Lincoln Benefit Life S-1 13 Apr 15 IPO registration Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	S-1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE CO
Entity Central Index Key	910739
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Suc

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Successor) and Balance Sheet (Predecessor) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $9,231,856 and $284,928)	$9,390,647
Commercial mortgage loans	1,115,167
Policy loans	194,385
Short-term investments	361,369
Other invested assets	26,897
Total Investments	11,088,465
Cash	49,730
Accrued investment income	96,408
Valuation of business acquired	231,521
Deposit receivable	1,383,388
Other assets	592,202
Separate account assets	1,573,865
Total Assets	20,710,544
LIABILITIES
Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities	6,463,964
Policyholders' account balances	9,829,337
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	188,616
Modified coinsurance payable	1,383,388
Deferred income tax, net	40,732
Other long-term debt-affiliate	551,600
Separate account liabilities	1,573,865
Total Liabilities	20,031,502
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 12)
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $100 par value, 30,000 shares authorized, 25,000 shares issued and outstanding	2,500
Additional paid-in capital	593,558
Accumulated other comprehensive income	85,498
Retained earnings	-2,514
Total Shareholder's Equity	679,042
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity	20,710,544
Non-affiliates
ASSETS
Reinsurance recoverable	5,694,965
Predecessor
ASSETS
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $9,231,856 and $284,928)		290,882
Short-term investments		55,959
Total Investments		346,841
Cash		5,100
Other assets		83,735
Separate account assets		1,700,566
Total Assets		18,844,833
LIABILITIES
Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities		3,557,411
Policyholders' account balances		13,124,115
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		112,576
Current income tax		3,906
Deferred income tax, net		2,564
Separate account liabilities		1,700,566
Total Liabilities		18,501,138
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 12)
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $100 par value, 30,000 shares authorized, 25,000 shares issued and outstanding		2,500
Additional paid-in capital		180,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income		3,870
Retained earnings		157,325
Total Shareholder's Equity		343,695
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity		18,844,833
Predecessor | Non-affiliates
ASSETS
Reinsurance recoverable		2,190,417
Predecessor | Affiliates
ASSETS
Reinsurance recoverable		$14,518,174

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Suc1

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Successor) and Balance Sheet (Predecessor) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$9,231,856
Common stock, par value	$100
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,000
Predecessor
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost		$284,928
Common stock, par value		$100
Common stock, shares authorized		30,000
Common stock, shares issued		25,000
Common stock, shares outstanding		25,000

Consolidated_Statement_of_Oper

Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Successor) and Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)(Predecessor) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Premiums earned	$20,384
Fee income from policyholders	259,169
Net investment income	288,571
Realized investment gains, net	46,092
Total revenues	614,216
Expenses
Policyholder benefits	216,543
Return credited to policyholders' account balances	256,703
Operating and acquisition expenses	96,050
Total expenses	569,296
Income Before Federal Income Tax	44,920
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred	14,234
Total income tax expense	14,234
NET INCOME	30,686
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period	131,433
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	131,433
Less: Income tax (benefit) related to:
Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period	-45,935
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	-45,935
Other comprehensive (loss) income	85,498
Comprehensive (loss) income	116,184
Predecessor
Revenues
Net investment income		2,350	10,935	11,590
Realized investment gains, net		285		626
Total revenues		2,635	10,935	12,216
Expenses
Income Before Federal Income Tax		2,635	10,935	12,216
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current		914	3,902	4,145
Deferred		8	-77	128
Total income tax expense		922	3,825	4,273
NET INCOME		1,713	7,110	7,943
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period		2,364	-15,281	977
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income		285	1	596
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)		2,079	-15,282	381
Less: Income tax (benefit) related to:
Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period		-828	5,349	-343
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income		-100		-209
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)		-728	5,349	-134
Other comprehensive (loss) income		1,351	-9,933	247
Comprehensive (loss) income		$3,064	($2,823)	$8,190

Consolidated_Statement_of_Shar

Consolidated Statement of Shareholder's Equity (Successor) and Statement of Shareholder's Equity (Predecessor) (USD $)	Total	Predecessor	Common Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified				Predecessor		Predecessor		Predecessor		Predecessor
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011		$338,328		$2,500		$180,000		$142,272		$13,556
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011				25,000
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)		7,943						7,943
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		247								247
Total comprehensive income (loss)		8,190
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		346,518		2,500		180,000		150,215		13,803
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012				25,000
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)		7,110						7,110
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		-9,933								-9,933
Total comprehensive income (loss)		-2,823
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		343,695		2,500		180,000		157,325		3,870
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013				25,000
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)		1,713						1,713
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		1,351								1,351
Total comprehensive income (loss)		3,064
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	595,808	346,759	2,500	2,500	593,308	180,000		159,038		5,221
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2014			25,000	25,000
Dividends to shareholder	-33,200						-33,200
Capital contribution	250				250
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)	30,686						30,686
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	85,498								85,498
Total comprehensive income (loss)	116,184
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$679,042		$2,500		$593,558		($2,514)		$85,498
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014			25,000

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Successor) and Statements of Cash Flows (Predecessor) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$30,686
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash:
Policy charges and fee income	-259,169
Return credited to policyholders' account balances	256,703
Realized Investment gains, net	-46,092
Amortization/accretion of bond premium, net	44,112
Amortization of value of business acquired	38,987
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in insurance related liabilities and policy-related balances	-21,964
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	14,234
Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income	6,838
Decrease (increase) in other assets and liabilities	31,780
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	96,115
Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities, available for sale Proceeds from sales and maturities	1,844,344
Fixed maturities, available for sale, Purchases	-1,898,874
Proceeds from sales and maturities of commercial mortgage loans	150,849
Net purchases, sales, maturities of derivatives	-8,636
Net purchases, sales, maturities of other investments	620,425
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	708,108
Cash flows from financing activities:
Policyholders' account deposits	340,128
Policyholders' account withdrawals	-1,141,289
Dividends paid to shareholder	-33,200
Change in overdrafts	39,089
Capital contribution	250
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-795,022
Net increase (decrease) in cash	9,201
Cash, beginning of period	40,529
Cash, end of period	49,730
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
Cash received	9,201
Interest paid	4,585
Noncash activities
Issuance of vehicle note	513,000
Issuance of other long-term debt	513,000
Interest income on vehicle note	15,711
Interest expense on other long-term debt	15,711
Increase in vehicle note and other long-term debt	38,600
Increase in modified coinsurance payable and deposit receivable	166,963
Predecessor
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		1,713	7,110	7,943
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash:
Realized Investment gains, net		-285		-626
Amortization/accretion of bond premium, net		94	630	781
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in insurance related liabilities and policy-related balances		6,402	-6,147	14,398
Decrease (increase) in receivable from/payable to affiliate		24,358	-17,255	25,752
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		921	-329	-516
Decrease (increase) in other assets and liabilities		-23,192	16,007	-32,761
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		10,011	16	14,971
Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities, available for sale Proceeds from sales and maturities		21,341	62,645	54,521
Fixed maturities, available for sale, Purchases			-38,896	-51,209
Net purchases, sales, maturities of other investments		55,924	-31,738	-11,216
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		77,265	-7,989	-7,904
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in cash		87,276	-7,973	7,067
Cash, beginning of period		5,100	13,073	6,006
Cash, end of period		92,376	5,100	13,073
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
Cash received		87,276	-7,973	7,067
Income taxes paid			4,200	4,800
Invested assets transferred		11,482,637
Predecessor | On April 1, 2014
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in cash		143,348
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
Cash received		143,348
Predecessor | Subsequent to April 1, 2014
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in cash		5,946
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
Cash received		$5,946

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
General	1	General
	Lincoln Benefit Life Company (the “Company” or “Lincoln Benefit”) is a stock insurance company domiciled in the State of Nebraska. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Resolution Life, Inc. (“Resolution”), which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Resolution Life Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”). Resolution was formed on July 2, 2013 under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
	On April 1, 2014, Lancaster Re Captive Insurance Company (“Lancaster Re”), a Nebraska domiciled captive insurance company, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln Benefit when it was contributed to Lincoln Benefit by Resolution.
	The Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Resolution on April 1, 2014 after receiving all required regulatory approvals. Prior to this date, it was a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate Life Insurance Company (“ALIC”). On July 17, 2013, Holdings executed a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Acquisition”) to acquire 100% of the Company from ALIC. In November 2013, Holdings assigned the right to acquire all of Lincoln Benefit’s outstanding capital stock to Resolution pursuant to an Assignment Agreement. The purchase price was $595.8 million.
	The Company is authorized to sell life insurance and retirement products in all states except New York, as well as in the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Prior to July 18, 2013, the Company sold interest-sensitive, traditional and variable life insurance products through both exclusive agencies (“Allstate Financial Sales channel”) and independent master brokerage agencies. Effective July 17, 2013, sales through the independent master brokerage agencies ceased, and sales through the Allstate Financial sales channel will continue for a period up to 30 months after the closing date of Acquisition. We operate as a single segment entity, based on the manner in which we use financial information to evaluate business performance and to determine the allocation of resources.
	On April 1, 2014, immediately prior to the Acquisition (Predecessor Period), the Company, pursuant to a Partial Commutation Agreement, recaptured all deferred annuity, long-term care, accident and health and life business sold through Lincoln Benefit’s independent master brokerage agencies, other than specified life business, previously reinsured by ALIC. The primary impacts of the Partial Commutation Agreement with ALIC were the receipt of investments, the reduction of the related reinsurance recoverable and the reestablishment of deferred acquisition costs. The Company’s assets and liabilities increased by $1.33 billion and $0.19 billion, respectively. Since the Partial Commutation Agreement occurred between entities under common control, the excess of assets received and liabilities assumed was recorded as a capital contribution through additional paid-in capital.
	Additionally, Lincoln Benefit and ALIC entered into an Amended and Restated Reinsurance Agreement where ALIC continues to reinsure all life insurance business written by Lincoln Benefit through the Allstate Financial Sales channel, all immediate annuities written by Lincoln Benefit prior to closing of the Acquisition, and certain term life policies written by Lincoln Benefit. Lincoln Benefit’s variable annuity business will remain reinsured by ALIC under an existing reinsurance agreement between Lincoln Benefit and ALIC. This business will continue to be administered by ALIC under an existing administrative services agreement between Lincoln Benefit and ALIC.
	Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of April 1, 2014:
	($ in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturities		$	9,194,903
	Commercial mortgage loans			1,263,902
	Policy loans			196,451
	Short-term investments			979,728
	Other invested assets			1,104
	Cash			40,529
	Accrued investment income			103,246
	Reinsurance recoverable			5,606,879
	Value of business acquired			290,795
	Deposit receivable			1,550,351
	Intangibles			5,200
	Other assets			554,176
	Separate account assets			1,661,007
	Total assets acquired			21,448,271
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities			6,682,833
	Policyholders’ account balances			10,367,246
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities			78,026
	Modified coinsurance payable			1,550,351
	Other long-term debt — affiliate			513,000
	Separate account liabilities			1,661,007
	Total liabilities assumed			20,852,463
	Net assets acquired		$	595,808
	Included in the assets acquired is the value of business acquired (“VOBA”), which reflects the estimated fair value of in-force contracts acquired and represents the portion of the purchase price that is allocated to the future profits embedded in the acquired contracts at the acquisition date. See Note 11 for further explanation of VOBA. The assessment of fair value in accordance with ASC 805-20-25 included the establishment of intangible assets for VOBA and various state licenses.
	Basis of Presentation
	The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The financial statements are presented for Successor and Predecessor periods, which relate to the accounting periods after and before April 1, 2014, respectively, the date of the closing of the Acquisition. For periods after April 1, 2014, the accompanying financial statements comprise the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary. Due to the Acquisition and the application of push-down accounting, different bases of accounting have been used to prepare the Predecessor and Successor financial statements. A black line separates the Predecessor and Successor financial statements to highlight the lack of comparability between these two periods. The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below and in Note 2.
	Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Successor include the accounts of Lincoln Benefit and its subsidiary, Lancaster Re. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies	2	Significant Accounting Policies
	Cash
	Cash includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks, money market securities, highly liquid overnight deposits, discount notes and commercial paper held in the ordinary course of business amounts due from banks, certain money market investments and other debt instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.
	Investments
	Fixed maturities include bonds, asset-backed securities (“ABS”) residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”). Fixed maturities, which may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and are carried at fair value. The difference between amortized cost and fair value, net of deferred income taxes, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Cash received from calls, principal payments and make-whole payments and cash received from maturities and pay-downs are reflected as a component of proceeds from sales and maturities within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows — Successor and Statement of Cash Flows — Predecessor.
	The Company recognizes other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) for securities classified as AFS in accordance with ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities. At least quarterly, management reviews impaired securities for OTTI. The Company considers several factors when determining if a security is OTTI, including but not limited to: its intent and ability to hold the impaired security until an anticipated recovery in value, the issuer’s ability to meet current and future principal and interest obligations for fixed maturity securities, the length and severity of the impairment, the financial condition and near term and long term prospects for the issuer. In making these evaluations, the Company exercises considerable judgment.
	If the Company intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, then the Company recognizes a charge to earnings for the full amount of the impairment (the difference between the amortized cost and fair value of the security). For fixed maturity securities that are considered OTTI and that the Company does not intend to sell and will not be required to sell, the Company separates the impairment into two components: credit loss and noncredit loss. Credit losses are charged to net realized investment losses and noncredit losses are charged to other comprehensive income. The credit loss component is the difference between the security’s amortized cost and the present value of its expected future cash flows discounted at the current effective rate. The remaining difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of its expected future cash flows is the non-credit loss. For corporate bonds, historical default (by rating) data is used as a proxy for the probability of default, and loss given default (by issuer) projections are applied to the par amount of the bond. Potential losses incurred on structured securities are based on expected loss models rather than incurred loss models. Expected cash flows include assumptions about key systematic risks (e.g. unemployment rates, housing prices) and loan-specific information (e.g. delinquency rates, loan-to-value ratios). Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third parties, along with assumptions and judgments about the future performance of the underlying collateral.
	Commercial mortgage loans (“CMLs”) acquired at fair value are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. CMLs held by the Company are diversified by property type and geographic area throughout the U.S. CMLs are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect amounts due according to the terms of the original loan agreement. The Company assesses the impairment of loans individually for all loans in the portfolio. The Company estimates the fair value of the underlying collateral using internal valuations generally based on discounted cash flow analyses. The Company estimates an allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) representing potential credit losses embedded in the CML portfolio. The estimate is based on a consistently applied analysis of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration all available information, including industry, geographical, economic and political factors.
	Policy loans represent loans the Company issues to policyholders. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Interest income on such loans is recognized as earned using the contractually agreed upon interest rate and reflected in Net investment income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Generally, interest is capitalized on the associated policy’s anniversary date.
	Short-term investments include securities and other investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase and are stated at estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
	Derivatives
	As part of the Company’s overall risk management policy, the Company uses listed options and exchange traded futures to economically hedge its obligation under certain fixed indexed annuity and universal life contracts. Derivative financial instruments utilized by the Company in the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 (the “Successor Period”) included index option contracts and futures contracts. Derivatives are carried in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet either as assets within Other invested assets or as liabilities within Accrued expenses and other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company offsets the fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in realized investment gains, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The notional amounts specified in the contracts are used to calculate contractual payments under the agreements and are generally not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these contracts. Futures contracts are defined as commitments to buy or sell designated financial instruments based on specified prices, yields or indexes. Futures contracts provide returns at specified or optional dates based upon a specified index or interest rate applied to a notional amount. The Company uses futures to hedge exposures in indexed annuity and life contracts. Daily cash settlement of variation margins is required for futures contracts and is based on the changes in daily prices. The final settlement of futures contracts is in cash. Index option contracts provide returns at specified or optional dates based on a specified equity index applied to the option’s notional amount. The Company purchases and writes (sells) option contracts primarily to reduce market risk associated with certain annuity and life contracts. When the Company purchases/sells option contracts at specific prices, it is required to pay/receive a premium to/from the counterparties. The amount of premium paid/received is based on the number of contracts purchased/sold, the specified price and the maturity date of the contract. The Company receives/pays cash equal to the premium of written/purchased options when the contract is established. If the option is exercised, the Company receives/pays cash equal to the product of the number of contracts and the specified price in the contract in exchange for the equity upon which the option is written/purchased. If the options are not exercised, then no additional cash is exchanged when the contract expires. Premiums paid are reported as a derivative asset and premiums received are reported as a derivative liability. Purchased put and call index option contracts are cash settled upon exercise and the gain or loss on the settlement is reported in net investment income. If the purchased option contract expires without being exercised, the premiums paid are reported as net investment income and the corresponding asset previously recorded is reversed. The change in the fair value of written option contracts is reported in Realized investment gains, net, with an adjustment to a corresponding liability. Written call index option contracts are cash settled upon exercise and the gain or loss on settlement is reported in Realized investment gains, net.
	The Company has derivatives embedded in non-derivative host contracts that are required to be separated from the host contracts and accounted for at fair value. The Company’s embedded derivatives are equity options in life and annuity product contracts, which provide equity returns to contractholders, guaranteed minimum accumulation and withdrawal benefits in variable annuity contracts. The Company has reinsurance agreements to transfer all the risk related to guarantee minimum income, accumulation and withdrawal benefits in variable annuity contracts to third party reinsurers. None of these derivatives are designated as accounting hedging instruments and all are gross liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities.
	Investment Income and Realized Gains and Losses
	Investment income primarily consists of interest and is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective yield method. Interest income for RMBS and CMBS is determined considering estimated pay-downs, including prepayments, obtained from third party data sources and internal estimates. 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. For RMBS and CMBS of high credit quality with fixed interest rates, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. For all others, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. Accrual of income is suspended for other-than-temporarily impaired fixed maturities when the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be received is not reasonably estimable. It is the Company’s policy to cease to carry accrued interest on commercial mortgage loans that are over 90 days delinquent. The Company held no non-income producing investments as of December 31, 2014.
	Realized capital gains and losses include gains and losses on investment sales and write-downs in value due to other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Realized capital gains and losses on investment sales, including principal payments, are determined on a specific identification basis.
	Recognition of Premium Revenues and Fees, and Related Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited
	Prior to April 1, 2014 or the periods prior to April 1, 2014 (the “Predecessor Periods”), the Company had reinsurance agreements whereby all premiums, fee income from policyholders and returns credited to policyholders, policyholder benefits and substantially all expenses were ceded to ALIC and other reinsurers. Amounts reflected in the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) are presented net of reinsurance.
	Traditional life insurance products consist principally of products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, primarily term and whole life insurance products. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. Surrender values on traditional life and death benefits are reflected in policyholder benefits.
	Immediate annuities with life contingencies provide insurance protection over a period that extends beyond the period during which premiums are collected. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when received at the inception of the contract. Benefits and expenses are recognized in relation to premiums. As of April 1, 2014, the Company has reinsurance agreements to transfer all the risk related to immediate annuities.
	Interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life and single premium life, are insurance contracts whose terms are not fixed or guaranteed. The terms that may be changed include premiums paid by the policyholder, interest credited to the policyholder account balance and contract charges assessed against the policyholder account balance. Premiums from these contracts are reported as policyholder account balances. Fee income from policyholders consist of fees assessed against the policyholder account balance for the cost of insurance (mortality risk), contract administration and surrender of the policy prior to contractually specified dates. These charges are recognized as revenue when assessed against the policyholder account balance. Policyholder benefits include life-contingent benefit payments in excess of the policyholder account balance.
	Contracts that do not subject the Company to significant risk arising from mortality or morbidity are referred to as investment contracts. Fixed annuities, including market value adjusted annuities, equity-indexed annuities and immediate annuities without life contingencies, are considered investment contracts. Consideration received for such contracts is reported as policyholder account balance deposits. Policy fees for investment contracts consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for maintenance, administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates, and are recognized when assessed against the policyholder account balance.
	Return credited to policyholder funds represents interest accrued or paid on interest-sensitive life and investment contracts. Crediting rates for certain fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts are adjusted periodically by the Company to reflect current market conditions subject to contractually guaranteed minimum rates. Crediting rates for indexed life and annuities are generally based on an equity index, such as the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index.
	Policy charges for variable life and variable annuity products consist of fees assessed against the policyholder account balances for contract maintenance, administration, mortality, expense and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates. Policy benefits incurred for variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum death, income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits.
	The Company incurs significant costs in connection with renewal insurance business. All acquisition-related costs, including commissions, those related to general advertising, agent training, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred and reported in Operating and acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The Company also receives expense allowances on reinsurance ceded. These amounts are recognized when earned and reported in Operating expenses and acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
	Reinsurance
	Reinsurance accounting is applied for ceded and assumed transactions when the risk transfer provisions of ASC 944-40, Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts, have been met. To meet risk transfer requirements, a long-duration reinsurance contract must transfer mortality or morbidity risks, and subject the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss. Those contracts that do not meet risk transfer requirements are accounted for using deposit accounting. For short duration contracts, to meet risk transfer requirements the reinsurer must assume significant insurance risk and have a reasonable possibility of experiencing significant loss.
	With respect to ceded reinsurance, the Company values reinsurance recoverables on reported claims at the time the underlying claim is recognized in accordance with contract terms. For future policy benefits, the Company estimates the amount of reinsurance recoverables based on the terms of the reinsurance contracts and historical reinsurance recovery information. The reinsurance recoverables are based on what the Company believes are reasonable estimates and the balance is reported as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Successor) and Balance Sheets (Predecessor). However, the ultimate amount of the reinsurance recoverable is not known until all claims are settled. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders, and failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company, consequently, allowances are established for amounts deemed uncollectible.
	In the Predecessor periods, or the periods prior to April 1, 2014, the Company had reinsurance agreements whereby all insurance risks represented by premiums, fee income from policyholders, returns credited to policyholder account balances, policyholder benefits and substantially all expenses were ceded to ALIC and other reinsurers. Additionally, investment income earned on the assets that supported policyholder account balances and future policy benefits and other policyholder funds were not included in the Company’s financial statements as those assets were owned and managed by ALIC and other reinsurers under the terms of the reinsurance agreements.
	Value of Business Acquired (“VOBA”)
	For interest sensitive life products, VOBA is amortized over the life of the policies in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits (“EGP’s”) from margins on mortality, interest, expenses, and surrenders, all of which are net of reinsurance and include actual realized gains and losses on investments. For non-interest sensitive life products, such as term life insurance, VOBA is amortized in relation to premium. VOBA is reviewed periodically for loss recognition to ensure that the unamortized balance is recoverable from future earnings from the business. The carrying amount of VOBA is adjusted for the effects of realized and unrealized gains and losses on debt securities classified as AFS.
	Separate Accounts
	Separate Accounts assets are carried at fair value. The assets of the Separate Accounts are legally segregated and available only to settle separate account contract obligations. Separate Account liabilities represent the contractholders’ claims to the related assets and are carried at an amount equal to the Separate Account assets. Investment income and realized capital gains and losses of the separate accounts accrue directly to the contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Successor) or Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Predecessor). Deposits to and surrenders and withdrawals from the Separate Accounts are reflected in Separate Accounts liabilities and are not included in cash flows.
	Absent any contract provision wherein the Company provides a guarantee, variable annuity and variable life insurance contractholders bear the investment risk that the Separate Accounts’ funds may not meet their stated investment objectives.
	Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities — Successor
	Policy liabilities are established for future policy benefits on certain annuity, life, and long term care policies. Such liabilities are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations of policies in-force. Changes in policy and contract claims are recorded in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	For ASC 944-20 products, benefit reserves are computed using the net level premium method for individual life and annuity policies, and are based upon estimates as to future investment yield, mortality and lapse that include provisions for adverse deviation. Mortality, morbidity and lapse assumptions for all policies are based on the Company’s own experience and industry standards.
	Liabilities for outstanding claims and claims adjustment expenses are estimates of payments to be made on life and health insurance contracts for reported claims and claims adjustment expenses. A liability is also held for claims adjustment expenses incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. These liabilities are determined using case basis evaluations and statistical analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate cost of all claims incurred but not paid. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary; such adjustments are reflected in current operations.
	Future policy benefit reserves for the portion of fixed indexed annuity policies with returns linked to the performance of a specified market index are equal to the sum of the fair value of the embedded derivatives and the host (or guaranteed) component of the contracts. The change in the fair value of the embedded derivative is linked to the performance of the equity option. The host value is established as of the date of acquisition and is equal to the account value for which returns are linked to an equity index, plus the value of the unexpired options at the date of acquisition, less the embedded derivative, and accreted over the policy’s life at a constant rate of interest. Future policy benefits reserves for the portion of fixed indexed annuities earning a fixed rate of interest, and other deferred annuity products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges.
	The Company holds additional liabilities for its no lapse guarantees (associated with universal life) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (associated with fixed indexed annuities). These are accounted for in accordance with ASC 944-20,Financial Services — Insurance Activities.
	Policy liabilities and accruals are based on the various estimates discussed above. Although the adequacy of these amounts cannot be assured, the Company believes that policy liabilities and accruals will be sufficient to meet future obligations of policies in-force. The amount of liabilities and accruals, however, could be revised if the estimates discussed above are revised.
	Future Policy Benefit and Other Policyholder Liabilities – Predecessor
	Future policy benefit and other policyholder liabilities consist of the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits payable under insurance policies, including traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities, and is computed on the basis of long-term actuarial assumptions of future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, policy terminations and expenses. These assumptions, which for traditional life insurance are applied using the net level premium method, include provisions for adverse deviation and generally vary by characteristics such as type of coverage, year of issue and policy duration.
	Policyholders’ Account Balances — Successor
	Policyholder account balances represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities. Policyholder funds primarily comprise cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses.
	The Company holds additional liabilities for guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) associated with variable annuities, which are accounted for in accordance with ASC 944-20, Financial Services — Insurance Activities. The reserves for certain living benefit features, including guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) are accounted for as embedded derivatives, with fair values calculated as the present value of expected future benefit payments to contractholders less the present value of assessed 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. The Company’s GMIB, GMAB and GMWB reserves are ceded to external reinsurers. For additional information regarding the valuation of these optional living benefit features, see Note 10.
	Policyholders’ Account Balances — Predecessor
	Policyholder account balances represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities. Policyholder account balances primarily comprise cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses. Policyholder account balances also include reserves for secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and certain fixed annuity contracts and reserves for certain guarantees on variable annuity contracts.
	Income Taxes — Successor
	Income taxes are provided for using the asset and liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The realizability of deferred tax assets is assessed at each reporting date. Tax positions are assessed under a two-step approach, which requires the assessment of recognition and measurement. The Company reports interest expense related to income tax matters and tax penalties in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	Income Taxes — Predecessor
	The income tax provision is calculated under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates. The principal assets and liabilities giving rise to such differences are unrealized capital gains and losses, accrued expenses and reinsurance recoverables. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is established when there is uncertainty that such assets will be realized.
	Other Long-Term Debt
	Effective April 1, 2014, and with Nebraska Department of Insurance (the “NE DOI” or the “Department of Insurance”) approval, Lancaster Re issued a variable funding Surplus Note (the “Surplus Note”) to its affiliate, Lanis, LLC. for $513,000,000 and acquired from Lanis a Vehicle Note (the “Vehicle Note”) for $513,000,000. The Vehicle Note is held to support a portion of Lancaster Re’s reinsurance obligations and has been authorized as an acceptable form of reinsurance collateral pursuant to Nebraska Rev. Stat. §44-8216(8)(c)(i) which allows a special purpose financial captive insurer to establish any method of security that the Department deems acceptable. The scheduled maturity date of the Vehicle Note is April 1, 2034, and the scheduled maturity date of the Surplus Note is April 1, 2039, although each may be cancelled earlier or extended under certain conditions. The Surplus Note does not repay principal prior to maturity and principal payment at maturity is subject to the prior approval of the Department of Insurance. With pre-approval, the Surplus Note is increased each quarter with a corresponding increase in the Vehicle Note. With Department pre-approval, interest on the Surplus Note for the prior quarter is paid on the first day of each subsequent quarter at a rate consistent with the rate received on the Vehicle Note of 4%. The Surplus Note and Vehicle Note increased by $38,600,000 and interest expense of $15,711,000 was recognized in the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The Surplus Note is unsecured and subordinated to all present and future indebtedness, policy claims and other creditor claims of Lancaster Re.
	Other Assets and Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
	Other assets consist primarily of premiums due, intangible assets, the Vehicle Note, receivables resulting from sales of securities that had not yet settled at the balance sheet date. Other liabilities consist primarily of accrued expenses, technical overdrafts, derivatives, and payables resulting from purchases of securities that had not yet been settled at the balance sheet date.
	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance requiring expanded disclosures about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. The guidance requires the presentation of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by income statement line item but only if the amount reclassified is required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts is required. The Company adopted the new guidance in 2013. The new guidance affects disclosures only and therefore had no impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
	Effective November 18, 2014, the Company adopted new guidance on when, if ever, the cost of acquiring an entity should be used to establish a new accounting basis (“pushdown”) in the acquired entity’s separate financial statements. The guidance provides an acquired entity and its subsidiaries with an irrevocable option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. If a reporting entity elects to apply pushdown accounting, its stand-alone financial statements would reflect the acquirer’s new basis in the acquired entity’s assets and liabilities. The election to apply pushdown accounting should be determined by an acquired entity for each individual change-in-control event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity; however, an entity that does not elect to apply pushdown accounting in the period of a change-in-control can later elect to retrospectively apply pushdown accounting to the most recent change-in-control transaction as a change in accounting principle. The Company has applied pushdown accounting as a result of the Acquisition in the Successor Period, as disclosed in Note 1.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding consolidation. The pronouncement eliminates specialized guidance for limited partnerships and similar legal entities, and removes the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding investments in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. Under the guidance, an entity is permitted to make an accounting policy election to amortize the initial cost of its investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as a component of Income tax expense (benefit) if certain conditions are met. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. This guidance is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance for troubled debt restructurings clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. This guidance can be elected for prospective adoption or by using a modified retrospective transition method. This guidance is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on accounting for revenue recognition. The guidance is based on the core principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of 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 guidance also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. Revenue recognition for insurance contracts is explicitly scoped out of the guidance. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 and must be applied using one of two retrospective application methods. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring that mortgage loans be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if certain conditions are met. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. This guidance can be adopted using either a prospective transition method or a modified retrospective transition method. This guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments	3	Investments
	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for fixed maturities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	December 31, 2014 — Successor		Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair Value
			Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized
	($ in thousands)					Gains				Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies		$	810,057		$	47,859			$	(590	)		$	857,326
	Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions			250,008			5,638				(437	)			255,209
	All other corporate securities			7,279,391			132,480				(34,126	)			7,377,745
	ABS			373,304			6,107				(2,408	)			377,003
	CMBS			331,041			3,507				(1,065	)			333,483
	RMBS			188,055			2,849				(1,023	)			189,881
	Total fixed maturities		$	9,231,856		$	198,440			$	(39,649	)		$	9,390,647
	December 31, 2013 — Predecessor		Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair Value
			Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized
	($ in thousands)					Gains				Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and agenciies		$	70,790		$	3,113			$	(57	)		$	73,846
	Municipal			2,499			270				—				2,769
	Corporate			190,186			5,784				(3,993	)			191,977
	Foreign government			4,999			165				—				5,164
	CMBS			2,588			88				—				2,676
	RMBS			13,866			584				—				14,450
	Total fixed maturities		$	284,928		$	10,004			$	(4,050	)		$	290,882
	Scheduled Maturities — Successor
	The scheduled maturities for fixed maturities are as follows as of December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)		Amortized			Fair Value
			Cost
	Due in one year or less		$	425,248		$	425,238
	Due after one year through five years			1,775,910			1,779,194
	Due after five years through ten years			4,001,723			4,060,017
	Due after ten years			2,136,575			2,225,831
	Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities			8,339,456			8,490,280
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities			892,400			900,367
	Total fixed maturities		$	9,231,856		$	9,390,647
	Actual maturities may differ from those scheduled as a result of calls and make-whole payments by the issuers. Asset and mortgage-backed securities are shown separately because of the potential for prepayment of principal prior to contractual maturity dates.
	Commercial Mortgage Loans — Successor
	The Company diversifies its commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographical region to reduce concentration risk. The following table presents the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographical region as of December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)		Carrying
			Value
	Alabama		$	1,720
	Arizona			35,481
	California			255,563
	Colorado			22,381
	Florida			20,779
	Georgia			27,502
	Hawaii			8,125
	Illinois			53,174
	Iowa			1,490
	Kentucky			8,260
	Maine			4,114
	Maryland			35,536
	Massachusetts			92,963
	Minnesota			52,496
	Missouri			9,324
	Nevada			14,705
	New Jersey			84,007
	New York			72,625
	North Carolina			31,111
	Ohio			38,400
	Oklahoma			10,835
	Pennsylvania			37,688
	South Carolina			3,130
	Tennessee			5,719
Texas			103,778
Utah			45,914
Virginia			18,572
Washington			13,138
Wisconsin			6,637
General allowance for loan loss			—
Total commercial mortgage loans		$	1,115,167
Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans
The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment were as follows at December 31, 2014:
		Recorded Investment
		Debt Service Coverage Ratios
($ in thousands)		> 1.20x			1.00x - 1.20x				< 1.00x				Total				% of Total			Estimated Fair			% of Total
																				Value
Loan-to-value ratios:
Less than 65%		$	930,592		$	151,700			$	29,460			$	1,111,752				98	%	$	1,146,030			98	%
65% to 75%			16,591			10,537				—				27,128				2			28,275			2
76% to 80%			—			—				—				—				—			—			—
Greater than 80%			—			—				—				—				—			—			—
Total		$	947,183		$	162,237			$	29,460			$	1,138,880				100	%	$	1,174,305			100	%
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no allowance for credit losses for commercial mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2014, $1,139 million of commercial mortgage loans were in current status and no commercial mortgage and other loans were classified as past due. The Company defines current in its aging of past due commercial mortgage and other loans as less than 30 days past due.
Impaired loans include those loans for which it is probable that all amounts due will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. As of December 31, 2014, the Company held no impaired commercial mortgage loans.
The Company’s commercial mortgage and other loans may occasionally be involved in a troubled debt restructuring. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no significant commitments to fund borrowers that have been involved in a troubled debt restructuring. For the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, there were no new troubled debt restructurings related to commercial mortgage and other loans, and no payment defaults on commercial mortgages.
Other Invested Assets — Successor
The following table sets forth the composition of “Other invested assets” at December 31, 2014:
		Successor
($ in thousands)		December 31, 2014
Low income housing tax credit properties		$	896
Derivatives			26,001
		$	26,897
Net Investment Income
Net investment income for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and Predecessor Periods for the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 and years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Successor			Predecessor
($ in thousands)		For the Period			For the Period				For the Year				For the Year
		from April 1, 2014			from January 1,				Ended				Ended
		through			2014				December 31,				December 31,
		December 31,			through March 31,				2013				2012
		2014			2014
Fixed maturities		$	231,972		$	2,461			$	11,545			$	12,138
Commercial mortgage loans			49,417			—				—				—
Cash and short-term investments			4,786			16				23				20
Other investment (loss) income			7,353			—				—				—
Gross investment income			293,528			2,477				11,568				12,158
Investment expenses			4,957			127				633				568
Net investment income		$	288,571		$	2,350			$	10,935			$	11,590
Realized Investment Gains and Losses
Realized investment gains and losses for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and Predecessor Periods for the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 and years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Successor			Predecessor
($ in thousands)		For the Period			For the Period				For the Year				For the Year
		from April 1, 2014			from January 1,				Ended				Ended
		through			2014				December 31,				December 31,
		December 31,			through March 31,				2013				2012
		2014			2014
Realized investment gains, net
Fixed maturities		$	25,795		$	285			$	—			$	626
Commercial mortgage loans			2,880			—				—				—
Derivatives			17,417			—				—				—
Other			—			—				—				—
Net realized gains		$	46,092		$	285			$	—			$	626
There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in the Predecessor Period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014. Realized capital gains and losses in the Predecessor years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 included $2 thousand and $19 thousand, respectively, of other-than-temporary impairment losses related to RMBS, none of which were included in other comprehensive income. No other-than-temporary impairment losses were included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and gross realized investment gains and losses for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and Predecessor Periods for the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 and years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Successor					Predecessor
($ in thousands)		For the Period					For the				For the Year				For the Year
		from April 1, 2014					Period from				Ended				Ended
		through					January 1,				December 31,				December 31,
		December 31,					2014				2013				2012
		2014					through
							March 31,
							2014
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
Proceeds from sales		$	1,429,177				$	5,277			$	9,170			$	25,367
Gross investment gains from sales			30,403					317				3				645
Gross investment losses from sales			(4,608	)				(32	)			(1	)			—
Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses
The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed maturities by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
Successor		Less than 12 months							Greater than 12 months
December 31, 2014		Fair Value			Gross				Fair				Gross				Fair Value			Gross
					Unrealized				Value				Unrealized							Unrealized
					Losses								Losses							Losses
($ in thousands)
Fixed maturities
U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies		$	71,766		$	(590	)		$	—			$	—			$	71,766		$	(590	)
Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions			37,543			(437	)			—				—				37,543			(437	)
All other corporate securities			1,683,185			(34,126	)			—				—				1,683,185			(34,126	)
ABS			115,568			(2,408	)			—				—				115,568			(2,408	)
CMBS			135,203			(1,065	)			—				—				135,203			(1,065	)
RMBS			92,804			(1,023	)			—				—				92,804			(1,023	)
Total fixed income securities		$	2,136,069		$	(39,649	)		$	—			$	—			$	2,136,069		$	(39,649	)
Predecessor		Less than 12 months							Greater than 12 months
December 31, 2013		Fair Value			Gross				Fair				Gross				Fair Value			Gross
					Unrealized				Value				Unrealized							Unrealized
					Losses								Losses							Losses
($ in thousands)
Fixed maturities
U.S. government agencies		$	4,942		$	(57	)		$	—			$	—			$	4,942		$	(57	)
Corporate			75,754			(3,795	)			1,770				(198	)			77,524			(3,993	)
Total fixed income securities		$	80,696		$	(3,852	)		$	1,770			$	(198	)		$	82,466		$	(4,050	)
Portfolio Monitoring
The Company has a comprehensive portfolio monitoring process to identify and evaluate each fixed maturity security whose carrying value may be other-than-temporarily impaired.
For each fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position, the Company assesses whether management with the appropriate authority has made the decision to sell or whether it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis for reasons such as liquidity, contractual or regulatory purposes. If a security meets either of these criteria, the security’s decline in fair value is considered other than temporary and is recorded in earnings.
If the Company has not made the decision to sell the fixed maturity security and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company evaluates whether it expects to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The Company calculates the estimated recovery value by discounting the best estimate of future cash flows at the security’s original or current effective rate, as appropriate, and compares this to the amortized cost of the security. If the Company does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security, the credit loss component of the impairment is recorded in earnings, with the remaining amount of the unrealized loss related to other factors recognized in other comprehensive income.
The Company’s portfolio monitoring process includes a quarterly review of all securities to identify instances where the fair value of a security compared to its amortized cost is below established thresholds. The process also includes the monitoring of other impairment indicators such as ratings, ratings downgrades and payment defaults. The securities identified, in addition to other securities for which the Company may have a concern, are evaluated for potential other-than-temporary impairment using all reasonably available information relevant to the collectability or recovery of the security. Inherent in the Company’s evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment for these fixed maturity securities are assumptions and estimates about the financial condition and future earnings potential of the issue or issuer. Some of the factors that may be considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value is other than temporary are: 1) the financial condition, near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer, including relevant industry specific market conditions and trends, geographic location and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices; 2) the specific reasons that a security is in an unrealized loss position, including overall market conditions which could affect liquidity; and 3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost.
Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
($ in thousands)		Net Unrealized			VOBA				Future Policy				Deferred				Accumulated Other
		Gain (Losses) on							Benefits and				Income Tax				Comprehensive
		Investments							Policyholders’				(Liability)				Income (Loss)
									Account Balances				Asset				Related to Net
Predecessor																	Unrealized
																	Investment Gains
																	(Losses)
Balance, December 31, 2011		$	20,855		$	—			$	—			$	(7,299	)		$	13,556
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period			977			—				—				(343	)			634
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income			596			—				—				(209	)			387
Balance, December 31, 2012		$	21,236		$	—			$	—			$	(7,433	)		$	13,803
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period			(15,281	)		—				—				5,349				(9,932	)
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income			1			—				—				—				1
Balance, December 31, 2013		$	5,954		$	—			$	—			$	(2,084	)		$	3,870
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period			2,364			—				—				(828	)			1,536
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income			285			—				—				(100	)			185
Balance, March 31, 2014		$	8,033		$	—			$	—			$	(2,812	)		$	5,221
Successor
Balance, April 1, 2014		$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period			159,261			—				—				(55,674	)			103,587
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income			—			—				—				—				—
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA			—			(20,287	)			—				7,100				(13,187	)
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances			—			—				(7,541	)			2,639				(4,902	)
Balance, December 31, 2014		$	159,261		$	(20,287	)		$	(7,541	)		$	(45,935	)		$	85,498

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Financial Instruments	4	Derivative Financial Instruments
	See Note 2 for a description of the Company’s accounting policies for derivatives and Note 5 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.
	The following table provides a summary of the notional and fair value positions of derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	($ in thousands)		Succesor
			December 31, 2014
					Gross Fair Value
	Primary Underlying		Notional		Assets			Liabilities
	Assets
	Equity options		$	624	$	68,776		$	(43,104	)
	Futures			10		329			—
	Liabilities
	Policyholders account balances
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts
	Equity-indexed annuity contracts(3)		$	1,734,264	$	—		$	(63,660	)
	Equity-indexed life contracts(3)			347,610		—			(18,720	)
	Guaranteed accumulation benefits(1)			120,714		—			(6,367	)
	Guaranteed withdrawal benefits(1)			17,102		—			(366	)
	($ in thousands)		Predecessor
			31-Dec-13
					Gross Fair Value
	Primary Underlying		Notional		Assets			Liabilities
	Liabilities
	Policyholders account balances
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts
	Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contracts(2)			2,591,090		—			(258,415	)
	Guaranteed accumulation benefits(2)			152,936		—			(8,970	)
	Guaranteed withdrawal benefits(2)			22,199		—			(474	)
	-1	As of April 1, 2014, these amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
	-2	Prior to April 1, 2014, these amounts were ceded to ALIC or in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
	-3	Amount represents account value of equity indexed contracts.
	The standardized ISDA Master Agreement under which the Company’s derivative transactions includes provisions for payment netting. In the normal course of business activities, if there is more than one derivative transaction with a single counterparty, the Company will set-off the cash flows of those derivatives into a single amount to be exchanged in settlement of the resulting net payable or receivable with that counterparty. The Company nets the fair value of all derivative financial instruments with counterparties for which an ISDA Master Agreement and related CSA have been executed. At December 31, 2014, the Company held $6.4 million in cash and securities collateral delivered by trade counterparties. This unrestricted cash collateral is reported in Cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income, net of reinsurance, for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014:
			Successor
	($ in thousands)		For the Period from April 1, 2014
			through December 31, 2014
			Realized		Policyholder
			Investment Gains		Benefits
			(Losses)
	Assets
	Equity Options		$	15,230	$	—
	Futures		$	2,187	$	—
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances
	Equity-indexed annuity contracts		$	—	$	(5,622	)
	Equity-indexed life contracts					90
	The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments for the Predecessor Periods from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013:
	($ in thousands)		Predecessor
			For the Period from January 1,					For the Year Ended					For the Year Ended
			2014 through March 31, 2014					December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
			Interest Credited(1)		Policyholder			Interest			Policyholder		Interest		Policyholder
					Benefits (1)			Credited(1)			Benefits (1)		Credited(1)		Benefits (1)
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	16,427	$	946		$	36,890		$	10,177	$	186,625	$	5,126
	-1	Prior to April 1, 2014, these amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value	5	Fair Value
	Fair value is defined as 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 hierarchy for inputs used in determining fair value maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Assets and liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Successor) and Balance Sheet (Predecessor) at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy based on the observability of inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
	Level 1		Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company can access.
	Level 2		Assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:
			(a)    Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
			(b)    Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or
			(c)    Valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	Level 3		Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the assets and liabilities.
	The availability of observable inputs varies by instrument. In situations where fair value is based on internally developed pricing models or inputs that are unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. The degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is typically greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In many instances, valuation inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The category level in the fair value hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market disruption. In periods of market disruption, the ability to observe prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments.
	The Company is responsible for the determination of fair value and the supporting assumptions and methodologies. The Company gains assurance that assets and liabilities are appropriately valued through the execution of various processes and controls designed to ensure the overall reasonableness and consistent application of valuation methodologies, including inputs and assumptions, and compliance with accounting standards. For fair values received from third parties or internally estimated, the Company’s processes and controls are designed to ensure that the valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistently applied, the inputs and assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value, and the fair values are accurately recorded. For example, on a continuing basis, the Company assesses the reasonableness of individual fair values that have stale security prices or that exceed certain thresholds as compared to previous fair values received from valuation service providers or brokers or derived from internal models. The Company performs procedures to understand and assess the methodologies, processes and controls of valuation service providers. In addition, the Company may validate the reasonableness of fair values by comparing information obtained from valuation service providers or brokers to other third party valuation sources for selected securities. The Company performs ongoing price validation procedures such as back-testing of actual sales, which corroborate the various inputs used in internal models to market observable data. When fair value determinations are expected to be more variable, the Company validates them through reviews by members of management who have relevant expertise and who are independent of those charged with executing investment transactions.
	Successor
	The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014. There are no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014.
	($ in thousands)
	Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Assets at fair value
	Fixed maturities
	U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies		$	—		$	857,326		$	—		$	857,326
	Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions			—			255,209			—			255,209
	All Other Corporate Securities			—			7,370,409			7,336			7,377,745
	ABS			—			371,753			5,250			377,003
	CMBS			—			330,790			2,693			333,483
	RMBS			—			189,881			—			189,881
	Short term investments			191,979			145,676			23,713			361,368
	Other invested assets
	Equity Options			25,672			—			—			25,672
	Futures			329			—			—			329
	Separate accounts assets			1,573,865			—			—			1,573,865
	Total assets at fair value		$	1,791,845		$	9,521,044		$	38,992		$	11,351,881
	Liabilities at fair value
	Policyholders’ account balances
	Equity indexed annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(63,660	)	$	(63,660	)
	Equity indexed life contracts			—			(18,720	)		—			(18,720	)
	Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits			—			—			(6,367	)		(6,367	)
	Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits									(366	)		(366	)
	Separate accounts liabilities			(1,573,865	)		—			—			(1,573,865	)
	Total liabilites at fair value		$	(1,573,865	)	$	(18,720	)	$	(70,393	)	$	(1,662,978	)
	There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 from the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
	Summary of significant valuation techniques for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
	Fixed Maturities
	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.
	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 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. Pricing service overrides, internally-developed valuations and indicative broker quotes are generally included in Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
	The fair value of private fixed maturities, which are comprised of investments in private placement securities 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 industry sector of the issuer and the reduced liquidity associated with private placements. Since most private placements are valued using standard market observable inputs and inputs derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including observed prices and spreads for similar publicly traded 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. No private placement securities were classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2014.
	Short-term Investments
	Short-term investments include money market instruments, highly liquid debt instruments and certain other investments. 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. Short-term investments classified within Level 3 primarily consist of commercial mortgage loans. The fair value of commercial mortgage loans is equal to unpaid principal.
	Other Invested Assets
	The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives.
	Separate Account Assets and Liabilities
	Separate account assets and liabilities consist principally of investments in mutual fund shares. The fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and are classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
	Policyholders’ Account Balances
	The liabilities for guarantees primarily associated with the optional living benefit features of certain variable annuity contracts and equity indexed life and annuity contracts are calculated as the present value of future expected benefit payments to contractholders less the present value of assessed rider fees attributable to the optional living benefit 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 judgment.
	The significant inputs to the valuation models for these embedded derivatives include capital market assumptions, such as interest rate levels and volatility assumptions, 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.
	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.
	Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
	The following table summarizes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements.
	($ in thousands)		Fair			Valuation		Unobservable	Range		Weighted
			Value			Technique		Input			Average
	Equity indexed annuity contracts		$	(63,660	)	Option Pricing Technique		Projected option cost	1.40% - 1.93%		1.50%
	Excluded from the table above at December 31, 2014 are approximately $15 million of Level 3 fair value measurements of investments for which the underlying quantitative inputs are not developed by the Company and are not reasonably available. These investments primarily consist of certain public debt securities with limited trading activity, including asset-backed instruments, and their fair values generally reflect unadjusted prices obtained from independent valuation service providers and indicative, non-binding quotes obtained from third-party broker-dealers recognized as market participants. Significant increases or decreases in the fair value amounts received from these pricing sources may result in the Company’s reporting significantly higher or lower fair value measurements for these Level 3 investments.
	The table above also excludes underlying quantitative inputs related to liabilities held for the Company’s guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed withdrawal benefits. These liabilities are not developed by the Company as they are 100% ceded to external reinsurers. The development of these liabilities generally involve actuarially determined models and could result in the Company reporting significantly higher or lower fair value measurements for these Level 3 investments.
	The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis from the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)		Balance			Net			OCI			Transfers			Transfers			Purchases		Sales			Issues		Settlements		Balance,
			as of			income						to Level 3			out of												December 31,
			April 1,			(loss)									Level 3												2014
			2014
Assets
Fixed income securities
All other corporate securities		$	400,527		$	6,693		$	(7,841	)	$	—		$	(291,802	)	$	4,930	$	(97,228	)	$	—	$	—	$	15,279
Short-term investments		$	24,095		$	29		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	(411	)	$	—	$	—	$	23,713
Liabilities
Equity indexed annuity contracts		$	(58,038	)	$	(5,622	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	(63,660	)
Equity indexed life contracts		$	(15,691	)	$	(3,029	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	(18,720	)
Guaranteed minimium accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits(1)		$	(8,499	)	$	1,766		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	(6,733	)
-1	These amount are 100% ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
Transfers into Level 3 are generally the result of unobservable inputs utilized within the valuation methodologies and the use of indicative broker quotes for assets that were previously valued using observable inputs. Transfers out of Level 3 are generally due to the use of observable inputs in valuation methodologies as well as the availability of pricing service information for certain assets that the Company is able to validate.
The following table 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 Balance Sheet; however, in some cases, as described below, the carrying amount equals or approximates fair value as of December 31, 2014.
($ in thousands)
Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
Assets
Commercial mortgage loans		$	—		$	—		$	1,150,510		$	1,150,510
Policy loans			—			—			194,385			194,385
Cash			49,730			—			—			49,730
Vehicle note			—			—			551,600			551,600
Total assets at fair value		$	49,730		$	—		$	1,896,495		$	1,946,225
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders’ account balances — investment contracts		$	—		$	—		$	6,609,253		$	6,609,253
Other long-term debt			—			—			551,600			551,600
		$	—		$	—		$	7,160,853		$	7,160,853
The fair values presented above have been determined by using available market information and by applying market valuation methodologies, as described in more detail below.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
The fair value of most commercial mortgage loans is based upon the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate plus an appropriate credit spread for similar quality loans.
Policy Loans
The fair value of policy loans was determined by discounting expected cash flows at the current loan coupon rate. As a result, the carrying value of the policy loans approximates the fair value.
Cash
The Company believes that due to the short-term nature of certain assets, the carrying value approximates fair value.
Vehicle Note and Other Long-Term Debt
The carrying value of the Vehicle Note and Other long-term debt approximates fair value.
Policyholders’ Account Balances — Investment Contracts
Only the portion of policyholders’ account balances related to products that are investment contracts (those without significant mortality or morbidity risk) are reflected in the table above. For fixed deferred annuities fair values are derived using discounted projected cash flows based on interest rates that are representative of the Company’s financial strength ratings, and hence reflect the Company’s own nonperformance risk. For those balances that can be withdrawn by the customer at any time without prior notice or penalty, the fair value is the amount estimated to be payable to the customer as of the reporting date, which is generally the carrying value.
Predecessor
Summary of significant valuation techniques for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Level 1 Measurements
	•		Fixed maturities: Comprise certain U.S. Treasuries. Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access.
	•		Short-term: Comprise actively traded money market funds that have daily quoted net asset values for identical assets that the Company can access.
	•		Separate account assets: Comprise actively traded mutual funds that have daily quoted net asset values for identical assets that the Company can access. Net asset values for the actively traded mutual funds in which the separate account assets are invested are obtained daily from the fund managers.
Level 2 Measurements
	•		Fixed maturities
U.S. government and agencies: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.
Municipal: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.
Corporate, including privately placed: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. Also included are privately placed securities valued using a discounted cash flow model that is widely accepted in the financial services industry and uses market observable inputs and inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. The primary inputs to the discounted cash flow model include an interest rate yield curve, as well as published credit spreads for similar assets in markets that are not active that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer.
Foreign government: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads.
RMBS: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral performance and credit spreads.
CMBS: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, collateral performance and credit spreads.
	•		Short-term: The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields and credit spreads. For certain short-term investments, amortized cost is used as the best estimate of fair value.
Level 3 Measurements
	•		Policyholder account balances — Successor; contract holder funds Predessor: Derivatives embedded in certain life and annuity contracts are valued internally using models widely accepted in the financial services industry that determine a single best estimate of fair value for the embedded derivatives within a block of contractholder liabilities. The models primarily use stochastically determined cash flows based on the contractual elements of embedded derivatives, projected option cost and applicable market data, such as interest rate yield curves and equity index volatility assumptions. These are categorized as Level 3 as a result of the significance of nonmarket observable inputs.
The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013. There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2013.
($ in thousands)		Quoted			Significant			Significant			Balance as of
		prices in			other			unobservable			December 31,
		active			observable			inputs			2013
		markets for			inputs			(Level 3)
		identical			(Level 2)
		assets
		(Level 1)
Assets:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. government and agencies		$	27,520		$	46,326		$	—		$	73,846
Municipal			—			2,769			—			2,769
Corporate			—			191,977			—			191,977
Foreign government			—			5,164			—			5,164
RMBS			—			14,450			—			14,450
CMBS			—			2,676			—			2,676
Total fixed maturities			27,520			263,362			—			290,882
Short-term investments			20,764			35,195			—			55,959
Separate account assets			1,700,566			—			—			1,700,566
Total assets at fair value		$	1,748,850		$	298,557		$	—		$	2,047,407
% of total assets at fair value			85.4	%		14.6	%		—	%		100	%
Liabilities:
Policyholders’ account balances: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(267,859	)	$	(267,859	)
Total liabilities at fair value		$	—		$	—		$	(267,859	)	$	(267,859	)
% of total liabilities at fair value			—	%		—	%		100	%		100	%
The following table summarizes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2013:
($ in thousands)		Fair Value			Valuation		Unobservable	Range		Weighted
					Technique		Input			Average
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts — Equity-indexed and forward starting options		$	(258,415	)	Stochastic cash		Projected option	1.0 - 2.0%		1.91%
					flow model		cost
If the projected option cost increased (decreased), it would result in a higher (lower) liability fair value.
The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014.
($ in thousands)					Total gains (losses)
					included in:
		Balance as			Net			OCI			Transfers			Transfers
		of December 31,			income(1)						into			out of
		2013									Level 3			Level 3
Liabilities
Policyholders’ account balances:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	(267,859	)	$	18,525		$	—		$	—		$	—
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	(267,859	)	$	18,525		$	—		$	—		$	—
		Purchases			Sales			Issues			Settlements			Balance as
														of March 31,
														2014
Liabilities
Policyholders’ account balances:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(3,764	)	$	2,612		$	(250,486	)
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	(3,764	)	$	2,612		$	(250,486	)
(1)	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $17.6 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $946 thousand in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2013.
($ in thousands)					Total gains (losses)
					included in:
		Balance as			Net			OCI			Transfers			Transfers
		of December 31,			income(1)						into			out of
		2012									Level 3			Level 3
Assets
Fixed maturities:
Corporate		$	312		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Total recurring Level 3 assets		$	312		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Liabilities
Policyholders’ account balances:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	(314,926	)	$	43,244		$	—		$	—		$	—
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	(314,926	)	$	43,244		$	—		$	—		$	—
		Purchases			Sales			Issues			Settlements			Balance as
														of December 31,
														2013
Assets
Fixed maturities:
Corporate		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(312	)	$	—
Total recurring Level 3 assets		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(312	)	$	—
Liabilities
Policyholders’ account balances:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(6,621	)	$	10,444		$	(267,859	)
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	(6,621	)	$	10,444		$	(267,859	)
(1)	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $33.0 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $10.2 million in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2012.
($ in thousands)					Total gains (losses)
					included in:
		Balance as			Net			OCI			Transfers			Transfers
		of December 31,			income(1)						into			out of
		2011									Level 3			Level 3
Assets
Fixed maturities:
Corporate		$	598		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
RMBS			2,321			—			—			—			(2,321	)
Total recurring Level 3 assets		$	2,919		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(2,321	)
Liabilities
Policyholders’ account balances:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	(506,678	)	$	131,054		$	—		$	—		$	—
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	(506,678	)	$	131,054		$	—		$	—		$	—
		Purchases			Sales			Issues			Settlements			Balance as
														of December 31,
														2012
Assets
Fixed maturities:
Corporate		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(286	)	$	312
RMBS			—			—			—			—			—
Total recurring Level 3 assets		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(286	)	$	312
Liabilities
Policyholders’ account balances:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(11,024	)	$	71,722		$	(314,926	)
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	(11,024	)	$	71,722		$	(314,926	)
(1)	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $125.9 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $5.1 million in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
Transfers between level categorizations may occur due to changes in the availability of market observable inputs, which generally are caused by changes in market conditions such as liquidity, trading volume or bid-ask spreads. Transfers between level categorizations may also occur due to changes in the valuation source. For example, in situations where a fair value quote is not provided by the Company’s independent third-party valuation service provider and as a result the price is stale or has been replaced with a broker quote whose inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable, the security is transferred into Level 3. Transfers in and out of level categorizations are reported as having occurred at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfer occurred. Therefore, for all transfers into Level 3, all realized and changes in unrealized gains and losses in the quarter of transfer are reflected in the Level 3 rollforward table.
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Transfers out of Level 3 during 2012 included situations where a broker quote was used in the prior period and a fair value quote became available from the Company’s independent third-party valuation service provider in the current period. A quote utilizing the new pricing source was not available as of the prior period, and any gains or losses related to the change in valuation source for individual securities were not significant.
The following table provides the change in unrealized gains and losses included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities.
($ in thousands)		Period from			As of			As of
		January 1,			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
		2014 through
		March 31,
		2014
Liabilities
Policyholders’ account balances:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	18,525		$	43,244		$	131,054
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	18,525		$	43,244		$	131,054
The amounts in the table above represent the change in unrealized gains and losses included in net income for the period of time that the asset or liability was determined to be in Level 3. The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts is reported as follows: $17.6 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $946 thousand in contract benefits in the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014, $33.0 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $10.2 million in contract benefits in 2013, and $125.9 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $5.1 million in contract benefits in 2012. These amounts are ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
As of December 31, 2013, financial instruments not carried at fair value included contractholder funds on investment contracts. The carrying value and fair value of contractholder funds on investment contracts were $7.76 billion and $7.66 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. The fair value of contractholder funds on investment contracts is based on the terms of the underlying contracts utilizing prevailing market rates for similar contracts adjusted for the Company’s own credit risk. Deferred annuities included in contractholder funds are valued using discounted cash flow models which incorporate market value margins, which are based on the cost of holding economic capital, and the Company’s own credit risk. Immediate annuities without life contingencies are valued at the present value of future benefits using market implied interest rates which include the Company’s own credit risk. The fair value measurements for contractholder funds on investment contracts are categorized as Level 3.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance	6	Reinsurance
	Successor
	The Company has agreements that provide for reinsurance of certain policy-related risks. Under the agreements, premiums, contract charges, interest credited to policyholder funds, policy benefits and substantially all expenses are reinsured. The Company purchases reinsurance to limit aggregate and single losses on large risks. The Company cedes a portion of the mortality risk on certain life policies under coinsurance agreements to a pool of twelve non-affiliated reinsurers. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 99.8% of the Company’s reinsurance recoverables are due from companies rated A- or better by S&P. ALIC represents over 65% of the Company’s reinsurance recoverable as of December 31, 2014.
	On April 1, 2014, the Company entered into an experience rated modified coinsurance and monthly renewal term reinsurance arrangement with an external reinsurer. No portion of the assets constituting the consideration has been transferred to the reinsurer. This agreement was structured to finance reserves on certain universal life and fixed annuity products, in exchange for a fee based on those reserves. The profit to the reinsurer expected on the modified coinsurance and monthly renewable term portions is returned through an experience refund. The Company has determined that this agreement does not fulfill the requirements of risk transfer under generally accepted accounting principles and is accounted for on a deposit method of accounting. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a deposit receivable and a modified coinsurance payable of $1,383 million related to this agreement.
	The effects of reinsurance on premiums earned and fee income from policyholders for the Successor Period for the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	($ in thousands)		For the Period from
			April 1, 2014
			Through December 31,
			2014
	Direct		$	921,444
	Assumed			5,258
	Ceded			(702,833	)
	Premiums and fee income, net of reinsurance		$	223,869
	The effects of reinsurance on return credited to policyholders’ account balances, policyholder benefits, and other expenses for the Successor Period for the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	($ in thousands)		For the Period from
			April 1, 2014
			Through December 31,
			2014
	Direct		$	1,104,420
	Assumed			4,713
	Ceded			(635,887	)
	Return credited to policyholders’ account balances and policyholder benefits, net of reinsurance		$	473,246
	Predecessor
	Prior to April 1, 2014, the Company had reinsurance agreements under which it reinsured all of its business to ALIC, Lincoln Benefit Re (“LB Re”) or non-affiliated reinsurers. Under the agreements, premiums, contract charges, interest credited to policyholders account balances, contract benefits and substantially all expenses were reinsured. The Company purchased reinsurance to limit aggregate and single losses on large risks. The Company ceded a portion of the mortality risk on certain life policies under coinsurance agreements to a pool of twelve non-affiliated reinsurers.
	As of December 31, 2013, 86.9% of the total reinsurance recoverables were related to ALIC and 13.1% were related to non-affiliated reinsurers. As of December 31, 2013, 95% of the Company’s non-affiliated reinsurance recoverables are due from companies rated A- or better by S&P.
	The effects of reinsurance on premiums and contract charges are as follows:
	($ in thousands)		Period from January 1, 2014			2013			2012
			through March 31, 2014
	Direct		$	331,899		$	1,331,597		$	1,298,864
	Assumed			1,581			6,830			6,784
	Ceded:
	Affiliate			(244,797	)		(962,576	)		(908,459	)
	Non-affiliate			(88,683	)		(375,851	)		(397,189	)
	Premiums and fee income, net of reinsurance		$	—		$	—		$	—
	The effects of reinsurance on return credited to policyholders’ account balances, policyholder benefits and other expenses are as follows:
	($ in thousands)		Period from January 1, 2014			2013			2012
			through March 31, 2014
	Direct		$	450,041		$	1,938,015		$	1,882,714
	Assumed			2,606			8,180			9,167
	Ceded:
	Affiliate			(336,122	)		(1,505,010	)		(1,369,305	)
	Non-affiliate			(116,525	)		(441,185	)		(522,576	)
	Return credited to policyholders, contract benefits and expenses, net of reinsurance		$	—		$	—		$	—

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes	7	Income Taxes
	Successor
	In connection with the Acquisition as defined in Note 1, ALIC made an election under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-36(d) to reduce the tax basis of certain of the Company’s assets immediately prior to the Acquisition. The reduced tax bases were used to determine the deferred tax impact under the acquisition method of accounting as discussed in Note 1.
	The Company is party to a federal income tax allocation agreement (the “Tax Allocation Agreement”) with Lancaster Re. The Company and Lancaster Re will file a separate consolidated federal income tax return for the period April 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 and will continue to do so in future tax years under Internal Revenue Code Section 1504 (c)(1).
	Following the Acquisition, the Company exited The Allstate Corporation’s consolidated federal income tax return and is no longer a party to the tax allocation agreement with its former affiliates. Final tax settlements were agreed to with The Allstate Corporation and no future tax allocations are expected to occur with The Allstate Corporation.
	As part of the Acquisition, although the Company remains jointly and severally liable for consolidated tax liabilities for years prior to the Acquisition, the Company is held harmless by ALIC in accordance with the Acquisition agreement and believes the possibility of a tax liability for the pre-sale tax years is remote. Additionally, the Company does not believe it has any uncertain tax positions for its federal income tax return that would be material to its financial condition, results of income, or cash flows. Therefore, the Company did not record a liability for unrecognized tax contingencies/benefits at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, there were no uncertain tax positions for which management believes it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of tax contingencies will significantly increase within 12 months of the reporting date. No amounts have been accrued for interest or penalties.
	The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	($ in thousands)		December 31, 2014
	Deferred tax assets
	Policyholder reserves		$	2,057,627
	Deferred acquisition costs			24,850
	Premiums receivable			8,197
	Net operating loss carryforward			7,500
	Other assets			38
	Total deferred tax assets		$	2,098,212
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Value of business acquired		$	(81,032	)
	Amounts recoverable from reinsurers			(2,010,157	)
	Investments			(45,935	)
	Intangibles			(1,820	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		$	(2,138,944	)
	Net deferred tax liability		$	(40,732	)
	The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred tax assets and establishes 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 any tax attribute 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) prudent and feasible 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 will be realized. The Company had no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2014. Management believes the Company will produce sufficient taxable income in the future to realize its deferred tax assets. 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 has a net operating loss carryforward as of December 31, 2014 of approximately $21.5 million that will expire in the year 2029, if unused.
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	($ in thousands)		For the Period from
			April 1, 2014
			Through December 31,
			2014
	Expected federal income tax expense		$	15,722
	Dividends received deduction			(1,470	)
	Other			(18	)
	Total income tax expense		$	14,234
	The dividends received deduction (“DRD”) reduces the amount of dividend income subject to U.S. tax and is the primary component of the non-taxable investment income, and, as such, is a significant component of the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate of 35%. The actual current year DRD can vary from the estimate 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 mutual fund investments, changes in the account balances of variable life and annuity contracts, and the Company’s taxable income before the DRD.
	There remains the possibility that the IRS and the U.S. Treasury will address, through subsequent guidance, issues related to the calculation of the DRD. For the last several years, the revenue provisions included in the Obama Administration’s budgets included a proposal that would change the method used to determine the amount of the DRD. A change in the DRD, including the possible retroactive or prospective elimination of this deduction through guidance or legislation, could increase actual tax expense and reduce the Company’s consolidated net income.
	Predecessor
	Prior to April 1, 2014, the Company joined The Allstate Corporation and its other subsidiaries (the “Allstate Group”) in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return and was party to a federal income tax allocation agreement (the “Allstate Tax Sharing Agreement”). Under the Allstate Tax Sharing Agreement, the Company paid to or received from The Allstate Corporation the amount, if any, by which the Allstate Group’s federal income tax liability was affected by virtue of inclusion of the Company in the consolidated federal income tax return. The Company also had a supplemental tax sharing agreement with respect to reinsurance ceded to ALIC to allocate the tax benefits and costs related to such reinsurance. Effectively, these agreements resulted in the Company’s annual income tax provision being computed, with adjustments, as if the Company filed a separate return, adjusted for the reinsurance ceded to ALIC.
	The IRS is currently examining the Allstate Group’s 2011 and 2012 federal income tax returns. The IRS has completed its examination of the Allstate Group’s 2009 and 2010 federal income tax returns and a final settlement related to the examination was approved by the IRS Appeals Division on September 19, 2014. The Allstate Group’s tax years prior to 2009 have been examined by the IRS and the statute of limitations has expired on those years. Any adjustments that may result from IRS examinations of tax returns are not expected to have a material effect on the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of the Company.
	The Company had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013.
	The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows:
	($ in thousands)		2013
	Deferred assets
	Reinsurance recoverables		$	497
	Other assets			4
	Total deferred assets			501
	Deferred liabilities
	Unrealized net capital gains			(2,084	)
	Accrued expenses			(981	)
	Other liabilities			—
	Total deferred liabilities			(3,065	)
	Net deferred liability		$	(2,564	)
	The components of income tax expense are as follows:
	($ in thousands)		Period from January 1, 2014			2013			2012
			through March 31, 2014
	Current		$	914		$	3,902		$	4,145
	Deferred			8			(77	)		128
	Total income tax expense		$	922		$	3,825		$	4,273
	The Company paid no income taxes in the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014. The Company paid income taxes of $4.2 million and $4.8 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations is as follows:
			Period from January 1, 2014			2013			2012
			through March 31, 2014
	Statutory federal income tax rate			35	%		35	%		35	%
	Other			—			—			—
Effective income tax rate			35	%		35	%		35	%

Future_Policy_Benefits_and_Oth

Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities	8	Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities
	Life insurance liabilities include reserves for death benefits and other policy benefits. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities consisted of the following:
			Successor				Predecessor
	($ in thousands)		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Traditional life insurance		$	1,492,438			$	1,548,134
	Immediate fixed annuities			635,858				676,565
	Accident and health insurance			1,462,110				1,324,268
	Equity indexed annuities			1,895,889				—
	Other			977,669				8,444
	Total		$	6,463,964			$	3,557,411
	Successor
	Future policy benefits 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 present values range from 2.5% to 6.0% for setting reserves.
	Predecessor
	The following table highlights the key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits as of December 31, 2013:
	Product		Mortality		Interest rate	Estimation method
	Traditional life insurance		Actual company experience plus loading		Interest rate assumptions range from 2.5% to 8.0%	Net level premium reserve method using the Company’s withdrawal experience rates; includes reserves for unpaid claims
	Immediate fixed annuities		1983 individual annuity mortality table with internal modifications; 1983 individual annuity mortality table; Annuity 2000 mortality table with internal modifications		Interest rate assumptions range from 0% to 8.8%	Present value of expected future benefits based on historical experience
	Accident and health insurance		Actual company experience plus loading		Interest rate assumptions range from 4.0% to 5.3%	Unearned premium; additional contract reserves for mortality risk and unpaid claims
	Other:		Annuity 2000 mortality table with internal modifications		Interest rate assumptions range from 4.0% to 5.8%	Projected benefit ratio applied to cumulative assessments
	Variable annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits

Policyholder_Account_Balances

Policyholder Account Balances	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Policyholder Account Balances	9	Policyholder Account Balances
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, policyholders’ account balances consisted of the following:
			Successor			Predecessor
	($ in thousands)		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Interest-sensitive life contracts		$	5,008,094		$	5,020,265
	Individual annuities			4,806,270			7,803,892
	Other			14,973			299,958
	Total policyholders’ account balances		$	9,829,337		$	13,124,115
	Successor
	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 0.4% to 6.0% for interest sensitive contracts. Interest crediting rates for individual annuities range from 0.0% to 6.0%.
	Predecessor
	The following table highlights the key contract provisions relating to policyholders’ account balances:
	Product		Interest rate		Withdrawal/surrender charges
	Interest-sensitive life insurance		Interest rates credited range from 0% to 10.0% for equity-indexed life (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500) and 2.6% to 6.0% for all other products		Either a percentage of account balance or dollar amount grading off generally over 20 years
	Fixed annuities		Interest rates credited range from 0% to 8.8% for immediate annuities; 0% to 7.0% for equity-indexed annuities (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500); and 1.0% to 6.0% for all other products		Either a declining or a level percentage charge generally over ten years or less. Additionally, approximately 18.7% of fixed annuities are subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals.
	Other investment contracts:		Interest rates used in establishing reserves range from 1.7% to 10.3%		Withdrawal and surrender charges are based on the terms of the related interest-sensitive life insurance or fixed annuity contract
	Guaranteed minimum income, accumulation and withdrawal benefits on variable and fixed annuities and secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life and fixed annuities

Certain_Nontraditional_LongDur

Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts	10	Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts
	The Company offered traditional 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 offered 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 less 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 less 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 allocated 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. All of the risks associated with the Company’s variable annuity contracts are reinsured with external reinsurers.
	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 similar to variable annuities.
	The assets supporting the variable portion of both traditional variable annuities and certain variable contracts with guarantees 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 fee income from policyholders and changes in liabilities for minimum guarantees are generally included in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Successor) and Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Predecessor).
	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, benefit utilization, 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 or contractholder behavior used in the original pricing of these products.
	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 and other policyholder liabilities or Policyholders’ account balances. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had the following guarantees associated with these contracts, by product and guarantee type:
			Successor
			December 31, 2014
	($ in millions)		In the Event of		At		For Cumulative		Accumulation
			Death		Annuitization/		Periodic Withdrawals		at Specified
					Accumulation(1)				Dates
	Variable Annuity Contracts
	Separate Account value		$	742.7	$	151.9	$	16.6	$	118.4
	Net amount at risk		$	57.2	$	15.2	$	0.1	$	6.2
	Average attained age of contractholders			60 years		N/A		N/A		N/A
	Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date			N/A		None		N/A		6 years
	Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts
	No Lapse Guarantees:
	Separate Account value		$	325.1
	General account value		$	31518.3
	Net amount at risk		$	89,942.8
	Average attained age of contractholders			51 years
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had the following guarantees associated with these contracts, by product and guarantee type:
			Predecessor
			December 31, 2013
	($ in millions)		In the Event of		At		For Cumulative		Accumulation
			Death		Annuitization/		Periodic Withdrawals		at Specified
					Accumulation(1)				Dates
	Variable Annuity Contracts
	Separate Account value		$	877	$	170.5	$	21.8	$	151.1
	Net amount at risk		$	63.2	$	16.6	$	0.1	$	7.3
	Average attained age of contractholders			59 years		N/A		N/A		N/A
	Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date			N/A		None		N/A		6 years
	Liabilities for Guarantee Benefits
	The table below summarizes the changes in general account liabilities for guarantees on variable contracts. The liabilities for guaranteed minimum death benefits (“GMDB”) and secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life and fixed annuities are included in Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Successor) and the related changes in the liabilities are included in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. In the Predecessor Period, secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life and fixed annuities are included in policyholders’ account balances. Guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) and guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) features are accounted for as bifurcated embedded derivatives and are recorded at fair value within Policyholders’ account balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Successor).
			GMDB		GMIB		GMWB/		Secondary
							GMAB		Guarantees
	($ in thousands)		Variable		Variable		Variable		Interest-			Total
			Annuity		Annuity		Annuity		Sensitive
									Life and
									Fixed
									Annuities
	Predecessor
	Balance as of December 21, 2012		$	9,390	$	19,484	$	19,621	$	200,688		$	249,183
	Less: reinsurance recoverable			9,390		19,484		19,621		200,688			249,183
	Net balance as of December 31, 2012			—		—		—		—			—
	Incurred guarantee benefits			—		—		—		—			—
	Paid guarantee benefits			—		—		—		—			—
	Net change			—		—		—		—			—
	Net balance as of December 31, 2013			—		—		—		—			—
	Plus reinsurance recoverable			8,444		8,743		9,444		281,771			308,402
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	8,444	$	8,743	$	9,444	$	281,771		$	308,402
	Less: reinsurance recoverable			8,444		8,743		9,444		281,771			308,402
	Net balance as of December 31, 2013			—		—		—		—			—
	Incurred guarantee benefits			—		—		—		—			—
	Paid guarantee benefits			—		—		—		—			—
	Net change			—		—		—		—			—
	Net balance as of March 31, 2014			—		—		—		—			—
	Plus reinsurance recoverable			8,057		7,122		8,499		293,704			317,382
	Balance as of March 31, 2014		$	8,057	$	7,122	$	8,499	$	293,704		$	317,382
	Successor
	Balance as of April 1, 2014		$	8,057	$	7,122	$	8,499	$	552,163		$	575,841
Less: reinsurance recoverable			8,057		7,122		8,499		67,288			90,966
Net balance as of April 1, 2014			—		—		—		484,875			484,875
Incurred guarantee benefits			—		—		—		159,104			159,104
Paid guarantee benefits			—		—		—		(108,252	)		(108,252	)
Net change			—		—		—		50,852			50,852
Net balance as of December 31, 2014			—		—		—		535,727			535,727
Plus reinsurance recoverable			8,358		8,240		6,733		83,733			107,064
Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	8,358	$	8,240	$	6,733	$	619,460		$	642,791

Value_of_Business_Acquired

Value of Business Acquired	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Value of Business Acquired	11	Value of Business Acquired
	The following reflects the changes to the VOBA asset:
	($ in thousands)		For the Period from
			April 1, 2014
			Through December 31,
			2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	290,795
	Business acquired			—
	Amortized to expense during the year(1)			(38,987	)
	Adjustment for unrealized investment gains during the year			(20,287	)
	Balance at end of year		$	231,521
	-1	Amount is included in Other Expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table provides estimated percentage of the VOBA balance to be amortized for the years indicated:
			VOBA
			Amortization
	2015			14	%
	2016			12	%
	2017			11	%
	2018			9	%
	2019 and thereafter			54	%

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	12	Commitments and Contingencies
	Regulation and Compliance
	The Company is subject to changing social, economic and regulatory conditions. From time to time, regulatory authorities or legislative bodies seek to impose additional regulations regarding agent and broker compensation, regulate the nature of and amount of investments, and otherwise expand overall regulation of insurance products and the insurance industry. The Company has established procedures and policies to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations, to foster prudent business operations, and to support financial reporting. The Company routinely reviews its practices to validate compliance with laws and regulations and with internal procedures and policies. As a result of these reviews, from time to time the Company may decide to modify some of its procedures and policies. Such modifications, and the reviews that led to them, may be accompanied by payments being made and costs being incurred. The ultimate changes and eventual effects of these actions on the Company’s business, if any, are uncertain.
	The Company is currently being examined by certain states for compliance with unclaimed property laws. It is possible that this examination may result in additional payments of abandoned funds to states and to changes in the Company’s practices and procedures for the identification of escheatable funds, which could impact benefit payments and reserves, among other consequences; however, it is not likely to have a material effect on the financial statements of the Company.
	The Company is assessed amounts by the state guaranty funds to cover losses to policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurance companies. Those mandatory assessments may be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in certain states. At December 31, 2014, the Company accrued $6.7 million for guaranty fund assessments which is expected to be offset by estimated future premium tax deductions of $11.2 million.
	Litigation
	The Company is involved from time to time in judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of its business. As part of the Acquisition, ALIC has agreed to indemnify the Company for certain matters. ALIC has also agreed to indemnify the Company for certain litigation, regulatory matters and other liabilities related to the pre-closing activities of the transferred business. Management believes, based on currently available information, that the results of such proceedings, in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition. Given the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of the Company’s litigation and regulatory matters, particularly in cases or proceedings in which substantial or indeterminate damages or fines are sought, the Company cannot estimate losses or ranges of losses for cases or proceedings where there is only a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. However, the Company believes that at the present time there are no pending or threatened lawsuits that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In the normal course of its business, the Company has entered into agreements that include indemnities in favor of third parties, such as contracts with advisors and consultants, outsourcing agreements, information technology agreements and service agreements. The Company has also agreed to indemnify its directors, officers and employees in accordance with the Company’s by-laws. The Company believes any potential liability under these agreements is neither probable nor estimable. Therefore, the Company has not recorded any associated liability.
	Pledged or Restricted Assets
	The Company had the following restricted assets:
		•	Certain bonds were on deposit with governmental authorities as required by law of $8.9 million and $9.4 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
		•	Derivative cash collateral received was reported as cash equivalents of $6.4 million at December 31, 2014. The Company had no derivative cash collateral as of December 31, 2013.

Regulatory_Capital_and_Dividen

Regulatory Capital and Dividends	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Regulatory Capital and Dividends	13	Regulatory Capital and Dividends
	The Company prepares its statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the State of Nebraska. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.
	The State of Nebraska requires insurance companies domiciled in its state to prepare statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by the State of Nebraska Insurance Commissioner. Statutory accounting practices differ from GAAP primarily since they require establishing life insurance reserves based on different actuarial assumptions, and valuing certain investments at amortized cost.
	Statutory net income was $226 million and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Statutory capital and surplus was $719 million and $332.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Dividend Limitations
	The ability of the Company to pay dividends is dependent on business conditions, income, cash requirements and other relevant factors. The payment of shareholder dividends by the Company without the prior approval of the Department of Insurance is limited to formula amounts based on net income and capital and surplus, determined in conformity with statutory accounting practices, as well as, the timing and amount of dividends paid in the preceding twelve months. In connection with the Acquisition, prior approval of the Nebraska Director of Insurance is required for the Company for any dividend or distribution for five years subsequent to the Acquisition.
	Other
	Without the prior approval of the Nebraska Director of Insurance, the Company may not:
	1	Acquire or enter into an agreement or understanding to acquire control of any insurer, assumptively acquire policies, or bulk reinsure business during the period of three years after the Acquisition.
	2	Provide or propose to provide directly or indirectly any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial assistance (excluding policy loans or investment portfolio transactions) during the period of three years after the Acquisition.
	3	Engage in any material transaction during the period of three years after the Acquisition. “Material transaction” shall mean any transfer or encumbrance of assets that, together with all other transfers or encumbrances made within the preceding twelve months, exceeds in value the greater of five percent of Lincoln Benefit’s surplus as of the December 31st of the last preceding, or the net gain from operations of Lincoln Benefit for the twelve-month period ending the December 31st of the last preceding. For the purposes of this clause, “Material Transaction” shall exclude (i) investment portfolio transactions (ii) settlement of balances due to policyholders, agents or third party reinsurers under existing reinsurance agreements or (iii) settlement of ordinary course payables including but not limited to taxes, third party administrators, suppliers or other ordinary course creditors, and intercompany payables arising under any approved intercompany services agreement
	Under state insurance laws, insurance companies are required to maintain paid up capital of not less than the minimum capital requirement applicable to the types of insurance they are authorized to write. Insurance companies are also subject to risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements adopted by state insurance regulators. A company’s “authorized control level RBC” is calculated using various factors applied to certain financial balances and activity. Companies that do not maintain statutory capital and surplus at a level in excess of the company action level RBC, which is two times authorized control level RBC, are required to take specified actions. Company action level RBC is significantly in excess of the minimum capital requirements.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases	14	Leases
	In December 2014, the Company entered into a lease agreement, effective February 2015, to lease office space under a non-cancellable operating lease agreement that expires in January 31, 2026. For the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the Company made no payments pursuant to this operating lease.
	The minimum aggregate rental commitments as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2015		$	97
	2016			194
	2017			207
	2018			212
	2019			217
	All future years			1,712
	Aggregate total		$	2,639
	The Company did not have any lease obligations at December 31, 2013.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Parties	15	Related Parties
	Successor
	On April 1, 2014, the Company entered into a management services agreement with Resolution. Under this agreement, Resolution and Lincoln Benefit provide services to each other including but not limited to compliance, legal, risk management, accounting and reporting, treasury, tax and other management related services. Services are provided at cost. Resolution provided $21.1 million in services to Lincoln Benefit for the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
	Effective April 1, 2014, the Company entered into a Fee Letter (the “Fee Letter”) with Lanis LLC (“Lanis”) pursuant to which the Company will pay Lanis the risk spread due on the Vehicle Note issued by Lanis to Lancaster Re. The total expense related to this risk spread for the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 was approximately $4.6 million.
	The Company reported the following receivables/ (payables) to affiliates as of December 31, 2014:
	Resolution		$	(4,509,447	)
	Lanis		$	(1,563,783	)
	Intercompany receivable and payable balances are evaluated on an individual company basis. Intercompany balances are generally settled quarterly.
	The Company’s stock is pledged as collateral on Resolution’s term loan agreement with a syndicate of lenders (“Term Loan”). The maturity date of the loan is June 15, 2018. The Term Loan was funded on April 1, 2014.
	On April 1, 2014, the Company and Resolution entered into a Letter Agreement whereby from and after the fifth anniversary of the date of the agreement, if the Company makes any payment pursuant to the Fee Letter, within ten Business Days of such payment by the Company, Resolution shall reimburse the Company in cash in an amount equal to such payment by the Company.
	Predecessor
	All intercompany balances were settled prior to the Acquisition.
	Business operations
	Prior to April 1, 2014, the Company used services performed by its affiliates, Allstate Insurance Company (“AIC”), ALIC and Allstate Investments LLC, and business facilities owned or leased and operated by AIC in conducting its business activities. In addition, the Company shared the services of employees with AIC. The Company reimbursed its affiliates for the operating expenses incurred on behalf of the Company. The Company was charged for the cost of these operating expenses based on the level of services provided. Operating expenses allocated to the Company were $50.1 million, $249.7 million and, $241.8 million in the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and, 2012, respectively. Of these costs, the Company retained investment related expenses on the invested assets that were not transferred under the reinsurance agreements. All other costs were ceded to ALIC under the reinsurance agreements.
	Broker-Dealer agreements
	Prior to April 1, 2014, the Company had a service agreement with Allstate Distributors, L.L.C. (“ADLLC”), a broker-dealer company owned by ALIC, whereby ADLLC promoted and marketed products sold by the Company. In return for these services, the Company recorded expense of $12 thousand, $71 thousand and $80 thousand in the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that was ceded to ALIC under the terms of the reinsurance agreements.
	Prior to April 1, 2014, the Company received distribution services from Allstate Financial Services, LLC, an affiliated broker-dealer company, for certain annuity and variable life insurance contracts sold by Allstate exclusive agencies. For these services, the Company incurred commission and other distribution expenses of $2.2 million, $7.7 million and $6.4 million in the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that were ceded to ALIC.
	Reinsurance
	The following table summarizes amounts that were ceded to ALIC under reinsurance agreements and reported net in the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
	($ in thousands)		Period from January 1, 2014			2013		2012
			through March 31, 2014
	Premiums and contract charges		$	244,797		$	962,576	$	908,459
	Interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses			336,122			1,505,010		1,369,305
	Reinsurance recoverables due from ALIC totaled $14.5 billion as of December 31, 2013.
	In September 2012, the Company entered into a coinsurance reinsurance agreement with LB Re to cede certain interest-sensitive life insurance policies to LB Re. Reinsurance recoverables due from LB Re totaled $1.9 million as of December 31, 2013.
	Income taxes
	Prior to April 1, 2014, the Company was a party to a federal income tax allocation agreement with The Allstate Corporation (see Note 7).
	Intercompany loan agreement
	Prior to April 1, 2014, the Company had an intercompany loan agreement with The Allstate Corporation. The Company had no amounts outstanding under the intercompany loan agreement as of December 31, 2013.

Consolidated_Summary_of_Invest

Consolidated Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	Lincoln Benefit Life Company
	(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Resolution Life, Inc.)
	Schedule I Consolidated Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties
	December 31, 2014
	($ in thousands)	Amortized		Fair Value		Amount at which
		Cost				shown in the
						Consolidated
						Balance Sheet
	Type of Investment
	Fixed maturities:
	Bonds:
	United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities	$	1,060,065	$	1,112,535	$	1,112,535
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions		—		—		—
	Foreign governments		—		—		—
	Public utilities		—		—		—
	All other corporate bonds		7,279,391		7,377,745		7,377,745
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		188,055		189,881		189,881
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		331,041		333,483		333,483
	Asset-backed securities		373,304		377,003		377,003
	Total fixed maturities		9,231,856		9,390,647		9,390,647
	Other securities:
	Mortgage loans		1,115,167				1,115,167
	Policy loans		194,385				194,385
	Derivatives		26,001				26,001
	Other long-term assets		896				896
	Short-term investments		361,369				361,369
	Total other securities		1,697,818				1,697,818
	Total investments	$	10,929,674	$	9,390,647	$	11,088,465

Consolidated_Reinsurance

Consolidated Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Reinsurance	Lincoln Benefit Life Company
	(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Resolution Life, Inc.)
	Schedule IV — Consolidated Reinsurance
	($ in thousands)	Gross Amount		Ceded to Other			Assumed from		Net Amount		Percentage of
				Companies			Other Companies				Amount
											Assumed to Net
	Successor
	Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014
	Life insurance in force	$	395,385,878	$	388,790,881		$	5,106,566	$	11,701,563		43.6	%
	Premiums and contract charges:
	Life and annuities	$	869,472	$	(669,382	)	$	5,258	$	205,348		2.6	%
	Accident and health insurance		51,972		(33,451	)		—		18,521		0	%
		$	921,444	$	(702,833	)	$	5,258	$	223,869		2.3	%
	Predecessor
	Period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014
	Premiums and contract charges:
	Life and annuities	$	313,410	$	(314,991	)	$	1,581	$	—		0	%
	Accident and health insurance		18,489		(18,489	)		—		—		0	%
		$	331,899	$	(333,480	)	$	1,581	$	—		0	%
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Life insurance in force	$	389,941,404	$	395,421,202		$	5,479,798	$	—		0	%
	Premiums and contract charges:
	Life and annuities	$	1,250,623	$	(1,257,453	)	$	6,830	$	—		0	%
	Accident and health insurance		80,974		(80,974	)		—		—		0	%
		$	1,331,597	$	(1,338,427	)	$	6,830	$	—		0	%
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Life insurance in force	$	378,467,115	$	384,205,939		$	5,738,824	$	—		0	%
	Premiums and contract charges:
	Life and annuities	$	1,201,592	$	(1,208,376	)	$	6,784	$	—		0	%
	Accident and health insurance		97,272		(97,272	)		—		—		0	%
		$	1,298,864	$	(1,305,648	)	$	6,784	$	—		0	%
	No reinsurance or coinsurance income was netted against premiums ceded in the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the period from January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 or the year ended December 31, 2012.

General_Policies

General (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The financial statements are presented for Successor and Predecessor periods, which relate to the accounting periods after and before April 1, 2014, respectively, the date of the closing of the Acquisition. For periods after April 1, 2014, the accompanying financial statements comprise the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary. Due to the Acquisition and the application of push-down accounting, different bases of accounting have been used to prepare the Predecessor and Successor financial statements. A black line separates the Predecessor and Successor financial statements to highlight the lack of comparability between these two periods. The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below and in Note 2.
Consolidation	Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Successor include the accounts of Lincoln Benefit and its subsidiary, Lancaster Re. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash	Cash
	Cash includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks, money market securities, highly liquid overnight deposits, discount notes and commercial paper held in the ordinary course of business amounts due from banks, certain money market investments and other debt instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Investments	Investments
	Fixed maturities include bonds, asset-backed securities (“ABS”) residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”). Fixed maturities, which may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and are carried at fair value. The difference between amortized cost and fair value, net of deferred income taxes, is reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Cash received from calls, principal payments and make-whole payments and cash received from maturities and pay-downs are reflected as a component of proceeds from sales and maturities within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows — Successor and Statement of Cash Flows — Predecessor.
	The Company recognizes other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) for securities classified as AFS in accordance with ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities. At least quarterly, management reviews impaired securities for OTTI. The Company considers several factors when determining if a security is OTTI, including but not limited to: its intent and ability to hold the impaired security until an anticipated recovery in value, the issuer’s ability to meet current and future principal and interest obligations for fixed maturity securities, the length and severity of the impairment, the financial condition and near term and long term prospects for the issuer. In making these evaluations, the Company exercises considerable judgment.
	If the Company intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell an impaired security prior to recovery of its cost basis, then the Company recognizes a charge to earnings for the full amount of the impairment (the difference between the amortized cost and fair value of the security). For fixed maturity securities that are considered OTTI and that the Company does not intend to sell and will not be required to sell, the Company separates the impairment into two components: credit loss and noncredit loss. Credit losses are charged to net realized investment losses and noncredit losses are charged to other comprehensive income. The credit loss component is the difference between the security’s amortized cost and the present value of its expected future cash flows discounted at the current effective rate. The remaining difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of its expected future cash flows is the non-credit loss. For corporate bonds, historical default (by rating) data is used as a proxy for the probability of default, and loss given default (by issuer) projections are applied to the par amount of the bond. Potential losses incurred on structured securities are based on expected loss models rather than incurred loss models. Expected cash flows include assumptions about key systematic risks (e.g. unemployment rates, housing prices) and loan-specific information (e.g. delinquency rates, loan-to-value ratios). Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third parties, along with assumptions and judgments about the future performance of the underlying collateral.
	Commercial mortgage loans (“CMLs”) acquired at fair value are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. CMLs held by the Company are diversified by property type and geographic area throughout the U.S. CMLs are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect amounts due according to the terms of the original loan agreement. The Company assesses the impairment of loans individually for all loans in the portfolio. The Company estimates the fair value of the underlying collateral using internal valuations generally based on discounted cash flow analyses. The Company estimates an allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) representing potential credit losses embedded in the CML portfolio. The estimate is based on a consistently applied analysis of the loan portfolio and takes into consideration all available information, including industry, geographical, economic and political factors.
	Policy loans represent loans the Company issues to policyholders. Policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances. Interest income on such loans is recognized as earned using the contractually agreed upon interest rate and reflected in Net investment income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Generally, interest is capitalized on the associated policy’s anniversary date.
	Short-term investments include securities and other investments with remaining maturities of one year or less, but greater than three months, at the time of purchase and are stated at estimated fair value or amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Derivatives	Derivatives
	As part of the Company’s overall risk management policy, the Company uses listed options and exchange traded futures to economically hedge its obligation under certain fixed indexed annuity and universal life contracts. Derivative financial instruments utilized by the Company in the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 (the “Successor Period”) included index option contracts and futures contracts. Derivatives are carried in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet either as assets within Other invested assets or as liabilities within Accrued expenses and other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company offsets the fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities. If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in realized investment gains, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The notional amounts specified in the contracts are used to calculate contractual payments under the agreements and are generally not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these contracts. Futures contracts are defined as commitments to buy or sell designated financial instruments based on specified prices, yields or indexes. Futures contracts provide returns at specified or optional dates based upon a specified index or interest rate applied to a notional amount. The Company uses futures to hedge exposures in indexed annuity and life contracts. Daily cash settlement of variation margins is required for futures contracts and is based on the changes in daily prices. The final settlement of futures contracts is in cash. Index option contracts provide returns at specified or optional dates based on a specified equity index applied to the option’s notional amount. The Company purchases and writes (sells) option contracts primarily to reduce market risk associated with certain annuity and life contracts. When the Company purchases/sells option contracts at specific prices, it is required to pay/receive a premium to/from the counterparties. The amount of premium paid/received is based on the number of contracts purchased/sold, the specified price and the maturity date of the contract. The Company receives/pays cash equal to the premium of written/purchased options when the contract is established. If the option is exercised, the Company receives/pays cash equal to the product of the number of contracts and the specified price in the contract in exchange for the equity upon which the option is written/purchased. If the options are not exercised, then no additional cash is exchanged when the contract expires. Premiums paid are reported as a derivative asset and premiums received are reported as a derivative liability. Purchased put and call index option contracts are cash settled upon exercise and the gain or loss on the settlement is reported in net investment income. If the purchased option contract expires without being exercised, the premiums paid are reported as net investment income and the corresponding asset previously recorded is reversed. The change in the fair value of written option contracts is reported in Realized investment gains, net, with an adjustment to a corresponding liability. Written call index option contracts are cash settled upon exercise and the gain or loss on settlement is reported in Realized investment gains, net.
	The Company has derivatives embedded in non-derivative host contracts that are required to be separated from the host contracts and accounted for at fair value. The Company’s embedded derivatives are equity options in life and annuity product contracts, which provide equity returns to contractholders, guaranteed minimum accumulation and withdrawal benefits in variable annuity contracts. The Company has reinsurance agreements to transfer all the risk related to guarantee minimum income, accumulation and withdrawal benefits in variable annuity contracts to third party reinsurers. None of these derivatives are designated as accounting hedging instruments and all are gross liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities.
Investment Income and Realized Gains and Losses	Investment Income and Realized Gains and Losses
	Investment income primarily consists of interest and is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective yield method. Interest income for RMBS and CMBS is determined considering estimated pay-downs, including prepayments, obtained from third party data sources and internal estimates. 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. For RMBS and CMBS of high credit quality with fixed interest rates, the effective yield is recalculated on a retrospective basis. For all others, the effective yield is recalculated on a prospective basis. Accrual of income is suspended for other-than-temporarily impaired fixed maturities when the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be received is not reasonably estimable. It is the Company’s policy to cease to carry accrued interest on commercial mortgage loans that are over 90 days delinquent. The Company held no non-income producing investments as of December 31, 2014.
	Realized capital gains and losses include gains and losses on investment sales and write-downs in value due to other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Realized capital gains and losses on investment sales, including principal payments, are determined on a specific identification basis.
Recognition of Premium Revenues and Fees, and Related Policyholders' Benefits and Interest Credited	Recognition of Premium Revenues and Fees, and Related Policyholders’ Benefits and Interest Credited
	Prior to April 1, 2014 or the periods prior to April 1, 2014 (the “Predecessor Periods”), the Company had reinsurance agreements whereby all premiums, fee income from policyholders and returns credited to policyholders, policyholder benefits and substantially all expenses were ceded to ALIC and other reinsurers. Amounts reflected in the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) are presented net of reinsurance.
	Traditional life insurance products consist principally of products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and benefits, primarily term and whole life insurance products. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when due from policyholders. Surrender values on traditional life and death benefits are reflected in policyholder benefits.
	Immediate annuities with life contingencies provide insurance protection over a period that extends beyond the period during which premiums are collected. Premiums from these products are recognized as revenue when received at the inception of the contract. Benefits and expenses are recognized in relation to premiums. As of April 1, 2014, the Company has reinsurance agreements to transfer all the risk related to immediate annuities.
	Interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life and single premium life, are insurance contracts whose terms are not fixed or guaranteed. The terms that may be changed include premiums paid by the policyholder, interest credited to the policyholder account balance and contract charges assessed against the policyholder account balance. Premiums from these contracts are reported as policyholder account balances. Fee income from policyholders consist of fees assessed against the policyholder account balance for the cost of insurance (mortality risk), contract administration and surrender of the policy prior to contractually specified dates. These charges are recognized as revenue when assessed against the policyholder account balance. Policyholder benefits include life-contingent benefit payments in excess of the policyholder account balance.
	Contracts that do not subject the Company to significant risk arising from mortality or morbidity are referred to as investment contracts. Fixed annuities, including market value adjusted annuities, equity-indexed annuities and immediate annuities without life contingencies, are considered investment contracts. Consideration received for such contracts is reported as policyholder account balance deposits. Policy fees for investment contracts consist of fees assessed against the contractholder account balance for maintenance, administration and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates, and are recognized when assessed against the policyholder account balance.
	Return credited to policyholder funds represents interest accrued or paid on interest-sensitive life and investment contracts. Crediting rates for certain fixed annuities and interest-sensitive life contracts are adjusted periodically by the Company to reflect current market conditions subject to contractually guaranteed minimum rates. Crediting rates for indexed life and annuities are generally based on an equity index, such as the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index.
	Policy charges for variable life and variable annuity products consist of fees assessed against the policyholder account balances for contract maintenance, administration, mortality, expense and surrender of the contract prior to contractually specified dates. Policy benefits incurred for variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum death, income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits.
	The Company incurs significant costs in connection with renewal insurance business. All acquisition-related costs, including commissions, those related to general advertising, agent training, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred and reported in Operating and acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The Company also receives expense allowances on reinsurance ceded. These amounts are recognized when earned and reported in Operating expenses and acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance
	Reinsurance accounting is applied for ceded and assumed transactions when the risk transfer provisions of ASC 944-40, Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts, have been met. To meet risk transfer requirements, a long-duration reinsurance contract must transfer mortality or morbidity risks, and subject the reinsurer to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss. Those contracts that do not meet risk transfer requirements are accounted for using deposit accounting. For short duration contracts, to meet risk transfer requirements the reinsurer must assume significant insurance risk and have a reasonable possibility of experiencing significant loss.
	With respect to ceded reinsurance, the Company values reinsurance recoverables on reported claims at the time the underlying claim is recognized in accordance with contract terms. For future policy benefits, the Company estimates the amount of reinsurance recoverables based on the terms of the reinsurance contracts and historical reinsurance recovery information. The reinsurance recoverables are based on what the Company believes are reasonable estimates and the balance is reported as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Successor) and Balance Sheets (Predecessor). However, the ultimate amount of the reinsurance recoverable is not known until all claims are settled. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders, and failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company; consequently, allowances are established for amounts deemed uncollectible.
	In the Predecessor periods, or the periods prior to April 1, 2014, the Company had reinsurance agreements whereby all insurance risks represented by premiums, fee income from policyholders, returns credited to policyholder account balances, policyholder benefits and substantially all expenses were ceded to ALIC and other reinsurers. Additionally, investment income earned on the assets that supported policyholder account balances and future policy benefits and other policyholder funds were not included in the Company’s financial statements as those assets were owned and managed by ALIC and other reinsurers under the terms of the reinsurance agreements.
Value of Business Acquired ("VOBA")	Value of Business Acquired (“VOBA”)
	For interest sensitive life products, VOBA is amortized over the life of the policies in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits (“EGP’s”) from margins on mortality, interest, expenses, and surrenders, all of which are net of reinsurance and include actual realized gains and losses on investments. For non-interest sensitive life products, such as term life insurance, VOBA is amortized in relation to premium. VOBA is reviewed periodically for loss recognition to ensure that the unamortized balance is recoverable from future earnings from the business. The carrying amount of VOBA is adjusted for the effects of realized and unrealized gains and losses on debt securities classified as AFS.
Separate Accounts	Separate Accounts
	Separate Accounts assets are carried at fair value. The assets of the Separate Accounts are legally segregated and available only to settle separate account contract obligations. Separate Account liabilities represent the contractholders’ claims to the related assets and are carried at an amount equal to the Separate Account assets. Investment income and realized capital gains and losses of the separate accounts accrue directly to the contractholders and therefore are not included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Successor) or Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Predecessor). Deposits to and surrenders and withdrawals from the Separate Accounts are reflected in Separate Accounts liabilities and are not included in cash flows.
	Absent any contract provision wherein the Company provides a guarantee, variable annuity and variable life insurance contractholders bear the investment risk that the Separate Accounts’ funds may not meet their stated investment objectives.
Future Policy Benefit and Other Policyholder Liabilities	Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities — Successor
	Policy liabilities are established for future policy benefits on certain annuity, life, and long term care policies. Such liabilities are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated future obligations of policies in-force. Changes in policy and contract claims are recorded in policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
	For ASC 944-20 products, benefit reserves are computed using the net level premium method for individual life and annuity policies, and are based upon estimates as to future investment yield, mortality and lapse that include provisions for adverse deviation. Mortality, morbidity and lapse assumptions for all policies are based on the Company’s own experience and industry standards.
	Liabilities for outstanding claims and claims adjustment expenses are estimates of payments to be made on life and health insurance contracts for reported claims and claims adjustment expenses. A liability is also held for claims adjustment expenses incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. These liabilities are determined using case basis evaluations and statistical analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate cost of all claims incurred but not paid. These estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary; such adjustments are reflected in current operations.
	Future policy benefit reserves for the portion of fixed indexed annuity policies with returns linked to the performance of a specified market index are equal to the sum of the fair value of the embedded derivatives and the host (or guaranteed) component of the contracts. The change in the fair value of the embedded derivative is linked to the performance of the equity option. The host value is established as of the date of acquisition and is equal to the account value for which returns are linked to an equity index, plus the value of the unexpired options at the date of acquisition, less the embedded derivative, and accreted over the policy’s life at a constant rate of interest. Future policy benefits reserves for the portion of fixed indexed annuities earning a fixed rate of interest, and other deferred annuity products are computed under a retrospective deposit method and represent policy account balances before applicable surrender charges.
	The Company holds additional liabilities for its no lapse guarantees (associated with universal life) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (associated with fixed indexed annuities). These are accounted for in accordance with ASC 944-20, Financial Services — Insurance Activities.
	Policy liabilities and accruals are based on the various estimates discussed above. Although the adequacy of these amounts cannot be assured, the Company believes that policy liabilities and accruals will be sufficient to meet future obligations of policies in-force. The amount of liabilities and accruals, however, could be revised if the estimates discussed above are revised.
Policyholders' Account Balances	Policyholders’ Account Balances — Successor
	Policyholder account balances represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities. Policyholder funds primarily comprise cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses.
	The Company holds additional liabilities for guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) associated with variable annuities, which are accounted for in accordance with ASC 944-20, Financial Services — Insurance Activities. The reserves for certain living benefit features, including guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) are accounted for as embedded derivatives, with fair values calculated as the present value of expected future benefit payments to contractholders less the present value of assessed 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. The Company’s GMIB, GMAB and GMWB reserves are ceded to external reinsurers. For additional information regarding the valuation of these optional living benefit features, see Note 10.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes — Successor
	Income taxes are provided for using the asset and liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The realizability of deferred tax assets is assessed at each reporting date. Tax positions are assessed under a two-step approach, which requires the assessment of recognition and measurement. The Company reports interest expense related to income tax matters and tax penalties in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Other Long-Term Debt	Other Long-Term Debt
	Effective April 1, 2014, and with Nebraska Department of Insurance (the “NE DOI” or the “Department of Insurance”) approval, Lancaster Re issued a variable funding Surplus Note (the “Surplus Note”) to its affiliate, Lanis, LLC. for $513,000,000 and acquired from Lanis a Vehicle Note (the “Vehicle Note”) for $513,000,000. The Vehicle Note is held to support a portion of Lancaster Re’s reinsurance obligations and has been authorized as an acceptable form of reinsurance collateral pursuant to Nebraska Rev. Stat. §44-8216(8)(c)(i) which allows a special purpose financial captive insurer to establish any method of security that the Department deems acceptable. The scheduled maturity date of the Vehicle Note is April 1, 2034, and the scheduled maturity date of the Surplus Note is April 1, 2039, although each may be cancelled earlier or extended under certain conditions. The Surplus Note does not repay principal prior to maturity and principal payment at maturity is subject to the prior approval of the Department of Insurance. With pre-approval, the Surplus Note is increased each quarter with a corresponding increase in the Vehicle Note. With Department pre-approval, interest on the Surplus Note for the prior quarter is paid on the first day of each subsequent quarter at a rate consistent with the rate received on the Vehicle Note of 4%. The Surplus Note and Vehicle Note increased by $38,600,000 and interest expense of $15,711,000 was recognized in the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The Surplus Note is unsecured and subordinated to all present and future indebtedness, policy claims and other creditor claims of Lancaster Re.
Other Assets and Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	Other Assets and Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
	Other assets consist primarily of premiums due, intangible assets, the Vehicle Note, receivables resulting from sales of securities that had not yet settled at the balance sheet date. Other liabilities consist primarily of accrued expenses, technical overdrafts, derivatives, and payables resulting from purchases of securities that had not yet been settled at the balance sheet date.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance requiring expanded disclosures about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. The guidance requires the presentation of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by income statement line item but only if the amount reclassified is required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts is required. The Company adopted the new guidance in 2013. The new guidance affects disclosures only and therefore had no impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
	Effective November 18, 2014, the Company adopted new guidance on when, if ever, the cost of acquiring an entity should be used to establish a new accounting basis (“pushdown”) in the acquired entity’s separate financial statements. The guidance provides an acquired entity and its subsidiaries with an irrevocable option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. If a reporting entity elects to apply pushdown accounting, its stand-alone financial statements would reflect the acquirer’s new basis in the acquired entity’s assets and liabilities. The election to apply pushdown accounting should be determined by an acquired entity for each individual change-in-control event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity; however, an entity that does not elect to apply pushdown accounting in the period of a change-in-control can later elect to retrospectively apply pushdown accounting to the most recent change-in-control transaction as a change in accounting principle. The Company has applied pushdown accounting as a result of the Acquisition in the Successor Period, as disclosed in Note 1.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding consolidation. The pronouncement eliminates specialized guidance for limited partnerships and similar legal entities, and removes the indefinite deferral for certain investment funds. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding investments in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. Under the guidance, an entity is permitted to make an accounting policy election to amortize the initial cost of its investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as a component of Income tax expense (benefit) if certain conditions are met. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. This guidance is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance for troubled debt restructurings clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. This guidance can be elected for prospective adoption or by using a modified retrospective transition method. This guidance is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on accounting for revenue recognition. The guidance is based on the core principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of 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 guidance also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. Revenue recognition for insurance contracts is explicitly scoped out of the guidance. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 and must be applied using one of two retrospective application methods. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and financial statement disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring that mortgage loans be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if certain conditions are met. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. The new guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. This guidance can be adopted using either a prospective transition method or a modified retrospective transition method. This guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.
Predecessor
Future Policy Benefit and Other Policyholder Liabilities	Future Policy Benefit and Other Policyholder Liabilities – Predecessor
	Future policy benefit and other policyholder liabilities consist of the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits payable under insurance policies, including traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities, and is computed on the basis of long-term actuarial assumptions of future investment yields, mortality, morbidity, policy terminations and expenses. These assumptions, which for traditional life insurance are applied using the net level premium method, include provisions for adverse deviation and generally vary by characteristics such as type of coverage, year of issue and policy duration.
Policyholders' Account Balances	Policyholders’ Account Balances — Predecessor
	Policyholder account balances represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities. Policyholder account balances primarily comprise cumulative deposits received and interest credited to the contractholder less cumulative contract benefits, surrenders, withdrawals and contract charges for mortality or administrative expenses. Policyholder account balances also include reserves for secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life insurance and certain fixed annuity contracts and reserves for certain guarantees on variable annuity contracts.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes — Predecessor
	The income tax provision is calculated under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates. The principal assets and liabilities giving rise to such differences are unrealized capital gains and losses, accrued expenses and reinsurance recoverables. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is established when there is uncertainty that such assets will be realized.

General_Tables

General (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of April 1, 2014:
	($ in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturities	$	9,194,903
	Commercial mortgage loans		1,263,902
	Policy loans		196,451
	Short-term investments		979,728
	Other invested assets		1,104
	Cash		40,529
	Accrued investment income		103,246
	Reinsurance recoverable		5,606,879
	Value of business acquired		290,795
	Deposit receivable		1,550,351
	Intangibles		5,200
	Other assets		554,176
	Separate account assets		1,661,007
	Total assets acquired		21,448,271
	Liabilities
	Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities		6,682,833
	Policyholders’ account balances		10,367,246
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities		78,026
	Modified coinsurance payable		1,550,351
	Other long-term debt — affiliate		513,000
	Separate account liabilities		1,661,007
	Total liabilities assumed		20,852,463
	Net assets acquired	$	595,808

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule for Fixed Income Securities at Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses and Fair Value	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for fixed maturities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	December 31, 2014 — Successor	Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair Value
		Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized
	($ in thousands)				Gains				Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies	$	810,057		$	47,859			$	(590	)		$	857,326
	Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions		250,008			5,638				(437	)			255,209
	All other corporate securities		7,279,391			132,480				(34,126	)			7,377,745
	ABS		373,304			6,107				(2,408	)			377,003
	CMBS		331,041			3,507				(1,065	)			333,483
	RMBS		188,055			2,849				(1,023	)			189,881
	Total fixed maturities	$	9,231,856		$	198,440			$	(39,649	)		$	9,390,647
	December 31, 2013 — Predecessor	Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair Value
		Cost			Unrealized				Unrealized
	($ in thousands)				Gains				Losses
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and agenciies	$	70,790		$	3,113			$	(57	)		$	73,846
	Municipal		2,499			270				—				2,769
	Corporate		190,186			5,784				(3,993	)			191,977
	Foreign government		4,999			165				—				5,164
	CMBS		2,588			88				—				2,676
	RMBS		13,866			584				—				14,450
	Total fixed maturities	$	284,928		$	10,004			$	(4,050	)		$	290,882
Schedule for Fixed Income Securities Based on Contractual Maturities	The scheduled maturities for fixed maturities are as follows as of December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)	Amortized			Fair Value
		Cost
	Due in one year or less	$	425,248		$	425,238
	Due after one year through five years		1,775,910			1,779,194
	Due after five years through ten years		4,001,723			4,060,017
	Due after ten years		2,136,575			2,225,831
	Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities		8,339,456			8,490,280
	Asset and mortgage-backed securities		892,400			900,367
	Total fixed maturities	$	9,231,856		$	9,390,647
Schedule of Commercial Mortgage Loan Portfolio by Geographical Region	The Company diversifies its commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographical region to reduce concentration risk. The following table presents the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographical region as of December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)	Carrying
		Value
	Alabama	$	1,720
	Arizona		35,481
	California		255,563
	Colorado		22,381
	Florida		20,779
	Georgia		27,502
	Hawaii		8,125
	Illinois		53,174
	Iowa		1,490
	Kentucky		8,260
	Maine		4,114
	Maryland		35,536
	Massachusetts		92,963
	Minnesota		52,496
	Missouri		9,324
	Nevada		14,705
	New Jersey		84,007
	New York		72,625
	North Carolina		31,111
	Ohio		38,400
	Oklahoma		10,835
	Pennsylvania		37,688
	South Carolina		3,130
	Tennessee		5,719
	Texas		103,778
	Utah		45,914
	Virginia		18,572
	Washington		13,138
	Wisconsin		6,637
	General allowance for loan loss		—
	Total commercial mortgage loans	$	1,115,167
Schedule of Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-For-Investment	The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment were as follows at December 31, 2014:
		Recorded Investment
		Debt Service Coverage Ratios
	($ in thousands)	> 1.20x			1.00x - 1.20x				< 1.00x				Total				% of Total			Estimated Fair			% of Total
																				Value
	Loan-to-value ratios:
	Less than 65%	$	930,592		$	151,700			$	29,460			$	1,111,752				98	%	$	1,146,030			98	%
	65% to 75%		16,591			10,537				—				27,128				2			28,275			2
	76% to 80%		—			—				—				—				—			—			—
	Greater than 80%		—			—				—				—				—			—			—
	Total	$	947,183		$	162,237			$	29,460			$	1,138,880				100	%	$	1,174,305			100	%
Composition of Other Invested Assets	The following table sets forth the composition of “Other invested assets” at December 31, 2014:
		Successor
	($ in thousands)	December 31, 2014
	Low income housing tax credit properties	$	896
	Derivatives		26,001
		$	26,897
Schedule of Net Investment Income	Net investment income for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and Predecessor Periods for the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 and years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Successor			Predecessor
	($ in thousands)	For the Period			For the Period				For the Year				For the Year
		from April 1, 2014			from January 1,				Ended				Ended
		through			2014				December 31,				December 31,
		December 31,			through March 31,				2013				2012
		2014			2014
	Fixed maturities	$	231,972		$	2,461			$	11,545			$	12,138
	Commercial mortgage loans		49,417			—				—				—
	Cash and short-term investments		4,786			16				23				20
	Other investment (loss) income		7,353			—				—				—
	Gross investment income		293,528			2,477				11,568				12,158
	Investment expenses		4,957			127				633				568
	Net investment income	$	288,571		$	2,350			$	10,935			$	11,590
Schedule of Realized Investment Gains and Losses	Realized investment gains and losses for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and Predecessor Periods for the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 and years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Successor			Predecessor
	($ in thousands)	For the Period			For the Period				For the Year				For the Year
		from April 1, 2014			from January 1,				Ended				Ended
		through			2014				December 31,				December 31,
		December 31,			through March 31,				2013				2012
		2014			2014
	Realized investment gains, net
	Fixed maturities	$	25,795		$	285			$	—			$	626
	Commercial mortgage loans		2,880			—				—				—
	Derivatives		17,417			—				—				—
	Other		—			—				—				—
	Net realized gains	$	46,092		$	285			$	—			$	626
Proceeds from Sale of Fixed Maturities and Gross Realized Investment Gains and Losses	Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and gross realized investment gains and losses for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and Predecessor Periods for the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 and years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Successor					Predecessor
	($ in thousands)	For the Period					For the				For the Year				For the Year
		from April 1, 2014					Period from				Ended				Ended
		through					January 1,				December 31,				December 31,
		December 31,					2014				2013				2012
		2014					through
							March 31,
							2014
	Fixed maturities, available-for-sale
	Proceeds from sales	$	1,429,177				$	5,277			$	9,170			$	25,367
	Gross investment gains from sales		30,403					317				3				645
	Gross investment losses from sales		(4,608	)				(32	)			(1	)			—
Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Fixed Income by Length of Time	The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed maturities by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	Successor	Less than 12 months							Greater than 12 months
	December 31, 2014	Fair Value			Gross				Fair				Gross				Fair Value			Gross
					Unrealized				Value				Unrealized							Unrealized
					Losses								Losses							Losses
	($ in thousands)
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies	$	71,766		$	(590	)		$	—			$	—			$	71,766		$	(590	)
	Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions		37,543			(437	)			—				—				37,543			(437	)
	All other corporate securities		1,683,185			(34,126	)			—				—				1,683,185			(34,126	)
	ABS		115,568			(2,408	)			—				—				115,568			(2,408	)
	CMBS		135,203			(1,065	)			—				—				135,203			(1,065	)
	RMBS		92,804			(1,023	)			—				—				92,804			(1,023	)
	Total fixed income securities	$	2,136,069		$	(39,649	)		$	—			$	—			$	2,136,069		$	(39,649	)
	Predecessor	Less than 12 months							Greater than 12 months
	December 31, 2013	Fair Value			Gross				Fair				Gross				Fair Value			Gross
					Unrealized				Value				Unrealized							Unrealized
					Losses								Losses							Losses
	($ in thousands)
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government agencies	$	4,942		$	(57	)		$	—			$	—			$	4,942		$	(57	)
	Corporate		75,754			(3,795	)			1,770				(198	)			77,524			(3,993	)
	Total fixed income securities	$	80,696		$	(3,852	)		$	1,770			$	(198	)		$	82,466		$	(4,050	)
Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses in AOCI	Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	($ in thousands)	Net Unrealized			VOBA				Future Policy				Deferred				Accumulated Other
		Gain (Losses) on							Benefits and				Income Tax				Comprehensive
		Investments							Policyholders’				(Liability)				Income (Loss)
									Account Balances				Asset				Related to Net
	Predecessor																Unrealized
																	Investment Gains
																	(Losses)
	Balance, December 31, 2011	$	20,855		$	—			$	—			$	(7,299	)		$	13,556
	Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period		977			—				—				(343	)			634
	Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income		596			—				—				(209	)			387
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	21,236		$	—			$	—			$	(7,433	)		$	13,803
	Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period		(15,281	)		—				—				5,349				(9,932	)
	Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income		1			—				—				—				1
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	5,954		$	—			$	—			$	(2,084	)		$	3,870
	Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period		2,364			—				—				(828	)			1,536
	Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income		285			—				—				(100	)			185
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	8,033		$	—			$	—			$	(2,812	)		$	5,221
	Successor
	Balance, April 1, 2014	$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
	Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period		159,261			—				—				(55,674	)			103,587
	Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income		—			—				—				—				—
	Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA		—			(20,287	)			—				7,100				(13,187	)
	Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances		—			—				(7,541	)			2,639				(4,902	)
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	159,261		$	(20,287	)		$	(7,541	)		$	(45,935	)		$	85,498

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Notional and Fair Value Positions of Derivative Instruments	The following table provides a summary of the notional and fair value positions of derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	($ in thousands)		Succesor
			December 31, 2014
					Gross Fair Value
	Primary Underlying		Notional		Assets			Liabilities
	Assets
	Equity options		$	624	$	68,776		$	(43,104	)
	Futures			10		329			—
	Liabilities
	Policyholders account balances
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts
	Equity-indexed annuity contracts(3)		$	1,734,264	$	—		$	(63,660	)
	Equity-indexed life contracts(3)			347,610		—			(18,720	)
	Guaranteed accumulation benefits(1)			120,714		—			(6,367	)
	Guaranteed withdrawal benefits(1)			17,102		—			(366	)
	($ in thousands)		Predecessor
			31-Dec-13
					Gross Fair Value
	Primary Underlying		Notional		Assets			Liabilities
	Liabilities
	Policyholders account balances
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts
	Equity-indexed and forward starting options in life and annuity product contracts(2)			2,591,090		—			(258,415	)
	Guaranteed accumulation benefits(2)			152,936		—			(8,970	)
	Guaranteed withdrawal benefits(2)			22,199		—			(474	)
	-1	As of April 1, 2014, these amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
	-2	Prior to April 1, 2014, these amounts were ceded to ALIC or in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
	-3	Amount represents account value of equity indexed contracts.
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income Net of Reinsurance for Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedging Instruments	The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income, net of reinsurance, for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014:
			Successor
	($ in thousands)		For the Period from April 1, 2014
			through December 31, 2014
			Realized		Policyholder
			Investment Gains		Benefits
			(Losses)
	Assets
	Equity Options		$	15,230	$	—
	Futures		$	2,187	$	—
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances
	Equity-indexed annuity contracts		$	—	$	(5,622	)
	Equity-indexed life contracts					90
	The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments for the Predecessor Periods from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013:
	($ in thousands)		Predecessor
			For the Period from January 1,					For the Year Ended					For the Year Ended
			2014 through March 31, 2014					December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
			Interest Credited(1)		Policyholder			Interest			Policyholder		Interest		Policyholder
					Benefits (1)			Credited(1)			Benefits (1)		Credited(1)		Benefits (1)
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	16,427	$	946		$	36,890		$	10,177	$	186,625	$	5,126
	-1	Prior to April 1, 2014, these amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014. There are no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014.
	($ in thousands)
	Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Assets at fair value
	Fixed maturities
	U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies		$	—		$	857,326		$	—		$	857,326
	Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions			—			255,209			—			255,209
	All Other Corporate Securities			—			7,370,409			7,336			7,377,745
	ABS			—			371,753			5,250			377,003
	CMBS			—			330,790			2,693			333,483
	RMBS			—			189,881			—			189,881
	Short term investments			191,979			145,676			23,713			361,368
	Other invested assets
	Equity Options			25,672			—			—			25,672
	Futures			329			—			—			329
	Separate accounts assets			1,573,865			—			—			1,573,865
	Total assets at fair value		$	1,791,845		$	9,521,044		$	38,992		$	11,351,881
	Liabilities at fair value
	Policyholders’ account balances
	Equity indexed annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(63,660	)	$	(63,660	)
	Equity indexed life contracts			—			(18,720	)		—			(18,720	)
	Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits			—			—			(6,367	)		(6,367	)
	Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits									(366	)		(366	)
	Separate accounts liabilities			(1,573,865	)		—			—			(1,573,865	)
	Total liabilites at fair value		$	(1,573,865	)	$	(18,720	)	$	(70,393	)	$	(1,662,978	)
Summary of Quantitative Information About the Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements	The following table summarizes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements.
	($ in thousands)		Fair			Valuation		Unobservable	Range		Weighted
			Value			Technique		Input			Average
	Equity indexed annuity contracts		$	(63,660	)	Option Pricing Technique		Projected option cost	1.40% - 1.93%		1.50%
Schedule of Rollforward of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis from the period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014:
	($ in thousands)		Balance			Net			OCI			Transfers			Transfers			Purchases		Sales			Issues		Settlements		Balance,
			as of			income						to Level 3			out of												December 31,
			April 1,			(loss)									Level 3												2014
			2014
	Assets
	Fixed income securities
	All other corporate securities		$	400,527		$	6,693		$	(7,841	)	$	—		$	(291,802	)	$	4,930	$	(97,228	)	$	—	$	—	$	15,279
	Short-term investments		$	24,095		$	29		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	(411	)	$	—	$	—	$	23,713
	Liabilities
	Equity indexed annuity contracts		$	(58,038	)	$	(5,622	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	(63,660	)
	Equity indexed life contracts		$	(15,691	)	$	(3,029	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	(18,720	)
	Guaranteed minimium accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits(1)		$	(8,499	)	$	1,766		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	(6,733	)
	-1	These amount are 100% ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
Schedule of Carrying Value of Financial Instruments Presented in Consolidated Balance Sheet	The following table 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 Balance Sheet; however, in some cases, as described below, the carrying amount equals or approximates fair value as of December 31, 2014.
	($ in thousands)
	Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Assets
	Commercial mortgage loans		$	—		$	—		$	1,150,510		$	1,150,510
	Policy loans			—			—			194,385			194,385
	Cash			49,730			—			—			49,730
	Vehicle note			—			—			551,600			551,600
	Total assets at fair value		$	49,730		$	—		$	1,896,495		$	1,946,225
	Liabilities at fair value
	Policyholders’ account balances — investment contracts		$	—		$	—		$	6,609,253		$	6,609,253
	Other long-term debt			—			—			551,600			551,600
			$	—		$	—		$	7,160,853		$	7,160,853
Predecessor
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013. There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2013.
	($ in thousands)		Quoted			Significant			Significant			Balance as of
			prices in			other			unobservable			December 31,
			active			observable			inputs			2013
			markets for			inputs			(Level 3)
			identical			(Level 2)
			assets
			(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. government and agencies		$	27,520		$	46,326		$	—		$	73,846
	Municipal			—			2,769			—			2,769
	Corporate			—			191,977			—			191,977
	Foreign government			—			5,164			—			5,164
	RMBS			—			14,450			—			14,450
	CMBS			—			2,676			—			2,676
	Total fixed maturities			27,520			263,362			—			290,882
	Short-term investments			20,764			35,195			—			55,959
	Separate account assets			1,700,566			—			—			1,700,566
	Total assets at fair value		$	1,748,850		$	298,557		$	—		$	2,047,407
	% of total assets at fair value			85.4	%		14.6	%		—	%		100	%
	Liabilities:
	Policyholders’ account balances: Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(267,859	)	$	(267,859	)
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	—		$	—		$	(267,859	)	$	(267,859	)
	% of total liabilities at fair value			—	%		—	%		100	%		100	%
Summary of Quantitative Information About the Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements	The following table summarizes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2013:
	($ in thousands)		Fair Value			Valuation		Unobservable	Range		Weighted
						Technique		Input			Average
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts — Equity-indexed and forward starting options		$	(258,415	)	Stochastic cash		Projected option	1.0 - 2.0%		1.91%
						flow model		cost
Schedule of Rollforward of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014.
	($ in thousands)					Total gains (losses)
						included in:
			Balance as			Net			OCI			Transfers			Transfers
			of December 31,			income(1)						into			out of
			2013									Level 3			Level 3
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances:
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	(267,859	)	$	18,525		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	(267,859	)	$	18,525		$	—		$	—		$	—
			Purchases			Sales			Issues			Settlements			Balance as
															of March 31,
															2014
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances:
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(3,764	)	$	2,612		$	(250,486	)
	Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	(3,764	)	$	2,612		$	(250,486	)
	(1)	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $17.6 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $946 thousand in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
	The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2013.
	($ in thousands)					Total gains (losses)
						included in:
			Balance as			Net			OCI			Transfers			Transfers
			of December 31,			income(1)						into			out of
			2012									Level 3			Level 3
	Assets
	Fixed maturities:
	Corporate		$	312		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Total recurring Level 3 assets		$	312		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances:
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	(314,926	)	$	43,244		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	(314,926	)	$	43,244		$	—		$	—		$	—
			Purchases			Sales			Issues			Settlements			Balance as
															of December 31,
															2013
	Assets
	Fixed maturities:
	Corporate		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(312	)	$	—
	Total recurring Level 3 assets		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(312	)	$	—
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances:
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(6,621	)	$	10,444		$	(267,859	)
	Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	(6,621	)	$	10,444		$	(267,859	)
	(1)	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $33.0 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $10.2 million in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
	The following table presents the rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2012.
	($ in thousands)					Total gains (losses)
						included in:
			Balance as			Net			OCI			Transfers			Transfers
			of December 31,			income(1)						into			out of
			2011									Level 3			Level 3
	Assets
	Fixed maturities:
	Corporate		$	598		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	RMBS			2,321			—			—			—			(2,321	)
	Total recurring Level 3 assets		$	2,919		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(2,321	)
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances:
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	(506,678	)	$	131,054		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	(506,678	)	$	131,054		$	—		$	—		$	—
			Purchases			Sales			Issues			Settlements			Balance as
															of December 31,
															2012
	Assets
	Fixed maturities:
Corporate		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(286	)	$	312
RMBS			—			—			—			—			—
Total recurring Level 3 assets		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(286	)	$	312
Liabilities
Policyholders’ account balances:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	—		$	—		$	(11,024	)	$	71,722		$	(314,926	)
Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	(11,024	)	$	71,722		$	(314,926	)
(1)	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $125.9 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $5.1 million in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
Schedule of Change in Unrealized Gains and Losses Included in Net Income for Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held	The following table provides the change in unrealized gains and losses included in net income for Level 3 assets and liabilities.
	($ in thousands)		Period from			As of			As of
			January 1,			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
			2014 through
			March 31,
			2014
	Liabilities
	Policyholders’ account balances:
	Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		$	18,525		$	43,244		$	131,054
	Total recurring Level 3 liabilities		$	18,525		$	43,244		$	131,054

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Premiums and Contract Charges	The effects of reinsurance on premiums earned and fee income from policyholders for the Successor Period for the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	($ in thousands)	For the Period from
		April 1, 2014
		Through December 31,
		2014
	Direct	$	921,444
	Assumed		5,258
	Ceded		(702,833	)
	Premiums and fee income, net of reinsurance	$	223,869
Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Interest Credited to Contractholder Funds, Contract Benefits and Expenses	The effects of reinsurance on return credited to policyholders’ account balances, policyholder benefits, and other expenses for the Successor Period for the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	($ in thousands)	For the Period from
		April 1, 2014
		Through December 31,
		2014
	Direct	$	1,104,420
	Assumed		4,713
	Ceded		(635,887	)
	Return credited to policyholders’ account balances and policyholder benefits, net of reinsurance	$	473,246
Predecessor
Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Premiums and Contract Charges	The effects of reinsurance on premiums and contract charges are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	Period from January 1, 2014			2013			2012
		through March 31, 2014
	Direct	$	331,899		$	1,331,597		$	1,298,864
	Assumed		1,581			6,830			6,784
	Ceded:
	Affiliate		(244,797	)		(962,576	)		(908,459	)
	Non-affiliate		(88,683	)		(375,851	)		(397,189	)
	Premiums and fee income, net of reinsurance	$	—		$	—		$	—
Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Interest Credited to Contractholder Funds, Contract Benefits and Expenses	The effects of reinsurance on return credited to policyholders’ account balances, policyholder benefits and other expenses are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	Period from January 1, 2014			2013			2012
		through March 31, 2014
	Direct	$	450,041		$	1,938,015		$	1,882,714
	Assumed		2,606			8,180			9,167
	Ceded:
	Affiliate		(336,122	)		(1,505,010	)		(1,369,305	)
	Non-affiliate		(116,525	)		(441,185	)		(522,576	)
	Return credited to policyholders, contract benefits and expenses, net of reinsurance	$	—		$	—		$	—

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	December 31, 2014
	Deferred tax assets
	Policyholder reserves	$	2,057,627
	Deferred acquisition costs		24,850
	Premiums receivable		8,197
	Net operating loss carryforward		7,500
	Other assets		38
	Total deferred tax assets	$	2,098,212
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Value of business acquired	$	(81,032	)
	Amounts recoverable from reinsurers		(2,010,157	)
	Investments		(45,935	)
	Intangibles		(1,820	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(2,138,944	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(40,732	)
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations for the Successor Period from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	($ in thousands)	For the Period from
		April 1, 2014
		Through December 31,
		2014
	Expected federal income tax expense	$	15,722
	Dividends received deduction		(1,470	)
	Other		(18	)
	Total income tax expense	$	14,234
Predecessor
Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	2013
	Deferred assets
	Reinsurance recoverables	$	497
	Other assets		4
	Total deferred assets		501
	Deferred liabilities
	Unrealized net capital gains		(2,084	)
	Accrued expenses		(981	)
	Other liabilities		—
	Total deferred liabilities		(3,065	)
	Net deferred liability	$	(2,564	)
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations is as follows:
		Period from January 1, 2014			2013			2012
		through March 31, 2014
	Statutory federal income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Other		—			—			—
	Effective income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
Components of Income Tax Expense	The components of income tax expense are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	Period from January 1, 2014			2013			2012
		through March 31, 2014
	Current	$	914		$	3,902		$	4,145
	Deferred		8			(77	)		128
	Total income tax expense	$	922		$	3,825		$	4,273

Future_Policy_Benefits_and_Oth1

Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities	Life insurance liabilities include reserves for death benefits and other policy benefits. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities consisted of the following:
		Successor				Predecessor
	($ in thousands)	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Traditional life insurance	$	1,492,438			$	1,548,134
	Immediate fixed annuities		635,858				676,565
	Accident and health insurance		1,462,110				1,324,268
	Equity indexed annuities		1,895,889				—
	Other		977,669				8,444
	Total	$	6,463,964			$	3,557,411
Schedule of Key Assumptions Used In Calculation Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits	The following table highlights the key assumptions generally used in calculating the reserve for life-contingent contract benefits as of December 31, 2013:
	Product	Mortality		Interest rate	Estimation method
	Traditional life insurance	Actual company experience plus loading		Interest rate assumptions range from 2.5% to 8.0%	Net level premium reserve method using the Company’s withdrawal experience rates; includes reserves for unpaid claims
	Immediate	1983 individual annuity mortality table with internal modifications; 1983 individual annuity mortality table; Annuity 2000 mortality table with internal modifications		Interest rate assumptions range from 0% to 8.8%	Present value of expected future benefits based on historical experience
	fixed annuities
	Accident and health insurance	Actual company experience plus loading		Interest rate assumptions range from 4.0% to 5.3%	Unearned premium; additional contract reserves for mortality risk and unpaid claims
	Other:	Annuity 2000 mortality table with internal modifications		Interest rate assumptions range from 4.0% to 5.8%	Projected benefit ratio applied to cumulative assessments
	Variable annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits

Policyholder_Account_Balances_

Policyholder Account Balances (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Policyholder Account Balances	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, policyholders’ account balances consisted of the following:
		Successor			Predecessor
	($ in thousands)	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Interest-sensitive life contracts	$	5,008,094		$	5,020,265
	Individual annuities		4,806,270			7,803,892
	Other		14,973			299,958
	Total policyholders’ account balances	$	9,829,337		$	13,124,115
Schedule of Contract Provisions Related to Policyholders' Account Balances	The following table highlights the key contract provisions relating to policyholders’ account balances:
	Product	Interest rate		Withdrawal/surrender charges
	Interest-sensitive life insurance	Interest rates credited range from 0% to 10.0% for equity-indexed life (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500) and 2.6% to 6.0% for all other products		Either a percentage of account balance or dollar amount grading off generally over 20 years
	Fixed annuities	Interest rates credited range from 0% to 8.8% for immediate annuities; 0% to 7.0% for equity-indexed annuities (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500); and 1.0% to 6.0% for all other products		Either a declining or a level percentage charge generally over ten years or less. Additionally, approximately 18.7% of fixed annuities are subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals.
	Other investment contracts:	Interest rates used in establishing reserves range from 1.7% to 10.3%		Withdrawal and surrender charges are based on the terms of the related interest-sensitive life insurance or fixed annuity contract
	Guaranteed minimum income, accumulation and withdrawal benefits on variable and fixed annuities and secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life and fixed annuities

Certain_Nontraditional_LongDur1

Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Variable Annuity Contracts	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had the following guarantees associated with these contracts, by product and guarantee type:
		Successor
		December 31, 2014
	($ in millions)	In the Event of		At		For Cumulative		Accumulation
		Death		Annuitization/		Periodic Withdrawals		at Specified
				Accumulation(1)				Dates
	Variable Annuity Contracts
	Separate Account value	$	742.7	$	151.9	$	16.6	$	118.4
	Net amount at risk	$	57.2	$	15.2	$	0.1	$	6.2
	Average attained age of contractholders		60 years		N/A		N/A		N/A
	Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date		N/A		None		N/A		6 years
	Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts
	No Lapse Guarantees:
	Separate Account value	$	325.1
	General account value	$	31518.3
	Net amount at risk	$	89,942.8
	Average attained age of contractholders		51 years
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had the following guarantees associated with these contracts, by product and guarantee type:
		Predecessor
		December 31, 2013
	($ in millions)	In the Event of		At		For Cumulative		Accumulation
		Death		Annuitization/		Periodic Withdrawals		at Specified
				Accumulation(1)				Dates
	Variable Annuity Contracts
	Separate Account value	$	877	$	170.5	$	21.8	$	151.1
	Net amount at risk	$	63.2	$	16.6	$	0.1	$	7.3
	Average attained age of contractholders		59 years		N/A		N/A		N/A
	Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date		N/A		None		N/A		6 years
Liabilities for Guarantee Benefits	In the Predecessor Period, secondary guarantees on interest-sensitive life and fixed annuities are included in policyholders’ account balances. Guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”), guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWB”) and guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMAB”) features are accounted for as bifurcated embedded derivatives and are recorded at fair value within Policyholders’ account balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (Successor).
		GMDB		GMIB		GMWB/		Secondary
						GMAB		Guarantees
	($ in thousands)	Variable		Variable		Variable		Interest-			Total
		Annuity		Annuity		Annuity		Sensitive
								Life and
								Fixed
								Annuities
	Predecessor
	Balance as of December 21, 2012	$	9,390	$	19,484	$	19,621	$	200,688		$	249,183
	Less: reinsurance recoverable		9,390		19,484		19,621		200,688			249,183
	Net balance as of December 31, 2012		—		—		—		—			—
	Incurred guarantee benefits		—		—		—		—			—
	Paid guarantee benefits		—		—		—		—			—
	Net change		—		—		—		—			—
	Net balance as of December 31, 2013		—		—		—		—			—
	Plus reinsurance recoverable		8,444		8,743		9,444		281,771			308,402
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	8,444	$	8,743	$	9,444	$	281,771		$	308,402
	Less: reinsurance recoverable		8,444		8,743		9,444		281,771			308,402
	Net balance as of December 31, 2013		—		—		—		—			—
	Incurred guarantee benefits		—		—		—		—			—
	Paid guarantee benefits		—		—		—		—			—
	Net change		—		—		—		—			—
	Net balance as of March 31, 2014		—		—		—		—			—
	Plus reinsurance recoverable		8,057		7,122		8,499		293,704			317,382
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	8,057	$	7,122	$	8,499	$	293,704		$	317,382
	Successor
	Balance as of April 1, 2014	$	8,057	$	7,122	$	8,499	$	552,163		$	575,841
	Less: reinsurance recoverable		8,057		7,122		8,499		67,288			90,966
	Net balance as of April 1, 2014		—		—		—		484,875			484,875
	Incurred guarantee benefits		—		—		—		159,104			159,104
	Paid guarantee benefits		—		—		—		(108,252	)		(108,252	)
	Net change		—		—		—		50,852			50,852
	Net balance as of December 31, 2014		—		—		—		535,727			535,727
	Plus reinsurance recoverable		8,358		8,240		6,733		83,733			107,064
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	8,358	$	8,240	$	6,733	$	619,460		$	642,791

Value_of_Business_Acquired_Tab

Value of Business Acquired (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes to Value of Business Acquired	The following reflects the changes to the VOBA asset:
	($ in thousands)		For the Period from
			April 1, 2014
			Through December 31,
			2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	290,795
	Business acquired			—
	Amortized to expense during the year(1)			(38,987	)
	Adjustment for unrealized investment gains during the year			(20,287	)
	Balance at end of year		$	231,521
	-1	Amount is included in Other Expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Estimated Percentage of VOBA Balance to Be Amortized	The following table provides estimated percentage of the VOBA balance to be amortized for the years indicated:
			VOBA
			Amortization
	2015			14	%
	2016			13	%
	2017			11	%
	2018			9	%
	2019 and thereafter			53	%

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum Aggregate Rental Commitments	The minimum aggregate rental commitments as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2015	$	97
	2016		194
	2017		207
	2018		212
	2019		217
	All future years		1,712
	Aggregate total	$	2,639

Related_Parties_Tables

Related Parties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables/ (Payables) to Affiliates	The Company reported the following receivables/ (payables) to affiliates as of December 31, 2014:
	Resolution	$	(4,509,447	)
	Lanis	$	(1,563,783	)
Predecessor
Schedule of Ceded Reinsurance Agreements Reported in Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income	The following table summarizes amounts that were ceded to ALIC under reinsurance agreements and reported net in the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
	($ in thousands)	Period from January 1, 2014			2013		2012
		through March 31, 2014
	Premiums and contract charges	$	244,797		$	962,576	$	908,459
	Interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses		336,122			1,505,010		1,369,305

General_Additional_Information

General - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2014	Jul. 17, 2013
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Line Items]
Initial purchase price, subject to closing adjustments	$595,800,000
Ownership interest acquired		100.00%
Increase in assets	1,330,000,000
Increase in liabilities	$190,000,000

Fair_Value_of_Assets_Acquired_

Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Fixed maturities	$9,194,903
Commercial mortgage loans	1,263,902
Policy loans	196,451
Short-term investments	979,728
Other invested assets	1,104
Cash	40,529
Accrued investment income	103,246
Reinsurance recoverable	5,606,879
Value of business acquired	290,795
Deposit receivable	1,550,351
Intangibles	5,200
Other assets	554,176
Separate account assets	1,661,007
Total assets acquired	21,448,271
Liabilities
Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities	6,682,833
Policyholders' account balances	10,367,246
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	78,026
Modified coinsurance payable	1,550,351
Other long-term debt - affiliate	513,000
Separate account liabilities	1,661,007
Total liabilities assumed	20,852,463
Net assets acquired	$595,808

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase in surplus note	$38,600,000
Increase in vehicle note	38,600,000
Interest rate on surplus note		4.00%
Interest expense on surplus note	15,711,000
Lancaster
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Surplus note re issued		513,000,000
Other Assets | Lancaster
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vehicle Note acquired		513,000,000

Schedule_for_Fixed_Income_Secu

Schedule for Fixed Income Securities at Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses and Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$9,231,856
Gross Unrealized Gains	198,440
Gross Unrealized Losses	-39,649
Fair Value	9,390,647
U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	810,057
Gross Unrealized Gains	47,859
Gross Unrealized Losses	-590
Fair Value	857,326
Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	250,008
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,638
Gross Unrealized Losses	-437
Fair Value	255,209
All other corporate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	7,279,391
Gross Unrealized Gains	132,480
Gross Unrealized Losses	-34,126
Fair Value	7,377,745
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	373,304
Gross Unrealized Gains	6,107
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,408
Fair Value	377,003
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	331,041
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,507
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,065
Fair Value	333,483
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	188,055
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,849
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,023
Fair Value	189,881
Predecessor
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		284,928
Gross Unrealized Gains		10,004
Gross Unrealized Losses		-4,050
Fair Value		290,882
Predecessor | All other corporate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		190,186
Gross Unrealized Gains		5,784
Gross Unrealized Losses		-3,993
Fair Value		191,977
Predecessor | Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		2,588
Gross Unrealized Gains		88
Fair Value		2,676
Predecessor | Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		13,866
Gross Unrealized Gains		584
Fair Value		14,450
Predecessor | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		70,790
Gross Unrealized Gains		3,113
Gross Unrealized Losses		-57
Fair Value		73,846
Predecessor | Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		2,499
Gross Unrealized Gains		270
Fair Value		2,769
Predecessor | Foreign government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		4,999
Gross Unrealized Gains		165
Fair Value		$5,164

Schedule_for_Fixed_Income_Secu1

Schedule for Fixed Income Securities Based on Contractual Maturities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized cost
Due in one year or less	$425,248
Due after one year through five years	1,775,910
Due after five years through ten years	4,001,723
Due after ten years	2,136,575
Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities	8,339,456
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	892,400
Amortized Cost	9,231,856
Fair value
Due in one year or less	425,238
Due after one year through five years	1,779,194
Due after five years through ten years	4,060,017
Due after ten years	2,225,831
Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities	8,490,280
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	900,367
Total fixed maturities	$9,390,647

Schedule_of_Commercial_Mortgag

Schedule of Commercial Mortgage Loan Portfolio by Geographical Region (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$1,115,167
General allowance for loan loss	0
Total commercial mortgage loans	1,115,167
ALABAMA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,720
ARIZONA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	35,481
CALIFORNIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	255,563
COLORADO
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	22,381
FLORIDA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	20,779
GEORGIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	27,502
HAWAII
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	8,125
ILLINOIS
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	53,174
IOWA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,490
KENTUCKY
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	8,260
MAINE
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	4,114
MARYLAND
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	35,536
MASSACHUSETTS
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	92,963
MINNESOTA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	52,496
MISSOURI
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	9,324
NEVADA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	14,705
NEW JERSEY
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	84,007
NEW YORK
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	72,625
NORTH CAROLINA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	31,111
OHIO
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	38,400
OKLAHOMA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	10,835
PENNSYLVANIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	37,688
SOUTH CAROLINA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	3,130
TENNESSEE
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	5,719
TEXAS
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	103,778
UTAH
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	45,914
VIRGINIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	18,572
Washington
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	13,138
WISCONSIN
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$6,637

Schedule_of_Credit_Quality_of_

Schedule of Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-For-Investment (Detail) (Commercial Mortgage Loans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$1,138,880
Estimated Fair Value	1,174,305
Recorded Investment, % of Total	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value, % of Total	100.00%
Debt Service Coverage Ratio >1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	947,183
Debt Service Coverage Ratio 1.00x - 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	162,237
Debt Service Coverage Ratio Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	29,460
Loan To Value Ratio Less Than 65%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	1,111,752
Estimated Fair Value	1,146,030
Recorded Investment, % of Total	98.00%
Estimated Fair Value, % of Total	98.00%
Loan To Value Ratio Less Than 65% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio >1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	930,592
Loan To Value Ratio Less Than 65% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio 1.00x - 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	151,700
Loan To Value Ratio Less Than 65% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	29,460
Loan To Value Ratio 65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	27,128
Estimated Fair Value	28,275
Recorded Investment, % of Total	2.00%
Estimated Fair Value, % of Total	2.00%
Loan To Value Ratio 65% to 75% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio >1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	16,591
Loan To Value Ratio 65% to 75% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio 1.00x - 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$10,537

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loan	$1,138,880,000
Other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income	0
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Allowance for credit losses	0
Impaired loans	0
Commitments to fund borrowers troubled debt restructuring	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	0
Predecessor | Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses		0	2,000	19,000
Other-than-temporary impairment losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income			$0

Other_Invested_Assets_Detail

Other Invested Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	$26,897
Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	896
Derivative
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	$26,001

Schedule_of_Net_Investment_Inc

Schedule of Net Investment Income (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	$293,528
Investment expenses	4,957
Net investment income	288,571
Fixed income securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	231,972
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	49,417
Cash And Short Term Investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	4,786
Other investment (loss) income
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	7,353
Predecessor
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense		2,477	11,568	12,158
Investment expenses		127	633	568
Net investment income		2,350	10,935	11,590
Predecessor | Fixed income securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense		2,461	11,545	12,138
Predecessor | Cash And Short Term Investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense		$16	$23	$20

Schedule_of_Realized_Investmen

Schedule of Realized Investment Gains and Losses (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains	$46,092
Fixed income securities
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains	25,795
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains	2,880
Derivative
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains	17,417
Predecessor
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains		285	626
Predecessor | Fixed income securities
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains		$285	$626

Proceeds_from_Sale_of_Fixed_Ma

Proceeds from Sale of Fixed Maturities and Gross Realized Investment Gains and Losses (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale Proceeds from sales	$1,429,177
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, Gross investment gains from sales	30,403
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, Gross investment losses from sales	-4,608
Predecessor
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale Proceeds from sales		5,277	9,170	25,367
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, Gross investment gains from sales		317	3	645
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, Gross investment losses from sales		($32)	($1)

Summary_of_Gross_Unrealized_Lo

Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Fixed Maturities by Length of Time (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	$2,136,069
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	-39,649
Fair Value	2,136,069
Gross Unrealized Losses	-39,649
Predecessor
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months		80,696
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months		-3,852
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months		1,770
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months		-198
Fair Value		82,466
Gross Unrealized Losses		-4,050
U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	71,766
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	-590
Fair Value	71,766
Gross Unrealized Losses	-590
Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	37,543
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	-437
Fair Value	37,543
Gross Unrealized Losses	-437
All other corporate securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	1,683,185
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	-34,126
Fair Value	1,683,185
Gross Unrealized Losses	-34,126
All other corporate securities | Predecessor
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months		75,754
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months		-3,795
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months		1,770
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months		-198
Fair Value		77,524
Gross Unrealized Losses		-3,993
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	115,568
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	-2,408
Fair Value	115,568
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,408
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	135,203
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	-1,065
Fair Value	135,203
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,065
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	92,804
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	-1,023
Fair Value	92,804
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,023
United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities | Predecessor
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months		4,942
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months		-57
Fair Value		4,942
Gross Unrealized Losses		($57)

Net_Unrealized_Investment_Gain

Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses in Accumulated other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Unrealized Gains Losses on Investment Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period	$159,261
Balance	159,261
Value of Business Acquired
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA	-20,287
Balance	-20,287
Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances	-7,541
Balance	-7,541
Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Asset
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period	-55,674
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA	7,100
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances	2,639
Balance	-45,935
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period	103,587
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA	-13,187
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances	-4,902
Balance	85,498
Predecessor | Net Unrealized Gains Losses on Investment Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Balance		5,954	21,236	20,855
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period		2,364	-15,281	977
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income		285	1	596
Balance		8,033	5,954	21,236
Predecessor | Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Asset
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Balance		-2,084	-7,433	-7,299
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period		-828	5,349	-343
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income		-100		-209
Balance		-2,812	-2,084	-7,433
Predecessor | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Balance		3,870	13,803	13,556
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period		1,536	-9,932	634
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income		185	1	387
Balance		$5,221	$3,870	$13,803

Summary_of_Volume_and_Fair_Val

Summary of Volume and Fair Value Position of Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Contractholder funds | Equity-indexed annuity contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional	$1,734,264	[1]
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	-63,660	[1]
Contractholder funds | Equity-indexed life contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional	347,610	[1]
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	-18,720	[1]
Contractholder funds | Guaranteed accumulation benefits
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional	120,714	[2]
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	-6,367	[2]
Contractholder funds | Guaranteed withdrawal benefits
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional	17,102	[2]
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	-366	[2]
Equity Options
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional	624
Gross Fair Value, Assets	68,776
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	-43,104
Future
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional	10
Gross Fair Value, Assets	329
Predecessor | Contractholder funds | Guaranteed accumulation benefits
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional	152,936	[3]
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	-8,970	[3]
Predecessor | Contractholder funds | Guaranteed withdrawal benefits
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional	22,199	[3]
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	-474	[3]
Predecessor | Contractholder funds | Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts - Equity-indexed and forward starting options
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional	2,591,090	[3]
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	($258,415)	[3]
[1]	Amount represents account value of equity indexed contracts
[2]	As of April 1, 2014, these amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements
[3]	Prior to April 1, 2014, these amounts were ceded to ALIC or in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative cash and securities collateral held	$6.40

Amount_and_Location_of_Gains_L

Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income for Derivatives Not Designated or Qualifying as Hedging Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Policyholders' Benefits	$216,543
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments | Equity Options
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	15,230
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments | Future
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	2,187
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments | Equity-indexed annuity contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Policyholders' Benefits	-5,622
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments | Equity-indexed life contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Policyholders' Benefits	90
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments | Predecessor | Life and Annuity Insurance Product Line
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest Credited		16,427	[1]	36,890	[1]	186,625	[1]
Policyholders' Benefits		$946	[1]	$10,177	[1]	$5,126	[1]
[1]	Prior to April 1, 2014, these amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.

Summary_of_Assets_and_Liabilit

Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities at fair value
Separate accounts assets	($1,573,865)
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments	361,369
Other invested assets	26,897
Separate account assets	1,573,865
Fixed income securities	9,390,647
Total assets at fair value	11,351,881
Contractholder funds:
Total liabilities at fair value	-1,662,978
Predecessor
Liabilities at fair value
Separate accounts assets		-1,700,566
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments		55,959
Separate account assets		1,700,566
Fixed income securities		290,882
Total assets at fair value		2,047,407
% of total assets at fair value		100.00%
Contractholder funds:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		-267,859
Total liabilities at fair value		-267,859
% of total liabilities at fair value		100.00%
United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		73,846
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	377,003
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	333,483
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		2,676
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	189,881
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		14,450
Equity indexed annuity contracts
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	-63,660
Equity indexed life contracts
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	-18,720
Guaranteed accumulation benefits
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	-6,367
Guaranteed withdrawal benefits
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	-366
Municipal | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		2,769
All other corporate securities
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	7,377,745
All other corporate securities | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		191,977
Foreign government | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		5,164
Recurring basis
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments	361,368
Separate account assets	1,573,865
Recurring basis | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments		55,959
Separate account assets		1,700,566
Fixed income securities		290,882
Recurring basis | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	857,326
Recurring basis | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		73,846
Recurring basis | States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	255,209
Recurring basis | All other corporate bonds
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	7,377,745
Recurring basis | Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	377,003
Recurring basis | Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	333,483
Recurring basis | Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		2,676
Recurring basis | Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	189,881
Recurring basis | Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		14,450
Recurring basis | Equity Options
Assets at fair value
Other invested assets	25,672
Recurring basis | Future
Assets at fair value
Other invested assets	329
Recurring basis | Municipal | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		2,769
Recurring basis | All other corporate securities | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		191,977
Recurring basis | Foreign government | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		5,164
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Liabilities at fair value
Separate accounts assets	-1,573,865
Assets at fair value
Total assets at fair value	1,791,845
Contractholder funds:
Total liabilities at fair value	-1,573,865
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Total assets at fair value		1,748,850
% of total assets at fair value		85.40%
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Recurring basis
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments	191,979
Separate account assets	1,573,865
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Recurring basis | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments		20,764
Separate account assets		1,700,566
Fixed income securities		27,520
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Recurring basis | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		27,520
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Recurring basis | Equity Options
Assets at fair value
Other invested assets	25,672
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Recurring basis | Future
Assets at fair value
Other invested assets	329
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets at fair value
Total assets at fair value	9,521,044
Contractholder funds:
Total liabilities at fair value	-18,720
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Total assets at fair value		298,557
% of total assets at fair value		14.60%
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Equity indexed life contracts
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	-18,720
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments	145,676
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments		35,195
Fixed income securities		263,362
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	857,326
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		46,326
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	255,209
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | All other corporate bonds
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	7,370,409
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	371,753
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	330,790
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		2,676
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	189,881
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS") | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		14,450
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Municipal | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		2,769
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | All other corporate securities | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		191,977
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Foreign government | Predecessor
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities		5,164
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets at fair value
Total assets at fair value	38,992
Contractholder funds:
Total liabilities at fair value	-70,393
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Predecessor
Contractholder funds:
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts		-267,859
Total liabilities at fair value		-267,859
% of total liabilities at fair value		100.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Equity indexed annuity contracts
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	-63,660
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Guaranteed accumulation benefits
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	-6,367
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Guaranteed withdrawal benefits
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	-366
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring basis
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments	23,713
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring basis | All other corporate bonds
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	7,336
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring basis | Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	5,250
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring basis | Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed income securities	$2,693

Summary_of_Quantitative_Inform

Summary of Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Level Three Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	-1,662,978
Equity indexed annuity contracts | Option Pricing Model Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	-63,660
Minimum | Equity indexed annuity contracts | Option Pricing Model Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Projected option cost (as a percent)	1.40%
Maximum | Equity indexed annuity contracts | Option Pricing Model Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Projected option cost (as a percent)	1.93%
Weighted average | Equity indexed annuity contracts | Option Pricing Model Approach Valuation Technique [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Projected option cost (as a percent)	1.50%
Predecessor
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, liability		-267,859
Predecessor | Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts - Equity-indexed and forward starting options | Stochastic cash flow model
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair value, liability		-258,415
Predecessor | Minimum | Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts - Equity-indexed and forward starting options | Stochastic cash flow model
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Projected option cost (as a percent)		1.00%
Predecessor | Maximum | Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts - Equity-indexed and forward starting options | Stochastic cash flow model
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Projected option cost (as a percent)		2.00%
Predecessor | Weighted average | Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts - Equity-indexed and forward starting options | Stochastic cash flow model
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Projected option cost (as a percent)		1.91%

Fair_Value_Additional_Informat

Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (Predecessor, USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value reinsurement rate				100.00%
Gains (losses) for Level 3 assets still held at the balance sheet date, included in interest credited to contract holder funds	$17,600,000	$33,000,000	$125,900,000
Gains (losses) for Level 3 liabilities still held at the balance sheet date, included in life and annuity contract benefits	946,000	10,200,000	5,100,000
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value measurement of investment				15,000,000
Carrying value
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Contractholder funds on investment contracts		7,760,000,000
Fair value
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Contractholder funds on investment contracts		$7,660,000,000

Schedule_of_Rollforward_of_Lev

Schedule of Rollforward of Level Three Assets and Liabilities Held at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 assets, Balance at beginning of period	$312		$312	$2,919
Level 3 assets, Transfers into Level 3			0	0
Level 3 assets, Transfers out of Level 3				-2,321
Level 3 assets, Issues	0			0
Level 3 assets, Settlements	-312			-286
Level 3 assets, Balance at end of period				312
Equity indexed annuity contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period						-58,038
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income						-5,622
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in OCI						0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers into Level 3						0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3						0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases						0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales						0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValueEndingBalance						-63,660
Equity indexed life contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period						-15,691
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income						-3,029
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in OCI						0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers into Level 3						0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3						0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases						0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales						0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValueEndingBalance						-18,720
GMWB/GMAB
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period						-8,499	[1]
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income						-1,766	[1]
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in OCI						0	[1]
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers into Level 3						0	[1]
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3						0	[1]
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases						0	[1]
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales						0	[1]
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValueEndingBalance						-6,733	[1]
All other corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 assets, Balance at beginning of period	312		312	598		400,527
Level 3 assets, Total gains (losses) included in net income						6,693
Level 3 assets, Total gains (losses) included in OCI						-7,841
Level 3 assets, Transfers into Level 3			0	0		0
Level 3 assets, Transfers out of Level 3						-291,802
Level 3 assets, Purchases						4,930
Level 3 assets, Sales						-97,228
Level 3 assets, Issues	0			0		0
Level 3 assets, Settlements	-312			-286
Level 3 assets, Balance at end of period				312		15,279
Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 assets, Balance at beginning of period						24,095
Level 3 assets, Total gains (losses) included in net income						29
Level 3 assets, Transfers into Level 3						0
Level 3 assets, Sales						-411
Level 3 assets, Issues						0
Level 3 assets, Balance at end of period						23,713
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 assets, Balance at beginning of period				2,321
Level 3 assets, Transfers into Level 3				0
Level 3 assets, Transfers out of Level 3				-2,321
Level 3 assets, Issues				0
Predecessor
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period	-314,926			-506,678				-267,859
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income	43,244	[2]		131,054	[3]			18,525	[4]
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in OCI	0			0				0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers into Level 3	0			0				0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3	0			0				0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases	0			0				0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales	0			0				0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues	-6,621			-11,024				-3,764
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements	10,444			71,722				2,612
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValueEndingBalance	-267,859			-314,926				-250,486
Predecessor | Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period	-314,926			-506,678				-267,859
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income	43,244	[2]		131,054	[3]			18,525	[4]
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in OCI	0			0				0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers into Level 3	0			0				0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3	0			0				0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases	0			0				0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySales	0			0				0
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues	-6,621			-11,024				-3,764
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements	10,444			71,722				2,612
FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValueEndingBalance	($267,859)			($314,926)				($250,486)
[1]	These amount are 100% ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.
[2]	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $33.0 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $10.2 million in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.
[3]	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $125.9 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $5.1 million in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.
[4]	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $17.6 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $946 thousand in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.

Assets_and_Liabilities_Measure

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$1,946,225
Liabilities	7,160,853
Investment Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	6,609,253
Other Long Term Debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	551,600
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,150,510
Policy Loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	194,385
Cash [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	49,730
Vehicle Note
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	551,600
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	49,730
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Cash [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	49,730
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,896,495
Liabilities	7,160,853
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Investment Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	6,609,253
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Other Long Term Debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	551,600
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Commercial Mortgage Loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,150,510
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Policy Loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	194,385
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Vehicle Note
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$551,600

Schedule_of_Rollforward_of_Lev1

Schedule of Rollforward of Level Three Assets and Liabilities Held at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Predecessor, USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Predecessor
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Effect to net income included in interest credited to contract holder funds	$17,600,000	$33,000,000	$125,900,000
Effect to net income included in contract benefits	$946,000	$10,200,000	$5,100,000

Schedule_of_Change_in_Unrealiz

Schedule of Change in Unrealized Gains and Losses Included in Net Income for Level Three Assets and Liabilities Held (Detail) (Predecessor, USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gains (losses) for Level 3 liabilities still held at the balance sheet date, included in earnings	$18,525	[1]	$43,244	[2]	$131,054	[3]
Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gains (losses) for Level 3 liabilities still held at the balance sheet date, included in earnings	$18,525		$43,244		$131,054
[1]	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $17.6 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $946 thousand in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.
[2]	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $33.0 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $10.2 million in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.
[3]	The amount attributable to derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts was reported as follows: $125.9 million in interest credited to contractholder funds and $5.1 million in contract benefits. These amounts were ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.

Reinsurance_Additional_Informa

Reinsurance - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Deposit receivable	$1,383,388
Modified coinsurance payable	$1,383,388
Allstate Life Insurance Company
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable	65.00%
Non-affiliates | Rated A- or better
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable	99.80%
Predecessor | Allstate Life Insurance Company
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable		86.90%
Predecessor | Non-affiliates
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable		13.10%
Predecessor | Non-affiliates | Rated A- or better
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable		95.00%

Schedule_of_Effects_of_Reinsur

Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Premiums and Contract Charges (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct premiums and contract charges	$921,444
Assumed premiums and contract charges	5,258
Ceded premiums and contract charges	-702,833
Premiums and fee income, net of reinsurance	223,869
Predecessor
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct premiums and contract charges		331,899	1,331,597	1,298,864
Assumed premiums and contract charges		1,581	6,830	6,784
Predecessor | Affiliates
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Ceded premiums and contract charges		-244,797	-962,576	-908,459
Predecessor | Non-affiliates
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Ceded premiums and contract charges		($88,683)	($375,851)	($397,189)

Schedule_of_Effects_of_Reinsur1

Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Interest Credited to Contractholder Funds, Contract Benefits and Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses	$1,104,420
Assumed interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses	4,713
Ceded interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses	-635,887
Return credited to policyholders' account balances and policyholder benefits, net of reinsurance	473,246
Predecessor
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses		450,041	1,938,015	1,882,714
Assumed interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses		2,606	8,180	9,167
Predecessor | Affiliates
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Ceded interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses		-336,122	-1,505,010	-1,369,305
Predecessor | Non-affiliates
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Ceded interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses		($116,525)	($441,185)	($522,576)

Components_of_Deferred_Income_

Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets
Policyholder reserves	$2,057,627
Deferred acquisition costs	24,850
Premiums receivable	8,197
Net operating loss carryforward	7,500
Other assets	38
Total deferred tax assets	2,098,212
Deferred tax liabilities
Value of business acquired	-81,032
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers	-2,010,157
Investments	-45,935
Intangibles	-1,820
Total deferred tax liabilities	-2,138,944
Net deferred tax liability	-40,732
Predecessor
Deferred tax assets
Reinsurance recoverables		497
Other assets		4
Total deferred tax assets		501
Deferred tax liabilities
Unrealized net capital gains		-2,084
Accrued expenses		-981
Other liabilities		0
Total deferred tax liabilities		-3,065
Net deferred tax liability		($2,564)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	$21,500,000	$21,500,000
Net operating loss carryforward, expiration year		Will expire in the year 2029, if unused.
Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%
Predecessor
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal statutory tax rate			35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits				0
Income taxes paid			$0	$4,200,000	$4,800,000

Reconciliation_of_Statutory_Fe

Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Expected federal income tax expense	$15,722
Dividends received deduction	-1,470
Other	-18
Total income tax expense	14,234
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%
Predecessor
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total income tax expense		$922	$3,825	$4,273
Statutory federal income tax rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Other		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective income tax rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%

Components_of_Income_Tax_Expen

Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components Of Income Tax Expense Benefit [Line Items]
Deferred	$14,234
Total income tax expense	14,234
Predecessor
Components Of Income Tax Expense Benefit [Line Items]
Current		914	3,902	4,145
Deferred		8	-77	128
Total income tax expense		$922	$3,825	$4,273

Schedule_of_Future_Policy_Bene

Schedule of Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	$6,463,964
Traditional life insurance
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	1,492,438
Immediate fixed annuities
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	635,858
Accident And Health Insurance
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	1,462,110
Equity indexed annuity contracts
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	1,895,889
Other Life Contingent Products
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	977,669
Predecessor
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits		3,557,411
Predecessor | Traditional life insurance
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits		1,548,134
Predecessor | Immediate fixed annuities
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits		676,565
Predecessor | Accident And Health Insurance
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits		1,324,268
Predecessor | Other Life Contingent Products
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits		$8,444

Future_Policy_Benefits_and_Oth2

Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum
Interest rate determination of present values, percentage	2.50%
Maximum
Interest rate determination of present values, percentage	6.00%

Schedule_of_Key_Assumptions_Us

Schedule of Key Assumptions Used In Calculation Reserve for Life-Contingent Contract Benefits (Detail) (Predecessor)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Traditional life insurance
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Mortality	Actual company experience plus loading
Interest rate description	Interest rate assumptions range from 2.5% to 8.0%
Interest rate, low end	2.50%
Interest rate, high end	8.00%
Estimation method	Net level premium reserve method using the Company's withdrawal experience rates; includes reserves for unpaid claims
Immediate fixed annuities
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Mortality	1983 individual annuity mortality table with internal modifications; 1983 individual annuity mortality table; Annuity 2000 mortality table with internal modifications
Estimation method	Present value of expected future benefits based on historical experience
Interest rate description	Interest rate assumptions range from 0% to 8.8%
Interest rate, low end	0.00%
Interest rate, high end	8.80%
Accident And Health Insurance
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Mortality	Actual company experience plus loading
Estimation method	Unearned premium; additional contract reserves for mortality risk and unpaid claims
Interest rate description	Interest rate assumptions range from 4.0% to 5.3%
Interest rate, low end	4.00%
Interest rate, high end	5.30%
GMDB
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Mortality	Annuity 2000 mortality table with internal modifications
Estimation method	Projected benefit ratio applied to cumulative assessments
Interest rate description	Interest rate assumptions range from 4.0% to 5.8%
Interest rate, low end	4.00%
Interest rate, high end	5.80%

Policyholder_Account_Balances_1

Policyholder Account Balances (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances	$9,829,337
Predecessor
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances		13,124,115
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances	5,008,094
Interest-sensitive life insurance | Predecessor
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances		5,020,265
Equity indexed annuity contracts
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances	4,806,270
Equity indexed annuity contracts | Predecessor
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances		7,803,892
Other investment contracts
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances	14,973
Other investment contracts | Predecessor
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances		$299,958

Policyholder_Account_Balances_2

Policyholder Account Balances - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum
Interest crediting rates range for sensitive contracts	0.40%
Interest crediting rates for individual annuities	0.00%
Maximum
Interest crediting rates range for sensitive contracts	6.00%
Interest crediting rates for individual annuities	6.00%

Schedule_of_Contract_Provision

Schedule of Contract Provisions Related to Policyholders' Account Balances (Detail) (Predecessor)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other investment contracts
Interest rate description	Interest rates used in establishing reserves range from 1.7% to 10.3%
Interest rate, low end	1.70%
Interest rate, high end	10.30%
Withdrawal/surrender charges	Withdrawal and surrender charges are based on the terms of the related interest-sensitive life insurance or fixed annuity contract
Fixed annuities
Interest rate description	Interest rates credited range from 0% to 8.8% fo immediate annuities; 0% to 7.0% for equity-indexed annuities (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500); and 1.0% to 6.0% for all other products
Withdrawal/surrender charges	Either a declining or a level percentage charge generally over ten years or less. Additionally, approximately 18.7% of fixed annuities are subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals.
Term of withdrawal/surrender charges	10 years
Percentage of fixed annuities subject to market value adjustment for discretionary withdrawals	18.70%
Fixed annuities | Immediate annuities
Interest rate, low end	0.00%
Interest rate, high end	8.80%
Fixed annuities | Equity-indexed life
Interest rate, low end	0.00%
Interest rate, high end	7.00%
Fixed annuities | All other products
Interest rate, low end	1.00%
Interest rate, high end	6.00%
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Interest rate description	Interest rates credited range from 0% to 10.0% for equity-indexed life (whose returns are indexed to the S&P 500) and 2.6% to 6.0% for all other products
Withdrawal/surrender charges	Either a percentage of account balance or dollar amount grading off generally over 20 years
Term of withdrawal/surrender charges	20 years
Interest-sensitive life insurance | Equity-indexed life
Interest rate, low end	0.00%
Interest rate, high end	10.00%
Interest-sensitive life insurance | All other products
Interest rate, low end	2.60%
Interest rate, high end	6.00%

Summary_of_Variable_Annuity_Co

Summary of Variable Annuity Contracts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Guaranteed accumulation benefits | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value	$118.40
Net amount at risk	6.2
Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date	6 years
Guaranteed withdrawal benefits | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value	16.6
Net amount at risk	0.1
GMIB | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value, at annuitization / accumulation	151.9
Net amount at risk, at annuitization / accumulation	15.2
Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date	0 years
GMDB | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value, in the event of death	742.7
Net amount at risk, in the event of death	57.2
Average attained age of contractholders	60 years
GMDB | Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value, in the event of death	325.1
General account value, in the event of death	31,518.30
Net amount at risk, in the event of death	89,942.80
Average attained age of contractholders	51 years
Predecessor | Guaranteed accumulation benefits | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value		151.1
Net amount at risk		7.3
Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date		6 years
Predecessor | Guaranteed withdrawal benefits | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value		21.8
Net amount at risk		0.1
Predecessor | GMIB | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value, at annuitization / accumulation		170.5
Net amount at risk, at annuitization / accumulation		16.6
Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date		0 years
Predecessor | GMDB | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value, in the event of death		877
Net amount at risk, in the event of death		$63.20
Average attained age of contractholders		59 years

Liabilities_for_Guarantee_Bene

Liabilities for Guarantee Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	$575,841
Less: reinsurance recoverable	90,966
Net beginning balance	484,875
Incurred guarantee benefits	159,104
Paid guarantee benefits	-108,252
Net change	50,852
Net ending balance	535,727
Plus reinsurance recoverable	107,064
Gross ending balance	642,791
Predecessor
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance		308,402	249,183
Less: reinsurance recoverable		308,402	249,183
Net beginning balance		0	0
Incurred guarantee benefits		0	0
Paid guarantee benefits		0	0
Net change		0	0
Net ending balance		0	0
Plus reinsurance recoverable		317,382	308,402
Gross ending balance		317,382	308,402
Variable Annuity | GMDB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	8,057
Less: reinsurance recoverable	8,057
Net beginning balance	0
Incurred guarantee benefits	0
Paid guarantee benefits	0
Net change	0
Net ending balance	0
Plus reinsurance recoverable	8,358
Gross ending balance	8,358
Variable Annuity | GMIB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	7,122
Less: reinsurance recoverable	7,122
Net beginning balance	0
Incurred guarantee benefits	0
Paid guarantee benefits	0
Net change	0
Net ending balance	0
Plus reinsurance recoverable	8,240
Gross ending balance	8,240
Variable Annuity | GMWB/GMAB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	8,499
Less: reinsurance recoverable	8,499
Net beginning balance	0
Incurred guarantee benefits	0
Paid guarantee benefits	0
Net change	0
Net ending balance	0
Plus reinsurance recoverable	6,733
Gross ending balance	6,733
Variable Annuity | Predecessor | GMDB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance		8,444	9,390
Less: reinsurance recoverable		8,444	9,390
Net beginning balance		0	0
Incurred guarantee benefits		0	0
Paid guarantee benefits		0	0
Net change		0	0
Net ending balance		0	0
Plus reinsurance recoverable		8,057	8,444
Gross ending balance		8,057	8,444
Variable Annuity | Predecessor | GMIB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance		8,743	19,484
Less: reinsurance recoverable		8,743	19,484
Net beginning balance		0	0
Incurred guarantee benefits		0	0
Paid guarantee benefits		0	0
Net change		0	0
Net ending balance		0	0
Plus reinsurance recoverable		7,122	8,743
Gross ending balance		7,122	8,743
Variable Annuity | Predecessor | GMWB/GMAB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance		9,444	19,621
Less: reinsurance recoverable		9,444	19,621
Net beginning balance		0	0
Incurred guarantee benefits		0	0
Paid guarantee benefits		0	0
Net change		0	0
Net ending balance		0	0
Plus reinsurance recoverable		8,499	9,444
Gross ending balance		8,499	9,444
Secondary Guarantees Interest-Sensitive Life and Fixed Annuities
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	552,163
Less: reinsurance recoverable	67,288
Net beginning balance	484,875
Incurred guarantee benefits	159,104
Paid guarantee benefits	-108,252
Net change	50,852
Net ending balance	535,727
Plus reinsurance recoverable	83,733
Gross ending balance	619,460
Secondary Guarantees Interest-Sensitive Life and Fixed Annuities | Predecessor
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance		281,771	200,688
Less: reinsurance recoverable		281,771	200,688
Net beginning balance		0	0
Incurred guarantee benefits		0	0
Paid guarantee benefits		0	0
Net change		0	0
Net ending balance		0	0
Plus reinsurance recoverable		293,704	281,771
Gross ending balance		$293,704	$281,771

Changes_to_Value_of_Business_A

Changes to Value of Business Acquired (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement in Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$290,795
Business acquired	0
Amortized to expense during the year	-38,987	[1]
Adjustment for unrealized investment gains during the year	-20,287
Balance at end of year	$231,521
[1]	Amount is included in Other Expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Estimated_Percentage_of_VOBA_B

Estimated Percentage of VOBA Balance to be Amortized (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
VOBA Amortization
2015	14.00%
2016	12.00%
2017	11.00%
2018	9.00%
2019 and thereafter	54.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrued guaranty fund	$6,700,000
Estimated future of premium tax deductions	11,200,000
Amount of deposit with governmental authorities required by law	8,900,000
Derivative cash collateral received	6,400,000
Predecessor
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount of deposit with governmental authorities required by law		9,400,000
Derivative cash collateral received		$0

Regulatory_Capital_and_Dividen1

Regulatory Capital and Dividends - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income	$226
Statutory capital and surplus	719
Predecessor
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income		7.7
Statutory capital and surplus		$332.50

Leases_Additional_Information_

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Non-cancellable operating lease agreement, expiration date	31-Jan-26
Lease obligations	$2,639,000
Predecessor
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease obligations		$0

Minimum_Aggregate_Rental_Commi

Minimum Aggregate Rental Commitments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
2015	$97
2016	194
2017	207
2018	212
2019	217
All future years	1,712
Aggregate total	$2,639

Related_Parties_Additional_Inf

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Resolution
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transactions expense recognized on transaction	$21,100,000
Lanis
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transactions expense recognized on transaction	4,600,000
Predecessor | Allstate Life Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Allocated operating expenses		50,100,000	249,700,000	241,800,000
Reinsurance recoverable			14,500,000,000
Predecessor | Lincoln Benefit Reinsurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable			1,900,000
Predecessor | Allstate Corporation
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Inter company loan outstanding			0
Predecessor | Allstate Distributors, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Broker-Dealer agreement, Promotion and marketing expense		12,000	71,000	80,000
Predecessor | Allstate Financial Services, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Broker-Dealer agreement, Commission and other distribution expenses		$2,200,000	$7,700,000	$6,400,000

Receivables_Payables_to_Affili

Receivables/ (Payables) to Affiliates (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Resolution
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables/ (Payables) to Affiliates	($4,509,447)
Lanis
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables/ (Payables) to Affiliates	($1,563,783)

Related_Parties_Predecessor_Su

Related Parties - Predecessor - Summary of Ceded Under Reinsurance Agreements (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premiums and contract charges	$702,833
Interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses	635,887
Allstate Life Insurance Company | Predecessor
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premiums and contract charges		244,797	962,576	908,459
Interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses		$336,122	$1,505,010	$1,369,305

Schedule_I_Consolidated_Summar

Schedule I - Consolidated Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$10,929,674
Fair value	9,390,647
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	11,088,465
United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,060,065
Fair value	1,112,535
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,112,535
All other corporate bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	7,279,391
Fair value	7,377,745
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	7,377,745
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	188,055
Fair value	189,881
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	189,881
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	331,041
Fair value	333,483
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	333,483
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	373,304
Fair value	377,003
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	377,003
Fixed income securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	9,231,856
Fair value	9,390,647
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	9,390,647
Mortgage Loans
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,115,167
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,115,167
Policy Loans
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	194,385
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	194,385
Derivatives
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	26,001
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	26,001
Other long-term assets
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	896
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	896
Short-term investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	361,369
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	361,369
Other securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,697,818
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	$1,697,818

Schedule_IV_Consolidated_Reins

Schedule IV - Consolidated Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Net amount	$20,384
Gross amount	395,385,878
Ceded to other companies	388,790,881
Assumed from other companies	5,106,566
Net amount	11,701,563
Percentage of amount assumed to net	43.60%
Life and Annuity Insurance Product Line
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross amount	869,472
Ceded to other companies	-669,382
Assumed from other companies	5,258
Net amount	205,348
Percentage of amount assumed to net	2.60%
Accident and health insurance
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross amount	51,972
Ceded to other companies	-33,451
Net amount	18,521
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%
Predecessor
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross amount		331,899	1,331,597	1,298,864
Ceded to other companies		-333,480	-1,338,427	-1,305,648
Assumed from other companies		1,581	6,830	6,784
Percentage of amount assumed to net		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Gross amount			389,941,404	378,467,115
Ceded to other companies			395,421,202	384,205,939
Assumed from other companies			5,479,798	5,738,824
Percentage of amount assumed to net			0.00%	0.00%
Predecessor | Life and Annuity Insurance Product Line
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross amount		313,410	1,250,623	1,201,592
Ceded to other companies		-314,991	-1,257,453	-1,208,376
Assumed from other companies		1,581	6,830	6,784
Percentage of amount assumed to net		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Predecessor | Accident and health insurance
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross amount		18,489	80,974	97,272
Ceded to other companies		-18,489	-80,974	-97,272
Percentage of amount assumed to net		0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Scenario, Adjustment
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross amount	921,444
Ceded to other companies	-702,833
Assumed from other companies	5,258
Net amount	$223,869
Percentage of amount assumed to net	2.30%