Pruco Life Insurance 10-K 8 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 08, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	PRUCO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Entity Central Index Key	777,917
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		250,000
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float	$ 0
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Statements of Fina

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2017 – $4,941,944; 2016 – $5,552,911)	$ 5,223,302	$ 5,617,549
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2017 – $20,754; 2016 – $16,390)	23,122	16,756
Trading account assets, at fair value	56,281	35,328
Policy loans	1,161,101	1,166,456
Short-term investments	1,339	36,657
Commercial mortgage and other loans	1,083,419	1,150,381
Other long-term investments	263,074	344,463
Total investments	7,811,638	8,367,590
Cash and cash equivalents	212,569	96,157
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,376,211	1,341,093
Accrued investment income	82,341	87,322
Reinsurance recoverables	32,555,500	28,674,226
Receivables from parent and affiliates	300,116	213,952
Other assets	465,467	279,222
Separate account assets	129,655,734	116,606,428
TOTAL ASSETS	172,459,576	155,665,990
LIABILITIES
Policyholders’ account balances	20,036,134	18,894,893
Future policy benefits	18,593,130	16,503,260
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	68,904
Cash collateral for loaned securities	33,169	74,976
Income taxes	32,440	97,400
Payables to parent and affiliates	228,210	73,628
Other liabilities	1,060,123	849,698
Separate account liabilities	129,655,734	116,606,428
Total liabilities	169,638,940	153,169,187
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
EQUITY
Common stock ($10 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 250,000 shares issued and outstanding)	2,500	2,500
Additional paid-in capital	1,141,092	986,062
Retained earnings	1,511,698	1,437,266
Accumulated other comprehensive income	165,346	70,975
Total equity	2,820,636	2,496,803
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 172,459,576	$ 155,665,990

Consolidated Statements of Fin3

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 4,941,944	$ 5,552,911
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	$ 20,754	$ 16,390
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 10	$ 10
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	250,000	250,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	250,000	250,000

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
REVENUES
Premiums	$ 54,706	$ (825,942)	$ 77,634
Policy charges and fee income	254,542	787,195	2,156,387
Net investment income	352,410	375,950	416,587
Asset administration fees	17,593	84,443	362,321
Other income	67,749	31,107	55,515
Realized investment gains (losses), net:
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	(8,374)	(18,020)	(1,514)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income	995	343	51
Other realized investment gains (losses), net	(72,807)	776,126	(207,075)
Total realized investment gains (losses), net	(80,186)	758,449	(208,538)
Total revenues	666,814	1,211,202	2,859,906
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Policyholders’ benefits	(38,380)	(260,200)	299,150
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	168,391	301,220	374,211
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	95,007	628,101	659,169
General, administrative and other expenses	271,533	220,733	1,030,014
Total benefits and expenses	496,551	889,854	2,362,544
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF OPERATING JOINT VENTURE	170,263	321,348	497,362
Total income tax expense (benefit)	(154,654)	(73,869)	(10,641)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF OPERATING JOINT VENTURE	324,917	395,217	508,003
Equity in earnings of operating joint venture, net of taxes	(485)	0	0
NET INCOME (LOSS)	324,432	395,217	508,003
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	259	(8)	(507)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period	164,482	74,040	(164,799)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	(26,998)	(64,540)	(9,902)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	137,484	9,500	(174,701)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	137,743	9,492	(175,208)
Less: Income tax expense (benefit) related to:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	91	(3)	(177)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	43,281	3,325	(61,145)
Total	43,372	3,322	(61,322)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	94,371	6,170	(113,886)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 418,803	$ 401,387	$ 394,117

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Total Equity
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 2,500	$ 792,153	$ 3,557,144	$ 178,691	$ 4,530,488
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Contributed capital			0			0
Dividend to parent				(430,000)		(430,000)
Contributed (distributed) capital-parent/child asset transfers			(12,180)			(12,180)
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	$ 508,003			508,003		508,003
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(113,886)				(113,886)	(113,886)
Total comprehensive income (loss)						394,117
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015		2,500	779,973	3,635,147	64,805	4,482,425
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Contributed capital			205,000			205,000
Dividend to parent				(2,593,098)		(2,593,098)
Contributed (distributed) capital-parent/child asset transfers			1,089			1,089
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	395,217			395,217		395,217
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	6,170				6,170	6,170
Total comprehensive income (loss)						401,387
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016		2,500	986,062	1,437,266	70,975	2,496,803
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Contributed capital			153,500			153,500
Dividend to parent				(250,000)		(250,000)
Contributed (distributed) capital-parent/child asset transfers			1,530			1,530
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	324,432			324,432		324,432
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 94,371				94,371	94,371
Total comprehensive income (loss)						418,803
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 2,500	$ 1,141,092	$ 1,511,698	$ 165,346	$ 2,820,636

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 (loss)	$ 324,432	$ 395,217	$ 508,003
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Policy charges and fee income	(142,781)	113,501	(8,770)
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	168,391	301,220	374,211
Realized investment (gains) losses, net	80,186	(758,449)	208,538
Amortization and other non-cash items	(65,536)	(70,104)	(68,070)
Change in:
Future policy benefits	1,934,713	1,816,665	1,534,228
Reinsurance recoverables	(2,080,452)	(1,764,242)	(1,559,165)
Accrued investment income	(3,692)	12,709	(9,525)
Net payables to/receivables from parent and affiliates	43,913	(9,851)	20,299
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(183,884)	311,273	43,168
Income taxes	(74,156)	(45,147)	(36,879)
Derivatives, net	55,104	(198,861)	60,517
Other, net	47,594	(110,850)	76,374
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities	103,832	(6,919)	1,142,929
Proceeds from the sale/maturity/prepayment of:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	1,062,236	1,371,000	813,721
Short-term investments	72,725	260,027	823,112
Policy loans	143,655	137,778	135,449
Ceded policy loans	(15,188)	(8,989)	(9,129)
Commercial mortgage and other loans	254,635	209,263	219,379
Other long-term investments	31,192	12,479	15,633
Equity securities, available-for-sale	510	34,618	5,760
Trading account assets	214	1,595	1,500
Payments for the purchase/origination of:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	(1,315,508)	(2,465,763)	(1,719,015)
Short-term investments	(37,407)	(241,827)	(755,145)
Policy loans	(123,645)	(120,628)	(110,165)
Ceded policy loans	18,942	18,054	13,850
Commercial mortgage and other loans	(180,929)	(312,898)	(196,538)
Other long-term investments	(32,275)	(32,307)	(49,004)
Equity securities, available-for-sale	(5,000)	(5,000)	(31,063)
Trading account assets	(15,019)	0	(19,001)
Notes receivable from parent and affiliates, net	5,731	20,463	35,350
Derivatives, net	(17,569)	20,954	(12,164)
Other, net	(152,576)	(261)	(584)
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities	(305,276)	(1,101,442)	(838,054)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Policyholders’ account deposits	4,540,655	4,289,697	3,839,784
Ceded policyholders’ account deposits	(3,083,049)	(2,430,570)	(1,109,311)
Policyholders’ account withdrawals	(2,682,445)	(2,505,219)	(2,134,373)
Ceded policyholders’ account withdrawals	1,692,756	1,072,151	50,016
Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase and cash collateral for loaned securities	(110,710)	103,463	(25,002)
Dividend to parent	(250,000)	0	(430,000)
Contributed capital	148,500	405,321	0
Contributed (distributed) capital - parent/child asset transfers	2,354	1,676	(18,739)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt (maturities longer than 90 days)	0	0	412,000
Repayments of debt (maturities longer than 90 days)	0	(125,000)	(739,000)
Drafts outstanding	59,795	22,713	5,084
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities	317,856	834,232	(149,541)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	116,412	(274,129)	155,334
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	96,157	370,286	214,952
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR	212,569	96,157	370,286
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	(45,538)	(28,772)	26,237
Interest paid	2,179	$ 16,263	$ 53,122
Significant Non-Cash Transactions
Increase (Decrease) In Fixed Maturities, Available For Sale, Investing Activities	(837,000)
Increase (Decrease) In Other Long Term Investments, Tax Settlements, Investing Activities	$ (35,000)

Business and Basis of Presentat

Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business and Basis of Presentation	BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Pruco Life Insurance Company, (“Pruco Life”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“Prudential Insurance”), which in turn is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential Financial”). Pruco Life is a stock life insurance company organized in 1971 under the laws of the State of Arizona. It is licensed to sell life insurance and annuities in the District of Columbia, Guam and in all States except New York, and sells such products primarily through affiliated and unaffiliated distributors. Pruco Life has two subsidiaries, including one wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, (“PLNJ”) and one indirect subsidiary formed in 2009 for the purpose of holding certain commercial loan and other investments. Pruco Life and its subsidiaries are together referred to as the "Company", "we" or "our" and all financial information is shown on a consolidated basis. PLNJ is a stock life insurance company organized in 1982 under the laws of the state of New Jersey. It is licensed to sell life insurance and annuities in New Jersey and New York only. Variable Annuities Recapture Through March 31, 2016, the Company reinsured the majority of its variable annuity living benefit guarantees to an affiliated reinsurance company, Pruco Reinsurance, Ltd. ("Pruco Re"). Effective April 1, 2016, the Company recaptured the risks related to its variable annuity living benefit guarantees that were previously reinsured to Pruco Re. In addition, the Company reinsured variable annuity base contracts, along with the living benefit guarantees, to Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation ("PALAC"), excluding the PLNJ business, which was reinsured to Prudential Insurance, in each case under a coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreement. These reinsurance agreements cover new and in force business and exclude business reinsured externally. The product risks related to the reinsured business are being managed in PALAC and Prudential Insurance, as applicable. In addition, the living benefit hedging program related to the reinsured living benefit guarantees is being managed within PALAC and Prudential Insurance, as applicable. These series of transactions are collectively referred to as the "Variable Annuities Recapture". The financial statement impacts of these transactions were as follows: Affected Financial Statement Lines Only Interim Statement of Financial Position Balance as of March 31, 2016 Impacts of Recapture Impacts of Reinsurance Total (in millions) ASSETS Total investments(1) $ 10,702 $ 4,166 $ (7,719 ) $ 7,149 Cash and cash equivalents 496 0 12 508 Deferred policy acquisition costs 4,565 0 (3,449 ) 1,116 Reinsurance recoverables 24,781 (6,312 ) 10,267 28,736 Deferred sales inducements 550 0 (550 ) 0 Other assets 94 0 211 305 Income taxes 0 0 23 23 TOTAL ASSETS 151,859 (2,146 ) (1,205 ) 148,508 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY LIABILITIES Income taxes $ 91 $ 17 $ 0 $ 108 Short-term and long-term debt to affiliates(2) 1,385 0 (1,384 ) 1 Other liabilities 870 0 0 870 TOTAL LIABILITIES 147,554 17 (1,384 ) 146,187 EQUITY Retained earnings(3) 3,337 (2,163 ) 258 1,432 Accumulated other comprehensive income 180 0 (79 ) 101 TOTAL EQUITY 4,305 (2,163 ) 179 2,321 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 151,859 (2,146 ) (1,205 ) 148,508 Significant Non-Cash Transactions (1) The decline in total investments includes non-cash activities of $ 7.7 billion for asset transfers related to the reinsurance transaction with PALAC and Prudential Insurance, partially offset by $ 4.2 billion of assets received related to the recapture transaction with Pruco Re. (2) The Company received ceding commissions of $ 3.6 billion and $ 0.4 billion from PALAC and Prudential Insurance, respectively, of which $ 1.1 billion and $ 0.1 billion were in the form of reassignment of debt to PALAC and Prudential Insurance, respectively. (3) Retained earnings includes dividends of $ 2.8 billion to Prudential Insurance, and then distributed to Prudential Financial, as part of the Variable Annuities Recapture. Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Day 1 Impact of the Variable Annuities Recapture Impacts of Recapture Impacts of Reinsurance Total Impacts (in millions) REVENUES Premiums $ 0 $ (880 ) $ (880 ) Realized investment gains (losses), net (2,146 ) 2,951 805 TOTAL REVENUES (2,146 ) 2,071 (75 ) BENEFITS AND EXPENSES Policyholders' benefits 0 (547 ) (547 ) General, administrative and other expenses 0 (211 ) (211 ) TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 0 (758 ) (758 ) INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (2,146 ) 2,829 683 Income tax expense (benefit) 17 (23 ) (6 ) NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (2,163 ) $ 2,852 $ 689 As part of the Variable Annuities Recapture, the Company received invested assets of $4.2 billion as consideration from Pruco Re, which is equivalent to the amount of statutory reserve credit taken as of March 31, 2016 and unwound the associated reinsurance recoverable of $6.3 billion . As a result, the Company recognized a loss of $2.1 billion immediately. As part of the Variable Annuities Recapture, the Company transferred invested assets of $7 billion and $0.7 billion to PALAC and Prudential Insurance, respectively, and established reinsurance recoverables of $10.3 billion . In addition, the Company received ceding commissions of $3.6 billion and $0.4 billion from PALAC and Prudential Insurance, respectively, of which $1.1 billion and $0.1 billion were in the form of reassignment of debt to PALAC and Prudential Insurance, respectively. Also, the Company unwound its deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC") and deferred sales inducements ("DSI") balances related to its variable annuity contracts as of March 31, 2016, which was equivalent to the ceding commission. For the reinsurance of the variable annuity base contracts, the Company recognized a loss of $0.2 billion , which was deferred and will subsequently be amortized through "General, administrative and other expenses". For the reinsurance of the living benefit guarantees, the Company recognized a benefit of $2.8 billion immediately since the reinsurance contract is accounted for as a free-standing derivative. The Company paid a dividend of $2.6 billion to Prudential Insurance, which was then distributed to Prudential Financial. The following table summarizes the asset transfers related to Variable Annuities Recapture between the Company and its affiliates. Affiliate Period Transaction Security Type Fair Value Book Value APIC and Retained Earnings Increase/(Decrease) Realized Investment Gain/(Loss), Net (in millions) Pruco Re Apr - June 2016 Purchase Derivatives $ 4,166 $ 4,166 $ 0 $ 0 PALAC Apr - June 2016 Sale Fixed Maturity, Trading Account Assets, Commercial Mortgages, Derivatives and JV/LP Investments $ (6,994 ) $ (6,872 ) $ 0 $ 122 Prudential Insurance Apr - June 2016 Dividend Fixed Maturity $ (19 ) $ (19 ) $ (19 ) $ 0 Prudential Insurance Apr - June 2016 Sale Fixed Maturity, Trading Account Assets, Equity Securities, Commercial Mortgages and Derivatives $ (717 ) $ (703 ) $ 15 $ 0 Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. 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 as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates include those used in determining DAC and related amortization; amortization of DSI; valuation of investments including derivatives and the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”); future policy benefits including guarantees; reinsurance recoverables; provision for income taxes and valuation of deferred tax assets; and accruals for contingent liabilities, including estimates for losses in connection with unresolved legal and regulatory matters. Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRONOUNCEMENTS ASSETS Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value are comprised of bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stock. Fixed maturities classified as “available-for-sale” are carried at fair value. See Note 9 for additional information regarding the determination of fair value. The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, and the effect on DAC, DSI, future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and policyholders’ dividends that would result from the realization of unrealized gains and losses, are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (“AOCI”). The purchased cost of fixed maturities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity or, if applicable, call date. Interest income, and amortization of premium and accretion of discount are included in “Net investment income” under the effective yield method. Additionally, prepayment premiums are also included in “Net investment income”. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, the effective yield is based on estimated cash flows, including interest rate and prepayment assumptions based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to interest rate and prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates also vary based on other assumptions regarding the underlying collateral, including default rates and changes in value. These assumptions can significantly impact income recognition and the amount of OTTI recognized in earnings and other comprehensive income. For high credit quality mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities (those rated AA or above), cash flows are provided quarterly, and the amortized cost and effective yield of the securities are adjusted as necessary to reflect historical prepayment experience and changes in estimated future prepayments. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to "Net investment income" in accordance with the retrospective method. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities rated below AA or those for which an OTTI has been recorded, the effective yield is adjusted prospectively for any changes in estimated cash flows. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Trading account assets, at fair value represents equity securities held in support of a deferred compensation plan and other fixed maturity securities carried at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses for these investments are reported in “Other income.” Interest and dividend income from these investments is reported in “Net investment income”. Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value is comprised of mutual funds and are carried at fair value. The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, and the effect on DAC, DSI, future policy benefits, reinsurance recoverables and policyholders’ account balances that would result from the realization of unrealized gains and losses, are included in AOCI. The cost of equity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Dividends from these investments are generally recognized in “Net investment income” on the ex-dividend date. Commercial mortgage and other loans consist of commercial mortgage loans and agricultural property loans. Commercial mortgage and other loans held for investment are generally carried at unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and expenses and net of an allowance for losses. Commercial mortgage and other loans acquired, including those related to the acquisition of a business, are recorded at fair value when purchased, reflecting any premiums or discounts to unpaid principal balances. Interest income, and the amortization of the related premiums or discounts, are included in “Net investment income” under the effective yield method. Prepayment fees are also included in “Net investment income". Impaired loans include those loans for which it is probable that amounts due will not all be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company defines “past due” as principal or interest not collected at least 30 days past the scheduled contractual due date. Interest received on loans that are past due, including impaired and non-impaired loans as well as loans that were previously modified in a troubled debt restructuring, is either applied against the principal or reported as net investment income based on the Company’s assessment as to the collectability of the principal. See Note 3 for additional information about the Company’s past due loans. The Company discontinues accruing interest on loans after the loans become 90 days delinquent as to principal or interest payments, or earlier when the Company has doubts about collectability. When the Company discontinues accruing interest on a loan, any accrued but uncollectible interest on the loan and other loans backed by the same collateral, if any, is charged to interest income in the same period. Generally, a loan is restored to accrual status only after all delinquent interest and principal are brought current and, in the case of loans where the payment of interest has been interrupted for a substantial period, or the loan has been modified, a regular payment performance has been established. The Company reviews the performance and credit quality of the commercial mortgage and other loan portfolio on an on-going basis. Loans are placed on watch list status based on a predefined set of criteria and are assigned one of two categories. Loans are classified as “closely monitored” when it is determined that there is a collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal or interest. Loans “not in good standing” are those loans where the Company has concluded that there is a high probability of loss of principal, such as when the loan is delinquent or in the process of foreclosure. As described below, in determining the allowance for losses, the Company evaluates each loan on the watch list to determine if it is probable that amounts due will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios are measures commonly used to assess the quality of commercial mortgage loans. The loan-to-value ratio compares the amount of the loan to the fair value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan, and is commonly expressed as a percentage. Loan-to-value ratios greater than 100% indicate that the loan amount exceeds the collateral value. A loan-to-value ratio less than 100% indicates an excess of collateral value over the loan amount. The debt service coverage ratio compares a property’s net operating income to its debt service payments. Debt service coverage ratios less than 1.0 times indicate that property operations do not generate enough income to cover the loan’s current debt payments. A debt service coverage ratio greater than 1.0 times indicates an excess of net operating income over the debt service payments. The values utilized in calculating these ratios are developed as part of the Company’s periodic review of the commercial mortgage loan and agricultural property loan portfolios, which includes an internal appraisal of the underlying collateral value. The Company’s periodic review also includes a quality re-rating process, whereby the internal quality rating originally assigned at underwriting is updated based on current loan, property and market information using a proprietary quality rating system. The loan-to-value ratio is the most significant of several inputs used to establish the internal credit rating of a loan which in turn drives the allowance for losses. Other key factors considered in determining the internal credit rating include debt service coverage ratios, amortization, loan term, and estimated market value growth rate and volatility for the property type and region. See Note 3 for additional information related to the loan-to-value ratios and debt service coverage ratios related to the Company’s commercial mortgage and agricultural loan portfolios. The allowance for losses includes a loan specific reserve for each impaired loan that has a specifically identified loss and a portfolio reserve for probable incurred but not specifically identified losses. For impaired commercial mortgage and other loans, the allowances for losses are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or based upon the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The portfolio reserves for probable incurred but not specifically identified losses in the commercial mortgage and agricultural loan portfolios consider the current credit composition of the portfolio based on an internal quality rating (as described above). The portfolio reserves are determined using past loan experience, including historical credit migration, loss probability and loss severity factors by property type. These factors are reviewed and updated as appropriate. The allowance for losses on commercial mortgage and other loans can increase or decrease from period to period based on the factors noted above. “Realized investment gains (losses), net” includes changes in the allowance for losses. “Realized investment gains (losses), net” also includes gains and losses on sales, certain restructurings, and foreclosures. When a commercial mortgage or other loan is deemed to be uncollectible, any specific valuation allowance associated with the loan is reversed and a direct write down of the carrying amount of the loan is made. The carrying amount of the loan is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in value. Commercial mortgage and other loans are occasionally restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. These restructurings generally include one or more of the following: full or partial payoffs outside of the original contract terms; changes to interest rates; extensions of maturity; or additions or modifications to covenants. Additionally, the Company may accept assets in full or partial satisfaction of the debt as part of a troubled debt restructuring. When restructurings occur, they are evaluated individually to determine whether the restructuring or modification constitutes a “troubled debt restructuring” as defined by authoritative accounting guidance. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company has granted a concession, the restructuring, including those that involve a partial payoff or the receipt of assets in full satisfaction of the debt is deemed to be a troubled debt restructuring. Based on the Company’s credit review process described above, these loans generally would have been deemed impaired prior to the troubled debt restructuring, and specific allowances for losses would have been established prior to the determination that a troubled debt restructuring has occurred. In a troubled debt restructuring where the Company receives assets in full satisfaction of the debt, any specific valuation allowance is reversed and a direct write-down of the loan is recorded for the amount of the allowance, and any additional loss, net of recoveries, or any gain is recorded for the difference between the fair value of the assets received and the recorded investment in the loan. When assets are received in partial settlement, the same process is followed, and the remaining loan is evaluated prospectively for impairment based on the credit review process noted above. When a loan is restructured in a troubled debt restructuring, the impairment of the loan is remeasured using the modified terms and the loan’s original effective yield, and the allowance for loss is adjusted accordingly. Subsequent to the modification, income is recognized prospectively based on the modified terms of the loans in accordance with the income recognition policy noted above. Additionally, the loan continues to be subject to the credit review process noted above. In situations where a loan has been restructured in a troubled debt restructuring and the loan has subsequently defaulted, this factor is considered when evaluating the loan for a specific allowance for losses in accordance with the credit review process noted above. See Note 3 for additional information about commercial mortgage and other loans that have been restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. Policy loans represent funds loaned to policyholders up to the cash surrender value of the associated insurance policies and are carried at the unpaid principal balances due to the Company from the policyholders. 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 policies. Other long-term investments consist of the Company’s investments in joint ventures and limited partnerships, other than operating joint ventures, as well as wholly-owned investment real estate and other investments. Joint venture and partnership interests are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, the cost method when the Company’s partnership interest is so minor (generally less than 3% ) that it exercises virtually no influence over operating and financial policies, or the fair value option where elected. The Company’s income from investments in joint ventures and partnerships accounted for using the equity method or the cost method, other than the Company’s investments in operating joint ventures, is included in “Net investment income”. The carrying value of these investments is written down, or impaired, to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. In applying the equity method or the cost method (including assessment for OTTI), the Company uses financial information provided by the investee, generally on a one to three month lag. Short-term investments primarily consist of highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of twelve months or less and greater than three months when purchased. These investments are generally carried at fair value and include certain money market investments, funds managed similar to regulated money market funds, short-term debt securities issued by government sponsored entities and other highly liquid debt instruments. Realized investment gains (losses) are computed using the specific identification method. Realized investment gains and losses are generated from numerous sources, including the sales of fixed maturity securities, equity securities, investments in joint ventures and limited partnerships and other types of investments, as well as adjustments to the cost basis of investments for net OTTI recognized in earnings. Realized investment gains and losses also reflect changes in the allowance for losses on commercial mortgage and other loans, and fair value changes on embedded derivatives and free-standing derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. See “Derivative Financial Instruments” below for additional information regarding the accounting for derivatives. The Company’s available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses are reviewed quarterly to identify OTTI in value. In evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, the Company considers several factors including, but not limited to the following: (1) the extent and the duration of the decline; (2) the reasons for the decline in value (credit event, currency or interest-rate related, including general credit spread widening); and (3) the financial condition of and near-term prospects of the issuer. With regard to available-for-sale equity securities, the Company also considers the ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time to allow for a recovery of value. When it is determined that a decline in value of an equity security is other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the equity security is reduced to its fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. An OTTI is recognized in earnings for a debt security in an unrealized loss position when the Company either (1) has the intent to sell the debt security or (2) it is more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. For all debt securities in unrealized loss positions that do not meet either of these two criteria, the Company analyzes its ability to recover the amortized cost by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost of the security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. The Company may use the estimated fair value of collateral as a proxy for the net present value if it believes that the security is dependent on the liquidation of collateral for recovery of its investment. If the net present value is less than the amortized cost of the investment, an OTTI is recognized. When an OTTI of a debt security has occurred, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the debt security meets either of these two criteria, the OTTI recognized in earnings is equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the impairment measurement date. For OTTI of debt securities that do not meet these criteria, the net amount recognized in earnings is equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the debt security and its net present value calculated as described above. Any difference between the fair value and the net present value of the debt security at the impairment measurement date is recorded in “Other comprehensive income (loss)” (“OCI”). Unrealized gains or losses on securities for which an OTTI has been recognized in earnings is tracked as a separate component of AOCI. The split between the amount of an OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and the net amount recognized in earnings for debt securities is driven principally by assumptions regarding the amount and timing of projected cash flows. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates consider the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, including interest rate and prepayment assumptions based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to interest rate and prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates also include other assumptions regarding the underlying collateral including default rates and recoveries, which vary based on the asset type and geographic location, as well as the vintage year of the security. For structured securities, the payment priority within the tranche structure is also considered. For all other debt securities, cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default. The Company has developed these estimates using information based on its historical experience as well as using market observable data, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings and other data relevant to the collectability of a security, such as the general payment terms of the security and the security’s position within the capital structure of the issuer. The new cost basis of an impaired security is not adjusted for subsequent increases in estimated fair value. In periods subsequent to the recognition of an OTTI, the impaired security is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the impairment. For debt securities, the discount (or reduced premium) based on the new cost basis may be accreted into net investment income in future periods, including increases in cash flow on a prospective basis. In certain cases where there are decreased cash flow expectations, the security is reviewed for further cash flow impairments. Unrealized investment gains and losses are also considered in determining certain other balances, including DAC, DSI, certain future policy benefits, reinsurance recoverables, policyholders’ account balances and deferred tax assets or liabilities. These balances are adjusted, as applicable, 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. Each of these balances is discussed in greater detail below. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, certain money market investments, funds managed similar to regulated money market funds, and other debt instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased, other than cash equivalents that are included in “Trading account assets, at fair value.” The Company also engages in overnight borrowing and lending of funds with Prudential Financial and affiliates which are considered cash and cash equivalents. Accrued investment income primarily includes accruals of interest and dividend income from investments that have been earned but not yet received. Deferred policy acquisition costs are related directly to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance and annuity business that have been deferred to the extent such costs are deemed recoverable from future profits. Such DAC primarily includes commissions, costs of policy issuance and underwriting, and certain other expenses that are directly related to successfully negotiated contracts. In each reporting period, capitalized DAC is amortized to “Amortization of DAC”, net of the accrual of imputed interest on DAC balances. DAC is subject to periodic recoverability testing. DAC, for applicable products, is 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. DAC related to universal and variable life products and fixed and variable deferred annuity products are generally deferred and amortized over the expected life of the contracts in proportion to gross profits arising principally from investment margins, mortality and expense margins, and surrender charges, based on historical and anticipated future experience, which is updated periodically. The Company uses a reversion to the mean approach for equities to derive future equity return assumptions. However, if the projected equity return calculated using this approach is greater than the maximum equity return assumption, the maximum equity return is utilized. Gross profits also include impacts from the embedded derivatives associated with certain of the optional living benefit features of the Company’s variable annuity contracts and related hedging activities. In calculating gross profits, profits and losses related to contracts issued by the Company that are reported in affiliated legal entities other than the Company as a result of, for example, reinsurance agreements with those affiliated entities are also included. The Company is an indirect subsidiary of Prudential Financial (an SEC registrant) and has extensive transactions and relationships with other subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, including reinsurance agreements, as described in Note 12 . Incorporating all product-related profits and losses in gross profits, including those that are reported in affiliated legal entities, produces a DAC amortization pattern representative of the total economics of the products. Total gross profits include both actual gross profits and estimates of gross profits for future periods. The Company regularly evaluates and adjusts DAC balances with a corresponding charge or credit to current period earnings, representing a cumulative adjustment to all prior periods’ amortization, for the impact of actual gross profits and changes in the Company's projections of estimated future gross profits. Adjustments to DAC balances include: (i) annual review of assumptions that reflect the comprehensive review of the assumptions used in estimating gross profits for future periods, (ii) quarterly adjustments for current period experience (also referred to as “experience true-up” adjustments) that reflect the impact of differences between actual gross profits for a given period and the previously estimated expected gross profits for that period, and (iii) quarterly adjustments for market performance (also referred to as “experience unlocking”) that reflect the impact of changes to the Company's estimate of total gross profits to reflect actual fund performance and market conditions. For some products, policyholders can elect to modify product benefits, features, rights or coverages by exchanging a contract for a new contract or by amendment, endorsement or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. These transactions are known as internal replacements. If policyholders surrender traditional life insurance policies in exchange for life insurance policies that do not have fixed and guaranteed terms, the Company immediately charges to expense the remaining unamortized DAC on the surrendered policies. For other internal replacement transactions, except those that involve the addition of a non-integrated contract feature that does not change the existing base contract, the unamortized DAC is immediately charged to expense if the terms of the new policies are not substantially similar to those of the former policies. If the new terms are substantially similar to those of the earlier policies, the DAC is retained with respect to the new policies and amortized over the expected life of the new policies. See Note 4 for additional information regarding DAC. Deferred sales inducements represent various types of sales inducements to contractholders primarily related to fixed and variable deferred annuity contracts. The Company defers sales inducements and amortizes them over the anticipated life of the policy using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC. Sales inducements balances are subject to periodic recoverability testing. The Company records amortization of deferred sales inducements in “Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances.” Deferred sales inducements 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. There was no deferred sales inducements balance at December 31, 2017 and 2016. See Note 6 for additional information regarding sales inducements. Reinsurance recoverables include corresponding receivables associated with reinsurance arrangements with affiliates and third-party reinsurers. For additional information about these arrangements see Note 12 . Other assets consist primarily of premiums due, deferred loss on reinsurance with affiliates, receivables resulting from sales of securities that had not yet settled at the balance sheet date, prepaid tax expenses, and the Company’s investments in operating joint ventures. Investments in operating joint ventures are generally accounted for under the equity method. The carrying value of these investments is written down, or impaired, to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. Separate account assets represent segregated funds that are invested for certain contractholders and other customers. The assets consist primarily of equity securities, fixed maturities, and real-estate related investments and are reported at fair value. The assets of each account are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any other business of the Company. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the contractholders, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. The investment income and realized investment gains or losses from separate accounts generally accrue to the contractholders and are not included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations. Mortality, policy administration and surrender charges assessed against the accounts are included in “Policy charges and fee income”. Asset administration fees charged to the accounts are included in “Asset administration fees”. See Note 6 for additional information regarding separate account arrangements with contractual guarantees. See also “ Separate account liabilities” below. LIABILITIES Future policy benefits liability includes liabilities related to certain long-duration life and annuity contracts, which are discussed more fully in Note 6 . These liabilities represent reserves for the guaranteed minimum death and optional living benefit features on our variable annuity products and no lapse guarantees for our variable and universal life products. The optional living benefits are primarily accounted for as embedded derivatives, with fair values calculated as the present value of future expected benefit payments to customers less the present value of assessed rider fees attributable to the embedded derivative feature. For additional information regarding the valuation of these optional living benefit features, see Note 6 and Note 9 . The Company’s liability for future policy benefits also includes reserves based on the present value of estimated future payments to or on behalf of policyholders related to contracts that have fixed and guaranteed terms, where the timing and amount of payment depends on policyholder mortality and maintenance expenses less the present value of future net premiums. Expected mortality is generally based on Company experience, industry data, and/or other factors. Interest rate assumptions are based on factors such as market conditions and expected investment returns. Although mortality, morbidity and interest rate assumptions are “locked-in” upon the issuance of new insurance or annuity business with fixed and guaranteed terms, significant changes in experience or assumptions may require the Company to provide for expected future losses on a product by establishing premium deficiency reserves. Premium deficiency reserves are established, if necessary, when the liability for future policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums are determined to be insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses. Premium deficiency reserves do not include a provision for the risk of adverse deviation. Any adjustments to future policy benefit reserves related to net unrealized gains on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in AOCI. See Note 5 for additional information regarding future policy benefits. Policyholders’ account balances liability represents the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the balance sheet date. This liability is primarily associated with the accumulated account deposits, plus interest credited, less policyholder withdrawals and other charges assessed against the account balance. These policyholders’ account balances also include provision for benefits under non-life contingent payout annuities and certain unearned revenues. See Note 5 for additional information regarding policyholders’ account balances. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent liabilities associated with securities repurchase and resale agreements which are used primarily to earn spread income, to borrow funds, or to facilitate trading activity. As part of securities repurchase agreements, the Company transfers U.S. government and government agency securities to a third-party, and receives cash as collateral. As part of securities resale agreements, the Company invests cash and receives as collateral U.S. government securities or other debt securities. For securities repurchase agreements used to earn spread income, the cash received is typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturities. Securities repurchase and resale agreements that satisfy certain criteria are treated as secured borrowing or secured lendin

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	INVESTMENTS Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities The following tables set forth information relating to fixed maturities and equity securities (excluding investments classified as trading), as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost or Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value OTTI in AOCI(3) (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 95,851 $ 3,964 $ 0 $ 99,815 $ 0 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 597,254 38,204 0 635,458 0 Foreign government bonds 128,058 7,536 496 135,098 0 Public utilities 677,702 61,588 1,058 738,232 0 Redeemable preferred stock 4,053 957 0 5,010 0 All other U.S. public corporate securities 1,254,140 105,524 2,580 1,357,084 (215 ) All other U.S. private corporate securities 710,424 18,306 1,644 727,086 0 All other foreign public corporate securities 168,399 12,522 732 180,189 0 All other foreign private corporate securities 737,037 41,405 9,598 768,844 0 Asset-backed securities(1) 179,935 2,519 26 182,428 (138 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 320,223 5,148 2,539 322,832 0 Residential mortgage-backed securities(2) 68,868 2,527 169 71,226 (220 ) Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 4,941,944 $ 300,200 $ 18,842 $ 5,223,302 $ (573 ) Equity securities, available-for-sale: Common stocks: Mutual funds $ 20,700 $ 2,291 $ 0 $ 22,991 Public utilities 54 40 0 94 Industrial, miscellaneous & other 0 37 0 37 Total equity securities, available-for-sale $ 20,754 $ 2,368 $ 0 $ 23,122 (1) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by loan obligations, sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans and other asset types. (2) Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. (3) Represents the amount of unrealized losses remaining in AOCI, from the impairment measurement date. Amount excludes $2.2 million of net unrealized gains on impaired available-for-sale securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date. December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost or Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value OTTI in AOCI(3) (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 154,180 $ 6,593 $ 33 $ 160,740 $ 0 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 618,447 14,592 6,553 626,486 0 Foreign government bonds 111,025 2,143 4,386 108,782 0 Public utilities 706,536 33,950 10,519 729,967 0 Redeemable preferred stock 4,136 834 156 4,814 0 All other U.S. public corporate securities 1,802,350 67,908 28,846 1,841,412 (215 ) All other U.S. private corporate securities 714,776 14,555 7,702 721,629 (236 ) All other foreign public corporate securities 216,428 7,371 4,127 219,672 0 All other foreign private corporate securities 577,761 4,866 33,455 549,172 0 Asset-backed securities(1) 184,414 5,164 562 189,016 (2,534 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 382,717 5,783 5,829 382,671 0 Residential mortgage-backed securities(2) 80,141 3,355 308 83,188 (274 ) Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 5,552,911 $ 167,114 $ 102,476 $ 5,617,549 $ (3,259 ) Equity securities, available-for-sale: Common stocks: Mutual funds $ 16,324 $ 441 $ 124 $ 16,641 Public utilities 66 2 28 40 Industrial, miscellaneous & other 0 75 0 75 Total equity securities, available-for-sale $ 16,390 $ 518 $ 152 $ 16,756 (1) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by loan obligations, sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans and other asset types. (2) Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. (3) Represents the amount of unrealized losses remaining in AOCI, from the impairment measurement date. Amount excludes $8.1 million of net unrealized gains on impaired available-for-sale securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date. The following tables set forth the fair value and gross unrealized losses aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual fixed maturity and equity securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or More Total Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign government bonds 16,522 210 11,959 286 28,481 496 Public utilities 26,466 380 27,354 678 53,820 1,058 Redeemable preferred stock 0 0 0 0 0 0 All other U.S. public corporate securities 36,100 304 102,490 2,276 138,590 2,580 All other U.S. private corporate securities 79,495 781 36,642 863 116,137 1,644 All other foreign public corporate securities 27,078 190 8,390 542 35,468 732 All other foreign private corporate securities 48,109 472 133,055 9,126 181,164 9,598 Asset-backed securities 6,351 22 317 4 6,668 26 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 49,823 285 93,403 2,254 143,226 2,539 Residential mortgage-backed securities 8,030 28 6,160 141 14,190 169 Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 297,974 $ 2,672 $ 419,770 $ 16,170 $ 717,744 $ 18,842 Equity securities, available-for-sale $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 December 31, 2016 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or More Total Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 603 $ 33 $ 0 $ 0 $ 603 $ 33 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 239,146 6,553 0 0 239,146 6,553 Foreign government bonds 81,074 4,055 1,690 331 82,764 4,386 Public utilities 207,226 7,847 21,394 2,672 228,620 10,519 Redeemable preferred stock 0 0 0 156 0 156 All other U.S. public corporate securities 568,763 20,695 73,575 8,151 642,338 28,846 All other U.S. private corporate securities 232,561 6,082 29,071 1,620 261,632 7,702 All other foreign public corporate securities 86,492 3,188 5,433 939 91,925 4,127 All other foreign private corporate securities 236,512 13,604 101,858 19,851 338,370 33,455 Asset-backed securities 37,355 492 49,346 70 86,701 562 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 191,674 5,827 947 2 192,621 5,829 Residential mortgage-backed securities 36,224 302 1,045 6 37,269 308 Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 1,917,630 $ 68,678 $ 284,359 $ 33,798 $ 2,201,989 $ 102,476 Equity securities, available-for-sale $ 0 $ 0 $ 2,965 $ 152 $ 2,965 $ 152 As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities were composed of $13.9 million and $93.3 million , respectively, related to “1” highest quality or “2” high quality securities based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) or equivalent rating and $4.9 million and $9.2 million , respectively, related to other than high or highest quality securities based on NAIC or equivalent rating. As of December 31, 2017 , the $16.2 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities of twelve months or more were concentrated in commercial mortgage-backed securities and in the Company's corporate securities within the energy and finance sectors. As of December 31, 2016 , the $33.8 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities of twelve months or more were concentrated in the Company's corporate securities within the energy , finance and utility sectors. In accordance with its policy described in Note 2 , the Company concluded that an adjustment to earnings for OTTI for these fixed maturity securities was not warranted at either December 31, 2017 or 2016 . These conclusions were based on a detailed analysis of the underlying credit and cash flows on each security. Gross unrealized losses are primarily attributable to general credit spread widening, increases in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rate movements. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company did not intend to sell these securities, and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis. As of December 31, 2017 , there were no gross unrealized losses on equity securities. As of December 31, 2016 , $0.0 million of the gross unrealized losses on equity securities represented declines in value of 20% or more, all of which had been in that position for more than twelve months. In accordance with its policy described in Note 2 , the Company concluded that an adjustment to earnings for OTTI for these equity securities was not warranted at either December 31, 2017 or 2016 . The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities by contractual maturities, as of the date indicated: December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Fair Value (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Due in one year or less $ 87,018 $ 87,741 Due after one year through five years 707,958 722,359 Due after five years through ten years 1,064,550 1,107,779 Due after ten years 2,513,392 2,728,937 Asset-backed securities 179,935 182,428 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 320,223 322,832 Residential mortgage-backed securities 68,868 71,226 Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 4,941,944 $ 5,223,302 Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and residential mortgage-backed securities are shown separately in the table above, as they do not have a single maturity date. The following table sets forth the sources of fixed maturity and equity security proceeds and related investment gains (losses), as well as losses on impairments of both fixed maturities and equity securities, for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Proceeds from sales(1) $ 569,151 $ 833,562 $ 171,589 Proceeds from maturities/prepayments 492,944 495,969 642,503 Gross investment gains from sales and maturities 44,458 94,262 12,496 Gross investment losses from sales and maturities (9,956 ) (10,475 ) (1,528 ) OTTI recognized in earnings(2) (7,379 ) (17,677 ) (1,463 ) Equity securities, available-for-sale: Proceeds from sales(3) $ 510 $ 34,618 $ 5,732 Gross investment gains from sales 11 363 400 Gross investment losses from sales 0 (1,933 ) 0 OTTI recognized in earnings (136 ) 0 (3 ) (1) Includes $(0.1) million , $(1.5) million and $0.4 million of non-cash related proceeds for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (2) Excludes the portion of OTTI recorded in OCI representing any difference between the fair value of the impaired debt security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows at the time of the impairment. (3) Includes $(0.0) million of non-cash related proceeds for the year ended December 31, 2015 . There were no non-cash related proceeds for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The following table sets forth the amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI and the corresponding changes in such amounts, for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Credit loss impairments: Balance, beginning of period $ 5,520 $ 7,041 New credit loss impairments 424 522 Additional credit loss impairments on securities previously impaired 664 6 Increases due to the passage of time on previously recorded credit losses 106 242 Reductions for securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period (1,909 ) (1,294 ) Reductions for securities impaired to fair value during the period(1) (327 ) 0 Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected (104 ) (339 ) Assets transferred to parent and affiliates 0 (658 ) Balance, end of period $ 4,374 $ 5,520 (1) Represents circumstances where the Company determined in the current period that it intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security's amortized cost. Trading Account Assets The following table sets forth the composition of “Trading account assets,” as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost or Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost or Cost Fair Value (in thousands) Fixed maturities $ 38,279 $ 38,793 $ 23,555 $ 19,558 Equity securities 11,940 17,488 11,929 15,770 Total trading account assets $ 50,219 $ 56,281 $ 35,484 $ 35,328 The net change in unrealized gains (losses) from trading account assets still held at period end, recorded within “Other income,” was $6.2 million , $0.6 million and $(3.4) million during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans The following table sets forth the composition of “Commercial mortgage and other loans,” as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount (in thousands) % of Total Amount (in thousands) % of Total Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans by property type: Apartments/Multi-Family $ 356,694 32.9 % $ 318,667 27.7 % Hospitality 16,529 1.5 54,597 4.7 Industrial 180,619 16.7 185,682 16.1 Office 159,646 14.7 161,980 14.1 Other 99,119 9.1 124,465 10.8 Retail 205,367 18.9 243,225 21.1 Total commercial mortgage loans 1,017,974 93.8 1,088,616 94.5 Agricultural property loans 67,239 6.2 63,323 5.5 Total commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans by property type 1,085,213 100.0 % 1,151,939 100.0 % Valuation allowance (1,794 ) (1,558 ) Total commercial mortgage and other loans $ 1,083,419 $ 1,150,381 As of December 31, 2017 , the commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans were geographically dispersed throughout the United States (with the largest concentrations in California ( 25% ), Texas ( 12% ) and New York ( 6% )) and included loans secured by properties in Australia and Europe. The following tables set forth the activity in the allowance for credit losses for commercial mortgage and other loans, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Commercial Mortgage Loans Agricultural Property Loans Total (in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Balance, beginning of year $ 1,513 $ 45 $ 1,558 Addition to (release of) allowance for losses 215 21 236 Charge-offs, net of recoveries 0 0 0 Total ending balance $ 1,728 $ 66 $ 1,794 December 31, 2016 Commercial Mortgage Loans Agricultural Property Loans Total (in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Balance, beginning of year $ 2,587 $ 64 $ 2,651 Addition to (release of) allowance for losses (1,074 ) (19 ) (1,093 ) Charge-offs, net of recoveries 0 0 0 Total ending balance $ 1,513 $ 45 $ 1,558 The following tables set forth the allowance for credit losses and the recorded investment in commercial mortgage and other loans, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Commercial Mortgage Loans Agricultural Property Loans Total (in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Individually evaluated for impairment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Collectively evaluated for impairment 1,728 66 1,794 Total ending balance(1) $ 1,728 $ 66 $ 1,794 Recorded investment(2): Individually evaluated for impairment $ 2,316 $ 1,153 $ 3,469 Collectively evaluated for impairment 1,015,658 66,086 1,081,744 Total ending balance(1) $ 1,017,974 $ 67,239 $ 1,085,213 (1) As of December 31, 2017 , there were no loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. (2) Recorded investment reflects the carrying value gross of related allowance. December 31, 2016 Commercial Mortgage Loans Agricultural Property Loans Total (in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Individually evaluated for impairment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Collectively evaluated for impairment 1,513 45 1,558 Total ending balance(1) $ 1,513 $ 45 $ 1,558 Recorded investment(2): Individually evaluated for impairment $ 2,528 $ 0 $ 2,528 Collectively evaluated for impairment 1,086,088 63,323 1,149,411 Total ending balance(1) $ 1,088,616 $ 63,323 $ 1,151,939 (1) As of December 31, 2016 , there were no loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. (2) Recorded investment reflects the carrying value gross of related allowance. The following tables set forth certain key credit quality indicators for commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans based upon the recorded investment gross of allowance for credit losses, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Debt Service Coverage Ratio > 1.2X 1.0X to <1.2X < 1.0X Total (in thousands) Loan-to-Value Ratio: 0%-59.99% $ 606,846 $ 21,709 $ 705 $ 629,260 60%-69.99% 333,185 9,594 2,010 344,789 70%-79.99% 84,492 26,439 0 110,931 80% or greater 0 0 233 233 Total commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans $ 1,024,523 $ 57,742 $ 2,948 $ 1,085,213 December 31, 2016 Debt Service Coverage Ratio > 1.2X 1.0X to <1.2X < 1.0X Total (in thousands) Loan-to-Value Ratio: 0%-59.99% $ 732,473 $ 19,844 $ 0 $ 752,317 60%-69.99% 267,122 7,515 900 275,537 70%-79.99% 88,811 30,533 0 119,344 80% or greater 4,503 0 238 4,741 Total commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans $ 1,092,909 $ 57,892 $ 1,138 $ 1,151,939 The following tables set forth an aging of past due commercial mortgage and other loans based upon the recorded investment gross of allowance for credit losses, as well as the amount of commercial mortgage and other loans on non-accrual status, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90 Days or More Past Due(1) Total Loans Non-Accrual Status(2) (in thousands) Commercial mortgage loans $ 1,017,974 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,017,974 $ 0 Agricultural property loans 67,239 0 0 0 67,239 0 Total $ 1,085,213 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,085,213 $ 0 (1) As of December 31, 2017 , there were no loans in this category accruing interest. (2) For additional information regarding the Company's policies for accruing interest on loans, see Note 2 . December 31, 2016 Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90 Days or More Past Due(1) Total Loans Non-Accrual Status(2) (in thousands) Commercial mortgage loans $ 1,088,616 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,088,616 $ 0 Agricultural property loans 63,323 0 0 0 63,323 0 Total $ 1,151,939 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,151,939 $ 0 (1) As of December 31, 2016 , there were no loans in this category accruing interest. (2) For additional information regarding the Company's policies for accruing interest on loans, see Note 2 . For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , there were no commercial mortgage and other loans acquired, other than those through direct origination. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , there were $147 million of commercial mortgage and other loans sold. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , there were no commercial mortgage and other loans sold. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , there were no transfers of commercial mortgage and other loans to related parties. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company transferred $631 million of commercial mortgage and other loans to related parties. The Company’s commercial mortgage and other loans may occasionally be involved in a troubled debt restructuring. As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016 , there were no new troubled debt restructurings related to commercial mortgage or other loans and no payment defaults on commercial mortgage or other loans that were modified as a troubled debt restructuring within the twelve months preceding. As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had no significant commitments to borrowers that have been involved in a troubled debt restructuring. For additional information relating to the accounting for troubled debt restructurings, see Note 2. Other Long-Term Investments The following table sets forth the composition of “Other long-term investments,” as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Company's investment in separate accounts $ 37,404 $ 34,088 Joint ventures and limited partnerships: Private equity 159,643 139,493 Hedge funds 53,792 81,104 Real estate-related 12,226 11,912 Total joint ventures and limited partnerships 225,661 232,509 Derivatives 9 77,866 Total other long-term investments $ 263,074 $ 344,463 As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had no significant equity method investments. Net Investment Income The following table sets forth “Net investment income” by investment type, for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 230,060 $ 242,351 $ 269,073 Equity securities, available-for-sale 0 1 2 Trading account assets 1,718 2,051 2,800 Commercial mortgage and other loans 52,127 58,940 86,354 Policy loans 63,884 62,735 62,304 Short-term investments and cash equivalents 1,090 1,767 1,042 Other long-term investments 23,518 29,512 17,739 Gross investment income 372,397 397,357 439,314 Less: investment expenses (19,987 ) (21,407 ) (22,727 ) Net investment income $ 352,410 $ 375,950 $ 416,587 The carrying value of non-income producing assets included $0.4 million in fixed maturities as of December 31, 2017. Non-income producing assets represent investments that had not produced income for the twelve months preceding December 31, 2017 . Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Net The following table sets forth “Realized investment gains (losses), net” by investment type, for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Fixed maturities $ 27,123 $ 66,110 $ 9,505 Equity securities (125 ) (1,570 ) 397 Commercial mortgage and other loans (337 ) 29,584 1,503 Joint ventures and limited partnerships (221 ) (229 ) 320 Derivatives(1) (106,625 ) 664,533 (220,292 ) Short-term investments and cash equivalents (1 ) 21 29 Realized investment gains (losses), net $ (80,186 ) $ 758,449 $ (208,538 ) (1) Includes the hedged items offset in qualifying fair value hedge accounting relationships. Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments The following table sets forth net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale—with OTTI $ 1,609 $ 4,883 $ 5,196 Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale—all other 279,749 59,755 59,930 Equity securities, available-for-sale 2,368 366 (2,636 ) Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1) (17,678 ) 40,931 48,271 Affiliated notes 4,782 5,056 5,064 Other investments 3,588 1,441 1,208 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments $ 274,418 $ 112,432 $ 117,033 (1) See Note 10 for more information on cash flow hedges. Repurchase Agreements and Securities Lending In the normal course of business, the Company sells securities under agreements to repurchase and enters into securities lending transactions. The following table sets forth the composition of “Securities sold under agreements to repurchase,” as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Remaining Contractual Maturities of the Agreements Remaining Contractual Maturities of the Agreements Overnight & Continuous Up to 30 Days Total Overnight & Continuous Up to 30 Days Total (in thousands) (in thousands) U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 68,904 $ 0 $ 68,904 Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase(1) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 68,904 $ 0 $ 68,904 (1) The Company did not have agreements with remaining contractual maturities of thirty days or greater, as of the dates indicated. The following table sets forth the composition of “Cash collateral for loaned securities,” which represents the liability to return cash collateral received for the following types of securities loaned, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Remaining Contractual Maturities of the Agreements Remaining Contractual Maturities of the Agreements Overnight & Continuous Up to 30 Days Total Overnight & Continuous Up to 30 Days Total (in thousands) (in thousands) U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 22,460 $ 22,460 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Foreign government bonds 6,157 0 6,157 6,827 0 6,827 U.S. public corporate securities 4,074 0 4,074 62,584 0 62,584 Foreign public corporate securities 478 0 478 5,565 0 5,565 Total cash collateral for loaned securities(1) $ 10,709 $ 22,460 $ 33,169 $ 74,976 $ 0 $ 74,976 (1) The Company did not have agreements with remaining contractual maturities of thirty days or greater, as of the dates indicated. Securities Pledged, Restricted Assets and Special Deposits The Company pledges as collateral investment securities it owns to unaffiliated parties through certain transactions, including securities lending, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, collateralized borrowings and postings of collateral with derivative counterparties. The following table sets forth the carrying value of investments pledged to third parties and the carrying amount of the associated liabilities supported by the pledged collateral, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Pledged collateral: Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale $ 32,109 $ 140,810 Total securities pledged $ 32,109 $ 140,810 Liabilities supported by pledged collateral: Cash collateral for loaned securities $ 33,169 $ 74,976 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 0 68,904 Total liabilities supported by pledged collateral $ 33,169 $ 143,880 In the normal course of its business activities, the Company accepts collateral that can be sold or repledged. The primary sources of this collateral were securities purchased under agreements to resell. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the fair value of this collateral was $148.0 million and $58.4 million , respectively, none of which had either been sold or repledged. As of December 31, 2017 , there were fixed maturities of $3.8 million on deposit with governmental authorities or trustees as required by certain insurance laws. As of December 31, 2016 , there were fixed maturities and short-term investments of $3.2 million and $0.6 million , respectively, on deposit with governmental authorities or trustees as required by certain insurance laws.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Cos

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS The balances of and changes in DAC as of and for the years ended December 31, are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 1,341,093 $ 5,129,931 $ 5,081,938 Capitalization of commissions, sales and issue expenses 278,892 316,828 616,002 Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups (16,140 ) 130,652 112,039 Amortization-All other (78,867 ) (758,753 ) (771,208 ) Change in unrealized investment gains and losses (5,363 ) (28,723 ) 91,160 Other(1) (143,404 ) (3,448,842 ) 0 Balance, end of year $ 1,376,211 $ 1,341,093 $ 5,129,931 (1) Represents ceded DAC upon reinsurance agreements with GUL Re in 2017 and PALAC and Prudential Insurance in 2016. See Note 1 and Note 12 for additional information.

Policyholders' Liabilities

Policyholders' Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Liability for Future Policy Benefits [Abstract]
Policyholders' Liabilities	POLICYHOLDERS’ LIABILITIES Future Policy Benefits Future policy benefits at December 31 for the years indicated are as follows: 2017 2016 (in thousands) Life insurance – domestic $ 11,144,405 $ 9,643,227 Life insurance – Taiwan 1,400,050 1,240,353 Individual and group annuities and supplementary contracts 565,971 548,064 Other contract liabilities 5,482,704 5,071,616 Total future policy benefits $ 18,593,130 $ 16,503,260 Life insurance liabilities include reserves for death benefits. Individual and group annuities and supplementary contract liabilities include reserves for life contingent immediate annuities and life contingent group annuities. Other contract liabilities include unearned premiums and certain other reserves for annuities and individual life products. Future policy benefits for domestic and Taiwan individual non-participating traditional life insurance policies are generally equal to the present value of future benefit payments and related expenses, less the present value of future net premiums. Assumptions as to mortality, morbidity and persistency are based on the Company’s experience, industry data, and/or other factors, when the basis of the reserve is established. Interest rates used in the determination of the present values range from 1.7% to 7.8% for setting domestic insurance reserves and 6.2% to 7.4% for setting Taiwan reserves. Future policy benefits for individual and group annuities and supplementary contracts with life contingencies are generally equal to the present value of expected future payments. Assumptions as to mortality are based on the Company’s experience, industry data, and/or other factors, when the basis of the reserve is established. The interest rates used in the determination of the present values generally range from 0.0% to 14.8% , with approximately 0.7% of the reserves based on an interest rate in excess of 8.0% . The Company’s liability for future policy benefits are primarily liabilities for guaranteed benefits related to certain long-duration life and annuity contracts. Liabilities for guaranteed benefits with embedded derivative features are primarily in "Other contract liabilities" in the table above. The remaining liabilities for guaranteed benefits are primarily reflected with the underlying contract. The interest rates used in the determination of the present values range from 2.0% to 3.6% . See Note 6 for additional information regarding liabilities for guaranteed benefits related to certain long-duration contracts. Policyholders’ Account Balances Policyholders’ account balances at December 31 for the years indicated are as follows: 2017 2016 (in thousands) Interest-sensitive life contracts $ 15,460,543 $ 14,593,376 Individual annuities 3,132,751 2,861,882 Guaranteed interest accounts 264,239 310,321 Other 1,178,601 1,129,314 Total policyholders’ account balances $ 20,036,134 $ 18,894,893 Policyholders’ account balances represent an accumulation of account deposits plus credited interest less withdrawals, expenses and mortality charges, if applicable. These policyholders’ account balances also include provisions for benefits under non-life contingent payout annuities. Interest crediting rates range from 0.8% to 4.4% for interest-sensitive life contracts. Interest crediting rates for individual annuities range from 0.0% to 6.3% . Interest crediting rates for guaranteed interest accounts range from 1.0% to 6.0% . Interest crediting rates range from 0.5% to 8.0% for other.

Certain Long-Duration Contracts

Certain Long-Duration Contracts With Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions Supporting Guarantee Obligations [Abstract]
Certain Long-Duration Contracts With Guarantees	CERTAIN LONG-DURATION CONTRACTS WITH GUARANTEES The Company issues variable annuity contracts through its separate accounts for which investment income and investment gains and losses accrue directly to, and investment risk is borne by, the contractholder. The Company also issues variable annuity contracts with general and separate account options where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a return of no less than total deposits made to the contract adjusted for any partial withdrawals (“return of net deposits”). In certain of these variable annuity contracts, the Company also contractually guarantees to the contractholder a return of no less than (1) total deposits made to the contract adjusted for any partial withdrawals plus a minimum return (“minimum return”), and/or (2) the highest contract value on a specified date adjusted for any withdrawals (“contract value”). These guarantees include benefits that are payable in the event of death, annuitization or at specified dates during the accumulation period and withdrawal and income benefits payable during specified periods. The Company also issues annuity contracts with market value adjusted investment options (“MVAs”), which provide for a return of principal plus a fixed rate of return if held to maturity, or, alternatively, a “market adjusted value” if surrendered prior to maturity or if funds are reallocated to other investment options. The market value adjustment may result in a gain or loss to the Company, depending on crediting rates or an indexed rate at surrender, as applicable. The Company also issues fixed deferred annuity contracts without MVA that have a guaranteed credited rate and annuity benefit. In addition, the Company issues certain variable life, variable universal life and universal life contracts where the Company contractually guarantees to the contractholder a death benefit even when there is insufficient value to cover monthly mortality and expense charges, whereas otherwise the contract would typically lapse (“no lapse guarantee”). Variable life and variable universal life contracts are offered with general and separate account options. The assets supporting the variable portion of all variable annuities are carried at fair value and reported as “Separate account assets” with an equivalent amount reported as “Separate account liabilities.” Amounts assessed against the contractholders for mortality, administration, and other services are included within revenue in “Policy charges and fee income” and changes in liabilities for minimum guarantees are generally included in “Policyholders’ benefits” or “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” For those guarantees of benefits that are payable in the event of death, the net amount at risk is generally defined as the current guaranteed minimum death benefit in excess of the current account balance at the balance sheet date. The Company’s primary risk exposures for these contracts relates to actual deviations from, or changes to, the assumptions used in the original pricing of these products, including fixed income and equity market returns, contract lapses and contractholder mortality. For guarantees of benefits that are payable at annuitization, the net amount at risk is generally defined as the present value of the minimum guaranteed annuity payments available to the contractholder determined in accordance with the terms of the contract in excess of the current account balance. The Company’s primary risk exposures for these contracts relates to actual deviations from, or changes to, the assumptions used in the original pricing of these products, including fixed income and equity market returns, timing of annuitization, contract lapses and contractholder mortality. For guarantees of benefits that are payable at withdrawal, the net amount at risk is generally defined as the present value of the minimum guaranteed withdrawal payments available to the contractholder determined in accordance with the terms of the contract in excess of the current account balance. For guarantees of accumulation balances, the net amount at risk is generally defined as the guaranteed minimum accumulation balance minus the current account balance. The Company’s primary risk exposures for these contracts relates to actual deviations from, or changes to, the assumptions used in the original pricing of these products, including equity market returns, interest rates, market volatility and contractholder behavior. The Company’s contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract; therefore, the amounts listed may not be mutually exclusive. The liabilities related to the net amount at risk are reflected within “Future policy benefits”. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had the following guarantees associated with these contracts, by product and guarantee type: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 In the Event of Death At Annuitization/ Accumulation(1) In the Event of Death(2) At Annuitization/ Accumulation(1)(2) (in thousands) Annuity Contracts Return of net deposits Account value $ 94,605,484 N/A $ 85,056,405 N/A Net amount at risk $ 23,143 N/A $ 178,806 N/A Average attained age of contractholders 65 years N/A 64 years N/A Minimum return or contract value Account value $ 21,331,358 $ 105,887,964 $ 20,091,528 $ 95,908,923 Net amount at risk $ 1,309,080 $ 1,729,783 $ 2,039,249 $ 2,875,524 Average attained age of contractholders 69 years 66 years 68 years 65 years Average period remaining until earliest expected annuitization N/A 0 years N/A 0 years (1) Includes income and withdrawal benefits. (2) Excludes ceded reinsurance business to PALAC and Prudential Insurance related to the Variable Annuities Recapture transaction, as described in Note 1. See Note 12 for amounts recoverable from reinsurers. December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016(2) In the Event of Death(1) (in thousands) Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts No-lapse guarantees Separate account value $ 3,496,913 $ 3,125,804 General account value $ 7,209,522 $ 6,234,678 Net amount at risk $ 135,077,843 $ 119,838,053 Average attained age of contractholders 55 years 55 years (1) Excludes assumed reinsurance of GUL business from Prudential Insurance in connection with the acquisition of The Hartford Life Business that is retroceded 100% to PAR U. (2) Excludes ceded reinsurance business to PALAC and Prudential Insurance related to the Variable Annuities Recapture transaction, as described in Note 1. See Note 12 for amounts recoverable from reinsurers. Account balances of variable annuity contracts with guarantees were invested in separate account investment options as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016(1) (in thousands) Equity funds $ 65,755,874 $ 59,482,605 Bond funds 44,672,897 36,221,736 Money market funds 2,415,670 6,557,987 Total $ 112,844,441 $ 102,262,328 (1) Excludes ceded reinsurance business to PALAC and Prudential Insurance related to the Variable Annuities Recapture transaction, as described in Note 1. See Note 12 for amounts recoverable from reinsurers. In addition to the amounts invested in separate account investment options above, $3.1 billion at December 31, 2017 and $2.9 billion at December 31, 2016 of account balances of variable annuity contracts with guarantees, inclusive of contracts with MVA features, were invested in general account investment options. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 there were no transfers of assets, other than cash, from the general account to any separate account, and accordingly no gains or losses recorded. Liabilities for Guarantee Benefits The table below summarizes the changes in general account liabilities for guarantees. The liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) and guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) are included in “Future policy benefits” and the related changes in the liabilities are included in “Policyholders' benefits”. Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”), and guaranteed minimum income and withdrawal benefits (“GMIWB”) are accounted for as embedded derivatives and are recorded at fair value within “Future policy benefits”. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives, including changes in the Company’s own risk of non-performance, along with any fees attributed or payments made relating to the derivative, are recorded in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” See Note 9 for additional information regarding the methodology used in determining the fair value of these embedded derivatives. The Company maintains a portfolio of derivative investments that serve as a partial hedge of the risks associated with these products, for which the changes in fair value are also recorded in "Realized investment gains (losses), net." This portfolio of derivative investments does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the Company externally reinsures the guaranteed benefit features associated with certain contracts. See Note 12 for further information regarding the external reinsurance arrangement. GMDB GMIB GMWB/GMIWB/ GMAB Total Variable Annuity Variable Life, Variable Universal Life & Universal Life Variable Annuity (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 321,217 $ 2,921,933 $ 39,681 $ 4,993,610 $ 8,276,441 Incurred guarantee benefits(1) 95,747 538,906 (6,900 ) 211,825 839,578 Paid guarantee benefits (34,021 ) (21,811 ) (1,938 ) 0 (57,770 ) Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses (6,049 ) (193,207 ) (225 ) 0 (199,481 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 376,894 3,245,821 30,618 5,205,435 8,858,768 Incurred guarantee benefits(1) 48,832 746,130 (1,693 ) (164,427 ) 628,842 Paid guarantee benefits (38,661 ) (35,894 ) (1,892 ) 0 (76,447 ) Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses 928 102,124 5 0 103,057 Balance as of December 31, 2016 387,993 4,058,181 27,038 5,041,008 9,514,220 Incurred guarantee benefits(1) 16,999 808,834 (8,653 ) 411,575 1,228,755 Paid guarantee benefits (25,942 ) (14,642 ) (1,377 ) 0 (41,961 ) Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses 11,288 144,937 123 0 156,348 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 390,338 $ 4,997,310 $ 17,131 $ 5,452,583 $ 10,857,362 (1) Incurred guarantee benefits include the portion of assessments established as additions to reserves as well as changes in estimates affecting the reserves. Also includes changes in the fair value of features considered to be derivatives. The GMDB liability is determined each period end by estimating the accumulated value of a portion of the total assessments to date less the accumulated value of the guaranteed death benefits in excess of the account balance. The GMIB liability associated with variable annuities is determined each period by estimating the accumulated value of a portion of the total assessments to date less the accumulated value of the projected income benefits in excess of the account balance. The portion of assessments used is chosen such that, at issue the present value of expected death benefits or expected income benefits in excess of the projected account balance and the portion of the present value of total expected assessments over the lifetime of the contracts are equal. The GMIB liability associated with fixed annuities is determined each period by estimating the present value of projected income benefits in excess of the account balance. The Company regularly evaluates the estimates used and adjusts the GMDB and GMIB liability balances, with an associated charge or credit to earnings, if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier estimates should be revised. The GMAB features provide the contractholder with a guaranteed return of initial account value or an enhanced value if applicable. The most significant of the Company’s GMAB features are the guaranteed return option features, which includes an automatic rebalancing element that reduces the Company’s exposure to these guarantees. The GMAB liability is calculated as the present value of future expected payments in excess of the account balance less the present value of future expected rider fees attributable to the embedded derivative feature. The GMWB features provide the contractholder with access to a guaranteed remaining balance if the account value is reduced to zero through a combination of market declines and withdrawals. The guaranteed remaining balance is generally equal to the protected value under the contract, which is initially established as the greater of the account value or cumulative deposits when withdrawals commence, less cumulative withdrawals. The contractholder also has the option, after a specified time period, to reset the guaranteed remaining balance to the then-current account value, if greater. The contractholder accesses the guaranteed remaining balance through payments over time, subject to maximum annual limits. The GMWB liability is calculated as the present value of future expected payments to customers less the present value of future expected rider fees attributable to the embedded derivative feature. The GMIWB features, taken collectively, provide a contractholder two optional methods to receive guaranteed minimum payments over time, a “withdrawal” option or an “income” option. The withdrawal option (which was available under only one of the GMIWBs and is no longer offered) guarantees that a contractholder can withdraw an amount each year until the cumulative withdrawals reach a total guaranteed balance. The income option (which varies among the Company’s GMIWBs), in general, guarantees the contractholder the ability to withdraw an amount each year for life (or for joint lives, in the case of any spousal version of the benefit) where such amount is equal to a percentage of a protected value under the benefit. The contractholder also has the potential to increase this annual amount, based on certain subsequent increases in account value that may occur. The GMIWB can be elected by the contractholder upon issuance of an appropriate deferred variable annuity contract or at any time following contract issue prior to annuitization. Certain GMIWB features include an automatic rebalancing element that reduces the Company’s exposure to these guarantees. The GMIWB liability is calculated as the present value of future expected payments to customers less the present value of future expected rider fees attributable to the embedded derivative feature. Sales Inducements The Company defers sales inducements and amortizes them over the anticipated life of the policy using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC. The Company has offered various types of sales inducements, including: (1) a bonus whereby the policyholder’s initial account balance is increased by an amount equal to a specified percentage of the customer’s initial deposit and (2) additional credits after a certain number of years a contract is held. There was no deferred sales inducements balance at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Changes in DSI, reported as “Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances,” are as follows: Sales Inducements (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 836,791 Capitalization 6,462 Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups 21,829 Amortization-All other (183,843 ) Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) 3,605 Balance as of December 31, 2015 684,844 Capitalization 932 Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups 11,817 Amortization-All other (144,670 ) Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) (2,802 ) Other(1) (550,121 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 0 Capitalization 0 Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups 0 Amortization-All other 0 Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) 0 Other 0 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 0 (1) Represents ceded DSI upon reinsurance agreements with PALAC and Prudential Insurance in 2016. See Note 1 and Note 12 for additional information.

Statutory Net Income and Surplu

Statutory Net Income and Surplus and Dividend Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Net Income and Surplus and Dividend Restrictions	STATUTORY NET INCOME AND SURPLUS AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS The Company is required to prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Arizona Department of Insurance ("AZDOI"). Statutory accounting practices primarily differ from GAAP by charging policy acquisition costs to expense as incurred, establishing future policy benefit liabilities using different actuarial assumptions and valuing investments, deferred taxes, and certain assets on a different basis. Statutory net income (loss) for the Company, including its subsidiary PLNJ, amounted to $(503) million , $578 million and $593 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Statutory surplus of the Company, including its subsidiary PLNJ, amounted to $1,365 million and $1,250 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company does not utilize prescribed or permitted practices that vary materially from the statutory accounting practices prescribed by the NAIC. The Company is subject to Arizona law, which limits the amount of dividends that insurance companies can pay to stockholders without approval of the AZDOI. The maximum dividend, which may be paid in any twelve -month period without notification or approval, is limited to the lesser of 10% of statutory surplus as of December 31 of the preceding year or the net gain from operations of the preceding calendar year. Cash dividends may only be paid out of surplus derived from realized net profits. Based on these limitations, there is no capacity to pay a dividend in 2018 without prior approval. The Company paid dividends to Prudential Insurance of $250 million , $2,593 million and $430 million in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES The following schedule discloses significant components of income tax expense (benefit) for each year presented: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Current tax expense (benefit): U.S. Federal $ (52,501 ) $ (99,443 ) $ 105,992 State and local 0 49 129 Total (52,501 ) (99,394 ) 106,121 Deferred tax expense (benefit): U.S. Federal (102,153 ) 25,525 (116,762 ) Total (102,153 ) 25,525 (116,762 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) (154,654 ) (73,869 ) (10,641 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) reported in equity related to: Other comprehensive income (loss) 43,372 3,322 (61,322 ) Additional paid-in capital 824 587 (6,560 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (110,458 ) $ (69,960 ) $ (78,523 ) Reconciliation of Expected Tax at Statutory Rates to Reported Income Tax Expense (Benefit) The differences between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and the reported income tax expense (benefit) are summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Expected federal income tax expense $ 59,591 $ 112,472 $ 174,077 Non-taxable investment income (157,408 ) (146,324 ) (161,407 ) Tax credits (29,506 ) (30,916 ) (24,232 ) Domestic production activities deduction, net (10,448 ) (9,488 ) 0 Changes in tax law (17,576 ) 0 0 Other 693 387 921 Reported income tax expense (benefit) $ (154,654 ) $ (73,869 ) $ (10,641 ) Effective tax rate (90.8 )% (22.9 )% (2.1 )% The effective tax rate is the ratio of “Total income tax expense (benefit)” divided by “Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of operating joint venture.” The Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 was (90.8)% , (22.9)% and (2.1)% , respectively. The following is a description of items that had the most significant impact on the difference between the Company’s statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% and the Company’s effective tax rate during the periods presented: Changes in Tax Law . The following is a list of notable changes in tax law that impacted the Company’s effective tax rate for the periods presented: U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Act of 2017”) . On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act of 2017 was enacted into U.S. law. This law includes a broad range of tax reform changes that will affect U.S. businesses, including changes to corporate tax rates, business deductions and international tax provisions. Under U.S. GAAP, changes in tax rates and tax law are accounted for in the period of enactment (the date the President signed the bill into law). In December 2017, the SEC staff issued SAB 118 to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act of 2017. SAB 118 provides guidance for registrants under three scenarios: (1) measurement of certain income tax effects is complete, (2) measurement of certain income tax effects can be reasonably estimated and (3) measurement of certain income tax effects cannot be reasonably estimated. SAB 118 provides that the measurement period is complete when a company’s accounting is complete and in no circumstances should the measurement period extend beyond one year from the enactment date. SAB 118 acknowledges that a company may be able to complete the accounting for some provisions earlier than others. As a result, it may need to apply all three scenarios in determining the accounting for the Tax Act of 2017 based on information that is available. The Company has not fully completed its accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act of 2017. However, we have recorded the effects of the Tax Act of 2017 as reasonable estimates due to the need for further analysis of the provisions within the Tax Act of 2017 and collection, preparation and analysis of relevant data necessary to complete the accounting. As a result, upon enactment of the Tax Act of 2017, the Company recognized a $17.6 million tax benefit in “Total income tax expense (benefit)” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. This net tax benefit was comprised of the following component: • $17.6 million tax benefit from the reduction in net deferred tax liabilities to reflect the reduction in the U.S. tax rate from 35% to 21% As we complete the collection, preparation and analysis of data relevant to the Tax Act of 2017, interpret any additional guidance issued by the IRS, U.S. Department of the Treasury, or other standard-setting organizations, we may make adjustments to these provisional amounts. These adjustments may materially impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made. Non-Taxable Investment Income . The U.S. Dividends Received Deduction (“DRD”) reduces the amount of dividend income subject to U.S. tax and accounts for most of the non-taxable investment income shown in the table above. More specifically, the U.S. DRD constitutes $155 million of the total $157 million of 2017 non-taxable investment income, $142 million of the total $146 million of 2016 non-taxable investment income, and $161 million of the total $161 million of 2015 non-taxable investment income. The DRD for the current period was estimated using information from 2016, current year investment results, and current year’s equity market performance. The actual current year DRD can vary based on factors such as, but not limited to, changes in the amount of dividends received that are eligible for the DRD, changes in the amount of distributions received from fund investments, changes in the account balances of variable life and annuity contracts, and the Company’s taxable income before the DRD. Other. This line item represents insignificant reconciling items that are individually less than 5% of the computed expected federal income tax expense (benefit) and have therefore been aggregated for purposes of this reconciliation in accordance with relevant disclosure guidance. Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities As of December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Insurance reserves $ 171,504 $ 148,115 Other 0 1,966 Deferred tax assets 171,504 150,081 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition costs 39,501 45,405 Net unrealized gains on securities 61,294 24,949 Investments 96,385 171,303 Other 7,944 0 Deferred tax liabilities 205,124 241,657 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (33,620 ) $ (91,576 ) The application of U.S. GAAP requires the Company to evaluate the recoverability of deferred tax assets and establish a valuation allowance if necessary to reduce the deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not expected to be realized. Considerable judgment is required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and if so, the amount of such valuation allowance. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers many factors, including: (1) the nature of the deferred tax assets and liabilities; (2) whether they are ordinary or capital; (3) in which tax jurisdictions they were generated and the timing of their reversal; (4) taxable income in prior carryback years as well as projected taxable earnings exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; (5) the length of time that carryovers can be utilized in the various taxing jurisdictions; (6) any unique tax rules that would impact the utilization of the deferred tax assets; and (7) any tax planning strategies that the Company would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, will be realized. The Company had no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Adjustments to the valuation allowance will be made if there is a change in management’s assessment of the amount of deferred tax asset that is realizable. The Company’s “Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of operating joint venture” includes income from domestic operations of $170 million , $321 million and $497 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Tax Audit and Unrecognized Tax Benefits The Company’s liability for income taxes includes the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and interest that relate to tax years still subject to review by the IRS or other taxing authorities. The completion of review or the expiration of the Federal statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the liability for income taxes. The following table reconciles the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the periods indicated. 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Balance at January 1, $ 9,488 $ 0 $ 0 Increases in unrecognized tax benefits-prior years 12,373 4,744 0 (Decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits-prior years 0 0 0 Increases in unrecognized tax benefits-current year 8,335 4,744 0 (Decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits-current year 0 0 0 Settlements with taxing authorities 0 0 0 Balance at December 31, $ 30,196 $ 9,488 $ 0 Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective rate $ 30,196 $ 9,488 $ 0 The Company does not anticipate any significant changes within the next twelve months to its total unrecognized tax benefits related to tax years for which the statute of limitations has not expired. The Company classifies all interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties as income tax expense (benefit). At December 31, 2017 , the Company remains subject to examination in the U.S. for tax years 2014 through 2016 . The Company is participating in the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Program. Under this program, the IRS assigns an examination team to review completed transactions as they occur in order to reach agreement with the Company on how they should be reported in the relevant tax returns. If disagreements arise, accelerated resolution programs are available to resolve the disagreements in a timely manner before the tax returns are filed.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabil

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Fair Value Measurement – Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The authoritative fair value guidance establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: Level 1 - Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible to the Company for identical assets or liabilities. The Company’s Level 1 assets and liabilities primarily include certain cash equivalents, short-term investments and equity securities that trade on an active exchange market. Level 2 - Fair value is based on significant inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability through corroboration with observable market data. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted market prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities, and other market observable inputs. The Company’s Level 2 assets and liabilities include: fixed maturities (corporate public and private bonds, most government securities, certain asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, etc.), certain equity securities (mutual funds, which do not trade in active markets because they are not publicly available), certain short-term investments, certain cash equivalents, and certain OTC derivatives. Level 3 - Fair value is based on at least one significant unobservable input for the asset or liability. The assets and liabilities in this category may require significant judgment or estimation in determining the fair value. The Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities primarily include: certain private fixed maturities and equity securities, certain manually priced public fixed maturities, certain highly structured OTC derivative contracts, and embedded derivatives resulting from reinsurance or certain products with guaranteed benefits. Assets and Liabilities by Hierarchy Level - The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis, as of the dates indicated. As of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Netting(1) Total (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 80,611 $ 19,204 $ 0 $ 99,815 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 0 635,458 0 0 635,458 Foreign government bonds 0 134,924 174 0 135,098 U.S. corporate public securities 0 1,779,935 1,154 0 1,781,089 U.S. corporate private securities 0 901,080 60,158 0 961,238 Foreign corporate public securities 0 182,243 209 0 182,452 Foreign corporate private securities 0 837,766 13,900 0 851,666 Asset-backed securities(4) 0 71,400 111,028 0 182,428 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 0 322,832 0 0 322,832 Residential mortgage-backed securities 0 71,226 0 0 71,226 Subtotal 0 5,017,475 205,827 0 5,223,302 Trading account assets: Corporate securities 0 38,793 0 0 38,793 Asset-backed securities(4) 0 0 0 0 0 Equity securities 0 0 17,488 0 17,488 Subtotal 0 38,793 17,488 0 56,281 Equity securities, available-for-sale 94 22,991 37 0 23,122 Short-term investments 0 0 1,339 0 1,339 Cash equivalents 0 28,007 0 0 28,007 Other long-term investments(6) 0 115,094 0 (115,086 ) 8 Reinsurance recoverables(5) 0 0 5,457,649 0 5,457,649 Receivables from parent and affiliates 0 132,571 0 0 132,571 Subtotal excluding separate account assets 94 5,354,931 5,682,340 (115,086 ) 10,922,279 Separate account assets(2)(7) 0 125,543,035 0 0 125,543,035 Total assets $ 94 $ 130,897,966 $ 5,682,340 $ (115,086 ) $ 136,465,314 Future policy benefits(3) $ 0 $ 0 $ 5,452,583 $ 0 $ 5,452,583 Policyholders' account balances 0 0 46,651 0 46,651 Payables to parent and affiliates 0 74,378 0 (69,718 ) 4,660 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 74,378 $ 5,499,234 $ (69,718 ) $ 5,503,894 As of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Netting(1) Total (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 160,740 $ 0 $ 0 $ 160,740 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 0 626,486 0 0 626,486 Foreign government bonds 0 108,782 0 0 108,782 U.S. corporate public securities 0 2,306,409 55,109 0 2,361,518 U.S. corporate private securities 0 851,585 32,699 0 884,284 Foreign corporate public securities 0 221,848 0 0 221,848 Foreign corporate private securities 0 584,268 14,748 0 599,016 Asset-backed securities(4) 0 169,160 19,856 0 189,016 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 0 382,671 0 0 382,671 Residential mortgage-backed securities 0 83,188 0 0 83,188 Subtotal 0 5,495,137 122,412 0 5,617,549 Trading account assets: Corporate securities 0 19,256 0 0 19,256 Asset-backed securities(4) 0 302 0 0 302 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 0 0 0 0 — Equity securities 0 0 15,770 0 15,770 Subtotal 0 19,558 15,770 0 35,328 Equity securities, available-for-sale 41 16,640 75 0 16,756 Short-term investments 31,007 5,650 0 0 36,657 Cash equivalents 5,644 1,998 0 0 7,642 Other long-term investments(6) 0 90,884 0 (13,019 ) 77,865 Reinsurance recoverables 0 0 5,474,263 0 5,474,263 Receivables from parent and affiliates 0 131,144 6,493 0 137,637 Subtotal excluding separate account assets 36,692 5,761,011 5,619,013 (13,019 ) 11,403,697 Separate account assets(2)(7) 0 116,040,888 0 0 116,040,888 Total assets $ 36,692 $ 121,801,899 $ 5,619,013 $ (13,019 ) $ 127,444,585 Future policy benefits(3) $ 0 $ 0 $ 5,041,007 $ 0 $ 5,041,007 Policyholders' account balances 0 0 20,337 0 20,337 Payables to parent and affiliates 0 12,854 0 (12,854 ) 0 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 12,854 $ 5,061,344 $ (12,854 ) $ 5,061,344 (1) “Netting” amounts represent cash collateral of $45.4 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and the impact of offsetting asset and liability positions held with the same counterparty, subject to master netting arrangements. (2) Separate account assets represent segregated funds that are invested for certain customers. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the customers, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. Separate account liabilities are not included in the above table as they are reported at contract value and not fair value in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. (3) As of December 31, 2017 , the net embedded derivative liability position of $5,453 million includes $823 million of embedded derivatives in an asset position and $6,276 million of embedded derivatives in a liability position. As of December 31, 2016 , the net embedded derivative liability position of $5,041 million includes $1,157 million of embedded derivatives in an asset position and $6,198 million of embedded derivatives in a liability position. (4) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by syndicated bank loans, sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans and other asset types. (5) Effective July 1, 2017, the Company recaptured the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC and discontinued the embedded derivative accounting. (6) Other long-term investments excluded from the fair value hierarchy include certain hedge funds, private equity funds and other funds for which fair value is measured at net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the fair values of these investments, which include certain hedge funds, private equity funds and other funds were $0.7 million and $0.9 million , respectively. (7) Separate account assets included in the fair value hierarchy exclude investments in entities that calculate NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. Such investments excluded from the fair value hierarchy include investments in real estate, hedge funds and a corporate owned life insurance fund, for which fair value is measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent). At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the fair values of separate account assets excluded from the fair value hierarchy were $4,113 million and $566 million , respectively. The methods and assumptions the Company uses to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below. Fixed Maturity Securities - The fair values of the Company’s public fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services. Prices for each security are generally sourced from multiple pricing vendors, and a vendor hierarchy is maintained by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. The Company ultimately uses the price from the pricing service highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type. The pricing hierarchy is updated for new financial products and recent pricing experience with various vendors. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy described above, securities with validated quotes from pricing services are generally reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. Typical inputs used by these pricing services include but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, and/or estimated cash flow, prepayment speeds, and default rates. If the pricing information received from third party pricing services is deemed not reflective of market activity or other inputs observable in the market, the Company may challenge the price through a formal process with the pricing service or classify the securities as Level 3. If the pricing service updates the price to be more consistent with the presented market observations, the security remains within Level 2. Internally-developed valuations or indicative broker quotes are also used to determine fair value in circumstances where vendor pricing is not available, or where the Company ultimately concludes that pricing information received from the independent pricing services is not reflective of market activity. If the Company concludes the values from both pricing services and brokers are not reflective of market activity, it may override the information with an internally-developed valuation. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , overrides on a net basis were not material. Pricing service overrides, internally-developed valuations and indicative broker quotes are generally included in Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company conducts several specific price monitoring activities. Daily analyses identify price changes over predetermined thresholds defined at the financial instrument level. Various pricing integrity reports are reviewed on a daily and monthly basis to determine if pricing is reflective of market activity or if it would warrant any adjustments. Other procedures performed include, but are not limited to, reviews of third-party pricing services methodologies, reviews of pricing trends, and back testing. The fair values of private fixed maturities, which are originated by internal private asset managers, are primarily determined using discounted cash flow models. These models primarily use observable inputs that include Treasury or similar base rates plus estimated credit spreads to value each security. The credit spreads are obtained through a survey of private market intermediaries who are active in both primary and secondary transactions, and consider, among other factors, the credit quality and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Internal adjustments are made to reflect variation in observed sector spreads. Since most private placements are valued using standard market observable inputs and inputs derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including, but not limited to observed prices and spreads for similar publicly or privately traded issues, they have been reflected within Level 2. For certain private fixed maturities, the discounted cash flow model may incorporate significant unobservable inputs, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset. To the extent management determines that such unobservable inputs are significant to the price of a security, a Level 3 classification is made. Trading Account Assets - Trading account assets consist primarily of fixed maturity securities and equity securities whose fair values are determined consistent with similar instruments described above under “Fixed Maturity Securities” and below under “Equity Securities.” Equity Securities - Equity securities consist principally of investments in common and preferred stock of publicly traded companies, privately traded securities, as well as mutual fund shares. The fair values of most publicly traded equity securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Estimated fair values for most privately traded equity securities are determined using discounted cash flow, earnings multiple and other valuation models that require a substantial level of judgment around inputs and therefore are classified within Level 3. The fair values of mutual fund shares that transact regularly (but do not trade in active markets because they are not publicly available) are based on transaction prices of identical fund shares and are classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Derivative Instruments - Derivatives are recorded at fair value either as assets, within “Other long-term investments,” or as liabilities within “Payables to parent and affiliates,” except for embedded derivatives which are recorded with the associated host contract. The fair values of derivative contracts can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, credit spreads, market volatility, expected returns, NPR, liquidity and other factors. The Company's exchange-traded futures and options include treasury and equity futures. Exchange-traded futures and options are valued using quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The majority of the Company’s derivative positions are traded in the OTC derivative market and are classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. OTC derivatives classified within Level 2 are valued using models that utilize actively quoted or observable market input values from external market data providers, third-party pricing vendors and/or recent trading activity. The Company’s policy is to use mid-market pricing in determining its best estimate of fair value. The fair values of most OTC derivatives, including interest rate and cross-currency swaps, currency forward contracts and single name credit default swaps are determined using discounted cash flow models. The fair values of European style option contracts are determined using Black-Scholes option pricing models. These models’ key inputs include the contractual terms of the respective contract, along with significant observable inputs, including interest rates, currency rates, credit spreads, equity prices, index dividend yields, NPR, volatility and other factors. The Company’s cleared interest rate swaps and credit derivatives linked to an index are valued using models that utilize actively quoted or observable market inputs, including Overnight Indexed Swap discount rates, obtained from external market data providers, third-party pricing vendors and/or recent trading activity. These derivatives are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments - Cash equivalents and short-term investments include money market instruments and other highly liquid debt instruments. Certain money market instruments are valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible for identical assets and are primarily classified as Level 1. The remaining instruments in this category are generally fair valued based on market observable inputs and these investments have primarily been classified within Level 2. Separate Account Assets - Separate account assets include fixed maturity securities, treasuries, equity securities, real estate, mutual funds, and commercial mortgage loans for which values are determined consistent with similar instruments described above under “Fixed Maturity Securities” and “Equity Securities”. Receivables from Parent and Affiliates - Receivables from parent and affiliates carried at fair value include affiliated bonds within the Company’s legal entity where fair value is determined consistent with similar securities described above under “Fixed Maturity Securities” managed by affiliated asset managers. Reinsurance Recoverables - Reinsurance recoverables carried at fair value include the reinsurance of the Company’s living benefit guarantees on certain variable annuity contracts. These guarantees are accounted for as embedded derivatives and are recorded in “Reinsurance Recoverables” or “Other Liabilities” when fair value is in an asset or liability position, respectively. The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value are consistent with those described below in “Future Policy Benefits.” The reinsurance agreements covering these guarantees are derivatives with fair value determined in the same manner as the living benefit guarantee. The Company also had an agreement with UPARC, an affiliated captive reinsurance company, to reinsure risks associated with the no-lapse guarantee provision available on a portion of certain universal life products (see Note 12 ). Under this agreement, the Company paid a premium to UPARC to reinsure the risk of uncollectible policy charges and fees associated with the no-lapse guarantee provision. Reinsurance of this risk was accounted for as an embedded derivative which was included in “Reinsurance recoverables” as of December 31, 2016 . The fair value of this embedded derivative is the present value of expected reimbursement from UPARC for cost of insurance charges the Company is unable to collect from policyholders, less the present value of reinsurance premiums that are attributable to the embedded derivative feature. This methodology could result in either an asset or liability, given changes in capital market conditions and various policyholder behavior assumptions. Significant inputs to the valuation model for this embedded derivative included capital market assumptions, such as interest rates, estimated NPR of the counterparty, and various assumptions that are actuarially determined, including lapse rates, premium payment patterns, and mortality rates. Effective July 1, 2017, the Company recaptured the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC and discontinued the embedded derivative accounting. Future Policy Benefits - The liability for future policy benefits is related to guarantees primarily associated with the living benefit features of certain variable annuity contracts, including GMAB, GMWB and GMIWB, accounted for as embedded derivatives. The fair values of these liabilities are calculated as the present value of future expected benefit payments to customers less the present value of future expected rider fees attributable to the embedded derivative feature. This methodology could result in either a liability or contra-liability balance, given changing capital market conditions and various actuarial assumptions. Since there is no observable active market for the transfer of these obligations, the valuations are calculated using internally developed models with option pricing techniques. The models are based on a risk neutral valuation framework and incorporate premiums for risks inherent in valuation techniques, inputs, and the general uncertainty around the timing and amount of future cash flows. The determination of these risk premiums requires the use of management's judgment. The significant inputs to the valuation models for these embedded derivatives include capital market assumptions, such as interest rate levels and volatility assumptions, the Company’s market-perceived NPR, as well as actuarially determined assumptions, including contractholder behavior, such as lapse rates, benefit utilization rates, withdrawal rates and mortality rates. Since many of these assumptions are unobservable and are considered to be significant inputs to the liability valuation, the liability included in future policy benefits has been reflected within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Capital market inputs and actual policyholders’ account values are updated each quarter based on capital market conditions as of the end of the quarter, including interest rates, equity markets and volatility. In the risk neutral valuation, the initial swap curve drives the total return used to grow the policyholders’ account values. The Company’s discount rate assumption is based on the LIBOR swap curve adjusted for an additional spread relative to LIBOR to reflect NPR. Actuarial assumptions, including contractholder behavior and mortality, are reviewed at least annually, and updated based upon emerging experience, future expectations and other data, including any observable market data. These assumptions are generally updated annually unless a material change that the Company feels is indicative of a long-term trend is observed in an interim period. Policyholders' Account Balances - The liability for policyholders' account balances is related to certain embedded derivative instruments associated with certain policyholders' account balances. The fair values are determined consistent with similar derivative instruments described under "Derivative Instruments". Transfers between Levels 1 and 2 - Transfers between levels are made to reflect changes in observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into or out of any level are generally reported at the value as of the beginning of the quarter in which the transfers occur for any such assets still held at the end of the quarter. Periodically there are transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for assets held in the Company’s Separate Account. The fair value of foreign common stock held in the Company's Separate Account may reflect differences in market levels between the close of foreign trading markets and the close of U.S. trading markets for the respective day. Dependent on the existence of such a timing difference, the assets may move between Level 1 and Level 2. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. Quantitative Information Regarding Internally-Priced Level 3 Assets and Liabilities - The tables below present quantitative information on significant internally-priced Level 3 assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Unobservable Inputs Minimum Maximum Weighted Impact of (in thousands) Assets: Corporate securities(12) $ 36,966 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 5.06 % 22.23 % 7.33 % Decrease Liquidation Liquidation value 25 % 25 % 25 % Increase Reinsurance recoverables(13) $ 5,457,649 Fair values are determined in the same manner as future policy benefits Liabilities: Future policy benefits(7) $ 5,452,583 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate(8) 1 % 12 % Decrease Spread over LIBOR(4) 0.12 % 1.10 % Decrease Utilization rate(9) 52 % 97 % Increase Withdrawal rate See table footnote (10) below Mortality rate(11) 0 % 14 % Decrease Equity volatility curve 13 % 24 % Increase As of December 31, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Minimum Maximum Weighted Average Impact of Increase in Input on Fair Value(1) (in thousands) Assets: Corporate securities(12) $ 45,715 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 4.54 % 15.00 % 8.06 % Decrease Market comparables EBITDA multiples(2) 4.0 X 4.0 X 4.0 X Increase Liquidation Liquidation value 98.21 % 98.21 % 98.21 % Increase Reinsurance recoverables - Living Benefits $ 5,041,262 Fair values are determined in the same manner as future policy benefits Reinsurance recoverables - No Lapse Guarantee $ 433,001 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate(3) 0 % 12 % Decrease Spread over LIBOR(4) 0.25 % 1.50 % Decrease Mortality rate(5) 0 % 31 % Decrease Premium payment(6) 0.65 X 0.95 X Decrease Liabilities: Future policy benefits(7) $ 5,041,007 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate(8) 0 % 13 % Decrease Spread over LIBOR(4) 0.25 % 1.50 % Decrease Utilization rate(9) 52 % 96 % Increase Withdrawal rate See table footnote (10) below Mortality rate(11) 0 % 14 % Decrease Equity volatility curve 16 % 25 % Increase (1) Conversely, the impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on fair value as that presented in the table. (2) Represents multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, ("EBITDA"), and are amounts used when the Company has determined that market participants would use such multiples when valuing the investments. (3) For universal life, lapse rates vary based on funding level and other factors. Rates are set to zero when the no lapse guarantee is fully funded and the cash value is zero. (4) The spread over LIBOR swap curve represents the premium added to the risk-free discount rate (i.e., LIBOR) to reflect our estimates of rates that a market participant would use to value the living benefit contracts in both the accumulation and payout phases. This spread includes an estimate of NPR, which is the risk that the obligation will not be fulfilled by the Company. NPR is primarily estimated by utilizing the credit spreads associated with issuing funding agreements, adjusted for any illiquidity risk premium. In order to reflect the financial strength ratings of the Company, credit spreads associated with funding agreements, as opposed to credit spread associated with debt, are utilized in developing this estimate because both funding agreements and living benefit contracts are insurance liabilities and are therefore senior to debt. (5) Universal life mortality rates are adjusted based on underwriting information. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the projection. (6) For universal life, policyholders are assumed to pay a multiple of commissionable target premium levels (shown above and indicated as "X"). The multiples vary by funding level and policy duration. If the resulting premium in any duration is smaller than the minimum annual premium required to maintain the no-lapse guarantee, policyholders are assumed to pay the minimum annual premium. Policyholders are assumed to stop premium payments once the no-lapse guarantee is fully funded. The range shown as of December 31, 2016 excludes multiples for the first duration since all contracts are beyond the first duration. Assumption ranges for prior periods include first duration multiples. (7) Future policy benefits primarily represent general account liabilities for the living benefit guarantees of the Company’s variable annuity contracts which are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Since the valuation methodology for these liabilities uses a range of inputs that vary at the contract level over the cash flow projection period, presenting a range, rather than weighted average, is a more meaningful representation of the unobservable inputs used in the valuation. (8) Lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on the in-the-moneyness of the living benefit and reflect other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. Lapse rates are reduced when contracts are more in-the-money. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower for the period where surrender charges apply. (9) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contracts that will utilize the benefit during the contract duration, and begin lifetime withdrawals at various time intervals from contract inception. The remaining contractholders are assumed to either begin lifetime withdrawals immediately or never utilize the benefit. Utilization assumptions may vary by product type, tax status and age. The impact of changes in these assumptions is highly dependent on the product type, the age of the contractholder at the time of the sale, and the timing of the first lifetime income withdrawal. Range reflects the utilization rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits. (10) The withdrawal rate assumption estimates the magnitude of annual contractholder withdrawals relative to the maximum allowable amount under the contract. These assumptions may vary based on the age of the contractholder, the tax status of the contract and the duration since the contractholder began lifetime withdrawals. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the minimum withdrawal assumption rate is 78% and the maximum withdrawal assumption rate may be greater than 100% . The fair value of the liability will generally increase the closer the withdrawal rate is to 100% and decrease as the withdrawal rate moves further away from 100%. (11) Range reflects the mortality rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits, with policyholders ranging from 35 to 90 years old. While the majority of living benefits have a minimum age requirement, certain benefits do not have an age restriction. This results in contractholders for certain benefits with mortality rates approaching 0% . Based on historical experience, the Company applies a set of age and duration specific mortality rate adjustments compared to standard industry tables. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the overall mortality table. (12) Includes assets classified as fixed maturities available-for-sale. (13) Effective July 1, 2017, the Company recaptured the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC and discontinued the embedded derivative accounting. Interrelationships Between Unobservable Inputs – In addition to the sensitivities of fair value measurements to changes in each unobservable input in isolation, as reflected in the table above, interrelationships between these inputs may also exist, such that a change in one unobservable input may give rise to a change in another, or multiple, inputs. Examples of such interrelationships for significant internally-priced Level 3 assets and liabilities are as follows: Corporate Securities – The rate used to discount future cash flows reflects current risk-free rates plus credit and liquidity spread requirements that market participants would use to value an asset. The discount rate may be influenced by many factors, including market cycles, expectations of default, collateral, term, and asset complexity. Each of these factors can influence discount rates, either in isolation, or in response to other factors. Future Policy Benefits – The Company expects efficient benefit utilization and withdrawal rates to generally be correlated with lapse rates. However, behavior is generally highly dependent on the facts and circumstances surrounding the individual contractholder, such as their liquidity needs or tax situation, which could drive lapse behavior independent of other contractholder behavior assumptions. To the extent more efficient contractholder behavior results in greater in-the-moneyness at the contract level, lapse rates may decline for those contracts. Similarly, to the extent that increases in equity volatility are correlated with overall declines in the capital markets, lapse rates may decline as contracts become more in-the-money. Valuation Process for Fair Value Measurements Categorized within Level 3 – The Company has established an internal control infrastructure over the valuation of financial instruments that requires ongoing oversight by its various business groups. These management control functions are segregated from the trading and investing functions. For invested assets, the Company has established oversight teams, often in the form of pricing committees within each asset managemen

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Types of Derivative Instruments and Derivative Strategies Interest Rate Contracts Interest rate swaps are used by the Company to reduce risks from changes in interest rates, manage interest rate exposures arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities and to hedge against changes in their values it owns or anticipates acquiring or selling. Swaps may be attributed to specific assets or liabilities or to a portfolio of assets or liabilities. Under interest rate swaps, the Company agrees with counterparties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional principal amount. Equity Contracts Equity options are used by the Company to manage its exposure to the equity markets which impacts the value of assets and liabilities it owns or anticipates acquiring or selling. Equity index options are contracts which will settle in cash based on differentials in the underlying indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. The Company uses combinations of purchases and sales of equity index options to hedge the effects of adverse changes in equity indices within a predetermined range. Foreign Exchange Contracts Currency derivatives, including currency swaps and forwards, are used by the Company to reduce risks from changes in currency exchange rates with respect to investments denominated in foreign currencies that the Company either holds or intends to acquire or sell. Under currency forwards, the Company agrees with counterparties to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. Typically, the price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made at the specified future date. The Company executes forward sales of the hedged currency in exchange for U.S. dollars at a specified exchange rate. The maturities of these forwards correspond with the future periods in which the non-U.S. dollar-denominated earnings are expected to be generated. Under currency swaps, the Company agrees with counterparties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at an exchange rate and calculated by reference to an agreed principal amount. Generally, the principal amount of each currency is exchanged at the beginning and termination of the currency swap by each party. Credit Contracts The Company writes credit protection to gain exposure similar to investment in public fixed maturity cash instruments. With these credit derivatives the Company sells credit protection on a single name reference, or certain index reference, and in return receives a quarterly premium. This premium or credit spread generally corresponds to the difference between the yield on the referenced names (or an index’s referenced names) public fixed maturity cash instruments and swap rates, at the time the agreement is executed. If there is an event of default by the referenced name or one of the referenced names in the index, as defined by the agreement, then the Company is obligated to pay the referenced amount of the contract to the counterparty and receive in return the referenced defaulted security or similar security or (in the case of a credit default index) pay the referenced amount less the auction recovery rate. In addition to selling credit protection, the Company purchases credit protection using credit derivatives in order to hedge specific credit exposures in the Company’s investment portfolio. Embedded Derivatives The Company sells variable annuity products which may include guaranteed benefit features that are accounted for as embedded derivatives; related to these derivatives, the Company has entered into reinsurance agreements with both affiliated and unaffiliated parties. Effective April 1, 2016, the Company entered into reinsurance agreements (previously reinsured to Pruco Re) with affiliates, PALAC and Prudential Insurance. See Note 1 for additional information on the reinsurance agreements. Additionally, the Company has entered into a reinsurance agreement with an external counterparty, Union Hamilton Reinsurance, Ltd. ("Union Hamilton"). In regard to no-lapse guarantee provision on certain universal life products, the Company had reinsured a portion of it to an affiliate, UPARC, through June 30, 2017 and recaptured the reinsurance effective July 1, 2017. See Note 12 for additional information on the recapture. These embedded derivatives and reinsurance agreements, also accounted as derivatives, are carried at fair value and marked to market through “Realized investment gains (losses), net” based on the change in value of the underlying contractual guarantees, which are determined using valuation models, as described in Note 9 . Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives The table below provides a summary of the gross notional amount and fair value of derivative contracts by the primary underlying risks, excluding embedded derivatives which are recorded with the associated host and related reinsurance recoverables. Many derivative instruments contain multiple underlyings. The fair value amounts below represent the gross fair value of derivative contracts prior to taking into account the netting effects of master netting agreements, cash collateral held with the same counterparty, and non-performance risk. December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Fair Value Gross Fair Value Primary Underlying Notional Assets Liabilities Notional Assets Liabilities (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Currency/Interest Rate Foreign Currency Swaps $ 649,905 $ 18,243 $ (44,806 ) $ 435,602 $ 44,040 $ (1,835 ) Total Qualifying Hedges $ 649,905 $ 18,243 $ (44,806 ) $ 435,602 $ 44,040 $ (1,835 ) Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Interest Rate Interest Rate Swaps $ 246,925 $ 23,032 $ 0 $ 101,076 $ 8,215 $ 0 Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Forwards 16,320 0 (376 ) 13,447 216 (20 ) Credit Credit Default Swaps 1,594 0 (96 ) 3,000 0 (281 ) Currency/Interest Rate Foreign Currency Swaps 95,145 4,347 (5,600 ) 56,626 7,789 (211 ) Equity Equity Options 1,277,102 69,472 (23,500 ) 649,807 30,624 (10,507 ) Total Non-Qualifying Hedges $ 1,637,086 $ 96,851 $ (29,572 ) $ 823,956 $ 46,844 $ (11,019 ) Total Derivatives (1) $ 2,286,991 $ 115,094 $ (74,378 ) $ 1,259,558 $ 90,884 $ (12,854 ) (1) Excludes embedded derivatives and related reinsurance recoverables which contain multiple underlyings. The fair value of the embedded derivatives, included in "Future policy benefits," was a net liability of $5,453 million and $5,041 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The fair value of the related reinsurance recoverables, included in "Reinsurance recoverables," was an asset of $5,458 million and $5,474 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Of these reinsurance recoverables, the fair value related to the living benefits guarantee from PALAC and Prudential Insurance was an asset of $5,445 million and $5,041 million and the fair value related to the Prudential Premier® Retirement Variable Annuity from Union Hamilton was an asset of $13 million and $0 million of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Effective July 1, 2017, the Company recaptured the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC and discontinued the embedded derivative accounting. The fair value related to the no-lapse guarantee from UPARC was an asset of $433 million as of December 31, 2016 . See Note 12 for additional information on these reinsurance agreements. The fair value of the embedded derivatives, included in "Policyholders' account balances," was a net liability of $47 million and $20 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. There was no related reinsurance recoverable. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities The following table presents recognized derivative instruments (excluding embedded derivatives and associated reinsurance recoverables), and repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements that are offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, and/or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. December 31, 2017 Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Financial Instruments/ Collateral(1) Net Amount (in thousands) Offsetting of Financial Assets: Derivatives(1) $ 115,086 $ (115,086 ) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Securities purchased under agreements to resell 148,000 0 148,000 (148,000 ) 0 Total Assets $ 263,086 $ (115,086 ) $ 148,000 $ (148,000 ) $ 0 Offsetting of Financial Liabilities: Derivatives(1) $ 74,378 $ (69,718 ) $ 4,660 $ (245 ) $ 4,415 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 0 0 0 0 0 Total Liabilities $ 74,378 $ (69,718 ) $ 4,660 $ (245 ) $ 4,415 December 31, 2016 Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments Gross Net Financial Instruments/ Collateral(1) Net Amount (in thousands) Offsetting of Financial Assets: Derivatives(1) $ 90,877 $ (13,019 ) $ 77,858 $ (77,858 ) $ 0 Securities purchased under agreements to resell 58,366 0 58,366 (58,366 ) 0 Total Assets $ 149,243 $ (13,019 ) $ 136,224 $ (136,224 ) $ 0 Offsetting of Financial Liabilities: Derivatives(1) $ 12,854 $ (12,854 ) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 68,904 0 68,904 (68,904 ) 0 Total Liabilities $ 81,758 $ (12,854 ) $ 68,904 $ (68,904 ) $ 0 (1) Amounts exclude the excess of collateral received/pledged from/to the counterparty. For information regarding the rights of offset associated with the derivative assets and liabilities in the table above see “Credit Risk” below and Note 14 . For securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the Company monitors the value of the securities and maintains collateral, as appropriate, to protect against credit exposure. Where the Company has entered into repurchase and resale agreements with the same counterparty, in the event of default, the Company would generally be permitted to exercise rights of offset. For additional information on the Company’s accounting policy for securities repurchase and resale agreements, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements . Cash Flow Hedges The primary derivative instruments used by the Company in its cash flow hedge accounting relationships are currency swaps. These instruments are only designated for hedge accounting in instances where the appropriate criteria are met. The Company does not use futures, options, credit, equity or embedded derivatives in any of its cash flow hedge accounting relationships. The following tables provide the financial statement classification and impact of derivatives used in qualifying and non-qualifying hedge relationships, excluding the offset of the hedged item in an effective hedge relationship. Year Ended December 31, 2017 Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Net Investment Income Other Income AOCI (1) (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Cash flow hedges Currency/Interest Rate $ 0 $ 6,071 $ (8,234 ) $ (58,609 ) Total qualifying hedges 0 6,071 (8,234 ) (58,609 ) Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Interest Rate (1,565 ) 0 0 0 Currency (1,316 ) 0 0 0 Currency/Interest Rate (7,245 ) 0 (71 ) 0 Credit (46 ) 0 0 0 Equity 30,466 0 0 0 Embedded Derivatives (126,919 ) 0 0 0 Total non-qualifying hedges (106,625 ) 0 (71 ) 0 Total $ (106,625 ) $ 6,071 $ (8,305 ) $ (58,609 ) Year Ended December 31, 2016 Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Net Investment Income Other Income AOCI (1) (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Cash flow hedges Currency/Interest Rate $ 0 $ 4,055 $ 1,638 $ (7,340 ) Total qualifying hedges 0 4,055 1,638 (7,340 ) Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Interest Rate 186,419 0 0 0 Currency 1,657 0 0 0 Currency/Interest Rate 8,960 0 (15 ) 0 Credit (535 ) 0 0 0 Equity 350 0 0 0 Embedded Derivatives 467,682 0 0 0 Total non-qualifying hedges 664,533 0 (15 ) 0 Total $ 664,533 $ 4,055 $ 1,623 $ (7,340 ) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Net Investment Income Other Income AOCI (1) (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Cash flow hedges Currency/Interest Rate $ 0 $ 3,297 $ 1,879 $ 36,686 Total qualifying hedges 0 3,297 1,879 36,686 Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Interest Rate 77,158 0 0 0 Currency 211 0 0 0 Currency/Interest Rate 11,533 0 209 0 Credit 90 0 0 0 Equity (35,276 ) 0 0 0 Embedded Derivatives (274,008 ) 0 0 0 Total non-qualifying hedges (220,292 ) 0 209 0 Total $ (220,292 ) $ 3,297 $ 2,088 $ 36,686 (1) Amounts deferred in AOCI. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the ineffective portion of derivatives accounted for using hedge accounting were de minimis to the Company’s results of operations. Also, there were no material amounts reclassified into earnings relating to instances in which the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transaction did not occur by the anticipated date or within the additional time period permitted by the authoritative guidance for the accounting for derivatives and hedging. Presented below is a rollforward of current period cash flow hedges in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” before taxes: (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 11,585 Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges from January 1 to December 31, 2015 40,972 Amount reclassified into current period earnings (4,286 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 48,271 Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges from January 1 to December 31, 2016 575 Amount reclassified into current period earnings (7,915 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 40,931 Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges from January 1 to December 31, 2017 (59,712 ) Amount reclassified into current period earnings 1,103 Balance, December 31, 2017 $ (17,678 ) The changes in fair value of cash flow hedges are deferred in AOCI and are included in "Net unrealized investment gains (losses)" in the Consolidated Statements Comprehensive Income; these amounts are then reclassified to earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. Using December 31, 2017 values, it is estimated that a pre-tax gain of $6 million will be reclassified from AOCI to earnings during the subsequent twelve months ending December 31, 2018 , offset by amounts pertaining to the hedged items. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company did not have any qualifying cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions other than those related to the variability of the payment or receipt of interest or foreign currency amounts on existing financial instruments. The maximum length of time for which these variable cash flows are hedged is 39 years . Credit Derivatives As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company has not written credit protection. The Company has purchased credit protection using credit derivatives in order to hedge specific credit exposures in the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company has outstanding notional amounts of $2 million and $3 million reported at fair value as a liability of $0.1 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Credit Risk The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparty to financial derivative transactions with a positive fair value. The Company manages credit risk by entering into derivative transactions with its affiliate, Prudential Global Funding LLC (“PGF”), related to its OTC derivatives. PGF, in turn, manages its credit risk by: (i) entering into derivative transactions with highly rated major international financial institutions and other creditworthy counterparties governed by master netting agreement as applicable; (ii) trading through a central clearing and OTC; (iii) obtaining collateral, such as cash and securities, when appropriate; and (iv) setting limits on single party credit exposures which are subject to periodic management review. Substantially all of the Company’s derivative agreements have zero thresholds which require daily full collateralization by the party in a liability position.

Commitments, Contingent Liabili

Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Litigation and Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Litigation and Regulatory Matters	COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND LITIGATION AND REGULATORY MATTERS Commitments The Company has made commitments to fund commercial loans. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the outstanding balances on these commitments were $15 million and $49 million , respectively. The Company also made commitments to purchase or fund investments, mostly private fixed maturities. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $196 million and $133 million , respectively, of these commitments were outstanding. Guarantees In July 2017, the Company formed a joint venture with CT Corp to provide life insurance solutions in Indonesia. The Company owns a 49% interest in the joint venture and has entered into a shareholders agreement with CT Corp that set out their respective rights and obligations with respect to the joint venture. Among other things, the shareholders agreement obligates the Company and CT Corp to provide capital to the joint venture, as necessary to comply with applicable law or to maintain a specified minimum amount of capital in the joint venture. This obligation is not limited to a maximum amount. The Company does not expect to make any payments on this guarantee and is not carrying any liabilities associated with the guarantee. Contingent Liabilities On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its operations including, but not limited to, practices and procedures for meeting obligations to our customers and other parties. This review may result in the modification or enhancement of processes, including concerning the timing or computation of payments to customers and other parties. In certain cases, if appropriate, the Company may offer customers or other parties remediation and may incur charges, including the cost of such remediation, administrative costs and regulatory fines. The Company is subject to the laws and regulations of states and other jurisdictions concerning the identification, reporting and escheatment of unclaimed or abandoned funds, and is subject to audit and examination for compliance with these requirements. For additional discussion of these matters, see “Litigation and Regulatory Matters” below. It is possible that the results of operations or the cash flows of the Company in a particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected as a result of payments in connection with the matters discussed above or other matters depending, in part, upon the results of operations or cash flows for such period. Management believes, however, that ultimate payments in connection with these matters, after consideration of applicable reserves and rights to indemnification, should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position. Litigation and Regulatory Matters The Company is subject to legal and regulatory actions in the ordinary course of its business. Pending legal and regulatory actions include proceedings specific to the Company and proceedings generally applicable to business practices in the industry in which it operates. The Company is subject to class action lawsuits and other litigation involving a variety of issues and allegations involving sales practices, claims payments and procedures, premium charges, policy servicing and breach of fiduciary duty to customers. The Company is also subject to litigation arising out of its general business activities, such as its investments, contracts, leases and labor and employment relationships, including claims of discrimination and harassment, and could be exposed to claims or litigation concerning certain business or process patents. In addition, the Company, along with other participants in the businesses in which it engages, may be subject from time to time to investigations, examinations and inquiries, in some cases industry-wide, concerning issues or matters upon which such regulators have determined to focus. In some of the Company’s pending legal and regulatory actions, parties are seeking large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive or exemplary damages. The outcome of litigation or a regulatory matter, and the amount or range of potential loss at any particular time, is often inherently uncertain. The Company establishes accruals for litigation and regulatory matters when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of that loss can be reasonably estimated. For litigation and regulatory matters where a loss may be reasonably possible, but not probable, or is probable but not reasonably estimable, no accrual is established, but the matter, if material, is disclosed, including matters discussed below. The Company estimates that as of December 31, 2017 , the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of accruals established for those litigation and regulatory matters for which such an estimate currently can be made is less than $30 million . This estimate is not an indication of expected loss, if any, or the Company's maximum possible loss exposure on such matters. The Company reviews relevant information with respect to its litigation and regulatory matters on a quarterly and annual basis and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible loss based on such reviews. Wells Fargo MyTerm Sales In December 2016, Prudential Financial announced that it suspended sales of its MyTerm life insurance product through Wells Fargo pending completion of a Prudential Financial-initiated review of how the product was being sold through Wells Fargo. Prudential Financial has offered to reimburse the full amount of premium with interest, to any Wells Fargo customers with concerns about the way in which the product was purchased. Wells Fargo distributed the product from June 2014 until sales were suspended, and Prudential Financial's total annualized new business premiums associated with sales through Wells Fargo were approximately $4 million . Annualized new business premiums include 100% of scheduled first year premiums for policies sold during this period. Prudential Financial has received inquiries, requests for information, subpoenas and a civil investigative demand related to this matter from state and federal regulators, including its lead state insurance regulator, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance ("NJDOBI"), state attorneys general and federal legislators, and is responding to these requests. Prudential Financial has also received shareholder demands for certain books and records under New Jersey law. Litigation related to this matter is described below. Prudential Financial may become subject to additional regulatory inquiries and other investigations and actions, shareholder demands and litigation related to this matter. Prudential Financial has provided notice to Wells Fargo that it may seek indemnification under the MyTerm distribution agreement between the parties. In December 2017, NJDOBI ended its investigation and concluded that there was no evidence of improper activity by Prudential regarding the sale and marketing of MyTerm policies to Wells Fargo customers. Alex Perea, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, et al. In December 2016, a putative class action complaint entitled Alex Perea, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, and Pruco Life Insurance Company , was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The complaint: (i) alleges that defendants conspired with Wells Fargo to sell a life insurance product to Wells Fargo customers without their knowledge or consent and violated federal law (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ("RICO")) and New Jersey law (Consumer Fraud Act); and (ii) seeks injunctive relief, compensatory damages, exemplary and statutory penalties, treble damages, interest and attorneys’ fees and costs. In January 2017, plaintiff filed an amended complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleging the same claims contained in the complaint. In February 2017, the amended complaint was withdrawn with prejudice. This case is now closed. Behfarin v. Pruco Life In July 2017, a putative class action complaint entitled Richard Behfarin v. Pruco Life Insurance Company was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the Company imposes charges on owners of universal life policies to cure defaults and/or reinstate lapses, that are inconsistent with the applicable universal life policy. The complaint includes claims for breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and violation of California law, and seeks unspecified damages along with declaratory and injunctive relief. In September 2017, the Company filed its answer to the complaint. Escheatment Litigation State of West Virginia ex. Rel. John D. Perdue v. Pruco Life In October 2012, the State of West Virginia commenced a second action against Pruco Life making the same allegations stated in the action against Prudential Insurance. In April 2013, Pruco Life filed motions to dismiss the complaints in both of the West Virginia actions. In December 2013, the Court granted Pruco Life’s motions and dismissed the complaints with prejudice. In January 2014, the State of West Virginia appealed the decisions. In June 2015, the West Virginia Supreme Court issued a decision: (i) reversing the trial court’s dismissal of the West Virginia Treasurer’s complaint alleging violations of West Virginia’s unclaimed property law; and (ii) remanding the case to the Circuit Court of Putnam County for proceedings consistent with its decision. In July 2015 , a petition for rehearing was filed with the West Virginia Supreme Court. In September 2015 , the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals denied Pruco Life's rehearing petition. In November 2015 , Pruco Life filed its answer. Escheatment Audit and Claims Settlement Practices Market Conduct Exam In January 2012, a Global Resolution Agreement entered into by the Company and a third-party auditor became effective upon its acceptance by the unclaimed property departments of 20 states and jurisdictions. Under the terms of the Global Resolution Agreement, the third-party auditor acting on behalf of the signatory states will compare expanded matching criteria to the Social Security Master Death File (“SSMDF") to identify deceased insureds and contractholders where a valid claim has not been made. In February 2012, a Regulatory Settlement Agreement entered into by the Company to resolve a multi-state market conduct examination regarding its adherence to state claim settlement practices became effective upon its acceptance by the insurance departments of 20 states and jurisdictions. The Regulatory Settlement Agreement applies prospectively and requires the Company to adopt and implement additional procedures comparing its records to the SSMDF to identify unclaimed death benefits and prescribes procedures for identifying and locating beneficiaries once deaths are identified. Substantially all other jurisdictions that are not signatories to the Global Resolution Agreement or the Regulatory Settlement Agreement have entered into similar agreements with the Company. During 2017, audits were satisfactorily completed by the third party auditor of the Global Resolution Agreement and by the regulators for the Regulatory Settlement Agreement to assure that the Company had complied with the terms of both agreements. The New York Attorney General has subpoenaed the Company, along with other companies, regarding its unclaimed property procedures and may ultimately seek remediation and other relief, including damages. Additionally, the New York Office of Unclaimed Funds is conducting an audit of the Company’s compliance with New York’s unclaimed property laws. Securities Lending Matter In 2016, Prudential Financial self-reported to the SEC and the DOL, and notified other regulators, that in some cases it failed to maximize securities lending income for the benefit of certain separate account investments due to a long-standing restriction benefiting Prudential Financial that limited the availability of loanable securities. Prudential Financial has removed the restriction and substantially implemented a remediation plan for the benefit of customers. Prudential Financial is cooperating with regulators in their review of this matter (which includes a review of the remediation plan) and has entered into discussions with the SEC staff regarding a possible settlement that would potentially involve charges under the Investment Advisers Act and financial remedies. Prudential Financial cannot predict the outcome of these discussions. Summary The Company’s litigation and regulatory matters are subject to many uncertainties, and given their complexity and scope, their outcome cannot be predicted. It is possible that the Company’s results of operations or cash flows in a particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by an ultimate unfavorable resolution of pending litigation and regulatory matters depending, in part, upon the results of operations or cash flows for such period. In light of the unpredictability of the Company’s litigation and regulatory matters, it is also possible that in certain cases an ultimate unfavorable resolution of one or more pending litigation or regulatory matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position. Management believes, however, that, based on information currently known to it, the ultimate outcome of all pending litigation and regulatory matters, after consideration of applicable reserves and rights to indemnification, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	REINSURANCE The Company participates in reinsurance with its affiliates Prudential Life Insurance Company of Taiwan Inc. (“Prudential of Taiwan”), Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Captive Company (“PARCC”), Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Term Company (“PAR Term”), PAR U, Prudential Universal Reinsurance Company ("PURC"), Prudential Term Reinsurance Company (“Term Re”), PALAC, GUL Re, its parent company Prudential Insurance, as well as third parties, and participated in reinsurance with its affiliate Pruco Re through March 31, 2016 and its affiliate UPARC through June 30, 2017. The reinsurance agreements provide risk diversification and additional capacity for future growth, limit the maximum net loss potential, manage statutory capital, facilitate the Company's capital market hedging program, and align accounting methodology for the assets and liabilities of living benefit guarantees contained in annuities contracts. See Note 1 for additional information on the change effective April 1, 2016 related to the Variable Annuities Recapture. Life reinsurance is accomplished through various plans of reinsurance, primarily yearly renewable term and coinsurance. Reinsurance ceded arrangements do not discharge the Company as the primary insurer. Ceded balances would represent a liability of the Company in the event the reinsurers were unable to meet their obligations to the Company under the terms of the reinsurance agreements. The Company believes a material reinsurance liability resulting from such inability of reinsurers to meet their obligations is unlikely. Reserves related to reinsured long duration contracts are accounted for using assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying contracts. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers for long duration reinsurance arrangements are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liabilities and policy benefits associated with the reinsured policies. Reinsurance premiums ceded for universal life products are accounted for as a reduction of policy charges and fee income. Reinsurance premiums ceded for term insurance products are accounted for as a reduction of premiums. Realized investment gains and losses include the impact of reinsurance agreements, particularly reinsurance agreements involving living benefit guarantees. The Company has entered into reinsurance agreements to transfer the risk related to the living benefit guarantees on variable annuities to PALAC excluding the PLNJ business which was reinsured to Prudential Insurance. See Note 1 for additional information on the change effective April 1, 2016 related to the Variable Annuities Recapture. Through June 30, 2017, the Company had an agreement with UPARC to reinsure a portion of the no-lapse guarantee provision on certain universal life products. See below for additional information on the change effective July 1, 2017 related to the recapture of the no-lapse guarantee risks that were previously reinsured to UPARC. These reinsurance agreements are derivatives and have been accounted for in the same manner as embedded derivatives and the changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized through “Realized investment gains (losses), net”. See Note 10 for additional information related to the accounting for embedded derivatives. Reinsurance amounts included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, were as follows: 2017 2016 (in thousands) Reinsurance recoverables $ 32,555,500 $ 28,674,226 Policy loans (124,843 ) (87,112 ) Deferred policy acquisition costs (6,832,729 ) (6,482,889 ) Deferred sales inducements (638,065 ) (615,117 ) Other assets(1) 205,430 226,347 Policyholders’ account balances 5,004,885 4,978,859 Future policy benefits 3,301,841 2,833,327 Other liabilities(2) 626,306 410,376 (1) "Other assets" includes $0.1 million of unaffiliated activity as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016 . (2) "Other liabilities" includes $73 million and $28 million of unaffiliated activity as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The reinsurance recoverables by counterparty are broken out below: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) PAR U $ 11,111,272 $ 10,514,125 PALAC 8,388,988 7,706,860 PURC 3,577,962 3,153,449 PARCC 2,546,673 2,589,397 GUL Re 1,772,950 0 PAR Term 1,559,618 1,403,738 Prudential of Taiwan 1,406,686 1,246,241 Prudential Insurance 1,152,241 976,652 Term Re 966,509 593,084 UPARC 0 467,904 Unaffiliated 72,601 22,776 Total reinsurance recoverables $ 32,555,500 $ 28,674,226 Reinsurance amounts, included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Premiums: Direct $ 1,720,896 $ 1,621,531 $ 1,519,992 Assumed(1) 194 359 0 Ceded(2) (1,666,384 ) (2,447,832 ) (1,442,358 ) Net premiums 54,706 (825,942 ) 77,634 Policy charges and fee income: Direct 3,459,134 2,804,446 2,933,271 Assumed 473,573 533,648 434,560 Ceded(3) (3,678,165 ) (2,550,899 ) (1,211,444 ) Net policy charges and fee income 254,542 787,195 2,156,387 Net investment income: Direct 356,291 378,969 419,357 Assumed 1,484 1,411 1,394 Ceded (5,365 ) (4,430 ) (4,164 ) Net investment income 352,410 375,950 416,587 Asset administration fees: Direct 340,461 310,178 362,321 Assumed 0 0 0 Ceded (322,868 ) (225,735 ) 0 Net asset administration fees 17,593 84,443 362,321 Other income: Direct 62,830 50,475 44,223 Assumed(4) 390 (161 ) 0 Ceded (77 ) 21 0 Amortization of reinsurance income 4,606 (19,228 ) 11,292 Net other income 67,749 31,107 55,515 Realized investment gains (losses), net: Direct 478,117 1,263,088 571,702 Assumed 0 0 0 Ceded(5) (558,303 ) (504,639 ) (780,240 ) Realized investment gains (losses), net (80,186 ) 758,449 (208,538 ) Policyholders’ benefits (including change in reserves): Direct 2,450,810 2,456,262 2,064,906 Assumed(6) 584,909 596,196 541,371 Ceded(7) (3,074,099 ) (3,312,658 ) (2,307,127 ) Net policyholders’ benefits (including change in reserves) (38,380 ) (260,200 ) 299,150 Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances: Direct 350,262 413,328 477,667 Assumed 135,123 131,953 124,954 Ceded (316,994 ) (244,061 ) (228,410 ) Net interest credited to policyholders’ account balances 168,391 301,220 374,211 Reinsurance expense allowances and general and administrative expenses, net of capitalization and amortization(8) (1,302,020 ) (840,010 ) (354,372 ) (1) "Premiums assumed" includes $0.2 million , $0.4 million and $0 million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (2) "Premiums ceded" includes $0.0 million of unaffiliated activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 . (3) "Policy charges ceded" includes $(8) million , $(4) million and $(4) million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (4) "Other income assumed" includes $0.4 million , $(0.2) million and $0.0 million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (5) "Realized investment gains (losses), net ceded" includes $(20) million , $(30) million and $2 million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (6) "Policyholders' benefits (including change in reserves) assumed" includes $0.4 million of unaffiliated activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 . (7) "Policyholders' benefits (including change in reserves) ceded" includes $4 million , $5 million and $(14) million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (8) Prior period amount for the year ended December 31, 2015 has been corrected to exclude non-reinsurance expenses. The gross and net amounts of life insurance face amount in force as of December 31, were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Direct gross life insurance face amount in force $ 882,333,743 $ 827,832,976 $ 770,427,543 Assumed gross life insurance face amount in force 41,782,959 42,566,514 43,552,313 Reinsurance ceded (854,053,110 ) (805,796,078 ) (752,647,594 ) Net life insurance face amount in force $ 70,063,592 $ 64,603,412 $ 61,332,262 Information regarding significant affiliated reinsurance agreements is described below. PAR U Pruco Life reinsures an amount equal to 70% of all the risks associated with Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees as well as its Universal Plus policies, with effective dates prior to January 1, 2011 . Effective July 1, 2011 , PLNJ reinsures an amount equal to 95% of all the risks associated with its universal life policies with PAR U. On January 2, 2013 , Pruco Life began to assume Guaranteed Universal Life ("GUL") business from Prudential Insurance in connection with the acquisition of The Hartford Life Business. The GUL business assumed from Prudential Insurance was subsequently retroceded to PAR U. PALAC Effective April 1, 2016 , the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with PALAC, to reinsure its variable annuity base contracts, along with the living benefit guarantees, excluding business reinsured externally, and the PLNJ business, which was reinsured to Prudential Insurance. See Note 1 for additional information related to the Variable Annuities Recapture. PURC Pruco Life reinsures an amount equal to 70% of all the risks associated with its Universal Protector policies having no lapse guarantees as well as its Universal Plus policies, with effective dates from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013 with PURC and 95% of all the risks associated with Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees, as well as Universal Plus policies, with effective dates from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016. PARCC The Company reinsures 90% of the risks under its term life insurance policies, with effective dates prior to January 1, 2010 through an automatic coinsurance agreement with PARCC. GUL Re Effective January 1, 2017 , Pruco Life entered into an automatic coinsurance agreement with GUL Re to reinsure an amount equal to 95% of all the risks associated with Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees, as well as Universal Plus policies, with effective dates on or after January 1, 2017 , excluding those policies that are subject to principles-based reserving. Effective July 1, 2017 , Pruco Life amended this agreement to include 30% of Universal Protector and Universal Life policies with effective dates prior to January 1, 2014 . PAR Term The Company reinsures 95% of the risks under its term life insurance policies with effective dates January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2013 , through an automatic coinsurance agreement with PAR Term. Prudential of Taiwan On January 31, 2001 , Pruco Life transferred all of its assets and liabilities associated with its Taiwan branch, including its Taiwan insurance book of business, to Prudential of Taiwan, an affiliated company. The mechanism used to transfer this block of business in Taiwan is referred to as a “full acquisition and assumption” transaction. Under this mechanism, Pruco Life is jointly liable with Prudential of Taiwan for two years from the giving of notice to all obligees for all matured obligations and for two years after the maturity date of not-yet-matured obligations. Prudential of Taiwan is also contractually liable, under indemnification provisions of the transaction, for any liabilities that may be asserted against Pruco Life. The transfer of the insurance related assets and liabilities was accounted for as a long-duration coinsurance transaction under U.S. GAAP. Under this accounting treatment, the insurance related liabilities remain on the books of Pruco Life and an offsetting reinsurance recoverable is established. These assets and liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars. Prudential Insurance The Company has a yearly renewable term reinsurance agreement with Prudential Insurance and reinsures the majority of all mortality risks not otherwise reinsured. Effective July 1, 2017, this agreement has been terminated for certain new business, primarily Universal Life insurance policies. Effective July 1, 2017, the Company will reinsure a portion of the mortality risk directly to third-party reinsurers and retain all of the non-reinsured portion of the mortality risk. On January 2, 2013 , Pruco Life began to assume GUL business from Prudential Insurance in connection with the acquisition of the Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. ("Hartford Financial"). The GUL business assumed from Prudential Insurance was subsequently retroceded to PAR U. In December 2017, Hartford Financial announced a definitive agreement to sell a group of operating subsidiaries, which includes two of Prudential Insurance's counterparties to these reinsurance arrangements. There is no impact to the terms, rights or obligations of Prudential Insurance, or operation of these reinsurance arrangements, as a result of this change in control of such counterparties. Similarly, there is no impact to the Company's reinsurance arrangements with respect to such GUL business as a result of this change in control. The Company has reinsured a group annuity contract with Prudential Insurance, in consideration for a single premium payment by the Company, providing reinsurance equal to 100% of all payments due under the contract. Effective April 1, 2016 , PLNJ entered into a reinsurance agreement with Prudential Insurance to reinsure its variable annuity base contracts, along with the living benefit guarantees. See Note 1 for additional information related to the Variable Annuities Recapture. Term Re The Company reinsures 95% of the risks under its term life insurance policies, with effective dates on or after January 1, 2014 , through an automatic coinsurance agreement with Term Re. UPARC Through June 30, 2017, Pruco Life reinsured Universal Protector policies having no-lapse guarantees with effective dates through December 31, 2013 with UPARC. UPARC reinsured an amount equal to 27% of the net amount at risk related to the first $1 million in face amount plus 30% of the net amount at risk related to the face amount in excess of $1 million as well as 30% of the risk of uncollectible policy charges and fees associated with the no-lapse guarantee provision of these policies. Effective July 1, 2017, Pruco Life recaptured the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC and subsequently included these risks as part of the business ceded to GUL Re under the amended coinsurance agreement on that date. As part of the recapture, the Company received invested assets of $557 million as consideration from UPARC and unwound the associated reinsurance recoverable of $760 million . As a result, the Company recognized a loss of $203 million immediately. Pruco Re Through March 31, 2016 , the Company, including its wholly-owned subsidiary PLNJ, entered into various automatic coinsurance agreements with Pruco Re to reinsure its living benefit guarantees sold on certain of its annuities. See Note 1 for additional information on the change effective April 1, 2016 related to the Variable Annuities Recapture. Information regarding significant third party reinsurance arrangements is described below. Union Hamilton Effective April 1, 2015 , the Company, excluding its subsidiaries, entered into an agreement with Union Hamilton, an external counterparty, to reinsure approximately 50% of the Prudential Premier® Retirement Variable Annuity with Highest Daily Lifetime Income (“HDI”) v.3.0 business, a guaranteed benefit feature. This reinsurance agreement covered most new HDI v.3.0 variable annuity business issued between April 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 on a quota share basis, with Union Hamilton’s cumulative quota share amounting to $2.9 billion of new rider premiums as of December 31, 2016 . As of December 31, 2017 , $3.2 billion of HDI v.3.0 account values are reinsured to Union Hamilton. Reinsurance on business subject to this agreement remains in force for the duration of the underlying annuity contracts. New sales subsequent to December 31, 2016 is not covered by this external reinsurance agreement. These guaranteed benefit features are accounted for as embedded derivatives.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	EQUITY Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The balance of and changes in each component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” for the years ended December 31, were as follows: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)(1) Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ (67 ) $ 178,758 $ 178,691 Change in OCI before reclassifications (507 ) (164,799 ) (165,306 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 (9,902 ) (9,902 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 177 61,145 61,322 Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (397 ) $ 65,202 $ 64,805 Change in OCI before reclassifications (8 ) 74,040 74,032 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 (64,540 ) (64,540 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 3 (3,325 ) (3,322 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (402 ) $ 71,377 $ 70,975 Change in OCI before reclassifications 259 164,482 164,741 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 (26,998 ) (26,998 ) Income tax benefit (expense) (91 ) (43,281 ) (43,372 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ (234 ) $ 165,580 $ 165,346 (1) Includes cash flow hedges of $(18) million , $41 million , and $48 million as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended (in thousands) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)(2): Net unrealized investment gains (losses): Cash flow hedges—Currency/Interest rate(3) $ (1,103 ) $ 7,915 $ 4,286 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(4) 28,101 56,625 5,616 Total net unrealized investment gains (losses) 26,998 64,540 9,902 Total reclassifications for the period $ 26,998 $ 64,540 $ 9,902 (1) All amounts are shown before tax. (2) Positive amounts indicate gains/benefits reclassified out of AOCI. Negative amounts indicate losses/costs reclassified out of AOCI. (3) See Note 10 for additional information on cash flow hedges. (4) See table below for additional information on unrealized investment gains (losses), including the impact on deferred policy acquisition and other costs, future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances. Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on securities classified as available-for-sale and certain other long-term investments and other assets are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as a component of AOCI. Changes in these amounts include reclassification adjustments to exclude from “Other comprehensive income (loss)” those items that are included as part of “Net income” for a period that had been part of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in earlier periods. The amounts for the periods indicated below, split between amounts related to fixed maturity securities on which an OTTI loss has been recognized, and all other net unrealized investment gains (losses), are as follows: Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturity Securities on which an OTTI loss has been recognized Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Reinsurance Recoverable and Other Costs Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders' Account Balances and Reinsurance Payables Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Benefit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related To Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014(2) $ 5,333 $ (2,709 ) $ 1,399 $ (1,440 ) $ 2,583 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 107 0 0 (37 ) 70 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (251 ) 0 0 88 (163 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) 7 0 0 (2 ) 5 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2) 0 1,404 0 (492 ) 912 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances(2) 0 0 (330 ) 116 (214 ) Balance, December 31, 2015(2) $ 5,196 $ (1,305 ) $ 1,069 $ (1,767 ) $ 3,193 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 1,238 0 0 (433 ) 805 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (1,107 ) 0 0 387 (720 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) (444 ) 0 0 155 (289 ) Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and other costs(2) 0 393 0 (138 ) 255 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances(2) 0 0 (437 ) 153 (284 ) Balance, December 31, 2016(2) $ 4,883 $ (912 ) $ 632 $ (1,643 ) $ 2,960 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 375 0 0 (119 ) 256 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (3,699 ) 0 0 1,171 (2,528 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) 50 0 0 (16 ) 34 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and other costs 0 813 0 (289 ) 524 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables 0 0 (610 ) 214 (396 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1,609 $ (99 ) $ 22 $ (682 ) $ 850 (1) Represents "transfers in" related to the portion of OTTI losses recognized during the period that were not recognized in earnings for securities with no prior OTTI loss. (2) Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. All Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) in AOCI Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments(2) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Reinsurance Recoverable and Other Costs Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders' Account Balances and Reinsurance Payables Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Benefit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related To Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014(3) $ 344,577 $ (256,260 ) $ 182,553 $ (94,695 ) $ 176,175 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period (223,082 ) 0 0 78,078 (145,004 ) Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (9,651 ) 0 0 3,378 (6,273 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) (7 ) 0 0 2 (5 ) Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(3) 0 159,640 0 (55,874 ) 103,766 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances(3) 0 0 (102,538 ) 35,888 (66,650 ) Balance, December 31, 2015(3) $ 111,837 $ (96,620 ) $ 80,015 $ (33,223 ) $ 62,009 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period (70,379 ) 0 0 24,633 (45,746 ) Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income 65,647 0 0 (22,976 ) 42,671 Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) 444 0 0 (155 ) 289 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and other costs(3) 0 (132 ) 0 46 (86 ) Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances(3) 0 0 14,276 (4,996 ) 9,280 Balance, December 31, 2016(3) $ 107,549 $ (96,752 ) $ 94,291 $ (36,671 ) $ 68,417 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 134,613 0 0 (42,628 ) 91,985 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income 30,697 0 0 (9,721 ) 20,976 Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) (50 ) 0 0 16 (34 ) Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and other costs 0 98,584 0 (35,060 ) 63,524 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables 0 0 (123,289 ) 43,151 (80,138 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 272,809 $ 1,832 $ (28,998 ) $ (80,913 ) $ 164,730 (1) Represents "transfers out" related to the portion of OTTI losses recognized during the period that were not recognized in earnings for securities with no prior OTTI loss. (2) Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 10 for information on cash flow hedges. (3) Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company has extensive transactions and relationships with Prudential Insurance and other affiliates. Although we seek to ensure that these transactions and relationships are fair and reasonable, it is possible that the terms of these transactions are not the same as those that would result from transactions among unrelated parties. Expense Charges and Allocations Many of the Company’s expenses are allocations or charges from Prudential Insurance or other affiliates. These expenses can be grouped into general and administrative expenses and agency distribution expenses. The Company’s general and administrative expenses are charged to the Company using allocation methodologies based on business production processes. Management believes that the methodology is reasonable and reflects costs incurred by Prudential Insurance to process transactions on behalf of the Company. The Company operates under service and lease agreements whereby services of officers and employees, supplies, use of equipment and office space are provided by Prudential Insurance. The Company reviews its allocation methodology periodically which it may adjust accordingly. General and administrative expenses include allocations of stock compensation expenses related to a stock-based awards program and a deferred compensation program issued by Prudential Financial. The expense charged to the Company for the stock-based awards program was $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . The expense charged to the Company for the deferred compensation program was $9 million , $8 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company is charged for its share of employee benefit expenses. These expenses include costs for funded and non-funded contributory and non-contributory defined benefit pension plans. Some of these benefits are based on final earnings and length of service while others are based on an account balance, which takes into consideration age, service and earnings during a career. The Company’s share of net expense for the pension plans was $26 million , $23 million and $22 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company is also charged for its share of the costs associated with welfare plans issued by Prudential Insurance. These expenses include costs related to medical, dental, life insurance and disability. The Company's share of net expense for the welfare plans was $28 million , $28 million and $26 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Prudential Insurance sponsors voluntary savings plans for its employee 401(k) plans. The plans provide for salary reduction contributions by employees and matching contributions by the Company of up to 4% of annual salary. The Company’s expense for its share of the voluntary savings plan was $10 million , $10 million and $8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company is charged distribution expenses from Prudential Insurance’s agency network for both its domestic life and annuity products through a transfer pricing agreement, which is intended to reflect a market based pricing arrangement. The Company pays commissions and certain other fees to Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. (“PAD”) in consideration for PAD’s marketing and underwriting of the Company’s annuity products. Commissions and fees are paid by PAD to broker-dealers who sell the Company’s annuity products. Commissions and fees paid by the Company to PAD were $633 million , $709 million and $771 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company is charged for its share of corporate expenses incurred by Prudential Financial to benefit its businesses, such as advertising, executive oversight, external affairs and philanthropic activity. The Company’s share of corporate expenses was $66 million , $58 million and $51 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Corporate Owned Life Insurance The Company has sold five Corporate Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”) policies to Prudential Insurance, and one to Prudential Financial. The cash surrender value included in separate accounts for these COLI policies was $3,688 million at December 31, 2017 and $3,367 million at December 31, 2016 . Fees related to these COLI policies were $44 million , $42 million and $45 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company retains the majority of the mortality risk associated with these COLI policies up to $3.5 million per policy. Affiliated Investment Management Expenses In accordance with an agreement with PGIM, Inc. ("PGIM"), the Company pays investment management expenses to PGIM who acts as investment manager to certain Company general account and separate account assets. Investment management expenses paid to PGIM related to this agreement were $14 million , $15 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These expenses are recorded as “Net investment income” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Derivative Trades In its ordinary course of business, the Company enters into OTC derivative contracts with an affiliate, PGF. For these OTC derivative contracts, PGF has a substantially equal and offsetting position with an external counterparty. See Note 10 for additional information. Joint Ventures The Company has made investments in joint ventures with certain subsidiaries of Prudential Financial. "Other long-term investments" includes $79 million and $100 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. "Net investment income" related to these ventures includes a gain of $8 million , $2 million and $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Affiliated Asset Administration Fee Income The Company has a revenue sharing agreement with AST Investment Services, Inc. ("ASTISI") and PGIM Investments LLC ("PGIM Investments") whereby the Company receives fee income based on policyholders' separate account balances invested in the AST. Income received from ASTISI and PGIM Investments related to this agreement was $323 million , $295 million and $347 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These revenues are recorded as “Asset administration fees” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Company has a revenue sharing agreement with PGIM Investments, whereby the Company receives fee income based on policyholders’ separate account balances invested in The Prudential Series Fund. Income received from Prudential Investments related to this agreement was $14 million , $13 million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These revenues are recorded as “Asset administration fees” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Affiliated Notes Receivable Affiliated notes receivable included in “Receivables from parent and affiliates” at December 31, were as follows: Maturity Dates Interest Rates 2017 2016 (in thousands) U.S. Dollar floating rate notes 2028 2.77% - 3.12 % $ 6,551 $ 0 U.S. Dollar fixed rate notes 2022 - 2028 0.00% - 14.85 % 126,020 137,636 Total long-term notes receivable - affiliated(1) $ 132,571 $ 137,636 (1) All long-term notes receivable may be called for prepayment prior to the respective maturity dates under specified circumstances. The affiliated notes receivable shown above include those classified as loans, and carried at unpaid principal balance, net of any allowance for losses and those classified as available-for-sale securities and other trading account assets carried at fair value. The Company monitors the internal and external credit ratings of these loans and loan performance. The Company also considers any guarantees made by Prudential Insurance for loans due from affiliates. Accrued interest receivable related to these loans was $1 million at both December 31, 2017 and 2016 , and is included in “Other assets”. Revenues related to these loans were $5 million , $6 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and are included in “Other income”. Affiliated Asset Transfers The Company participates in affiliated asset trades with parent and sister companies. Book and market value differences for trades with a parent and sister are recognized within "Additional paid-in capital" ("APIC") and "Realized investment gains (losses), net", respectively. The table below shows affiliated asset trades for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , excluding those related to the Variable Annuities Recapture effective April 1, 2016 , as described in Note 1 . Affiliate Date Transaction Security Type Fair Value Book Value APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease) Realized Investment Gain/ (Loss) (in thousands) Prudential Insurance March 2016 Sale Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 88,783 $ 88,875 $ (60 ) $ 0 PALAC January 2017 Purchase Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 29 $ 29 $ 0 $ 0 Prudential Insurance June 2017 Sale Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 16,965 $ 16,515 $ 293 $ 0 Prudential Insurance June 2017 Sale Commercial Mortgages $ 43,198 $ 42,301 $ 584 $ 0 UPARC September 2017 Transfer In Other Long-Term Investments $ 37,354 $ 37,354 $ 0 $ 0 GUL Re September 2017 Transfer Out Other Long-Term Investments $ 72,354 $ 72,354 $ 0 $ 0 GUL Re September 2017 Transfer Out Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 1,254,457 $ 1,195,697 $ 0 $ 58,760 Prudential Financial September 2017 Transfer In Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 415,271 $ 376,412 $ 25,259 $ 0 Prudential Financial September 2017 Transfer Out Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 415,271 $ 376,412 $ 25,259 $ 0 UPARC September 2017 Transfer In Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 417,067 $ 385,459 $ 0 $ 31,608 UPARC September 2017 Transfer In Trading Account Assets $ 6,225 $ 5,002 $ 0 $ 1,223 GUL Re September 2017 Transfer Out Trading Account Assets $ 6,225 $ 5,002 $ 0 $ 1,223 UPARC September 2017 Purchase Other Long-Term Investments - Derivatives $ 20,685 $ 20,685 $ 0 $ 0 UPARC November 2017 Purchase Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 41,250 $ 34,332 $ 0 $ 6,919 Prudential Insurance December 2017 Sale Commercial Mortgages $ 106,199 $ 105,191 $ 655 $ 0 Debt Agreements The Company is authorized to borrow funds up to $2.2 billion from affiliates to meet its capital and other funding needs. During the second quarter of 2016 , the Company prepaid $125 million of its debt and reassigned all the remaining debt to PALAC and Prudential Insurance as part of the Variable Annuities Recapture. See Note 1 for additional information on the reassignment effective April 1, 2016 . As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there was no debt outstanding. The total interest expense to the Company related to loans payable to affiliates was $0.8 million , $13 million and $51 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Contributed Capital and Dividends In March and July of 2017 , the Company received capital contributions in the amounts of $5 million and $149 million , respectively, from Prudential Insurance. In March and June of 2016, the Company received capital contributions in the amounts of $5 million and $200 million , respectively, from Prudential Insurance. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company did not receive any capital contributions. In December of 2017 , the Company paid a dividend in the amount of $250 million to Prudential Insurance. In April of 2016 , the Company paid a dividend in the amount of $2,593 million to Prudential Insurance. In June and December of 2015 , the Company paid dividends in the amounts of $230 million and $200 million , respectively, to Prudential Insurance. Reinsurance with Affiliates As discussed in Note 12 , the Company participates in reinsurance transactions with certain affiliates.

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) The unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized in the table below: Three months ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 (in thousands) 2017 (1) Total revenues $ 210,959 $ 270,721 $ (24,256 ) $ 209,390 Total benefits and expenses 189,338 (67,282 ) 193,689 180,806 Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of operating joint venture 21,621 338,003 (217,945 ) 28,584 Net income (loss) $ 40,072 $ 349,164 $ (178,496 ) $ 113,692 2016 (2) Total revenues $ 791,393 $ 140,925 $ 231,010 $ 47,874 Total benefits and expenses 1,163,700 (588,114 ) 182,006 132,262 Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of operating joint venture (372,307 ) 729,039 49,004 (84,388 ) Net income (loss) $ (328,199 ) $ 723,984 $ 84,897 $ (85,465 ) (1) The variability in the quarterly results for 2017 was primarily due to the recapture of the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC. See Note 12 for additional information. (2) The variability in the quarterly results for 2016 was primarily due to the Variable Annuities Recapture. See Note 1 for additional information.

Significant Accounting Polici22

Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
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 as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates include those used in determining DAC and related amortization; amortization of DSI; valuation of investments including derivatives and the recognition of other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”); future policy benefits including guarantees; reinsurance recoverables; provision for income taxes and valuation of deferred tax assets; and accruals for contingent liabilities, including estimates for losses in connection with unresolved legal and regulatory matters.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Investments and Investment-Related Liabilities	Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value are comprised of bonds, notes and redeemable preferred stock. Fixed maturities classified as “available-for-sale” are carried at fair value. See Note 9 for additional information regarding the determination of fair value. The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, and the effect on DAC, DSI, future policy benefits, policyholders’ account balances and policyholders’ dividends that would result from the realization of unrealized gains and losses, are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (“AOCI”). The purchased cost of fixed maturities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity or, if applicable, call date. Interest income, and amortization of premium and accretion of discount are included in “Net investment income” under the effective yield method. Additionally, prepayment premiums are also included in “Net investment income”. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, the effective yield is based on estimated cash flows, including interest rate and prepayment assumptions based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to interest rate and prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates also vary based on other assumptions regarding the underlying collateral, including default rates and changes in value. These assumptions can significantly impact income recognition and the amount of OTTI recognized in earnings and other comprehensive income. For high credit quality mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities (those rated AA or above), cash flows are provided quarterly, and the amortized cost and effective yield of the securities are adjusted as necessary to reflect historical prepayment experience and changes in estimated future prepayments. The adjustments to amortized cost are recorded as a charge or credit to "Net investment income" in accordance with the retrospective method. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities rated below AA or those for which an OTTI has been recorded, the effective yield is adjusted prospectively for any changes in estimated cash flows. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Trading account assets, at fair value represents equity securities held in support of a deferred compensation plan and other fixed maturity securities carried at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses for these investments are reported in “Other income.” Interest and dividend income from these investments is reported in “Net investment income”. Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value is comprised of mutual funds and are carried at fair value. The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, and the effect on DAC, DSI, future policy benefits, reinsurance recoverables and policyholders’ account balances that would result from the realization of unrealized gains and losses, are included in AOCI. The cost of equity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Dividends from these investments are generally recognized in “Net investment income” on the ex-dividend date. Commercial mortgage and other loans consist of commercial mortgage loans and agricultural property loans. Commercial mortgage and other loans held for investment are generally carried at unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and expenses and net of an allowance for losses. Commercial mortgage and other loans acquired, including those related to the acquisition of a business, are recorded at fair value when purchased, reflecting any premiums or discounts to unpaid principal balances. Interest income, and the amortization of the related premiums or discounts, are included in “Net investment income” under the effective yield method. Prepayment fees are also included in “Net investment income". Impaired loans include those loans for which it is probable that amounts due will not all be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company defines “past due” as principal or interest not collected at least 30 days past the scheduled contractual due date. Interest received on loans that are past due, including impaired and non-impaired loans as well as loans that were previously modified in a troubled debt restructuring, is either applied against the principal or reported as net investment income based on the Company’s assessment as to the collectability of the principal. See Note 3 for additional information about the Company’s past due loans. The Company discontinues accruing interest on loans after the loans become 90 days delinquent as to principal or interest payments, or earlier when the Company has doubts about collectability. When the Company discontinues accruing interest on a loan, any accrued but uncollectible interest on the loan and other loans backed by the same collateral, if any, is charged to interest income in the same period. Generally, a loan is restored to accrual status only after all delinquent interest and principal are brought current and, in the case of loans where the payment of interest has been interrupted for a substantial period, or the loan has been modified, a regular payment performance has been established. The Company reviews the performance and credit quality of the commercial mortgage and other loan portfolio on an on-going basis. Loans are placed on watch list status based on a predefined set of criteria and are assigned one of two categories. Loans are classified as “closely monitored” when it is determined that there is a collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal or interest. Loans “not in good standing” are those loans where the Company has concluded that there is a high probability of loss of principal, such as when the loan is delinquent or in the process of foreclosure. As described below, in determining the allowance for losses, the Company evaluates each loan on the watch list to determine if it is probable that amounts due will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios are measures commonly used to assess the quality of commercial mortgage loans. The loan-to-value ratio compares the amount of the loan to the fair value of the underlying property collateralizing the loan, and is commonly expressed as a percentage. Loan-to-value ratios greater than 100% indicate that the loan amount exceeds the collateral value. A loan-to-value ratio less than 100% indicates an excess of collateral value over the loan amount. The debt service coverage ratio compares a property’s net operating income to its debt service payments. Debt service coverage ratios less than 1.0 times indicate that property operations do not generate enough income to cover the loan’s current debt payments. A debt service coverage ratio greater than 1.0 times indicates an excess of net operating income over the debt service payments. The values utilized in calculating these ratios are developed as part of the Company’s periodic review of the commercial mortgage loan and agricultural property loan portfolios, which includes an internal appraisal of the underlying collateral value. The Company’s periodic review also includes a quality re-rating process, whereby the internal quality rating originally assigned at underwriting is updated based on current loan, property and market information using a proprietary quality rating system. The loan-to-value ratio is the most significant of several inputs used to establish the internal credit rating of a loan which in turn drives the allowance for losses. Other key factors considered in determining the internal credit rating include debt service coverage ratios, amortization, loan term, and estimated market value growth rate and volatility for the property type and region. See Note 3 for additional information related to the loan-to-value ratios and debt service coverage ratios related to the Company’s commercial mortgage and agricultural loan portfolios. The allowance for losses includes a loan specific reserve for each impaired loan that has a specifically identified loss and a portfolio reserve for probable incurred but not specifically identified losses. For impaired commercial mortgage and other loans, the allowances for losses are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or based upon the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The portfolio reserves for probable incurred but not specifically identified losses in the commercial mortgage and agricultural loan portfolios consider the current credit composition of the portfolio based on an internal quality rating (as described above). The portfolio reserves are determined using past loan experience, including historical credit migration, loss probability and loss severity factors by property type. These factors are reviewed and updated as appropriate. The allowance for losses on commercial mortgage and other loans can increase or decrease from period to period based on the factors noted above. “Realized investment gains (losses), net” includes changes in the allowance for losses. “Realized investment gains (losses), net” also includes gains and losses on sales, certain restructurings, and foreclosures. When a commercial mortgage or other loan is deemed to be uncollectible, any specific valuation allowance associated with the loan is reversed and a direct write down of the carrying amount of the loan is made. The carrying amount of the loan is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in value. Commercial mortgage and other loans are occasionally restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. These restructurings generally include one or more of the following: full or partial payoffs outside of the original contract terms; changes to interest rates; extensions of maturity; or additions or modifications to covenants. Additionally, the Company may accept assets in full or partial satisfaction of the debt as part of a troubled debt restructuring. When restructurings occur, they are evaluated individually to determine whether the restructuring or modification constitutes a “troubled debt restructuring” as defined by authoritative accounting guidance. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company has granted a concession, the restructuring, including those that involve a partial payoff or the receipt of assets in full satisfaction of the debt is deemed to be a troubled debt restructuring. Based on the Company’s credit review process described above, these loans generally would have been deemed impaired prior to the troubled debt restructuring, and specific allowances for losses would have been established prior to the determination that a troubled debt restructuring has occurred. In a troubled debt restructuring where the Company receives assets in full satisfaction of the debt, any specific valuation allowance is reversed and a direct write-down of the loan is recorded for the amount of the allowance, and any additional loss, net of recoveries, or any gain is recorded for the difference between the fair value of the assets received and the recorded investment in the loan. When assets are received in partial settlement, the same process is followed, and the remaining loan is evaluated prospectively for impairment based on the credit review process noted above. When a loan is restructured in a troubled debt restructuring, the impairment of the loan is remeasured using the modified terms and the loan’s original effective yield, and the allowance for loss is adjusted accordingly. Subsequent to the modification, income is recognized prospectively based on the modified terms of the loans in accordance with the income recognition policy noted above. Additionally, the loan continues to be subject to the credit review process noted above. In situations where a loan has been restructured in a troubled debt restructuring and the loan has subsequently defaulted, this factor is considered when evaluating the loan for a specific allowance for losses in accordance with the credit review process noted above. See Note 3 for additional information about commercial mortgage and other loans that have been restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. Policy loans represent funds loaned to policyholders up to the cash surrender value of the associated insurance policies and are carried at the unpaid principal balances due to the Company from the policyholders. 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 policies. Other long-term investments consist of the Company’s investments in joint ventures and limited partnerships, other than operating joint ventures, as well as wholly-owned investment real estate and other investments. Joint venture and partnership interests are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, the cost method when the Company’s partnership interest is so minor (generally less than 3% ) that it exercises virtually no influence over operating and financial policies, or the fair value option where elected. The Company’s income from investments in joint ventures and partnerships accounted for using the equity method or the cost method, other than the Company’s investments in operating joint ventures, is included in “Net investment income”. The carrying value of these investments is written down, or impaired, to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. In applying the equity method or the cost method (including assessment for OTTI), the Company uses financial information provided by the investee, generally on a one to three month lag. Short-term investments primarily consist of highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of twelve months or less and greater than three months when purchased. These investments are generally carried at fair value and include certain money market investments, funds managed similar to regulated money market funds, short-term debt securities issued by government sponsored entities and other highly liquid debt instruments. Realized investment gains (losses) are computed using the specific identification method. Realized investment gains and losses are generated from numerous sources, including the sales of fixed maturity securities, equity securities, investments in joint ventures and limited partnerships and other types of investments, as well as adjustments to the cost basis of investments for net OTTI recognized in earnings. Realized investment gains and losses also reflect changes in the allowance for losses on commercial mortgage and other loans, and fair value changes on embedded derivatives and free-standing derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. See “Derivative Financial Instruments” below for additional information regarding the accounting for derivatives. The Company’s available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses are reviewed quarterly to identify OTTI in value. In evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary, the Company considers several factors including, but not limited to the following: (1) the extent and the duration of the decline; (2) the reasons for the decline in value (credit event, currency or interest-rate related, including general credit spread widening); and (3) the financial condition of and near-term prospects of the issuer. With regard to available-for-sale equity securities, the Company also considers the ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time to allow for a recovery of value. When it is determined that a decline in value of an equity security is other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the equity security is reduced to its fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. An OTTI is recognized in earnings for a debt security in an unrealized loss position when the Company either (1) has the intent to sell the debt security or (2) it is more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. For all debt securities in unrealized loss positions that do not meet either of these two criteria, the Company analyzes its ability to recover the amortized cost by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost of the security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. The Company may use the estimated fair value of collateral as a proxy for the net present value if it believes that the security is dependent on the liquidation of collateral for recovery of its investment. If the net present value is less than the amortized cost of the investment, an OTTI is recognized. When an OTTI of a debt security has occurred, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the debt security meets either of these two criteria, the OTTI recognized in earnings is equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the impairment measurement date. For OTTI of debt securities that do not meet these criteria, the net amount recognized in earnings is equal to the difference between the amortized cost of the debt security and its net present value calculated as described above. Any difference between the fair value and the net present value of the debt security at the impairment measurement date is recorded in “Other comprehensive income (loss)” (“OCI”). Unrealized gains or losses on securities for which an OTTI has been recognized in earnings is tracked as a separate component of AOCI. The split between the amount of an OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and the net amount recognized in earnings for debt securities is driven principally by assumptions regarding the amount and timing of projected cash flows. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates consider the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, including interest rate and prepayment assumptions based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to interest rate and prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates also include other assumptions regarding the underlying collateral including default rates and recoveries, which vary based on the asset type and geographic location, as well as the vintage year of the security. For structured securities, the payment priority within the tranche structure is also considered. For all other debt securities, cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default. The Company has developed these estimates using information based on its historical experience as well as using market observable data, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings and other data relevant to the collectability of a security, such as the general payment terms of the security and the security’s position within the capital structure of the issuer. The new cost basis of an impaired security is not adjusted for subsequent increases in estimated fair value. In periods subsequent to the recognition of an OTTI, the impaired security is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the impairment. For debt securities, the discount (or reduced premium) based on the new cost basis may be accreted into net investment income in future periods, including increases in cash flow on a prospective basis. In certain cases where there are decreased cash flow expectations, the security is reviewed for further cash flow impairments. Unrealized investment gains and losses are also considered in determining certain other balances, including DAC, DSI, certain future policy benefits, reinsurance recoverables, policyholders’ account balances and deferred tax assets or liabilities. These balances are adjusted, as applicable, 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. Each of these balances is discussed in greater detail below.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, certain money market investments, funds managed similar to regulated money market funds, and other debt instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased, other than cash equivalents that are included in “Trading account assets, at fair value.” The Company also engages in overnight borrowing and lending of funds with Prudential Financial and affiliates which are considered cash and cash equivalents.
Accrued investment income	Accrued investment income primarily includes accruals of interest and dividend income from investments that have been earned but not yet received.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred policy acquisition costs are related directly to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance and annuity business that have been deferred to the extent such costs are deemed recoverable from future profits. Such DAC primarily includes commissions, costs of policy issuance and underwriting, and certain other expenses that are directly related to successfully negotiated contracts. In each reporting period, capitalized DAC is amortized to “Amortization of DAC”, net of the accrual of imputed interest on DAC balances. DAC is subject to periodic recoverability testing. DAC, for applicable products, is 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. DAC related to universal and variable life products and fixed and variable deferred annuity products are generally deferred and amortized over the expected life of the contracts in proportion to gross profits arising principally from investment margins, mortality and expense margins, and surrender charges, based on historical and anticipated future experience, which is updated periodically. The Company uses a reversion to the mean approach for equities to derive future equity return assumptions. However, if the projected equity return calculated using this approach is greater than the maximum equity return assumption, the maximum equity return is utilized. Gross profits also include impacts from the embedded derivatives associated with certain of the optional living benefit features of the Company’s variable annuity contracts and related hedging activities. In calculating gross profits, profits and losses related to contracts issued by the Company that are reported in affiliated legal entities other than the Company as a result of, for example, reinsurance agreements with those affiliated entities are also included. The Company is an indirect subsidiary of Prudential Financial (an SEC registrant) and has extensive transactions and relationships with other subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, including reinsurance agreements, as described in Note 12 . Incorporating all product-related profits and losses in gross profits, including those that are reported in affiliated legal entities, produces a DAC amortization pattern representative of the total economics of the products. Total gross profits include both actual gross profits and estimates of gross profits for future periods. The Company regularly evaluates and adjusts DAC balances with a corresponding charge or credit to current period earnings, representing a cumulative adjustment to all prior periods’ amortization, for the impact of actual gross profits and changes in the Company's projections of estimated future gross profits. Adjustments to DAC balances include: (i) annual review of assumptions that reflect the comprehensive review of the assumptions used in estimating gross profits for future periods, (ii) quarterly adjustments for current period experience (also referred to as “experience true-up” adjustments) that reflect the impact of differences between actual gross profits for a given period and the previously estimated expected gross profits for that period, and (iii) quarterly adjustments for market performance (also referred to as “experience unlocking”) that reflect the impact of changes to the Company's estimate of total gross profits to reflect actual fund performance and market conditions. For some products, policyholders can elect to modify product benefits, features, rights or coverages by exchanging a contract for a new contract or by amendment, endorsement or rider to a contract, or by the election of a feature or coverage within a contract. These transactions are known as internal replacements. If policyholders surrender traditional life insurance policies in exchange for life insurance policies that do not have fixed and guaranteed terms, the Company immediately charges to expense the remaining unamortized DAC on the surrendered policies. For other internal replacement transactions, except those that involve the addition of a non-integrated contract feature that does not change the existing base contract, the unamortized DAC is immediately charged to expense if the terms of the new policies are not substantially similar to those of the former policies. If the new terms are substantially similar to those of the earlier policies, the DAC is retained with respect to the new policies and amortized over the expected life of the new policies. See Note 4 for additional information regarding DAC.
Deferred Sales Inducements	Deferred sales inducements represent various types of sales inducements to contractholders primarily related to fixed and variable deferred annuity contracts. The Company defers sales inducements and amortizes them over the anticipated life of the policy using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC. Sales inducements balances are subject to periodic recoverability testing. The Company records amortization of deferred sales inducements in “Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances.” Deferred sales inducements 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. There was no deferred sales inducements balance at December 31, 2017 and 2016. See Note 6 for additional information regarding sales inducements.
Reinsurance recoverables	Reinsurance recoverables include corresponding receivables associated with reinsurance arrangements with affiliates and third-party reinsurers. For additional information about these arrangements see Note 12 . Accounting for Certain Reinsurance Contracts in the Individual Life Business During the second quarter of 2017, the Company recognized a pre-tax charge of $2 million , reflecting a change in estimate of reinsurance cash flows associated with universal life products as well as a change in method of reflecting these cash flows in the financial statements. Under the previous method of accounting, with the exception of recoveries pertaining to no lapse guarantees, reinsurance cash flows (e.g., premiums and recoveries) were generally recognized as they occurred. Under the new method, the expected reinsurance cash flows are recognized more ratably over the life of the underlying reinsured policies. In conjunction with this change, the way in which reinsurance is reflected in estimated gross profits used for the amortization of unearned revenue reserves and DAC was also revised. The change represents a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle and was included within the Company’s annual reviews and update of assumptions and other refinements. The change in accounting estimate reflected insights gained from revised cash flow modeling enabled by a systems conversion, which prompted the change to a preferable accounting method. This new methodology is viewed as preferable as the Company believes it better reflects the economics of reinsurance transactions by aligning the results of reinsurance activity more closely to the underlying direct insurance activity and by better reflecting the profit pattern of this business for purposes of the amortization of the balances noted above.
Other assets and Other liabilities	Other assets consist primarily of premiums due, deferred loss on reinsurance with affiliates, receivables resulting from sales of securities that had not yet settled at the balance sheet date, prepaid tax expenses, and the Company’s investments in operating joint ventures. Investments in operating joint ventures are generally accounted for under the equity method. The carrying value of these investments is written down, or impaired, to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. Other liabilities consist primarily of accrued expenses, reinsurance payables, and technical overdrafts.
Separate account assets and liabilities	Separate account assets represent segregated funds that are invested for certain contractholders and other customers. The assets consist primarily of equity securities, fixed maturities, and real-estate related investments and are reported at fair value. The assets of each account are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any other business of the Company. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the contractholders, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. The investment income and realized investment gains or losses from separate accounts generally accrue to the contractholders and are not included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations. Mortality, policy administration and surrender charges assessed against the accounts are included in “Policy charges and fee income”. Asset administration fees charged to the accounts are included in “Asset administration fees”. See Note 6 for additional information regarding separate account arrangements with contractual guarantees. See also “ Separate account liabilities” below. Separate account liabilities primarily represent the contractholders’ account balance in separate account assets and to a lesser extent borrowings of the separate account, and will be equal and offsetting to total separate account assets. See also “ Separate account assets” above.
Future policy benefits	Future policy benefits liability includes liabilities related to certain long-duration life and annuity contracts, which are discussed more fully in Note 6 . These liabilities represent reserves for the guaranteed minimum death and optional living benefit features on our variable annuity products and no lapse guarantees for our variable and universal life products. The optional living benefits are primarily accounted for as embedded derivatives, with fair values calculated as the present value of future expected benefit payments to customers less the present value of assessed rider fees attributable to the embedded derivative feature. For additional information regarding the valuation of these optional living benefit features, see Note 6 and Note 9 . The Company’s liability for future policy benefits also includes reserves based on the present value of estimated future payments to or on behalf of policyholders related to contracts that have fixed and guaranteed terms, where the timing and amount of payment depends on policyholder mortality and maintenance expenses less the present value of future net premiums. Expected mortality is generally based on Company experience, industry data, and/or other factors. Interest rate assumptions are based on factors such as market conditions and expected investment returns. Although mortality, morbidity and interest rate assumptions are “locked-in” upon the issuance of new insurance or annuity business with fixed and guaranteed terms, significant changes in experience or assumptions may require the Company to provide for expected future losses on a product by establishing premium deficiency reserves. Premium deficiency reserves are established, if necessary, when the liability for future policy benefits plus the present value of expected future gross premiums are determined to be insufficient to provide for expected future policy benefits and expenses. Premium deficiency reserves do not include a provision for the risk of adverse deviation. Any adjustments to future policy benefit reserves related to net unrealized gains on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in AOCI. See Note 5 for additional information regarding future policy benefits.
Policyholders' account balances	Policyholders’ account balances liability represents the contract value that has accrued to the benefit of the policyholder as of the balance sheet date. This liability is primarily associated with the accumulated account deposits, plus interest credited, less policyholder withdrawals and other charges assessed against the account balance. These policyholders’ account balances also include provision for benefits under non-life contingent payout annuities and certain unearned revenues. See Note 5 for additional information regarding policyholders’ account balances.
Securities repurchase and resale agreements	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent liabilities associated with securities repurchase and resale agreements which are used primarily to earn spread income, to borrow funds, or to facilitate trading activity. As part of securities repurchase agreements, the Company transfers U.S. government and government agency securities to a third-party, and receives cash as collateral. As part of securities resale agreements, the Company invests cash and receives as collateral U.S. government securities or other debt securities. For securities repurchase agreements used to earn spread income, the cash received is typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturities. Securities repurchase and resale agreements that satisfy certain criteria are treated as secured borrowing or secured lending arrangements. These agreements are carried at the amounts at which the securities will be subsequently resold or reacquired, as specified in the respective transactions. For securities purchased under agreements to resell, the Company’s policy is to take possession or control of the securities either directly or through a third party custodian. These securities are valued daily and additional securities or cash collateral is received, or returned, when appropriate to protect against credit exposure. Securities to be resold are the same, or substantially the same, as the securities received. The majority of these transactions are with large brokerage firms and large banks. For securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the market value of the securities to be repurchased is monitored, and additional collateral is obtained where appropriate, to protect against credit exposure. The Company obtains collateral in an amount at least equal to 95% of the fair value of the securities sold. Securities to be repurchased are the same, or substantially the same, as those sold. The majority of these transactions are with highly rated money market funds. Income and expenses related to these transactions executed within the insurance companies used to earn spread income are reported as “Net investment income”; however, for transactions used for funding purposes, the associated borrowing cost is reported as interest expense (included in “General, administrative and other expenses”). Income and expenses related to these transactions executed within the Company’s derivative operations are reported in “Other income”.
Cash collateral for loaned securities	Cash collateral for loaned securities represent liabilities to return cash proceeds from security lending transactions. Securities lending transactions are used primarily to earn spread income, to borrow funds, or to facilitate trading activity. As part of securities lending transactions, the Company transfers U.S. and foreign debt and equity securities, as well as U.S. government and government agency securities, and receives cash as collateral. Cash proceeds from securities lending transactions are used to earn spread income, and are typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturities. Securities lending transactions are treated as financing arrangements and are recorded at the amount of cash received. The Company obtains collateral in an amount equal to 102% and 105% of the fair value of the domestic and foreign securities, respectively. The Company monitors the market value of the securities loaned on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained as necessary. Substantially all of the Company’s securities lending transactions are with large brokerage firms and large banks. Income and expenses associated with securities lending transactions used to earn spread income are reported as “Net investment income”; however, for securities lending transactions used for funding purposes the associated rebate is reported as interest expense (included in “General, administrative and other expenses”).
Income taxes	Income taxes liability primarily represents the net deferred tax liability and the Company’s estimated taxes payable for the current year. The Company is a member of the federal income tax return of Prudential Financial and primarily files separate company state and local tax returns. Pursuant to the tax allocation arrangement with Prudential Financial, total federal income tax expense is determined on a separate company basis. Members with losses record tax benefits to the extent such losses are recognized in the consolidated federal tax provision. Deferred income taxes are recognized, based on enacted rates, when assets and liabilities have different values for financial statement and tax reporting purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce a deferred tax asset to the amount expected to be realized. Items required by tax regulations to be included in the tax return may differ from the items reflected in the financial statements. As a result, the effective tax rate reflected in the financial statements may be different than the actual rate applied on the tax return. Some of these differences are permanent such as expenses that are not deductible in the Company’s tax return, and some differences are temporary, reversing over time, such as valuation of insurance reserves. Temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in future years for which the Company has already recorded the tax benefit in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in the Company’s financial statements for which payment has been deferred, or expenditures for which the Company has already taken a deduction in the Company’s tax returns but have not yet been recognized in the Company’s financial statements. The application of U.S. GAAP requires the Company to evaluate the recoverability of the Company’s deferred tax assets and establish a valuation allowance if necessary to reduce the Company’s deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not expected to be realized. Considerable judgment is required in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary, and if so, the amount of such valuation allowance. See Note 8 for a discussion of factors considered when evaluating the need for a valuation allowance. In December of 2017, SEC staff issued "SAB 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" ("SAB 118"), which allows registrants to record provisional amounts during a ‘measurement period’ not to extend beyond one year. Under the relief provided by SAB 118, a company can recognize provisional amounts when it does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the change in tax law. See Note 8 for a discussion of provisional amounts related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Act of 2017"). U.S. GAAP prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on tax returns. The application of this guidance is a two-step process. First, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. If a tax position does not meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements. The second step is measurement. The Company measures the tax position as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. This measurement considers the amounts and probabilities of the outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate settlement using the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. The Company’s liability for income taxes includes a liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties which relate to tax years still subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or other taxing jurisdictions. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations has passed. Generally, for tax years which produce net operating losses, capital losses or tax credit carryforwards (“tax attributes”), the statute of limitations does not close, to the extent of these tax attributes, until the expiration of the statute of limitations for the tax year in which they are fully utilized. The completion of review or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the liability for income taxes. The Company classifies all interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties as income tax expense. See Note 8 for additional information regarding income taxes.
Short-term and long-term debt	Short-term and long-term debt liabilities are primarily carried at an amount equal to unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized discount or premium and debt issue costs. Original-issue discount or premium and debt-issue costs are recognized as a component of interest expense over the period the debt is expected to be outstanding, using the interest method of amortization. Interest expense is generally presented within “General, administrative and other expenses” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Short-term debt is debt coming due in the next twelve months , including that portion of debt otherwise classified as long-term. The short-term debt caption may exclude short-term debt items the Company intends to refinance on a long-term basis in the near term. See Note 14 for additional information regarding short-term and long-term debt.
Commitments and contingent liabilities	Commitments and contingent liabilities are accrued if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount is reasonably estimable. Management evaluates whether there are incremental legal or other costs directly associated with the ultimate resolution of the matter that are reasonably estimable and, if so, they are included in the accrual. These accruals are generally reported in “Other liabilities”.
Insurance Revenue and Expense Recognitions	Insurance Revenue and Expense Recognition Premiums from individual life products, other than universal and variable life contracts, are recognized when due. When premiums are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided, any gross premium in excess of the net premium (i.e., the portion of the gross premium required to provide for all expected future benefits and expenses) is generally deferred and recognized into revenue in a constant relationship to insurance in force. Benefits are recorded as an expense when they are incurred. A liability for future policy benefits is recorded when premiums are recognized using the net premium valuation methodology. Premiums from single premium immediate annuities with life contingencies are recognized when due. When premiums are due over a significantly shorter period than the period over which benefits are provided, any gross premium in excess of the net premium is generally deferred and recognized into revenue based on expected future benefit payments. Benefits are recorded as an expense when they are incurred. A liability for future policy benefits is recorded when premiums are recognized using the net level premium method. Certain individual annuity contracts provide the contractholder a guarantee that the benefit received upon death or annuitization will be no less than a minimum prescribed amount. These benefits are accounted for as insurance contracts. The Company also provides contracts with certain living benefits which are considered embedded derivatives. See Note 6 for additional information regarding these contracts. Amounts received as payment for universal or variable individual life contracts, deferred fixed or variable annuities and other contracts without life contingencies are reported as deposits to “Policyholders’ account balances” and/or “Separate account liabilities.” Revenues from these contracts are reflected in “Policy charges and fee income” consisting primarily of fees assessed during the period against the policyholders’ account balances for mortality and other benefit charges, policy administration charges and surrender charges. In addition to fees, the Company earns investment income from the investment of deposits in the Company’s general account portfolio. Fees assessed that represent compensation to the Company for services to be provided in future periods and certain other fees are generally deferred and amortized into revenue over the life of the related contracts in proportion to estimated gross profits. Benefits and expenses for these products include claims in excess of related account balances, expenses of contract administration, interest credited to policyholders’ account balances and amortization of DAC and DSI.
Asset administration fees	Asset administration fees primarily include asset administration fee income received on contractholders’ account balances invested in The Prudential Series Funds, which are a portfolio of mutual fund investments related to the Company’s separate account products. Also, the Company receives fee income calculated on contractholder separate account balances invested in the Advanced Series Trust (see Note 14 ). In addition, the Company receives fees from contractholders’ account balances invested in funds managed by companies other than affiliates of Prudential Insurance. Asset administration fees are recognized as income when earned.
Other income	Other income includes realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments classified as “trading” such as “Trading account assets” and “Other long-term investments” for which the Company has elected the fair value option, and consolidated entities that follow specialized investment company fair value accounting.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from interest rates, foreign exchange rates, financial indices, values of securities or commodities, credit spreads, market volatility, expected returns, and liquidity. Values can also be affected by changes in estimates and assumptions, including those related to counterparty behavior and non-performance risk ("NPR") used in valuation models. Derivative financial instruments generally used by the Company include swaps, futures, forwards and options and may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Derivative positions are carried at fair value, generally by obtaining quoted market prices or through the use of valuation models. Derivatives are used to manage the interest rate and currency characteristics of assets or liabilities. Additionally, derivatives may be used to seek to reduce exposure to interest rate, credit, foreign currency and equity risks associated with assets held or expected to be purchased or sold, and liabilities incurred or expected to be incurred. As discussed in detail below and in Note 10 , all realized and unrealized changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded in current earnings, with the exception of the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Cash flows from derivatives are reported in the operating, investing or financing activities sections in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows based on the nature and purpose of the derivative. Derivatives are recorded either as assets, within “Other long-term investments”, or as liabilities, within “Payables to parent and affiliates”, except for embedded derivatives which are recorded with the associated host contract. The Company nets the fair value of all derivative financial instruments with counterparties for which a master netting arrangement has been executed. The Company designates derivatives as either (1) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow” hedge); or (2) a derivative that does not qualify for hedge accounting. To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated risk of the hedged item. Effectiveness of the hedge is formally assessed at inception and throughout the life of the hedging relationship. Even if a derivative qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, there may be an element of ineffectiveness of the hedge. Under such circumstances, the ineffective portion is recorded in “Realized investment gains (losses), net". The Company formally documents at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, changes in its fair value are recorded in AOCI until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows being hedged (e.g., when periodic settlements on a variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings). At that time, the related portion of deferred gains or losses on the derivative instrument is reclassified and reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations line item associated with the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative no longer qualifies as an effective cash flow hedge or management removes the hedge designation, the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, with changes in fair value recognized currently in “Realized investment gains (losses), net”. The component of AOCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges is reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Operations line associated with the hedged cash flows consistent with the earnings impact of the original hedged cash flows. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the hedged item no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment, or because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the specified time period, the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, with changes in fair value recognized currently in “Realized investment gains (losses), net”. Any asset or liability that was recorded pursuant to recognition of the firm commitment is removed from the balance sheet and recognized currently in “Realized investment gains (losses), net”. Gains and losses that were in AOCI pursuant to the hedge of a forecasted transaction are recognized immediately in “Realized investment gains (losses), net”. If a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, all changes in its fair value, including net receipts and payments, are included in “Realized investment gains (losses), net” without considering changes in the fair value of the economically associated assets or liabilities. The Company is a party to financial instruments that contain derivative instruments that are “embedded” in the financial instruments. At inception, the Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of the embedded instrument are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the financial instrument (i.e., the host contract) and whether a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative instrument. When it is determined that (1) the embedded instrument possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and (2) a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded instrument qualifies as an embedded derivative that is separated from the host contract, carried at fair value, and changes in its fair value are included in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” For certain financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative that otherwise would need to be bifurcated and reported at fair value, the Company may elect to classify the entire instrument as a trading account asset and report it within “Trading account assets, at fair value". The Company sells variable annuity contracts that include optional living benefit features that may be treated from an accounting perspective as embedded derivatives. The Company had reinsurance agreements to transfer the risks related to certain of these benefit features to an affiliate, Pruco Re through March 31, 2016. Effective April 1, 2016, the Company recaptured the risks related to its variable annuity living benefit guarantees that were previously reinsured to Pruco Re. In addition, the Company reinsured variable annuity base contracts, along with the living benefit guarantees, to PALAC, excluding the PLNJ business, which was reinsured to Prudential Insurance, in each case under a coinsurance and modified coinsurance agreement. See Note 1 for additional information. The embedded derivatives related to the living benefit features and the related reinsurance agreements are carried at fair value and included in “Future policy benefits" and “Reinsurance recoverables”. Changes in the fair value are determined using valuation models as described in Note 9 and are recorded in “Realized investment gains (losses), net". The Company, excluding its subsidiaries, also sells certain universal life products that contain a no lapse guarantee provision that was reinsured with an affiliate, UPARC. The reinsurance of this no-lapse guarantee resulted in an embedded derivative that incurred market risk primarily in the form of interest rate risk which at times resulted in changes in the reinsurance recoverables that are carried at fair value and included in “Reinsurance recoverables,” for which charges are recorded in “Realized investment gains (losses), net". The Company amended or entered into multiple reinsurance transactions (see Note 12 ). The settlement of recapture and coinsurance premiums related to these reinsurance transactions occurred subsequent to the effective date of the reinsurance transaction. As a result, the recapture and coinsurance premiums were treated as if settled on the effective date and adjusted for the time elapsed between this date and the settlement date. This adjustment was equal to the earned interest and changes in market values from the effective date through the settlement date related to fixed maturity securities from an asset portfolio within the affiliate company. This settlement feature was accounted for as a derivative. As a result of the recapture of the no-lapse guarantee risk from UPARC by Pruco Life on July 1, 2017, as described in Note 12 , this embedded derivative was eliminated.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") in the form of accounting standards updates ("ASU") to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASU. ASU listed below include those that have been adopted during the current fiscal year and/or those that have been issued but not yet adopted as of the date of this filing. ASU not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not material. There have been no ASU adopted during the year ended December 31, 2017 . ASU issued but not yet adopted as of December 31, 2017 Standard Description Effective date and method of adoption Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) The ASU is based on the core principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The standard also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. Revenue recognition for insurance contracts and financial instruments is explicitly scoped out of the standard. January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method which will include a cumulative-effect adjustment on the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Adoption of the ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. ASU 2016-01 , The ASU revises an entity’s accounting related to the recognition and measurement of certain equity investments and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU requires equity investments, except for those accounted for using the equity method, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The standard also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method which will include a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. Adoption of this guidance will result in 1) the reclassification of net unrealized gains on equity securities currently classified as available-for-sale from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings and 2) adjustment of the basis of equity investments currently accounted for using the cost method to fair value with the embedded net unrealized gain included in retained earnings. The cumulative effect of adoption is expected to increase retained earnings by $7.9 million and total equity by $6.4 million after giving effect to offsetting items. See table below for the impact to the line items in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. There will be no impact to net income on the adoption date. Subsequent to the adoption date, the change in fair value of these equity investments will be reported in net income. Summary of ASU 2016-01 Transition Impacts on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position upon Adoption on January 1, 2018 (in thousands) Increase / (Decrease) Other long-term investments $ 8,097 Total assets $ 8,097 Policyholders’ dividends $ 0 Income taxes 1,700 Total liabilities 1,700 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (1,539 ) Retained earnings 7,936 Total equity 6,397 Total liabilities and equity $ 8,097 Standard Description Effective date and method of adoption Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters ASU 2016-13, This ASU provides a new current expected credit loss model to account for credit losses on certain financial assets and off-balance sheet exposures (e.g., loans held for investment, debt securities held to maturity, reinsurance receivables, net investments in leases and loan commitments). The model requires an entity to estimate lifetime credit losses related to such financial assets and exposures based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The standard also modifies the current OTTI standard for available-for-sale debt securities to require the use of an allowance rather than a direct write down of the investment, and replaces existing standard for purchased credit deteriorated loans and debt securities. January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method which will The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Standard Description Effective date and method of adoption Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters ASU 2016-15, This ASU addresses diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The standard provides clarity on the treatment of eight specifically defined types of cash inflows and outflows. January 1, 2018 using the retrospective method (with early adoption permitted provided that all amendments are adopted in the same period). Adoption of the ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Update 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash In November 2016, the FASB issued this ASU to address diversity in practice from entities classifying and presenting transfers between cash and restricted cash as operating, investing, or financing activities, or as a combination of those activities in the Statement of Cash Flows. The ASU requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents in the Statement of Cash Flows. As a result, transfers between such categories will no longer be presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. January 1, 2018 using the retrospective method (with early adoption permitted). Adoption of the ASU will not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. ASU 2017-08, This ASU requires certain premiums on callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date. January 1, 2019 using the modified The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on the Company’s ASU 2017-12, This ASU makes targeted changes to the existing hedge accounting model to better portray the economics of an entity’s risk management activities and to simplify the use of hedge accounting. January 1, 2019 using the modified The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on the Company’s Standard Description Effective date and method of adoption Effect on the financial statements or other significant matters ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income In February 2018, this ASU was issued following the enactment of the Tax Act of 2017. This ASU allows an entity to elect a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded effects resulting from the Tax Act of 2017. January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The ASU should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Act of 2017 is recognized. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business and Basis of Present23

Business and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Effects of Reinsurance	The following table summarizes the asset transfers related to Variable Annuities Recapture between the Company and its affiliates. Affiliate Period Transaction Security Type Fair Value Book Value APIC and Retained Earnings Increase/(Decrease) Realized Investment Gain/(Loss), Net (in millions) Pruco Re Apr - June 2016 Purchase Derivatives $ 4,166 $ 4,166 $ 0 $ 0 PALAC Apr - June 2016 Sale Fixed Maturity, Trading Account Assets, Commercial Mortgages, Derivatives and JV/LP Investments $ (6,994 ) $ (6,872 ) $ 0 $ 122 Prudential Insurance Apr - June 2016 Dividend Fixed Maturity $ (19 ) $ (19 ) $ (19 ) $ 0 Prudential Insurance Apr - June 2016 Sale Fixed Maturity, Trading Account Assets, Equity Securities, Commercial Mortgages and Derivatives $ (717 ) $ (703 ) $ 15 $ 0 The financial statement impacts of these transactions were as follows: Affected Financial Statement Lines Only Interim Statement of Financial Position Balance as of March 31, 2016 Impacts of Recapture Impacts of Reinsurance Total (in millions) ASSETS Total investments(1) $ 10,702 $ 4,166 $ (7,719 ) $ 7,149 Cash and cash equivalents 496 0 12 508 Deferred policy acquisition costs 4,565 0 (3,449 ) 1,116 Reinsurance recoverables 24,781 (6,312 ) 10,267 28,736 Deferred sales inducements 550 0 (550 ) 0 Other assets 94 0 211 305 Income taxes 0 0 23 23 TOTAL ASSETS 151,859 (2,146 ) (1,205 ) 148,508 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY LIABILITIES Income taxes $ 91 $ 17 $ 0 $ 108 Short-term and long-term debt to affiliates(2) 1,385 0 (1,384 ) 1 Other liabilities 870 0 0 870 TOTAL LIABILITIES 147,554 17 (1,384 ) 146,187 EQUITY Retained earnings(3) 3,337 (2,163 ) 258 1,432 Accumulated other comprehensive income 180 0 (79 ) 101 TOTAL EQUITY 4,305 (2,163 ) 179 2,321 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 151,859 (2,146 ) (1,205 ) 148,508 Significant Non-Cash Transactions (1) The decline in total investments includes non-cash activities of $ 7.7 billion for asset transfers related to the reinsurance transaction with PALAC and Prudential Insurance, partially offset by $ 4.2 billion of assets received related to the recapture transaction with Pruco Re. (2) The Company received ceding commissions of $ 3.6 billion and $ 0.4 billion from PALAC and Prudential Insurance, respectively, of which $ 1.1 billion and $ 0.1 billion were in the form of reassignment of debt to PALAC and Prudential Insurance, respectively. (3) Retained earnings includes dividends of $ 2.8 billion to Prudential Insurance, and then distributed to Prudential Financial, as part of the Variable Annuities Recapture. Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Day 1 Impact of the Variable Annuities Recapture Impacts of Recapture Impacts of Reinsurance Total Impacts (in millions) REVENUES Premiums $ 0 $ (880 ) $ (880 ) Realized investment gains (losses), net (2,146 ) 2,951 805 TOTAL REVENUES (2,146 ) 2,071 (75 ) BENEFITS AND EXPENSES Policyholders' benefits 0 (547 ) (547 ) General, administrative and other expenses 0 (211 ) (211 ) TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES 0 (758 ) (758 ) INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (2,146 ) 2,829 683 Income tax expense (benefit) 17 (23 ) (6 ) NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (2,163 ) $ 2,852 $ 689

Significant Accounting Polici24

Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements	The impacts of the pre-tax charge of $2 million in the second quarter of 2017 were as follows: Impact of Change in Accounting for Certain Reinsurance Contracts(1) (in millions) Decrease in Policy charges and fee income $ (236 ) Decrease in Policyholders' benefits 253 Increase in Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (19 ) Pre-tax charge to income $ (2 ) (1) The corresponding impacts to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position were a $284 million increase in "Other liabilities", a $247 million increase in "Reinsurance recoverables", a $48 million decrease in "Policyholders’ account balances", a $19 million decrease in "Deferred policy acquisition costs" and a $6 million decrease in "Future policy benefits".

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities, Available-for-sale Securities	The following tables set forth information relating to fixed maturities and equity securities (excluding investments classified as trading), as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost or Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value OTTI in AOCI(3) (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 95,851 $ 3,964 $ 0 $ 99,815 $ 0 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 597,254 38,204 0 635,458 0 Foreign government bonds 128,058 7,536 496 135,098 0 Public utilities 677,702 61,588 1,058 738,232 0 Redeemable preferred stock 4,053 957 0 5,010 0 All other U.S. public corporate securities 1,254,140 105,524 2,580 1,357,084 (215 ) All other U.S. private corporate securities 710,424 18,306 1,644 727,086 0 All other foreign public corporate securities 168,399 12,522 732 180,189 0 All other foreign private corporate securities 737,037 41,405 9,598 768,844 0 Asset-backed securities(1) 179,935 2,519 26 182,428 (138 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 320,223 5,148 2,539 322,832 0 Residential mortgage-backed securities(2) 68,868 2,527 169 71,226 (220 ) Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 4,941,944 $ 300,200 $ 18,842 $ 5,223,302 $ (573 ) Equity securities, available-for-sale: Common stocks: Mutual funds $ 20,700 $ 2,291 $ 0 $ 22,991 Public utilities 54 40 0 94 Industrial, miscellaneous & other 0 37 0 37 Total equity securities, available-for-sale $ 20,754 $ 2,368 $ 0 $ 23,122 (1) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by loan obligations, sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans and other asset types. (2) Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. (3) Represents the amount of unrealized losses remaining in AOCI, from the impairment measurement date. Amount excludes $2.2 million of net unrealized gains on impaired available-for-sale securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date. December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost or Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value OTTI in AOCI(3) (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 154,180 $ 6,593 $ 33 $ 160,740 $ 0 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 618,447 14,592 6,553 626,486 0 Foreign government bonds 111,025 2,143 4,386 108,782 0 Public utilities 706,536 33,950 10,519 729,967 0 Redeemable preferred stock 4,136 834 156 4,814 0 All other U.S. public corporate securities 1,802,350 67,908 28,846 1,841,412 (215 ) All other U.S. private corporate securities 714,776 14,555 7,702 721,629 (236 ) All other foreign public corporate securities 216,428 7,371 4,127 219,672 0 All other foreign private corporate securities 577,761 4,866 33,455 549,172 0 Asset-backed securities(1) 184,414 5,164 562 189,016 (2,534 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 382,717 5,783 5,829 382,671 0 Residential mortgage-backed securities(2) 80,141 3,355 308 83,188 (274 ) Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 5,552,911 $ 167,114 $ 102,476 $ 5,617,549 $ (3,259 ) Equity securities, available-for-sale: Common stocks: Mutual funds $ 16,324 $ 441 $ 124 $ 16,641 Public utilities 66 2 28 40 Industrial, miscellaneous & other 0 75 0 75 Total equity securities, available-for-sale $ 16,390 $ 518 $ 152 $ 16,756 (1) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by loan obligations, sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans and other asset types. (2) Includes publicly-traded agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. (3) Represents the amount of unrealized losses remaining in AOCI, from the impairment measurement date. Amount excludes $8.1 million of net unrealized gains on impaired available-for-sale securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date.
Duration Of Gross Unrealized Losses On Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Disclosures	The following tables set forth the fair value and gross unrealized losses aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual fixed maturity and equity securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or More Total Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign government bonds 16,522 210 11,959 286 28,481 496 Public utilities 26,466 380 27,354 678 53,820 1,058 Redeemable preferred stock 0 0 0 0 0 0 All other U.S. public corporate securities 36,100 304 102,490 2,276 138,590 2,580 All other U.S. private corporate securities 79,495 781 36,642 863 116,137 1,644 All other foreign public corporate securities 27,078 190 8,390 542 35,468 732 All other foreign private corporate securities 48,109 472 133,055 9,126 181,164 9,598 Asset-backed securities 6,351 22 317 4 6,668 26 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 49,823 285 93,403 2,254 143,226 2,539 Residential mortgage-backed securities 8,030 28 6,160 141 14,190 169 Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 297,974 $ 2,672 $ 419,770 $ 16,170 $ 717,744 $ 18,842 Equity securities, available-for-sale $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 December 31, 2016 Less than Twelve Months Twelve Months or More Total Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 603 $ 33 $ 0 $ 0 $ 603 $ 33 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 239,146 6,553 0 0 239,146 6,553 Foreign government bonds 81,074 4,055 1,690 331 82,764 4,386 Public utilities 207,226 7,847 21,394 2,672 228,620 10,519 Redeemable preferred stock 0 0 0 156 0 156 All other U.S. public corporate securities 568,763 20,695 73,575 8,151 642,338 28,846 All other U.S. private corporate securities 232,561 6,082 29,071 1,620 261,632 7,702 All other foreign public corporate securities 86,492 3,188 5,433 939 91,925 4,127 All other foreign private corporate securities 236,512 13,604 101,858 19,851 338,370 33,455 Asset-backed securities 37,355 492 49,346 70 86,701 562 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 191,674 5,827 947 2 192,621 5,829 Residential mortgage-backed securities 36,224 302 1,045 6 37,269 308 Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 1,917,630 $ 68,678 $ 284,359 $ 33,798 $ 2,201,989 $ 102,476 Equity securities, available-for-sale $ 0 $ 0 $ 2,965 $ 152 $ 2,965 $ 152
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities by contractual maturities, as of the date indicated: December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Fair Value (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Due in one year or less $ 87,018 $ 87,741 Due after one year through five years 707,958 722,359 Due after five years through ten years 1,064,550 1,107,779 Due after ten years 2,513,392 2,728,937 Asset-backed securities 179,935 182,428 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 320,223 322,832 Residential mortgage-backed securities 68,868 71,226 Total fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 4,941,944 $ 5,223,302
Sources of Fixed Maturity Proceeds, Related Investment Gains (Losses), and Losses on Impairments of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities	The following table sets forth the sources of fixed maturity and equity security proceeds and related investment gains (losses), as well as losses on impairments of both fixed maturities and equity securities, for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: Proceeds from sales(1) $ 569,151 $ 833,562 $ 171,589 Proceeds from maturities/prepayments 492,944 495,969 642,503 Gross investment gains from sales and maturities 44,458 94,262 12,496 Gross investment losses from sales and maturities (9,956 ) (10,475 ) (1,528 ) OTTI recognized in earnings(2) (7,379 ) (17,677 ) (1,463 ) Equity securities, available-for-sale: Proceeds from sales(3) $ 510 $ 34,618 $ 5,732 Gross investment gains from sales 11 363 400 Gross investment losses from sales 0 (1,933 ) 0 OTTI recognized in earnings (136 ) 0 (3 ) (1) Includes $(0.1) million , $(1.5) million and $0.4 million of non-cash related proceeds for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (2) Excludes the portion of OTTI recorded in OCI representing any difference between the fair value of the impaired debt security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows at the time of the impairment. (3) Includes $(0.0) million of non-cash related proceeds for the year ended December 31, 2015 . There were no non-cash related proceeds for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 .
Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings on Fixed Maturity Securities Held by the Company for which a Portion of the OTTI Loss was Recognized in OCI	The following table sets forth the amount of pre-tax credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities held by the Company for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in OCI and the corresponding changes in such amounts, for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Credit loss impairments: Balance, beginning of period $ 5,520 $ 7,041 New credit loss impairments 424 522 Additional credit loss impairments on securities previously impaired 664 6 Increases due to the passage of time on previously recorded credit losses 106 242 Reductions for securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period (1,909 ) (1,294 ) Reductions for securities impaired to fair value during the period(1) (327 ) 0 Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected (104 ) (339 ) Assets transferred to parent and affiliates 0 (658 ) Balance, end of period $ 4,374 $ 5,520 (1) Represents circumstances where the Company determined in the current period that it intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security's amortized cost.
Trading Account Assets Disclosure	The following table sets forth the composition of “Trading account assets,” as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost or Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost or Cost Fair Value (in thousands) Fixed maturities $ 38,279 $ 38,793 $ 23,555 $ 19,558 Equity securities 11,940 17,488 11,929 15,770 Total trading account assets $ 50,219 $ 56,281 $ 35,484 $ 35,328
Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans	The following table sets forth the composition of “Commercial mortgage and other loans,” as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amount (in thousands) % of Total Amount (in thousands) % of Total Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans by property type: Apartments/Multi-Family $ 356,694 32.9 % $ 318,667 27.7 % Hospitality 16,529 1.5 54,597 4.7 Industrial 180,619 16.7 185,682 16.1 Office 159,646 14.7 161,980 14.1 Other 99,119 9.1 124,465 10.8 Retail 205,367 18.9 243,225 21.1 Total commercial mortgage loans 1,017,974 93.8 1,088,616 94.5 Agricultural property loans 67,239 6.2 63,323 5.5 Total commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans by property type 1,085,213 100.0 % 1,151,939 100.0 % Valuation allowance (1,794 ) (1,558 ) Total commercial mortgage and other loans $ 1,083,419 $ 1,150,381
Allowance for Losses	The following tables set forth the activity in the allowance for credit losses for commercial mortgage and other loans, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Commercial Mortgage Loans Agricultural Property Loans Total (in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Balance, beginning of year $ 1,513 $ 45 $ 1,558 Addition to (release of) allowance for losses 215 21 236 Charge-offs, net of recoveries 0 0 0 Total ending balance $ 1,728 $ 66 $ 1,794 December 31, 2016 Commercial Mortgage Loans Agricultural Property Loans Total (in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Balance, beginning of year $ 2,587 $ 64 $ 2,651 Addition to (release of) allowance for losses (1,074 ) (19 ) (1,093 ) Charge-offs, net of recoveries 0 0 0 Total ending balance $ 1,513 $ 45 $ 1,558
Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans	The following tables set forth the allowance for credit losses and the recorded investment in commercial mortgage and other loans, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Commercial Mortgage Loans Agricultural Property Loans Total (in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Individually evaluated for impairment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Collectively evaluated for impairment 1,728 66 1,794 Total ending balance(1) $ 1,728 $ 66 $ 1,794 Recorded investment(2): Individually evaluated for impairment $ 2,316 $ 1,153 $ 3,469 Collectively evaluated for impairment 1,015,658 66,086 1,081,744 Total ending balance(1) $ 1,017,974 $ 67,239 $ 1,085,213 (1) As of December 31, 2017 , there were no loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. (2) Recorded investment reflects the carrying value gross of related allowance. December 31, 2016 Commercial Mortgage Loans Agricultural Property Loans Total (in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Individually evaluated for impairment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Collectively evaluated for impairment 1,513 45 1,558 Total ending balance(1) $ 1,513 $ 45 $ 1,558 Recorded investment(2): Individually evaluated for impairment $ 2,528 $ 0 $ 2,528 Collectively evaluated for impairment 1,086,088 63,323 1,149,411 Total ending balance(1) $ 1,088,616 $ 63,323 $ 1,151,939 (1) As of December 31, 2016 , there were no loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. (2) Recorded investment reflects the carrying value gross of related allowance.
Credit Quality Indicators	The following tables set forth certain key credit quality indicators for commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans based upon the recorded investment gross of allowance for credit losses, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Debt Service Coverage Ratio > 1.2X 1.0X to <1.2X < 1.0X Total (in thousands) Loan-to-Value Ratio: 0%-59.99% $ 606,846 $ 21,709 $ 705 $ 629,260 60%-69.99% 333,185 9,594 2,010 344,789 70%-79.99% 84,492 26,439 0 110,931 80% or greater 0 0 233 233 Total commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans $ 1,024,523 $ 57,742 $ 2,948 $ 1,085,213 December 31, 2016 Debt Service Coverage Ratio > 1.2X 1.0X to <1.2X < 1.0X Total (in thousands) Loan-to-Value Ratio: 0%-59.99% $ 732,473 $ 19,844 $ 0 $ 752,317 60%-69.99% 267,122 7,515 900 275,537 70%-79.99% 88,811 30,533 0 119,344 80% or greater 4,503 0 238 4,741 Total commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans $ 1,092,909 $ 57,892 $ 1,138 $ 1,151,939
Past Due Financing Receivables	The following tables set forth an aging of past due commercial mortgage and other loans based upon the recorded investment gross of allowance for credit losses, as well as the amount of commercial mortgage and other loans on non-accrual status, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90 Days or More Past Due(1) Total Loans Non-Accrual Status(2) (in thousands) Commercial mortgage loans $ 1,017,974 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,017,974 $ 0 Agricultural property loans 67,239 0 0 0 67,239 0 Total $ 1,085,213 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,085,213 $ 0 (1) As of December 31, 2017 , there were no loans in this category accruing interest. (2) For additional information regarding the Company's policies for accruing interest on loans, see Note 2 . December 31, 2016 Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90 Days or More Past Due(1) Total Loans Non-Accrual Status(2) (in thousands) Commercial mortgage loans $ 1,088,616 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,088,616 $ 0 Agricultural property loans 63,323 0 0 0 63,323 0 Total $ 1,151,939 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,151,939 $ 0 (1) As of December 31, 2016 , there were no loans in this category accruing interest. (2) For additional information regarding the Company's policies for accruing interest on loans, see Note 2 .
Schedule Of Other Long Term Investments	The following table sets forth the composition of “Other long-term investments,” as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Company's investment in separate accounts $ 37,404 $ 34,088 Joint ventures and limited partnerships: Private equity 159,643 139,493 Hedge funds 53,792 81,104 Real estate-related 12,226 11,912 Total joint ventures and limited partnerships 225,661 232,509 Derivatives 9 77,866 Total other long-term investments $ 263,074 $ 344,463
Net Investment Income	The following table sets forth “Net investment income” by investment type, for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 230,060 $ 242,351 $ 269,073 Equity securities, available-for-sale 0 1 2 Trading account assets 1,718 2,051 2,800 Commercial mortgage and other loans 52,127 58,940 86,354 Policy loans 63,884 62,735 62,304 Short-term investments and cash equivalents 1,090 1,767 1,042 Other long-term investments 23,518 29,512 17,739 Gross investment income 372,397 397,357 439,314 Less: investment expenses (19,987 ) (21,407 ) (22,727 ) Net investment income $ 352,410 $ 375,950 $ 416,587
Schedule of Realized Gains (Losses)	The following table sets forth “Realized investment gains (losses), net” by investment type, for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Fixed maturities $ 27,123 $ 66,110 $ 9,505 Equity securities (125 ) (1,570 ) 397 Commercial mortgage and other loans (337 ) 29,584 1,503 Joint ventures and limited partnerships (221 ) (229 ) 320 Derivatives(1) (106,625 ) 664,533 (220,292 ) Short-term investments and cash equivalents (1 ) 21 29 Realized investment gains (losses), net $ (80,186 ) $ 758,449 $ (208,538 ) (1) Includes the hedged items offset in qualifying fair value hedge accounting relationships.
Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Investments	The following table sets forth net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale—with OTTI $ 1,609 $ 4,883 $ 5,196 Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale—all other 279,749 59,755 59,930 Equity securities, available-for-sale 2,368 366 (2,636 ) Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1) (17,678 ) 40,931 48,271 Affiliated notes 4,782 5,056 5,064 Other investments 3,588 1,441 1,208 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments $ 274,418 $ 112,432 $ 117,033 (1) See Note 10 for more information on cash flow hedges.
Schedule of Securities Financing Transactions	In the normal course of business, the Company sells securities under agreements to repurchase and enters into securities lending transactions. The following table sets forth the composition of “Securities sold under agreements to repurchase,” as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Remaining Contractual Maturities of the Agreements Remaining Contractual Maturities of the Agreements Overnight & Continuous Up to 30 Days Total Overnight & Continuous Up to 30 Days Total (in thousands) (in thousands) U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 68,904 $ 0 $ 68,904 Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase(1) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 68,904 $ 0 $ 68,904 (1) The Company did not have agreements with remaining contractual maturities of thirty days or greater, as of the dates indicated. The following table sets forth the composition of “Cash collateral for loaned securities,” which represents the liability to return cash collateral received for the following types of securities loaned, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Remaining Contractual Maturities of the Agreements Remaining Contractual Maturities of the Agreements Overnight & Continuous Up to 30 Days Total Overnight & Continuous Up to 30 Days Total (in thousands) (in thousands) U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 22,460 $ 22,460 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Foreign government bonds 6,157 0 6,157 6,827 0 6,827 U.S. public corporate securities 4,074 0 4,074 62,584 0 62,584 Foreign public corporate securities 478 0 478 5,565 0 5,565 Total cash collateral for loaned securities(1) $ 10,709 $ 22,460 $ 33,169 $ 74,976 $ 0 $ 74,976 (1) The Company did not have agreements with remaining contractual maturities of thirty days or greater, as of the dates indicated.
Securities Pledged	The following table sets forth the carrying value of investments pledged to third parties and the carrying amount of the associated liabilities supported by the pledged collateral, as of the dates indicated: December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Pledged collateral: Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale $ 32,109 $ 140,810 Total securities pledged $ 32,109 $ 140,810 Liabilities supported by pledged collateral: Cash collateral for loaned securities $ 33,169 $ 74,976 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 0 68,904 Total liabilities supported by pledged collateral $ 33,169 $ 143,880

Deferred Policy Acquisition C26

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Deferred Acquisition Costs	The balances of and changes in DAC as of and for the years ended December 31, are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 1,341,093 $ 5,129,931 $ 5,081,938 Capitalization of commissions, sales and issue expenses 278,892 316,828 616,002 Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups (16,140 ) 130,652 112,039 Amortization-All other (78,867 ) (758,753 ) (771,208 ) Change in unrealized investment gains and losses (5,363 ) (28,723 ) 91,160 Other(1) (143,404 ) (3,448,842 ) 0 Balance, end of year $ 1,376,211 $ 1,341,093 $ 5,129,931 (1) Represents ceded DAC upon reinsurance agreements with GUL Re in 2017 and PALAC and Prudential Insurance in 2016. See Note 1 and Note 12 for additional information.

Policyholders' Liabilities (Tab

Policyholders' Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Liability for Future Policy Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances	Policyholders’ account balances at December 31 for the years indicated are as follows: 2017 2016 (in thousands) Interest-sensitive life contracts $ 15,460,543 $ 14,593,376 Individual annuities 3,132,751 2,861,882 Guaranteed interest accounts 264,239 310,321 Other 1,178,601 1,129,314 Total policyholders’ account balances $ 20,036,134 $ 18,894,893 Future policy benefits at December 31 for the years indicated are as follows: 2017 2016 (in thousands) Life insurance – domestic $ 11,144,405 $ 9,643,227 Life insurance – Taiwan 1,400,050 1,240,353 Individual and group annuities and supplementary contracts 565,971 548,064 Other contract liabilities 5,482,704 5,071,616 Total future policy benefits $ 18,593,130 $ 16,503,260

Certain Long-Duration Contrac28

Certain Long-Duration Contracts With Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Long-Duration Contracts, Assumptions Supporting Guarantee Obligations [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Amount of Risk by Product and Guarantee	As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had the following guarantees associated with these contracts, by product and guarantee type: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 In the Event of Death At Annuitization/ Accumulation(1) In the Event of Death(2) At Annuitization/ Accumulation(1)(2) (in thousands) Annuity Contracts Return of net deposits Account value $ 94,605,484 N/A $ 85,056,405 N/A Net amount at risk $ 23,143 N/A $ 178,806 N/A Average attained age of contractholders 65 years N/A 64 years N/A Minimum return or contract value Account value $ 21,331,358 $ 105,887,964 $ 20,091,528 $ 95,908,923 Net amount at risk $ 1,309,080 $ 1,729,783 $ 2,039,249 $ 2,875,524 Average attained age of contractholders 69 years 66 years 68 years 65 years Average period remaining until earliest expected annuitization N/A 0 years N/A 0 years (1) Includes income and withdrawal benefits. (2) Excludes ceded reinsurance business to PALAC and Prudential Insurance related to the Variable Annuities Recapture transaction, as described in Note 1. See Note 12 for amounts recoverable from reinsurers. December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016(2) In the Event of Death(1) (in thousands) Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts No-lapse guarantees Separate account value $ 3,496,913 $ 3,125,804 General account value $ 7,209,522 $ 6,234,678 Net amount at risk $ 135,077,843 $ 119,838,053 Average attained age of contractholders 55 years 55 years (1) Excludes assumed reinsurance of GUL business from Prudential Insurance in connection with the acquisition of The Hartford Life Business that is retroceded 100% to PAR U. (2) Excludes ceded reinsurance business to PALAC and Prudential Insurance related to the Variable Annuities Recapture transaction, as described in Note 1. See Note 12 for amounts recoverable from reinsurers.
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment	Account balances of variable annuity contracts with guarantees were invested in separate account investment options as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016(1) (in thousands) Equity funds $ 65,755,874 $ 59,482,605 Bond funds 44,672,897 36,221,736 Money market funds 2,415,670 6,557,987 Total $ 112,844,441 $ 102,262,328 (1) Excludes ceded reinsurance business to PALAC and Prudential Insurance related to the Variable Annuities Recapture transaction, as described in Note 1. See Note 12 for amounts recoverable from reinsurers.
Schedule of Minimum Guaranteed Benefit Liabilities	The table below summarizes the changes in general account liabilities for guarantees. The liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) and guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) are included in “Future policy benefits” and the related changes in the liabilities are included in “Policyholders' benefits”. Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”), and guaranteed minimum income and withdrawal benefits (“GMIWB”) are accounted for as embedded derivatives and are recorded at fair value within “Future policy benefits”. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives, including changes in the Company’s own risk of non-performance, along with any fees attributed or payments made relating to the derivative, are recorded in “Realized investment gains (losses), net.” See Note 9 for additional information regarding the methodology used in determining the fair value of these embedded derivatives. The Company maintains a portfolio of derivative investments that serve as a partial hedge of the risks associated with these products, for which the changes in fair value are also recorded in "Realized investment gains (losses), net." This portfolio of derivative investments does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the Company externally reinsures the guaranteed benefit features associated with certain contracts. See Note 12 for further information regarding the external reinsurance arrangement. GMDB GMIB GMWB/GMIWB/ GMAB Total Variable Annuity Variable Life, Variable Universal Life & Universal Life Variable Annuity (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 321,217 $ 2,921,933 $ 39,681 $ 4,993,610 $ 8,276,441 Incurred guarantee benefits(1) 95,747 538,906 (6,900 ) 211,825 839,578 Paid guarantee benefits (34,021 ) (21,811 ) (1,938 ) 0 (57,770 ) Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses (6,049 ) (193,207 ) (225 ) 0 (199,481 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 376,894 3,245,821 30,618 5,205,435 8,858,768 Incurred guarantee benefits(1) 48,832 746,130 (1,693 ) (164,427 ) 628,842 Paid guarantee benefits (38,661 ) (35,894 ) (1,892 ) 0 (76,447 ) Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses 928 102,124 5 0 103,057 Balance as of December 31, 2016 387,993 4,058,181 27,038 5,041,008 9,514,220 Incurred guarantee benefits(1) 16,999 808,834 (8,653 ) 411,575 1,228,755 Paid guarantee benefits (25,942 ) (14,642 ) (1,377 ) 0 (41,961 ) Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses 11,288 144,937 123 0 156,348 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 390,338 $ 4,997,310 $ 17,131 $ 5,452,583 $ 10,857,362 (1) Incurred guarantee benefits include the portion of assessments established as additions to reserves as well as changes in estimates affecting the reserves. Also includes changes in the fair value of features considered to be derivatives.
Deferred Sales Inducements	Changes in DSI, reported as “Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances,” are as follows: Sales Inducements (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 836,791 Capitalization 6,462 Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups 21,829 Amortization-All other (183,843 ) Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) 3,605 Balance as of December 31, 2015 684,844 Capitalization 932 Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups 11,817 Amortization-All other (144,670 ) Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) (2,802 ) Other(1) (550,121 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 0 Capitalization 0 Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups 0 Amortization-All other 0 Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) 0 Other 0 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 0 (1) Represents ceded DSI upon reinsurance agreements with PALAC and Prudential Insurance in 2016. See Note 1 and Note 12 for additional information.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The following schedule discloses significant components of income tax expense (benefit) for each year presented: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Current tax expense (benefit): U.S. Federal $ (52,501 ) $ (99,443 ) $ 105,992 State and local 0 49 129 Total (52,501 ) (99,394 ) 106,121 Deferred tax expense (benefit): U.S. Federal (102,153 ) 25,525 (116,762 ) Total (102,153 ) 25,525 (116,762 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) (154,654 ) (73,869 ) (10,641 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) reported in equity related to: Other comprehensive income (loss) 43,372 3,322 (61,322 ) Additional paid-in capital 824 587 (6,560 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (110,458 ) $ (69,960 ) $ (78,523 )
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The differences between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and the reported income tax expense (benefit) are summarized as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Expected federal income tax expense $ 59,591 $ 112,472 $ 174,077 Non-taxable investment income (157,408 ) (146,324 ) (161,407 ) Tax credits (29,506 ) (30,916 ) (24,232 ) Domestic production activities deduction, net (10,448 ) (9,488 ) 0 Changes in tax law (17,576 ) 0 0 Other 693 387 921 Reported income tax expense (benefit) $ (154,654 ) $ (73,869 ) $ (10,641 ) Effective tax rate (90.8 )% (22.9 )% (2.1 )%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	As of December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Insurance reserves $ 171,504 $ 148,115 Other 0 1,966 Deferred tax assets 171,504 150,081 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred policy acquisition costs 39,501 45,405 Net unrealized gains on securities 61,294 24,949 Investments 96,385 171,303 Other 7,944 0 Deferred tax liabilities 205,124 241,657 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (33,620 ) $ (91,576 )
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation	The following table reconciles the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the periods indicated. 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Balance at January 1, $ 9,488 $ 0 $ 0 Increases in unrecognized tax benefits-prior years 12,373 4,744 0 (Decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits-prior years 0 0 0 Increases in unrecognized tax benefits-current year 8,335 4,744 0 (Decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits-current year 0 0 0 Settlements with taxing authorities 0 0 0 Balance at December 31, $ 30,196 $ 9,488 $ 0 Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective rate $ 30,196 $ 9,488 $ 0

Fair Value of Assets and Liab30

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis, as of the dates indicated. As of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Netting(1) Total (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 80,611 $ 19,204 $ 0 $ 99,815 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 0 635,458 0 0 635,458 Foreign government bonds 0 134,924 174 0 135,098 U.S. corporate public securities 0 1,779,935 1,154 0 1,781,089 U.S. corporate private securities 0 901,080 60,158 0 961,238 Foreign corporate public securities 0 182,243 209 0 182,452 Foreign corporate private securities 0 837,766 13,900 0 851,666 Asset-backed securities(4) 0 71,400 111,028 0 182,428 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 0 322,832 0 0 322,832 Residential mortgage-backed securities 0 71,226 0 0 71,226 Subtotal 0 5,017,475 205,827 0 5,223,302 Trading account assets: Corporate securities 0 38,793 0 0 38,793 Asset-backed securities(4) 0 0 0 0 0 Equity securities 0 0 17,488 0 17,488 Subtotal 0 38,793 17,488 0 56,281 Equity securities, available-for-sale 94 22,991 37 0 23,122 Short-term investments 0 0 1,339 0 1,339 Cash equivalents 0 28,007 0 0 28,007 Other long-term investments(6) 0 115,094 0 (115,086 ) 8 Reinsurance recoverables(5) 0 0 5,457,649 0 5,457,649 Receivables from parent and affiliates 0 132,571 0 0 132,571 Subtotal excluding separate account assets 94 5,354,931 5,682,340 (115,086 ) 10,922,279 Separate account assets(2)(7) 0 125,543,035 0 0 125,543,035 Total assets $ 94 $ 130,897,966 $ 5,682,340 $ (115,086 ) $ 136,465,314 Future policy benefits(3) $ 0 $ 0 $ 5,452,583 $ 0 $ 5,452,583 Policyholders' account balances 0 0 46,651 0 46,651 Payables to parent and affiliates 0 74,378 0 (69,718 ) 4,660 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 74,378 $ 5,499,234 $ (69,718 ) $ 5,503,894 As of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Netting(1) Total (in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies $ 0 $ 160,740 $ 0 $ 0 $ 160,740 Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions 0 626,486 0 0 626,486 Foreign government bonds 0 108,782 0 0 108,782 U.S. corporate public securities 0 2,306,409 55,109 0 2,361,518 U.S. corporate private securities 0 851,585 32,699 0 884,284 Foreign corporate public securities 0 221,848 0 0 221,848 Foreign corporate private securities 0 584,268 14,748 0 599,016 Asset-backed securities(4) 0 169,160 19,856 0 189,016 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 0 382,671 0 0 382,671 Residential mortgage-backed securities 0 83,188 0 0 83,188 Subtotal 0 5,495,137 122,412 0 5,617,549 Trading account assets: Corporate securities 0 19,256 0 0 19,256 Asset-backed securities(4) 0 302 0 0 302 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 0 0 0 0 — Equity securities 0 0 15,770 0 15,770 Subtotal 0 19,558 15,770 0 35,328 Equity securities, available-for-sale 41 16,640 75 0 16,756 Short-term investments 31,007 5,650 0 0 36,657 Cash equivalents 5,644 1,998 0 0 7,642 Other long-term investments(6) 0 90,884 0 (13,019 ) 77,865 Reinsurance recoverables 0 0 5,474,263 0 5,474,263 Receivables from parent and affiliates 0 131,144 6,493 0 137,637 Subtotal excluding separate account assets 36,692 5,761,011 5,619,013 (13,019 ) 11,403,697 Separate account assets(2)(7) 0 116,040,888 0 0 116,040,888 Total assets $ 36,692 $ 121,801,899 $ 5,619,013 $ (13,019 ) $ 127,444,585 Future policy benefits(3) $ 0 $ 0 $ 5,041,007 $ 0 $ 5,041,007 Policyholders' account balances 0 0 20,337 0 20,337 Payables to parent and affiliates 0 12,854 0 (12,854 ) 0 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 12,854 $ 5,061,344 $ (12,854 ) $ 5,061,344 (1) “Netting” amounts represent cash collateral of $45.4 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and the impact of offsetting asset and liability positions held with the same counterparty, subject to master netting arrangements. (2) Separate account assets represent segregated funds that are invested for certain customers. Investment risks associated with market value changes are borne by the customers, except to the extent of minimum guarantees made by the Company with respect to certain accounts. Separate account liabilities are not included in the above table as they are reported at contract value and not fair value in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. (3) As of December 31, 2017 , the net embedded derivative liability position of $5,453 million includes $823 million of embedded derivatives in an asset position and $6,276 million of embedded derivatives in a liability position. As of December 31, 2016 , the net embedded derivative liability position of $5,041 million includes $1,157 million of embedded derivatives in an asset position and $6,198 million of embedded derivatives in a liability position. (4) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by syndicated bank loans, sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans and other asset types. (5) Effective July 1, 2017, the Company recaptured the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC and discontinued the embedded derivative accounting. (6) Other long-term investments excluded from the fair value hierarchy include certain hedge funds, private equity funds and other funds for which fair value is measured at net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the fair values of these investments, which include certain hedge funds, private equity funds and other funds were $0.7 million and $0.9 million , respectively. (7) Separate account assets included in the fair value hierarchy exclude investments in entities that calculate NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. Such investments excluded from the fair value hierarchy include investments in real estate, hedge funds and a corporate owned life insurance fund, for which fair value is measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent). At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the fair values of separate account assets excluded from the fair value hierarchy were $4,113 million and $566 million , respectively.
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information	The tables below present quantitative information on significant internally-priced Level 3 assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Unobservable Inputs Minimum Maximum Weighted Impact of (in thousands) Assets: Corporate securities(12) $ 36,966 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 5.06 % 22.23 % 7.33 % Decrease Liquidation Liquidation value 25 % 25 % 25 % Increase Reinsurance recoverables(13) $ 5,457,649 Fair values are determined in the same manner as future policy benefits Liabilities: Future policy benefits(7) $ 5,452,583 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate(8) 1 % 12 % Decrease Spread over LIBOR(4) 0.12 % 1.10 % Decrease Utilization rate(9) 52 % 97 % Increase Withdrawal rate See table footnote (10) below Mortality rate(11) 0 % 14 % Decrease Equity volatility curve 13 % 24 % Increase As of December 31, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Minimum Maximum Weighted Average Impact of Increase in Input on Fair Value(1) (in thousands) Assets: Corporate securities(12) $ 45,715 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 4.54 % 15.00 % 8.06 % Decrease Market comparables EBITDA multiples(2) 4.0 X 4.0 X 4.0 X Increase Liquidation Liquidation value 98.21 % 98.21 % 98.21 % Increase Reinsurance recoverables - Living Benefits $ 5,041,262 Fair values are determined in the same manner as future policy benefits Reinsurance recoverables - No Lapse Guarantee $ 433,001 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate(3) 0 % 12 % Decrease Spread over LIBOR(4) 0.25 % 1.50 % Decrease Mortality rate(5) 0 % 31 % Decrease Premium payment(6) 0.65 X 0.95 X Decrease Liabilities: Future policy benefits(7) $ 5,041,007 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate(8) 0 % 13 % Decrease Spread over LIBOR(4) 0.25 % 1.50 % Decrease Utilization rate(9) 52 % 96 % Increase Withdrawal rate See table footnote (10) below Mortality rate(11) 0 % 14 % Decrease Equity volatility curve 16 % 25 % Increase (1) Conversely, the impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on fair value as that presented in the table. (2) Represents multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, ("EBITDA"), and are amounts used when the Company has determined that market participants would use such multiples when valuing the investments. (3) For universal life, lapse rates vary based on funding level and other factors. Rates are set to zero when the no lapse guarantee is fully funded and the cash value is zero. (4) The spread over LIBOR swap curve represents the premium added to the risk-free discount rate (i.e., LIBOR) to reflect our estimates of rates that a market participant would use to value the living benefit contracts in both the accumulation and payout phases. This spread includes an estimate of NPR, which is the risk that the obligation will not be fulfilled by the Company. NPR is primarily estimated by utilizing the credit spreads associated with issuing funding agreements, adjusted for any illiquidity risk premium. In order to reflect the financial strength ratings of the Company, credit spreads associated with funding agreements, as opposed to credit spread associated with debt, are utilized in developing this estimate because both funding agreements and living benefit contracts are insurance liabilities and are therefore senior to debt. (5) Universal life mortality rates are adjusted based on underwriting information. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the projection. (6) For universal life, policyholders are assumed to pay a multiple of commissionable target premium levels (shown above and indicated as "X"). The multiples vary by funding level and policy duration. If the resulting premium in any duration is smaller than the minimum annual premium required to maintain the no-lapse guarantee, policyholders are assumed to pay the minimum annual premium. Policyholders are assumed to stop premium payments once the no-lapse guarantee is fully funded. The range shown as of December 31, 2016 excludes multiples for the first duration since all contracts are beyond the first duration. Assumption ranges for prior periods include first duration multiples. (7) Future policy benefits primarily represent general account liabilities for the living benefit guarantees of the Company’s variable annuity contracts which are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Since the valuation methodology for these liabilities uses a range of inputs that vary at the contract level over the cash flow projection period, presenting a range, rather than weighted average, is a more meaningful representation of the unobservable inputs used in the valuation. (8) Lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on the in-the-moneyness of the living benefit and reflect other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. Lapse rates are reduced when contracts are more in-the-money. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower for the period where surrender charges apply. (9) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contracts that will utilize the benefit during the contract duration, and begin lifetime withdrawals at various time intervals from contract inception. The remaining contractholders are assumed to either begin lifetime withdrawals immediately or never utilize the benefit. Utilization assumptions may vary by product type, tax status and age. The impact of changes in these assumptions is highly dependent on the product type, the age of the contractholder at the time of the sale, and the timing of the first lifetime income withdrawal. Range reflects the utilization rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits. (10) The withdrawal rate assumption estimates the magnitude of annual contractholder withdrawals relative to the maximum allowable amount under the contract. These assumptions may vary based on the age of the contractholder, the tax status of the contract and the duration since the contractholder began lifetime withdrawals. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the minimum withdrawal assumption rate is 78% and the maximum withdrawal assumption rate may be greater than 100% . The fair value of the liability will generally increase the closer the withdrawal rate is to 100% and decrease as the withdrawal rate moves further away from 100%. (11) Range reflects the mortality rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits, with policyholders ranging from 35 to 90 years old. While the majority of living benefits have a minimum age requirement, certain benefits do not have an age restriction. This results in contractholders for certain benefits with mortality rates approaching 0% . Based on historical experience, the Company applies a set of age and duration specific mortality rate adjustments compared to standard industry tables. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the overall mortality table. (12) Includes assets classified as fixed maturities available-for-sale. (13) Effective July 1, 2017, the Company recaptured the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC and discontinued the embedded derivative accounting.
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information	The tables below present quantitative information on significant internally-priced Level 3 assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value Valuation Unobservable Inputs Minimum Maximum Weighted Impact of (in thousands) Assets: Corporate securities(12) $ 36,966 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 5.06 % 22.23 % 7.33 % Decrease Liquidation Liquidation value 25 % 25 % 25 % Increase Reinsurance recoverables(13) $ 5,457,649 Fair values are determined in the same manner as future policy benefits Liabilities: Future policy benefits(7) $ 5,452,583 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate(8) 1 % 12 % Decrease Spread over LIBOR(4) 0.12 % 1.10 % Decrease Utilization rate(9) 52 % 97 % Increase Withdrawal rate See table footnote (10) below Mortality rate(11) 0 % 14 % Decrease Equity volatility curve 13 % 24 % Increase As of December 31, 2016 Fair Value Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Minimum Maximum Weighted Average Impact of Increase in Input on Fair Value(1) (in thousands) Assets: Corporate securities(12) $ 45,715 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 4.54 % 15.00 % 8.06 % Decrease Market comparables EBITDA multiples(2) 4.0 X 4.0 X 4.0 X Increase Liquidation Liquidation value 98.21 % 98.21 % 98.21 % Increase Reinsurance recoverables - Living Benefits $ 5,041,262 Fair values are determined in the same manner as future policy benefits Reinsurance recoverables - No Lapse Guarantee $ 433,001 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate(3) 0 % 12 % Decrease Spread over LIBOR(4) 0.25 % 1.50 % Decrease Mortality rate(5) 0 % 31 % Decrease Premium payment(6) 0.65 X 0.95 X Decrease Liabilities: Future policy benefits(7) $ 5,041,007 Discounted cash flow Lapse rate(8) 0 % 13 % Decrease Spread over LIBOR(4) 0.25 % 1.50 % Decrease Utilization rate(9) 52 % 96 % Increase Withdrawal rate See table footnote (10) below Mortality rate(11) 0 % 14 % Decrease Equity volatility curve 16 % 25 % Increase (1) Conversely, the impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on fair value as that presented in the table. (2) Represents multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, ("EBITDA"), and are amounts used when the Company has determined that market participants would use such multiples when valuing the investments. (3) For universal life, lapse rates vary based on funding level and other factors. Rates are set to zero when the no lapse guarantee is fully funded and the cash value is zero. (4) The spread over LIBOR swap curve represents the premium added to the risk-free discount rate (i.e., LIBOR) to reflect our estimates of rates that a market participant would use to value the living benefit contracts in both the accumulation and payout phases. This spread includes an estimate of NPR, which is the risk that the obligation will not be fulfilled by the Company. NPR is primarily estimated by utilizing the credit spreads associated with issuing funding agreements, adjusted for any illiquidity risk premium. In order to reflect the financial strength ratings of the Company, credit spreads associated with funding agreements, as opposed to credit spread associated with debt, are utilized in developing this estimate because both funding agreements and living benefit contracts are insurance liabilities and are therefore senior to debt. (5) Universal life mortality rates are adjusted based on underwriting information. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the projection. (6) For universal life, policyholders are assumed to pay a multiple of commissionable target premium levels (shown above and indicated as "X"). The multiples vary by funding level and policy duration. If the resulting premium in any duration is smaller than the minimum annual premium required to maintain the no-lapse guarantee, policyholders are assumed to pay the minimum annual premium. Policyholders are assumed to stop premium payments once the no-lapse guarantee is fully funded. The range shown as of December 31, 2016 excludes multiples for the first duration since all contracts are beyond the first duration. Assumption ranges for prior periods include first duration multiples. (7) Future policy benefits primarily represent general account liabilities for the living benefit guarantees of the Company’s variable annuity contracts which are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Since the valuation methodology for these liabilities uses a range of inputs that vary at the contract level over the cash flow projection period, presenting a range, rather than weighted average, is a more meaningful representation of the unobservable inputs used in the valuation. (8) Lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on the in-the-moneyness of the living benefit and reflect other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. Lapse rates are reduced when contracts are more in-the-money. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower for the period where surrender charges apply. (9) The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contracts that will utilize the benefit during the contract duration, and begin lifetime withdrawals at various time intervals from contract inception. The remaining contractholders are assumed to either begin lifetime withdrawals immediately or never utilize the benefit. Utilization assumptions may vary by product type, tax status and age. The impact of changes in these assumptions is highly dependent on the product type, the age of the contractholder at the time of the sale, and the timing of the first lifetime income withdrawal. Range reflects the utilization rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits. (10) The withdrawal rate assumption estimates the magnitude of annual contractholder withdrawals relative to the maximum allowable amount under the contract. These assumptions may vary based on the age of the contractholder, the tax status of the contract and the duration since the contractholder began lifetime withdrawals. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the minimum withdrawal assumption rate is 78% and the maximum withdrawal assumption rate may be greater than 100% . The fair value of the liability will generally increase the closer the withdrawal rate is to 100% and decrease as the withdrawal rate moves further away from 100%. (11) Range reflects the mortality rate for the vast majority of business with living benefits, with policyholders ranging from 35 to 90 years old. While the majority of living benefits have a minimum age requirement, certain benefits do not have an age restriction. This results in contractholders for certain benefits with mortality rates approaching 0% . Based on historical experience, the Company applies a set of age and duration specific mortality rate adjustments compared to standard industry tables. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the overall mortality table. (12) Includes assets classified as fixed maturities available-for-sale. (13) Effective July 1, 2017, the Company recaptured the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC and discontinued the embedded derivative accounting.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following tables describe changes in fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities as of the dates indicated, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at the end of their respective periods. Year Ended December 31, 2017 Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale U.S. Government Corporate Securities (5) Asset-Backed Securities (6) Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (in thousands) Fair value, beginning of period $ 0 $ 102,556 $ 19,856 $ 0 Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net 0 (2,198 ) 4,199 0 Asset management fees and other income 0 0 0 0 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 0 1,590 (3,178 ) 0 Net investment income 0 158 112 0 Purchases 15,634 18,022 108,731 1,493 Sales 0 (52,287 ) (7,471 ) 0 Issuances 0 0 0 0 Settlements 0 (24,770 ) (55,372 ) 0 Transfers into Level 3(1) 0 42,125 78,159 0 Transfers out of Level 3(1) 0 (6,193 ) (34,008 ) (1,493 ) Other(3) 3,570 (3,582 ) 0 0 Fair value, end of period $ 19,204 $ 75,421 $ 111,028 $ 0 Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(2): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ 0 $ (2,736 ) $ 0 $ 0 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Trading Account Assets Asset-Backed Securities (6) Equity Securities Equity Securities, Available-for-Sale Short term Investments Other Long- term Investments (in thousands) Fair value, beginning of period $ 0 $ 15,770 $ 75 $ 0 $ 0 Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net 0 0 0 0 0 Asset management fees and other income 0 1,707 0 0 0 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 0 0 (38 ) 0 0 Net investment income 0 0 0 0 0 Purchases 0 0 0 8,425 0 Sales 0 0 0 (1 ) 0 Issuances 0 0 0 0 0 Settlements 0 0 0 (7,085 ) 0 Transfers into Level 3(1) 0 0 0 0 16 Transfers out of Level 3(1) 0 0 0 0 (16 ) Other(3) 0 11 0 0 0 Fair value, end of period $ 0 $ 17,488 $ 37 $ 1,339 $ 0 Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(2): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 2,345 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Reinsurance Recoverables Receivables from Parent and Affiliates Future Policy Benefits Policyholders' Account Balances (in thousands) Fair value, beginning of period $ 5,474,263 $ 6,493 $ (5,041,007 ) $ (20,337 ) Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net(4) (158,623 ) 0 463,432 (30,991 ) Asset management fees and other income 0 0 0 0 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 0 0 0 0 Net investment income 0 0 0 0 Purchases 902,110 0 0 0 Sales 0 0 0 0 Issuances 0 0 (875,008 ) 0 Settlements 0 0 0 4,677 Transfers into Level 3(1) 0 0 0 0 Transfers out of Level 3(1) 0 (6,493 ) 0 0 Other(3) (760,101 ) 0 0 0 Fair value, end of period $ 5,457,649 $ 0 $ (5,452,583 ) $ (46,651 ) Unrealized gains (losses) for assets/liabilities still held(2): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ (315,998 ) $ 0 $ 313,532 $ (30,991 ) Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Fixed Maturities, Available-for-Sale Corporate Securities (5) Asset-Backed Securities (6) Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (in thousands) Fair value, beginning of period $ 95,492 $ 173,347 $ 0 Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net (277 ) (891 ) 0 Asset management fees and other income 0 0 0 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) (1,018 ) 158 0 Net investment income 54 149 0 Purchases 5,459 21,473 0 Sales (9,928 ) (44,486 ) 0 Issuances 0 0 0 Settlements (10,728 ) (1,071 ) 0 Transfers into Level 3(1) 29,881 48,957 0 Transfers out of Level 3(1) (6,379 ) (177,780 ) 0 Other(3) 0 0 0 Fair value, end of period $ 102,556 $ 19,856 $ 0 Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(2): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ (560 ) $ (1,378 ) $ 0 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Trading Account Assets Asset-Backed Securities (6) Equity Securities Equity Securities Available-For-Sale Other Long-term Investments (in thousands) Fair value, beginning of period $ 0 $ 18,248 $ 165 $ 5,704 Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net(4) 0 0 0 0 Asset management fees and other income (32 ) 192 0 0 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 0 0 (90 ) 0 Net investment income 0 0 0 (67 ) Purchases 0 0 0 102 Sales 0 (5,930 ) 0 0 Issuances 0 0 0 0 Settlements (527 ) 0 0 0 Transfers into Level 3(1) 0 0 0 0 Transfers out of Level 3(1) 0 0 0 (2,479 ) Other 559 3,260 0 (3,260 ) Fair value, end of period $ 0 $ 15,770 $ 75 $ 0 Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(2): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ (769 ) $ 0 $ 0 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Reinsurance Recoverables Receivables from Parent and Affiliates Future Policy Benefits Policyholders' Account Balances (in thousands) Fair value, beginning of period $ 4,940,011 $ 5,000 $ (5,205,434 ) $ 0 Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net(4) (281,009 ) (13 ) 975,823 (8,463 ) Asset management fees and other income 0 0 0 0 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) 0 16 0 0 Net investment income 0 0 0 0 Purchases 815,261 6,500 0 0 Sales 0 (1,987 ) 0 0 Issuances 0 0 (811,396 ) 0 Settlements 0 0 0 (5,972 ) Transfers into Level 3(1) 0 0 0 0 Transfers out of Level 3(1) 0 (2,464 ) 0 0 Other 0 (559 ) 0 (5,902 ) Fair value, end of period $ 5,474,263 $ 6,493 $ (5,041,007 ) $ (20,337 ) Unrealized gains (losses) for assets/liabilities still held(2): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ 4,326,977 $ 0 $ 866,386 $ (8,463 ) Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 The following tables summarize the portion of changes in fair values of Level 3 assets and liabilities included in earnings and other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2015 , as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held as of December 31, 2015 . Year Ended December 31, 2015 Fixed Maturities, Available-for-Sale Corporate Securities (5) Asset-Backed Securities (6) Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (in thousands) Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ (1,533 ) $ 42 $ 0 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 262 $ (939 ) $ 0 Net investment income $ 30 $ 52 $ 0 Unrealized gains (losses) for assets still held(2): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ (1,392 ) $ 0 $ 0 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Trading Account Assets Asset-Backed Securities (6) Equity Securities Equity Securities, Available-for-Sale Other Long- term Investments (in thousands) Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ 0 $ 0 $ 337 $ 1,912 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 2,207 $ 0 $ 0 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 0 $ 0 $ (245 ) $ 0 Net investment income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Unrealized gains (losses) for assets/liabilities still held(2): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,744 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 2,162 $ 0 $ 0 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Reinsurance Recoverables Receivables from Parent and Affiliates Future Policy Benefits Policyholders' Account Balances (in thousands) Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net (4) $ (635,006 ) $ 0 $ 505,416 $ 0 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 0 $ (17 ) $ 0 $ 0 Net investment income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Unrealized gains (losses) for assets/liabilities still held(2): Included in earnings: Realized investment gains (losses), net $ (482,828 ) $ 0 $ 381,057 $ 0 Asset management fees and other income $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 (1) Transfers into or out of any level are generally reported at the value as of the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurs for any such assets still held at the end of the quarter. (2) Unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the end of the period do not include amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts. (3) Other, except for Reinsurance recoverables, primarily represents reclassifications of certain assets and liabilities between reporting categories. Other for Reinsurance Recoverables for the year ended December 31, 2017 , represents the Company's recapture of the risks related to the no-lapse guarantees that were previously reinsured to UPARC and the discontinuation of embedded derivative accounting, effective July 1, 2017. (4) Realized investment gains (losses) on Future Policy Benefits and Reinsurance Recoverables primarily represents the change in the fair value of the Company's living benefit guarantees on certain of its variable annuity contracts. Refer to Note 1 for impacts to Realized investment gains (losses) related to the Variable Annuities Recapture. (5) Includes U.S. corporate public, U.S. corporate private, foreign corporate public and foreign corporate private securities. Prior period amounts were aggregated to conform to current period presentation. (6) Includes credit-tranched securities collateralized by syndicated bank loans, sub-prime mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, education loans and other asset types.
Fair Value Disclosure Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value	The table below presents the carrying amount and fair value by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments that are not reported at fair value. The financial instruments presented below are reported at carrying value on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. In some cases, as described below, the carrying amount equals or approximates fair value. December 31, 2017(1) Fair Value Carrying Amount(2) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Total (in thousands) Assets: Commercial mortgage and other loans $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,111,625 $ 1,111,625 $ 1,083,419 Policy loans 0 0 1,161,101 1,161,101 1,161,101 Cash and cash equivalents 36,562 148,000 0 184,562 184,562 Accrued investment income 0 82,341 0 82,341 82,341 Receivables from parent and affiliates 0 167,545 0 167,545 167,545 Other assets 0 50,407 0 50,407 50,407 Total assets $ 36,562 $ 448,293 $ 2,272,726 $ 2,757,581 $ 2,729,375 Liabilities: Policyholders’ account balances - investment contracts $ 0 $ 1,178,583 $ 276,435 $ 1,455,018 $ 1,458,599 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 0 0 0 0 0 Cash collateral for loaned securities 0 33,169 0 33,169 33,169 Payables to parent and affiliates 0 223,550 0 223,550 223,550 Other liabilities 0 362,592 0 362,592 362,592 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 1,797,894 $ 276,435 $ 2,074,329 $ 2,077,910 December 31, 2016(1) Fair Value Carrying Amount (2) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Total (in thousands) Assets: Commercial mortgage and other loans $ 0 $ 0 $ 1,181,582 $ 1,181,582 $ 1,150,381 Policy loans 0 0 1,166,456 1,166,456 1,166,456 Cash and cash equivalents 30,149 58,366 0 88,515 88,515 Accrued investment income 0 87,322 0 87,322 87,322 Receivables from parent and affiliates 0 76,315 0 76,315 76,315 Other assets 0 37,969 0 37,969 37,969 Total assets $ 30,149 $ 259,972 $ 2,348,038 $ 2,638,159 $ 2,606,958 Liabilities: Policyholders’ account balances - investment contracts $ 0 $ 1,129,378 $ 253,007 $ 1,382,385 $ 1,386,099 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 0 68,904 0 68,904 68,904 Cash collateral for loaned securities 0 74,976 0 74,976 74,976 Payables to parent and affiliates 0 73,628 0 73,628 73,628 Other liabilities 0 305,969 0 305,969 305,969 Total liabilities $ 0 $ 1,652,855 $ 253,007 $ 1,905,862 $ 1,909,576 (1) Other long-term investments excluded from the fair value hierarchy include certain hedge funds, private equity funds and other funds for which fair value is measured at NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the fair values of these cost method investments were $49 million and $35 million , respectively. The carrying values of these investments were $41 million and $32 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. (2) Carrying values presented herein differ from those in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position because certain items within the respective financial statement captions are not considered financial instruments or out of scope under authoritative guidance relating to disclosures of the fair value of financial instruments. Financial statement captions excluded from the above table are not considered financial instruments.

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The table below provides a summary of the gross notional amount and fair value of derivative contracts by the primary underlying risks, excluding embedded derivatives which are recorded with the associated host and related reinsurance recoverables. Many derivative instruments contain multiple underlyings. The fair value amounts below represent the gross fair value of derivative contracts prior to taking into account the netting effects of master netting agreements, cash collateral held with the same counterparty, and non-performance risk. December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Fair Value Gross Fair Value Primary Underlying Notional Assets Liabilities Notional Assets Liabilities (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Currency/Interest Rate Foreign Currency Swaps $ 649,905 $ 18,243 $ (44,806 ) $ 435,602 $ 44,040 $ (1,835 ) Total Qualifying Hedges $ 649,905 $ 18,243 $ (44,806 ) $ 435,602 $ 44,040 $ (1,835 ) Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Interest Rate Interest Rate Swaps $ 246,925 $ 23,032 $ 0 $ 101,076 $ 8,215 $ 0 Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Forwards 16,320 0 (376 ) 13,447 216 (20 ) Credit Credit Default Swaps 1,594 0 (96 ) 3,000 0 (281 ) Currency/Interest Rate Foreign Currency Swaps 95,145 4,347 (5,600 ) 56,626 7,789 (211 ) Equity Equity Options 1,277,102 69,472 (23,500 ) 649,807 30,624 (10,507 ) Total Non-Qualifying Hedges $ 1,637,086 $ 96,851 $ (29,572 ) $ 823,956 $ 46,844 $ (11,019 ) Total Derivatives (1) $ 2,286,991 $ 115,094 $ (74,378 ) $ 1,259,558 $ 90,884 $ (12,854 ) (1) Excludes embedded derivatives and related reinsurance recoverables which contain multiple underlyings.
Offsetting of Financial Assets	The following table presents recognized derivative instruments (excluding embedded derivatives and associated reinsurance recoverables), and repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements that are offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, and/or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. December 31, 2017 Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Financial Instruments/ Collateral(1) Net Amount (in thousands) Offsetting of Financial Assets: Derivatives(1) $ 115,086 $ (115,086 ) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Securities purchased under agreements to resell 148,000 0 148,000 (148,000 ) 0 Total Assets $ 263,086 $ (115,086 ) $ 148,000 $ (148,000 ) $ 0 Offsetting of Financial Liabilities: Derivatives(1) $ 74,378 $ (69,718 ) $ 4,660 $ (245 ) $ 4,415 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 0 0 0 0 0 Total Liabilities $ 74,378 $ (69,718 ) $ 4,660 $ (245 ) $ 4,415 December 31, 2016 Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments Gross Net Financial Instruments/ Collateral(1) Net Amount (in thousands) Offsetting of Financial Assets: Derivatives(1) $ 90,877 $ (13,019 ) $ 77,858 $ (77,858 ) $ 0 Securities purchased under agreements to resell 58,366 0 58,366 (58,366 ) 0 Total Assets $ 149,243 $ (13,019 ) $ 136,224 $ (136,224 ) $ 0 Offsetting of Financial Liabilities: Derivatives(1) $ 12,854 $ (12,854 ) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 68,904 0 68,904 (68,904 ) 0 Total Liabilities $ 81,758 $ (12,854 ) $ 68,904 $ (68,904 ) $ 0 (1) Amounts exclude the excess of collateral received/pledged from/to the counterparty.
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities	The following table presents recognized derivative instruments (excluding embedded derivatives and associated reinsurance recoverables), and repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements that are offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, and/or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. December 31, 2017 Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Financial Instruments/ Collateral(1) Net Amount (in thousands) Offsetting of Financial Assets: Derivatives(1) $ 115,086 $ (115,086 ) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Securities purchased under agreements to resell 148,000 0 148,000 (148,000 ) 0 Total Assets $ 263,086 $ (115,086 ) $ 148,000 $ (148,000 ) $ 0 Offsetting of Financial Liabilities: Derivatives(1) $ 74,378 $ (69,718 ) $ 4,660 $ (245 ) $ 4,415 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 0 0 0 0 0 Total Liabilities $ 74,378 $ (69,718 ) $ 4,660 $ (245 ) $ 4,415 December 31, 2016 Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments Gross Net Financial Instruments/ Collateral(1) Net Amount (in thousands) Offsetting of Financial Assets: Derivatives(1) $ 90,877 $ (13,019 ) $ 77,858 $ (77,858 ) $ 0 Securities purchased under agreements to resell 58,366 0 58,366 (58,366 ) 0 Total Assets $ 149,243 $ (13,019 ) $ 136,224 $ (136,224 ) $ 0 Offsetting of Financial Liabilities: Derivatives(1) $ 12,854 $ (12,854 ) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 68,904 0 68,904 (68,904 ) 0 Total Liabilities $ 81,758 $ (12,854 ) $ 68,904 $ (68,904 ) $ 0 (1) Amounts exclude the excess of collateral received/pledged from/to the counterparty.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The following tables provide the financial statement classification and impact of derivatives used in qualifying and non-qualifying hedge relationships, excluding the offset of the hedged item in an effective hedge relationship. Year Ended December 31, 2017 Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Net Investment Income Other Income AOCI (1) (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Cash flow hedges Currency/Interest Rate $ 0 $ 6,071 $ (8,234 ) $ (58,609 ) Total qualifying hedges 0 6,071 (8,234 ) (58,609 ) Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Interest Rate (1,565 ) 0 0 0 Currency (1,316 ) 0 0 0 Currency/Interest Rate (7,245 ) 0 (71 ) 0 Credit (46 ) 0 0 0 Equity 30,466 0 0 0 Embedded Derivatives (126,919 ) 0 0 0 Total non-qualifying hedges (106,625 ) 0 (71 ) 0 Total $ (106,625 ) $ 6,071 $ (8,305 ) $ (58,609 ) Year Ended December 31, 2016 Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Net Investment Income Other Income AOCI (1) (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Cash flow hedges Currency/Interest Rate $ 0 $ 4,055 $ 1,638 $ (7,340 ) Total qualifying hedges 0 4,055 1,638 (7,340 ) Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Interest Rate 186,419 0 0 0 Currency 1,657 0 0 0 Currency/Interest Rate 8,960 0 (15 ) 0 Credit (535 ) 0 0 0 Equity 350 0 0 0 Embedded Derivatives 467,682 0 0 0 Total non-qualifying hedges 664,533 0 (15 ) 0 Total $ 664,533 $ 4,055 $ 1,623 $ (7,340 ) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Net Investment Income Other Income AOCI (1) (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Cash flow hedges Currency/Interest Rate $ 0 $ 3,297 $ 1,879 $ 36,686 Total qualifying hedges 0 3,297 1,879 36,686 Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: Interest Rate 77,158 0 0 0 Currency 211 0 0 0 Currency/Interest Rate 11,533 0 209 0 Credit 90 0 0 0 Equity (35,276 ) 0 0 0 Embedded Derivatives (274,008 ) 0 0 0 Total non-qualifying hedges (220,292 ) 0 209 0 Total $ (220,292 ) $ 3,297 $ 2,088 $ 36,686 (1) Amounts deferred in AOCI.
Schedule of Derivative Instruments Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(Loss) Before Taxes	Presented below is a rollforward of current period cash flow hedges in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” before taxes: (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 11,585 Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges from January 1 to December 31, 2015 40,972 Amount reclassified into current period earnings (4,286 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 48,271 Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges from January 1 to December 31, 2016 575 Amount reclassified into current period earnings (7,915 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 40,931 Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges from January 1 to December 31, 2017 (59,712 ) Amount reclassified into current period earnings 1,103 Balance, December 31, 2017 $ (17,678 )

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance Impact On Balance Sheet	Reinsurance amounts included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, were as follows: 2017 2016 (in thousands) Reinsurance recoverables $ 32,555,500 $ 28,674,226 Policy loans (124,843 ) (87,112 ) Deferred policy acquisition costs (6,832,729 ) (6,482,889 ) Deferred sales inducements (638,065 ) (615,117 ) Other assets(1) 205,430 226,347 Policyholders’ account balances 5,004,885 4,978,859 Future policy benefits 3,301,841 2,833,327 Other liabilities(2) 626,306 410,376 (1) "Other assets" includes $0.1 million of unaffiliated activity as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016 . (2) "Other liabilities" includes $73 million and $28 million of unaffiliated activity as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Reinsurance Table By Affiliate	The reinsurance recoverables by counterparty are broken out below: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) PAR U $ 11,111,272 $ 10,514,125 PALAC 8,388,988 7,706,860 PURC 3,577,962 3,153,449 PARCC 2,546,673 2,589,397 GUL Re 1,772,950 0 PAR Term 1,559,618 1,403,738 Prudential of Taiwan 1,406,686 1,246,241 Prudential Insurance 1,152,241 976,652 Term Re 966,509 593,084 UPARC 0 467,904 Unaffiliated 72,601 22,776 Total reinsurance recoverables $ 32,555,500 $ 28,674,226
Reinsurance Impact On Income Statement	Reinsurance amounts, included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Premiums: Direct $ 1,720,896 $ 1,621,531 $ 1,519,992 Assumed(1) 194 359 0 Ceded(2) (1,666,384 ) (2,447,832 ) (1,442,358 ) Net premiums 54,706 (825,942 ) 77,634 Policy charges and fee income: Direct 3,459,134 2,804,446 2,933,271 Assumed 473,573 533,648 434,560 Ceded(3) (3,678,165 ) (2,550,899 ) (1,211,444 ) Net policy charges and fee income 254,542 787,195 2,156,387 Net investment income: Direct 356,291 378,969 419,357 Assumed 1,484 1,411 1,394 Ceded (5,365 ) (4,430 ) (4,164 ) Net investment income 352,410 375,950 416,587 Asset administration fees: Direct 340,461 310,178 362,321 Assumed 0 0 0 Ceded (322,868 ) (225,735 ) 0 Net asset administration fees 17,593 84,443 362,321 Other income: Direct 62,830 50,475 44,223 Assumed(4) 390 (161 ) 0 Ceded (77 ) 21 0 Amortization of reinsurance income 4,606 (19,228 ) 11,292 Net other income 67,749 31,107 55,515 Realized investment gains (losses), net: Direct 478,117 1,263,088 571,702 Assumed 0 0 0 Ceded(5) (558,303 ) (504,639 ) (780,240 ) Realized investment gains (losses), net (80,186 ) 758,449 (208,538 ) Policyholders’ benefits (including change in reserves): Direct 2,450,810 2,456,262 2,064,906 Assumed(6) 584,909 596,196 541,371 Ceded(7) (3,074,099 ) (3,312,658 ) (2,307,127 ) Net policyholders’ benefits (including change in reserves) (38,380 ) (260,200 ) 299,150 Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances: Direct 350,262 413,328 477,667 Assumed 135,123 131,953 124,954 Ceded (316,994 ) (244,061 ) (228,410 ) Net interest credited to policyholders’ account balances 168,391 301,220 374,211 Reinsurance expense allowances and general and administrative expenses, net of capitalization and amortization(8) (1,302,020 ) (840,010 ) (354,372 ) (1) "Premiums assumed" includes $0.2 million , $0.4 million and $0 million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (2) "Premiums ceded" includes $0.0 million of unaffiliated activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 . (3) "Policy charges ceded" includes $(8) million , $(4) million and $(4) million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (4) "Other income assumed" includes $0.4 million , $(0.2) million and $0.0 million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (5) "Realized investment gains (losses), net ceded" includes $(20) million , $(30) million and $2 million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (6) "Policyholders' benefits (including change in reserves) assumed" includes $0.4 million of unaffiliated activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 . (7) "Policyholders' benefits (including change in reserves) ceded" includes $4 million , $5 million and $(14) million of unaffiliated activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (8) Prior period amount for the year ended December 31, 2015 has been corrected to exclude non-reinsurance expenses.
Gross And Net Life Insurance In Force	The gross and net amounts of life insurance face amount in force as of December 31, were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Direct gross life insurance face amount in force $ 882,333,743 $ 827,832,976 $ 770,427,543 Assumed gross life insurance face amount in force 41,782,959 42,566,514 43,552,313 Reinsurance ceded (854,053,110 ) (805,796,078 ) (752,647,594 ) Net life insurance face amount in force $ 70,063,592 $ 64,603,412 $ 61,332,262

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The balance of and changes in each component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” for the years ended December 31, were as follows: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)(1) Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ (67 ) $ 178,758 $ 178,691 Change in OCI before reclassifications (507 ) (164,799 ) (165,306 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 (9,902 ) (9,902 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 177 61,145 61,322 Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (397 ) $ 65,202 $ 64,805 Change in OCI before reclassifications (8 ) 74,040 74,032 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 (64,540 ) (64,540 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 3 (3,325 ) (3,322 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (402 ) $ 71,377 $ 70,975 Change in OCI before reclassifications 259 164,482 164,741 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 0 (26,998 ) (26,998 ) Income tax benefit (expense) (91 ) (43,281 ) (43,372 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ (234 ) $ 165,580 $ 165,346 (1) Includes cash flow hedges of $(18) million , $41 million , and $48 million as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended (in thousands) Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)(2): Net unrealized investment gains (losses): Cash flow hedges—Currency/Interest rate(3) $ (1,103 ) $ 7,915 $ 4,286 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities(4) 28,101 56,625 5,616 Total net unrealized investment gains (losses) 26,998 64,540 9,902 Total reclassifications for the period $ 26,998 $ 64,540 $ 9,902 (1) All amounts are shown before tax. (2) Positive amounts indicate gains/benefits reclassified out of AOCI. Negative amounts indicate losses/costs reclassified out of AOCI. (3) See Note 10 for additional information on cash flow hedges. (4) See table below for additional information on unrealized investment gains (losses), including the impact on deferred policy acquisition and other costs, future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances.
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) AOCI Rollforward	The amounts for the periods indicated below, split between amounts related to fixed maturity securities on which an OTTI loss has been recognized, and all other net unrealized investment gains (losses), are as follows: Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) on Fixed Maturity Securities on which an OTTI loss has been recognized Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Reinsurance Recoverable and Other Costs Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders' Account Balances and Reinsurance Payables Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Benefit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related To Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014(2) $ 5,333 $ (2,709 ) $ 1,399 $ (1,440 ) $ 2,583 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 107 0 0 (37 ) 70 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (251 ) 0 0 88 (163 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) 7 0 0 (2 ) 5 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2) 0 1,404 0 (492 ) 912 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances(2) 0 0 (330 ) 116 (214 ) Balance, December 31, 2015(2) $ 5,196 $ (1,305 ) $ 1,069 $ (1,767 ) $ 3,193 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 1,238 0 0 (433 ) 805 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (1,107 ) 0 0 387 (720 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) (444 ) 0 0 155 (289 ) Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and other costs(2) 0 393 0 (138 ) 255 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances(2) 0 0 (437 ) 153 (284 ) Balance, December 31, 2016(2) $ 4,883 $ (912 ) $ 632 $ (1,643 ) $ 2,960 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 375 0 0 (119 ) 256 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (3,699 ) 0 0 1,171 (2,528 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) 50 0 0 (16 ) 34 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and other costs 0 813 0 (289 ) 524 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables 0 0 (610 ) 214 (396 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 1,609 $ (99 ) $ 22 $ (682 ) $ 850 (1) Represents "transfers in" related to the portion of OTTI losses recognized during the period that were not recognized in earnings for securities with no prior OTTI loss. (2) Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
All Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) in AOCI Rollforward	All Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) in AOCI Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments(2) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Reinsurance Recoverable and Other Costs Future Policy Benefits, Policyholders' Account Balances and Reinsurance Payables Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Benefit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related To Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2014(3) $ 344,577 $ (256,260 ) $ 182,553 $ (94,695 ) $ 176,175 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period (223,082 ) 0 0 78,078 (145,004 ) Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (9,651 ) 0 0 3,378 (6,273 ) Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) (7 ) 0 0 2 (5 ) Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(3) 0 159,640 0 (55,874 ) 103,766 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances(3) 0 0 (102,538 ) 35,888 (66,650 ) Balance, December 31, 2015(3) $ 111,837 $ (96,620 ) $ 80,015 $ (33,223 ) $ 62,009 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period (70,379 ) 0 0 24,633 (45,746 ) Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income 65,647 0 0 (22,976 ) 42,671 Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) 444 0 0 (155 ) 289 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and other costs(3) 0 (132 ) 0 46 (86 ) Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances(3) 0 0 14,276 (4,996 ) 9,280 Balance, December 31, 2016(3) $ 107,549 $ (96,752 ) $ 94,291 $ (36,671 ) $ 68,417 Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period 134,613 0 0 (42,628 ) 91,985 Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income 30,697 0 0 (9,721 ) 20,976 Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income(1) (50 ) 0 0 16 (34 ) Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and other costs 0 98,584 0 (35,060 ) 63,524 Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables 0 0 (123,289 ) 43,151 (80,138 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 272,809 $ 1,832 $ (28,998 ) $ (80,913 ) $ 164,730 (1) Represents "transfers out" related to the portion of OTTI losses recognized during the period that were not recognized in earnings for securities with no prior OTTI loss. (2) Includes cash flow hedges. See Note 10 for information on cash flow hedges. (3) Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Affiliated Notes Receivable	Affiliated notes receivable included in “Receivables from parent and affiliates” at December 31, were as follows: Maturity Dates Interest Rates 2017 2016 (in thousands) U.S. Dollar floating rate notes 2028 2.77% - 3.12 % $ 6,551 $ 0 U.S. Dollar fixed rate notes 2022 - 2028 0.00% - 14.85 % 126,020 137,636 Total long-term notes receivable - affiliated(1) $ 132,571 $ 137,636 (1) All long-term notes receivable may be called for prepayment prior to the respective maturity dates under specified circumstances.
Affiliated Asset Transfers	The table below shows affiliated asset trades for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , excluding those related to the Variable Annuities Recapture effective April 1, 2016 , as described in Note 1 . Affiliate Date Transaction Security Type Fair Value Book Value APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease) Realized Investment Gain/ (Loss) (in thousands) Prudential Insurance March 2016 Sale Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 88,783 $ 88,875 $ (60 ) $ 0 PALAC January 2017 Purchase Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 29 $ 29 $ 0 $ 0 Prudential Insurance June 2017 Sale Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 16,965 $ 16,515 $ 293 $ 0 Prudential Insurance June 2017 Sale Commercial Mortgages $ 43,198 $ 42,301 $ 584 $ 0 UPARC September 2017 Transfer In Other Long-Term Investments $ 37,354 $ 37,354 $ 0 $ 0 GUL Re September 2017 Transfer Out Other Long-Term Investments $ 72,354 $ 72,354 $ 0 $ 0 GUL Re September 2017 Transfer Out Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 1,254,457 $ 1,195,697 $ 0 $ 58,760 Prudential Financial September 2017 Transfer In Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 415,271 $ 376,412 $ 25,259 $ 0 Prudential Financial September 2017 Transfer Out Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 415,271 $ 376,412 $ 25,259 $ 0 UPARC September 2017 Transfer In Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 417,067 $ 385,459 $ 0 $ 31,608 UPARC September 2017 Transfer In Trading Account Assets $ 6,225 $ 5,002 $ 0 $ 1,223 GUL Re September 2017 Transfer Out Trading Account Assets $ 6,225 $ 5,002 $ 0 $ 1,223 UPARC September 2017 Purchase Other Long-Term Investments - Derivatives $ 20,685 $ 20,685 $ 0 $ 0 UPARC November 2017 Purchase Fixed Maturities & Short-Term Investments $ 41,250 $ 34,332 $ 0 $ 6,919 Prudential Insurance December 2017 Sale Commercial Mortgages $ 106,199 $ 105,191 $ 655 $ 0

Quarterly Results of Operatio35

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized in the table below: Three months ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 (in thousands) 2017 (1) Total revenues $ 210,959 $ 270,721 $ (24,256 ) $ 209,390 Total benefits and expenses 189,338 (67,282 ) 193,689 180,806 Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of operating joint venture 21,621 338,003 (217,945 ) 28,584 Net income (loss) $ 40,072 $ 349,164 $ (178,496 ) $ 113,692 2016 (2) Total revenues $ 791,393 $ 140,925 $ 231,010 $ 47,874 Total benefits and expenses 1,163,700 (588,114 ) 182,006 132,262 Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of operating joint venture (372,307 ) 729,039 49,004 (84,388 ) Net income (loss) $ (328,199 ) $ 723,984 $ 84,897 $ (85,465 )

Business and Basis of Present36

Business and Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)subsidiary	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Subsidiaries | subsidiary		2
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables		$ 32,555,500	$ 28,674,226
Ceding commissions		$ 142,781	$ (113,501)	$ 8,770
Variable Annuity
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables						$ 28,736,000	$ 24,781,000
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables						(6,312,000)
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture | Pruco Re
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Asset transfer						4,200,000
Reinsurance recoverables						6,300,000
Gain (loss) recognized on transfer	$ (2,100,000)
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture | PALAC
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Asset transfer					$ (7,000,000)
Ceding commissions	3,600,000
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture | Prudential Insurance
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Asset transfer					$ (700,000)
Ceding commissions	400,000
Dividend paid	2,600,000
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture | PALAC and Prudential Insurance
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables						$ 10,300,000
Gain (loss) recognized on transfer	(200,000)
Variable Annuity | Reassignment of debt | Impacts of Recapture | PALAC
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Ceding commissions	1,100,000
Variable Annuity | Reassignment of debt | Impacts of Recapture | Prudential Insurance
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Ceding commissions	100,000
Living benefit guarantees | Impacts of Recapture
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized on transfer	$ 2,800,000

Business and Basis of Present37

Business and Basis of Presentation (Variable Annuities Recature Affected Financial Statement Lines) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Total investments		$ 7,811,638				$ 8,367,590				$ 7,811,638	$ 8,367,590
Cash and cash equivalents		212,569				96,157				212,569	96,157	$ 370,286		$ 214,952
Deferred policy acquisition costs		1,376,211				1,341,093				1,376,211	1,341,093	5,129,931		5,081,938
Reinsurance recoverables		32,555,500				28,674,226				32,555,500	28,674,226
Deferred sales inducements		0				0				0	0	684,844		$ 836,791
Other assets		465,467				279,222				465,467	279,222
TOTAL ASSETS		172,459,576				155,665,990				172,459,576	155,665,990
Ceding commissions										142,781	(113,501)	8,770
LIABILITIES
Income taxes		32,440				97,400				32,440	97,400
Other liabilities		1,060,123				849,698				1,060,123	849,698
TOTAL LIABILITIES		169,638,940				153,169,187				169,638,940	153,169,187
EQUITY
Retained earnings		1,511,698				1,437,266				1,511,698	1,437,266
Accumulated other comprehensive income		165,346				70,975				165,346	70,975
TOTAL EQUITY		2,820,636				2,496,803				2,820,636	2,496,803
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY		172,459,576				155,665,990				172,459,576	155,665,990
REVENUES
Premiums										54,706	(825,942)	77,634
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)										(80,186)	758,449	(208,538)
TOTAL REVENUES		209,390	$ (24,256)	$ 270,721	$ 210,959	47,874	$ 231,010	$ 140,925	$ 791,393	666,814	1,211,202	2,859,906
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Policyholders’ benefits										(38,380)	(260,200)	299,150
General, administrative and other expenses										271,533	220,733	1,030,014
TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES		180,806	193,689	(67,282)	189,338	132,262	182,006	(588,114)	1,163,700	496,551	889,854	2,362,544
Income tax expense (benefit)										(154,654)	(73,869)	(10,641)
NET INCOME (LOSS)		113,692	$ (178,496)	$ 349,164	$ 40,072	(85,465)	84,897	$ 723,984	(328,199)	324,432	395,217	$ 508,003
Impacts of Reinsurance
ASSETS
Deferred policy acquisition costs		6,832,729				6,482,889				6,832,729	6,482,889
Deferred sales inducements		638,065				615,117				638,065	615,117
Other assets		205,430				226,347				205,430	226,347
LIABILITIES
Other liabilities		$ 626,306				$ 410,376				$ 626,306	$ 410,376
Variable Annuity
ASSETS
Total investments									10,702,000				$ 7,149,000
Cash and cash equivalents									496,000				508,000
Deferred policy acquisition costs									4,565,000				1,116,000
Reinsurance recoverables									24,781,000				28,736,000
Deferred sales inducements									550,000				0
Other assets									94,000				305,000
Income taxes									0				23,000
TOTAL ASSETS									151,859,000				148,508,000
LIABILITIES
Income taxes									91,000				108,000
Short-term and long-term debt to affiliates									1,385,000				1,000
Other liabilities									870,000				870,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES									147,554,000				146,187,000
EQUITY
Retained earnings									3,337,000				1,432,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income									180,000				101,000
TOTAL EQUITY									4,305,000				2,321,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY									$ 151,859,000				148,508,000
REVENUES
Premiums	$ (880,000)
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	805,000
TOTAL REVENUES	(75,000)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Policyholders’ benefits	(547,000)
General, administrative and other expenses	(211,000)
TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES	(758,000)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	683,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	(6,000)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	689,000
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
ASSETS
Total investments													4,166,000
Cash and cash equivalents													0
Deferred policy acquisition costs													0
Reinsurance recoverables													(6,312,000)
Deferred sales inducements													0
Other assets													0
Income taxes													0
TOTAL ASSETS													(2,146,000)
LIABILITIES
Income taxes													17,000
Short-term and long-term debt to affiliates													0
Other liabilities													0
TOTAL LIABILITIES													17,000
EQUITY
Retained earnings													(2,163,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive income													0
TOTAL EQUITY													(2,163,000)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY													(2,146,000)
REVENUES
Premiums	0
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	(2,146,000)
TOTAL REVENUES	(2,146,000)
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Policyholders’ benefits	0
General, administrative and other expenses	0
TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES	0
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(2,146,000)
Income tax expense (benefit)	17,000
NET INCOME (LOSS)	(2,163,000)
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Reinsurance
ASSETS
Total investments													(7,719,000)
Cash and cash equivalents													12,000
Deferred policy acquisition costs													(3,449,000)
Reinsurance recoverables													10,267,000
Deferred sales inducements													(550,000)
Other assets													211,000
Income taxes													23,000
TOTAL ASSETS													(1,205,000)
LIABILITIES
Income taxes													0
Short-term and long-term debt to affiliates													(1,384,000)
Other liabilities													0
TOTAL LIABILITIES													(1,384,000)
EQUITY
Retained earnings													258,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income													(79,000)
TOTAL EQUITY													179,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY													(1,205,000)
REVENUES
Premiums	(880,000)
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	2,951,000
TOTAL REVENUES	2,071,000
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Policyholders’ benefits	(547,000)
General, administrative and other expenses	(211,000)
TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES	(758,000)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	2,829,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	(23,000)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	2,852,000
PALAC and Prudential Insurance | Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
ASSETS
Reinsurance recoverables													10,300,000
PALAC and Prudential Insurance | Variable Annuity | Impacts of Reinsurance
ASSETS
Asset transfer													(7,700,000)
Pruco Re | Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
ASSETS
Reinsurance recoverables													6,300,000
Asset transfer													4,200,000
PALAC | Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
ASSETS
Asset transfer							(7,000,000)
Ceding commissions	3,600,000
Prudential Insurance | Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
ASSETS
Asset transfer							$ (700,000)
Ceding commissions	400,000
Reassignment of debt | PALAC | Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
ASSETS
Ceding commissions	1,100,000
Reassignment of debt | Prudential Insurance | Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
ASSETS
Ceding commissions	$ 100,000
Dividends | Prudential Insurance | Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
EQUITY
Retained earnings													$ 2,800,000

Business and Basis of Present38

Business and Basis of Presentation (Affiliated Asset Transfers) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)			$ (80,186)	$ 758,449	$ (208,538)
Variable Annuity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	$ 805,000
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	$ (2,146,000)
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture | Pruco Re Apr - June 2016 Purchase
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value		$ 4,166,000
Book Value		4,166,000
APIC and Retained Earnings Increase/(Decrease)		0
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)		0
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture | PALAC Apr - June 2016 Sale
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value		(6,994,000)
Book Value		(6,872,000)
APIC and Retained Earnings Increase/(Decrease)		0
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)		122,000
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture | Prudential Insurance Apr - June 2016 Dividend
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value		(19,000)
Book Value		(19,000)
APIC and Retained Earnings Increase/(Decrease)		(19,000)
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)		0
Variable Annuity | Impacts of Recapture | Prudential Insurance Apr - June 2016 Sale
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value		(717,000)
Book Value		(703,000)
APIC and Retained Earnings Increase/(Decrease)		15,000
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)		$ 0

Significant Accounting Polici39

Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Commercial mortgage and other loans, Loan-to-value ratios (greater than)									100.00%
Commercial mortgage and other loans, Loan-to-value ratios (less than)									100.00%
Commercial mortgage and other loans, Debt service coverage ratios (less than)									1
Commercial mortgage and other loans, Debt service coverage ratios (greater than)									1
Other long-term investments, Partnership interest (less than)									3.00%
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Pre-tax charge to income	$ (28,584)	$ 217,945	$ (338,003)	$ (21,621)	$ 84,388	$ (49,004)	$ (729,039)	$ 372,307	$ (170,263)	$ (321,348)	$ (497,362)
Other long-term investments	263,074				344,463				263,074	344,463
Total assets	172,459,576				155,665,990				172,459,576	155,665,990
Income taxes	32,440				97,400				32,440	97,400
Total liabilities	169,638,940				153,169,187				169,638,940	153,169,187
Accumulated other comprehensive income	165,346				70,975				165,346	70,975
Retained earnings	1,511,698				1,437,266				1,511,698	1,437,266
Total liabilities and equity	172,459,576				155,665,990				172,459,576	155,665,990
Net income (loss)	113,692	$ (178,496)	349,164	$ 40,072	(85,465)	$ 84,897	$ 723,984	$ (328,199)	$ 324,432	395,217	508,003
Securities Loaned Transactions Collateral Fair Value of Domestic Securities									102.00%
Securities Loaned Transactions Collateral Fair Value of Foreign Securities									105.00%
Uncertain tax positions measurement percentage (greater than)									50.00%
Minimum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other long-term investments, Investee financial information (lag period)									1 month
Repurchase and Resale Agreements, Collateral, Percentage									95.00%
Maximum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other long-term investments, Investee financial information (lag period)									3 months
Individual Life | Accounting for Certain Reinsurance Contracts
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Pre-tax charge to income			$ 2,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption	6,400								$ 6,400
Other long-term investments	8,097								8,097
Total assets	8,097								8,097
Policyholders’ dividends	0								0
Income taxes	1,700								1,700
Total liabilities	1,700								1,700
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,539)								(1,539)
Retained earnings	7,936								7,936
Total equity	6,397								6,397
Total liabilities and equity	8,097								8,097
Net income (loss)									0
Retained earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Total equity	1,511,698				$ 1,437,266				1,511,698	1,437,266	3,635,147	$ 3,557,144
Net income (loss)									324,432	$ 395,217	$ 508,003
Retained earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption	$ 7,900								$ 7,900

Significant Accounting Polici40

Significant Accounting Policies and Pronouncements (Impact of Change in Accounting for Certain Reinsurance Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Decrease in Policy charges and fee income									$ 254,542	$ 787,195	$ 2,156,387
Decrease in Policyholders' benefits									(38,380)	(260,200)	299,150
Increase in Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs									95,007	628,101	659,169
Pre-tax charge to income	$ 28,584	$ (217,945)	$ 338,003	$ 21,621	$ (84,388)	$ 49,004	$ 729,039	$ (372,307)	170,263	321,348	497,362
Other liabilities	1,060,123				849,698				1,060,123	849,698
Reinsurance recoverables	32,555,500				28,674,226				32,555,500	28,674,226
Policyholders’ account balances	20,036,134				18,894,893				20,036,134	18,894,893
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 1,376,211				$ 1,341,093				$ 1,376,211	$ 1,341,093	$ 5,129,931	$ 5,081,938
Individual Life | Accounting for Certain Reinsurance Contracts
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Decrease in Policy charges and fee income			(236,000)
Decrease in Policyholders' benefits			253,000
Increase in Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs			(19,000)
Pre-tax charge to income			(2,000)
Other liabilities			284,000
Reinsurance recoverables			247,000
Policyholders’ account balances			(48,000)
Deferred policy acquisition costs			(19,000)
Future policy benefits			$ (6,000)

Investments (Fixed Maturities a

Investments (Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Excluding Investments Classified as Trading) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	$ 4,941,944	$ 5,552,911
Amortized Cost or Cost	20,754	16,390
Fair Value	5,223,302	5,617,549
Fair Value	23,122	16,756
Fixed Maturities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	4,941,944	5,552,911
Gross Unrealized Gains	300,200	167,114
Gross Unrealized Losses	18,842	102,476
Fair Value	5,223,302	5,617,549
Fixed Maturities | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	95,851	154,180
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,964	6,593
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	33
Fair Value	99,815	160,740
Fixed Maturities | Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	597,254	618,447
Gross Unrealized Gains	38,204	14,592
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	6,553
Fair Value	635,458	626,486
Fixed Maturities | Foreign government bonds
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	128,058	111,025
Gross Unrealized Gains	7,536	2,143
Gross Unrealized Losses	496	4,386
Fair Value	135,098	108,782
Fixed Maturities | Public utilities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	677,702	706,536
Gross Unrealized Gains	61,588	33,950
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,058	10,519
Fair Value	738,232	729,967
Fixed Maturities | Redeemable preferred stock
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	4,053	4,136
Gross Unrealized Gains	957	834
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	156
Fair Value	5,010	4,814
Fixed Maturities | All other U.S. public corporate securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	1,254,140	1,802,350
Gross Unrealized Gains	105,524	67,908
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,580	28,846
Fair Value	1,357,084	1,841,412
Fixed Maturities | All other U.S. private corporate securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	710,424	714,776
Gross Unrealized Gains	18,306	14,555
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,644	7,702
Fair Value	727,086	721,629
Fixed Maturities | All other foreign public corporate securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	168,399	216,428
Gross Unrealized Gains	12,522	7,371
Gross Unrealized Losses	732	4,127
Fair Value	180,189	219,672
Fixed Maturities | All other foreign private corporate securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	737,037	577,761
Gross Unrealized Gains	41,405	4,866
Gross Unrealized Losses	9,598	33,455
Fair Value	768,844	549,172
Fixed Maturities | Asset-backed securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	179,935	184,414
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,519	5,164
Gross Unrealized Losses	26	562
Fair Value	182,428	189,016
Fixed Maturities | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	320,223	382,717
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,148	5,783
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,539	5,829
Fair Value	322,832	382,671
Fixed Maturities | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	68,868	80,141
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,527	3,355
Gross Unrealized Losses	169	308
Fair Value	71,226	83,188
Equity securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	20,754	16,390
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,368	518
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	152
Fair Value	23,122	16,756
Equity securities | Mutual funds
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	20,700	16,324
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,291	441
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	124
Fair Value	22,991	16,641
Equity securities | Public Utility, Equities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	54	66
Gross Unrealized Gains	40	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	28
Fair Value	94	40
Equity securities | Industrial, miscellaneous & other
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Amortized Cost or Cost	0	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	37	75
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	37	75
OTTI | Fixed Maturities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,200	8,100
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	(573)	(3,259)
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	0	0
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	0	0
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | Foreign government bonds
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	0	0
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | Public utilities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	0	0
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | Redeemable preferred stock
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	0	0
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | All other U.S. public corporate securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	(215)	(215)
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | All other U.S. private corporate securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	0	(236)
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | All other foreign public corporate securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	0	0
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | All other foreign private corporate securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	0	0
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | Asset-backed securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	(138)	(2,534)
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	0	0
OTTI | Fixed Maturities | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Summary of Investments [Line Items]
OTTI in AOCI, available for sale	$ (220)	$ (274)

Investments (Fair Value and Los

Investments (Fair Value and Losses by Investment Category and Length of Time in a Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fixed Maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	$ 297,974	$ 1,917,630
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	2,672	68,678
Twelve months or more Fair Value	419,770	284,359
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	16,170	33,798
Total Fair Value	717,744	2,201,989
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	18,842	102,476
Fixed Maturities | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	0	603
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	0	33
Twelve months or more Fair Value	0	0
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total Fair Value	0	603
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	0	33
Fixed Maturities | Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	0	239,146
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	0	6,553
Twelve months or more Fair Value	0	0
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total Fair Value	0	239,146
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	0	6,553
Fixed Maturities | Foreign government bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	16,522	81,074
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	210	4,055
Twelve months or more Fair Value	11,959	1,690
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	286	331
Total Fair Value	28,481	82,764
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	496	4,386
Fixed Maturities | Public utilities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	26,466	207,226
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	380	7,847
Twelve months or more Fair Value	27,354	21,394
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	678	2,672
Total Fair Value	53,820	228,620
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	1,058	10,519
Fixed Maturities | Redeemable preferred stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Twelve months or more Fair Value	0	0
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	0	156
Total Fair Value	0	0
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	0	156
Fixed Maturities | All other U.S. public corporate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	36,100	568,763
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	304	20,695
Twelve months or more Fair Value	102,490	73,575
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	2,276	8,151
Total Fair Value	138,590	642,338
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	2,580	28,846
Fixed Maturities | All other U.S. private corporate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	79,495	232,561
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	781	6,082
Twelve months or more Fair Value	36,642	29,071
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	863	1,620
Total Fair Value	116,137	261,632
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	1,644	7,702
Fixed Maturities | All other foreign public corporate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	27,078	86,492
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	190	3,188
Twelve months or more Fair Value	8,390	5,433
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	542	939
Total Fair Value	35,468	91,925
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	732	4,127
Fixed Maturities | All other foreign private corporate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	48,109	236,512
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	472	13,604
Twelve months or more Fair Value	133,055	101,858
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	9,126	19,851
Total Fair Value	181,164	338,370
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	9,598	33,455
Fixed Maturities | Asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	6,351	37,355
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	22	492
Twelve months or more Fair Value	317	49,346
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	4	70
Total Fair Value	6,668	86,701
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	26	562
Fixed Maturities | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	49,823	191,674
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	285	5,827
Twelve months or more Fair Value	93,403	947
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	2,254	2
Total Fair Value	143,226	192,621
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	2,539	5,829
Fixed Maturities | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	8,030	36,224
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	28	302
Twelve months or more Fair Value	6,160	1,045
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	141	6
Total Fair Value	14,190	37,269
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	169	308
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than twelve months Fair Value	0	0
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Twelve months or more Fair Value	0	2,965
Twelve months or more Gross Unrealized Losses	0	152
Total Fair Value	0	2,965
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	$ 0	$ 152

Investments (Amortized Cost and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Amortized Cost	$ 4,941,944	$ 5,552,911
Available for Sale, Fair Value
Fair Value	5,223,302	5,617,549
Fixed maturities
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	87,018
Due after one year through five years	707,958
Due after five years through ten years	1,064,550
Due after ten years	2,513,392
Amortized Cost	4,941,944	5,552,911
Available for Sale, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	87,741
Due after one year through five years	722,359
Due after five years through ten years	1,107,779
Due after ten years	2,728,937
Fair Value	5,223,302	5,617,549
Fixed maturities | Asset-backed securities
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Debt Maturities, without single maturity date	179,935
Amortized Cost	179,935	184,414
Available for Sale, Fair Value
Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date	182,428
Fair Value	182,428	189,016
Fixed maturities | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Debt Maturities, without single maturity date	320,223
Amortized Cost	320,223	382,717
Available for Sale, Fair Value
Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date	322,832
Fair Value	322,832	382,671
Fixed maturities | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost
Debt Maturities, without single maturity date	68,868
Amortized Cost	68,868	80,141
Available for Sale, Fair Value
Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date	71,226
Fair Value	$ 71,226	$ 83,188

Investments (Fixed Maturities44

Investments (Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Proceeds)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Proceeds from maturities/prepayments	$ 1,062,236	$ 1,371,000	$ 813,721
Fixed Maturities | Available-for-sale Securities
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	569,151	833,562	171,589
Proceeds from maturities/prepayments	492,944	495,969	642,503
Gross investment gains from sales and maturities	44,458	94,262	12,496
Gross investment losses from sales and maturities	(9,956)	(10,475)	(1,528)
OTTI recognized in earnings	(7,379)	(17,677)	(1,463)
Non-cash related proceeds	(100)	(1,500)	400
Equity securities
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Non-cash related proceeds	0		0
Equity securities | Available-for-sale Securities
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales	510	34,618	5,732
Gross investment gains from sales and maturities	11	363	400
Gross investment losses from sales and maturities	0	(1,933)	0
OTTI recognized in earnings	$ (136)	$ 0	$ (3)

Investments (Credit Losses Reco

Investments (Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings on Fixed Maturity Securities Held by the Company) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 5,520	$ 7,041
New credit loss impairments	424	522
Additional credit losses on securities previously impaired	664	6
Increases due to the passage of time on previously recorded credit losses	106	242
Reductions for securities which matured, paid down, prepaid or were sold during the period	(1,909)	(1,294)
Reductions for securities impaired to fair value during the period	(327)	0
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected	(104)	(339)
Assets transferred to parent and affiliates	0	(658)
Balance, end of period	$ 4,374	$ 5,520

Investments (Trading Account As

Investments (Trading Account Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment [Line Items]
Trading account assets, at fair value	$ 56,281	$ 35,328
Trading account assets, at amortized cost or cost	50,219	35,484
Fixed Maturities
Investment [Line Items]
Trading account assets, at fair value	38,793	19,558
Trading account assets, at amortized cost or cost	38,279	23,555
Equity securities
Investment [Line Items]
Trading account assets, at fair value	17,488	15,770
Trading account assets, at amortized cost or cost	$ 11,940	$ 11,929

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment [Line Items]
Non Income Producing Assets, Fixed Maturities	$ 400,000
Commercial mortgage loans, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) from trading account assets	$ 6,200,000	$ 600,000	$ (3,400,000)
Commercial mortgage and other loans, acquired	0
Commercial mortgage and other loans, sold	147,000,000
NAIC High or Highest Quality Rating
Investment [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	13,900,000	93,300,000
NAIC Other Than High or Highest Quality Rating
Investment [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	4,900,000	9,200,000
Corporate securities
Investment [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses of twelve months or more concentrated in various sectors	$ 16,200,000	33,800,000
CALIFORNIA
Investment [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans, Percentage	25.00%
TEXAS
Investment [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans, Percentage	12.00%
NEW YORK
Investment [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage loans, Percentage	6.00%
Equity securities
Investment [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	$ 0	152,000
Gross unrealized losses of twelve months or more concentrated in various sectors	0	152,000
Equity securities | Declines in Value of 20% or More
Investment [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fixed Maturities
Investment [Line Items]
Gross Unrealized Losses	18,842,000	102,476,000
Gross unrealized losses of twelve months or more concentrated in various sectors	16,170,000	33,798,000
Assets Deposited With Governmental Authorities	3,800,000	3,200,000
Short-term Investments
Investment [Line Items]
Assets Deposited With Governmental Authorities		600,000
Affiliated Entity | Commercial mortgage and other loans
Investment [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and other loans, transferred to related parties	0	631,000,000
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Investment [Line Items]
Fair Value of Securities Received as Collateral that Can be Resold or Repledged	$ 148,000,000	$ 58,400,000

Investments (Commercial Mortgag

Investments (Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans	$ 1,085,213	$ 1,151,939
% of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Valuation allowance	$ (1,794)	$ (1,558)
Total Commercial mortgage and other loans	1,083,419	1,150,381
Apartments/Multi-Family
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans	$ 356,694	$ 318,667
% of Total	32.90%	27.70%
Hospitality
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans	$ 16,529	$ 54,597
% of Total	1.50%	4.70%
Industrial
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans	$ 180,619	$ 185,682
% of Total	16.70%	16.10%
Office
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans	$ 159,646	$ 161,980
% of Total	14.70%	14.10%
Other
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans	$ 99,119	$ 124,465
% of Total	9.10%	10.80%
Retail
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans	$ 205,367	$ 243,225
% of Total	18.90%	21.10%
Commercial mortgage loans
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans	$ 1,017,974	$ 1,088,616
% of Total	93.80%	94.50%
Agricultural property loans
Servicing Assets at Fair Value [Line Items]
Commercial mortgage and agricultural property loans	$ 67,239	$ 63,323
% of Total	6.20%	5.50%

Investments (Allowance for Cred

Investments (Allowance for Credit Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 1,558	$ 2,651
Addition to (release of) allowance for losses	236	(1,093)
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	0	0
Total Ending Balance	1,794	1,558
Commercial mortgage loans
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	1,513	2,587
Addition to (release of) allowance for losses	215	(1,074)
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	0	0
Total Ending Balance	1,728	1,513
Agricultural Property Loans
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	45	64
Addition to (release of) allowance for losses	21	(19)
Charge-offs, net of recoveries	0	0
Total Ending Balance	$ 66	$ 45

Investments (Allowance for Cr50

Investments (Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Commercial Mortgage and Other Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for Credit Losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$ 0	$ 0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,794	1,558
Total ending balance	1,794	1,558	$ 2,651
Recorded Investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	3,469	2,528
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,081,744	1,149,411
Total ending balance	1,085,213	1,151,939
Commercial mortgage loans
Allowance for Credit Losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,728	1,513
Total ending balance	1,728	1,513	2,587
Recorded Investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	2,316	2,528
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,015,658	1,086,088
Total ending balance	1,017,974	1,088,616
Agricultural Property Loans
Allowance for Credit Losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	66	45
Total ending balance	66	45	$ 64
Recorded Investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,153	0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	66,086	63,323
Total ending balance	$ 67,239	$ 63,323

Investments (Credit Quality Ind

Investments (Credit Quality Indicators) (Details) - Commercial Mortgage and Agricultural Property Loans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	$ 1,085,213	$ 1,151,939
0%-59.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	629,260	752,317
60%-69.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	344,789	275,537
70%-79.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	110,931	119,344
80% or greater
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	233	4,741
1.2X
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	1,024,523	1,092,909
1.2X | 0%-59.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	606,846	732,473
1.2X | 60%-69.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	333,185	267,122
1.2X | 70%-79.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	84,492	88,811
1.2X | 80% or greater
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	0	4,503
1.0X to 1.2X
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	57,742	57,892
1.0X to 1.2X | 0%-59.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	21,709	19,844
1.0X to 1.2X | 60%-69.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	9,594	7,515
1.0X to 1.2X | 70%-79.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	26,439	30,533
1.0X to 1.2X | 80% or greater
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	0	0
1.0X
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	2,948	1,138
1.0X | 0%-59.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	705	0
1.0X | 60%-69.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	2,010	900
1.0X | 70%-79.99%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	0	0
1.0X | 80% or greater
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recording investment gross of allowance for credit losses	$ 233	$ 238

Investments Investments (Analys

Investments Investments (Analysis of Past Due Commercial Mortgage, Agricultural, and Other Loans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Current	$ 1,085,213	$ 1,151,939
Total Loans	1,085,213	1,151,939
Non-Accrual Status	0	0
30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Past Due	0	0
60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Past Due	0	0
Greater than or Equal to 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Past Due	0	0
Commercial mortgage loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Current	1,017,974	1,088,616
Total Loans	1,017,974	1,088,616
Non-Accrual Status	0	0
Commercial mortgage loans | 30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Past Due	0	0
Commercial mortgage loans | 60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Past Due	0	0
Commercial mortgage loans | Greater than or Equal to 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Past Due	0	0
Agricultural Property Loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Current	67,239	63,323
Total Loans	67,239	63,323
Non-Accrual Status	0	0
Agricultural Property Loans | 30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Past Due	0	0
Agricultural Property Loans | 60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Past Due	0	0
Agricultural Property Loans | Greater than or Equal to 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Past Due	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Other Long Term In

Investments (Other Long Term Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 263,074	$ 344,463
Company’s investment in separate accounts
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	37,404	34,088
Private equity
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	159,643	139,493
Hedge Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	53,792	81,104
Real estate-related
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	12,226	11,912
Total joint ventures and limited partnerships
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	225,661	232,509
Derivatives
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 9	$ 77,866

Investments (Net Investment Inc

Investments (Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income	$ 372,397	$ 397,357	$ 439,314
Less: investment expenses	(19,987)	(21,407)	(22,727)
Net investment income	352,410	375,950	416,587
Fixed Maturities | Available-for-sale Securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income	230,060	242,351	269,073
Equity securities | Available-for-sale Securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income	0	1	2
Trading account assets
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income	1,718	2,051	2,800
Commercial mortgage and other loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income	52,127	58,940	86,354
Policy loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income	63,884	62,735	62,304
Short-term investments and cash equivalents
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income	1,090	1,767	1,042
Other long-term investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income	$ 23,518	$ 29,512	$ 17,739

Investments (Realized Investmen

Investments (Realized Investment Gains Losses Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses), net	$ (80,186)	$ 758,449	$ (208,538)
Fixed maturities
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses), net	27,123	66,110	9,505
Equity securities
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses), net	(125)	(1,570)	397
Commercial mortgage and other loans
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses), net	(337)	29,584	1,503
Joint Ventures and limited partnerships
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses), net	(221)	(229)	320
Derivatives
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses), net	(106,625)	664,533	(220,292)
Short-term Investments
Schedule Of Gain Loss On Investments [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses), net	$ (1)	$ 21	$ 29

Investments (Net Unrealized Gai

Investments (Net Unrealized Gains Losses on Investments by Asset Class) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments	$ 274,418	$ 112,432	$ 117,033
Fixed Maturities | Available-for-sale Securities | OTTI
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments	1,609	4,883	5,196
Fixed Maturities | Available-for-sale Securities | All other
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments	279,749	59,755	59,930
Equity securities | Available-for-sale Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments	2,368	366	(2,636)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments	(17,678)	40,931	48,271
Affiliated notes
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments	4,782	5,056	5,064
Other investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments	$ 3,588	$ 1,441	$ 1,208

Investments Investments (Securi

Investments Investments (Securities Lending and Repurchase Agreements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$ 0	$ 68,904
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	33,169	74,976
Overnight and Continuous
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	68,904
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	10,709	74,976
Up 30 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	22,460	0
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	68,904
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	22,460	0
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies | Overnight and Continuous
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	68,904
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	0	0
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies | Up 30 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	22,460	0
Foreign government bonds
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	6,157	6,827
Foreign government bonds | Overnight and Continuous
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	6,157	6,827
Foreign government bonds | Up 30 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	0	0
U.S. corporate public securities
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	4,074	62,584
U.S. corporate public securities | Overnight and Continuous
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	4,074	62,584
U.S. corporate public securities | Up 30 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	0	0
All other foreign public corporate securities
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	478	5,565
All other foreign public corporate securities | Overnight and Continuous
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	478	5,565
All other foreign public corporate securities | Up 30 Days
Transfer of Certain Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Line Items]
Total Cash collateral for loaned securities	$ 0	$ 0

Investments (Securities Pledged

Investments (Securities Pledged) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral	$ 32,109	$ 140,810
Security Owned and Pledged as Collateral, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Value	33,169	143,880
Fixed Maturities
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral	32,109	140,810
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Security Owned and Pledged as Collateral, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Value	0	68,904
Cash collateral for loaned securities
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Security Owned and Pledged as Collateral, Associated Liabilities, Carrying Value	$ 33,169	$ 74,976

Deferred Policy Acquisition C59

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 1,341,093	$ 5,129,931	$ 5,081,938
Capitalization of commissions, sales and issue expenses	278,892	316,828	616,002
Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups	(16,140)	130,652	112,039
Amortization-All other	(78,867)	(758,753)	(771,208)
Change in unrealized investment gains and losses	(5,363)	(28,723)	91,160
Other	(143,404)	(3,448,842)	0
Balance, end of year	$ 1,376,211	$ 1,341,093	$ 5,129,931

Policyholders' Liabilities (Fut

Policyholders' Liabilities (Future Policy Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Individual and group annuities and supplementary contracts	$ 565,971	$ 548,064
Other contract liabilities	5,482,704	5,071,616
Total future policy benefits	18,593,130	16,503,260
Domestic
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Life insurance	11,144,405	9,643,227
Taiwan
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Life insurance	$ 1,400,050	$ 1,240,353

Policyholders' Liabilities (Nar

Policyholders' Liabilities (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017
Individual nonparticipating Life Insurance | Domestic | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, interest rate	1.70%
Individual nonparticipating Life Insurance | Domestic | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, interest rate	7.80%
Individual nonparticipating Life Insurance | Taiwan | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, interest rate	6.20%
Individual nonparticipating Life Insurance | Taiwan | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, interest rate	7.40%
Individual and Group Annuities and Supplementary Contracts
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Percentage of reserves based on interest rates in excess of 8%	0.70%
Individual and Group Annuities and Supplementary Contracts | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, interest rate	0.00%
Individual and Group Annuities and Supplementary Contracts | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, interest rate	14.80%
Other | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, interest rate	2.00%
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, interest rate	0.50%
Other | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits, interest rate	3.60%
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, interest rate	8.00%
Interest-sensitive life contracts | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, interest rate	0.80%
Interest-sensitive life contracts | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, interest rate	4.40%
Individual annuities | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, interest rate	0.00%
Individual annuities | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, interest rate	6.30%
Guaranteed interest accounts | Minimum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, interest rate	1.00%
Guaranteed interest accounts | Maximum
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, interest rate	6.00%

Policyholders' Liabilities (Pol

Policyholders' Liabilities (Policyholders' Account Balances) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Total policyholders’ account balances	$ 20,036,134	$ 18,894,893
Interest-sensitive life contracts
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Total policyholders’ account balances	15,460,543	14,593,376
Individual annuities
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Total policyholders’ account balances	3,132,751	2,861,882
Guaranteed interest accounts
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Total policyholders’ account balances	264,239	310,321
Other
Liability for Policyholders' Account Balances, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Total policyholders’ account balances	$ 1,178,601	$ 1,129,314

Certain Long-Duration Contrac63

Certain Long-Duration Contracts with Guarantees (Variable Annuity, Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Annuity Contracts | Return of net deposits | In the Event of Death
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Account value	$ 94,605,484	$ 85,056,405
Net amount at risk	$ 23,143	$ 178,806
Average attained age of contractholders	65 years	64 years
Annuity Contracts | Minimum return or contract value | In the Event of Death
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Account value	$ 21,331,358	$ 20,091,528
Net amount at risk	$ 1,309,080	$ 2,039,249
Average attained age of contractholders	69 years	68 years
Annuity Contracts | Minimum return or contract value | At Annuitization / Accumulation
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Account value	$ 105,887,964	$ 95,908,923
Net amount at risk	$ 1,729,783	$ 2,875,524
Average attained age of contractholders	66 years	65 years
Average period remaining until earliest expected annuitization	0 years	0 years
Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts | No-lapse guarantees | In the Event of Death
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value	$ 3,496,913	$ 3,125,804
General account value	7,209,522	6,234,678
Net amount at risk	$ 135,077,843	$ 119,838,053
Average attained age of contractholders	55 years	55 years

Certain Long-Duration Contrac64

Certain Long-Duration Contracts With Guarantees (Separate Account Investment Options) (Details) - Annuity Contracts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Separate Account Investment Options	$ 112,844,441	$ 102,262,328
Equity funds
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Separate Account Investment Options	65,755,874	59,482,605
Bond funds
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Separate Account Investment Options	44,672,897	36,221,736
Money market funds
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Separate Account Investment Options	$ 2,415,670	$ 6,557,987

Certain Long-Duration Contrac65

Certain Long-Duration Contracts with Guarantees (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Annuity Contracts | Market Value Adjusted
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
General Account Investment Option	$ 3.1	$ 2.9

Certain Long-Duration Contrac66

Certain Long-Duration Contracts with Guarantees (Liabilities for Guarantee Benefits) (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]
Beginning balance	$ 9,514,220	$ 8,858,768	$ 8,276,441
Incurred guarantee benefits	1,228,755	628,842	839,578
Paid guarantee benefits	(41,961)	(76,447)	(57,770)
Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses	156,348	103,057	(199,481)
Ending balance	10,857,362	9,514,220	8,858,768
GMDB | Annuity Contracts
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	387,993	376,894	321,217
Incurred guarantee benefits	16,999	48,832	95,747
Paid guarantee benefits	(25,942)	(38,661)	(34,021)
Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses	11,288	928	(6,049)
Ending balance	390,338	387,993	376,894
GMDB | Variable Life, Variable Universal Life & Universal Life
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,058,181	3,245,821	2,921,933
Incurred guarantee benefits	808,834	746,130	538,906
Paid guarantee benefits	(14,642)	(35,894)	(21,811)
Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses	144,937	102,124	(193,207)
Ending balance	4,997,310	4,058,181	3,245,821
GMIB | Annuity Contracts
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	27,038	30,618	39,681
Incurred guarantee benefits	(8,653)	(1,693)	(6,900)
Paid guarantee benefits	(1,377)	(1,892)	(1,938)
Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses	123	5	(225)
Ending balance	17,131	27,038	30,618
GMWB/GMIWB/ GMAB | Annuity Contracts
Movement in Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts, Guaranteed Benefit Liability, Gross [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5,041,008	5,205,435	4,993,610
Incurred guarantee benefits	411,575	(164,427)	211,825
Paid guarantee benefits	0	0	0
Changes in unrealized investment gains and losses	0	0	0
Ending balance	$ 5,452,583	$ 5,041,008	$ 5,205,435

Certain Long-Duration Contrac67

Certain Long-Duration Contracts with Guarantees (Sales Inducements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Movement in Deferred Sales Inducements [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 0	$ 684,844	$ 836,791
Capitalization	0	932	6,462
Amortization-Impact of assumption and experience unlocking and true-ups	0	11,817	21,829
Amortization-All other	0	(144,670)	(183,843)
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses)	0	(2,802)	3,605
Other	0	(550,121)
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 684,844

Statutory Net Income and Surp68

Statutory Net Income and Surplus and Dividend Restrictions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory net income	$ (503)	$ 578	$ 593
Statutory surplus	1,365	1,250
Statutory surplus capacity to pay divided without prior approval	0
Statutory dividend paid with approval	$ 250	$ 2,593	$ 430

Income Taxes (Components of Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current tax expense (benefit):
U.S. Federal	$ (52,501)	$ (99,443)	$ 105,992
State and local	0	49	129
Total	(52,501)	(99,394)	106,121
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
U.S. Federal	(102,153)	25,525	(116,762)
Total	(102,153)	25,525	(116,762)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	(154,654)	(73,869)	(10,641)
Total income tax expense (benefit) reported in equity related to:
Other comprehensive income (loss)	43,372	3,322	(61,322)
Additional paid-in capital	824	587	(6,560)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ (110,458)	$ (69,960)	$ (78,523)

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%
Effective tax rate	(90.80%)	(22.90%)	(2.10%)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 17.6
Tax benefit from the reduction in net deferred tax liabilities	17.6
DRD constituting non-taxable investment income	155	$ 142	$ 161
Non-taxable investment income	$ 157	146	161
Percent of income tax expense (benefit)	5.00%
Income (loss) from domestic operations	$ 170	$ 321	$ 497

Income Taxes (Reconciliation To

Income Taxes (Reconciliation To Effective Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Expected federal income tax expense	$ 59,591	$ 112,472	$ 174,077
Non-taxable investment income	(157,408)	(146,324)	(161,407)
Tax credits	(29,506)	(30,916)	(24,232)
Domestic production activities deduction, net	(10,448)	(9,488)	0
Changes in tax law	(17,576)	0	0
Other	693	387	921
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ (154,654)	$ (73,869)	$ (10,641)
Effective tax rate	(90.80%)	(22.90%)	(2.10%)

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Insurance reserves	$ 171,504	$ 148,115
Other	0	1,966
Deferred tax assets	171,504	150,081
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs	39,501	45,405
Net unrealized gains on securities	61,294	24,949
Investments	96,385	171,303
Other	7,944
Deferred tax liabilities	205,124	241,657
Deferred tax liabilities	$ (33,620)	$ (91,576)

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1,	$ 9,488	$ 0	$ 0
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits-prior years	12,373	4,744	0
(Decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits-prior years	0	0	0
Increases in unrecognized tax benefits-current year	8,335	4,744	0
(Decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits-current year	0	0	0
Settlements with taxing authorities	0	0	0
Balance at December 31,	30,196	9,488	0
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective rate	$ 30,196	$ 9,488	$ 0

Fair Value of Assets and Liab74

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	$ 5,223,302	$ 5,617,549
Trading account assets, at fair value	56,281	35,328
Equity securities, available-for-sale	23,122	16,756
Short-term investments	1,339	36,657
Other long-term investments	263,074	344,463
Reinsurance recoverables	32,555,500	28,674,226
Receivables from parent and affiliates	300,116	213,952
Separate account assets	129,655,734	116,606,428
TOTAL ASSETS	172,459,576	155,665,990
Payables to parent and affiliates	228,210	73,628
Total liabilities	169,638,940	153,169,187
Future Policy Benefits
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Liability	5,453,000	5,041,000
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Gross Asset	823,000	1,157,000
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Gross Liability	6,276,000	6,198,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	5,223,302	5,617,549
Trading account assets	56,281	35,328
Equity securities, available-for-sale	23,122	16,756
Short-term investments	1,339	36,657
Cash equivalents	28,007	7,642
Other long-term investments	8	77,865
Reinsurance recoverables	5,457,649	5,474,263
Receivables from parent and affiliates	132,571	137,637
Subtotal excluding separate account assets	10,922,279	11,403,697
Separate account assets	125,543,035	116,040,888
TOTAL ASSETS	136,465,314	127,444,585
Future policy benefits	5,452,583	5,041,007
Policyholders’ account balances	46,651	20,337
Payables to parent and affiliates	4,660	0
Total liabilities	5,503,894	5,061,344
Asset Netting	(115,086)	(13,019)
Liability Netting	(69,718)	(12,854)
Netting	45,400	200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Netting	(115,086)	(13,019)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Payables to parent and affiliates
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liability Netting	(69,718)	(12,854)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	99,815	160,740
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	635,458	626,486
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	135,098	108,782
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. corporate public securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	1,781,089	2,361,518
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. corporate private securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	961,238	884,284
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign corporate public securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	182,452	221,848
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign corporate private securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	851,666	599,016
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets, debt	38,793	19,256
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	182,428	189,016
Trading account assets, debt	0	302
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	322,832	382,671
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	71,226	83,188
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets, at fair value	17,488	15,770
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Trading account assets	0	0
Equity securities, available-for-sale	94	41
Short-term investments	0	31,007
Cash equivalents	0	5,644
Other long-term investments	0	0
Reinsurance recoverables	0	0
Receivables from parent and affiliates	0	0
Subtotal excluding separate account assets	94	36,692
Separate account assets	0	0
TOTAL ASSETS	94	36,692
Future policy benefits	0	0
Policyholders’ account balances	0	0
Payables to parent and affiliates	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. corporate public securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. corporate private securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign corporate public securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign corporate private securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets, debt	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Trading account assets, debt	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets, at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	5,017,475	5,495,137
Trading account assets	38,793	19,558
Equity securities, available-for-sale	22,991	16,640
Short-term investments	0	5,650
Cash equivalents	28,007	1,998
Other long-term investments	115,094	90,884
Reinsurance recoverables	0	0
Receivables from parent and affiliates	132,571	131,144
Subtotal excluding separate account assets	5,354,931	5,761,011
Separate account assets	125,543,035	116,040,888
TOTAL ASSETS	130,897,966	121,801,899
Future policy benefits	0	0
Policyholders’ account balances	0	0
Payables to parent and affiliates	74,378	12,854
Total liabilities	74,378	12,854
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	80,611	160,740
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	635,458	626,486
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	134,924	108,782
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. corporate public securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	1,779,935	2,306,409
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. corporate private securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	901,080	851,585
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign corporate public securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	182,243	221,848
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign corporate private securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	837,766	584,268
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets, debt	38,793	19,256
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	71,400	169,160
Trading account assets, debt	0	302
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	322,832	382,671
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	71,226	83,188
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets, at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	205,827	122,412
Trading account assets	17,488	15,770
Equity securities, available-for-sale	37	75
Short-term investments	1,339	0
Cash equivalents	0	0
Other long-term investments	0	0
Reinsurance recoverables	5,457,649	5,474,263
Receivables from parent and affiliates	0	6,493
Subtotal excluding separate account assets	5,682,340	5,619,013
Separate account assets	0	0
TOTAL ASSETS	5,682,340	5,619,013
Future policy benefits	5,452,583	5,041,007
Policyholders’ account balances	46,651	20,337
Payables to parent and affiliates	0	0
Total liabilities	5,499,234	5,061,344
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	19,204	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Obligations of U.S. states and their political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	174	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. corporate public securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	1,154	55,109
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. corporate private securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	60,158	32,699
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign corporate public securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	209	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign corporate private securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	13,900	14,748
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets, debt	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	111,028	19,856
Trading account assets, debt	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available for sale	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading account assets, at fair value	17,488	15,770
Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value investment measured at NAV per share	700	900
Separate Account Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value investment measured at NAV per share	$ 4,113,000	$ 566,000

Fair Value of Assets and Liab75

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Transfers Between Level 1 and Level 2	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Assets and Liab76

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Quantitative Info for Level 3 Inputs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	$ 5,452,583	$ 5,041,007
Level 3 | Minimum
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Policyholder Age	35 years
Level 3 | Maximum
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Policyholder Age	90 years
Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	$ 5,452,583	$ 5,041,007
Level 3 | Internal | Minimum | Discounted cash flow | Future Policy Benefits
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Lapse rate	1.00%	0.00%
Spread over LIBOR	0.12%	0.25%
Utilization rate	52.00%	52.00%
Withdrawal rate (greater than maximum range)	78.00%	78.00%
Mortality rate	0.00%	0.00%
Equity volatility curve	13.00%	16.00%
Level 3 | Internal | Minimum | Discounted cash flow | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.06%	4.54%
Level 3 | Internal | Minimum | Discounted cash flow | Reinsurance Recoverables | No Lapse Guarantee
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Lapse rate		0.00%
Spread over LIBOR		0.25%
Mortality rate		0.00%
Premium Payment		0.65
Level 3 | Internal | Minimum | Market comparables | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
EBITDA Multiples		4
Level 3 | Internal | Minimum | Liquidation | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Liquidation value	25.00%	98.21%
Level 3 | Internal | Maximum | Discounted cash flow | Future Policy Benefits
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Lapse rate	12.00%	13.00%
Spread over LIBOR	1.10%	1.50%
Utilization rate	97.00%	96.00%
Withdrawal rate (greater than maximum range)	100.00%	100.00%
Mortality rate	14.00%	14.00%
Equity volatility curve	24.00%	25.00%
Level 3 | Internal | Maximum | Discounted cash flow | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	22.23%	15.00%
Level 3 | Internal | Maximum | Discounted cash flow | Reinsurance Recoverables | No Lapse Guarantee
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Lapse rate		12.00%
Spread over LIBOR		1.50%
Mortality rate		31.00%
Premium Payment		0.95
Level 3 | Internal | Maximum | Market comparables | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
EBITDA Multiples		4
Level 3 | Internal | Maximum | Liquidation | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Liquidation value	25.00%	98.21%
Level 3 | Internal | Weighted Average | Discounted cash flow | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Discount rate	7.33%	8.06%
Level 3 | Internal | Weighted Average | Market comparables | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
EBITDA Multiples		4
Level 3 | Internal | Weighted Average | Liquidation | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Liquidation value	25.00%	98.21%
Level 3 | Internal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables	$ 5,457,649	$ 5,041,262
Level 3 | Internal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | No Lapse Guarantee
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables - No Lapse Guarantee		433,001
Level 3 | Internal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Future Policy Benefits
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Future policy benefits	5,452,583	5,041,007
Level 3 | Internal | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate securities
Fair Value Quantiative Information [Line Items]
Corporate securities	$ 36,966	$ 45,715

Fair Value of Assets and Liab77

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	$ 0
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Net investment income	0
Purchases	15,634
Sales	0
Issuances	0
Settlements	0
Transfers into Level 3	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0
Other	3,570
Fair Value, end of period	19,204	$ 0
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government authorities and agencies | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | Corporate Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	102,556	95,492
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	1,590	(1,018)	$ 262
Net investment income	158	54	30
Purchases	18,022	5,459
Sales	(52,287)	(9,928)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(24,770)	(10,728)
Transfers into Level 3	42,125	29,881
Transfers out of Level 3	(6,193)	(6,379)
Other	(3,582)	0
Fair Value, end of period	75,421	102,556	95,492
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | Corporate Securities | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	(2,198)	(277)	(1,533)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	(2,736)	(560)	(1,392)
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | Corporate Securities | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	19,856	173,347
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,178)	158	(939)
Net investment income	112	149	52
Purchases	108,731	21,473
Sales	(7,471)	(44,486)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	(55,372)	(1,071)
Transfers into Level 3	78,159	48,957
Transfers out of Level 3	(34,008)	(177,780)
Other	0	0
Fair Value, end of period	111,028	19,856	173,347
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | Asset-backed securities | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	4,199	(891)	42
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	(1,378)	0
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | Asset-backed securities | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	0	0
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Net investment income	0	0	0
Purchases	1,493	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	(1,493)	0
Other	0	0
Fair Value, end of period	0	0	0
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Fixed Maturities Available-For-Sale | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Trading Account Assets | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	0	0
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Net investment income	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	(527)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Other	0	559
Fair Value, end of period	0	0	0
Trading Account Assets | Asset-backed securities | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Trading Account Assets | Asset-backed securities | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	(32)	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Trading Account Assets | Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	15,770	18,248
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Net investment income	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	(5,930)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Other	11	3,260
Fair Value, end of period	17,488	15,770	18,248
Trading Account Assets | Equity Securities | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Trading Account Assets | Equity Securities | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	1,707	192	2,207
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	2,345	(769)	2,162
Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	75	165
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(38)	(90)	(245)
Net investment income	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Other	0	0
Fair Value, end of period	37	75	165
Equity Securities | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	337
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Equity Securities | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Short-term Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	0
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Net investment income	0
Purchases	8,425
Sales	(1)
Issuances	0
Settlements	(7,085)
Transfers into Level 3	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0
Other	0
Fair Value, end of period	1,339	0
Short-term Investments | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0
Short-term Investments | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0
Other long-term investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	0	5,704
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Net investment income	0	(67)	0
Purchases	0	102
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	16	0
Transfers out of Level 3	(16)	(2,479)
Other	0	(3,260)
Fair Value, end of period	0	0	5,704
Other long-term investments | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	1,912
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	1,744
Other long-term investments | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Reinsurance Recoverables
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	5,474,263	4,940,011
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Net investment income	0	0	0
Purchases	902,110	815,261
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Other	(760,101)	0
Fair Value, end of period	5,457,649	5,474,263	4,940,011
Reinsurance Recoverables | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	(158,623)	(281,009)	(635,006)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	(315,998)	4,326,977	(482,828)
Reinsurance Recoverables | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Receivables from Parent and Affiliates
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	6,493	5,000
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	16	(17)
Net investment income	0	0	0
Purchases	0	6,500
Sales	0	(1,987)
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	(6,493)	(2,464)
Other	0	(559)
Fair Value, end of period	0	6,493	5,000
Receivables from Parent and Affiliates | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	(13)	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Receivables from Parent and Affiliates | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Future Policy Benefits
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	(5,041,007)	(5,205,434)
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Net investment income	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	(875,008)	(811,396)
Settlements	0	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Other	0	0
Fair Value, end of period	(5,452,583)	(5,041,007)	(5,205,434)
Future Policy Benefits | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	463,432	975,823	505,416
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	313,532	866,386	381,057
Future Policy Benefits | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Policyholders' Account Balances
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, beginning of period	(20,337)	0
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Net investment income	0	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	4,677	(5,972)
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Other	0	(5,902)
Fair Value, end of period	(46,651)	(20,337)	0
Policyholders' Account Balances | Realized investment gains (losses), net
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	(30,991)	(8,463)	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	(30,991)	(8,463)	0
Policyholders' Account Balances | Asset management fees and other income
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Included in earnings	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Assets and Liab78

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Financial Instruments where Carrying Amounts and Fair Values May Differ) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Commercial mortgage and other loans	$ 1,083,419	$ 1,150,381
Policy loans	1,161,101	1,166,456
Cash and cash equivalents	212,569	96,157	$ 370,286	$ 214,952
Accrued investment income	82,341	87,322
Receivables from parent and affiliates	300,116	213,952
Liabilities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	68,904
Cash collateral for loaned securities	33,169	74,976
Fair Value
Assets:
Commercial mortgage and other loans	1,111,625	1,181,582
Policy loans	1,161,101	1,166,456
Cash and cash equivalents	184,562	88,515
Accrued investment income	82,341	87,322
Receivables from parent and affiliates	167,545	76,315
Other assets	50,407	37,969
Total assets	2,757,581	2,638,159
Liabilities:
Policyholders’ account balances - investment contracts	1,455,018	1,382,385
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	68,904
Cash collateral for loaned securities	33,169	74,976
Payables to parent and affiliates	223,550	73,628
Other liabilities	362,592	305,969
Total liabilities	2,074,329	1,905,862
Carrying Amount
Assets:
Commercial mortgage and other loans	1,083,419	1,150,381
Policy loans	1,161,101	1,166,456
Cash and cash equivalents	184,562	88,515
Accrued investment income	82,341	87,322
Receivables from parent and affiliates	167,545	76,315
Other assets	50,407	37,969
Total assets	2,729,375	2,606,958
Liabilities:
Policyholders’ account balances - investment contracts	1,458,599	1,386,099
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	68,904
Cash collateral for loaned securities	33,169	74,976
Payables to parent and affiliates	223,550	73,628
Other liabilities	362,592	305,969
Total liabilities	2,077,910	1,909,576
Level 1 | Fair Value
Assets:
Commercial mortgage and other loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	36,562	30,149
Accrued investment income	0	0
Receivables from parent and affiliates	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	36,562	30,149
Liabilities:
Policyholders’ account balances - investment contracts	0	0
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Cash collateral for loaned securities	0	0
Payables to parent and affiliates	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 | Fair Value
Assets:
Commercial mortgage and other loans	0	0
Policy loans	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	148,000	58,366
Accrued investment income	82,341	87,322
Receivables from parent and affiliates	167,545	76,315
Other assets	50,407	37,969
Total assets	448,293	259,972
Liabilities:
Policyholders’ account balances - investment contracts	1,178,583	1,129,378
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	68,904
Cash collateral for loaned securities	33,169	74,976
Payables to parent and affiliates	223,550	73,628
Other liabilities	362,592	305,969
Total liabilities	1,797,894	1,652,855
Level 3 | Fair Value
Assets:
Commercial mortgage and other loans	1,111,625	1,181,582
Policy loans	1,161,101	1,166,456
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Accrued investment income	0	0
Receivables from parent and affiliates	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	2,272,726	2,348,038
Liabilities:
Policyholders’ account balances - investment contracts	276,435	253,007
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Cash collateral for loaned securities	0	0
Payables to parent and affiliates	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	276,435	253,007
Other long-term investments | Fair Value | Measurement at NAV per share
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cost Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	49,000	35,000
Other long-term investments | Carrying Amount | Measurement at NAV per share
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cost Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 41,000	$ 32,000

Derivative Instruments (Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$ 6
Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge	39 years
Credit Derivative, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 2	$ 3
Credit Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability) (less than)	(0.1)	(0.3)
Future Policy Benefits
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net	(5,453)	(5,041)
Reinsurance Recoverables
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net	5,458	5,474
Reinsurance Recoverables | PALAC and Prudential Insurance
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net	5,445	5,041
Reinsurance Recoverables | Union Hamilton Reinsurance, Ltd.
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net	13	0
Reinsurance Recoverables | UPARC
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net		433
Policyholders' Account Balances
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net	$ (47)	$ (20)

Derivative Instruments (Gross N

Derivative Instruments (Gross Notional Amount and Fair Value of Derivatives Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	$ 2,286,991	$ 1,259,558
Gross Fair Value Assets	115,094	90,884
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(74,378)	(12,854)
Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	649,905	435,602
Gross Fair Value Assets	18,243	44,040
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(44,806)	(1,835)
Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	1,637,086	823,956
Gross Fair Value Assets	96,851	46,844
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(29,572)	(11,019)
Foreign Currency Swaps | Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	649,905	435,602
Gross Fair Value Assets	18,243	44,040
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(44,806)	(1,835)
Foreign Currency Swaps | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	95,145	56,626
Gross Fair Value Assets	4,347	7,789
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(5,600)	(211)
Interest Rate Swaps | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	246,925	101,076
Gross Fair Value Assets	23,032	8,215
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	0	0
Foreign Currency Forwards | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	16,320	13,447
Gross Fair Value Assets	0	216
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(376)	(20)
Credit Default Swaps | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	1,594	3,000
Gross Fair Value Assets	0	0
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	(96)	(281)
Equity Options | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	1,277,102	649,807
Gross Fair Value Assets	69,472	30,624
Gross Fair Value Liabilities	$ (23,500)	$ (10,507)

Derivative Instruments (Offsett

Derivative Instruments (Offsetting Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Offsetting of Financial Assets, Derivatives
Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments	$ 115,086	$ 90,877
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	(115,086)	(13,019)
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	0	77,858
Financial Instruments/Collateral	0	(77,858)
Net Amount	0	0
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments	148,000	58,366
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	148,000	58,366
Financial Instruments/Collateral	(148,000)	(58,366)
Net Amount	0	0
Total Assets
Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments	263,086	149,243
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	(115,086)	(13,019)
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	148,000	136,224
Financial Instruments/Collateral	(148,000)	(136,224)
Net Amount	0	0
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities, Derivatives
Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments	74,378	12,854
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	(69,718)	(12,854)
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	4,660	0
Financial Instruments/Collateral	(245)	0
Net Amount	4,415	0
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments	0	68,904
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	0	68,904
Financial Instruments/Collateral	0	(68,904)
Net Amount	0	0
Total Liabilities
Gross Amounts of Recognized Financial Instruments	74,378	81,758
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	(69,718)	(12,854)
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	4,660	68,904
Financial Instruments/Collateral	(245)	(68,904)
Net Amount	$ 4,415	$ 0

Derivative Instruments (Financi

Derivative Instruments (Financial Statement Classification and Impact of Derivatives Used in Qualifying and Non-qualifying Hedge Relationships) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	$ (106,625)	$ 664,533	$ (220,292)
Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	6,071	4,055	3,297
Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(8,305)	1,623	2,088
AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(58,609)	(7,340)	36,686
Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Cash flow hedges | Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Cash flow hedges | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	6,071	4,055	3,297
Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Cash flow hedges | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(8,234)	1,638	1,879
Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Cash flow hedges | AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(58,609)	(7,340)	36,686
Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(106,625)	664,533	(220,292)
Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(71)	(15)	209
Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Interest Rate | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(1,565)	186,419	77,158
Interest Rate | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Interest Rate | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Interest Rate | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Currency | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(1,316)	1,657	211
Currency | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Currency | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Currency | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Currency/Interest Rate | Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Cash flow hedges | Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Currency/Interest Rate | Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Cash flow hedges | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	6,071	4,055	3,297
Currency/Interest Rate | Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Cash flow hedges | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(8,234)	1,638	1,879
Currency/Interest Rate | Derivatives Designated as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Cash flow hedges | AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(58,609)	(7,340)	36,686
Currency/Interest Rate | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(7,245)	8,960	11,533
Currency/Interest Rate | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Currency/Interest Rate | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(71)	(15)	209
Currency/Interest Rate | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Credit | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(46)	(535)	90
Credit | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Credit | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Credit | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Equity | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	30,466	350	(35,276)
Equity | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Equity | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Equity | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Embedded Derivatives | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	(126,919)	467,682	(274,008)
Embedded Derivatives | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Net Investment Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Embedded Derivatives | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | Other Income
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	0	0	0
Embedded Derivatives | Derivatives Not Qualifying as Hedge Accounting Instruments: | AOCI
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, gain (loss) on derivative, net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Instruments (Current

Derivative Instruments (Current Period Cash Flow Hedges in AOCI (loss) before Taxes) (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]
Beginning Balance	$ 40,931	$ 48,271	$ 11,585
Net deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges for the period	(59,712)	575	40,972
Amount reclassified into current period earnings	1,103	(7,915)	(4,286)
Ending Balance	$ (17,678)	$ 40,931	$ 48,271

Commitments, Contingent Liabi84

Commitments, Contingent Liabilities and Litigation and Regulatory Matters (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		31 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012state	Jan. 31, 2012state	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017
Commitments and Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Aggregate range of possible losses, in excess of accruals (less than)				$ 30
Total annualized new business premiums associated with sales through Well Fargo			$ 4
Number of states and jurisdictions that have accepted agreement | state	20	20
Commitments | Commercial mortgage loans
Commitments and Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Outstanding commercial mortgage loan commitments			49	15
Commitments | Investments
Commitments and Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Commitments to purchase or fund investments			$ 133	$ 196
Indonesia
Commitments and Guarantees and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Joint Venture with CT Corp, Ownership Percentage					49.00%

Reinsurance (Balance Sheet Rein

Reinsurance (Balance Sheet Reinsurance Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables	$ 32,555,500	$ 28,674,226
Policy loans	(1,161,101)	(1,166,456)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(1,376,211)	(1,341,093)	$ (5,129,931)	$ (5,081,938)
Deferred sales inducements	0	0	$ (684,844)	$ (836,791)
Other assets	465,467	279,222
Other liabilities	1,060,123	849,698
Impacts of Reinsurance
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables	32,555,500	28,674,226
Policy loans	(124,843)	(87,112)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(6,832,729)	(6,482,889)
Deferred sales inducements	(638,065)	(615,117)
Other assets	205,430	226,347
Policyholders’ account balances	5,004,885	4,978,859
Future policy benefits	3,301,841	2,833,327
Other liabilities	626,306	410,376
Unaffiliated
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Other assets	100	100
Other liabilities	$ 73,000	$ 28,000

Reinsurance (Reinsurance Recove

Reinsurance (Reinsurance Recoverable by Counterparty) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	$ 32,555,500	$ 28,674,226
PAR U
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	11,111,272	10,514,125
PALAC
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	8,388,988	7,706,860
PURC
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	3,577,962	3,153,449
PARCC
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	2,546,673	2,589,397
GUL Re
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	1,772,950	0
PAR Term
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	1,559,618	1,403,738
Prudential of Taiwan
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	1,406,686	1,246,241
Prudential Insurance
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	1,152,241	976,652
Term Re
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	966,509	593,084
UPARC
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	0	467,904
Unaffiliated
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Total reinsurance recoverables	$ 72,601	$ 22,776

Reinsurance (Income Statement R

Reinsurance (Income Statement Reinsurance Results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Premiums:
Direct	$ 1,720,896	$ 1,621,531	$ 1,519,992
Assumed	194	359	0
Ceded	(1,666,384)	(2,447,832)	(1,442,358)
Net premiums	54,706	(825,942)	77,634
Policy charges and fee income:
Direct	3,459,134	2,804,446	2,933,271
Assumed	473,573	533,648	434,560
Ceded	(3,678,165)	(2,550,899)	(1,211,444)
Net policy charges and fee income	254,542	787,195	2,156,387
Net investment income:
Direct	356,291	378,969	419,357
Assumed	1,484	1,411	1,394
Ceded	(5,365)	(4,430)	(4,164)
Net investment income	352,410	375,950	416,587
Asset administration fees:
Direct	340,461	310,178	362,321
Assumed	0	0	0
Ceded	(322,868)	(225,735)	0
Net asset administration fees	17,593	84,443	362,321
Other income:
Direct	62,830	50,475	44,223
Assumed	390	(161)	0
Ceded	(77)	21	0
Amortization of reinsurance income	4,606	(19,228)	11,292
Net other income	67,749	31,107	55,515
Realized investment gains (losses), net:
Direct	478,117	1,263,088	571,702
Assumed	0	0	0
Ceded	(558,303)	(504,639)	(780,240)
Realized investment gains (losses), net	(80,186)	758,449	(208,538)
Policyholders’ benefits (including change in reserves):
Direct	2,450,810	2,456,262	2,064,906
Assumed	584,909	596,196	541,371
Ceded	(3,074,099)	(3,312,658)	(2,307,127)
Net policyholders’ benefits (including change in reserves)	(38,380)	(260,200)	299,150
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances:
Direct	350,262	413,328	477,667
Assumed	135,123	131,953	124,954
Ceded	(316,994)	(244,061)	(228,410)
Net interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	168,391	301,220	374,211
Net reinsurance expense allowances, net of capitalization and amortization	(1,302,020)	(840,010)	(354,372)
Unaffiliated
Premiums:
Assumed	200	400	0
Ceded	0
Policy charges and fee income:
Ceded	(8,000)	(4,000)	(4,000)
Other income:
Assumed	400	(200)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net:
Ceded	(20,000)	(30,000)	2,000
Policyholders’ benefits (including change in reserves):
Assumed	400
Ceded	$ 4,000	$ 5,000	$ (14,000)

Reinsurance (Life Insurance In

Reinsurance (Life Insurance In Force) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Direct gross life insurance face amount in force	$ 882,333,743	$ 827,832,976	$ 770,427,543
Assumed gross life insurance face amount in force	41,782,959	42,566,514	43,552,313
Reinsurance ceded	(854,053,110)	(805,796,078)	(752,647,594)
Net life insurance face amount in force	$ 70,063,592	$ 64,603,412	$ 61,332,262

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Detail

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

Jul. 01, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

Jan. 01, 2017

Apr. 01, 2015

Jan. 01, 2014

Jul. 01, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Jan. 31, 2001

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Invested assets

$ 7,811,638

$ 8,367,590

Reinsurance recoverables

32,555,500

28,674,226

PAR U

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance recoverables

11,111,272

10,514,125

PURC

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance recoverables

3,577,962

3,153,449

PARCC

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance recoverables

2,546,673

2,589,397

GUL Re

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance recoverables

1,772,950

0

PAR Term

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance recoverables

1,559,618

1,403,738

Prudential of Taiwan

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance recoverables

1,406,686

1,246,241

Prudential Insurance

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance recoverables

1,152,241

976,652

UPARC

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance recoverables

0

467,904

Term Re

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance recoverables

$ 966,509

$ 593,084

Affiliated Entity | PAR U

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage

95.00%

70.00%

Affiliated Entity | PURC

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage

95.00%

70.00%

Affiliated Entity | PARCC

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage

90.00%

Affiliated Entity | GUL Re

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage

30.00%

95.00%

Affiliated Entity | PAR Term

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage

95.00%

Affiliated Entity | Prudential of Taiwan

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Related Party Transaction, Term

2 years

Affiliated Entity | Prudential Insurance

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage

100.00%

Affiliated Entity | UPARC

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage

27.00%

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Amount Retained

$ 1,000

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Excess Retention, Percentage

30.00%

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Uncollected Charges And Fees Risk, Percentage

30.00%

Invested assets

$ 557,000

Reinsurance recoverables

760,000

Recognized Gain (Loss)

$ (203,000)

Affiliated Entity | Term Re

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage

95.00%

Affiliated Entity | Union Hamilton Reinsurance, Ltd. | Quote Share Reinsurance

Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage

50.00%

Reinsurance Retention Policy, Amount Retained

$ 2,900,000

$ 3,200,000

Equity (Accumulated Other Compr

Equity (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (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]
Beginning balance	$ 70,975
Income tax benefit (expense)	(43,372)	$ (3,322)	$ 61,322
Ending balance	165,346	70,975
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(402)	(397)	(67)
Change in OCI before reclassifications	259	(8)	(507)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0
Income tax benefit (expense)	(91)	3	177
Ending balance	(234)	(402)	(397)
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	71,377	65,202	178,758
Change in OCI before reclassifications	164,482	74,040	(164,799)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(26,998)	(64,540)	(9,902)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(43,281)	(3,325)	61,145
Ending balance	165,580	71,377	65,202
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	70,975	64,805	178,691
Change in OCI before reclassifications	164,741	74,032	(165,306)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(26,998)	(64,540)	(9,902)
Income tax benefit (expense)	(43,372)	(3,322)	61,322
Ending balance	165,346	70,975	64,805
Cash flow hedges | Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	41,000	48,000
Ending balance	$ (18,000)	$ 41,000	$ 48,000

Equity (Reclassification out of

Equity (Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Total net unrealized investment gains (losses)
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	$ 26,998	$ 64,540	$ 9,902
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	26,998	64,540	9,902
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Cash flow hedges—Currency/Interest rate
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	(1,103)	7,915	4,286
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Net unrealized investment gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	28,101	56,625	5,616
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Total net unrealized investment gains (losses)
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	26,998	64,540	9,902
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	$ 26,998	$ 64,540	$ 9,902

Equity (OTTI Net Unrealized Inv

Equity (OTTI Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) in AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	$ 70,975
Ending balance	165,346	$ 70,975
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related To Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	71,377	65,202	$ 178,758
Ending balance	165,580	71,377	65,202
OTTI | Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	4,883	5,196	5,333
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	375	1,238	107
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	(3,699)	(1,107)	(251)
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	50	(444)	7
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	0	0	0
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	0	0	0
Ending balance	1,609	4,883	5,196
OTTI | Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Reinsurance Recoverable and Other Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	(912)	(1,305)	(2,709)
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	0	0	0
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	813	393	1,404
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	0	0	0
Ending balance	(99)	(912)	(1,305)
OTTI | Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	632	1,069	1,399
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	0	0	0
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	0	0	0
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	(610)	(437)	(330)
Ending balance	22	632	1,069
OTTI | Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Benefit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	(1,643)	(1,767)	(1,440)
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	(119)	(433)	(37)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	1,171	387	88
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	(16)	155	(2)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	(289)	(138)	(492)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	214	153	116
Ending balance	(682)	(1,643)	(1,767)
OTTI | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related To Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	2,960	3,193	2,583
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	256	805	70
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	(2,528)	(720)	(163)
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	34	(289)	5
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	524	255	912
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	(396)	(284)	(214)
Ending balance	$ 850	$ 2,960	$ 3,193

Equity (All Other Net Unrealize

Equity (All Other Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses in AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	$ 70,975
Ending balance	165,346	$ 70,975
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related To Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	71,377	65,202	$ 178,758
Ending balance	165,580	71,377	65,202
All Other | Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	107,549	111,837	344,577
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	134,613	(70,379)	(223,082)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	(30,697)	(65,647)	9,651
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	(50)	444	(7)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	0	0	0
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	0	0	0
Ending balance	272,809	107,549	111,837
All Other | Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Reinsurance Recoverable and Other Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	(96,752)	(96,620)	(256,260)
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	0	0	0
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	98,584	(132)	159,640
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	0	0	0
Ending balance	1,832	(96,752)	(96,620)
All Other | Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	94,291	80,015	182,553
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	0	0	0
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	0	0	0
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	(123,289)	14,276	(102,538)
Ending balance	(28,998)	94,291	80,015
All Other | Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Benefit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	(36,671)	(33,223)	(94,695)
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	(42,628)	24,633	78,078
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	9,721	22,976	(3,378)
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	16	(155)	2
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	(35,060)	46	(55,874)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	43,151	(4,996)	35,888
Ending balance	(80,913)	(36,671)	(33,223)
All Other | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related To Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance	68,417	62,009	176,175
Net investment gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	91,985	(45,746)	(145,004)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	(20,976)	(42,671)	6,273
Reclassification adjustment for OTTI losses excluded from net income	(34)	289	(5)
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on deferred policy acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable and deferred sales inducements(2)	63,524	(86)	103,766
Impact of net unrealized investment (gains) losses on future policy benefits, policyholders' account balances and reinsurance payables	(80,138)	9,280	(66,650)
Ending balance	$ 164,730	$ 68,417	$ 62,009

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)policy	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 263,074,000							$ 263,074,000	$ 344,463,000
Net investment income								352,410,000	375,950,000	$ 416,587,000
Contributed capital								148,500,000	405,321,000	0
Prudential Insurance
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Contributed capital		$ 149,000,000	$ 5,000,000	$ 200,000,000	$ 5,000,000					0
Dividend	250,000,000			$ 2,593,000,000		$ 200,000,000	$ 230,000,000
Prudential Insurance and Prudential FInancial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, amount	3,688,000,000							3,688,000,000	3,367,000,000
Fees related to Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, amount								44,000,000	42,000,000	45,000,000
Maximum amount of mortality risk	3,500,000							3,500,000
Prudential Insurance
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Stock option program plan expense								1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
Deferred compensation program expense								9,000,000	8,000,000	7,000,000
Pension plan expense								26,000,000	23,000,000	22,000,000
Welfare plan expense								$ 28,000,000	28,000,000	26,000,000
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent (up to)								4.00%
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized								$ 10,000,000	10,000,000	8,000,000
Number of Corporate Owned Life Insurance policies sold | policy								5
Prudential Financial
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Company's share of corporate expenses								$ 66,000,000	58,000,000	51,000,000
Number of Corporate Owned Life Insurance policies sold | policy								1
Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accrued interested receivable related to long-tern notes receivable	1,000,000							$ 1,000,000	1,000,000
Revenues related to long-term notes receivable								5,000,000	6,000,000	7,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	2,200,000,000							2,200,000,000
Interest expense related to loans payable								800,000	13,000,000	51,000,000
Prepaid debt											$ 125,000,000
Debt outstanding	0							0	0
Affiliated Entity | PAD
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Commissions and fees								633,000,000	709,000,000	771,000,000
Affiliated Entity | ASTISI and Prudential Investments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue administrative sharing agreement								323,000,000	295,000,000	347,000,000
Affiliated Entity | Prudential Investments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue administrative sharing agreement								14,000,000	13,000,000	13,000,000
Affiliated Entity | PGIM
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net investment income								14,000,000	15,000,000	17,000,000
Prudential Financial Joint Venture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other long-term investments	$ 79,000,000							79,000,000	100,000,000
Net investment income								$ 8,000,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 0

Related Party Transactions (Aff

Related Party Transactions (Affiliated Notes Receivable) (Details) - Affiliated Entity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total long-term notes receivable - affiliated	$ 132,571	$ 137,636
U.S. Dollar floating rate notes
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total long-term notes receivable - affiliated	$ 6,551	0
U.S. Dollar floating rate notes | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Rates	2.77%
U.S. Dollar floating rate notes | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Rates	3.12%
U.S. Dollar fixed rate notes
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total long-term notes receivable - affiliated	$ 126,020	$ 137,636
U.S. Dollar fixed rate notes | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Rates	0.00%
U.S. Dollar fixed rate notes | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest Rates	14.85%

Related Party Transactions (A96

Related Party Transactions (Affiliated Asset Transfers) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Realized investment gains (losses), net	$ (80,186)	$ 758,449	$ (208,538)
Affiliated Entity | Prudential Insurance March 16 Sale
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value		88,783
Book Value		88,875
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)		(60)
Realized investment gains (losses), net		$ 0
Affiliated Entity | PALAC January 2017 Purchase
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	29
Book Value	29
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net	0
Affiliated Entity | Prudential Insurance June 2017 Sale
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	16,965
Book Value	16,515
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	293
Realized investment gains (losses), net	0
Affiliated Entity | Prudential Insurance June 2017 Sale
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	43,198
Book Value	42,301
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	584
Realized investment gains (losses), net	0
Affiliated Entity | UPARC September 2017 Transfer In
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	37,354
Book Value	37,354
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net	0
Affiliated Entity | GUL Re September 2017 Transfer Out
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	72,354
Book Value	72,354
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net	0
Affiliated Entity | GUL Re September 2017 Transfer Out
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	1,254,457
Book Value	1,195,697
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net	58,760
Affiliated Entity | Prudential Financial September 2017 Transfer In
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	415,271
Book Value	376,412
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	25,259
Realized investment gains (losses), net	0
Affiliated Entity | Prudential Financial September 2017 Transfer Out
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	415,271
Book Value	376,412
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	25,259
Realized investment gains (losses), net	0
Affiliated Entity | UPARC September 2017 Transfer In
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	417,067
Book Value	385,459
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net	31,608
Affiliated Entity | UPARC September 2017 Transfer In
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	6,225
Book Value	5,002
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net	1,223
Affiliated Entity | GUL Re September 2017 Transfer Out
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	6,225
Book Value	5,002
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net	1,223
Affiliated Entity | UPARC September 2017 Purchase
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	20,685
Book Value	20,685
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net	0
Affiliated Entity | UPARC November 2017 Purchase
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	41,250
Book Value	34,332
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	0
Realized investment gains (losses), net	6,919
Affiliated Entity | Prudential Insurance December 2017 Sale
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fair Value	106,199
Book Value	105,191
APIC, Net of Tax Increase/ (Decrease)	655
Realized investment gains (losses), net	$ 0

Quarterly Results of Operatio97

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Results of Operations)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 209,390	$ (24,256)	$ 270,721	$ 210,959	$ 47,874	$ 231,010	$ 140,925	$ 791,393	$ 666,814	$ 1,211,202	$ 2,859,906
Total benefits and expenses	180,806	193,689	(67,282)	189,338	132,262	182,006	(588,114)	1,163,700	496,551	889,854	2,362,544
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and equity in earnings of operating joint venture	28,584	(217,945)	338,003	21,621	(84,388)	49,004	729,039	(372,307)	170,263	321,348	497,362
Net income (loss)	$ 113,692	$ (178,496)	$ 349,164	$ 40,072	$ (85,465)	$ 84,897	$ 723,984	$ (328,199)	$ 324,432	$ 395,217	$ 508,003