| Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Polices (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2014 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation |
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| The accompanying Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). |
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| Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to prior year financial information to conform to the current year classifications. |
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| Estimates and Assumptions | Estimates and Assumptions |
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| The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Those estimates are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ from those estimates. |
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| The Company has identified the following accounts and policies as the most significant in that they involve a higher degree of judgment, are subject to a significant degree of variability and/or contain significant accounting estimates: |
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| Reserves for future policy benefits, deferred policy acquisition costs ("DAC"), value of business acquired ("VOBA") and deferred sales inducements ("DSI"), valuation of investments and derivatives, impairments, income taxes and contingencies |
| Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value Measurement |
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| The Company measures the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities based on assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability, which may include inherent risk, restrictions on the sale or use of an asset or nonperformance risk, which is the risk the Company will not fulfill its obligation. The estimate of fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability ("exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market, or the most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market, for that asset or liability. The Company uses a number of valuation sources to determine the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities, including quoted market prices, third-party commercial pricing services, third-party brokers, industry-standard, vendor-provided software that models the value based on market observable inputs and other internal modeling techniques based on projected cash flows. |
| Investments | Investments |
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| The accounting policies for the Company's principal investments are as follows: |
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| Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities: The Company's fixed maturities and equity securities are currently designated as available-for-sale, except those accounted for using the fair value option ("FVO"). Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized capital gains (losses) on these securities are recorded directly in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") and presented net of related changes in DAC, VOBA, DSI and deferred income taxes. In addition, certain fixed maturities have embedded derivatives, which are reported with the host contract on the Balance Sheets. |
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| The Company has elected the FVO for certain of its fixed maturities to better match the measurement of assets and liabilities in the Statements of Operations. Certain collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), primarily interest-only and principal-only strips, are accounted for as hybrid instruments and valued at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. |
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| Purchases and sales of fixed maturities and equity securities, excluding private placements, are recorded on the trade date. Purchases and sales of private placements and mortgage loans are recorded on the closing date. Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are generally determined on a first-in-first-out ("FIFO") basis. |
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| Interest income on fixed maturities is recorded when earned using an effective yield method, giving effect to amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Dividends on equity securities are recorded when declared. Such dividends and interest income are recorded in Net investment income in the Statements of Operations. |
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| Included within fixed maturities are loan-backed securities, including residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS"), commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") and asset-backed securities ("ABS"). Amortization of the premium or discount from the purchase of these securities considers the estimated timing and amount of prepayments of the underlying loans. Actual prepayment experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. Prepayment assumptions for single-class and multi-class mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") and ABS are estimated by management using inputs obtained from third-party specialists, including broker-dealers, and based on management's knowledge of the current market. For prepayment-sensitive securities such as interest-only and principal-only strips, inverse floaters and credit-sensitive MBS and ABS securities, which represent beneficial interests in securitized financial assets that are not of high credit quality or that have been credit impaired, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. For all other MBS and ABS, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. |
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| Short-term Investments: Short-term investments include investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase. These investments are stated at fair value. |
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| Assets Held in Separate Accounts: Assets held in separate accounts are reported at the fair values of the underlying investments in the separate accounts. The underlying investments include mutual funds, short-term investments, cash and fixed maturities. |
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| Mortgage Loans on Real Estate: The Company's mortgage loans on real estate are all commercial mortgage loans, which are reported at amortized cost, less impairment write-downs and allowance for losses. If a mortgage loan is determined to be impaired (i.e., when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement), the carrying value of the mortgage loan is reduced to the lower of either the present value of expected cash flows from the loan, discounted at the loan's original purchase yield, or fair value of the collateral. For those mortgages that are determined to require foreclosure, the carrying value is reduced to the fair value of the underlying collateral, net of estimated costs to obtain and sell at the point of foreclosure. The carrying value of the impaired loans is reduced by establishing a permanent write-down recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. Property obtained from foreclosed mortgage loans is recorded in Other investments on the Balance Sheets. |
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| Mortgage loans are evaluated by the Company's investment professionals, including an appraisal of loan-specific credit quality, property characteristics and market trends. Loan performance is continuously monitored on a loan-specific basis throughout the year. The Company's review includes submitted appraisals, operating statements, rent revenues and annual inspection reports, among other items. This review evaluates whether the properties are performing at a consistent and acceptable level to secure the debt. |
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| Mortgages are rated for the purpose of quantifying the level of risk. Those loans with higher risk are placed on a watch list and are closely monitored for collateral deficiency or other credit events that may lead to a potential loss of principal or interest. The Company defines delinquent mortgage loans consistent with industry practice as 60 days past due. |
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| The Company's policy is to recognize interest income until a loan becomes 90 days delinquent or foreclosure proceedings are commenced, at which point interest accrual is discontinued. Interest accrual is not resumed until the loan is brought current. |
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| The Company records an allowance for probable losses incurred on non-impaired loans on an aggregate basis, rather than specifically identified probable losses incurred by individual loan. |
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| Policy Loans: Policy loans are carried at an amount equal to the unpaid balance. Interest income on such loans is recorded as earned in Net investment income using the contractually agreed upon interest rate. Generally, interest is capitalized on the policy's anniversary date. Valuation allowances are not established for policy loans, as these loans are collateralized by the cash surrender value of the associated insurance contracts. Any unpaid principal or interest on the loan is deducted from the account value or the death benefit prior to settlement of the policy. |
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| Limited Partnerships/Corporations: The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnership interests, which consists primarily of private equities and hedge funds. Generally, the Company records its share of earnings using a lag methodology, relying upon the most recent financial information available, generally not to exceed three months. The Company's earnings from limited partnership interests accounted for under the equity method are recorded in Net investment income in the Statements of Operations. |
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| Other Investments: Other investments are comprised primarily of Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock and property obtained from foreclosed mortgage loans, as well as other miscellaneous investments. The Company is a member of the FHLB system and is required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors; the Company may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. |
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| Securities Lending: The Company engages in securities lending whereby certain securities from its portfolio are loaned to other institutions for short periods of time. Initial collateral, primarily cash, is required at a rate of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities. The lending agent retains the cash collateral and invests it in liquid assets on behalf of the Company. The market value of the loaned securities is monitored on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained or refunded as the market value of the loaned securities fluctuates. |
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| Impairments |
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| The Company evaluates its available-for-sale general account investments quarterly to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis. Factors considered in this analysis include, but are not limited to, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, the issuer's financial condition and near-term prospects, future economic conditions and market forecasts, interest rate changes and changes in ratings of the security. An extended and severe unrealized loss position on a fixed maturity may not have any impact on: (a) the ability of the issuer to service all scheduled interest and principal payments and (b) the evaluation of recoverability of all contractual cash flows or the ability to recover an amount at least equal to its amortized cost based on the present value of the expected future cash flows to be collected. In contrast, for certain equity securities, the Company gives greater weight and consideration to a decline in market value and the likelihood such market value decline will recover. |
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| When assessing the Company's intent to sell a security or if it is more likely than not it will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, management evaluates facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to rebalance the investment portfolio and sales of investments to meet cash flow or capital needs. |
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| When the Company has determined it has the intent to sell or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and the fair value has declined below amortized cost ("intent impairment"), the individual security is written down from amortized cost to fair value, and a corresponding charge is recorded in Net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations as an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI"). If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, but the Company has determined that there has been an other-than-temporary decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis, the OTTI is bifurcated into the amount representing the present value of the decrease in cash flows expected to be collected ("credit impairment") and the amount related to other factors ("noncredit impairment"). The credit impairment is recorded in Net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. The noncredit impairment is recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss). |
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| The Company uses the following methodology and significant inputs to determine the amount of the OTTI credit loss: |
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| • | When determining collectability and the period over which the value is expected to recover for U.S. and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and state and political subdivision securities, the Company applies the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process, which incorporates information regarding the specific security, the industry and geographic area in which the issuer operates and overall macroeconomic conditions. Projected future cash flows are estimated using assumptions derived from the Company's best estimates of likely scenario-based outcomes, after giving consideration to a variety of variables that includes, but is not limited to: general payment terms of the security; the likelihood that the issuer can service the scheduled interest and principal payments; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security's position within the capital structure of the issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer; and changes to the rating of the security or the issuer by rating agencies. |
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| • | Additional considerations are made when assessing the unique features that apply to certain structured securities, such as subprime, Alt-A, non-agency RMBS, CMBS and ABS. These additional factors for structured securities include, but are not limited to: the quality of underlying collateral; expected prepayment speeds; loan-to-value ratios; debt service coverage ratios; current and forecasted loss severity; consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security; and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security. |
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| • | When determining the amount of the credit loss for U.S. and foreign corporate securities, foreign government securities and state and political subdivision securities, the Company considers the estimated fair value as the recovery value when available information does not indicate that another value is more appropriate. When information is identified that indicates a recovery value other than estimated fair value, the Company considers in the determination of recovery value the same considerations utilized in its overall impairment evaluation process, which incorporates available information and the Company's best estimate of scenario-based outcomes regarding the specific security and issuer; possible corporate restructurings or asset sales by the issuer; the quality and amount of any credit enhancements; the security's position within the capital structure of the issuer; fundamentals of the industry and geographic area in which the security issuer operates; and the overall macroeconomic conditions. |
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| • | The Company performs a discounted cash flow analysis comparing the current amortized cost of a security to the present value of future cash flows expected to be received, including estimated defaults and prepayments. The discount rate is generally the effective interest rate of the fixed maturity prior to impairment. |
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| In periods subsequent to the recognition of the credit related impairment components of OTTI on a fixed maturity, the Company accounts for the impaired security as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the impairment. Accordingly, the discount (or reduced premium) based on the new cost basis is accreted into net investment income over the remaining term of the fixed maturity in a prospective manner based on the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows. |
| Securitizations |
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| The Company invests in various tranches of securitization entities, including RMBS, CMBS and ABS. Through its investments, the Company is not obligated to provide any financial or other support to these entities. Each of the RMBS, CMBS and ABS entities are thinly capitalized by design and considered VIEs. The Company's involvement with these entities is limited to that of a passive investor. The Company has no unilateral right to appoint or remove the servicer, special servicer or investment manager, which are generally viewed to have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the securitization entities' economic performance, in any of these entities, nor does the Company function in any of these roles. The Company through its investments or other arrangements does not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. Therefore, the Company is not the primary beneficiary and will not consolidate any of the RMBS, CMBS and ABS entities in which it holds investments. These investments are accounted for as investments available-for-sale as described in the Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Note to these Financial Statements and unrealized capital gains (losses) on these securities are recorded directly in AOCI, except for certain RMBS which are accounted for under the FVO for which changes in fair value are reflected in Other net realized gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. The Company's maximum exposure to loss on these structured investments is limited to the amount of its investment. |
| The investment portfolio is monitored to maintain a diversified portfolio on an ongoing basis. Credit risk is mitigated by monitoring concentrations by issuer, sector and geographic stratification and limiting exposure to any one issuer. |
| Investments with fair values less than amortized cost are included in the Company’s other-than-temporary impairments analysis. Impairments were recognized as disclosed in the "Evaluating Securities for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments" section below. The Company evaluates non-agency RMBS and ABS for "other-than-temporary impairments" each quarter based on actual and projected cash flows, after considering the quality and updated loan-to-value ratios reflecting current home prices of underlying collateral, forecasted loss severity, the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security and amount of any credit enhancements. The Company's assessment of current levels of cash flows compared to estimated cash flows, at the time the securities were acquired, indicates the amount and the pace of projected cash flows from the underlying collateral has generally been lower and slower, respectively. However, since cash flows are typically projected at a trust level, the impairment review incorporates the security's position within the trust structure as well as credit enhancement remaining in the trust to determine whether an impairment is warranted. Therefore, while lower and slower cash flows will impact the trust, the effect on a particular security within the trust will be dependent upon the trust structure. Where the assessment continues to project full recovery of principal and interest on schedule, the Company has not recorded an impairment. Unrealized losses on below investment grade securities are principally related to RMBS (primarily Alt-A RMBS) and ABS (primarily subprime RMBS) largely due to economic and market uncertainties including concerns over unemployment levels, lower interest rate environment on floating rate securities requiring higher risk premiums since purchase and valuations on residential real estate supporting non-agency RMBS. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that the remaining investments in an unrealized loss position were not other-than-temporarily impaired and therefore no further other-than-temporary impairment was necessary. |
| Mortgage Loans on Real Estate |
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| The Company's mortgage loans on real estate are all commercial mortgage loans held for investment, which are reported at amortized cost, less impairment write-downs and allowance for losses. The Company diversifies its commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographic region and property type to reduce concentration risk. The Company manages risk when originating commercial mortgage loans by generally lending only up to 75% of the estimated fair value of the underlying real estate. Subsequently, the Company continuously evaluates mortgage loans based on relevant current information including a review of loan-specific credit quality, property characteristics and market trends. Loan performance is monitored on a loan specific basis through the review of submitted appraisals, operating statements, rent revenues and annual inspection reports, among other items. This review ensures properties are performing at a consistent and acceptable level to secure the debt. The components to evaluate debt service coverage are received and reviewed at least annually to determine the level of risk. |
| Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") |
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| The Company holds certain VIEs for investment purposes. VIEs may be in the form of private placement securities, structured securities, securitization transactions, or limited partnerships. The Company has reviewed each of its holdings and determined that consolidation of these investments in the Company's financial statements is not required, as the Company is not the primary beneficiary, because the Company does not have both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and the obligation or right to potentially significant losses or benefits, for any of its investments in VIEs. The Company did not provide any non-contractual financial support and its carrying value represents the Company's exposure to loss. |
| Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities |
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| The Company's fixed maturities and equity securities are currently designated as available-for-sale, except those accounted for using the FVO. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized capital gains (losses) on these securities are recorded directly in AOCI and presented net of related changes in DAC, VOBA and Deferred income taxes. In addition, certain fixed maturities have embedded derivatives, which are reported with the host contract on the Balance Sheets. |
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| The Company has elected the FVO for certain of its fixed maturities to better match the measurement of assets and liabilities in the Statements of Operations. Certain CMOs, primarily interest-only and principal-only strips, are accounted for as hybrid instruments and valued at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. |
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| The Company invests in various categories of CMOs, including CMOs that are not agency-backed, that are subject to different degrees of risk from changes in interest rates and defaults. The principal risks inherent in holding CMOs are prepayment and extension risks related to significant decreases and increases in interest rates resulting in the prepayment of principal from the underlying mortgages, either earlier or later than originally anticipated. |
| Derivatives | Derivatives |
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| The Company's use of derivatives is limited mainly to economic hedging to reduce the Company's exposure to cash flow variability of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk, credit risk, exchange rate risk and market risk. It is the Company's policy not to offset amounts recognized for derivative instruments and amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. |
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| The Company enters into interest rate, equity market, credit default and currency contracts, including swaps, futures, forwards, caps, floors and options, to reduce and manage various risks associated with changes in value, yield, price, cash flow or exchange rates of assets or liabilities held or intended to be held, or to assume or reduce credit exposure associated with a referenced asset, index or pool. The Company also utilizes options and futures on equity indices to reduce and manage risks associated with its annuity products. Open derivative contracts are reported as Derivatives assets or liabilities on the Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in Net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. |
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| To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge as either (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk ("fair value hedge") or (b) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows that is attributable to interest rate risk to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability ("cash flow hedge"). In this documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument's effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. |
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| • | Fair Value Hedge: For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, as well as the hedged item, to the extent of the risk being hedged, are recognized in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. |
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| • | Cash Flow Hedge: For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction impacts earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction. The ineffective portion of the derivative's change in value, if any, along with any of the derivative's change in value that is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. |
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| When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is no longer expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the Balance Sheets at its estimated fair value, with subsequent changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in Other net realized capital gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the Statements of Operations when the Company's earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. |
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| When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried on the Balance Sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in Other net realized capital gains (losses). Derivative gains and losses recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in Other net realized capital gains (losses). |
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| The Company also has investments in certain fixed maturities and has issued certain annuity products that contain embedded derivatives whose fair value is at least partially determined by levels of or changes in domestic and/or foreign interest rates (short-term or long-term), exchange rates, prepayment rates, equity markets or credit ratings/spreads. Embedded derivatives within fixed maturities are included with the host contract on the Balance Sheets and changes in fair value of the embedded derivatives are recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. Embedded derivatives within certain annuity products are included in Future policy benefits and contract owner account balances on the Balance Sheets and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recorded in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. |
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| In addition, the Company has entered into coinsurance with funds withheld arrangements that contain embedded derivatives, the fair value of which is based on the change in the fair value of the underlying assets held in trust. Embedded derivatives within coinsurance with funds withheld arrangements are reported with the host contract in Deposits and reinsurance recoverable or Funds held under reinsurance treaties with affiliates on the Balance Sheets, and changes in the fair value of the embedded derivatives are recorded in Interest credited and other benefits to contract owners/policyholders in the Statements of Operations. |
| Interest rate swaps: Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and/or liabilities. Interest rate swaps are also used to hedge the interest rate risk associated with the value of assets it owns or in an anticipation of acquiring them. Using interest rate swaps, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest payments, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional principal amount. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made to/from the counterparty at each due date. The Company utilizes these contracts in qualifying hedging relationships as well as non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Foreign exchange swaps: The Company uses foreign exchange or currency swaps to reduce the risk of change in the value, yield or cash flows associated with certain foreign denominated invested assets. Foreign exchange swaps represent contracts that require the exchange of foreign currency cash flows against U.S. dollar cash flows at regular periods, typically quarterly or semi-annually. The Company utilizes these contracts in qualifying hedging relationships as well as non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Credit default swaps: Credit default swaps are used to reduce credit loss exposure with respect to certain assets that the Company owns, or to assume credit exposure on certain assets that the Company does not own. Payments are made to or received from the counterparty at specified intervals. In the event of a default on the underlying credit exposure, the Company will either receive a payment (purchased credit protection) or will be required to make a payment (sold credit protection) equal to the par minus recovery value of the swap contract. The Company utilizes these contracts in non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Total return swaps: The Company uses total return swaps as a hedge against a decrease in variable annuity account values, which are invested in certain indices. Using total return swaps, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of assets or a market index and the LIBOR rate, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional principal amount. No cash is exchanged at the onset of the contracts. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based upon the terms of the swaps. The Company utilizes these contracts in non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Currency forwards: The Company uses currency forward contracts to hedge policyholder liabilities associated with the variable annuity contracts which are linked to foreign indices. The currency fluctuations may result in a decrease in account values, which would increase the possibility of the Company incurring an expense for guaranteed benefits in excess of account values. The Company utilizes these contracts in non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Forwards: The Company uses forward contracts to hedge certain invested assets against movement in interest rates, particularly mortgage rates. The Company uses To Be Announced mortgage-backed securities as an economic hedge against rate movements. The Company utilizes forward contracts in non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Futures: Futures contracts are used to hedge against a decrease in certain equity indices. Such decreases may result in a decrease in variable annuity account values which would increase the possibility of the Company incurring an expense for guaranteed benefits in excess of account values. The Company also uses futures contracts as a hedge against an increase in certain equity indices. Such increases may result in increased payments to the holders of the FIA contracts. The Company enters into exchange traded futures with regulated futures commissions that are members of the exchange. The Company also posts initial and variation margins with the exchange on a daily basis. The Company utilizes exchange-traded futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Swaptions: A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. The Company uses swaptions to hedge the interest rate exposure associated with the minimum crediting rate and book value guarantees embedded in the retirement products that the Company offers. Increases in interest rates will generate losses on assets that are backing such liabilities. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. Swaptions are also used to hedge against an increase in the interest rate benchmarked crediting strategies within FIA contracts. Such increases may result in increased payments to contract holders of FIA contracts and the interest rate swaptions offset this increased exposure. The Company pays a premium when it purchases the swaption. The Company utilizes these contracts in non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Options: The Company uses put options to manage the equity, interest rate and equity volatility risk of the economic liabilities associated with certain variable annuity minimum guaranteed benefits. The Company also uses call options to hedge against an increase in various equity indices. Such increases may result in increased payments to the holders of the FIA contracts. The Company pays an upfront premium to purchase these options. The Company utilizes these options in non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Variance swaps: The Company uses variance swaps to manage equity volatility risk on the economic liabilities associated with certain minimum guaranteed living benefits and to mitigate certain rebalancing costs resulting from increased volatility. An increase in the equity volatility results in a higher valuations of such liabilities. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on the changes in equity volatility over a defined period. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships. |
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| Embedded derivatives: The Company also invests in certain fixed maturity instruments and has issued certain annuity products that contain embedded derivatives whose market value is at least partially determined by, among other things, levels of or changes in domestic and/or foreign interest rates (short-term or long-term), exchange rates, prepayment rates, equity rates, or credit ratings/spreads. In addition, the Company has entered into coinsurance with funds withheld arrangements, which contain embedded derivatives. |
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| The Company's use of derivatives is limited mainly to economic hedging to reduce the Company's exposure to cash flow variability of assets and liabilities, interest rate risk, credit risk, exchange rate risk and market risk. It is the Company's policy not to offset amounts recognized for derivative instruments and amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement, which provides the Company with the legal right of offset. |
| Based on the notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivative positions was not designated or did not qualify for hedge accounting as part of a hedging relationship as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company utilizes derivative contracts mainly to hedge exposure to variability in cash flows, interest rate risk, credit risk, foreign exchange risk and equity market risk. The majority of derivatives used by the Company are designated as product hedges, which hedge the exposure arising from insurance liabilities or guarantees embedded in the contracts the Company offers through various product lines. These derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting as they do not meet the criteria of being “highly effective” as outlined in ASC Topic 815, but do provide an economic hedge, which is in line with the Company’s risk management objectives. The Company also uses derivatives contracts to hedge its exposure to various risks associated with the investment portfolio. The Company does not seek hedge accounting treatment for certain of these derivatives as they generally do not qualify for hedge accounting due to the criteria required under the portfolio hedging rules outlined in ASC Topic 815. The Company also uses credit default swaps coupled with other investments in order to produce the investment characteristics of otherwise permissible investments that do not qualify as effective accounting hedges under ASC Topic 815. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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| Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and other highly liquid investments, such as money market instruments and debt instruments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at fair value. |
| Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Value of Business Acquired | Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Value of Business Acquired and Deferred Sales Inducements |
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| DAC represents policy acquisition costs that have been capitalized and are subject to amortization and interest. Capitalized costs are incremental, direct costs of contract acquisition and certain costs related directly to successful acquisition activities. Such costs consist principally of commissions, underwriting, sales and contract issuance and processing expenses directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal business. Indirect or unsuccessful acquisition costs, maintenance, product development and overhead expenses are charged to expense as incurred. VOBA represents the outstanding value of in-force business acquired and is subject to amortization and interest. The value is based on the present value of estimated net cash flows embedded in the insurance contracts at the time of the acquisition and increased for subsequent deferrable expenses on purchased policies. (See also "Sales Inducements" below.) |
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| Amortization Methodologies |
| The Company amortizes DAC and VOBA related to universal life ("UL") and variable universal life ("VUL") contracts and fixed and variable deferred annuity contracts over the estimated lives of the contracts in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits. Assumptions as to mortality, persistency, interest crediting rates, fee income, returns associated with separate account performance, impact of hedge performance, expenses to administer the business and certain economic variables, such as inflation, are based on the Company's experience and overall capital markets. At each valuation date, estimated gross profits are updated with actual gross profits, and the assumptions underlying future estimated gross profits are evaluated for continued reasonableness. Adjustments to estimated gross profits require that amortization rates be revised retroactively to the date of the contract issuance ("unlocking"). |
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| Recoverability testing is performed for current issue year products to determine if gross revenues are sufficient to cover DAC, VOBA and DSI estimated benefits and expenses. In subsequent years, the Company performs testing to assess the recoverability of DAC, VOBA and DSI on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential loss recognition issue exists. If DAC, VOBA or DSI are not deemed recoverable from future gross profits, changes will be applied against the DAC, VOBA or DSI balances before an additional reserve is established. |
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| In assessing loss recognition related to DAC, VOBA and DSI, the Company must select an approach for aggregating different blocks of business in the loss recognition calculation. In the first quarter of 2013, the Company updated the aggregation approach used in assessment of such loss recognition. This change in estimate was due to certain organizational changes that commenced in the first quarter of 2013, which resulted in changes to how the Company manages the variable annuity business that is no longer actively marketed. As a result of this estimate change, the Company recognized loss recognition of $350.8 before taxes during the first quarter of 2013. This amount was recorded in the Statements of Operations as $306.0 to Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired and $44.8 to Interest credited and other benefits to contract owners/policyholders, with a corresponding decrease in the Balance Sheets to Deferred policy acquisition costs, Value of business acquired and Sales inducements to contract owners. |
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| Internal Replacements |
| Contract owners may periodically exchange one contract for another, or make modifications to an existing contract. These transactions are identified as internal replacements. Internal replacements that are determined to result in substantially unchanged contracts are accounted for as continuations of the replaced contracts. Any costs associated with the issuance of the new contracts are considered maintenance costs and expensed as incurred. Unamortized DAC and VOBA related to the replaced contracts continue to be deferred and amortized in connection with the new contracts. Internal replacements that are determined to result in contracts that are substantially changed are accounted for as extinguishments of the replaced contracts, and any unamortized DAC and VOBA related to the replaced contracts are written off to Net amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired in the Statements of Operations. |
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| Assumptions |
| Changes in assumptions can have a significant impact on DAC, VOBA and DSI balances, amortization rates and results of operations. Assumptions are management's best estimate of future outcome. |
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| Several assumptions are considered significant in the estimation of gross profits associated with the Company's variable products. One significant assumption is the assumed return associated with the variable account performance. To reflect the volatility in the equity markets, this assumption involves a combination of near-term expectations and long-term assumptions regarding market performance. The overall return on the variable account is dependent on multiple factors, including the relative mix of the underlying sub-accounts among bond funds and equity funds, as well as equity sector weightings. The Company's practice assumes that intermediate-term appreciation in equity markets reverts to the long-term appreciation in equity markets ("reversion to the mean"). The Company monitors market events and only changes the assumption when sustained deviations are expected. This methodology incorporates a 9% long-term equity return assumption, a 14% cap and a five-year look-forward period. |
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| Other significant assumptions used in the estimation of gross profits include mortality and for products with credited rates include interest rate spreads and credit losses. Estimated gross profits of variable annuity contracts are sensitive to mortality and estimated policyholder behavior assumptions, such as surrender, lapse and annuitization rates. |
| Sales Inducements | Sales Inducements |
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| DSI represent benefits paid to contract owners for a specified period that are incremental to the amounts the Company credits on similar contracts without sales inducements and are higher than the contract's expected ongoing crediting rates for periods after the inducement. The Company defers sales inducements and amortizes them over the life of the policy using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortize DAC. The amortization of sales inducements is included in Interest credited and other benefits to contract owners in the Statements of Operations. Each year, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potentially significant recoverability issue exists, the Company reviews DSI to determine the recoverability of these balances. |
| Future Policy Benefits and Contract Owner Accounts | Future Policy Benefits and Contract Owner Accounts |
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| Future Policy Benefits |
| The Company establishes and carries actuarially-determined reserves that are calculated to meet its future obligations, including estimates of unpaid claims and claims that the Company believes have been incurred but have not yet been reported as of the balance sheet date. The principal assumptions used to establish liabilities for future policy benefits are based on Company experience and periodically reviewed against industry standards. These assumptions include mortality, morbidity, policy lapse, contract renewal, payment of subsequent premiums or deposits by the contract owner, retirement, investment returns, inflation, benefit utilization and expenses. Changes in, or deviations from, the assumptions used can significantly affect the Company's reserve levels and related results of operations. |
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| • | Reserves for traditional life insurance contracts (term insurance, participating and non-participating whole life insurance and traditional group life insurance) and accident and health insurance represent the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of contract owners and related expenses, less the present value of future net premiums. Assumptions as to interest rates, mortality, expenses and persistency are based on the Company's estimates of anticipated experience at the period the policy is sold or acquired, including a provision for adverse deviation. Interest rates used to calculate the present value of these reserves ranged from 3.0% to 7.2%. |
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| • | Reserves for payout contracts with life contingencies are equal to the present value of expected future payments. Assumptions as to interest rates, mortality and expenses are based on the Company's experience at the period the policy is sold or acquired, including a provision for adverse deviation. Such assumptions generally vary by annuity plan type, year of issue and policy duration. Interest rates used to calculate the present value of future benefits ranged from 1.0% to 7.5%. |
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| Although assumptions are "locked-in" upon the issuance of traditional life insurance contracts, certain accident and health insurance contracts and payout contracts with life contingencies, 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 determined based on best estimate assumptions that exist at the time the premium deficiency reserve is established and do not include a provision for adverse deviation. |
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| Contract Owner Account Balances |
| Contract owner account balances relate to investment-type contracts and certain annuity product guarantees, as follows: |
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| • | Account balances for GICs are calculated using the amount deposited with the Company, less withdrawals, plus interest accrued to the ending valuation date. Interest on these contracts is accrued by a predetermined index, plus a spread or a fixed rate, established at the issue date of the contract. |
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| • | Account balances for universal life-type contracts, including VUL and indexed universal life contracts, are equal to cumulative deposits, less charges, withdrawals and account values released upon death, plus credited interest thereon. |
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| • | Account balances for fixed annuities and payout contracts without life contingencies are equal to cumulative deposits, less charges and withdrawals, plus credited interest thereon. Credited interest rates vary by product and ranged up to |
| 8.0% for the years 2014, 2013 and 2012. Account balances for group immediate annuities without life contingent payouts are equal to the discounted value of the payment at the implied break-even rate. |
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| • | For fixed-indexed annuity contracts ("FIA"), the aggregate initial liability is equal to the deposit received, plus a bonus, if applicable, and is split into a host component and an embedded derivative component. Thereafter, the host liability accumulates at a set interest rate, and the embedded derivative liability is recognized at fair value. |
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| Product Guarantees and Additional Reserves |
| The Company calculates additional reserve liabilities for certain universal life-type products and certain variable annuity guaranteed benefits. The Company periodically evaluates its estimates and adjusts the additional liability balance, with a related charge or credit to benefit expense, if actual experience or other evidence suggests that earlier assumptions should be revised. Changes in, or deviations from, the assumptions used can significantly affect the Company's reserve levels and related results of operations. |
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| Universal and Variable Life: Reserves for UL and VUL secondary guarantees and paid-up guarantees are calculated by estimating the expected value of death benefits payable and recognizing those benefits ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. The reserve for such products recognizes the portion of contract assessments received in early years used to compensate the Company for benefits provided in later years. Assumptions used, such as the interest rate, lapse rate and mortality, are consistent with assumptions used in estimating gross profits for purposes of amortizing DAC. Reserves for UL and VUL secondary guarantees and paid up guarantees are recorded in Future policy benefits and contract owner account balances on the Balance Sheets. |
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| The Company also calculates a benefit ratio for each block of business that meets the requirements for additional reserves and calculates an additional reserve by accumulating amounts equal to the benefit ratio multiplied by the assessments for each period, reduced by excess benefits during the period. The additional reserve is accumulated at interest rates consistent with the DAC model for the period. The calculated reserve includes a provision for UL contracts with patterns of cost of insurance charges that produce expected gains from the insurance benefit function followed by losses from that function in later years. Additional reserves are recorded in Future policy benefits and contract owner account balances on the Balance Sheets. |
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| GMDB and GMIB: Reserves for annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits ("GMDB") and guaranteed minimum income benefits ("GMIB") are determined by estimating the value of expected benefits in excess of the projected account balance and recognizing the excess ratably over the accumulation period based on total expected assessments. Expected experience is based on a range of scenarios. Assumptions used, such as the long-term equity market return, lapse rate and mortality, are consistent with assumptions used in estimating gross profits for purposes of amortizing DAC. The assumptions of investment performance and volatility are consistent with the historical experience of the appropriate underlying equity index, such as the Standard & Poor's ("S&P") 500 Index. In addition, the reserve for the GMIB incorporates assumptions for the likelihood and timing of the potential annuitizations that may be elected by the contract owner. In general, the Company assumes that GMIB annuitization rates will be higher for policies with more valuable guarantees ("in the money" guarantees where the notional benefit amount is in excess of the account value). Reserves for GMDB and GMIB are recorded in Future policy benefits and contract owner account balances on the Balance Sheets. Changes in reserves for GMDB and GMIB are reported in Interest credited and other benefits to contract owners/policyholders in the Statements of Operations. |
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| Most contracts issued on or before December 31, 1999 with enhanced death benefit guarantees were reinsured to third-party reinsurers to mitigate the risk associated with such guarantees. For contracts issued after December 31, 1999, the Company instituted a variable annuity guarantee hedge program to mitigate the risks associated with these guarantees, for which the Company did not seek hedge accounting. The variable annuity guarantee hedge program is based on the Company entering into derivative positions to offset such exposures to GMDB and GMIB due to adverse changes in the equity markets. |
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| GMAB, GMWB, GMWBL and FIA: The Company also issues certain products which contain embedded derivatives that are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host contracts. These products include annuity guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits ("GMAB"), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits without life contingencies ("GMWB"), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits with life contingent payouts ("GMWBL") and FIAs. Such embedded derivatives are recorded in Future policy benefits and contract owner account balances on the Balance Sheets, with changes in estimated fair value, along with attributed fees collected or payments made, reported in Other net realized capital gains (losses) in the Statements of Operations. |
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| At inception of the GMAB, GMWB and GMWBL contracts, the Company projects a fee to be attributed to the embedded derivative portion of the guarantee equal to the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits. After inception, the estimated fair value of the GMAB, GMWB and GMWBL contracts is determined based on the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits, minus the present value of projected attributed fees. A risk neutral valuation methodology is used under which the cash flows from the guarantees are projected under multiple capital market scenarios using observable risk free rates. The projection of future guaranteed benefits and future attributed fees require the use of assumptions for capital markets (e.g., implied volatilities, correlation among indices, risk-free swap curve, etc.) and policyholder behavior (e.g., lapse, benefit utilization, mortality, etc.). |
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| The estimated fair value of the FIA contracts is based on the present value of the excess of interest payments to the contract owners over the growth in the minimum guaranteed contract value. The excess interest payments are determined as the excess of projected index driven benefits over the projected guaranteed benefits. The projection horizon is over the anticipated life of the related contracts, which takes into account best estimate actuarial assumptions, such as partial withdrawals, full surrenders, deaths, annuitizations and maturities. |
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| The liabilities for the GMAB, GMWB, GMWBL and FIA embedded derivatives include a risk margin to capture uncertainties related to policyholder behavior assumptions. The margin represents additional compensation a market participant would require to assume these risks. The discount rate used to determine the fair value of the liabilities for the GMAB, GMWB, GMWBL and FIA embedded derivatives includes an adjustment to reflect the risk that these obligations will not be fulfilled (“nonperformance risk”). |
| Separate Accounts | Separate Accounts |
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| Separate account assets and liabilities generally represent funds maintained to meet specific investment objectives of contract owners or participants who bear the investment risk, subject, in limited cases, to minimum guaranteed rates. Investment income and investment gains and losses generally accrue directly to such contract owners. The assets of each account are legally segregated and are not subject to claims that arise out of any other business of the Company or its affiliates. |
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| Separate account assets supporting variable options under variable annuity contracts are invested, as designated by the contract owner or participant under a contract, in shares of mutual funds that are managed by the Company, or its affiliates, or in other selected mutual funds not managed by the Company, or its affiliates. |
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| The Company reports separately, as assets and liabilities, investments held in the separate accounts and liabilities of separate accounts if: |
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| • | Such separate accounts are legally recognized; |
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| • | Assets supporting the contract liabilities are legally insulated from the Company's general account liabilities; |
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| • | Investments are directed by the contract owner or participant; and |
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| • | All investment performance, net of contract fees and assessments, is passed through to the contract owner. |
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| The Company reports separate account assets that meet the above criteria at fair value on the Balance Sheets based on the fair value of the underlying investments. Separate account liabilities equal separate account assets. Investment income and net realized and unrealized capital gains (losses) of the separate accounts, however, are not reflected in the Statements of Operations, and the Statements of Cash Flows do not reflect investment activity of the separate accounts. |
| Long-term Debt | Long-term Debt |
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| Long-term debt is carried at an amount equal to the unpaid principal balance, net of any remaining unamortized discount or premium attributable to issuance. Direct and incremental costs to issue the debt are recorded in Other assets on the Balance Sheets and are amortized as a component of Interest expense in the Statements of Operations over the life of the debt using the effective interest method of amortization. |
| Repurchase Agreements | Repurchase Agreements |
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| The Company engages in dollar repurchase agreements with MBS ("dollar rolls") and repurchase agreements with other collateral types to increase its return on investments and improve liquidity. Such arrangements meet the requirements to be accounted for as financing arrangements. |
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| The Company enters into dollar roll transactions by selling existing MBS and concurrently entering into an agreement to repurchase similar securities within a short time frame at a lower price. Under repurchase agreements, the Company borrows cash from a counterparty at an agreed upon interest rate for an agreed upon time frame and pledges collateral in the form of securities. At the end of the agreement, the counterparty returns the collateral to the Company, and the Company, in turn, repays the loan amount along with the additional agreed upon interest. |
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| The Company's policy requires that at all times during the term of the dollar roll and repurchase agreements that cash or other collateral types obtained is sufficient to allow the Company to fund substantially all of the cost of purchasing replacement assets. Cash received is invested in Short-term investments, with the offsetting obligation to repay the loan included within Other liabilities on the Balance Sheets. The carrying value of the securities pledged in dollar rolls and repurchase agreement transactions and the related repurchase obligation are included in Securities pledged and Short-term debt, respectively, on the Balance Sheets. |
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| The primary risk associated with short-term collateralized borrowings is that the counterparty will be unable to perform under the terms of the contract. The Company's exposure is limited to the excess of the net replacement cost of the securities over the value of the short-term investments. The Company believes the counterparties to the dollar rolls and repurchase agreements are financially responsible and that the counterparty risk is minimal. |
| Recognition of Insurance Revenue and Related Benefits | Recognition of Insurance Revenue and Related Benefits |
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| Premiums related to traditional life insurance contracts and payout contracts with life contingencies are recognized in Premiums in the Statements of Operations when due from the contract owner. 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 deferred and recognized into revenue in a constant relationship to insurance in force. Benefits are recorded in Interest credited and other benefits to contract owners/policyholders in the Statements of Operations when incurred. |
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| Amounts received as payment for investment-type, universal life-type, fixed annuities, payout contracts without life contingencies and FIA contracts are reported as deposits to contract owner account balances. Revenues from these contracts consist primarily of fees assessed against the contract owner account balance for mortality and policy administration charges and are reported in Fee income. Surrender charges are reported in Other revenue. In addition, the Company earns investment income from the investment of contract deposits in the Company's general account portfolio, which is reported in Net investment income in the Statements of Operations. Fees assessed that represent compensation to the Company for services to be provided in future periods and certain other fees are deferred and amortized into revenue over the expected life of the related contracts in proportion to estimated gross profits in a manner consistent with DAC for these contracts. Benefits and expenses for these products include claims in excess of related account balances, expenses of contract administration and interest credited to contract owner account balances. |
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| Income Taxes | Income Taxes |
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| The Company uses certain assumptions and estimates in determining the income taxes payable or refundable to/from Voya Financial, Inc. for the current year, the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for items recognized differently in its financial statements from amounts shown on its income tax returns and the federal income tax expense. Determining these amounts requires analysis and interpretation of current tax laws and regulations, including the loss limitation rules associated with change in control. Management exercises considerable judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting income tax liabilities and assets. These judgments and estimates are reevaluated on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. |
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| The Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet date using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years the temporary differences are expected to reverse. |
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| Deferred tax assets represent the tax benefit of future deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company evaluates and tests the recoverability of its deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Considerable judgment and the use of estimates are 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: |
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| • | The nature, frequency, and severity of book income or losses in recent years; |
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| • | The nature and character of the deferred tax assets and liabilities; |
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| • | The recent cumulative book income (loss) position after adjustment for permanent differences; |
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| • | Taxable income in prior carryback years; |
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| • | Projected future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; |
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| • | Projected future reversals of existing temporary differences; |
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| • | The length of time carryforwards can be utilized; |
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| • | Prudent and feasible tax planning strategies the Company would employ to avoid a tax benefit from expiring unused; and |
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| • | Tax rules that would impact the utilization of the deferred tax assets. |
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| In establishing unrecognized tax benefits, the Company determines whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained under examination by the appropriate taxing authority. The Company also considers positions that have been reviewed and agreed to as part of an examination by the appropriate taxing authority. Tax positions that do not meet the more likely than not standard are not recognized in the Financial Statements. Tax positions that meet this standard are recognized in the Financial Statements. The Company measures the tax position as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with the tax authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. |
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| Certain changes or future events, such as changes in tax legislation, completion of tax audits, planning opportunities and expectations about future outcome could have an impact on the Company's estimates of valuation allowances, deferred taxes, tax provisions and effective tax rates. |
| Reinsurance | Reinsurance |
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| The Company utilizes reinsurance agreements in most aspects of its insurance business to reduce its exposure to large losses. Such reinsurance permits recovery of a portion of losses from reinsurers, although it does not discharge the primary liability of the Company as direct insurer of the risks reinsured. |
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| For each of its reinsurance agreements, the Company determines whether the agreement provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk. The Company reviews all contractual features, particularly those that may limit the amount of insurance risk to which the reinsurer is subject or features that delay the timely reimbursement of claims. The assumptions used to account for both long and short-duration reinsurance agreements are consistent with those used for the underlying contracts. Ceded Future policy benefits and contract owner account balances are reported gross on the Balance Sheets. |
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| Long-duration: For reinsurance of long-duration contracts that transfer significant insurance risk, the difference, if any, between the amounts paid and benefits received related to the underlying contracts is included in the expected net cost of reinsurance, which is recorded as a component of the reinsurance asset or liability. Any difference between actual and expected net cost of reinsurance is recognized in the current period and included as a component of profits used to amortize DAC. |
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| Short-duration: For prospective reinsurance of short-duration contacts that meet the criteria for reinsurance accounting, amounts paid are recorded as ceded premiums and ceded unearned premiums and are reflected as a component of Premiums in the Statements of Operations and Other assets on the Balance Sheets, respectively. Ceded unearned premiums are amortized through premiums over the remaining contract period in proportion to the amount of protection provided. |
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| If the Company determines that a reinsurance agreement does not expose the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the agreement using the deposit method of accounting. Deposits received are included in Other liabilities, and deposits made are included in Deposits and reinsurance recoverable on the Balance Sheets. As amounts are paid or received, consistent with the underlying contracts, the deposit assets or liabilities are adjusted. Interest on such deposits is recorded as Other revenues or Other expenses, as appropriate. Periodically, the Company evaluates the adequacy of the expected payments or recoveries and adjusts the deposit asset or liability through Other revenues or Other expenses, as appropriate. |
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| Accounting for reinsurance requires extensive use of assumptions and estimates, particularly related to the future performance of the underlying business and the potential impact of counterparty credit risks. The Company periodically reviews actual and anticipated experience compared to the assumptions used to establish assets and liabilities relating to ceded and assumed reinsurance. The Company also evaluates the financial strength of potential reinsurers and continually monitors the financial condition of reinsurers. |
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| Only those reinsurance recoverable balances deemed probable of recovery are recognized as assets on the Company’s Balance Sheets and are stated net of allowances for uncollectible reinsurance. Amounts currently recoverable and payable under reinsurance agreements are included in Reinsurance recoverable and Other liabilities, respectively. Such assets and liabilities relating to reinsurance agreements with the same reinsurer are recorded net on the Balance Sheets if a right of offset exists within the reinsurance agreement. Premiums, Fee income and Interest credited and other benefits to contract owners/policyholders are reported net of reinsurance ceded. Amounts received from reinsurers for policy administration are reported in Other revenue. |
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| The Company has entered into combined coinsurance and coinsurance funds withheld reinsurance arrangements that contain embedded derivatives whose carrying value is estimated based on the change in the fair value of the assets supporting the funds withheld payable under the agreements. |
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| The Company currently has significant concentrations of ceded reinsurance with its affiliates, Security Life of Denver Insurance Company ("SLD") and Security Life of Denver International Limited ("SLDI") primarily related to GICs, SLD related to fixed annuities and UL policies and SLDI related to variable annuities. The outstanding recoverable balances may fluctuate from period to period. SLDI re-domesticated from the Cayman Islands to the State of Arizona, effective December 20, 2013. SLDI was approved as an Arizona-domiciled captive reinsurer by the Arizona Department of Insurance. |
| Participating Insurance | Participating Insurance |
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| Participating business approximates 12.9% of the Company's ordinary life insurance in force and 28.8% of life insurance premium income. The amount of dividends to be paid is determined annually by the Board of Directors. Amounts allocable to participating contract owners are based on published dividend projections or expected dividend scales. Dividends to participating policyholders of $8.6, $9.1 and $9.8, were incurred during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. |
| Contingencies | Contingencies |
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| A loss contingency is an existing condition, situation or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Examples of loss contingencies include pending or threatened adverse litigation, threat of expropriation of assets and actual or possible claims and assessments. Amounts related to loss contingencies are accrued and recorded in Other liabilities on the Balance Sheets if it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated, based on the Company's best estimate of the ultimate outcome. If determined to meet the criteria for a reserve, the Company also evaluates whether there are external legal or other costs directly associated with the resolution of the matter and accrues such costs if estimable. |
| Adoption and Future Adoption of New Pronouncements | Adoption of New Pronouncements |
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| Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits |
| In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" ("ASU 2013-11"), which clarifies that: |
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| • | An unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, except, |
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| • | An unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and not be combined with a deferred tax asset (i) to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or (ii) the tax law does not require the entity to use, or the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such a purpose. |
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| • | The assessment of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and deferred tax asset that exist at the reporting date and should be made presuming disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. |
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| The provisions of ASU 2013-11 were adopted prospectively by the Company on January 1, 2014, to unrecognized tax benefits existing on that date. The adoption had no effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the guidance is consistent with that previously applied. |
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| Joint and Several Liability Arrangements |
| In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, "Liabilities (ASC Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date" ("ASU 2013-04"), which requires an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liable arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of (1) the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and (2) any additional amount it expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation, as well as other information about those obligations. |
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| The provisions of ASU 2013-04 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2014. The adoption had no effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the Company did not have any fixed obligations under joint and several liable arrangements during 2014. |
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| Fees Paid to the Federal Government by Health Insurers |
| In July 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-06, "Other Expenses (ASC Topic 720): Fees Paid to the Federal Government by Health Insurers" ("ASU 2011-06"), which specifies how health insurers should recognize and classify the annual fee imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as amended by the Health Care Education Reconciliation Act (the "Acts"). The liability for the fee should be estimated and recorded in full at the time the entity provides qualifying health insurance in the year in which the fee is payable, with a corresponding deferred cost that is amortized to expense. |
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| The provisions of ASU 2011-06 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2014, when the fee initially became effective. The adoption of ASU 2011-06 had no effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as the Company does not sell qualifying health insurance and, thus, is not subject to the fee. |
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| Future Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements |
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| Going Concern |
| In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (ASC Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern" ("ASU 2014-15"), which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The provisions of ASU 2014-15 will not affect a company's financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows, but require disclosure if management determines there is substantial doubt, including management’s plans to alleviate or mitigate the conditions or events that raise substantial doubt. |
| The provisions of ASU 2014-15 are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and annual and interim periods thereafter. The Company does not expect ASU 2014-15 to have an impact. |
| Repurchase Agreements |
| In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, "Transfers and Servicing (ASC Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures" ("ASU 2014-11"), which (1) changes the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting and (2) requires separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed with a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty. This will result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. The amendments also require additional disclosures for certain transactions accounted for as a sale and for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings. |
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| The provisions of ASU 2014-11 are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014, with the exception of disclosure amendments for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings, which are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. The Company does not expect ASU 2014-11 to have an impact on its financial condition or results of operations, as the Company has not historically met the requirements for sale accounting treatment for such secured borrowing arrangements. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of adoption of the disclosure provisions of ASU 2014-11. |
| Revenue from Contracts with Customers |
| In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606)" ("ASU 2014-09"), which requires an entity to recognize revenue 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 or services. Revenue is recognized when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation under the contract. The standard also requires disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. |
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| The provisions of ASU 2014-09 are effective retrospectively for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of adoption of the provisions of ASU 2014-09. |
| Discontinued Operations and Disposals |
| In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (ASC Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (ASC Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" ("ASU 2014-08"), which requires the disposal of a component of an entity to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. The component should be reported in discontinued operations when it meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, is disposed of by sale or is disposed of other than by sale. |
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| The amendments also require additional disclosures about discontinued operations, including disclosures about an entity’s significant continuing involvement with a discontinued operation and disclosures for a disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations. |
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| The provisions of ASU 2014-08 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments should be applied prospectively to disposals and classifications as held for sale that occur within those periods. The Company is currently in the process of determining the impact of adoption of the provisions of ASU 2014-08. |
