Great West Life & Annuity Insurance 10-K 28 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
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, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,320,176
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 ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $22,762,962 and $21,672,727)	$ 23,593,139	$ 22,153,703
Fixed maturities, held-for-trading, at fair value (amortized cost of $20,512 and $519,495)	21,059	514,738
Mortgage loans on real estate (net of valuation allowances of $773 and $2,882)	4,005,187	3,558,826
Policy loans	4,104,094	4,019,648
Short-term investments (amortized cost of $350,266 and $303,988)	350,266	303,988
Limited partnership and other corporation interests	45,540	34,895
Other investments	17,997	15,052
Total investments	32,137,282	30,600,850
Other assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	17,211	18,321
Reinsurance receivable	589,080	598,864
Deferred acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”)	518,510	486,690
Investment income due and accrued	299,362	287,681
Due from parent and affiliates	114,133	81,995
Goodwill	137,683	137,683
Other intangible assets	17,085	20,087
Other assets	954,250	1,021,210
Assets of discontinued operations		17,652
Separate account assets	27,660,571	27,037,765
Total assets	62,461,262	60,308,798
Policy benefit liabilities:
Future policy benefits	30,048,927	28,872,899
Policy and contract claims	389,029	372,259
Policyholders’ funds	280,578	285,554
Provision for policyholders’ dividends	41,972	49,521
Undistributed earnings on participating business	14,636	15,573
Total policy benefit liabilities	30,775,142	29,595,806
General liabilities:
Due to parent and affiliates	553,901	537,990
Commercial paper	99,886	99,049
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	93,203
Deferred income tax liabilities, net, noncurrent		191,911
Other liabilities	812,875	816,304
Liabilities of discontinued operations	16,095	17,652
Separate account liabilities	27,660,571	27,037,765
Total	60,011,673	58,296,477
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; 7,320,176 and 7,292,708 shares issued and outstanding	7,320	7,293
Additional paid-in capital	949,520	863,031
Accumulated other comprehensive income	440,957	235,875
Retained earnings	1,051,792	906,122
Total stockholder’s equity	2,449,589	2,012,321
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity	$ 62,461,262	$ 60,308,798

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 22,762,962	$ 21,672,727
Fixed maturities, held-for-trading, amortized cost (in dollars)	20,512	519,495
Mortgage loans on real estate, allowances (in dollars)	773	2,882
Short-term investments, available-for-sale, amortized cost (in dollars)	$ 350,266	$ 303,988
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	7,320,176	7,292,708
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,320,176	7,292,708

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues
Premium income	$ 439,731	$ 465,349	$ 445,550
Fee income	1,060,122	956,817	944,526
Other revenue	9,611	12,261	13,563
Net investment income	1,220,053	1,276,559	1,254,430
Realized investment gains (losses), net:
Total other-than-temporary (losses)	(4,152)	(4,963)	(1,044)
Other-than-temporary (losses) transferred to other comprehensive income	0	0	(78)
Other realized investment gains, net	50,555	97,845	84,832
Total realized investment gains, net	46,403	92,882	83,710
Total revenues	2,775,920	2,803,868	2,741,779
Benefits and expenses:
Life and other policy benefits	651,597	709,333	636,855
Decrease in future policy benefits	(84,251)	(124,576)	(41,636)
Interest paid or credited to contractholders	633,611	608,803	583,319
Provision for policyholders’ share of losses on participating business	(1,669)	(1,024)	(1,267)
Dividends to policyholders	41,846	48,487	57,356
Total benefits	1,241,134	1,241,023	1,234,627
General insurance expenses	1,197,613	1,181,227	1,078,996
Amortization of DAC and VOBA	19,728	31,309	100,589
Interest expense	30,943	33,705	38,588
Total benefits and expenses	2,489,418	2,487,264	2,452,800
Income before income taxes	286,502	316,604	288,979
Income tax (benefit) expense	(82,614)	85,512	98,524
Net income	$ 369,116	$ 231,092	$ 190,455

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 369,116	$ 231,092	$ 190,455
Components of other comprehensive income (loss)
Unrealized holding gains (losses), net, arising on available-for-sale fixed maturity investments		377,605	20,295	(643,880)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains, net, arising on cash flow hedges		(73,726)	44,776	31,061
Reclassification adjustment for (gains), net, realized in net income		34,208	74,271	52,597
Net unrealized gains (losses) related to investments		269,671	(9,200)	(665,416)
Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments		(88,648)	10,983	65,245
Employee benefit plan adjustment		14,265	1,966	31,586
Other, net		(74,383)	12,949	96,831
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes		195,288	3,749	(568,585)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income		68,351	1,312	(199,005)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	126,937	2,437	(369,580)
Total comprehensive income (loss)		$ 496,053	$ 233,529	$ (179,125)
[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 $(1,362), $(6,520), and $(6,596) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ (1,362)	$ (6,520)	$ (6,596)

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, 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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net income		231,092					231,092
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes		2,437	[1]			2,437
Dividends		(125,691)					(125,691)
Common stock issuance		19,750		60	19,690
Share-based compensation		2,190			2,190
Income tax benefit on share-based compensation		277			277
Balances at Dec. 31, 2016		2,012,321		7,293	863,031	235,875	906,122
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net income		369,116					369,116
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes		126,937	[1]			126,937
Impact of rate changes on deferred income taxes						78,145	(78,145)
Dividends		(145,301)					(145,301)
Capital contribution	[2]	76,429			76,429
Common stock issuance		8,515		27	8,488
Share-based compensation		1,572			1,572
Balances at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 2,449,589		$ 7,320	$ 949,520	$ 440,957	$ 1,051,792
[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 $(1,362), $(6,520), and $(6,596) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
[2]	In May 2017, the Company received a capital contribution from its parent, GWL&A Financial, in the amount of $76,429. No additional shares of the Company were issued in relation to this contribution.

Consolidated Statements of Sto8

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017USD ($)shares
Additional paid-in-capital
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Capital contribution | $	$ 76,429,000
Common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock issuance | shares	0

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 369,116	$ 231,092	$ 190,455
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses allocated to participating policyholders	(1,669)	(1,024)	(1,267)
(Accretion of discounts) amortization of premiums on investments, net	(3,943)	2,209	(12,213)
Net realized gains on investments	(47,035)	(75,472)	(73,331)
Net proceeds (purchases) of trading securities	491,154	107,770	(277,510)
Interest credited to contractholders	631,051	606,790	577,548
Depreciation and amortization	69,781	74,987	139,735
Deferral of acquisition costs	(107,353)	(93,621)	(64,709)
Deferred income taxes	(167,059)	53,481	21,682
Contingent consideration	0	(209)	(17,600)
Amortization of low-income housing partnerships	517	372	4,563
Other, net	(5,052)	(1,366)	(3,072)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Policy benefit liabilities	(320,518)	(231,952)	(273,507)
Reinsurance recoverable	11,341	10,340	8,738
Investment income due and accrued	(11,764)	(4,392)	(4,385)
Other, net	32,406	(23,188)	10,213
Net cash provided by operating activities	940,973	655,817	225,340
Proceeds from sales, maturities, and redemptions of investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	5,366,470	6,229,209	5,470,124
Mortgage loans on real estate	426,421	389,663	594,497
Limited partnership interests, other corporation interests, and other investments	20,916	10,742	6,833
Purchases of investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	(6,442,306)	(7,840,166)	(6,468,699)
Mortgage loans on real estate	(854,459)	(694,127)	(448,924)
Limited partnership interests, other corporation interests, and other investments	(22,255)	(5,766)	(1,527)
Net change in short-term investments	(53,097)	(39,677)	(2,238)
Policy loans, net	(10,553)	5,527	98,143
Purchases of furniture, equipment, and software	(40,997)	(44,644)	(78,778)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,609,860)	(1,989,239)	(830,569)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Contract deposits	3,000,182	3,546,320	2,527,039
Contract withdrawals	(2,240,275)	(2,098,286)	(1,782,571)
Change in due to/from parent and affiliates	(16,227)	(21,719)	(22,359)
Dividends paid	(145,301)	(125,691)	(139,533)
Capital contribution	76,429	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	8,515	19,750	60,803
Payments for and interest paid on financing element derivatives, net	(3,233)	(6,744)	(9,383)
Payment of contingent consideration	0	(14,400)	0
Net commercial paper borrowings	837	5,678	(5,218)
Change in book overdrafts	(12,332)	12,713	(1,651)
Employee taxes paid for withheld shares	(818)	(517)	(1,264)
Income tax benefit of stock option exercises	0	277	953
Net cash provided by financing activities	667,777	1,317,381	626,816
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,110)	(16,041)	21,587
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	18,321	34,362	12,775
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	17,211	18,321	34,362
Net cash (paid) received during the year for:
Income taxes	(22,668)	(1,543)	(4,093)
Interest	(26,630)	(31,254)	(37,288)
Non-cash investing and financing transactions during the years:
Share-based compensation expense	(1,572)	(2,190)	(1,655)
Fair value of assets acquired in settlement of fixed maturity investments	$ 9,659	$ 0	$ 0

Organization and Significant Ac

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [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. LLC (“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 and VOBA, valuation of policy benefit liabilities, valuation of employee benefits plan obligation, 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), declines in value determined to be other-than-temporary are included in total other-than-temporary losses, and realized gains and losses from foreign currency translations are recorded in net investment income. 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 public fixed maturity investments on a trade date basis and its private placement investments on a funding date basis. 2. Mortgage loans on real estate consist primarily of domestic commercial collateralized loans and are carried at their unpaid principal balances adjusted for any unamortized premiums or discounts, origination fees, provision allowances, and foreign currency translations. 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 primarily 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”). The Company would be determined to be a primary beneficiary, and thus consolidate the VIE when the Company has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company would also consolidate a VIE when it has, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares (or more than 50% of the kick-out rights through voting interests for investments in limited partnerships). When the Company becomes involved with an entity and when the nature of the Company’s involvement with the entity changes, in order to determine if the Company must consolidate the entity, it evaluates: • The structure and purpose of the entity; • The risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity; • The entity’s participants’ ability to direct the activities, receive its benefits, and absorb its losses; and • If the Company has more than 50% of the outstanding voting rights or can unilaterally exercise substantive kick-out rights. 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 and with initial maturities of one year or less, and are generally carried at fair value which is approximated from amortized cost. They also include highly liquid money market securities that are traded in an active market and are carried at fair value. 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 be returned 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 on loan are included within fixed maturities and short-term investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 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 reinvested in short-term repurchase agreements which are also collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities. Reinvested cash collateral is recognized 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, foreign currency forwards, U.S. government treasury futures, Eurodollar futures, 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. Changes in fair value resulting from foreign currency translations are recorded in either AOCI or net investment income, consistent with where they are recorded on the underlying hedged asset or liability. Changes in the fair value, including changes resulting from foreign currency translations, 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. Realized foreign currency transactional gains and losses, regardless of hedge accounting treatment, are recorded in net investment income. 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 to be announced (“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 (d) convert floating rate assets or debt obligations to fixed rate assets or debt obligations 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. • 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. • GLWB - internal models utilizing long-term equity and interest rate implied volatility, mortality, and policyholder behavior assumptions, such as benefit utilization and partial withdrawals. The fair value of certain investments in the separate accounts, limited partnerships, and common collective trusts are estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy tables in Notes 8 and 17. These net asset values are based on the fair value of the underlying investments less liabilities. 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 and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include amounts in demand deposit accounts as well as highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and are not subject to significant risks from fluctuations in interest rates. In evaluating for classification as cash equivalents, the Company requires that individual securities have original maturities of 90 days or less. 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 $518 and $12,850 , are included in other liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , 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 $103,487 and $98,074 , are included in other assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company capitalized $34,164 , $30,420 , and $47,895 of internal use software development costs during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , respectively. DAC and 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

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Acquisition Putnam Retirement Business On January 1, 2015, the Company acquired the retirement business of 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 .

Application of Recent Accountin

Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The new guidance is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods, a retrospective or a prospective transition approach depending upon the type of change. The new guidance changed several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: (i) income tax consequences when awards vest or are settled; (ii) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities due to statutory tax withholding requirements; and (iii) classification on the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income . The new guidance is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The new guidance gives companies the option to reclassify from accumulated OCI to retained earnings stranded tax effects resulting from the new federal corporate income tax rate. The Company elected to early adopt this standard and to reclassified stranded tax effects of $78,145 in accumulated OCI to retained earnings on enactment date. Future adoption of new accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The new guidance will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP; however, it will not impact the accounting for insurance and investment contracts within the scope of financial services insurance, leases, financial instruments and guarantees. The core principle of the model requires that an entity recognizes 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. The Company’s implementation efforts were primarily focused on customer contracts with fee income earned from assets under management, assets under administration, shareholder servicing, administration and recordkeeping services, and investment advisory services as well as the evaluation of certain incremental costs to obtain a customer contract. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this update will not impact current revenue recognition policies; however, it will impact the accounting for certain contract costs and contract fulfillment costs, which are currently expensed as incurred. Under the new standard, these costs will be deferred and recognized as expenses over the expected customer life. This change will not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the instrument-specific credit risk provision. 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, eliminating certain disclosure requirements related to financial instruments measured at amortized cost and adding disclosures related to the measurement categories of financial assets and financial liabilities, 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 the fair value option for financial instruments, and clarifying 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 Company anticipates the primary impact to be the requirement for equity investments such as limited partnership interests, that are currently accounted for under the cost method, to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized in net income. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual period. This update requires organizations to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet with lease terms of more than 12 months and also disclose certain qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements. The Company’s implementation efforts are primarily focused on the review of its existing lease contracts and performing a completeness assessment over the lease population. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments: Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. This update amends guidance on the impairment of financial instruments by adding an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses and is intended to result in more timely recognition of losses. The standard also simplifies the accounting by decreasing the number of credit impairment models that an entity can use to account for debt instruments. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) , effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU addresses diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) , effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. This update requires organizations to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The update eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and will require management to perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Any amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (not to exceed the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit) is recognized as an impairment charge. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost , effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual period. This update requires organizations to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit costs in the income statement and present it with other current compensation costs for the related employees while providing guidance for capitalization eligibility for service costs. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 Reinsurance recoverable $ 515,417 $ 522,950 Future policy benefits 1,513,311 1,608,884 Included in the consolidated statements of income are the following related party amounts: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Premium income, net of related party premiums ceded of $20,033, $17,774, and $15,731 $ 61,368 $ 66,928 $ 68,722 Life and other policy benefits, net of reinsurance recoveries of $10,313, $8,862, and $6,494 179,748 189,125 193,215 Decrease in future policy benefits (70,654 ) (88,639 ) (52,842 ) In the normal course of business the Company enters into agreements with related parties whereby it provides and/or receives recordkeeping 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 2017 2016 2015 Receives corporate support services The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”) (1) , Great-West Life (1) , Great West Global (3) , and Putnam (2) $ 22,400 $ 18,763 $ 12,609 General insurance expense Provides shareholder services Putnam (2) 16,598 15,852 5,531 Fee income Receives reimbursement from tax sharing indemnification related to state and local tax liabilities Putnam (2) 9,611 12,261 13,563 Other revenue Provides advisory, trustee, recordkeeping and administrative services Great-West Funds and Collective Income Trusts (4) 150,441 140,455 138,936 Fee income (1) An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco (2) A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S. (3) An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S. (4) Great-West Capital Management, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, serves as a Registered Investment Advisor to Great-West Funds, an open-end management investment company, which is an affiliate of GWL&A and to Great-West Trust Company, LLC, an affiliated trust company. Great-West Trust Company, LLC, serves as trustee to several collective investment trusts. The Company provides Great-West Funds, Inc. recordkeeping and administrative services to shareholders and account owners. The following table summarizes amounts due from parent and affiliates: December 31, Related party Indebtedness Due date 2017 2016 GWL&A Financial On account On demand $ 52,646 $ 45,190 Lifeco U.S. On account On demand 41,966 34,992 CLAC On account On demand 19,503 — Other related party receivables On account On demand 18 1,813 Total $ 114,133 $ 81,995 The following table summarizes amounts due to parent and affiliates: December 31, Related party Indebtedness Due date 2017 2016 GWL&A Financial (1) Surplus note November 2034 $ 194,532 $ 194,502 GWL&A Financial (2) Surplus note May 2046 333,400 333,400 GWL&A Financial (3) Surplus note December 2027 12,000 — GWL&A Financial Note interest May 2018 3,409 3,190 Other related party payables On account On demand 10,560 6,898 Total $ 553,901 $ 537,990 (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 $194,532 and $ 194,502 at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , 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 15, 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 an interest rate of 2.588% plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) . The surplus note became 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. (3) A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on December 29, 2017 , with a face amount and carrying amount of $12,000 . The surplus note bears an interest rate of 3.5% per annum. The note matures on December 29, 2027. 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 $25,773 , $29,185 and $37,059 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , respectively. Included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets is $3,409 and $3,190 of interest payable attributable to these related party debt obligations for the years ended December 31, 2017, and 2016 , respectively. GWL&A Financial has a letter of credit for the benefit of GWSC for capital support in the amount of $70 million and which renews annually until the Company terminates it under the provisions specified in the agreement. Additionally, GWL&A Financial terminated a letter of credit on December 21, 2017 in the amount of $1,141 million which was for the benefit of the Company as collateral under the GWSC and CLAC reinsurance agreement for policy liabilities. This letter of credit was replaced with an excess of loss reinsurance agreement with a third party reinsurer. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no outstanding amounts related to the letters of credit. Included within reinsurance recoverable in the consolidated balance sheets are $503,258 and $511,575 of funds withheld assets as of December 31, 2017, and 2016 , respectively. This reinsurance agreement is related to term life insurance policies assumed by GWSC from CLAC. 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 $21,813 , $22,045 , and $22,165 , is included in net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , respectively. The Company’s separate accounts invest in shares of Great-West Funds and Putnam Funds, which are related parties 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, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , these purchases totaled $292,774 , $183,365 , and $146,547 , respectively. As these 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 $335,311 and $302,898 at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , respectively, to eliminate these amounts in its consolidated balance sheets at those dates.

Summary of Investments

Summary of Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 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 $ 1,837,748 $ 41,777 $ 7,883 $ 1,871,642 $ — Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 1,872,120 220,507 1,655 2,090,972 — Corporate debt securities (2) 15,234,473 581,991 110,377 15,706,087 (1,018 ) Asset-backed securities 1,622,806 105,301 10,131 1,717,976 (56,735 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 63,187 2,446 649 64,984 (140 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,352,906 17,692 12,989 1,357,609 — Collateralized debt obligations 779,722 4,227 80 783,869 — Total fixed maturities $ 22,762,962 $ 973,941 $ 143,764 $ 23,593,139 $ (57,893 ) (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 $89,267 and estimated fair value of $87,348 . December 31, 2016 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 $ 3,022,279 $ 47,791 $ 34,958 $ 3,035,112 $ — Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 1,890,568 214,411 6,317 2,098,662 — Corporate debt securities (2) 13,811,597 477,316 309,164 13,979,749 (1,488 ) Asset-backed securities 1,226,493 104,274 18,388 1,312,379 (72,464 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 138,292 3,867 1,167 140,992 23 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,222,257 23,207 20,182 1,225,282 — Collateralized debt obligations 361,241 339 53 361,527 — Total fixed maturities $ 21,672,727 $ 871,205 $ 390,229 $ 22,153,703 $ (73,929 ) (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 $135,187 and estimated fair value of $113,239 . 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, 2017 Amortized cost Estimated fair value Maturing in one year or less $ 721,952 $ 735,235 Maturing after one year through five years 3,775,332 3,895,328 Maturing after five years through ten years 7,894,918 8,085,972 Maturing after ten years 5,064,983 5,455,996 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 5,305,777 5,420,608 Total fixed maturities $ 22,762,962 $ 23,593,139 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, 2017 2016 2015 Proceeds from sales $ 3,933,887 $ 4,541,303 $ 4,187,547 Gross realized gains from sales 64,885 84,305 47,965 Gross realized losses from sales 30,991 16,858 6,476 Mortgage loans on real estate - The following table summarizes the recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category as of December 31, 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Performing $ 4,005,960 $ 3,560,243 Non-performing — 1,465 Total $ 4,005,960 $ 3,561,708 The following table summarizes activity in the mortgage provision allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Commercial mortgages Commercial mortgages Commercial mortgages Beginning balance $ 2,882 $ 2,890 $ 2,890 Provision increases 157 536 — Charge-off (663 ) — — Recovery (30 ) — — Provision decreases (1,573 ) (544 ) — Ending balance $ 773 $ 2,882 $ 2,890 Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method: Individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 536 $ — Collectively evaluated for impairment 773 2,346 2,890 Recorded investment balance in the mortgage loan portfolio, gross of allowance, by basis of impairment method: $ 4,005,960 $ 3,561,708 $ 3,250,594 Individually evaluated for impairment 2,942 1,465 14,031 Collectively evaluated for impairment 4,003,018 3,560,243 3,236,563 Limited partnership and other corporation interests - At December 31, 2017 , and 2016 , the Company had $45,540 and $34,895 , respectively, invested in limited partnership and other corporation interests. Limited partnership interests represent the Company’s minority ownership interests in pooled investment funds that primarily make private equity investments across diverse industries and geographical focuses. The Company has determined its interest in each limited partnership to be considered a VIE. Consolidation is not required as the Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. The carrying value and maximum exposure to loss in relation to the activities of the VIEs was $45,540 and $32,444 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Securities lending - The Company had no securities on loan under the program, and therefore no cash or securities held as collateral, at December 31, 2017 , and 2016 . 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, 2017 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 $ 755,861 $ 4,159 $ 230,447 $ 3,724 $ 986,308 $ 7,883 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 24,908 180 37,012 1,475 61,920 1,655 Corporate debt securities 2,229,585 19,568 2,036,323 90,809 4,265,908 110,377 Asset-backed securities 544,778 3,011 245,341 7,120 790,119 10,131 Residential mortgage-backed securities 4,405 23 11,416 626 15,821 649 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 342,820 2,451 295,164 10,538 637,984 12,989 Collateralized debt obligations 7,277 80 — — 7,277 80 Total fixed maturities $ 3,909,634 $ 29,472 $ 2,855,703 $ 114,292 $ 6,765,337 $ 143,764 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 368 293 661 December 31, 2016 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 $ 2,006,588 $ 34,752 $ 10,526 $ 206 $ 2,017,114 $ 34,958 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 216,154 5,922 10,498 395 226,652 6,317 Corporate debt securities 4,119,630 170,453 860,153 138,711 4,979,783 309,164 Asset-backed securities 316,065 6,971 230,331 11,417 546,396 18,388 Residential mortgage-backed securities 16,962 102 14,297 1,065 31,259 1,167 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 592,508 17,535 26,068 2,647 618,576 20,182 Collateralized debt obligations 160,612 53 — — 160,612 53 Total fixed maturities $ 7,428,519 $ 235,788 $ 1,151,873 $ 154,441 $ 8,580,392 $ 390,229 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 610 128 738 Fixed maturity investments - Total unrealized losses and OTTI decreased by $246,465 , or 63% , from December 31, 2016 , to December 31, 2017 . The majority, or $206,316 , of the decrease was in the less than twelve months category. The overall decrease in unrealized losses was across several asset classes and reflects lower interest rates at December 31, 2017 , compared to December 31, 2016 , resulting in generally higher valuations of these fixed maturity securities. Total unrealized losses greater than twelve months decreased by $40,149 from December 31, 2016 , to December 31, 2017 . Corporate debt securities account for 80% , or $90,809 , of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months at December 31, 2017 . Non-investment grade corporate debt securities account for $6,244 of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months. Management does not have the intent to sell these assets; therefore, an OTTI was not recognized in earnings. Asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities account for 15% of the unrealized losses and OTTI greater than twelve months at December 31, 2017 . 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, 2017 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 83,665 $ 102,343 $ 119,532 Initial impairments - credit loss on securities not previously impaired — — 759 Reductions: Due to sales, maturities, or payoffs during the period — (1,785 ) (559 ) Due to increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security (21,434 ) (16,893 ) (17,389 ) Ending balance $ 62,231 $ 83,665 $ 102,343 Net Investment Income The following table summarizes net investment income: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Investment income: Fixed maturity and short-term investments $ 890,593 $ 819,047 $ 796,133 Mortgage loans on real estate 163,361 142,478 150,284 Policy loans 199,383 199,737 206,081 Limited partnership and other corporation interests 1,812 1,759 10,462 Net interest on funds withheld balances under reinsurance agreements, related party 21,813 22,045 22,165 Derivative instruments (1) (48,684 ) 100,007 78,655 Other 11,176 10,468 9,228 1,239,454 1,295,541 1,273,008 Investment expenses (19,401 ) (18,982 ) (18,578 ) Net investment income $ 1,220,053 $ 1,276,559 $ 1,254,430 (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, 2017 2016 2015 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturity and short-term investments $ 13,443 $ 87,108 $ 46,027 Derivative instruments 8,969 (5,318 ) 5,840 Mortgage loans on real estate 13,583 10,972 31,841 Limited partnership and other corporation interests 10,383 — — Other 25 120 2 Realized investment gains (losses) $ 46,403 $ 92,882 $ 83,710 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, 2017
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 $93,761 and $38,324 as of December 31, 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. The Company had pledged collateral related to these derivatives of $42,750 and zero as of December 31, 2017 , and 2016 , respectively, in the normal course of business. If the credit-risk-related contingent features were triggered on December 31, 2017 , the fair value of assets that could be required to settle the derivatives in a net liability position was $51,011 . At December 31, 2017 , and 2016 , the Company had pledged $52,330 and zero of unrestricted cash collateral to counterparties in the normal course of business, while other counterparties had pledged $5,490 and $103,214 of unrestricted cash collateral to the Company to satisfy collateral netting agreements, respectively. At December 31, 2017 , the Company estimated $15,415 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 security investments and debt obligations 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. 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, 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 the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) while others are bilateral contracts between the Company and a counterparty. In 2017, the CME amended its rulebook to classify variation margin transfers as settlement payments instead of collateral. The Company adjusts the fair value by the variation margin payments on derivatives cleared through the CME. 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. Foreign currency contracts Cross-currency swaps and foreign currency forwards 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. The Company uses foreign currency forwards to reduce the risk of foreign currency exchange rate changes on proceeds received on sales of foreign denominated debt instruments; however, hedge accounting is not elected. Equity contracts The Company uses futures on equity indices to offset changes in guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit liabilities; however, hedge accounting is not elected. Other forward contracts 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 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, 2017, or 2016. The following tables summarize the notional amount and fair value of derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives: December 31, 2017 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 $ 388,800 $ 7,476 $ 7,476 $ — Cross-currency swaps 800,060 (31,358 ) 19,958 51,316 Total cash flow hedges 1,188,860 (23,882 ) 27,434 51,316 Total derivatives designated as hedges 1,188,860 (23,882 ) 27,434 51,316 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps 519,100 1,902 3,530 1,628 Futures on equity indices 22,074 — — — Interest rate futures 60,700 — — — Interest rate swaptions 164,522 75 75 — Cross-currency swaps 612,733 (21,279 ) 20,320 41,599 Total derivatives not designated as hedges 1,379,129 (19,302 ) 23,925 43,227 Total derivative financial instruments $ 2,567,989 $ (43,184 ) $ 51,359 $ 94,543 (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, 2016 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 $ 419,800 $ 33,390 $ 33,390 $ — Cross-currency swaps 614,208 45,347 53,641 8,294 Total cash flow hedges 1,034,008 78,737 87,031 8,294 Total derivatives designated as hedges 1,034,008 78,737 87,031 8,294 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps 468,100 (4,358 ) 8,982 13,340 Futures on equity indices 34,422 — — — Interest rate futures 81,500 — — — Interest rate swaptions 165,534 354 354 — Cross-currency swaps 612,733 33,371 50,018 16,647 Total derivatives not designated as hedges 1,362,289 29,367 59,354 29,987 Total derivative financial instruments $ 2,396,297 $ 108,104 $ 146,385 $ 38,281 (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, 2017 , was $905,977 , $1,323,398 , $108,438 , $162,896 , and $2,231,196 for interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps, futures, swaptions, and other forward contracts, respectively. The average notional outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2016 , was $784,900 , $1,141,967 , $145,658 , $156,632 , and $2,230,167 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 and comprehensive income reported by cash flow hedges and derivatives not designated as 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, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 486 $ 810 $ 2,228 $ 5,920 $ 5,437 $ 6,779 (A) Interest rate swaps — — — 59 — 3,634 (B) Interest rate swaps (5,590 ) 21,228 — (2,954 ) (2,657 ) — (C) Cross-currency swaps (68,622 ) 22,738 28,833 1,473 8,469 2,101 (A) Interest rate futures — — — — — (134 ) (A) Total cash flow hedges $ (73,726 ) $ 44,776 $ 31,061 $ 4,498 $ 11,249 $ 12,380 (A) Net investment income. (B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net. (C) Interest expense. Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Futures on equity indices $ (559 ) (A) $ 817 (A) $ (284 ) (A) Futures on equity indices (5,829 ) (B) (7,930 ) (B) (527 ) (B) Interest rate swaps 3,280 (A) (4,541 ) (A) (1,094 ) (A) Interest rate futures 75 (A) (57 ) (A) (65 ) (A) Interest rate futures (307 ) (B) (164 ) (B) 1 (B) Interest rate swaptions (83 ) (A) 302 (A) 2,868 (A) Interest rate swaptions (280 ) (B) (313 ) (B) (3,115 ) (B) Currency forwards — (A) 111 (A) — (A) Other forward contracts 15,326 (B) 4,690 (B) 5,074 (B) Cross-currency swaps (56,018 ) (A) 85,746 (A) 69,819 (A) Cross-currency swaps — (B) (1,601 ) (B) — (B) Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ (44,395 ) $ 77,060 $ 72,677 (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 $11,095 and $5,712 at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , respectively. The changes in fair value of the GLWB were $5,383 and $(5,545) for the years ended December 31, 2017, and 2016 , respectively.

Summary of Offsetting Assets an

Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Offsetting [Abstract]
Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities The Company enters into derivative transactions and short-term reverse repurchase agreements 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. Short-term reverse repurchase agreements also include collateral provisions with the counterparty. 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, 2017 Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets Gross fair value of Financial Net Financial instruments (assets): recognized assets (1) instruments Cash collateral fair value Derivative instruments (2) $ 52,738 $ (47,827 ) $ (4,911 ) $ — Short-term reverse repurchase agreements (3) 23,200 (23,200 ) — — Total financial instruments (assets) 75,938 (71,027 ) (4,911 ) — December 31, 2017 Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets Gross fair value of Financial Net Financial instruments (liabilities): recognized liabilities (1) instruments Cash collateral fair value Derivative instruments (4) 93,761 (47,827 ) (42,750 ) 3,184 (1) The gross fair value of derivative instruments and short-term reverse repurchase agreement is 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 short-term reverse repurchase agreement assets is reported in short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The collateral is held by an independent third-party custodian under a tri-party agreement. (4) 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. December 31, 2016 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) $ 119,862 $ (26,254 ) $ 92,756 $ 852 Derivative instruments (liabilities) (3) 26,254 (26,254 ) — — (1) The gross fair value of derivative instruments and short-term reverse repurchase agreement is 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, 2017
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, 2017 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 $ — $ 1,871,642 $ — $ 1,871,642 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions — 2,090,972 — 2,090,972 Corporate debt securities — 15,696,349 9,738 15,706,087 Asset-backed securities — 1,717,976 — 1,717,976 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 64,984 — 64,984 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,357,609 — 1,357,609 Collateralized debt obligations — 783,869 — 783,869 Total fixed maturities available-for-sale — 23,583,401 9,738 23,593,139 Fixed maturities held-for-trading: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies — 16,836 — 16,836 Corporate debt securities — 3,156 — 3,156 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,067 — 1,067 Total fixed maturities held-for-trading — 21,059 — 21,059 Short-term investments 288,302 61,964 — 350,266 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 57,820 — — 57,820 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 7,476 — 7,476 Cross-currency swaps — 19,958 — 19,958 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 3,530 — 3,530 Interest rate swaptions — 75 — 75 Cross-currency swaps — 20,320 — 20,320 Total derivative instruments — 51,359 — 51,359 Separate account assets (1) 16,523,630 10,736,532 — 27,660,571 Total assets $ 16,869,752 $ 34,454,315 $ 9,738 $ 51,734,214 Liabilities Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 5,490 — — 5,490 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Cross-currency swaps — 51,316 — 51,316 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 1,628 — 1,628 Cross-currency swaps — 41,599 — 41,599 Total derivative instruments — 94,543 — 94,543 Embedded derivatives - GLWB — — 11,095 11,095 Separate account liabilities (2) 8 409,266 — 409,274 Total liabilities $ 5,498 $ 503,809 $ 11,095 $ 520,402 (1) Included in the total fair value amount are $400 million of investments as of December 31, 2017 for which the fair value is estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient which are excluded from the disclosure requirement to classify amounts in the fair value hierarchy in connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-07. (2) 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, 2016 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 $ — $ 3,035,112 $ — $ 3,035,112 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions — 2,098,662 — 2,098,662 Corporate debt securities — 13,968,110 11,639 13,979,749 Asset-backed securities — 1,312,379 — 1,312,379 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 140,992 — 140,992 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,225,282 — 1,225,282 Collateralized debt obligations — 361,527 — 361,527 Total fixed maturities available-for-sale — 22,142,064 11,639 22,153,703 Fixed maturities held-for-trading: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies — 458,067 — 458,067 Corporate debt securities — 55,591 — 55,591 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,080 — 1,080 Total fixed maturities held-for-trading — 514,738 — 514,738 Short-term investments 267,851 36,137 — 303,988 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 103,214 — — 103,214 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 33,390 — 33,390 Cross-currency swaps — 53,641 — 53,641 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 8,982 — 8,982 Interest rate swaptions — 354 — 354 Cross-currency swaps — 50,018 — 50,018 Total derivative instruments — 146,385 — 146,385 Separate account assets (1) 15,407,992 11,199,924 — 27,037,765 Total assets $ 15,779,057 $ 34,039,248 $ 11,639 $ 50,259,793 Liabilities Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 103,214 — — 103,214 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Cross-currency swaps — 8,294 — 8,294 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 13,340 — 13,340 Cross-currency swaps — 16,647 — 16,647 Total derivative instruments — 38,281 — 38,281 Embedded derivatives - GLWB — — 5,712 5,712 Separate account liabilities (2) 55 336,468 — 336,523 Total liabilities $ 103,269 $ 374,749 $ 5,712 $ 483,730 (1) Included in the total fair value amount are $430 million of investments as of December 31, 2016 for which the fair value is estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient which are excluded from the disclosure requirement to classify amounts in the fair value hierarchy in connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-07. (2) 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 evaluated prices from independent pricing services. In cases where these 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 The amortized cost of short-term investments 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, 2017 Assets Liabilities Fixed maturities available-for-sale Embedded derivatives - GLWB Corporate debt securities Balances, January 1, 2017 $ 11,639 $ 5,712 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Net income — 5,383 Other comprehensive income (loss) 169 — Settlements (1,703 ) — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) (367 ) $ — Balances, December 31, 2017 $ 9,738 $ 11,095 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, 2017 $ — $ 5,383 (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, 2016 Assets Liabilities Fixed maturities available-for-sale Embedded derivatives - GLWB Corporate debt securities Balances, January 1, 2016 $ 4,538 $ 11,257 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Net income — (5,545 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 273 — Settlements (1,478 ) — Transfers into Level 3 (1) 11,236 — Transfers out of Level 3 (2) (2,930 ) — Balances, December 31, 2016 $ 11,639 $ 5,712 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, 2016 $ — $ (5,545 ) (1) Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies. (2) 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, 2015 Assets Liabilities Fixed maturities available-for-sale Total Embedded derivatives - GLWB Corporate debt securities Asset-backed securities 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. 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: Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Embedded derivatives - GLWB Risk neutral stochastic valuation methodology Equity volatility 15% - 30% 15% - 30% Swap curve 1.69% - 2.54% 0.75% - 3.00% Mortality rate Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table Lapse rate 1% - 15% 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 reserve. Fair value of financial instruments The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments and investments not carried at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated amount fair value amount fair value Assets Mortgage loans on real estate $ 4,005,187 $ 4,066,800 $ 3,558,826 $ 3,574,240 Policy loans 4,104,094 4,104,094 4,019,648 4,019,648 Limited partnership interests 43,281 45,009 29,345 29,822 Other investments 11,507 41,588 14,382 44,687 Liabilities Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies $ 12,704,401 $ 12,647,309 $ 12,291,378 $ 12,129,631 Policyholders’ funds 280,578 280,578 285,554 285,554 Commercial paper 99,886 99,886 99,049 99,049 Notes payable 543,338 581,097 531,092 495,004 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 primarily make private equity investments across diverse industries and geographical focuses. The net asset value, 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, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value. 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 one to 10 years . Other investments Other investments primarily include real estate held for investment. The estimated fair value for real estate is based on the unadjusted appraised value which includes factors such as comparable property sales, property income analysis, and capitalization rates. The estimated fair value is classified as Level 3. 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, 2017
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, 2017, and 2016 . Area Assumptions/Basis for Assumptions Data Used Based on 1,050 investment performance scenarios Mean Investment Performance Equity: 7% - 13% Volatility Equity: 10% - 35% Fixed, Bond, Money Market Fund: 0% - 9% Mortality Based on the 1994 VA MGDB Mortality Table Lapse Rates Lapse Rates vary by duration and surrender charge Discount Rates 5% The assumptions and techniques for valuing the GLWB reserve is disclosed within Note 8 and are identical to those used for valuing the GLWB embedded derivative. 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, 2017, and 2016 , were as follows: GMDB GLWB Total December 31, 2017 Separate account liability $ 64,953 $ 620,698 $ 685,651 Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance $ 17,705 $ 1,480 $ 19,185 Weighted average attained age 70 69 N/A December 31, 2016 Separate account liability $ 55,607 $ 413,569 $ 469,176 Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance $ 25,891 $ 2,941 $ 28,832 Weighted average attained age 71 58 N/A The paid and incurred amounts for GMDB and GLWB for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were as follows: GMDB GLWB Total Additional liability balance: Balances, January 1, 2015 $ 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 Incurred guaranteed benefits 132 (2,740 ) (2,608 ) Paid guaranteed benefits (503 ) — (503 ) Balances, December 31, 2016 5,096 2,073 7,169 Incurred guaranteed benefits (294 ) 3,807 3,513 Paid guaranteed benefits (819 ) — (819 ) Balances, December 31, 2017 $ 3,983 $ 5,880 $ 9,863 The aggregate fair value of equity securities supporting separate accounts with GMDB and GLWB were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Equity securities - GMDB $ 64,975 $ 55,605 Equity securities - GLWB 622,005 412,977 Total $ 686,980 $ 468,582

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017, and 2016 , the reinsurance recoverables had carrying values in the amounts of $589,080 and $598,864 , respectively. Included in these amounts are $515,417 and $522,950 at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , respectively, associated with reinsurance agreements with related parties. At December 31, 2017, and 2016 , 87% 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, 2017 : Life insurance in-force Individual Group Total Written and earned direct $ 56,059,075 $ 41,895,505 $ 97,954,580 Reinsurance ceded (10,881,048 ) (1,114,637 ) (11,995,685 ) Reinsurance assumed 53,532,666 — 53,532,666 Net $ 98,710,693 $ 40,780,868 $ 139,491,561 Percentage of amount assumed to net 54 % — % 38 % Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 373,896 $ 2,184 $ 376,080 Reinsurance ceded (55,945 ) (88 ) (56,033 ) Reinsurance assumed 119,684 — 119,684 Net $ 437,635 $ 2,096 $ 439,731 The following tables summarizes life insurance in-force and total premium income at and for the year ended December 31, 2016 : Life insurance in-force Individual Group Total Written and earned direct $ 54,618,888 $ 41,809,635 $ 96,428,523 Reinsurance ceded (10,568,467 ) (833,090 ) (11,401,557 ) Reinsurance assumed 56,165,011 — 56,165,011 Net $ 100,215,432 $ 40,976,545 $ 141,191,977 Percentage of amount assumed to net 56 % — % 40 % Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 392,654 $ 1,998 $ 394,652 Reinsurance ceded (52,397 ) (81 ) (52,478 ) Reinsurance assumed 123,175 — 123,175 Net $ 463,432 $ 1,917 $ 465,349 The following table summarizes total premium income for the year ended December 31, 2015 : 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 Reinsurance recoveries for life and other policy benefits were $33,737 , $39,520 , and $23,179 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , respectively.

Deferred Acquisition Costs and

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2015 $ 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 Capitalized additions 93,222 — 93,222 Amortization and writedowns (29,317 ) (1,992 ) (31,309 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses 10,522 112 10,634 Balances, December 31, 2016 467,845 18,845 486,690 Capitalized additions 105,814 — 105,814 Amortization and writedowns (20,862 ) 1,134 (19,728 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses (54,358 ) 92 (54,266 ) Balances, December 31, 2017 $ 498,439 $ 20,071 $ 518,510 The estimated future amortization of VOBA for the years ended December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022 , is approximately $3,800 per annum.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 segment, at December 31, 2017, and 2016 was $137,683 . The following tables summarize other intangible assets, all of which are within the Empower Retirement segment: December 31, 2017 Gross carrying Accumulated amount amortization Net book value Customer relationships $ 47,580 $ (30,495 ) $ 17,085 Non-competition 362 (362 ) — Total $ 47,942 $ (30,857 ) $ 17,085 December 31, 2016 Gross carrying Accumulated amount amortization Net book value Customer relationships $ 47,580 $ (27,517 ) $ 20,063 Non-competition 1,325 (1,301 ) 24 Total $ 48,905 $ (28,818 ) $ 20,087 Amortization expense for other intangible assets included in general insurance expenses was $3,002 , $3,732 , and $4,096 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , 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, 2018 through December 31, 2022 , is approximately $1,800 per annum.

Commercial Paper

Commercial Paper	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 Face value $ 99,886 $ 99,049 Carrying value $ 99,886 $ 99,049 Effective interest rate 1.4%-1.7% 0.7%-0.8% Maturity range (days) 19 - 67 10 - 30

Stockholder's Equity and Divide

Stockholder's Equity and Dividend Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholder's Equity and Dividend Restrictions	Stockholder’s Equity and Dividend Restrictions At December 31, 2017, and 2016 , 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, 7,320,176 and 7,292,708 of which were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , 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, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 Net income $ 170,018 $ 100,657 $ 187,232 Capital and surplus $ 1,129,510 $ 1,053,333 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, 2017 . Dividends are paid as determined by the Board of Directors, subject to restrictions as discussed below. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , the Company paid dividends in the amounts of $145,301 , $125,691 , and $139,533 , 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, 2017 , were $1,129,510 and $169,483 , respectively. Based on the as filed amounts, the Company may pay an amount up to $112,951 of dividends during the year ended December 31, 2018 , 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, 2017
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	Other Comprehensive Income The following table presents the accumulated balances for each classification of other comprehensive income (loss): Year Ended December 31, 2017 Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising on (1) Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising on cash flow hedged (2) Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments Employee benefit plan adjustment (3) Total Balances, January 1, 2015 $ 784,183 $ 33,141 $ (108,194 ) $ (106,112 ) $ 603,018 OCI before reclassifications (643,880 ) 31,061 65,245 19,730 (527,844 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 225,358 (10,871 ) (22,836 ) (6,905 ) 184,746 AOCI before reclassification, net of tax (418,522 ) 20,190 42,409 12,825 (343,098 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (40,217 ) (12,380 ) — 11,856 (40,741 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 14,076 4,333 — (4,150 ) 14,259 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax (26,141 ) (8,047 ) — 7,706 (26,482 ) Balances, December 31, 2015 339,520 45,284 (65,785 ) (85,581 ) 233,438 OCI before reclassifications 20,295 44,776 10,983 (7,315 ) 68,739 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (7,103 ) (15,672 ) (3,844 ) 2,560 (24,059 ) AOCI before reclassification, net of tax 13,192 29,104 7,139 (4,755 ) 44,680 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (63,022 ) (11,249 ) — 9,281 (64,990 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 22,058 3,937 — (3,248 ) 22,747 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax (40,964 ) (7,312 ) — 6,033 (42,243 ) Balances, December 31, 2016 311,748 67,076 (58,646 ) (84,303 ) 235,875 OCI before reclassifications 377,605 (73,726 ) (88,648 ) 7,283 222,514 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (132,162 ) 25,804 31,027 (2,549 ) (77,880 ) AOCI before reclassification, net of tax 245,443 (47,922 ) (57,621 ) 4,734 144,634 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (29,710 ) (4,498 ) — 6,982 (27,226 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 10,399 1,574 — (2,444 ) 9,529 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax (19,311 ) (2,924 ) — 4,538 (17,697 ) Impact of tax reform 7,007 87,299 — (16,161 ) 78,145 Balances, December 31, 2017 $ 544,887 $ 103,529 $ (116,267 ) $ (91,192 ) $ 440,957 (1) Reclassifications affect Other realized investment gains(losses), net on the consolidated statements of income. (2) Reclassifications affect net investment income on the consolidated statements of income, except for $2,954 and $2,657 (before tax) which affected interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. (3) The adjustments for defined benefit plans 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, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 Compensation $ 646,595 $ 625,364 $ 564,008 Commissions 241,357 222,028 206,360 Other 309,661 333,835 308,628 Total general insurance expenses $ 1,197,613 $ 1,181,227 $ 1,078,996

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, January 1 $ 592,290 $ 560,817 $ 19,031 $ 16,637 $ 44,501 $ 43,858 $ 655,822 $ 621,312 Service cost 3,506 (1,403 ) 1,457 1,246 (16 ) 294 4,947 137 Interest cost 24,205 25,263 758 713 1,620 1,775 26,583 27,751 Actuarial (gain) loss 40,840 24,928 (1,216 ) 1,408 (1,872 ) 1,911 37,752 28,247 Regular benefits paid (19,737 ) (17,315 ) (701 ) (973 ) (3,336 ) (3,337 ) (23,774 ) (21,625 ) Curtailments (17,244 ) — — — — — (17,244 ) — Amendment 1,852 — — — 24 — 1,876 — Benefit obligation, December 31 $ 625,712 $ 592,290 $ 19,329 $ 19,031 $ 40,921 $ 44,501 $ 685,962 $ 655,822 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 625,712 $ 575,024 $ 19,329 $ 19,031 $ 40,921 $ 43,098 $ 685,962 $ 637,153 During 2017, the Company approved an amendment to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan freezing all benefit accruals for pension-eligible participants as of December 31, 2017. The Company also approved an amendment to provide pension-eligible employees with full credit for their anniversary year of services that began in 2017, even if the participants had not completed 1,000 hours of service as of December 31, 2017. The impact of the Plan freeze was reflected on September 25, 2017, and in accordance with ASC 715 Compensation - Retirement Benefits, resulted in a curtailment gain in the amount of $17,244 . Additionally, as a result of the amendment to provide an additional year of service credit, prior service cost in the amount of $1,852 was recorded in other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017. Under a curtailment due to a plan freeze, any unrecognized prior service cost included in other comprehensive income associated with the employees affected by the pension plan freeze must be fully recognized in benefit cost in determining the net gain or loss to be recognized for the curtailment. Additionally, the curtailment gain recognized in the income statement is offset by accelerating, in an equal amount, the recognition of any actuarial gain or loss in other comprehensive income. $15,392 of actuarial loss was recognized from other comprehensive income to offset the net curtailment gain. As a result, the net impact to the income statement was zero . Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Change in plan assets: Value of plan assets, January 1 $ 453,087 $ 427,131 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 453,087 $ 427,131 Actual return on plan assets 50,292 43,271 — — — — 50,292 43,271 Employer contributions — — 701 973 3,337 3,337 4,038 4,310 Benefits paid (19,737 ) (17,315 ) (701 ) (973 ) (3,337 ) (3,337 ) (23,775 ) (21,625 ) Value of plan assets, December 31 $ 483,642 $ 453,087 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 483,642 $ 453,087 Defined Benefit Post-Retirement Supplemental Executive Total December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Under funded status at December 31 $ (142,070 ) $ (139,203 ) $ (19,329 ) $ (19,031 ) $ (40,921 ) $ (44,501 ) $ (202,320 ) $ (202,735 ) 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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets: Other liabilities $ (142,070 ) $ (139,203 ) $ (19,329 ) $ (19,031 ) $ (40,921 ) $ (44,501 ) $ (202,320 ) $ (202,735 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (121,645 ) (133,055 ) 6,276 5,715 (66 ) (2,360 ) (115,435 ) (129,700 ) 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, 2017 : 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) $ (121,645 ) $ (96,098 ) $ 6,105 $ 4,823 $ 1,157 $ 914 $ (114,383 ) $ (90,361 ) Net prior service (cost) credit — — 171 135 (1,223 ) (966 ) (1,052 ) (831 ) $ (121,645 ) $ (96,098 ) $ 6,276 $ 4,958 $ (66 ) $ (52 ) $ (115,435 ) $ (91,192 ) 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, 2018 : 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) $ (2,336 ) $ (1,845 ) $ 276 $ 218 $ 45 $ 36 $ (2,015 ) $ (1,591 ) Prior service (cost) credit — — 20 16 (324 ) (256 ) (304 ) (240 ) $ (2,336 ) $ (1,845 ) $ 296 $ 234 $ (279 ) $ (220 ) $ (2,319 ) $ (1,831 ) 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 2018 $ 20,286 $ 795 $ 2,515 2019 21,396 855 2,520 2020 22,737 873 2,480 2021 24,688 940 2,446 2022 26,676 1,003 10,180 2023 through 2027 158,881 6,579 13,065 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, 2017 2016 2015 Components of net periodic cost: Service cost $ 3,506 $ (1,403 ) $ 12,851 Interest cost 24,205 25,263 23,987 Expected return on plan assets (20,626 ) (22,339 ) (28,345 ) Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost — — 13 Amortization of loss from earlier periods 7,190 10,260 12,398 Net periodic cost $ 14,275 $ 11,781 $ 20,904 Post-Retirement Medical Plan Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit: Service cost $ 1,457 $ 1,246 $ 1,042 Interest cost 758 713 560 Amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit (453 ) (1,102 ) (1,640 ) Amortization of gain from earlier periods (202 ) (317 ) (511 ) Net periodic benefit $ 1,560 $ 540 $ (549 ) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Components of net periodic cost: Service cost $ (16 ) $ 294 $ 282 Interest cost 1,620 1,775 2,122 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost 501 501 933 Amortization of loss from earlier periods (54 ) (61 ) 663 Net periodic cost $ 2,051 $ 2,509 $ 4,000 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, 2017 2016 Discount rate 3.71 % 4.20 % Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.47 % Post-Retirement Medical Plan December 31, 2017 2016 Discount rate 3.63 % 4.05 % Initial health care cost trend 6.50 % 6.75 % Ultimate health care cost trend 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend is reached 2024 2024 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan December 31, 2017 2016 Discount rate 3.43 % 3.80 % Rate of compensation increase 4.00 % 4.00 % During 2017, the Company adopted the Society of Actuaries Mortality Improvement Scale (MP-2017). During 2016, the Company adopted the Society of Actuaries Mortality Improvement Scale (MP-2016). 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, 2017 2016 Discount rate 4.20 % 4.55 % Expected return on plan assets 5.25 % 6.00 % Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.47 % Post-Retirement Medical Plan Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Discount rate 4.05 % 4.31 % Initial health care cost trend 6.75 % 7.00 % Ultimate health care cost trend 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend is reached 2024 2024 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Discount rate 3.80 % 4.22 % 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 $ 371 $ (309 ) Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation 2,524 (2,157 ) The following table presents how the Company’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets are invested: December 31, 2017 2016 Equity securities 47 % 45 % Debt securities 45 % 39 % Other 8 % 16 % 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 approach utilized to determine such fair value: Defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2017 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: (1) Equity index funds $ — $ — $ — $ 32,596 Midcap index funds — — — 31,717 World equity index funds — — — 60,216 U.S. equity market funds — — — 46,400 International equity funds — — — 15,382 Total common collective trust funds — — — 186,311 Fixed maturity investments: U.S. government direct obligations and agencies — 4,608 — 4,608 Obligations of U.S. states and their municipalities — 18,775 — 18,775 Corporate debt securities — 183,462 1,108 184,570 Asset-backed securities — 10,569 — 10,569 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 2,475 — 2,475 Total fixed maturity investments — 219,889 1,108 220,997 Equity investments: Fixed income mutual funds 27,516 — — 27,516 Equity mutual funds 15,609 — — 15,609 Preferred stock 704 — — 704 Total equity investments 43,829 — — 43,829 Limited partnership investments (1) — — — 7,465 Money market funds 29,576 — — 29,576 Total defined benefit plan assets $ 73,405 $ 219,889 $ 1,108 $ 488,178 (1) Fair values of Common collective trust funds and Limited partnership investments are estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient which are excluded from the disclosure requirement to classify amounts in the fair value hierarchy in connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-07. Defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2016 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: (1) Equity index funds $ — $ — $ — $ 34,578 Midcap index funds — — — 35,330 World equity index funds — — — 44,235 U.S. equity market funds — — — 45,614 International equity funds — — — 11,143 Total common collective trust funds — — — 170,900 Fixed maturity investments: U.S. government direct obligations and agencies — 5,672 — 5,672 Obligations of U.S. states and their municipalities — 18,670 — 18,670 Corporate debt securities — 141,102 1,316 142,418 Asset-backed securities — 7,828 — 7,828 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 2,884 — 2,884 Total fixed maturity investments — 176,156 1,316 177,472 Equity investments: Fixed income mutual funds 21,321 — — 21,321 Equity mutual funds 11,106 — — 11,106 Preferred stock 640 — — 640 Total equity investments 33,067 — — 33,067 Limited partnership investments (1) — — — 7,022 Money market funds 62,883 — — 62,883 Total defined benefit plan assets $ 95,950 $ 176,156 $ 1,316 $ 451,344 (1) Fair values of Common collective trust funds and Limited partnership investments are estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient which are excluded from the disclosure requirement to classify amounts in the fair value hierarchy in connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-07. 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: Recurring Level 3 financial assets Corporate debt securities Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 1,316 $ — Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at reporting period 19 54 Settlements (227 ) (213 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) — 1,475 Balance, December 31 $ 1,108 $ 1,316 (1) Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies. 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 target allocation of invested Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2018 : December 31, 2018 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, 2018 . The Company expects to make payments of approximately $795 with respect to its Post-Retirement Medical Plan and $2,515 with respect to its Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan during the year ended December 31, 2018. Other employee benefit plans 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 $27,284 and $21,758 at December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 , 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 $14,937 , $12,364 , and $13,016 in expense related to this plan for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current $ 84,445 $ 32,031 $ 76,842 Deferred (167,059 ) 53,481 21,682 Total income tax provision $ (82,614 ) $ 85,512 $ 98,524 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, 2017 2016 2015 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Income tax effect of: Federal tax rate change resulting from tax reform (61.4 )% — % — % Investment income not subject to federal tax (4.3 )% (3.0 )% (3.0 )% Tax credits (0.3 )% (6.9 )% (0.2 )% State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.3 % 2.3 % 3.2 % Other, net (0.1 )% (0.4 )% (0.9 )% Effective federal income tax rate (28.8 )% 27.0 % 34.1 % On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1, the Tax Reconciliation Act (the “Act”), was enacted. The legislation, which is generally effective for tax years beginning on January 1, 2018, represents significant U.S. tax reform and revises the Internal Revenue Code by, among other items, lowering the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and modifying how the U.S. taxes multinational entities. The decrease in the federal corporate income tax rate caused the Company to revalue its deferred tax balances at the new 21% rate, resulting in the recognition of a $175,842 deferred tax benefit and a 61.4% decrease to the Company’s 2017 overall effective income tax rate. The impact of tax reform recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income was $78,145 . This balance was transferred to Retained Earnings on the Balance Sheet. A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of year $ 17,268 $ 23,093 $ 26,890 Additions to tax positions in the current year 13,461 — 1,383 Additions to tax positions in the prior year — 1,902 50 Reductions to tax positions from statutes expiring — (7,727 ) (5,230 ) Balance, end of year $ 30,729 $ 17,268 $ 23,093 There were no tax benefits included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $30,729 at December 31, 2017 , that would impact the annual effective tax rate. The Company anticipates a decrease in its unrecognized tax benefits of $8,000 to $10,000 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 an increase of $553 and decreases of $153 , and $193 in interest and penalties related to the uncertain tax positions during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , respectively. The Company had approximately $1,417 and $864 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , 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 2013 and prior. Tax years 2014 through 2016 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, 2017 2016 Deferred Deferred Deferred Deferred tax asset tax liability tax asset tax liability Policyholder reserves $ — $ 146,294 $ — $ 278,632 Deferred acquisition costs — 20,405 — 28,071 Investment assets — 185,940 — 233,583 Policyholder dividends 5,244 — 8,583 — Net operating loss carryforward 32,662 — 96,693 — Pension plan accrued benefit liability 51,289 — 83,562 — Goodwill — 23,287 — 35,306 Experience rated refunds 9,988 — 6,654 — Tax credits 169,692 — 168,597 — Other 13,848 — 19,592 — Total deferred taxes $ 282,723 $ 375,926 $ 383,681 $ 575,592 The deferred tax amounts presented above with respect to investments, future policy benefits, and deferred acquisition costs include $141,458 and $172,405 related to amounts recognized through other comprehensive income at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , 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. As of December 31, 2017 , the subsidiaries had net operating loss carry forwards expiring as follows: Year Amount 2023 65,209 2028 2,215 Total $ 67,424 During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , the Company generated $120 , $215 , and $3,295 of Guaranteed Federal Low Income Housing tax credit carryforwards, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 , the total credit carryforward for Low Income Housing is $142,089 . These credits will begin to expire in 2030 . The Company generated $3,474 of foreign tax credit during the year ended December 31, 2017 . During the years ended December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2016 , the Company generated credit carryforwards of $23,984 . The Company determined in 2016 to amend its prior year previously filed federal income tax returns in order to elect to claim foreign tax credits in lieu of foreign tax expense. These credits will begin to expire in 2020. Included in due from parent and affiliates at December 31, 2017, and 2016 is $41,694 and $35,093 , 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, 2017, and 2016 is $5,845 and $7,819 , 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, 2017
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, 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 recordkeeping 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, the impact of tax reform 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, 2017 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 357,244 $ 2,172 $ 80,315 $ 439,731 Fee income 110,128 943,038 6,956 1,060,122 Other revenue — 9,611 — 9,611 Net investment income 738,002 434,677 47,374 1,220,053 Realized investments gains (losses), net 32,652 13,752 (1 ) 46,403 Total revenues 1,238,026 1,403,250 134,644 2,775,920 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 953,371 206,544 81,219 1,241,134 Operating expenses 169,234 998,431 80,619 1,248,284 Total benefits and expenses 1,122,605 1,204,975 161,838 2,489,418 Income (loss) before income taxes 115,421 198,275 (27,194 ) 286,502 Income tax expense (benefit) 38,605 64,252 (185,471 ) (82,614 ) Net income $ 76,816 $ 134,023 $ 158,277 $ 369,116 December 31, 2017 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Assets: Investments $ 17,791,097 $ 12,472,906 $ 1,873,279 $ 32,137,282 Other assets 1,465,544 1,027,458 154,312 2,647,314 Separate account assets 8,494,248 19,166,323 — 27,660,571 Assets of continuing operations $ 27,750,889 $ 32,666,687 $ 2,027,591 62,445,167 Assets of discontinued operations 16,095 Total assets $ 62,461,262 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 379,127 $ 1,853 $ 84,369 $ 465,349 Fee income 99,514 851,620 5,683 956,817 Other revenue — 12,261 — 12,261 Net investment income 798,557 428,327 49,675 1,276,559 Realized investments gains (losses), net 40,899 51,209 774 92,882 Total revenues 1,318,097 1,345,270 140,501 2,803,868 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 969,182 206,143 65,698 1,241,023 Operating expenses 175,016 1,002,129 69,096 1,246,241 Total benefits and expenses 1,144,198 1,208,272 134,794 2,487,264 Income before income taxes 173,899 136,998 5,707 316,604 Income tax expense 58,601 25,144 1,767 85,512 Net income $ 115,298 $ 111,854 $ 3,940 $ 231,092 December 31, 2016 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Assets: Investments $ 16,770,772 $ 12,195,748 $ 1,634,330 $ 30,600,850 Other assets 1,453,717 1,057,148 141,666 2,652,531 Separate account assets 7,521,475 19,516,290 — 27,037,765 Assets of continuing operations $ 25,745,964 $ 32,769,186 $ 1,775,996 60,291,146 Assets of discontinued operations 17,652 Total assets $ 60,308,798 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

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 Human Resources Committee. At its discretion the Human Resources 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 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, 2017 2016 2015 Lifeco Stock Plan $ 1,460 $ 2,190 $ 1,655 Performance Share Unit Plan 7,207 5,318 2,320 Total compensation expense $ 8,667 $ 7,508 $ 3,975 Income tax benefits $ 2,832 $ 2,458 $ 1,143 The following table presents the total unrecognized compensation expense related to share-based compensation at December 31, 2017 , and the expected weighted average period over which these expenses will be recognized: Expense Weighted average period (years) Lifeco Stock Plan $ 1,673 1.6 Performance Share Unit Plan 5,179 1.3 Equity Award Activity During the year ended December 31, 2017 , Lifeco granted 434,300 stock options to employees of the Company. These stock options vest over five - year periods ending in 2022 . Compensation expense of $1,195 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, 2017 4,062,001 $ 23.25 Granted 434,300 29.26 Exercised (655,384 ) 24.58 Cancelled and expired (393,942 ) 28.35 Outstanding, December 31, 2017 3,446,975 24.88 6.3 $ 11,012 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017 3,446,975 $ 24.88 6.3 $ 11,012 Exercisable, December 31, 2017 2,190,591 $ 23.22 5.3 $ 10,327 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on December 31, 2017 , 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, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 2.75 $ 2.74 $ 3.33 Intrinsic value of options exercised (1) 2,869 2,102 4,234 Fair value of options vested 2,203 1,605 1,670 (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 the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 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, 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield 3.98 % 3.99 % 3.66 % Expected volatility 13.99 % 19.03 % 19.10 % Risk free interest rate 1.25 % 0.80 % 0.90 % 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, 2017 598,911 Granted 290,895 Forfeited (77,957 ) Exercised (130,339 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2017 681,510 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017 681,510 The cash payment in settlement of the Performance Share Unit Plan units was $3,398 and $3,988 for the years ended December 31, 2017, and 2016 , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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) $ — $ — $ — $ 540,400 $ 540,400 Related party long-term debt - interest (2) 26,796 53,591 53,591 468,942 602,920 Investment purchase obligations (3) 312,152 1,090 — — 313,242 Operating leases (4) 15,467 23,703 7,000 13 46,183 Other liabilities (5) 39,499 33,261 40,487 19,644 132,891 Total $ 393,914 $ 111,645 $ 101,078 $ 1,028,999 $ 1,635,636 (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 three 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 a variable interest rate plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) . The third long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2017 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, 2017, and 2016 , were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Due in less than one year $ 312,152 $ 438,458 Due within one to three years 1,090 — Total $ 313,242 $ 438,458 Included in the total unfunded commitments at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , is $114,726 and $93,440 , respectively, related to cost basis limited partnership interests, 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 $13,433 , $12,575 , and $12,050 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , respectively and is recorded in general insurance expense. The Company’s total future operating lease obligation will be reduced by minimum reimbursement of $5,938 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. · 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, 2016 . The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2017, and 2016 . At December 31, 2017, and 2016 there were no outstanding amounts related to the current and prior credit facilities. GWL&A Financial has a letter of credit for the benefit of GWSC for capital support in the amount of $70 million and which renews annually until the Company terminates it under the provisions specified in the agreement. Additionally, GWL&A Financial terminated a letter of credit on December 21, 2017 in the amount of $1,141 million which was for the benefit of the Company as collateral under the GWSC and CLAC reinsurance agreement for policy liabilities. This letter of credit was replaced with an excess of loss reinsurance agreement with a third party reinsurer. At December 31, 2017, and 2016 , there were no outstanding amounts related to the 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, 2017, and 2016 , 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 lawsuits relating to the costs and features of certain retirement or fund products. 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, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Events On February 1, 2018 , the Company’s Board of Directors declared dividends of $24,001 , payable on March 30, 2018 , to its sole shareholder, GWL&A Financial.

Schedule III Supplemental Insur

Schedule III Supplemental Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 Individual Markets Segment Empower Retirement Segment Other Segment Total Deferred acquisition costs $ 352,203 $ 146,236 $ — $ 498,439 Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses 17,200,360 12,432,371 370,098 30,002,829 Unearned premium reserves 46,098 — — 46,098 Other policy claims and benefits payable 696,778 753 28,684 726,215 Premium income 357,244 2,172 80,315 439,731 Net investment income 738,002 434,677 47,374 1,220,053 Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses 953,371 206,544 81,219 1,241,134 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 24,683 (3,821 ) — 20,862 Other operating expenses 144,551 1,002,252 80,619 1,227,422 As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Individual Empower Other Total Deferred acquisition costs $ 340,532 $ 127,313 $ — $ 467,845 Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses 16,420,554 12,019,243 387,181 28,826,978 Unearned premium reserves 45,921 — — 45,921 Other policy claims and benefits payable 694,965 713 27,229 722,907 Premium income 379,127 1,853 84,369 465,349 Net investment income 798,557 428,327 49,675 1,276,559 Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses 969,182 206,143 65,698 1,241,023 Amortization of deferred acquisition costs 45,944 (16,627 ) — 29,317 Other operating expenses 129,072 1,018,756 69,096 1,216,924 As of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Individual Empower Other Total 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

Organization and Significant 33

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [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 and VOBA, valuation of policy benefit liabilities, valuation of employee benefits plan obligation, 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), declines in value determined to be other-than-temporary are included in total other-than-temporary losses, and realized gains and losses from foreign currency translations are recorded in net investment income. 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 public fixed maturity investments on a trade date basis and its private placement investments on a funding date basis. 2. Mortgage loans on real estate consist primarily of domestic commercial collateralized loans and are carried at their unpaid principal balances adjusted for any unamortized premiums or discounts, origination fees, provision allowances, and foreign currency translations. 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 primarily 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”). The Company would be determined to be a primary beneficiary, and thus consolidate the VIE when the Company has both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company would also consolidate a VIE when it has, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares (or more than 50% of the kick-out rights through voting interests for investments in limited partnerships). When the Company becomes involved with an entity and when the nature of the Company’s involvement with the entity changes, in order to determine if the Company must consolidate the entity, it evaluates: • The structure and purpose of the entity; • The risks and rewards created by and shared through the entity; • The entity’s participants’ ability to direct the activities, receive its benefits, and absorb its losses; and • If the Company has more than 50% of the outstanding voting rights or can unilaterally exercise substantive kick-out rights. 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 and with initial maturities of one year or less, and are generally carried at fair value which is approximated from amortized cost. They also include highly liquid money market securities that are traded in an active market and are carried at fair value. 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 be returned 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 on loan are included within fixed maturities and short-term investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 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 reinvested in short-term repurchase agreements which are also collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities. Reinvested cash collateral is recognized 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	Derivative financial instruments The Company enters into derivative transactions which include the use of interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, cross-currency swaps, foreign currency forwards, U.S. government treasury futures, Eurodollar futures, 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. Changes in fair value resulting from foreign currency translations are recorded in either AOCI or net investment income, consistent with where they are recorded on the underlying hedged asset or liability. Changes in the fair value, including changes resulting from foreign currency translations, 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. Realized foreign currency transactional gains and losses, regardless of hedge accounting treatment, are recorded in net investment income. 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 to be announced (“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 (d) convert floating rate assets or debt obligations to fixed rate assets or debt obligations 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. • 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. • GLWB - internal models utilizing long-term equity and interest rate implied volatility, mortality, and policyholder behavior assumptions, such as benefit utilization and partial withdrawals. The fair value of certain investments in the separate accounts, limited partnerships, and common collective trusts are estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy tables in Notes 8 and 17. These net asset values are based on the fair value of the underlying investments less liabilities. 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 and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include amounts in demand deposit accounts as well as highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and are not subject to significant risks from fluctuations in interest rates. In evaluating for classification as cash equivalents, the Company requires that individual securities have original maturities of 90 days or less. 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.
DAC and VOBA	DAC and 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 straight-line 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 Investments, LLC (“Putnam”) sponsored mutual funds (“Putnam Funds”), open-end management investment companies, which are related parties of the Company, and shares of other non-affiliated mutual funds and government and corporate bonds.
Future policy benefits liability	Future policy benefits liabilities Life insurance and annuity future benefits liabilities with life contingencies in the amounts of $17,293,006 and $16,530,160 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , 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 $12,704,401 and $12,291,378 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , 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	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	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 recoverable (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. Participating life and annuity policy benefit liabilities were $6,946,953 and $6,844,640 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Participating business comprised approximately 10% and 10% of the Company’s individual life insurance in-force at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 19% , 18% , and 20% of individual life insurance premium income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , respectively. The policyholder’s share of net income on participating policies that cannot be distributed to the Company’s stockholder is excluded from stockholder’s equity and recorded as undistributed earnings on participating business in the consolidated balance sheet.
Revenue recognition	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 recordkeeping 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 gains (losses)	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.
Benefits and expenses	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.

Application of Recent Account34

Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The new guidance is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods, a retrospective or a prospective transition approach depending upon the type of change. The new guidance changed several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: (i) income tax consequences when awards vest or are settled; (ii) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities due to statutory tax withholding requirements; and (iii) classification on the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income . The new guidance is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The new guidance gives companies the option to reclassify from accumulated OCI to retained earnings stranded tax effects resulting from the new federal corporate income tax rate. The Company elected to early adopt this standard and to reclassified stranded tax effects of $78,145 in accumulated OCI to retained earnings on enactment date. Future adoption of new accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment at the date of adoption. The new guidance will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP; however, it will not impact the accounting for insurance and investment contracts within the scope of financial services insurance, leases, financial instruments and guarantees. The core principle of the model requires that an entity recognizes 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. The Company’s implementation efforts were primarily focused on customer contracts with fee income earned from assets under management, assets under administration, shareholder servicing, administration and recordkeeping services, and investment advisory services as well as the evaluation of certain incremental costs to obtain a customer contract. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this update will not impact current revenue recognition policies; however, it will impact the accounting for certain contract costs and contract fulfillment costs, which are currently expensed as incurred. Under the new standard, these costs will be deferred and recognized as expenses over the expected customer life. This change will not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the instrument-specific credit risk provision. 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, eliminating certain disclosure requirements related to financial instruments measured at amortized cost and adding disclosures related to the measurement categories of financial assets and financial liabilities, 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 the fair value option for financial instruments, and clarifying 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 Company anticipates the primary impact to be the requirement for equity investments such as limited partnership interests, that are currently accounted for under the cost method, to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized in net income. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual period. This update requires organizations to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet with lease terms of more than 12 months and also disclose certain qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements. The Company’s implementation efforts are primarily focused on the review of its existing lease contracts and performing a completeness assessment over the lease population. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments: Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. This update amends guidance on the impairment of financial instruments by adding an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses and is intended to result in more timely recognition of losses. The standard also simplifies the accounting by decreasing the number of credit impairment models that an entity can use to account for debt instruments. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) , effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU addresses diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) , effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. This update requires organizations to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The update eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and will require management to perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Any amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (not to exceed the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit) is recognized as an impairment charge. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost , effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual period. This update requires organizations to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit costs in the income statement and present it with other current compensation costs for the related employees while providing guidance for capitalization eligibility for service costs. The adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 Reinsurance recoverable $ 515,417 $ 522,950 Future policy benefits 1,513,311 1,608,884
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, 2017 2016 2015 Premium income, net of related party premiums ceded of $20,033, $17,774, and $15,731 $ 61,368 $ 66,928 $ 68,722 Life and other policy benefits, net of reinsurance recoveries of $10,313, $8,862, and $6,494 179,748 189,125 193,215 Decrease in future policy benefits (70,654 ) (88,639 ) (52,842 )
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 2017 2016 2015 Receives corporate support services The Canada Life Assurance Company (“CLAC”) (1) , Great-West Life (1) , Great West Global (3) , and Putnam (2) $ 22,400 $ 18,763 $ 12,609 General insurance expense Provides shareholder services Putnam (2) 16,598 15,852 5,531 Fee income Receives reimbursement from tax sharing indemnification related to state and local tax liabilities Putnam (2) 9,611 12,261 13,563 Other revenue Provides advisory, trustee, recordkeeping and administrative services Great-West Funds and Collective Income Trusts (4) 150,441 140,455 138,936 Fee income (1) An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco (2) A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S. (3) An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S. (4) Great-West Capital Management, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, serves as a Registered Investment Advisor to Great-West Funds, an open-end management investment company, which is an affiliate of GWL&A and to Great-West Trust Company, LLC, an affiliated trust company. Great-West Trust Company, LLC, serves as trustee to several collective investment trusts. The Company provides Great-West Funds, Inc. recordkeeping and administrative services to shareholders and account owners.
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 2017 2016 GWL&A Financial On account On demand $ 52,646 $ 45,190 Lifeco U.S. On account On demand 41,966 34,992 CLAC On account On demand 19,503 — Other related party receivables On account On demand 18 1,813 Total $ 114,133 $ 81,995
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 2017 2016 GWL&A Financial (1) Surplus note November 2034 $ 194,532 $ 194,502 GWL&A Financial (2) Surplus note May 2046 333,400 333,400 GWL&A Financial (3) Surplus note December 2027 12,000 — GWL&A Financial Note interest May 2018 3,409 3,190 Other related party payables On account On demand 10,560 6,898 Total $ 553,901 $ 537,990 (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 $194,532 and $ 194,502 at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , 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 15, 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 an interest rate of 2.588% plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) . The surplus note became 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. (3) A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on December 29, 2017 , with a face amount and carrying amount of $12,000 . The surplus note bears an interest rate of 3.5% per annum. The note matures on December 29, 2027.

Summary of Investments (Tables)

Summary of Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 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 $ 1,837,748 $ 41,777 $ 7,883 $ 1,871,642 $ — Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 1,872,120 220,507 1,655 2,090,972 — Corporate debt securities (2) 15,234,473 581,991 110,377 15,706,087 (1,018 ) Asset-backed securities 1,622,806 105,301 10,131 1,717,976 (56,735 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 63,187 2,446 649 64,984 (140 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,352,906 17,692 12,989 1,357,609 — Collateralized debt obligations 779,722 4,227 80 783,869 — Total fixed maturities $ 22,762,962 $ 973,941 $ 143,764 $ 23,593,139 $ (57,893 ) (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 $89,267 and estimated fair value of $87,348 . December 31, 2016 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 $ 3,022,279 $ 47,791 $ 34,958 $ 3,035,112 $ — Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 1,890,568 214,411 6,317 2,098,662 — Corporate debt securities (2) 13,811,597 477,316 309,164 13,979,749 (1,488 ) Asset-backed securities 1,226,493 104,274 18,388 1,312,379 (72,464 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 138,292 3,867 1,167 140,992 23 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 1,222,257 23,207 20,182 1,225,282 — Collateralized debt obligations 361,241 339 53 361,527 — Total fixed maturities $ 21,672,727 $ 871,205 $ 390,229 $ 22,153,703 $ (73,929 ) (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 $135,187 and estimated fair value of $113,239 .
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, 2017 Amortized cost Estimated fair value Maturing in one year or less $ 721,952 $ 735,235 Maturing after one year through five years 3,775,332 3,895,328 Maturing after five years through ten years 7,894,918 8,085,972 Maturing after ten years 5,064,983 5,455,996 Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities 5,305,777 5,420,608 Total fixed maturities $ 22,762,962 $ 23,593,139
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, 2017 2016 2015 Proceeds from sales $ 3,933,887 $ 4,541,303 $ 4,187,547 Gross realized gains from sales 64,885 84,305 47,965 Gross realized losses from sales 30,991 16,858 6,476
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, 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Performing $ 4,005,960 $ 3,560,243 Non-performing — 1,465 Total $ 4,005,960 $ 3,561,708
Summary of activity in the mortgage provision allowance	The following table summarizes activity in the mortgage provision allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Commercial mortgages Commercial mortgages Commercial mortgages Beginning balance $ 2,882 $ 2,890 $ 2,890 Provision increases 157 536 — Charge-off (663 ) — — Recovery (30 ) — — Provision decreases (1,573 ) (544 ) — Ending balance $ 773 $ 2,882 $ 2,890 Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method: Individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 536 $ — Collectively evaluated for impairment 773 2,346 2,890 Recorded investment balance in the mortgage loan portfolio, gross of allowance, by basis of impairment method: $ 4,005,960 $ 3,561,708 $ 3,250,594 Individually evaluated for impairment 2,942 1,465 14,031 Collectively evaluated for impairment 4,003,018 3,560,243 3,236,563
Schedule of unrealized investment losses, including the non-credit-related portion of OTTI losses reported in AOCI, by class of investment	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, 2017 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 $ 755,861 $ 4,159 $ 230,447 $ 3,724 $ 986,308 $ 7,883 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 24,908 180 37,012 1,475 61,920 1,655 Corporate debt securities 2,229,585 19,568 2,036,323 90,809 4,265,908 110,377 Asset-backed securities 544,778 3,011 245,341 7,120 790,119 10,131 Residential mortgage-backed securities 4,405 23 11,416 626 15,821 649 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 342,820 2,451 295,164 10,538 637,984 12,989 Collateralized debt obligations 7,277 80 — — 7,277 80 Total fixed maturities $ 3,909,634 $ 29,472 $ 2,855,703 $ 114,292 $ 6,765,337 $ 143,764 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 368 293 661 December 31, 2016 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 $ 2,006,588 $ 34,752 $ 10,526 $ 206 $ 2,017,114 $ 34,958 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions 216,154 5,922 10,498 395 226,652 6,317 Corporate debt securities 4,119,630 170,453 860,153 138,711 4,979,783 309,164 Asset-backed securities 316,065 6,971 230,331 11,417 546,396 18,388 Residential mortgage-backed securities 16,962 102 14,297 1,065 31,259 1,167 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 592,508 17,535 26,068 2,647 618,576 20,182 Collateralized debt obligations 160,612 53 — — 160,612 53 Total fixed maturities $ 7,428,519 $ 235,788 $ 1,151,873 $ 154,441 $ 8,580,392 $ 390,229 Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position 610 128 738
Schedule of OTTI of fixed maturity securities where loss portion is bifurcated and the credit related component recognized in realized investment gains (losses)	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, 2017 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 83,665 $ 102,343 $ 119,532 Initial impairments - credit loss on securities not previously impaired — — 759 Reductions: Due to sales, maturities, or payoffs during the period — (1,785 ) (559 ) Due to increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security (21,434 ) (16,893 ) (17,389 ) Ending balance $ 62,231 $ 83,665 $ 102,343
Summary of net investment income	The following table summarizes net investment income: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Investment income: Fixed maturity and short-term investments $ 890,593 $ 819,047 $ 796,133 Mortgage loans on real estate 163,361 142,478 150,284 Policy loans 199,383 199,737 206,081 Limited partnership and other corporation interests 1,812 1,759 10,462 Net interest on funds withheld balances under reinsurance agreements, related party 21,813 22,045 22,165 Derivative instruments (1) (48,684 ) 100,007 78,655 Other 11,176 10,468 9,228 1,239,454 1,295,541 1,273,008 Investment expenses (19,401 ) (18,982 ) (18,578 ) Net investment income $ 1,220,053 $ 1,276,559 $ 1,254,430 (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, 2017 2016 2015 Realized investment gains (losses): Fixed maturity and short-term investments $ 13,443 $ 87,108 $ 46,027 Derivative instruments 8,969 (5,318 ) 5,840 Mortgage loans on real estate 13,583 10,972 31,841 Limited partnership and other corporation interests 10,383 — — Other 25 120 2 Realized investment gains (losses) $ 46,403 $ 92,882 $ 83,710

Derivative Financial Instrume37

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 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 $ 388,800 $ 7,476 $ 7,476 $ — Cross-currency swaps 800,060 (31,358 ) 19,958 51,316 Total cash flow hedges 1,188,860 (23,882 ) 27,434 51,316 Total derivatives designated as hedges 1,188,860 (23,882 ) 27,434 51,316 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps 519,100 1,902 3,530 1,628 Futures on equity indices 22,074 — — — Interest rate futures 60,700 — — — Interest rate swaptions 164,522 75 75 — Cross-currency swaps 612,733 (21,279 ) 20,320 41,599 Total derivatives not designated as hedges 1,379,129 (19,302 ) 23,925 43,227 Total derivative financial instruments $ 2,567,989 $ (43,184 ) $ 51,359 $ 94,543 (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, 2016 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 $ 419,800 $ 33,390 $ 33,390 $ — Cross-currency swaps 614,208 45,347 53,641 8,294 Total cash flow hedges 1,034,008 78,737 87,031 8,294 Total derivatives designated as hedges 1,034,008 78,737 87,031 8,294 Derivatives not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps 468,100 (4,358 ) 8,982 13,340 Futures on equity indices 34,422 — — — Interest rate futures 81,500 — — — Interest rate swaptions 165,534 354 354 — Cross-currency swaps 612,733 33,371 50,018 16,647 Total derivatives not designated as hedges 1,362,289 29,367 59,354 29,987 Total derivative financial instruments $ 2,396,297 $ 108,104 $ 146,385 $ 38,281 (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 and comprehensive income reported by cash flow hedges and derivatives not designated as 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, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 486 $ 810 $ 2,228 $ 5,920 $ 5,437 $ 6,779 (A) Interest rate swaps — — — 59 — 3,634 (B) Interest rate swaps (5,590 ) 21,228 — (2,954 ) (2,657 ) — (C) Cross-currency swaps (68,622 ) 22,738 28,833 1,473 8,469 2,101 (A) Interest rate futures — — — — — (134 ) (A) Total cash flow hedges $ (73,726 ) $ 44,776 $ 31,061 $ 4,498 $ 11,249 $ 12,380 (A) Net investment income. (B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net. (C) Interest expense. Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Futures on equity indices $ (559 ) (A) $ 817 (A) $ (284 ) (A) Futures on equity indices (5,829 ) (B) (7,930 ) (B) (527 ) (B) Interest rate swaps 3,280 (A) (4,541 ) (A) (1,094 ) (A) Interest rate futures 75 (A) (57 ) (A) (65 ) (A) Interest rate futures (307 ) (B) (164 ) (B) 1 (B) Interest rate swaptions (83 ) (A) 302 (A) 2,868 (A) Interest rate swaptions (280 ) (B) (313 ) (B) (3,115 ) (B) Currency forwards — (A) 111 (A) — (A) Other forward contracts 15,326 (B) 4,690 (B) 5,074 (B) Cross-currency swaps (56,018 ) (A) 85,746 (A) 69,819 (A) Cross-currency swaps — (B) (1,601 ) (B) — (B) Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $ (44,395 ) $ 77,060 $ 72,677 (A) Net investment income. (B) Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.

Summary of Offsetting Assets 38

Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets Gross fair value of Financial Net Financial instruments (assets): recognized assets (1) instruments Cash collateral fair value Derivative instruments (2) $ 52,738 $ (47,827 ) $ (4,911 ) $ — Short-term reverse repurchase agreements (3) 23,200 (23,200 ) — — Total financial instruments (assets) 75,938 (71,027 ) (4,911 ) — December 31, 2017 Gross fair value not offset in balance sheets Gross fair value of Financial Net Financial instruments (liabilities): recognized liabilities (1) instruments Cash collateral fair value Derivative instruments (4) 93,761 (47,827 ) (42,750 ) 3,184 (1) The gross fair value of derivative instruments and short-term reverse repurchase agreement is 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 short-term reverse repurchase agreement assets is reported in short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The collateral is held by an independent third-party custodian under a tri-party agreement. (4) 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. December 31, 2016 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) $ 119,862 $ (26,254 ) $ 92,756 $ 852 Derivative instruments (liabilities) (3) 26,254 (26,254 ) — — (1) The gross fair value of derivative instruments and short-term reverse repurchase agreement is 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, 2017
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, 2017 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 $ — $ 1,871,642 $ — $ 1,871,642 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions — 2,090,972 — 2,090,972 Corporate debt securities — 15,696,349 9,738 15,706,087 Asset-backed securities — 1,717,976 — 1,717,976 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 64,984 — 64,984 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,357,609 — 1,357,609 Collateralized debt obligations — 783,869 — 783,869 Total fixed maturities available-for-sale — 23,583,401 9,738 23,593,139 Fixed maturities held-for-trading: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies — 16,836 — 16,836 Corporate debt securities — 3,156 — 3,156 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,067 — 1,067 Total fixed maturities held-for-trading — 21,059 — 21,059 Short-term investments 288,302 61,964 — 350,266 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 57,820 — — 57,820 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 7,476 — 7,476 Cross-currency swaps — 19,958 — 19,958 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 3,530 — 3,530 Interest rate swaptions — 75 — 75 Cross-currency swaps — 20,320 — 20,320 Total derivative instruments — 51,359 — 51,359 Separate account assets (1) 16,523,630 10,736,532 — 27,660,571 Total assets $ 16,869,752 $ 34,454,315 $ 9,738 $ 51,734,214 Liabilities Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 5,490 — — 5,490 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Cross-currency swaps — 51,316 — 51,316 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 1,628 — 1,628 Cross-currency swaps — 41,599 — 41,599 Total derivative instruments — 94,543 — 94,543 Embedded derivatives - GLWB — — 11,095 11,095 Separate account liabilities (2) 8 409,266 — 409,274 Total liabilities $ 5,498 $ 503,809 $ 11,095 $ 520,402 (1) Included in the total fair value amount are $400 million of investments as of December 31, 2017 for which the fair value is estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient which are excluded from the disclosure requirement to classify amounts in the fair value hierarchy in connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-07. (2) 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, 2016 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 $ — $ 3,035,112 $ — $ 3,035,112 Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions — 2,098,662 — 2,098,662 Corporate debt securities — 13,968,110 11,639 13,979,749 Asset-backed securities — 1,312,379 — 1,312,379 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 140,992 — 140,992 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,225,282 — 1,225,282 Collateralized debt obligations — 361,527 — 361,527 Total fixed maturities available-for-sale — 22,142,064 11,639 22,153,703 Fixed maturities held-for-trading: U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies — 458,067 — 458,067 Corporate debt securities — 55,591 — 55,591 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 1,080 — 1,080 Total fixed maturities held-for-trading — 514,738 — 514,738 Short-term investments 267,851 36,137 — 303,988 Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 103,214 — — 103,214 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 33,390 — 33,390 Cross-currency swaps — 53,641 — 53,641 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 8,982 — 8,982 Interest rate swaptions — 354 — 354 Cross-currency swaps — 50,018 — 50,018 Total derivative instruments — 146,385 — 146,385 Separate account assets (1) 15,407,992 11,199,924 — 27,037,765 Total assets $ 15,779,057 $ 34,039,248 $ 11,639 $ 50,259,793 Liabilities Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements 103,214 — — 103,214 Derivative instruments designated as hedges: Cross-currency swaps — 8,294 — 8,294 Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: Interest rate swaps — 13,340 — 13,340 Cross-currency swaps — 16,647 — 16,647 Total derivative instruments — 38,281 — 38,281 Embedded derivatives - GLWB — — 5,712 5,712 Separate account liabilities (2) 55 336,468 — 336,523 Total liabilities $ 103,269 $ 374,749 $ 5,712 $ 483,730 (1) Included in the total fair value amount are $430 million of investments as of December 31, 2016 for which the fair value is estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient which are excluded from the disclosure requirement to classify amounts in the fair value hierarchy in connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-07. (2) 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, 2017 Assets Liabilities Fixed maturities available-for-sale Embedded derivatives - GLWB Corporate debt securities Balances, January 1, 2017 $ 11,639 $ 5,712 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Net income — 5,383 Other comprehensive income (loss) 169 — Settlements (1,703 ) — Transfers out of Level 3 (1) (367 ) $ — Balances, December 31, 2017 $ 9,738 $ 11,095 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, 2017 $ — $ 5,383 (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, 2016 Assets Liabilities Fixed maturities available-for-sale Embedded derivatives - GLWB Corporate debt securities Balances, January 1, 2016 $ 4,538 $ 11,257 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in: Net income — (5,545 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 273 — Settlements (1,478 ) — Transfers into Level 3 (1) 11,236 — Transfers out of Level 3 (2) (2,930 ) — Balances, December 31, 2016 $ 11,639 $ 5,712 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, 2016 $ — $ (5,545 ) (1) Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies. (2) 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, 2015 Assets Liabilities Fixed maturities available-for-sale Total Embedded derivatives - GLWB Corporate debt securities Asset-backed securities 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.
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: Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Embedded derivatives - GLWB Risk neutral stochastic valuation methodology Equity volatility 15% - 30% 15% - 30% Swap curve 1.69% - 2.54% 0.75% - 3.00% Mortality rate Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table Based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table Lapse rate 1% - 15% 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 and investments not carried at fair value on a recurring basis: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated amount fair value amount fair value Assets Mortgage loans on real estate $ 4,005,187 $ 4,066,800 $ 3,558,826 $ 3,574,240 Policy loans 4,104,094 4,104,094 4,019,648 4,019,648 Limited partnership interests 43,281 45,009 29,345 29,822 Other investments 11,507 41,588 14,382 44,687 Liabilities Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies $ 12,704,401 $ 12,647,309 $ 12,291,378 $ 12,129,631 Policyholders’ funds 280,578 280,578 285,554 285,554 Commercial paper 99,886 99,886 99,049 99,049 Notes payable 543,338 581,097 531,092 495,004

Minimum Guarantees (Tables)

Minimum Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Minimum Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities	The following assumptions and methodology were used to determine GMDB additional reserves at December 31, 2017, and 2016 . Area Assumptions/Basis for Assumptions Data Used Based on 1,050 investment performance scenarios Mean Investment Performance Equity: 7% - 13% Volatility Equity: 10% - 35% Fixed, Bond, Money Market Fund: 0% - 9% Mortality Based on the 1994 VA MGDB Mortality Table Lapse Rates Lapse Rates vary by duration and surrender charge Discount Rates 5% The assumptions and techniques for valuing the GLWB reserve is disclosed within Note 8 and are identical to those used for valuing the GLWB embedded derivative. The paid and incurred amounts for GMDB and GLWB for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were as follows: GMDB GLWB Total Additional liability balance: Balances, January 1, 2015 $ 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 Incurred guaranteed benefits 132 (2,740 ) (2,608 ) Paid guaranteed benefits (503 ) — (503 ) Balances, December 31, 2016 5,096 2,073 7,169 Incurred guaranteed benefits (294 ) 3,807 3,513 Paid guaranteed benefits (819 ) — (819 ) Balances, December 31, 2017 $ 3,983 $ 5,880 $ 9,863 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, 2017, and 2016 , were as follows: GMDB GLWB Total December 31, 2017 Separate account liability $ 64,953 $ 620,698 $ 685,651 Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance $ 17,705 $ 1,480 $ 19,185 Weighted average attained age 70 69 N/A December 31, 2016 Separate account liability $ 55,607 $ 413,569 $ 469,176 Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance $ 25,891 $ 2,941 $ 28,832 Weighted average attained age 71 58 N/A
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment	The aggregate fair value of equity securities supporting separate accounts with GMDB and GLWB were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Equity securities - GMDB $ 64,975 $ 55,605 Equity securities - GLWB 622,005 412,977 Total $ 686,980 $ 468,582

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Summary of life insurance in-force	The following tables summarizes life insurance in-force and total premium income at and for the year ended December 31, 2016 : Life insurance in-force Individual Group Total Written and earned direct $ 54,618,888 $ 41,809,635 $ 96,428,523 Reinsurance ceded (10,568,467 ) (833,090 ) (11,401,557 ) Reinsurance assumed 56,165,011 — 56,165,011 Net $ 100,215,432 $ 40,976,545 $ 141,191,977 Percentage of amount assumed to net 56 % — % 40 % The following tables summarize life insurance in-force and total premium income at and for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Life insurance in-force Individual Group Total Written and earned direct $ 56,059,075 $ 41,895,505 $ 97,954,580 Reinsurance ceded (10,881,048 ) (1,114,637 ) (11,995,685 ) Reinsurance assumed 53,532,666 — 53,532,666 Net $ 98,710,693 $ 40,780,868 $ 139,491,561 Percentage of amount assumed to net 54 % — % 38 %
Summary of total premium income	Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 392,654 $ 1,998 $ 394,652 Reinsurance ceded (52,397 ) (81 ) (52,478 ) Reinsurance assumed 123,175 — 123,175 Net $ 463,432 $ 1,917 $ 465,349 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 Premium income Life insurance Annuities Total Written and earned direct $ 373,896 $ 2,184 $ 376,080 Reinsurance ceded (55,945 ) (88 ) (56,033 ) Reinsurance assumed 119,684 — 119,684 Net $ 437,635 $ 2,096 $ 439,731

Deferred Acquisition Costs an42

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2015 $ 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 Capitalized additions 93,222 — 93,222 Amortization and writedowns (29,317 ) (1,992 ) (31,309 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses 10,522 112 10,634 Balances, December 31, 2016 467,845 18,845 486,690 Capitalized additions 105,814 — 105,814 Amortization and writedowns (20,862 ) 1,134 (19,728 ) Unrealized investment (gains) losses (54,358 ) 92 (54,266 ) Balances, December 31, 2017 $ 498,439 $ 20,071 $ 518,510

Goodwill and Other Intangible43

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of other intangible assets	The following tables summarize other intangible assets, all of which are within the Empower Retirement segment: December 31, 2017 Gross carrying Accumulated amount amortization Net book value Customer relationships $ 47,580 $ (30,495 ) $ 17,085 Non-competition 362 (362 ) — Total $ 47,942 $ (30,857 ) $ 17,085 December 31, 2016 Gross carrying Accumulated amount amortization Net book value Customer relationships $ 47,580 $ (27,517 ) $ 20,063 Non-competition 1,325 (1,301 ) 24 Total $ 48,905 $ (28,818 ) $ 20,087

Commercial Paper (Tables)

Commercial Paper (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of information regarding commercial paper program	The following table provides information regarding the Company’s commercial paper program: December 31, 2017 2016 Face value $ 99,886 $ 99,049 Carrying value $ 99,886 $ 99,049 Effective interest rate 1.4%-1.7% 0.7%-0.8% Maturity range (days) 19 - 67 10 - 30

Stockholder's Equity and Divi45

Stockholder's Equity and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 Net income $ 170,018 $ 100,657 $ 187,232 Capital and surplus $ 1,129,510 $ 1,053,333

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated balances for each classification of other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table presents the accumulated balances for each classification of other comprehensive income (loss): Year Ended December 31, 2017 Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising on (1) Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising on cash flow hedged (2) Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments Employee benefit plan adjustment (3) Total Balances, January 1, 2015 $ 784,183 $ 33,141 $ (108,194 ) $ (106,112 ) $ 603,018 OCI before reclassifications (643,880 ) 31,061 65,245 19,730 (527,844 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 225,358 (10,871 ) (22,836 ) (6,905 ) 184,746 AOCI before reclassification, net of tax (418,522 ) 20,190 42,409 12,825 (343,098 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (40,217 ) (12,380 ) — 11,856 (40,741 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 14,076 4,333 — (4,150 ) 14,259 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax (26,141 ) (8,047 ) — 7,706 (26,482 ) Balances, December 31, 2015 339,520 45,284 (65,785 ) (85,581 ) 233,438 OCI before reclassifications 20,295 44,776 10,983 (7,315 ) 68,739 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (7,103 ) (15,672 ) (3,844 ) 2,560 (24,059 ) AOCI before reclassification, net of tax 13,192 29,104 7,139 (4,755 ) 44,680 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (63,022 ) (11,249 ) — 9,281 (64,990 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 22,058 3,937 — (3,248 ) 22,747 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax (40,964 ) (7,312 ) — 6,033 (42,243 ) Balances, December 31, 2016 311,748 67,076 (58,646 ) (84,303 ) 235,875 OCI before reclassifications 377,605 (73,726 ) (88,648 ) 7,283 222,514 Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (132,162 ) 25,804 31,027 (2,549 ) (77,880 ) AOCI before reclassification, net of tax 245,443 (47,922 ) (57,621 ) 4,734 144,634 Amounts reclassified from AOCI (29,710 ) (4,498 ) — 6,982 (27,226 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 10,399 1,574 — (2,444 ) 9,529 Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax (19,311 ) (2,924 ) — 4,538 (17,697 ) Impact of tax reform 7,007 87,299 — (16,161 ) 78,145 Balances, December 31, 2017 $ 544,887 $ 103,529 $ (116,267 ) $ (91,192 ) $ 440,957 (1) Reclassifications affect Other realized investment gains(losses), net on the consolidated statements of income. (2) Reclassifications affect net investment income on the consolidated statements of income, except for $2,954 and $2,657 (before tax) which affected interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. (3) The adjustments for defined benefit plans 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, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 Compensation $ 646,595 $ 625,364 $ 564,008 Commissions 241,357 222,028 206,360 Other 309,661 333,835 308,628 Total general insurance expenses $ 1,197,613 $ 1,181,227 $ 1,078,996

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, January 1 $ 592,290 $ 560,817 $ 19,031 $ 16,637 $ 44,501 $ 43,858 $ 655,822 $ 621,312 Service cost 3,506 (1,403 ) 1,457 1,246 (16 ) 294 4,947 137 Interest cost 24,205 25,263 758 713 1,620 1,775 26,583 27,751 Actuarial (gain) loss 40,840 24,928 (1,216 ) 1,408 (1,872 ) 1,911 37,752 28,247 Regular benefits paid (19,737 ) (17,315 ) (701 ) (973 ) (3,336 ) (3,337 ) (23,774 ) (21,625 ) Curtailments (17,244 ) — — — — — (17,244 ) — Amendment 1,852 — — — 24 — 1,876 — Benefit obligation, December 31 $ 625,712 $ 592,290 $ 19,329 $ 19,031 $ 40,921 $ 44,501 $ 685,962 $ 655,822 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 625,712 $ 575,024 $ 19,329 $ 19,031 $ 40,921 $ 43,098 $ 685,962 $ 637,153
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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Change in plan assets: Value of plan assets, January 1 $ 453,087 $ 427,131 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 453,087 $ 427,131 Actual return on plan assets 50,292 43,271 — — — — 50,292 43,271 Employer contributions — — 701 973 3,337 3,337 4,038 4,310 Benefits paid (19,737 ) (17,315 ) (701 ) (973 ) (3,337 ) (3,337 ) (23,775 ) (21,625 ) Value of plan assets, December 31 $ 483,642 $ 453,087 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 483,642 $ 453,087
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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Under funded status at December 31 $ (142,070 ) $ (139,203 ) $ (19,329 ) $ (19,031 ) $ (40,921 ) $ (44,501 ) $ (202,320 ) $ (202,735 )
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, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets: Other liabilities $ (142,070 ) $ (139,203 ) $ (19,329 ) $ (19,031 ) $ (40,921 ) $ (44,501 ) $ (202,320 ) $ (202,735 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (121,645 ) (133,055 ) 6,276 5,715 (66 ) (2,360 ) (115,435 ) (129,700 )
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, 2017 : 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) $ (121,645 ) $ (96,098 ) $ 6,105 $ 4,823 $ 1,157 $ 914 $ (114,383 ) $ (90,361 ) Net prior service (cost) credit — — 171 135 (1,223 ) (966 ) (1,052 ) (831 ) $ (121,645 ) $ (96,098 ) $ 6,276 $ 4,958 $ (66 ) $ (52 ) $ (115,435 ) $ (91,192 )
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, 2018 : 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) $ (2,336 ) $ (1,845 ) $ 276 $ 218 $ 45 $ 36 $ (2,015 ) $ (1,591 ) Prior service (cost) credit — — 20 16 (324 ) (256 ) (304 ) (240 ) $ (2,336 ) $ (1,845 ) $ 296 $ 234 $ (279 ) $ (220 ) $ (2,319 ) $ (1,831 )
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 2018 $ 20,286 $ 795 $ 2,515 2019 21,396 855 2,520 2020 22,737 873 2,480 2021 24,688 940 2,446 2022 26,676 1,003 10,180 2023 through 2027 158,881 6,579 13,065
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, 2017 2016 2015 Components of net periodic cost: Service cost $ 3,506 $ (1,403 ) $ 12,851 Interest cost 24,205 25,263 23,987 Expected return on plan assets (20,626 ) (22,339 ) (28,345 ) Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost — — 13 Amortization of loss from earlier periods 7,190 10,260 12,398 Net periodic cost $ 14,275 $ 11,781 $ 20,904 Post-Retirement Medical Plan Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Components of net periodic benefit: Service cost $ 1,457 $ 1,246 $ 1,042 Interest cost 758 713 560 Amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit (453 ) (1,102 ) (1,640 ) Amortization of gain from earlier periods (202 ) (317 ) (511 ) Net periodic benefit $ 1,560 $ 540 $ (549 ) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Components of net periodic cost: Service cost $ (16 ) $ 294 $ 282 Interest cost 1,620 1,775 2,122 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost 501 501 933 Amortization of loss from earlier periods (54 ) (61 ) 663 Net periodic cost $ 2,051 $ 2,509 $ 4,000
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, 2017 2016 Discount rate 3.71 % 4.20 % Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.47 % Post-Retirement Medical Plan December 31, 2017 2016 Discount rate 3.63 % 4.05 % Initial health care cost trend 6.50 % 6.75 % Ultimate health care cost trend 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend is reached 2024 2024 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan December 31, 2017 2016 Discount rate 3.43 % 3.80 % 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, 2017 2016 Discount rate 4.20 % 4.55 % Expected return on plan assets 5.25 % 6.00 % Rate of compensation increase 4.47 % 4.47 % Post-Retirement Medical Plan Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Discount rate 4.05 % 4.31 % Initial health care cost trend 6.75 % 7.00 % Ultimate health care cost trend 5.00 % 5.00 % Year ultimate trend is reached 2024 2024 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Discount rate 3.80 % 4.22 % 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 $ 371 $ (309 ) Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation 2,524 (2,157 )
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, 2017 2016 Equity securities 47 % 45 % Debt securities 45 % 39 % Other 8 % 16 % 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 approach utilized to determine such fair value: Defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2017 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: (1) Equity index funds $ — $ — $ — $ 32,596 Midcap index funds — — — 31,717 World equity index funds — — — 60,216 U.S. equity market funds — — — 46,400 International equity funds — — — 15,382 Total common collective trust funds — — — 186,311 Fixed maturity investments: U.S. government direct obligations and agencies — 4,608 — 4,608 Obligations of U.S. states and their municipalities — 18,775 — 18,775 Corporate debt securities — 183,462 1,108 184,570 Asset-backed securities — 10,569 — 10,569 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 2,475 — 2,475 Total fixed maturity investments — 219,889 1,108 220,997 Equity investments: Fixed income mutual funds 27,516 — — 27,516 Equity mutual funds 15,609 — — 15,609 Preferred stock 704 — — 704 Total equity investments 43,829 — — 43,829 Limited partnership investments (1) — — — 7,465 Money market funds 29,576 — — 29,576 Total defined benefit plan assets $ 73,405 $ 219,889 $ 1,108 $ 488,178 (1) Fair values of Common collective trust funds and Limited partnership investments are estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient which are excluded from the disclosure requirement to classify amounts in the fair value hierarchy in connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-07. Defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis December 31, 2016 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: (1) Equity index funds $ — $ — $ — $ 34,578 Midcap index funds — — — 35,330 World equity index funds — — — 44,235 U.S. equity market funds — — — 45,614 International equity funds — — — 11,143 Total common collective trust funds — — — 170,900 Fixed maturity investments: U.S. government direct obligations and agencies — 5,672 — 5,672 Obligations of U.S. states and their municipalities — 18,670 — 18,670 Corporate debt securities — 141,102 1,316 142,418 Asset-backed securities — 7,828 — 7,828 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 2,884 — 2,884 Total fixed maturity investments — 176,156 1,316 177,472 Equity investments: Fixed income mutual funds 21,321 — — 21,321 Equity mutual funds 11,106 — — 11,106 Preferred stock 640 — — 640 Total equity investments 33,067 — — 33,067 Limited partnership investments (1) — — — 7,022 Money market funds 62,883 — — 62,883 Total defined benefit plan assets $ 95,950 $ 176,156 $ 1,316 $ 451,344 (1) Fair values of Common collective trust funds and Limited partnership investments are estimated using net asset value per unit as a practical expedient which are excluded from the disclosure requirement to classify amounts in the fair value hierarchy in connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-07.
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: Recurring Level 3 financial assets Corporate debt securities Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Balance, January 1 $ 1,316 $ — Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at reporting period 19 54 Settlements (227 ) (213 ) Transfers into Level 3 (1) — 1,475 Balance, December 31 $ 1,108 $ 1,316 (1) Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies.
Schedule of targets for the allocation of invested Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets	The following table presents the target allocation of invested Defined Benefit Pension Plan assets at December 31, 2018 : December 31, 2018 Equity securities 30 % Debt securities 52 % Other 18 % Total 100 %

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 Current $ 84,445 $ 32,031 $ 76,842 Deferred (167,059 ) 53,481 21,682 Total income tax provision $ (82,614 ) $ 85,512 $ 98,524
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, 2017 2016 2015 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Income tax effect of: Federal tax rate change resulting from tax reform (61.4 )% — % — % Investment income not subject to federal tax (4.3 )% (3.0 )% (3.0 )% Tax credits (0.3 )% (6.9 )% (0.2 )% State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.3 % 2.3 % 3.2 % Other, net (0.1 )% (0.4 )% (0.9 )% Effective federal income tax rate (28.8 )% 27.0 % 34.1 %
Schedule of reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of year $ 17,268 $ 23,093 $ 26,890 Additions to tax positions in the current year 13,461 — 1,383 Additions to tax positions in the prior year — 1,902 50 Reductions to tax positions from statutes expiring — (7,727 ) (5,230 ) Balance, end of year $ 30,729 $ 17,268 $ 23,093
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, 2017 2016 Deferred Deferred Deferred Deferred tax asset tax liability tax asset tax liability Policyholder reserves $ — $ 146,294 $ — $ 278,632 Deferred acquisition costs — 20,405 — 28,071 Investment assets — 185,940 — 233,583 Policyholder dividends 5,244 — 8,583 — Net operating loss carryforward 32,662 — 96,693 — Pension plan accrued benefit liability 51,289 — 83,562 — Goodwill — 23,287 — 35,306 Experience rated refunds 9,988 — 6,654 — Tax credits 169,692 — 168,597 — Other 13,848 — 19,592 — Total deferred taxes $ 282,723 $ 375,926 $ 383,681 $ 575,592
Schedule of federal net operating loss carry forwards of a subsidiary	As of December 31, 2017 , the subsidiaries had net operating loss carry forwards expiring as follows: Year Amount 2023 65,209 2028 2,215 Total $ 67,424

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of financial information related to segments	The following tables summarize segment financial information: Year Ended December 31, 2017 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 357,244 $ 2,172 $ 80,315 $ 439,731 Fee income 110,128 943,038 6,956 1,060,122 Other revenue — 9,611 — 9,611 Net investment income 738,002 434,677 47,374 1,220,053 Realized investments gains (losses), net 32,652 13,752 (1 ) 46,403 Total revenues 1,238,026 1,403,250 134,644 2,775,920 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 953,371 206,544 81,219 1,241,134 Operating expenses 169,234 998,431 80,619 1,248,284 Total benefits and expenses 1,122,605 1,204,975 161,838 2,489,418 Income (loss) before income taxes 115,421 198,275 (27,194 ) 286,502 Income tax expense (benefit) 38,605 64,252 (185,471 ) (82,614 ) Net income $ 76,816 $ 134,023 $ 158,277 $ 369,116 December 31, 2017 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Assets: Investments $ 17,791,097 $ 12,472,906 $ 1,873,279 $ 32,137,282 Other assets 1,465,544 1,027,458 154,312 2,647,314 Separate account assets 8,494,248 19,166,323 — 27,660,571 Assets of continuing operations $ 27,750,889 $ 32,666,687 $ 2,027,591 62,445,167 Assets of discontinued operations 16,095 Total assets $ 62,461,262 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Revenue: Premium income $ 379,127 $ 1,853 $ 84,369 $ 465,349 Fee income 99,514 851,620 5,683 956,817 Other revenue — 12,261 — 12,261 Net investment income 798,557 428,327 49,675 1,276,559 Realized investments gains (losses), net 40,899 51,209 774 92,882 Total revenues 1,318,097 1,345,270 140,501 2,803,868 Benefits and expenses: Policyholder benefits 969,182 206,143 65,698 1,241,023 Operating expenses 175,016 1,002,129 69,096 1,246,241 Total benefits and expenses 1,144,198 1,208,272 134,794 2,487,264 Income before income taxes 173,899 136,998 5,707 316,604 Income tax expense 58,601 25,144 1,767 85,512 Net income $ 115,298 $ 111,854 $ 3,940 $ 231,092 December 31, 2016 Individual Empower Markets Retirement Other Total Assets: Investments $ 16,770,772 $ 12,195,748 $ 1,634,330 $ 30,600,850 Other assets 1,453,717 1,057,148 141,666 2,652,531 Separate account assets 7,521,475 19,516,290 — 27,037,765 Assets of continuing operations $ 25,745,964 $ 32,769,186 $ 1,775,996 60,291,146 Assets of discontinued operations 17,652 Total assets $ 60,308,798 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

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 Lifeco Stock Plan $ 1,460 $ 2,190 $ 1,655 Performance Share Unit Plan 7,207 5,318 2,320 Total compensation expense $ 8,667 $ 7,508 $ 3,975 Income tax benefits $ 2,832 $ 2,458 $ 1,143
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, 2017 , and the expected weighted average period over which these expenses will be recognized: Expense Weighted average period (years) Lifeco Stock Plan $ 1,673 1.6 Performance Share Unit Plan 5,179 1.3
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, 2017 4,062,001 $ 23.25 Granted 434,300 29.26 Exercised (655,384 ) 24.58 Cancelled and expired (393,942 ) 28.35 Outstanding, December 31, 2017 3,446,975 24.88 6.3 $ 11,012 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017 3,446,975 $ 24.88 6.3 $ 11,012 Exercisable, December 31, 2017 2,190,591 $ 23.22 5.3 $ 10,327 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on December 31, 2017 , 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, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 2.75 $ 2.74 $ 3.33 Intrinsic value of options exercised (1) 2,869 2,102 4,234 Fair value of options vested 2,203 1,605 1,670 (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 the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 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, 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield 3.98 % 3.99 % 3.66 % Expected volatility 13.99 % 19.03 % 19.10 % Risk free interest rate 1.25 % 0.80 % 0.90 % 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, 2017 598,911 Granted 290,895 Forfeited (77,957 ) Exercised (130,339 ) Outstanding, December 31, 2017 681,510 Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017 681,510

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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) $ — $ — $ — $ 540,400 $ 540,400 Related party long-term debt - interest (2) 26,796 53,591 53,591 468,942 602,920 Investment purchase obligations (3) 312,152 1,090 — — 313,242 Operating leases (4) 15,467 23,703 7,000 13 46,183 Other liabilities (5) 39,499 33,261 40,487 19,644 132,891 Total $ 393,914 $ 111,645 $ 101,078 $ 1,028,999 $ 1,635,636 (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 three 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 a variable interest rate plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) . The third long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2017 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, 2017, and 2016 , were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Due in less than one year $ 312,152 $ 438,458 Due within one to three years 1,090 — Total $ 313,242 $ 438,458 Included in the total unfunded commitments at December 31, 2017, and 2016 , is $114,726 and $93,440 , respectively, related to cost basis limited partnership interests, 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 $13,433 , $12,575 , and $12,050 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 , respectively and is recorded in general insurance expense. The Company’s total future operating lease obligation will be reduced by minimum reimbursement of $5,938 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. · Miscellaneous purchase obligations to acquire goods and services. · Unrecognized tax benefits

Organization and Significant 53

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Collateral of the fair value of domestic securities loaned (as a percentage)	102.00%
Collateral of the fair value of foreign securities loaned (as a percentage)	105.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Bank overdrafts	$ 518,000	$ 12,850,000
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Capitalized internal use software development costs, net of accumulated amortization	103,487,000	98,074,000
Capitalized internal use software development costs	34,164,000	30,420,000	$ 47,895,000
Life insurance and annuity future benefits with life contingencies	17,293,006,000	16,530,160,000
Annuity contract benefits liabilities without life contingencies	12,704,401,000	12,291,378,000
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Participating life and annuity policy benefit liabilities	$ 6,946,953,000	$ 6,844,640,000
Participating business of individual life insurance in-force (as a percentage)	10.00%	10.00%
Participating business of individual's life insurance premium income (as a percentage)	19.00%	18.00%	20.00%
Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	18 years
Life insurance and annuity future benefits with life contingencies	$ 4,500,000
Maximum | Software and Software Development Costs
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Useful life	5 years
Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	2 years
Weighted Average
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	15 years

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) - Putnam Retirement Business Services $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid	$ 4,114
Other assets assumed	11,501
Other liabilities assumed	7,717
Dividends	$ 330

Application of Recent Account55

Application of Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 22, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Impact of rate changes on deferred income taxes	$ 78,145
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Impact of rate changes on deferred income taxes		$ 78,145

Related Party Transactions - Re

Related Party Transactions - Resinuranced Ceded To and From Related Parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable	$ 515,417	$ 522,950
Future policy benefits	30,048,927	28,872,899
Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	$ 1,513,311	$ 1,608,884

Related Party Transactions - In

Related Party Transactions - Income Statement Related Party Amounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Premium income, net of related party premiums ceded of $20,033, $17,774, and $15,731	$ 61,368	$ 66,928	$ 68,722
Life and other policy benefits, net of reinsurance recoveries of $10,313, $8,862, and $6,494	179,748	189,125	193,215
Decrease in future policy benefits	(70,654)	(88,639)	(52,842)
Related party premiums ceded	20,003	17,774	15,731
Reinsurance recoveries	$ 10,313	$ 8,862	$ 6,494

Related Party Transactions - 58

Related Party Transactions - Revenue and Expense Reimbursements from Related Parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
The Canada Life Assurance Company (CLAC), Great-West Life, and Putnam
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receives corporate support services	[1],[2],[3]	$ 22,400	$ 18,763	$ 12,609
Putnam
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Provides shareholder services	[1]	16,598	15,852	5,531
Receives reimbursement from tax sharing indemnification related to state and local tax liabilities	[1]	9,611	12,261	13,563
Entities Affiliated to Subsidiaries
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment Advisory Fees	[4]	$ 150,441	$ 140,455	$ 138,936
[1]	A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S.
[2]	An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco
[3]	An indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Lifeco U.S.
[4]	Great-West Capital Management, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, serves as a Registered Investment Advisor to Great-West Funds, an open-end management investment company, which is an affiliate of GWL&A and to Great-West Trust Company, LLC, an affiliated trust company. Great-West Trust Company, LLC, serves as trustee to several collective investment trusts. The Company provides Great-West Funds, Inc. recordkeeping and administrative services to shareholders and account owners.

Related Party Transactions - Am

Related Party Transactions - Amounts Due from Parent and Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from parent and affiliates	$ 114,133	$ 81,995
GWL&A Financial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from parent and affiliates	52,646	45,190
Lifeco U.S.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from parent and affiliates	41,966	34,992
CLAC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from parent and affiliates	19,503	0
Other Related Parties
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due from parent and affiliates	$ 18	$ 1,813

Related Party Transactions - 60

Related Party Transactions - Amounts Due to Parent and Affiliates (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 29, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		May 19, 2006	Nov. 15, 2004
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to parent and affiliates		$ 553,901,000			$ 537,990,000
GWL&A Financial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Variable rate basis		three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”)
Other Related Parties
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to parent and affiliates		$ 10,560,000			6,898,000
Surplus Notes Payable Due November 2034 | GWL&A Financial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to parent and affiliates	[1]	$ 194,532,000			194,502,000
Face amount								$ 195,000,000
Long-term debt, surplus note, interest rate (as a percent)		6.675%
Surplus Notes Payable Due May 2046 | GWL&A Financial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to parent and affiliates	[2]	$ 333,400,000			333,400,000
Face amount							$ 333,400,000
Surplus Notes Payable Due May 2046 | GWL&A Financial | After May 16, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Margin added to variable rate basis (as a percent)		2.588%
Surplus Notes Payable Due December 2027 | GWL&A Financial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to parent and affiliates		$ 12,000,000	[3]	$ 12,000	0	[3]
Face amount				$ 12,000,000
Long-term debt, surplus note, interest rate (as a percent)				3.50%
Surplus Notes Interest Payable, May 2017 | GWL&A Financial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to parent and affiliates		$ 3,409,000			$ 3,190,000
[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 $194,532 and $194,502 at December 31, 2017, and 2016, 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 15, 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 an interest rate of 2.588% plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”). The surplus note became 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.
[3]	A note payable to GWL&A Financial was issued as a surplus note on December 29, 2017, with a face amount and carrying amount of $12,000. The surplus note bears an interest rate of 3.5% per annum. The note matures on December 29, 2027.

- Narrative (Details)

- Narrative (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2017USD ($)
Letter of Credit
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount outstanding		$ 0
GWL&A Financial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest payable	[1]	602,920,000
GWL&A Financial | Letter of Credit
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Letter of credit		70,000,000
Amount of terminated letter of credit					$ 1,141,000,000
Amount outstanding		$ 70,000,000	$ 0
GWL&A Financial | Surplus Notes Payable
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
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		$ 25,773,000	29,185,000	$ 37,059,000
Interest payable		3,409,000	3,190,000
CLAC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Funds withheld assets		$ 503,258,000	511,575,000
Interest rate on the funds withheld		4.55%
Interest Income, related party		$ 21,813,000	22,045,000	22,165,000
Entities Affiliated to Subsidiaries
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party purchased in interest annuity contracts		292,774,000	183,365,000	$ 146,547,000
Related party reduction of separate account assets and liabilities		$ 335,311,000	$ 302,898,000
[1]	Related party long-term debt interest - One long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The second surplus note bears a variable interest rate plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”). The third long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2017 and do not consider the impact of future interest rate changes.

- SOI Fixed Maturity AFS and no

- SOI Fixed Maturity AFS and non-credit OTTI in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	$ 22,762,962		$ 21,672,727
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	23,593,139		22,153,703
Total fixed maturity investments
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	22,762,962		21,672,727
Gross unrealized gains	973,941		871,205
Gross unrealized losses	143,764		390,229
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	23,593,139		22,153,703
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	(57,893)	[1]	(73,929)	[2]
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	1,837,748		3,022,279
Gross unrealized gains	41,777		47,791
Gross unrealized losses	7,883		34,958
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	1,871,642		3,035,112
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	0	[1]	0	[2]
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	1,872,120		1,890,568
Gross unrealized gains	220,507		214,411
Gross unrealized losses	1,655		6,317
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	2,090,972		2,098,662
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	0	[1]	0	[2]
Corporate debt securities
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	15,234,473	[3]	13,811,597	[4]
Gross unrealized gains	581,991	[3]	477,316	[4]
Gross unrealized losses	110,377	[3]	309,164	[4]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	15,706,087	[3]	13,979,749	[4]
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	(1,018)	[1],[3]	(1,488)	[2],[4]
Asset-backed securities
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	1,622,806		1,226,493
Gross unrealized gains	105,301		104,274
Gross unrealized losses	10,131		18,388
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	1,717,976		1,312,379
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	(56,735)	[1]	(72,464)	[2]
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	63,187		138,292
Gross unrealized gains	2,446		3,867
Gross unrealized losses	649		1,167
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	64,984		140,992
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	(140)	[1]	23	[2]
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	1,352,906		1,222,257
Gross unrealized gains	17,692		23,207
Gross unrealized losses	12,989		20,182
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	1,357,609		1,225,282
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	0	[1]	0	[2]
Collateralized debt obligations
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	779,722		361,241
Gross unrealized gains	4,227		339
Gross unrealized losses	80		53
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	783,869		361,527
OTTI (gain) loss included in AOCI	0	[1]	0	[2]
Perpetual debt investments
Securities available-for-sale
Amortized cost	89,267		135,187
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	$ 87,348		$ 113,239
[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 $89,267 and estimated fair value of $87,348.
[4]	Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $135,187 and estimated fair value of $113,239.

- SOI Fixed Maturity AFS maturi

- SOI Fixed Maturity AFS maturity aging (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amortized cost
Maturing in one year or less	$ 721,952
Maturing after one year through five years	3,775,332
Maturing after five years through ten years	7,894,918
Maturing after ten years	5,064,983
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	5,305,777
Amortized cost	22,762,962	$ 21,672,727
Estimated fair value
Maturing in one year or less	735,235
Maturing after one year through five years	3,895,328
Maturing after five years through ten years	8,085,972
Maturing after ten years	5,455,996
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities	5,420,608
Total fixed maturities	$ 23,593,139	$ 22,153,703

- SOI Proceeds from sales (Deta

- SOI Proceeds from sales (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales	$ 3,933,887	$ 4,541,303	$ 4,187,547
Gross realized gains from sales	64,885	84,305	47,965
Gross realized losses from sales	$ 30,991	$ 16,858	$ 6,476

- SOI Mortgage loans on real es

- SOI Mortgage loans on real estate by component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category
Recorded investment	$ 4,005,960	$ 3,561,708	$ 3,250,594
Mortgage loans on real estate | Performing
Recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category
Recorded investment	4,005,960	3,560,243
Mortgage loans on real estate | Non-performing
Recorded investment of the mortgage loan portfolio by risk assessment category
Recorded investment	$ 0	$ 1,465

- SOI Mortgage provision allowa

- SOI Mortgage provision allowance rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Activity in the allowance for commercial mortgage loans credit losses
Beginning balance	$ 2,882	$ 2,890	$ 2,890
Provision increases	157	536	0
Charge-off	(663)	0	0
Recovery	30	0	0
Provision decreases	(1,573)	(544)	0
Ending balance	773	2,882	2,890
Allowance ending balance by basis of impairment method:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	536	0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	773	2,346	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:	4,005,960	3,561,708	3,250,594
Individually evaluated for impairment	2,942	1,465	14,031
Collectively evaluated for impairment	$ 4,003,018	$ 3,560,243	$ 3,236,563

Summary of Investments - Narrat

Summary of Investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Limited partnership and other corporation interests	$ 45,540,000	$ 34,895,000
Carrying value in relation to the activities of the VIEs	45,540,000	32,444,000
Maximum loss exposure of VIE	45,540,000	32,444,000
Securities loaned to third parties at amortized cost	0	0
Total fixed maturity investments
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized holding loss	$ 246,465,000
Change in net realized holding loss (as a percent)	63.00%
Decrease in unrealized and other than temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	$ 206,316,000
Increase (decrease) in greater than twelve months unrealized losses and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(40,149,000)
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	$ 114,292,000	154,441,000
Corporate debt securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Unrealized losses and OTTI over twelve months on securities (as a percent)	80.00%
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	$ 90,809,000	$ 138,711,000
Asset-backed and Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Unrealized losses and OTTI over twelve months on securities (as a percent)	15.00%
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade | Corporate debt securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	$ 6,244,000

- SOI Unrealized losses fixed m

- SOI Unrealized losses fixed maturities AFS (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)position	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)position
Total fixed maturity investments
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	$ 3,909,634	$ 7,428,519
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	29,472	235,788
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	2,855,703	1,151,873
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	114,292	154,441
Total Estimated fair value	6,765,337	8,580,392
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	$ 143,764	$ 390,229
Additional disclosure
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position, Less than twelve months | position	368	610
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position, twelve months or longer | position	293	128
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position | position	661	738
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	$ 755,861	$ 2,006,588
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	4,159	34,752
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	230,447	10,526
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	3,724	206
Total Estimated fair value	986,308	2,017,114
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	7,883	34,958
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	24,908	216,154
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	180	5,922
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	37,012	10,498
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	1,475	395
Total Estimated fair value	61,920	226,652
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	1,655	6,317
Corporate debt securities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	2,229,585	4,119,630
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	19,568	170,453
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	2,036,323	860,153
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	90,809	138,711
Total Estimated fair value	4,265,908	4,979,783
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	110,377	309,164
Asset-backed securities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	544,778	316,065
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	3,011	6,971
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	245,341	230,331
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	7,120	11,417
Total Estimated fair value	790,119	546,396
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	10,131	18,388
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	4,405	16,962
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	23	102
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	11,416	14,297
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	626	1,065
Total Estimated fair value	15,821	31,259
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	649	1,167
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	342,820	592,508
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	2,451	17,535
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	295,164	26,068
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	10,538	2,647
Total Estimated fair value	637,984	618,576
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	12,989	20,182
Collateralized debt obligations
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity investments classified as available-for-sale
Less than twelve months, Estimated fair value	7,277	160,612
Less than twelve months, Unrealized loss and OTTI	80	53
Twelve months or longer, Estimated fair value	0	0
Unrealized loss and OTTI, 12 months or longer	0	0
Total Estimated fair value	7,277	160,612
Total Unrealized losses and OTTI	$ 80	$ 53

Summary of Investments - SOI Ot

Summary of Investments - SOI Other-than-temporary impairment recognition (Details) - Total fixed maturity investments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 83,665	$ 102,343	$ 119,532
Initial impairments - credit loss on securities not previously impaired	0	0	759
Due to sales, maturities, or payoffs during the period	0	(1,785)	(559)
Due to increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security	(21,434)	(16,893)	(17,389)
Ending balance	$ 62,231	$ 83,665	$ 102,343

- SOI Net investment income (De

- SOI Net investment income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		$ 1,239,454	$ 1,295,541	$ 1,273,008
Investment expenses		(19,401)	(18,982)	(18,578)
Net investment income		1,220,053	1,276,559	1,254,430
Fixed maturity and short-term investments
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		890,593	819,047	796,133
Mortgage loans on real estate
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		163,361	142,478	150,284
Policy loans
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		199,383	199,737	206,081
Limited partnership and other corporation interests
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		1,812	1,759	10,462
Net interest on funds withheld balances under reinsurance agreements, related party
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		21,813	22,045	22,165
Derivative instruments (1)
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses	[1]	(48,684)	100,007	78,655
Other
Net investment income
Investment income before expenses		$ 11,176	$ 10,468	$ 9,228
[1]	Includes gains (losses) on the hedged asset for fair value hedges.

Summary of Investments - Realiz

Summary of Investments - Realized Investments Gaines (Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Realized investments gains (losses), net	$ 46,403	$ 92,882	$ 83,710
Fixed maturity and short-term investments
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Realized investments gains (losses), net	13,443	87,108	46,027
Derivative instruments
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Realized investments gains (losses), net	8,969	(5,318)	5,840
Mortgage loans on real estate
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Realized investments gains (losses), net	13,583	10,972	31,841
Limited partnership and other corporation interests
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Realized investments gains (losses), net	10,383	0	0
Other
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Realized investments gains (losses), net	$ 25	$ 120	$ 2

Derivative Financial Instrume72

Derivative Financial Instruments - Notional Amount and FV of Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		$ 2,567,989	$ 2,396,297
Net derivatives, Fair value		(43,184)	108,104
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	51,359	146,385
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	94,543	38,281
Derivatives designated as hedges
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		1,188,860	1,034,008
Net derivatives, Fair value		(23,882)	78,737
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	27,434	87,031
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	51,316	8,294
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash flow hedges
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		1,188,860	1,034,008
Net derivatives, Fair value		(23,882)	78,737
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	27,434	87,031
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	51,316	8,294
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		388,800	419,800
Net derivatives, Fair value		7,476	33,390
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	7,476	33,390
Derivatives designated as hedges | Cash flow hedges | Cross-currency swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		800,060	614,208
Net derivatives, Fair value		(31,358)	45,347
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	19,958	53,641
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	51,316	8,294
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		1,379,129	1,362,289
Net derivatives, Fair value		(19,302)	29,367
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	23,925	59,354
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	43,227	29,987
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Interest rate swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		519,100	468,100
Net derivatives, Fair value		1,902	(4,358)
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	3,530	8,982
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	1,628	13,340
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Cross-currency swaps
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		612,733	612,733
Net derivatives, Fair value		(21,279)	33,371
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	20,320	50,018
Liability derivatives, Fair value	[1]	41,599	16,647
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Futures on equity indices
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		22,074	34,422
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Interest rate futures
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		60,700	81,500
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Interest rate swaptions
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount		164,522	165,534
Net derivatives, Fair value		75	354
Asset derivatives, Fair value	[1]	$ 75	$ 354
[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 Instrume73

Derivative Financial Instruments - Gain (loss) on Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income		$ (44,395)	$ 77,060	$ 72,677
Interest rate swaps | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	3,280	(4,541)	(1,094)
Cross-currency swaps | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	(56,018)	85,746	69,819
Cross-currency swaps | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	0	(1,601)
Interest rate futures | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	75	(57)	(65)
Interest rate futures | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	(307)	(164)	1
Futures on equity indices | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	(559)	817	(284)
Futures on equity indices | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	(5,829)	(7,930)	(527)
Interest rate swaptions | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	(83)	302	2,868
Interest rate swaptions | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	(280)	(313)	(3,115)
Currency forwards | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[1]	0	111
Other forward contracts | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in net income	[2]	15,326	4,690	5,074
Cash flow hedges
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (Effective portion)		(73,726)	44,776	31,061
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)		4,498	11,249	12,380
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (Effective portion)	[1]	486	810	2,228
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[1]	5,920	5,437	6,779
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps | Realized investment gains (losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[3]	59	0	3,634
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate swaps | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (Effective portion)	[4]	(5,590)	21,228
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[4]	(2,954)	(2,657)
Cash flow hedges | Cross-currency swaps | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (Effective portion)	[1]	(68,622)	22,738	28,833
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[1]	1,473	8,469	2,101
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate futures | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net income (Effective portion)	[1]	$ 0	$ 0	$ (134)
[1]	Net investment income.
[2]	Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.
[3]	Represents realized gains (losses) on closed positions recorded in realized investment gains (losses), net.
[4]	Interest expense.

Derivative Financial Instrume74

Derivative Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of derivatives	$ 93,761,000	$ 38,324,000
Pledged collateral	42,750,000	0
Fair value of assets needed for settlement	51,011,000
Unrestricted cash collateral pledged	52,330,000	0
Collateral under derivative counterparty to satisfy netting agreements	5,490,000	103,214,000
Net derivative gains	15,415,000
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments	905,977,000	784,900,000
Cross-currency swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments	1,323,398,000	1,141,967,000
Futures
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments	108,438,000	145,658,000
Swaptions
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments	162,896,000	156,632,000
Other forward contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Average notional amount of the derivative instruments	2,231,196,000	2,230,167,000
Recurring basis
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Collateral under derivative counterparty to satisfy netting agreements	5,490,000	103,214,000
Recurring basis | Embedded derivatives - GLWB
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair value, measurement with unobservable inputs reconciliation, recurring basis, asset value	11,095,000	5,712,000
Recurring basis | Embedded derivatives - GLWB | Net investment income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Changes in fair value	$ 5,383,000	$ (5,545,000)

Summary of Offsetting Assets 75

Summary of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative instruments (assets)
Gross fair value of recognized assets	$ 52,738	$ 119,862
Financial instruments	(47,827)	(26,254)
Cash collateral pledged	(4,911)	(92,756)
Net fair value	0	852
Securities purchased under agreements to resell, gross	23,200
Securities purchased under agreements to resell, not offset	(23,200)
Securities purchased under agreements to resell, collateral, obligation to return cash	0
Securities purchased under agreements to resell, offset against collateral, net of not subject to master netting arrangement, policy election	0
Derivative asset, securities purchased under agreements to resell, securities borrowed	75,938
Derivative asset, securities purchased under agreements to resell, securities borrowed, not offset	(71,027)
Derivative asset, securities purchased under agreements to resell, securities borrowed, collateral, obligation to return cash	(4,911)
Derivative asset, securities purchased under agreements to resell, securities borrowed, amount offset against collateral	0
Derivatives instrument (liabilities)
Gross fair value of recognized liabilities	93,761	26,254
Financial Instruments	(47,827)	(26,254)
Cash collateral pledged	(42,750)
Net fair value	$ 3,184	$ 0

Fair Value - Recurring by FV hi

Fair Value - Recurring by FV hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		$ 23,593,139		$ 22,153,703
Fixed maturities held for trading		21,059		514,738
Short-term investments		350,266		303,988
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements				0
Total derivative instruments	[1]	51,359		146,385
Separate account assets		27,660,571		27,037,765
Liabilities
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		5,490		103,214
Total derivative instruments	[1]	94,543		38,281
Separate account liabilities		27,660,571		27,037,765
Derivative instruments designated as hedges:
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	27,434		87,031
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments	[1]	51,316		8,294
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges:
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	23,925		59,354
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments	[1]	43,227		29,987
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	3,530		8,982
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments	[1]	1,628		13,340
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	20,320		50,018
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments	[1]	41,599		16,647
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaptions
Assets
Total derivative instruments	[1]	75		354
U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,871,642		3,035,112
Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		2,090,972		2,098,662
Corporate debt securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		15,706,087	[2]	13,979,749	[3]
Asset-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,717,976		1,312,379
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		64,984		140,992
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,357,609		1,225,282
Collateralized debt obligations
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		783,869		361,527
Recurring basis
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		23,593,139		22,153,703
Fixed maturities held for trading		21,059		514,738
Short-term investments		350,266		303,988
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		57,820		103,214
Total derivative instruments		51,359		146,385
Separate account assets		27,660,571		27,037,765
Total assets		51,734,214		50,259,793
Liabilities
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		5,490		103,214
Total derivative instruments		94,543		38,281
Embedded derivatives - GLWB		11,095		5,712
Separate account liabilities		409,274	[4]	336,523	[5]
Total liabilities		520,402		483,730
Fair value alternative investments		400,000		430,000
Recurring basis | Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		7,476		33,390
Recurring basis | Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		19,958		53,641
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		51,316		8,294
Recurring basis | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		3,530		8,982
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		1,628		13,340
Recurring basis | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		20,320		50,018
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		41,599		16,647
Recurring basis | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaptions
Assets
Total derivative instruments		75		354
Recurring basis | U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,871,642		3,035,112
Fixed maturities held for trading		16,836		458,067
Recurring basis | Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		2,090,972		2,098,662
Recurring basis | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		15,706,087		13,979,749
Fixed maturities held for trading		3,156		55,591
Recurring basis | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,717,976		1,312,379
Recurring basis | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		64,984		140,992
Recurring basis | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,357,609		1,225,282
Fixed maturities held for trading		1,067		1,080
Recurring basis | Collateralized debt obligations
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		783,869		361,527
Recurring basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Assets
Short-term investments		288,302		267,851
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		57,820		103,214
Separate account assets		16,523,630		15,407,992
Total assets		16,869,752		15,779,057
Liabilities
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		5,490		103,214
Separate account liabilities		8	[4]	55	[5]
Total liabilities		5,498		103,269
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		23,583,401		22,142,064
Fixed maturities held for trading		21,059		514,738
Short-term investments		61,964		36,137
Collateral under derivative counterparty collateral agreements		0
Total derivative instruments		51,359		146,385
Separate account assets		10,736,532		11,199,924
Total assets		34,454,315		34,039,248
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		94,543		38,281
Separate account liabilities		409,266	[4]	336,468	[5]
Total liabilities		503,809		374,749
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		7,476		33,390
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		19,958		53,641
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		51,316		8,294
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		3,530		8,982
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		1,628		13,340
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Cross-currency swaps
Assets
Total derivative instruments		20,320		50,018
Liabilities
Total derivative instruments		41,599		16,647
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivative instruments not designated as hedges: | Interest rate swaptions
Assets
Total derivative instruments		75		354
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,871,642		3,035,112
Fixed maturities held for trading		16,836		458,067
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		2,090,972		2,098,662
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		15,696,349		13,968,110
Fixed maturities held for trading		3,156		55,591
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,717,976		1,312,379
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		64,984		140,992
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		1,357,609		1,225,282
Fixed maturities held for trading		1,067		1,080
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Collateralized debt obligations
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		783,869		361,527
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		9,738		11,639
Total assets		9,738		11,639
Liabilities
Embedded derivatives - GLWB		11,095		5,712
Total liabilities		11,095		5,712
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		9,738		11,639
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		0		0
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Collateralized debt obligations
Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale		$ 0		$ 0
[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 $89,267 and estimated fair value of $87,348.
[3]	Includes perpetual debt investments with amortized cost of $135,187 and estimated fair value of $113,239.
[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) - Recurring basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Embedded derivatives - GLWB
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 5,712
Balance at the end of the period		11,095		$ 5,712
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period				4,538		$ 5,878
Net income						0
Other comprehensive income (loss)						(178)
Settlements						(1,126)
Transfers out of Level 3	[1]					(36)
Balance at the end of the period						4,538
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, 2016						0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Corporate debt securities
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period		11,639		4,538		5,842
Net income		0		0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)		169		273		(178)
Settlements		(1,703)		(1,478)		(1,126)
Transfers into Level 3	[2]			11,236
Transfers out of Level 3		(367)	[3]	(2,930)	[2]	0	[1]
Balance at the end of the period		9,738		11,639		4,538
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, 2016		0		0		0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Asset-backed securities
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period				0		36
Net income						0
Other comprehensive income (loss)						0
Settlements						0
Transfers out of Level 3	[1]					(36)
Balance at the end of the period						0
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, 2016						0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Embedded derivatives - GLWB
Recurring Level 3 financial assets and liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period		5,712		11,257		0
Net income		5,383		(5,545)		11,257
Other comprehensive income (loss)		0		0		0
Settlements		0		0		0
Transfers into Level 3				0
Transfers out of Level 3		0	[3]	0	[2]	0	[1]
Balance at the end of the period				5,712		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, 2016		$ 5,383		$ (5,545)		$ 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]	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]	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.

Fair Value Measurements FV Inpu

Fair Value Measurements FV Inputs of Assets (Details) - Internal model pricing valuation - Recurring basis - Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Minimum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Equity Volatility	15.00%	15.00%
Swap Curve	1.69%	0.75%
Lapse Rate	1.00%	1.00%
Maximum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Equity Volatility	30.00%	30.00%
Swap Curve	2.54%	3.00%
Lapse Rate	15.00%	15.00%

Fair Value Measurements - Finan

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Instruments and Investments Not Carried at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	$ 4,005,187	$ 3,558,826
Policy loans	4,104,094	4,019,648
Liabilities
Policyholders’ funds	280,578	285,554
Commercial paper	99,886	99,049
Carrying amount
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	4,005,187	3,558,826
Policy loans	4,104,094	4,019,648
Limited partnership interests	43,281	29,345
Other investments	11,507	14,382
Liabilities
Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies	12,704,401	12,291,378
Policyholders’ funds	280,578	285,554
Commercial paper	99,886	99,049
Notes payable	543,338	531,092
Estimated fair value
Assets
Mortgage loans on real estate	4,066,800	3,574,240
Policy loans	4,104,094	4,019,648
Limited partnership interests	45,009	29,822
Other investments	41,588	44,687
Liabilities
Annuity contract benefits without life contingencies	12,647,309	12,129,631
Policyholders’ funds	280,578	285,554
Commercial paper	99,886	99,049
Notes payable	$ 581,097	$ 495,004

Fair Value Measurements - Narra

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notice required to change policyholders' funds interest crediting rate	30 days
Minimum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated liquidation period of underlying assets of the funds	1 year
Maximum
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated liquidation period of underlying assets of the funds	10 years

Minimum Guarantees - Assumption

Minimum Guarantees - Assumptions and Methodologies Used to Determine GMDB (Details) - GMDB - Scenario	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Data used (number of scenarios)	1,050	1,050
Discount rates	5.00%	5.00%
Minimum | Regular Equity
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Mean investment performance	7.00%	7.00%
Volatility	10.00%	10.00%
Minimum | Fixed, Bond, Money Market
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Mean investment performance	0.00%	0.00%
Volatility	0.00%	0.00%
Maximum | Regular Equity
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Mean investment performance	13.00%	13.00%
Volatility	35.00%	35.00%
Maximum | Fixed, Bond, Money Market
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Mean investment performance	10.00%	10.00%
Volatility	9.00%	9.00%

Minimum Guarantees - Separate A

Minimum Guarantees - Separate Account Liabilities for GMDB (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account liability	$ 685,651	$ 469,176
Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance	19,185	28,832
GMDB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account liability	64,953	55,607
Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance	$ 17,705	$ 25,891
Weighted average attained age	70 years	71 years
GLWB
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account liability	$ 620,698	$ 413,569
Net amount at risk, net of reinsurance	$ 1,480	$ 2,941
Weighted average attained age	69 years	58 years

Minimum Guarantees - Amounts Pa

Minimum Guarantees - Amounts Paid and Incurred for GMDB (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balances, January 1,	$ 7,169	$ 10,280	$ 5,566
Incurred guaranteed benefits	3,513	(2,608)	5,634
Paid guaranteed benefits	(819)	(503)	(920)
Balances, December 31,	9,863	7,169	10,280
GMDB
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balances, January 1,	5,096	5,467	5,566
Incurred guaranteed benefits	(294)	132	821
Paid guaranteed benefits	(819)	(503)	(920)
Balances, December 31,	3,983	5,096	5,467
GLWB
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Balances, January 1,	2,073	4,813	0
Incurred guaranteed benefits	3,807	(2,740)	4,813
Paid guaranteed benefits	0	0	0
Balances, December 31,	$ 5,880	$ 2,073	$ 4,813

Minimum Guarantees - Fair Value

Minimum Guarantees - Fair Value of Equity Securities Supporting Separate Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair value of assets supporting separate accounts	$ 686,980	$ 468,582
GMDB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair value of assets supporting separate accounts	64,975	55,605
GLWB
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Fair value of assets supporting separate accounts	$ 622,005	$ 412,977

Reinsurance (Details)

Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Life insurance in-force
Written and earned direct	$ 97,954,580	$ 96,428,523
Reinsurance ceded	(11,995,685)	(11,401,557)
Reinsurance assumed	53,532,666	56,165,011
Net	$ 139,491,561	$ 141,191,977
Percentage of amount assumed to net	38.00%	40.00%
Premium income
Net	$ 439,731	$ 465,349	$ 445,550
Individual
Life insurance in-force
Written and earned direct	56,059,075	54,618,888
Reinsurance ceded	(10,881,048)	(10,568,467)
Reinsurance assumed	53,532,666	56,165,011
Net	$ 98,710,693	$ 100,215,432
Percentage of amount assumed to net	54.00%	56.00%
Group
Life insurance in-force
Written and earned direct	$ 41,895,505	$ 41,809,635
Reinsurance ceded	(1,114,637)	(833,090)
Reinsurance assumed	0	0
Net	$ 40,780,868	$ 40,976,545
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.00%
Life insurance
Premium income
Written and earned direct	$ 373,896	$ 392,654	368,442
Reinsurance ceded	(55,945)	(52,397)	(48,107)
Reinsurance assumed	119,684	123,175	124,798
Net	437,635	463,432	445,133
Annuities
Premium income
Written and earned direct	2,184	1,998	503
Reinsurance ceded	(88)	(81)	(86)
Net	2,096	1,917	417
Premium Income
Premium income
Written and earned direct	376,080	394,652	368,945
Reinsurance ceded	(56,033)	(52,478)	(48,193)
Reinsurance assumed	119,684	123,175	124,798
Net	$ 439,731	$ 465,349	$ 445,550

Reinsurance - Narrative (Detail

Reinsurance - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)counterparty	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
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	589,080,000	$ 598,864,000
Reinsurance recoverable	$ 515,417,000	522,950,000
Number of insurers and reinsurers from whom risk is assumed, in counterparties | counterparty	40
Life insurance and annuity future benefits with life contingencies	$ 17,293,006,000	16,530,160,000
Life and other policy benefits, reinsurance recoveries	$ 33,737,000	$ 39,520,000	$ 23,179,000
CLAC | Reinsurance Recoverable | Reinsurer Concentration Risk
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Total reinsurance receivable due from CLAC, a related party (as a percent)	87.00%	87.00%
Maximum
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Life insurance and annuity future benefits with life contingencies	$ 4,500,000

Deferred Acquisition Costs an87

Deferred Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
DAC
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 467,845	$ 393,418	$ 353,408
Capitalized additions	105,814	93,222	63,093
Amortization and writedowns	(20,862)	(29,317)	(96,095)
Unrealized investment (gains) losses	(54,358)	10,522	73,012
Balance at the end of the period	498,439	467,845	393,418
VOBA
Balance at the beginning of the period	18,845	20,725	25,286
Amortization and writedowns	1,134	(1,992)	(4,493)
Unrealized investment (gains) losses	92	112	(68)
Balance at the end of the period	20,071	18,845	20,725
Total
Balance at the beginning of the period	518,510	486,690	414,143	$ 378,694
Capitalized additions	105,814	93,222	63,093
Amortization and writedowns	(19,728)	(31,309)	(100,588)
Unrealized investment (gains) losses	(54,266)	10,634	72,944
Balance at the end of the period	518,510	$ 486,690	$ 414,143	$ 378,694
Estimated future amortization of VOBA
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2018	3,800
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2019	3,800
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2020	3,800
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2021	3,800
Estimated future amortization of VOBA in 2022	$ 3,800

Goodwill and Other Intangible88

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 137,683,000	$ 137,683,000
Amortization expense included in general insurance expenses	3,002,000	3,732,000	$ 4,096,000
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	0
2,018	1,800,000
2,019	1,800,000
2,020	1,800,000
2,021	1,800,000
2,022	1,800,000
Empower Retirement Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 137,683,000	$ 137,683,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible89

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Net book value	$ 17,085	$ 20,087
Empower Retirement Segment
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	47,942	48,905
Accumulated amortization	(30,857)	(28,818)
Net book value	17,085	20,087
Empower Retirement Segment | Customer relationships
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	47,580	47,580
Accumulated amortization	(30,495)	(27,517)
Net book value	17,085	20,063
Empower Retirement Segment | Non-competition
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	362	1,325
Accumulated amortization	(362)	(1,301)
Net book value	$ 0	$ 24

Commercial Paper - Narrative (D

Commercial Paper - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commercial paper
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Amount of credit facility under agreement for general corporate purposes	$ 50,000,000

Commercial Paper (Details)

Commercial Paper (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 99,886	$ 99,049
Commercial paper
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Face value	99,886	99,049
Carrying value	$ 99,886	$ 99,049
Minimum | Commercial paper
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Maturity range	19 days	10 days
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	1.40%	0.70%
Maximum | Commercial paper
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Maturity range	67 days	30 days
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	1.70%	0.80%

Stockholder's Equity and Divi92

Stockholder's Equity and Dividend Restrictions (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	7,320,176	7,292,708
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,320,176	7,292,708
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	$ 170,018,000	$ 100,657,000	$ 187,232,000
Capital and surplus	$ 1,129,510,000	1,053,333,000
Percentage of ACL as minimum level of TAC before corrective action commences	200.00%
Dividends paid to the parent company, GWL&A Financial	$ 145,301,000	$ 125,691,000	$ 139,533,000
Pro Forma
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
Dividends available for distribution without prior approval	112,951,000
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
Statutory capital and surplus required	2,000,000
Net gain from operations	$ 169,483,000

Other Comprehensive Income - Ac

Other Comprehensive Income - Accumuldated Balances for each classification (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances		$ 2,012,321	$ 1,882,266	$ 2,137,513
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		82,614	(85,512)	(98,524)
Balances		2,449,589	2,012,321	1,882,266
Interest expense		(30,943)	(33,705)	(38,588)
Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on fixed maturities, available-for-sale
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	[1]	311,748	339,520	784,183
OCI before reclassifications	[1]	377,605	20,295	(643,880)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	[1]	(132,162)	(7,103)	225,358
AOCI before reclassification, net of tax	[1]	245,443	13,192	(418,522)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	[1]	(29,710)	(63,022)	(40,217)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	[1]	10,399	22,058	14,076
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	[1]	(19,311)	(40,964)	(26,141)
Impact of tax reform	[1]	7,007
Balances	[1]	544,887	311,748	339,520
Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on cash flow hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	[2]	67,076	45,284	33,141
OCI before reclassifications	[2]	(73,726)	44,776	31,061
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	[2]	25,804	(15,672)	(10,871)
AOCI before reclassification, net of tax	[2]	(47,922)	29,104	20,190
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	[2]	(4,498)	(11,249)	(12,380)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	[2]	1,574	3,937	4,333
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	[2]	(2,924)	(7,312)	(8,047)
Impact of tax reform	[2]	87,299
Balances	[2]	103,529	67,076	45,284
Unrealized holding gains / losses arising on cash flow hedges | Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Interest expense		2,954	2,657
Future policy benefits, DAC and VOBA adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances		(58,646)	(65,785)	(108,194)
OCI before reclassifications		(88,648)	10,983	65,245
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		31,027	(3,844)	(22,836)
AOCI before reclassification, net of tax		(57,621)	7,139	42,409
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		0	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		0	0	0
Impact of tax reform		0
Balances		(116,267)	(58,646)	(65,785)
Employee benefit plan adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances	[3]	(84,303)	(85,581)	(106,112)
OCI before reclassifications	[3]	7,283	(7,315)	19,730
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	[3]	(2,549)	2,560	(6,905)
AOCI before reclassification, net of tax	[3]	4,734	(4,755)	12,825
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	[3]	6,982	9,281	11,856
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	[3]	(2,444)	(3,248)	(4,150)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	[3]	4,538	6,033	7,706
Impact of tax reform	[3]	(16,161)
Balances	[3]	(91,192)	(84,303)	(85,581)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balances		235,875	233,438	603,018
OCI before reclassifications		222,514	68,739	(527,844)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		(77,880)	(24,059)	184,746
AOCI before reclassification, net of tax		144,634	44,680	(343,098)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(27,226)	(64,990)	(40,741)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)		9,529	22,747	14,259
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		(17,697)	(42,243)	(26,482)
Impact of tax reform		78,145
Balances		$ 440,957	$ 235,875	$ 233,438
[1]	Reclassifications affect Other realized investment gains(losses), net on the consolidated statements of income.
[2]	Reclassifications affect net investment income on the consolidated statements of income, except for $2,954 and $2,657 (before tax) which affected interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[3]	The adjustments for defined benefit plans 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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 646,595	$ 625,364	$ 564,008
Commissions	241,357	222,028	206,360
Other	309,661	333,835	308,628
Total general insurance expenses	$ 1,197,613	$ 1,181,227	$ 1,078,996

Employee Benefit Plans - Change

Employee Benefit Plans - Change in projected benefit obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, January 1	$ 655,822	$ 621,312
Service cost	4,947	137
Interest cost	26,583	27,751
Actuarial (gain) loss	37,752	28,247
Regular benefits paid	(23,774)	(21,625)
Curtailments	(17,244)	0
Amendment	1,876	0
Benefit obligation, December 31	685,962	655,822	$ 621,312
Accumulated benefit obligation	685,962	637,153
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, January 1	592,290	560,817
Service cost	3,506	(1,403)	12,851
Interest cost	24,205	25,263	23,987
Actuarial (gain) loss	40,840	24,928
Regular benefits paid	(19,737)	(17,315)
Curtailments	(17,244)	0
Amendment	1,852	0
Benefit obligation, December 31	625,712	592,290	560,817
Accumulated benefit obligation	625,712	575,024
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, January 1	19,031	16,637
Service cost	1,457	1,246	1,042
Interest cost	758	713	560
Actuarial (gain) loss	(1,216)	1,408
Regular benefits paid	(701)	(973)
Curtailments	0	0
Amendment	0	0
Benefit obligation, December 31	19,329	19,031	16,637
Accumulated benefit obligation	19,329	19,031
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, January 1	44,501	43,858
Service cost	(16)	294	282
Interest cost	1,620	1,775	2,122
Actuarial (gain) loss	(1,872)	1,911
Regular benefits paid	(3,336)	(3,337)
Curtailments	0	0
Amendment	24	0
Benefit obligation, December 31	40,921	44,501	$ 43,858
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 40,921	$ 43,098

Employee Benefit Plans - Chan96

Employee Benefit Plans - Change in plan assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Value of plan assets, January 1	$ 453,087	$ 427,131
Actual return on plan assets	50,292	43,271
Employer contributions	4,038	4,310
Benefits paid	(23,775)	(21,625)
Value of plan assets, December 31	483,642	453,087
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Value of plan assets, January 1	453,087	427,131
Actual return on plan assets	50,292	43,271
Employer contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(19,737)	(17,315)
Value of plan assets, December 31	483,642	453,087
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Employer contributions	701	973
Benefits paid	(701)	(973)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Employer contributions	3,337	3,337
Benefits paid	$ (3,337)	$ (3,337)

Employee Benefit Plans - Underf

Employee Benefit Plans - Underfunded status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	$ (202,320)	$ (202,735)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(142,070)	(139,203)
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(19,329)	(19,031)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	$ (40,921)	$ (44,501)

Employee Benefit Plans - Amount

Employee Benefit Plans - Amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	$ (202,320)	$ (202,735)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(142,070)	(139,203)
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(19,329)	(19,031)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(40,921)	(44,501)
Other liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(202,320)	(202,735)
Other liabilities | Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(142,070)	(139,203)
Other liabilities | Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(19,329)	(19,031)
Other liabilities | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(40,921)	(44,501)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(115,435)	(129,700)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	(121,645)	(133,055)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	6,276	5,715
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Under funded status at December 31	$ (66)	$ (2,360)

Employee Benefit Plans - Amou99

Employee Benefit Plans - Amount in AOCI not yet realized (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss), gross	$ (114,383)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	(1,052)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Gross	(115,435)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	(90,361)
Net prior service (cost) credit, net of tax	(831)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Net of tax	(91,192)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss), gross	(121,645)
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	(121,645)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	(96,098)
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	(96,098)
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss), gross	6,105
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	171
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Gross	6,276
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	4,823
Net prior service (cost) credit, net of tax	135
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Net of tax	4,958
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss), gross	1,157
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	(1,223)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Gross	(66)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	914
Net prior service (cost) credit, net of tax	(966)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, Net of tax	$ (52)

Employee Benefit Plans - Amo100

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts in AOCI expected to be realized (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss), Gross	$ (2,015)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	(304)
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	(2,319)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	(1,591)
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	(240)
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	(1,831)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss), Gross	(2,336)
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	(2,336)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	(1,845)
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	(1,845)
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss), Gross	276
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	20
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	296
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	218
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	16
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	234
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net gain (loss), Gross	45
Net prior service (cost) credit, Gross	(324)
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	(279)
Net gain (loss), Net of tax	36
Net prior service (cost) credit, Net of tax	(256)
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	$ (220)

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedu

Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of expected benefit payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	$ 20,286
2,019	21,396
2,020	22,737
2,021	24,688
2,022	26,676
2023 through 2027	158,881
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	795
2,019	855
2,020	873
2,021	940
2,022	1,003
2023 through 2027	6,579
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,018	2,515
2,019	2,520
2,020	2,480
2,021	2,446
2,022	10,180
2023 through 2027	$ 13,065

Employee Benefit Plans - Net be

Employee Benefit Plans - Net benefit costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 4,947	$ 137
Interest cost	26,583	27,751
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	3,506	(1,403)	$ 12,851
Interest cost	24,205	25,263	23,987
Expected return on plan assets	(20,626)	(22,339)	(28,345)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	0	0	13
Amortization of loss from earlier periods	7,190	10,260	12,398
Net periodic cost	14,275	11,781	20,904
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,457	1,246	1,042
Interest cost	758	713	560
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	(453)	(1,102)	(1,640)
Amortization of loss from earlier periods	(202)	(317)	(511)
Net periodic cost	1,560	540	(549)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	(16)	294	282
Interest cost	1,620	1,775	2,122
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	501	501	933
Amortization of loss from earlier periods	(54)	(61)	663
Net periodic cost	$ 2,051	$ 2,509	$ 4,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Weight

Employee Benefit Plans - Weighted average interest rate assumptions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.71%	4.20%
Rate of compensation increase	4.47%	4.47%
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.63%	4.05%
Initial health care cost trend	6.50%	6.75%
Ultimate health care cost trend	5.00%	5.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.43%	3.80%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Wei104

Employee Benefit Plans - Weighted average interest rate assumptions - net periodic benefits (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.20%	4.55%
Expected return on plan assets	5.25%	6.00%
Rate of compensation increase	4.47%	4.47%
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.05%	4.31%
Initial health care cost trend	6.75%	7.00%
Ultimate health care cost trend	5.00%	5.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.80%	4.22%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Effect

Employee Benefit Plans - Effect of 1% change (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) on total service and interest cost on components, One percentage point increase	$ 371
Increase (decrease) on total service and interest cost on components, One percentage point decrease	(309)
Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation, One percentage point increase	2,524
Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation, One percentage point decrease	$ (2,157)

Employee Benefit Plans - Invest

Employee Benefit Plans - Investment of pension plan assets (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets (as a percent)	47.00%	45.00%
Debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets (as a percent)	45.00%	39.00%
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets (as a percent)	8.00%	16.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair v

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair value of plan assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	$ 483,642	$ 453,087	$ 427,131
Limited partnership and other corporation interests | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	1,108	1,316	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	483,642	453,087	$ 427,131
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	488,178	451,344
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	73,405	95,950
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	219,889	176,156
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	1,108	1,316
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	32,596	34,578
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Equity securities | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets		0
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Midcap index funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	31,717	35,330
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Midcap index funds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets		0
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | World equity index funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	60,216	44,235
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | World equity index funds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets		0
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | U.S. equity market funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	46,400	45,614
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | U.S. equity market funds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets		0
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | International equity funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	15,382	11,143
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Total common collective trust funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	186,311	170,900
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Total common collective trust funds | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets		0
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	4,608	5,672
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | U.S. government direct obligations and U.S. agencies | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	4,608	5,672
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	18,775	18,670
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Obligations of U.S. states and their subdivisions | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	18,775	18,670
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Corporate debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	184,570	142,418
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Corporate debt securities | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	183,462	141,102
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Corporate debt securities | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	1,108	1,316
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Asset-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	10,569	7,828
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Asset-backed securities | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	10,569	7,828
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	2,475	2,884
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	2,475	2,884
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Total fixed maturity investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	220,997	177,472
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Total fixed maturity investments | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	219,889	176,156
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Total fixed maturity investments | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	1,108	1,316
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Fixed income mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	27,516	21,321
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Fixed income mutual funds | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	27,516	21,321
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Equity mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	15,609	11,106
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Equity mutual funds | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	15,609	11,106
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Preferred stock
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	704	640
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Preferred stock | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	704	640
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Total equity investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	43,829	33,067
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Total equity investments | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	43,829	33,067
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Limited partnership and other corporation interests
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	7,465	7,022
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Limited partnership and other corporation interests | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets		0
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Money market funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	29,576	62,883
Recurring basis | Defined Benefit Pension Plan | Money market funds | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of plan assets	$ 29,576	$ 62,883

Employee Benefit Plans - Fai108

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair value of plan assets - level 3 utilization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, January 1	$ 483,642	$ 453,087	$ 427,131
Value of plan assets, December 31	483,642	453,087
Limited partnership and other corporation interests | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance, January 1	1,108	1,316	$ 0
Unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at reporting period	19	54
Settlements	(227)	(213)
Transfers into Level 3	0	1,475
Value of plan assets, December 31	$ 1,108	$ 1,316

Employee Benefit Plans - Target

Employee Benefit Plans - Target allocation of plan assets (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	100.00%
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	30.00%
Debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	52.00%
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	18.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrat

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)hour	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Expense recognized related to qualified defined contribution benefit plan	$ 14,937,000	$ 12,364,000	$ 13,016,000
Select group of management and highly compensated individuals
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Participant balances, reflected in other liabilities	$ 27,284,000	$ 21,758,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Number of hours of service | hour	1,000
Curtailments	$ (17,244,000)
Prior service cost recorded in OCI	1,852,000
Actuarial loss recognized from OCI to offset net curtailment gain	15,392,000
Net impact to income statement	0
Post-Retirement Medical Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Payments to medical and retirement plans	795,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Payments to medical and retirement plans	$ 2,515,000

Income Taxes - Provision, Recon

Income Taxes - Provision, Reconciliation and UTB (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current	$ 84,445	$ 32,031	$ 76,842
Deferred	(167,059)	53,481	21,682
Total income tax provision	$ (82,614)	$ 85,512	$ 98,524
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%
Federal tax rate change resulting from tax reform	(61.40%)	0.00%	0.00%
Investment income not subject to federal tax	(4.30%)	(3.00%)	(3.00%)
Tax credits	(0.30%)	(6.90%)	(0.20%)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.30%	2.30%	3.20%
Other, net	(0.10%)	(0.40%)	(0.90%)
Effective federal income tax rate	(28.80%)	27.00%	34.10%
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance, beginning of year	$ 17,268	$ 23,093	$ 26,890
Additions to tax positions in the current year	13,461	0	1,383
Additions to tax positions in the prior year	0	1,902	50
Reductions to tax positions from statutes expiring	0	(7,727)	(5,230)
Balance, end of year	$ 30,729	$ 17,268	$ 23,093

Income Taxes - Deferred Taxes a

Income Taxes - Deferred Taxes and NOL (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax asset
Deferred acquisition costs	$ 0	$ 0
Policyholder dividends	5,244	8,583
Net operating loss carryforward	32,662	96,693
Pension plan accrued benefit liability	51,289	83,562
Experience rated refunds	9,988	6,654
Tax credits	169,692	168,597
Other	13,848	19,592
Total deferred taxes	282,723	383,681
Deferred tax liability
Policyholder reserves	146,294	278,632
Deferred acquisition costs	20,405	28,071
Investment assets	185,940	233,583
Goodwill	23,287	35,306
Other	0	0
Total deferred taxes	375,926	$ 575,592
Subsidiary | Federal
Federal net operating loss carry forwards generated by a subsidiary
2,023	65,209
2,028	2,215
Total	$ 67,424

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 22, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Provisional income tax benefit	$ 175,842
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings	$ 78,145
Federal tax rate change		61.40%	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
Unrecognized tax benefits		$ 30,729	$ 17,268	$ 23,093	$ 26,890
Increase (decreases) in interest and penalties		553	(153)	(193)
Accrued amount for interest and penalties		1,417	864
Investment assets		185,940	233,583
Income taxes receivable in other assets primarily related to the separate state income tax returns filed by certain subsidiaries		5,845	7,819
Great West Lifeco US Inc
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income taxes receivable from Lifeco		41,694	35,093
Federal Low Income Housing tax credit carryforward
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Guaranteed Federal low Income Housing tax credit carryforwards generated		120	215	$ 3,295
Total credit carryforward		142,089
Foreign investment tax credit carryforward
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Guaranteed Federal low Income Housing tax credit carryforwards generated		3,474
Total credit carryforward			23,984
Minimum
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible, amount of unrecorded benefit		8
Maximum
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible, amount of unrecorded benefit		10
Available-for-sale Securities
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Investment assets		$ 141,458	$ 172,405

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Financial information of the segments
Number of Reportable Segments | segment	3
Revenue:
Premium income	$ 439,731	$ 465,349	$ 445,550
Fee income	1,060,122	956,817	944,526
Other revenue	9,611	12,261	13,563
Net investment income	1,220,053	1,276,559	1,254,430
Realized investments gains (losses), net	46,403	92,882	83,710
Total revenues	2,775,920	2,803,868	2,741,779
Benefits and expenses:
Policyholder benefits	1,241,134	1,241,023	1,234,627
Operating expenses	1,248,284	1,246,241	1,218,173
Total benefits and expenses	2,489,418	2,487,264	2,452,800
Income before income taxes	286,502	316,604	288,979
Income tax expense (benefit)	(82,614)	85,512	98,524
Net income	369,116	231,092	190,455
Assets:
Investments	32,137,282	30,600,850
Other assets	2,647,314	2,652,531
Separate account assets	27,660,571	27,037,765
Total assets	62,461,262	60,308,798
Continuing Operations
Assets:
Total assets	62,445,167	60,291,146
Discontinued Operations
Assets:
Total assets	16,095	17,652
Individual Markets Segment
Revenue:
Premium income	357,244	379,127	360,783
Fee income	110,128	99,514	87,471
Other revenue	0	0	0
Net investment income	738,002	798,557	801,935
Realized investments gains (losses), net	32,652	40,899	28,864
Total revenues	1,238,026	1,318,097	1,279,053
Benefits and expenses:
Policyholder benefits	953,371	969,182	931,631
Operating expenses	169,234	175,016	159,719
Total benefits and expenses	1,122,605	1,144,198	1,091,350
Income before income taxes	115,421	173,899	187,703
Income tax expense (benefit)	38,605	58,601	64,360
Net income	76,816	115,298	123,343
Assets:
Investments	17,791,097	16,770,772
Other assets	1,465,544	1,453,717
Separate account assets	8,494,248	7,521,475
Individual Markets Segment | Continuing Operations
Assets:
Total assets	27,750,889	25,745,964
Empower Retirement Segment
Revenue:
Premium income	2,172	1,853	533
Fee income	943,038	851,620	853,076
Other revenue	9,611	12,261	13,563
Net investment income	434,677	428,327	398,639
Realized investments gains (losses), net	13,752	51,209	54,752
Total revenues	1,403,250	1,345,270	1,320,563
Benefits and expenses:
Policyholder benefits	206,544	206,143	201,791
Operating expenses	998,431	1,002,129	992,564
Total benefits and expenses	1,204,975	1,208,272	1,194,355
Income before income taxes	198,275	136,998	126,208
Income tax expense (benefit)	64,252	25,144	43,058
Net income	134,023	111,854	83,150
Assets:
Investments	12,472,906	12,195,748
Other assets	1,027,458	1,057,148
Separate account assets	19,166,323	19,516,290
Empower Retirement Segment | Continuing Operations
Assets:
Total assets	32,666,687	32,769,186
Other Segment
Revenue:
Premium income	80,315	84,369	84,234
Fee income	6,956	5,683	3,979
Other revenue	0	0	0
Net investment income	47,374	49,675	53,856
Realized investments gains (losses), net	(1)	774	94
Total revenues	134,644	140,501	142,163
Benefits and expenses:
Policyholder benefits	81,219	65,698	101,205
Operating expenses	80,619	69,096	65,890
Total benefits and expenses	161,838	134,794	167,095
Income before income taxes	(27,194)	5,707	(24,932)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(185,471)	1,767	(8,894)
Net income	158,277	3,940	$ (16,038)
Assets:
Investments	1,873,279	1,634,330
Other assets	154,312	141,666
Separate account assets	0	0
Other Segment | Continuing Operations
Assets:
Total assets	$ 2,027,591	$ 1,775,996

Share-Based Compensation - Narr

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options vesting period	3 years
Cash payment in settlement of Performance Share Unit Plan Units	$ 3,398	$ 3,988
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options vesting period	5 years
Great West Lifeco Inc
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of trading days considered for determination of average closing price of common stock	20 days
Great West Lifeco Inc | Employee and Directors Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
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
Granted (in shares)	434,300
Compensation expense to be recognized	$ 1,195
Great West Lifeco Inc | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares considered for valuation of each stock award	1

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation expense		$ 8,667	$ 7,508	$ 3,975
Income tax benefits		2,832	2,458	1,143
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation expense		7,207	$ 5,318	2,320
Expense		$ 5,179
Weighted average period (years)		1 year 3 months 18 days
Status of, and changes in, the Performance Share Unit Plan units granted to employees
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		598,911
Granted (in shares)		290,895
Forfeited (in shares)		(77,957)
Exercised (in shares)		(130,339)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)		681,510	598,911
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)		681,510
Great West Lifeco Inc | Employee and Directors Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation expense		$ 1,460	$ 2,190	$ 1,655
Expense		$ 1,673
Weighted average period (years)		1 year 7 months 6 days
Shares under option
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)		4,062,001
Granted (in shares)		434,300
Exercised (in shares)		(655,384)
Cancelled and Expired (in shares)		(393,942)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)		3,446,975	4,062,001
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares)		3,446,975
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)		2,190,591
Exercise price (Whole dollars)
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 23.25
Granted (in dollars per share)		29.26
Exercised (in dollars per share)		24.58
Cancelled and Expired (in dollars per share)		28.35
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		24.88	$ 23.25
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		24.88
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)		$ 23.22
Remaining contractual term
Outstanding, December 31, 2017		6 years 3 months 18 days
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017		6 years 3 months 18 days
Exercisable, December 31, 2017		5 years 3 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding, December 31, 2017	[1]	$ 11,012
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017	[1]	11,012
Exercisable, December 31, 2017	[1]	$ 10,327
Other information
Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 2.75	$ 2.74	$ 3.33
Intrinsic value of options exercised	[2]	$ 2,869	$ 2,102	$ 4,234
Fair value of options vested		$ 2,203	$ 1,605	$ 1,670
Weighted-average assumptions
Dividend yield		3.98%	3.99%	3.66%
Expected volatility		13.99%	19.03%	19.10%
Risk free interest rate		1.25%	0.80%	0.90%
Expected duration (years)		6 years	6 years	6 years
[1]	The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of Lifeco common shares on December 31, 2017, 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 Contingencie117

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)surplus_note	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Commitments
Less than one year		$ 312,152	$ 438,458
One to three years		1,090	0
Total		$ 313,242	438,458
Total
Number of long-term surplus notes | surplus_note		3
Unfunded commitments related to cost basis limited partnership interests, due in one year		$ 114,726	93,440
Rent expense, net of sublease income		13,433	$ 12,575	$ 12,050
Minimum reimbursement amount due in the future		5,938
GWL&A Financial
Related party long-term debt - principal
More than five years		540,400
Total	[1]	540,400
Related party long-term debt - interest
Less than one year	[2]	26,796
One to three years	[2]	53,591
Three to five years	[2]	53,591
More than five years		468,942
Total	[2]	602,920
Investment purchase obligations
Less than one year	[3]	312,152
One to three years	[3]	1,090
Total	[3]	313,242
Operating leases
Less than one year	[4]	15,467
One to three years	[4]	23,703
Three to five years	[4]	7,000
More than five years	[4]	13
Total	[4]	46,183
Commitments
Less than one year	[5]	39,499
One to three years	[5]	33,261
Three to five years	[5]	40,487
More than five years	[5]	19,644
Total	[5]	132,891
Total
Less than one year		393,914
One to three years		111,645
Three to five years		101,078
More than five years		1,028,999
Total		$ 1,635,636
[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 three 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 a variable interest rate plus the then-current three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”). The third long-term surplus note bears interest at a fixed rate through maturity. The interest payments shown in this table are calculated based upon the contractual rates in effect on December 31, 2017 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, 2017, and 2016, were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016Due in less than one year$312,152 $438,458Due within one to three years1,090 —Total$313,242 $438,458Included in the total unfunded commitments at December 31, 2017, and 2016, is $114,726 and $93,440, respectively, related to cost basis limited partnership interests, 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 $13,433, $12,575, and $12,050 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively and is recorded in general insurance expense. The Company’s total future operating lease obligation will be reduced by minimum reimbursement of $5,938 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.· Miscellaneous purchase obligations to acquire goods and services.· Unrecognized tax benefits

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 21, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revolving credit facility
Other Commitments [Line Items]
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
Letter of Credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other letters of credit outstanding	0
Other Letters of Credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Amount of credit facility under agreement for general corporate purposes	9,095,000
Other letters of credit outstanding	$ 0		0
GWL&A Financial
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Variable rate basis	three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”)
GWL&A Financial | Letter of Credit
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other letters of credit outstanding	$ 70,000,000		$ 0
Amount of terminated letter of credit		$ 1,141,000,000

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 01, 2018USD ($)
Subsequent event
Subsequent event
Dividends payable	$ 24,001

Schedule III Supplemental In120

Schedule III Supplemental Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental insurance information
Deferred acquisition costs	$ 498,439	$ 467,845
Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses	30,002,829	28,826,978
Unearned premium reserves	46,098	45,921
Other policy claims and benefits payable	726,215	722,907
Premium income	439,731	465,349	$ 445,550
Net investment income	1,220,053	1,276,559	1,254,430
Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses	1,241,134	1,241,023	1,234,627
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	20,862	29,317	96,095
Other operating expenses	1,227,422	1,216,924	1,122,078
Individual Markets Segment
Supplemental insurance information
Deferred acquisition costs	352,203	340,532
Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses	17,200,360	16,420,554
Unearned premium reserves	46,098	45,921
Other policy claims and benefits payable	696,778	694,965
Premium income	357,244	379,127	360,783
Net investment income	738,002	798,557	801,935
Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses	953,371	969,182	931,631
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	24,683	45,944	55,876
Other operating expenses	144,551	129,072	103,843
Empower Retirement Segment
Supplemental insurance information
Deferred acquisition costs	146,236	127,313
Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses	12,432,371	12,019,243
Other policy claims and benefits payable	753	713
Premium income	2,172	1,853	533
Net investment income	434,677	428,327	398,639
Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses	206,544	206,143	201,791
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	(3,821)	(16,627)	40,219
Other operating expenses	1,002,252	1,018,756	952,345
Other Segment
Supplemental insurance information
Future policy benefits, losses, claims, and expenses	370,098	387,181
Other policy claims and benefits payable	28,684	27,229
Premium income	80,315	84,369	84,234
Net investment income	47,374	49,675	53,856
Benefits, claims, losses, and settlement expenses	81,219	65,698	101,205
Other operating expenses	$ 80,619	$ 69,096	$ 65,890