,871)	(105,929)
Net fair value	[3]	$ 0	$ 2,131
[1]	The estimated fair value of derivative instrument assets is reported in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals.
[2]	The gross fair value of derivative instruments are not netted against offsetting liabilities for presentation on the consolidated balance sheets.
[3]	The estimated fair value of derivative instrument liabilities is reported in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Derivative transactions entered into under ISDA master agreements include income and expense accruals.

Fair Value - Recurring by FV hi

Fair Value - Recurring by FV hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		$ 20,531,627		$ 20,162,078
Fixed maturities held for trading		615,839		338,543
Short-term investments		267,026		263,501
Collateral under securities lending agreements		0		13,741
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		50,924		106,110
Total derivative instruments	[1]	68,600		35,604
Separate account assets		26,631,193		27,718,844
Liabilities
Payable under securities lending agreements		0		13,741
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		19,060		791
Total derivative instruments	[1]	76,373		136,587
Separate account liabilities		26,631,193		27,718,844
Derivative instruments designated as hedges:
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	40,579		24,526
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments	[1]	22		2,952
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges:
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	28,021		11,078
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments	[1]	76,351		133,635
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	8,295		6,246
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments	[1]	5,055		1,844
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaptions
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	189		271
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	19,537		4,561
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments	[1]	71,296		131,791
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		3,341,752		3,547,256
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		2,219,173		2,172,484
Foreign government securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		2,286		2,451
Corporate debt securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		12,505,712	[2]	11,939,449	[3]
Asset-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,311,370		1,398,539
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		125,372		173,229
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,016,908		918,205
Collateralized debt obligations
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		9,054		10,465
Recurring basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Assets
Short-term investments		132,288		156,935
Collateral under securities lending agreements				13,741
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		69,984		106,901
Separate account assets		15,249,966		16,146,057
Total assets		15,452,238		16,423,634
Liabilities
Payable under securities lending agreements				13,741
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		19,060		791
Separate account liabilities		24	[4]	15	[5]
Total liabilities		19,084		14,547
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		20,527,089		20,156,200
Fixed maturities held for trading		615,839		338,543
Short-term investments		134,738		106,566
Total derivative instruments		68,600		35,604
Separate account assets		11,381,227		11,572,787
Total assets		32,727,493		32,209,700
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		76,373		136,587
Separate account liabilities		290,293	[4]	217,712	[5]
Total liabilities		366,666		354,299
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		11,843		19,383
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments				131
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		28,736		5,143
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		22		2,821
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		8,295		6,246
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		5,055		1,844
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaptions
Assets
Total derivative instruments		189		271
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		19,537		4,561
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		71,296		131,791
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		3,341,752		3,547,256
Fixed maturities held for trading		558,208		279,602
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		2,219,173		2,172,484
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Foreign government securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		2,286		2,451
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		12,501,174		11,933,607
Fixed maturities held for trading		56,566		57,850
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,311,370		1,398,503
Fixed maturities held for trading				0
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		125,372		173,229
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,016,908		918,205
Fixed maturities held for trading		1,065		1,091
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Collateralized debt obligations
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		9,054		10,465
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		4,538		5,878
Total assets		4,538		5,878
Liabilities
Embedded derivatives - GLWB		11,257
Total liabilities		11,257
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		4,538		5,842
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		0		36
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		0		0
Recurring basis | Total
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		20,531,627		20,162,078
Fixed maturities held for trading		615,839		338,543
Short-term investments		267,026		263,501
Collateral under securities lending agreements				13,741
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		69,984		106,901
Total derivative instruments		68,600		35,604
Separate account assets		26,631,193		27,718,844
Total assets		48,184,269		48,639,212
Liabilities
Payable under securities lending agreements				13,741
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		19,060		791
Total derivative instruments		76,373		136,587
Embedded derivatives - GLWB		11,257
Separate account liabilities		290,317	[4]	217,727	[5]
Total liabilities		397,007		368,846
Recurring basis | Total | Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		11,843		19,383
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments				131
Recurring basis | Total | Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		28,736		5,143
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		22		2,821
Recurring basis | Total | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		8,295		6,246
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		5,055		1,844
Recurring basis | Total | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaptions
Assets
Total derivative instruments		189		271
Recurring basis | Total | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		19,537		4,561
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		71,296		131,791
Recurring basis | Total | U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		3,341,752		3,547,256
Fixed maturities held for trading		558,208		279,602
Recurring basis | Total | Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		2,219,173		2,172,484
Recurring basis | Total | Foreign government securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		2,286		2,451
Recurring basis | Total | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		12,505,712		11,939,449
Fixed maturities held for trading		56,566		57,850
Recurring basis | Total | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,311,370		1,398,539
Fixed maturities held for trading				0
Recurring basis | Total | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		125,372		173,229
Recurring basis | Total | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,016,908		918,205
Fixed maturities held for trading		1,065		1,091
Recurring basis | Total | Collateralized debt obligations
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		$ 9,054		$ 10,465
[1]	The estimated fair value excludes accrued income and expense. The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other assets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
[2]	Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $149,062 and estimated fair value of $116,423.
[3]	Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $157,742 and estimated fair value of $131,799.
[4]	Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying liabilities owned by the separate accounts.
[5]	Includes only separate account instruments which are carried at the fair value of the underlying liabilities owned by the separate accounts.

Fair Value - Recurring basis Le

Fair Value - Recurring basis Level 3 rollforward (Details 2) - Recurring basis - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 5,878		$ 259,642		$ 267,392
Net income		0		(17)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(178)		(193)		34,526
Settlements		(1,126)		(651)		(48,108)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		(36)	[1]	(252,903)	[2]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[3]					5,832
Balance at the end of the period		4,538		5,878		259,642
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)		0		0		0
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, Corporate debt securities
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period		5,842		6,652		1,822
Net income		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(178)		(178)		(240)
Settlements		(1,126)		(632)		(762)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		0	[1]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[3]					5,832
Balance at the end of the period		4,538		5,842		6,652
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)		0		0		0
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, Asset-backed securities
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period		36		252,958		265,538
Net income		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0		0		34,766
Settlements		0		(19)		(47,346)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		(36)	[1]	(252,903)	[2]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[3]					0
Balance at the end of the period		0		36		252,958
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)		0		0		0
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, Collateralized debt obligations
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period		0		32		32
Net income		0		(17)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0		(15)		0
Settlements		0				0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		0	[1]	0	[2]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	[3]					0
Balance at the end of the period		0		0		32
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)		0		0		$ 0
Embedded derivatives - GLWB
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period		0
Net income		11,257
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Settlements		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	0
Balance at the end of the period		11,257		$ 0
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)		$ 11,257
[1]	Transfers out of Level 3 are due primarily to increased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced by corroboration of market prices with multiple pricing vendors and internal models.
[2]	1) Transfers out of Level 3 are due primarily to increased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced by corroboration of market prices with multiple pricing vendors and internal models.
[3]	1) Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies.

Fair Value Level 3 unobservable

Fair Value Level 3 unobservable inputs (Details 3) - Recurring basis - Level 3 $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Unobservable Input
Embedded derivatives - GLWB	$ 11,257
Internal model pricing
Unobservable Input
Embedded derivatives - GLWB	$ 11,257
Internal model pricing | Minimum
Unobservable Input
Equity volatility	15.00%
Swap curve	0.75%
Lapse rate	1.00%
Internal model pricing | Maximum
Unobservable Input
Equity volatility	28.00%
Swap curve	3.00%
Lapse rate	15.00%

Fair Value Non-recurring measur

Fair Value Non-recurring measurement (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Level 3
Non-recurring fair value measurements
Cost Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 9,242

Fair Value Recurring not carrie

Fair Value Recurring not carried at FV (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	$ 3,247,704	$ 3,363,570
Policy loans	4,092,661	4,130,062
Liabilities
Policyholders’ funds	299,577	335,484
Commercial paper	$ 93,371	98,589
Notice required to change policyholders' funds interest crediting rate	30 days
Minimum
Liabilities
Estimated liquidation period of underlying assets of the funds	1 year
Maximum
Liabilities
Estimated liquidation period of underlying assets of the funds	10 years
Carrying amount
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	$ 3,247,704	3,363,570
Policy loans	4,092,661	4,130,062
Limited partnership interests	35,039	38,796
Other investments	14,596	15,614
Liabilities
Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies	11,104,721	10,569,147
Policyholders’ funds	299,577	335,484
Commercial paper	93,371	98,589
Notes payable	532,575	532,547
Estimated fair value
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	3,362,496	3,558,111
Policy loans	4,092,661	4,130,062
Limited partnership interests	34,882	41,853
Other investments	44,723	43,263
Liabilities
Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies	10,839,205	10,563,477
Policyholders’ funds	299,577	335,484
Commercial paper	93,371	98,589
Notes payable	$ 563,633	$ 564,904

Minimum Guarantees - Assumption

Minimum Guarantees - Assumptions and Methodologies Used to Determine GMDB (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015Scenario
GMDB
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Data used (number of scenarios)	1,050
Discount rates	5.00%
GMDB | Regular Equity
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Mean investment performance	10.00%
Volatility	23.00%
GMDB | Aggressive Equity
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Mean investment performance	12.00%
Volatility	33.00%
GMDB | Fixed, Bond, Money Market
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Mean investment performance	3.00%
Minimum | GLWB
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Mean investment performance	0.75%
Volatility	15.00%
Lapse rate	1.00%
Maximum | GLWB
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Mean investment performance	3.00%
Volatility	28.00%
Lapse rate	15.00%

Minimum Guarantees - Separate A

Minimum Guarantees - Separate Account Liabilities for GMDB (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account liability	$ 266,239	$ 60,388
Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance	36,632	30,095
GMDB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account liability	55,999	60,388
Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance	$ 29,050	$ 30,095
Weighted average attained age	70 years	69 years
GLWB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account liability	$ 210,240	$ 0
Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance	$ 7,582	$ 0
Weighted average attained age	57 years

Minimum Guarantees - Amounts Pa

Minimum Guarantees - Amounts Paid and Incurred for GMDB (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balances, January 1,	$ 5,566	$ 5,993	$ 6,928
Incurred guaranteed benefits	5,634	305	(135)
Paid guaranteed benefits	(920)	(732)	(800)
Balances, December 31,	10,280	5,566	5,993
GMDB
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balances, January 1,	5,566	5,993	6,928
Incurred guaranteed benefits	821	305	(135)
Paid guaranteed benefits	(920)	(732)	(800)
Balances, December 31,	5,467	5,566	5,993
GLWB
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balances, January 1,	0	0	0
Incurred guaranteed benefits	4,813	0	0
Paid guaranteed benefits	0	0	0
Balances, December 31,	$ 4,813	$ 0	$ 0

Minimum Guarantees (Details)

Minimum Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair value of assets supporting separate accounts	$ 265,825	$ 60,368
GMDB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair value of assets supporting separate accounts	55,997	60,368
GLWB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair value of assets supporting separate accounts	$ 209,828	$ 0

Reinsurance (Details)

Reinsurance (Details)	Jan. 02, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)counterparty	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Insurance [Abstract]
Initial maximum coverage, per individual life retained		$ 3,500,000
Maximum annual growth due to automatic policy increases in coverage, per annum		175,000
Overall maximum growth due to automatic increase in coverage		1,000,000
Reinsurance receivable		604,946,000	$ 611,270,000
Reinsurance receivables, associated with reinsurance agreements with related parties		$ 530,213,000	529,921,000
Number of insurers and reinsurers from whom risk is assumed, in counterparties | counterparty		40
Life insurance in-force and total premium income
Life insurance and annuity future benefits with life contingencies		$ 15,955,510,000	15,349,322,000
Life insurance in-force
Written and earned direct		95,259,051,000	94,104,689,000
Reinsurance ceded		(10,563,137,000)	(9,773,885,000)
Reinsurance assumed		58,742,234,000	61,911,865,000
Net		$ 143,438,148,000	$ 146,242,669,000
Percentage of amount assumed to net		41.00%	42.00%
Premium income
Net		$ 445,550,000	$ 446,395,000	$ 464,093,000
Life and other policy benefits, reinsurance recoveries		23,179,000	23,965,000	34,716,000
Maximum
Life insurance in-force and total premium income
Life insurance and annuity future benefits with life contingencies		4,500,000
CLAC
Premium income
Net	$ 42,297,000
Individual
Life insurance in-force
Written and earned direct		53,403,194,000	52,836,475,000
Reinsurance ceded		(10,169,625,000)	(9,773,885,000)
Reinsurance assumed		58,742,234,000	61,911,865,000
Net		$ 101,975,803,000	$ 104,974,455,000
Percentage of amount assumed to net		58.00%	59.00%
Group
Life insurance in-force
Written and earned direct		$ 41,855,857,000	$ 41,268,214,000
Reinsurance ceded		(393,512,000)	0
Reinsurance assumed		0	0
Net		$ 41,462,345,000	$ 41,268,214,000
Percentage of amount assumed to net		0.00%	0.00%
Premium Income
Premium income
Written and earned direct		$ 368,945,000	$ 362,214,000	319,100,000
Reinsurance ceded		(48,193,000)	(46,020,000)	(1,426,000)
Reinsurance assumed		124,798,000	130,201,000	146,419,000
Net		445,550,000	446,395,000	464,093,000
Life insurance
Premium income
Written and earned direct		368,442,000	360,959,000	315,100,000
Reinsurance ceded		(48,107,000)	(45,925,000)	(1,338,000)
Reinsurance assumed		124,798,000	130,201,000	146,419,000
Net		445,133,000	445,235,000	460,181,000
Annuities
Premium income
Written and earned direct		503,000	1,255,000	4,000,000
Reinsurance ceded		(86,000)	(95,000)	(88,000)
Net		$ 417,000	$ 1,160,000	$ 3,912,000
Reinsurer Concentration Risk | Reinsurance Recoverable | CLAC
Life insurance in-force and total premium income
Total reinsurance receivable due from CLAC, a related party (as a percent)		88.00%	87.00%

Deferred Acquisition Costs an81

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
DAC
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 353,408	$ 314,071	$ 172,416
Correction to Balance, January 1, 2013				$ 45,058
Capitalized additions	63,093	110,315	80,486
Amortization and writedowns	(96,095)	(41,045)	(55,490)
Unrealized investment (gains) losses	73,012	(29,933)	71,601
Balance at the end of the period	393,418	353,408	314,071
VOBA
Balance at the beginning of the period	25,286	29,217	32,045
Correction to Balance, January 1, 2013				0
Amortization and writedowns	(4,493)	(3,801)	(4,155)
Unrealized investment (gains) losses	(68)	(130)	1,327
Balance at the end of the period	20,725	25,286	29,217
Total
Balance at the beginning of the period	378,694	343,288	204,461
Correction to Balance, January 1, 2013				$ 45,058
Capitalized additions	63,093	110,315	80,486
Amortization and writedowns	(100,588)	(44,846)	(59,645)
Unrealized investment (gains) losses	72,944	(30,063)	72,928
Balance at the end of the period	414,143	$ 378,694	$ 343,288
Estimated future amortization of VOBA
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2016	3,400
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2017	3,400
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2018	3,400
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2019	3,400
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2020	$ 3,400

Goodwill and Other Intangible82

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balances, January 1		$ 137,683
Balances, December 31		137,683	$ 137,683
Retirement Services segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balances, January 1		137,683	105,255
Acquisitions	[1]	0	32,428
Balances, December 31		$ 137,683	$ 137,683
[1]	During 2014, the Company acquired goodwill of $32,428 from the acquisition of RPS. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the acquisition.

Goodwill and Other Intangible83

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 29, 2014
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Net book value		$ 23,819,000	$ 27,915,000
Amortization expense included in general insurance expenses		4,096,000	3,531,000	$ 3,094,000
Intangible assets with indefinite lives		0
Future amortization of other intangible assets
2,016		2,800,000
2,017		2,800,000
2,018		2,800,000
2,019		2,800,000
2,020		2,800,000
Retirement Services segment
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross carrying amount		48,905,000	52,605,000
Accumulated amortization		(25,086,000)	(24,690,000)
Net book value		23,819,000	27,915,000
Retirement Services segment | Customer relationships
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	[1]	47,580,000	51,280,000		$ 14,966,000
Accumulated amortization	[1]	(24,251,000)	(24,481,000)
Net book value	[1]	23,329,000	26,799,000
Retirement Services segment | NonCompete
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	[1]	1,325,000	1,325,000		$ 1,325,000
Accumulated amortization	[1]	(835,000)	(209,000)
Net book value	[1]	$ 490,000	$ 1,116,000
[1]	During 2014, the Company acquired $14,966 and $1,325 of customer relationship and non-competition intangible assets, respectively, from the acquisition of RPS. See Note 2 for additional discussion regarding the acquisition.

Commercial Paper (Details)

Commercial Paper (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commercial paper
Carrying value	$ 93,371,000	$ 98,589,000
Commercial paper
Commercial paper
Maximum commercial paper support available under the corporate credit facility	50,000,000
Face value		98,589,000
Carrying value	$ 93,371,000	$ 98,589,000
Commercial paper | Minimum
Commercial paper
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	0.50%	0.20%
Maturity range	8 days	7 days
Commercial paper | Maximum
Commercial paper
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	0.60%	0.20%
Maturity range	28 days	27 days

Stockholder's Equity and Divi85

Stockholder's Equity and Dividend Restrictions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares issued	7,232,986	7,032,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,232,986	7,032,000
Net income and capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles and practices as prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Net income	$ 187,232	$ 134,091	$ 175,292
Capital and surplus	$ 1,114,764	1,000,938
Percentage of ACL as minimum level of TAC before corrective action commences	200.00%
Dividends paid to the parent company, GWL&A Financial	$ 139,533	$ 316,401	$ 102,436
Dividends available for distribution without prior approval	111,476
Colorado Division of Insurance
Net income and capital and surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles and practices as prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Capital and surplus	2,000
Net gain from operations	$ 189,576

Other Comprehensive Income - Ac

Other Comprehensive Income - Accum Balances for each classification (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 603,018	$ 345,754	$ 635,699
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(343,098)	288,713	(272,593)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(26,482)	(31,449)	(17,352)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(369,580)	257,264	(289,945)
Balance at the end of the period		233,438	603,018	345,754
Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period		784,183	434,023	927,678
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(418,522)	381,198	(467,178)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(26,141)	(31,038)	(26,477)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(444,663)	350,160	(493,655)
Balance at the end of the period		339,520	784,183	434,023
Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on cash flow hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period		33,141	25,517	24,962
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		20,190	13,089	2,016
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(8,047)	(5,465)	(1,461)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		12,143	7,624	555
Balance at the end of the period		45,284	33,141	25,517
Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period		(108,194)	(70,000)	(194,147)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		42,409	(38,194)	124,147
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		42,409	(38,194)	124,147
Balance at the end of the period		(65,785)	(108,194)	(70,000)
Employee benefit plan adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period		(106,112)	(43,786)	(122,794)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		12,825	(67,380)	68,422
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		7,706	5,054	10,586
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		20,531	(62,326)	79,008
Balance at the end of the period		$ (85,581)	$ (106,112)	$ (43,786)
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the non-credit component of impaired losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale, net of future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments and income taxes, in the amounts of $(6,596), $177, and $18,388 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Other Comprehensive Income - Co

Other Comprehensive Income - Composition of OCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Before-tax amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on available-for-sale fixed maturity investments		$ (643,880)	$ 586,458	$ (718,735)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on cash flow hedges		31,061	20,137	3,102
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in net income		(52,597)	(56,159)	(42,982)
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments		(665,416)	550,436	(758,615)
Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments		65,245	(58,760)	190,995
Net unrealized gains (losses)		(600,171)	491,676	(567,620)
Employee benefit plan adjustment		31,586	(95,886)	121,551
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes		(568,585)	395,790	(446,069)
Tax (expense) benefit
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on available-for-sale fixed maturity investments		225,358	(205,260)	251,557
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on cash flow hedges		(10,871)	(7,048)	(1,086)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in net income		18,409	19,656	15,044
Net unrealized gains (losses)		232,896	(192,652)	265,515
Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments		(22,836)	20,566	(66,848)
Net unrealized gains (losses)		210,060	(172,086)	198,667
Employee benefit plan adjustment		(11,055)	33,560	(42,543)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		199,005	(138,526)	156,124
Net-of-tax amount
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on available-for-sale fixed maturity investments		(418,522)	381,198	(467,178)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on cash flow hedges		20,190	13,089	2,016
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in net income		(34,188)	(36,503)	(27,938)
Net unrealized gains (losses)		(432,520)	357,784	(493,100)
Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments		42,409	(38,194)	124,147
Net unrealized gains (losses)		(390,111)	319,590	(368,953)
Employee benefit plan adjustment		20,531	(62,326)	79,008
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	$ (369,580)	$ 257,264	$ (289,945)
[1]	Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the non-credit component of impaired losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale, net of future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments and income taxes, in the amounts of $(6,596), $177, and $18,388 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Other Comprehensive Income - Re

Other Comprehensive Income - Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Other realized investment (gains) losses, net		$ (84,832)	$ (151,705)	$ 13,330
Net investment income		(1,254,430)	(1,228,388)	(1,091,389)
Tax expense or benefit		18,409	19,656	15,044
Net of tax		26,482	31,449	17,352
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net of tax		(26,482)	(31,449)
Unrealized holdings (gains) losses, net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net of tax		26,141	31,038	26,477
Unrealized holdings (gains) losses, net, arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale | Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Other realized investment (gains) losses, net		(40,217)	(47,751)
Total before tax		(40,217)	(47,751)
Tax expense or benefit		(14,076)	(16,713)
Net of tax		(26,141)	(31,038)
Unrealized holdings (gains) losses, net, arising on cash flow hedges
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net of tax		8,047	5,465	1,461
Unrealized holdings (gains) losses, net, arising on cash flow hedges | Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net investment income		(12,380)	(8,408)
Total before tax		(12,380)	(8,408)
Tax expense or benefit		(4,333)	(2,943)
Net of tax		(8,047)	(5,465)
Amortization of employee benefit plan items
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net of tax		(7,706)	(5,054)	$ (10,586)
Amortization of employee benefit plan items | Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Total before tax		11,856	7,776
Tax expense or benefit		4,150	2,722
Net of tax		7,706	5,054
Prior service costs (benefits)	[1]	(694)	3,189
Actuarial gains (losses)	[1]	12,550	2,730
Settlement	[1]	$ 0	$ 1,857
[1]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic (benefit) cost of employee benefit plans (see Note 17 for additional details).

General Insurance Expenses (Det

General Insurance Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 564,008	$ 406,601	$ 359,280
Commissions	206,360	210,797	184,238
Other	308,628	163,593	106,829
Total general insurance expenses	$ 1,078,996	$ 780,991	$ 650,347

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2015USD ($)plan_participant	Aug. 29, 2014USD ($)plan_participant	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)plan_participant	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, January 1	$ 651,694		$ 651,694	$ 529,788
Service cost			14,175	6,523
Interest cost			26,669	26,170
Actuarial (gain) loss			(49,007)	114,694
Regular benefits paid			(22,558)	(32,134)
Amendment			0	3,342
Acquisition			339	3,311
Benefit obligation, December 31			621,312	651,694	$ 529,788
Accumulated benefit obligation			602,830	625,574
Change in plan assets:
Value of plan assets, January 1	443,962		443,962	404,335
Actual return on plan assets			(593)	43,662
Employer contributions			6,320	28,099
Benefits paid			(22,558)	(32,134)
Value of plan assets, December 31			427,131	443,962	404,335
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, January 1	583,080		583,080	456,402
Service cost			12,851	4,952	5,527
Interest cost			23,987	23,068	20,897
Actuarial (gain) loss			(42,863)	113,410
Regular benefits paid			(16,238)	(14,752)
Benefit obligation, December 31			560,817	583,080	456,402
Accumulated benefit obligation			544,011	562,760
Change in plan assets:
Value of plan assets, January 1	443,962		443,962	404,335
Actual return on plan assets			(593)	43,662
Employer contributions			0	10,717
Benefits paid			(16,238)	(14,752)
Value of plan assets, December 31			427,131	443,962	404,335
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, January 1	$ 12,782		12,782	11,081
Service cost			1,042	985	947
Interest cost			560	574	512
Actuarial (gain) loss			3,360	(2,092)
Regular benefits paid			(1,446)	(508)
Amendment			0	(569)
Acquisition			339	3,311
Benefit obligation, December 31			16,637	12,782	11,081
Accumulated benefit obligation			16,637	12,782
Change in plan assets:
Employer contributions			1,446	508
Benefits paid			(1,446)	(508)
Post-Retirement Medical Plan | J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services (RPS)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Defined Benefit Plan, Number of Employees Covered | plan_participant		1,000
Post-Retirement Medical Plan | Putnam
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Defined Benefit Plan, Number of Employees Covered | plan_participant	150
Post-Retirement Medical Plan | Other Noncurrent Liabilities With Offset To Goodwill | J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services (RPS)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease)		$ 3,311
Post-Retirement Medical Plan | Other liabilities | Putnam
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ 339
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, January 1	$ 55,832		55,832	62,305
Service cost			282	586	1,002
Interest cost			2,122	2,528	2,548
Actuarial (gain) loss			(9,504)	3,376
Regular benefits paid			(4,874)	(16,874)
Amendment			0	3,911
Benefit obligation, December 31			43,858	55,832	$ 62,305
Accumulated benefit obligation			42,182	50,032
Change in plan assets:
Employer contributions			4,874	16,874
Benefits paid			$ (4,874)	$ (16,874)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan | Other Noncurrent Liabilities With Offset To Goodwill
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Defined Benefit Plan, Number of Employees Covered | plan_participant			1
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease)			$ 3,911

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai91

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (194,181)	$ (207,732)
Information regarding amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost
Net gain (loss), gross	(131,190)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	(476)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Gross	(131,666)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	(85,273)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	(310)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Net of tax	(85,583)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year
Net gain (loss), Gross	(9,538)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	601
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year, Gross	(8,937)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	(6,199)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	390
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year, Net of tax	(5,809)
Other liabilities
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(194,181)	(207,732)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(131,666)	(163,252)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(133,686)	(139,118)
Information regarding amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost
Net gain (loss), gross	(139,316)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	0
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Gross	(139,316)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	(90,555)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	0
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Net of tax	(90,555)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year
Net gain (loss), Gross	(9,940)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	0
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year, Gross	(9,940)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	(6,461)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	0
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year, Net of tax	(6,461)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Other liabilities
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(133,686)	(139,118)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(139,316)	(165,652)
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,637)	(12,782)
Information regarding amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost
Net gain (loss), gross	6,815
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	1,725
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Gross	8,540
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	4,430
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	1,121
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Net of tax	5,551
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year
Net gain (loss), Gross	341
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	1,102
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year, Gross	1,443
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	222
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	716
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year, Net of tax	938
Post-Retirement Medical Plan | Other liabilities
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,637)	(12,782)
Post-Retirement Medical Plan | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	8,540	14,390
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(43,858)	(55,832)
Information regarding amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost
Net gain (loss), gross	1,311
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	(2,201)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Gross	(890)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	852
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	(1,431)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Net of tax	(579)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year
Net gain (loss), Gross	61
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	(501)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year, Gross	(440)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	40
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	(326)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the next fiscal year, Net of tax	(286)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan | Other liabilities
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(43,858)	(55,832)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (890)	$ (11,990)

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai92

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	$ 14,175	$ 6,523
Interest cost	26,669	26,170
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Expected benefit payments for the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans
2,015	17,148
2,016	18,164
2,017	19,820
2,018	21,211
2,019	22,753
2020 through 2024	144,889
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	12,851	4,952	$ 5,527
Interest cost	23,987	23,068	20,897
Expected return on plan assets	(28,345)	(29,288)	(24,499)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	13	51	51
Amortization of loss from earlier periods	12,398	2,898	16,001
Net periodic cost	20,904	1,681	17,977
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Expected benefit payments for the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans
2,015	787
2,016	805
2,017	800
2,018	880
2,019	913
2020 through 2024	5,997
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	1,042	985	947
Interest cost	560	574	512
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	(1,640)	(1,706)	(1,650)
Amortization of loss from earlier periods	(511)	(450)	(348)
Net periodic cost	(549)	(597)	(539)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Expected benefit payments for the Defined Benefit Pension, Post-Retirement Medical and Supplemental Executive Retirement plans
2,015	3,337
2,016	3,320
2,017	2,852
2,018	2,535
2,019	2,510
2020 through 2024	17,504
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	282	586	1,002
Interest cost	2,122	2,528	2,548
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	933	4,844	933
Amortization of loss from earlier periods	663	282	1,299
Settlement	0	1,857	0
Net periodic cost	$ 4,000	$ 10,097	$ 5,782

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai93

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
Impact of one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates
Increase (decrease) on total service and interest cost on components, One percentage point increase		$ 271
Increase (decrease) on total service and interest cost on components, One percentage point decrease		(225)
Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation, One percentage point increase		2,099
Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation, One percentage point decrease		$ (1,801)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining benefit obligations
Discount rate		4.55%	4.17%
Rate of compensation increase		4.47%	4.47%
Weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining the net periodic (benefit) cost
Discount rate		4.17%	5.11%
Expected return on plan assets		6.50%	7.25%
Rate of compensation increase		4.47%	4.47%
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining benefit obligations
Discount rate		4.31%	3.94%
Initial health care cost trend		7.00%	6.50%
Ultimate health care cost trend		5.00%	5.00%
Weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining the net periodic (benefit) cost
Discount rate		3.94%	4.83%
Initial health care cost trend		6.50%	7.00%
Ultimate health care cost trend		5.00%	5.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Employee benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation, Percentage				21.00%
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax	$ 1,857
Weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining benefit obligations
Discount rate		4.22%	3.99%
Rate of compensation increase		4.00%	4.00%
Weighted average interest rate assumptions used in determining the net periodic (benefit) cost
Discount rate		3.99%	4.61%
Rate of compensation increase		4.00%	4.00%
Other Noncurrent Liabilities With Offset To Goodwill | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Employee benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease)		$ 3,911

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai94

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	$ 443,962	$ 404,335	$ 427,131	$ 443,962
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	443,962	404,335
Actual return on plan assets	(593)	43,662
Value of plan assets, December 31	427,131	443,962
Limited partnership interests | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	8,114	7,557	$ 7,654	$ 8,114
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	8,114	7,557
Actual return on plan assets	(655)	510
Capital contributions to limited partnership interest	1,319	656
Capital distributions from limited partnership interest	(1,124)	(609)
Value of plan assets, December 31	7,654	8,114
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Assets (as a percent)			100.00%	100.00%
Defined benefit plan assets	443,962	404,335	$ 427,131	$ 443,962
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	443,962	404,335
Actual return on plan assets	(593)	43,662
Value of plan assets, December 31	$ 427,131	443,962
Ranges of targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets
Targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets, minimum (as a percent)	100.00%
Targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets, maximum (as a percent)	100.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	$ 443,962	443,962	427,131	443,962
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	443,962
Value of plan assets, December 31	427,131	443,962
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Recurring basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	2,841	2,841	2,764	2,841
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	2,841
Value of plan assets, December 31	2,764	2,841
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	433,007	433,007	416,713	433,007
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	433,007
Value of plan assets, December 31	416,713	433,007
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	8,114	8,114	$ 7,654	$ 8,114
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	8,114
Value of plan assets, December 31	$ 7,654	8,114
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Equity securities
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Assets (as a percent)			67.00%	65.00%
Ranges of targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets
Targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets, minimum (as a percent)	30.00%
Targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets, maximum (as a percent)	30.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Debt securities
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Assets (as a percent)			31.00%	33.00%
Ranges of targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets
Targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets, minimum (as a percent)	52.00%
Targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets, maximum (as a percent)	52.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Other
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Assets (as a percent)			2.00%	2.00%
Ranges of targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets
Targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets, minimum (as a percent)	18.00%
Targets for the allocation of invested defined benefit plan assets, maximum (as a percent)	18.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Common collective trust funds: | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	$ 286,244	286,244	$ 286,000	$ 286,244
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	286,244
Value of plan assets, December 31	286,000	286,244
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Common collective trust funds: | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	286,244	286,244	286,000	286,244
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	286,244
Value of plan assets, December 31	286,000	286,244
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Equity index funds | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	93,415	93,415	94,751	93,415
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	93,415
Value of plan assets, December 31	94,751	93,415
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Equity index funds | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	93,415	93,415	94,751	93,415
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	93,415
Value of plan assets, December 31	94,751	93,415
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Midcap index funds | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	90,159	90,159	88,267	90,159
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	90,159
Value of plan assets, December 31	88,267	90,159
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Midcap index funds | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	90,159	90,159	88,267	90,159
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	90,159
Value of plan assets, December 31	88,267	90,159
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | World equity index funds | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	8,759	8,759	8,511	8,759
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	8,759
Value of plan assets, December 31	8,511	8,759
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | World equity index funds | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	8,759	8,759	8,511	8,759
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	8,759
Value of plan assets, December 31	8,511	8,759
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | U.S. equity market funds | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	93,911	93,911	94,471	93,911
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	93,911
Value of plan assets, December 31	94,471	93,911
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | U.S. equity market funds | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	93,911	93,911	94,471	93,911
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	93,911
Value of plan assets, December 31	94,471	93,911
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Fixed maturities | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	146,763	146,763	130,713	146,763
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	146,763
Value of plan assets, December 31	130,713	146,763
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Fixed maturities | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	146,763	146,763	130,713	146,763
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	146,763
Value of plan assets, December 31	130,713	146,763
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	9,308	9,308	6,753	9,308
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	9,308
Value of plan assets, December 31	6,753	9,308
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	9,308	9,308	6,753	9,308
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	9,308
Value of plan assets, December 31	6,753	9,308
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	18,838	18,838	19,074	18,838
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	18,838
Value of plan assets, December 31	19,074	18,838
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	18,838	18,838	19,074	18,838
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	18,838
Value of plan assets, December 31	19,074	18,838
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Corporate debt securities | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	107,125	107,125	93,811	107,125
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	107,125
Value of plan assets, December 31	93,811	107,125
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Corporate debt securities | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	107,125	107,125	93,811	107,125
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	107,125
Value of plan assets, December 31	93,811	107,125
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Asset-backed securities | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	8,444	8,444	8,149	8,444
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	8,444
Value of plan assets, December 31	8,149	8,444
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Asset-backed securities | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	8,444	8,444	8,149	8,444
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	8,444
Value of plan assets, December 31	8,149	8,444
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	3,048	3,048	2,926	3,048
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	3,048
Value of plan assets, December 31	2,926	3,048
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	3,048	3,048	2,926	3,048
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	3,048
Value of plan assets, December 31	2,926	3,048
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Preferred stock | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	310	310	280	310
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	310
Value of plan assets, December 31	280	310
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Preferred stock | Recurring basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	310	310	280	310
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	310
Value of plan assets, December 31	280	310
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Limited partnership interests | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	8,114	8,114	7,654	8,114
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	8,114
Value of plan assets, December 31	7,654	8,114
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Limited partnership interests | Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	8,114	8,114	7,654	8,114
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	8,114
Value of plan assets, December 31	7,654	8,114
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Money market funds | Recurring basis
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	2,531	2,531	2,484	2,531
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	2,531
Value of plan assets, December 31	2,484	2,531
Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Money market funds | Recurring basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Details of investment out of defined benefit plan assets
Defined benefit plan assets	2,531	2,531	$ 2,484	$ 2,531
Additional information about assets of the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which the company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value
Value of plan assets, January 1	2,531
Value of plan assets, December 31	2,484	$ 2,531
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Expected payments
Expected employer contribution to the plan for the next fiscal year	787
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Expected payments
Expected employer contribution to the plan for the next fiscal year	$ 3,337

Employee Benefit Plans (Detai95

Employee Benefit Plans (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other employee benefit plans
Expense recognized related to qualified defined contribution benefit plan	$ 13,016	$ 8,479	$ 6,693
Key executives
Other employee benefit plans
Participant balances, reflected in other liabilities	$ 8,678	$ 10,051
Participant deferrals average interest rate (as a percent)	6.48%	6.53%
Reference rate	Moody’s Average Annual Corporate Bond Index rate
Interest rate margin for actively employed participants (as a percent)	0.45%
Key executives | Minimum
Other employee benefit plans
Fixed rates for retired participants (as a percent)	4.29%
Key executives | Maximum
Other employee benefit plans
Fixed rates for retired participants (as a percent)	5.07%
Select group of management and highly compensated individuals
Other employee benefit plans
Participant balances, reflected in other liabilities	$ 18,654	$ 16,633

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Current	$ 76,842	$ 80,859	$ 82,878
Deferred	21,682	75,044	(24,087)
Total income tax provision	$ 98,524	$ 155,903	$ 58,791
Reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective federal income tax rate from continuing operations
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Investment income not subject to federal tax	(3.00%)	(1.80%)	(4.60%)
Tax credits	(0.20%)	(0.30%)	(2.00%)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	3.20%	1.00%	3.30%
Income tax contingency provisions	0.00%	(1.20%)	(0.40%)
Other, net	(0.90%)	0.20%	0.00%
Effective federal income tax rate	34.10%	32.90%	31.30%
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance, beginning of year	$ 26,890	$ 21,154	$ 25,850
Additions to tax positions in the current year	1,383	13,931	0
Additions to tax positions in the prior year	50	0	1,497
Reductions to tax positions in the prior year	0	0	(180)
Reductions to tax positions from statutes expiring	(5,230)	(8,195)	(6,013)
Balance, end of year	23,093	26,890	21,154
Federal income taxes
Unrecognized tax benefits	26,890	21,154	25,850	$ 23,093	$ 26,890
Interest and penalties related to the uncertain tax positions	$ 193	$ 2,916	$ 286
Accrued interest and penalties				1,017	$ 1,210
Minimum
Federal income taxes
Anticipated additional decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, low end of range				4,500
Maximum
Federal income taxes
Anticipated additional decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, low end of range				$ 5,500

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax asset
Deferred acquisition costs	$ 0	$ 2,467
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost	8,533
Policyholder dividends	8,919	10,002
Net operating loss carryforward	113,637	122,177
Pension plan accrued benefit liability	79,945	84,351
Experience rated refunds	12,673	13,431
Tax credits	154,017	149,516
Other	19,385	11,865
Total deferred taxes	388,576	393,809
Deferred tax liability
Policyholder reserves	262,822	255,926
Investment assets	221,303	426,477
Goodwill	33,034	26,022
Other	0	0
Total deferred taxes	525,692	708,425
Net unrealized losses (gains) on available-for-sale investments	171,780	$ 381,838
Subsidiary | Federal
Federal net operating loss carry forwards generated by a subsidiary
2,021	37,747
2,022	136,796
2,023	81,693
2,028	2,215
Total	$ 258,451

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Tax receivable
Income taxes receivable in other assets primarily related to the separate state income tax returns filed by certain subsidiaries	$ 7,721	$ 7,176
Lifeco U.S.
Tax credit carryforwards
Income taxes receivable from Lifeco	11,790	13,400
Investments in low-income housing
Tax credit carryforwards
Guaranteed Federal low Income Housing tax credit carryforwards generated	3,295	$ 15,506	$ 25,013
Total credit carryforward	$ 142,878

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Financial information of the segments
Number of Reportable Segments | segment	3
Revenue:
Premium income	$ 445,550	$ 446,395	$ 464,093
Fee income	944,526	729,179	618,244
Other revenue	13,563	7,506	7,355
Net investment income	1,254,430	1,228,388	1,091,389
Realized investments gains (losses), net	83,710	147,371	(14,136)
Total revenues	2,741,779	2,558,839	2,166,945
Benefits and expenses:
Policyholder benefits	1,234,627	1,222,445	1,232,091
Operating expenses	1,218,173	863,122	747,321
Total benefits and expenses	2,452,800	2,085,567	1,979,412
Income (loss) before income taxes	288,979	473,272	187,533
Income tax expense (benefit)	98,524	155,903	58,791
Net income (loss)	190,455	317,369	128,742
Assets:
Investments	28,811,026	28,323,243
Other assets	2,435,650	2,281,808
Separate account assets	26,631,193	27,718,844
Assets of continuing operations	57,877,869	58,323,895
Assets of discontinued operations	21,910	24,324
Total assets	57,899,779	58,348,219
Individual Markets Segment
Revenue:
Premium income	360,783	360,305	354,202
Fee income	87,471	95,631	94,037
Other revenue	0	0	7,355
Net investment income	801,935	748,015	688,279
Realized investments gains (losses), net	28,864	44,381	19,071
Total revenues	1,279,053	1,248,332	1,162,944
Benefits and expenses:
Policyholder benefits	931,631	902,982	921,096
Operating expenses	159,719	136,850	142,141
Total benefits and expenses	1,091,350	1,039,832	1,063,237
Income (loss) before income taxes	187,703	208,500	99,707
Income tax expense (benefit)	64,360	68,719	34,265
Net income (loss)	123,343	139,781	65,442
Assets:
Investments	16,074,681	15,928,591
Other assets	1,358,934	1,283,256
Separate account assets	7,031,013	7,247,463
Assets of continuing operations	24,464,628	24,459,310
Empower Retirement Segment
Revenue:
Premium income	533	1,215	3,954
Fee income	853,076	629,533	519,842
Other revenue	13,563	7,506	0
Net investment income	398,639	426,340	351,729
Realized investments gains (losses), net	54,752	102,597	(33,233)
Total revenues	1,320,563	1,167,191	842,292
Benefits and expenses:
Policyholder benefits	201,791	206,339	196,115
Operating expenses	992,564	647,165	538,209
Total benefits and expenses	1,194,355	853,504	734,324
Income (loss) before income taxes	126,208	313,687	107,968
Income tax expense (benefit)	43,058	104,162	33,240
Net income (loss)	83,150	209,525	74,728
Assets:
Investments	10,966,096	10,621,831
Other assets	927,061	855,728
Separate account assets	19,600,180	20,471,381
Assets of continuing operations	31,493,337	31,948,940
Other Segment
Revenue:
Premium income	84,234	84,875	105,937
Fee income	3,979	4,015	4,365
Other revenue	0	0	0
Net investment income	53,856	54,033	51,381
Realized investments gains (losses), net	94	393	26
Total revenues	142,163	143,316	161,709
Benefits and expenses:
Policyholder benefits	101,205	113,124	114,880
Operating expenses	65,890	79,107	66,971
Total benefits and expenses	167,095	192,231	181,851
Income (loss) before income taxes	(24,932)	(48,915)	(20,142)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(8,894)	(16,978)	(8,714)
Net income (loss)	(16,038)	(31,937)	$ (11,428)
Assets:
Investments	1,770,249	1,772,821
Other assets	149,655	142,824
Assets of continuing operations	$ 1,919,904	$ 1,915,645

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based compensation
Total compensation expense		$ 3,975	$ 9,647	$ 9,439
Income tax benefits		$ 1,143	2,404	2,732
Performance share units
Share-based compensation
Stock options vesting period		3 years
Total compensation expense		$ 2,320	6,263	6,860
Expense		$ 3,585
Weighted average period (years)		1 year 4 months 24 days
Cash payment in settlement of Performance Share Unit Plan Units		$ 6,375	$ 6
Status of, and changes in, the Performance Share Unit Plan units granted to employees
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		521,295
Granted (in shares)		204,864
Forfeited (in shares)		(55,316)
Exercised (in shares)		(230,754)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)		440,089	521,295
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)		440,089
Lifeco
Share-based compensation
Number of trading days considered for determination of average closing price of common stock		20 days
Lifeco | Option
Share-based compensation
Period preceding the date of the grant, to determine exercise price of options granted		5 days
Options exercisable, term		10 years
Maximum period that retiring option holders can continue to exercise outstanding options		5 years
Total compensation expense		$ 1,655	$ 3,384	$ 2,579
Expense		$ 2,238
Weighted average period (years)		1 year 8 months 12 days
Granted (in shares)		714,101
Compensation expense to be recognized		$ 2,376
Shares under option
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		3,793,658
Granted (in shares)		714,101
Exercised (in shares)		(692,756)
Cancelled and Expired (in shares)		(181,660)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)		3,633,343	3,793,658
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares)		3,633,343
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)		2,360,613
Exercise price (Whole dollars)
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 26.49
Granted (in dollars per share)		25.74
Exercised (in dollars per share)		20.39
Cancelled and Expired (in dollars per share)		21.95
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		21.68	$ 26.49
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		21.68
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 21.01
Remaining contractual term
Outstanding, December 31, 2015		5 years 10 months 24 days
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2015		5 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable, December 31, 2015		4 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding, December 31, 2015	[1]	$ 13,154
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2015	[1]	13,154
Exercisable, December 31, 2015	[1]	$ 10,078
Other information
Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 3.33	$ 5.53	$ 4.56
Intrinsic value of options exercised	[2]	$ 4,234	$ 401	$ 1,437
Fair value of options vested		$ 1,670	$ 4,491	$ 1,843
Weighted-average assumptions
Dividend yield		3.66%	3.95%	4.53%
Expected volatility		19.10%	26.63%	26.73%
Risk free interest rate		0.90%	1.75%	1.38%
Expected duration (years)		6 years	6 years	6 years
Lifeco | Performance share units
Share-based compensation
Number of shares considered for valuation of each stock award		1
[1]	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on December 31, 2015, and the exercise price of the option (only if the result is positive) multiplied by the number of options.
[2]	The intrinsic value of options exercised is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of options exercised.

Commitments and Contingencie101

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)debt_instrument	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Commitments
Less than one year		$ 50,692,000	$ 166,356,000
Total
Unfunded commitments, due in one year		50,692,000	166,356,000
Unfunded commitments related to cost basis limited partnership interests, due in one year		8,692,000	4,997,000
Rent expense, net of sublease income		12,050,000	7,628,000	$ 5,439,000
Minimum reimbursement amount due in the future		8,640,000
Other Letters of Credit
Total
Amount of credit facility under agreement for general corporate purposes		9,095,000
Revolving credit facility
Total
Amount of credit facility under agreement for general corporate purposes		50,000,000
Adjusted net worth required for each quarter		1,100,000,000
Amount outstanding		0	0
GWL&A Financial
Related party long-term debt - principal
More than five years	[1]	528,400,000
Total	[1]	528,400,000
Related party long-term debt - interest
Less than one year	[2]	37,031,000
One to three years	[2]	74,062,000
Three to five years	[2]	74,062,000
More than five years	[2]	789,976,000
Total	[2]	975,131,000
Investment purchase obligations
Less than one year	[3]	50,692,000
Total	[3]	50,692,000
Operating leases
Less than one year	[4]	12,681,000
One to three years	[4]	22,415,000
Three to five years	[4]	17,066,000
More than five years	[4]	4,510,000
Total	[4]	56,672,000
Commitments
Less than one year	[5]	32,341,000
One to three years	[5]	45,623,000
Three to five years	[5]	37,438,000
More than five years	[5]	27,601,000
Total	[5]	143,003,000
Total
Less than one year		132,745,000
One to three years		142,100,000
Three to five years		128,566,000
More than five years		1,350,487,000
Total		$ 1,753,898,000
Number of long-term surplus notes | debt_instrument		2
Unfunded commitments, due in one year	[5]	$ 32,341,000
GWL&A Financial | Letter of Credit
Total
Debt Instrument, Number | debt_instrument		2
GWL&A Financial | First letter of credit
Total
Amount outstanding		$ 0	0
First Letter of Credit Received as Collateral under Reinsurance Arrangement		1,176,680,000
GWL&A Financial | Second letter of credit
Total
Second Letter of Credit Received as Collateral under Reinsurance Arrangement		$ 70,000,000
Insurance Claims
Total
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value			$ 20,000,000
[1]	Related party long-term debt principal - Represents contractual maturities of principal due to the Company’s parent, GWL&A Financial, under the terms of two long-term surplus notes. The amounts shown in this table differ from the amounts included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet because the amounts shown above do not consider the discount upon the issuance of one of the surplus notes.
[2]	Related party long-term debt interest - One long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The second surplus note bears interest initially at a fixed rate that will change in the future based upon the then current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2015, and do not consider the impact of future interest rate changes.
[3]	Investment purchase obligations - The Company makes commitments to fund partnership interests, mortgage loans on real estate, and other investments in the normal course of its business. As the timing of the fulfillment of the commitment to fund partnership interests cannot be predicted, such obligations are presented in the less than one year category. The timing of the funding of mortgage loans on real estate is based on the expiration date of the commitment. The amounts of these unfunded commitments at December 31, 2015, and 2014, were $50,692 and $166,356, of which $8,692 and $4,997 was related to cost basis limited partnership interests, respectively, all of which is due within one year from the dates indicated.
[4]	Operating leases - The Company is obligated to make payments under various non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for office space. Contractual provisions exist that could increase the lease obligations presented, including operating expense escalation clauses. Management does not consider the impact of any such clauses to be material to the Company’s operating lease obligations. The Company incurred rent expense, net of sublease income, of $12,050, $7,628, and $5,439 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively and is recorded in general insurance expense. The Company’s total future operating lease obligation will be reduced by minimum reimbursement of $8,640 due in the future under non-cancelable agreements. From time to time, the Company enters into agreements or contracts, including capital leases, to purchase goods or services in the normal course of its business. However, these agreements and contracts are not material and are excluded from the table above.
[5]	Other liabilities - Other liabilities include those other liabilities which represent contractual obligations not included elsewhere in the table above. If the timing of the payment of any other liabilities was sufficiently uncertain, the amounts were included in the less than one year category. Other liabilities presented in the table above include: · Expected contributions to the Company’s defined benefit pension plan and benefit payments for the Post-Retirement Medical Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan through 2021.· Miscellaneous purchase obligations to acquire goods and services.· Unrecognized tax benefits

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 04, 2016USD ($)
Subsequent event
Subsequent event
Dividends payable	$ 73,401

Schedule III Supplemental In103

Schedule III Supplemental Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental insurance information
Deferred acquisition costs	$ 393,418	$ 353,408
Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses	27,065,656	25,924,574
Unearned premium reserves	45,325	43,837
Other policy claims and benefits payable	726,981	753,215
Premium income	445,550	446,395	$ 464,093
Net investment income	1,254,430	1,228,388	1,091,389
Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses	1,234,627	1,222,445	1,232,091
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	96,095	41,045	55,490
Other operating expenses	1,122,078	822,077	691,831
Individual Markets Segment
Supplemental insurance information
Deferred acquisition costs	319,447	284,174
Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses	15,835,811	14,980,872
Unearned premium reserves	45,325	43,837
Other policy claims and benefits payable	699,559	726,479
Premium income	360,783	360,305	354,202
Net investment income	801,935	748,015	688,279
Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses	931,631	902,982	921,096
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	55,876	13,700	34,650
Other operating expenses	103,843	123,150	107,491
Empower Retirement Segment
Supplemental insurance information
Deferred acquisition costs	73,971	69,234
Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses	10,810,352	10,533,822
Other policy claims and benefits payable	662	581
Premium income	533	1,215	3,954
Net investment income	398,639	426,340	351,729
Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses	201,791	206,339	196,115
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	40,219	27,345	20,840
Other operating expenses	952,345	619,820	517,369
Other Segment
Supplemental insurance information
Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses	419,493	409,880
Other policy claims and benefits payable	26,760	26,155
Premium income	84,234	84,875	105,937
Net investment income	53,856	54,033	51,381
Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses	101,205	113,124	114,880
Other operating expenses	$ 65,890	$ 79,107	$ 66,971