Lincoln Benefit Life POS AM 1 Apr 19 Prospectus update (post-effective amendment) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	POS AM
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLN BENEFIT LIFE CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000910739
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
ASSETS
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost $7,716,912 and $8,161,592, respectively)	$ 7,404,274	$ 8,414,961
Fixed maturities, trading, at estimated fair value	197,651	97,819
Fixed maturities, at estimated fair value using fair value option	10,028	12,095
Common stocks, at estimated fair value	6,988	8,152
Commercial mortgage loans	853,073	1,043,187
Policy loans	176,782	178,437
Short-term investments	269,016	190,376
Other invested assets	2,976	21,183
Total Investments	8,920,788	9,966,210
Cash and cash equivalents	6,177	78,801
Accrued investment income	92,713	96,354
Reinsurance recoverables	6,659,910	6,501,700
Valuation of business acquired	154,270	135,031
Deposit receivable	1,029,679	1,111,571
Other assets	758,752	714,007
Current income tax	28,938	197
Separate account assets	1,266,912	1,460,380
Total Assets	18,918,139	20,064,251
LIABILITIES
Future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities	5,460,113	5,510,050
Policyholders' account balances	10,157,907	10,676,911
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	85,287	94,543
Modified coinsurance payable	1,029,679	1,111,571
Other long-term debt - affiliate	736,500	695,000
Deferred tax liability, net	31,600	24,585
Separate account liabilities	1,266,912	1,460,380
Total Liabilities	18,767,998	19,573,040
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 12)
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $100 par value, 30,000 shares authorized, 25,000 shares issued and outstanding	2,500	2,500
Additional paid-in capital	593,558	593,558
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(195,958)	72,816
Retained earnings (deficit)	(249,959)	(177,663)
Total Shareholder's Equity	150,141	491,211
Total Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity	$ 18,918,139	$ 20,064,251

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 7,716,912	$ 8,161,592
Common stock, par value	$ 100	$ 100
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000	30,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,000	25,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,000	25,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues
Premiums earned	$ 9,499	$ 3,156	$ 16,592
Fee income from policyholders	341,729	346,180	346,027
Net investment income	380,812	401,113	397,083
Realized investment (losses) gains, net	(53,295)	38,123	73,720
Total revenues	678,745	788,572	833,422
Expenses
Policyholders' benefits	412,501	439,910	449,118
Return credited to policyholders' account balances	264,043	277,077	269,488
Operating and acquisition expenses	76,783	77,654	68,716
Total expenses	753,327	794,641	787,322
Income (loss) before federal income tax	(74,582)	(6,069)	46,100
Federal income tax expense (benefit)
Current	(24,739)	6,853	17,121
Deferred	(2,105)	(22,666)	(2,474)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	(26,844)	(15,813)	14,647
NET INCOME (LOSS)	(47,738)	9,744	31,453
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period	(263,944)	153,920	100,439
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	5,268	(6,001)	(81,920)
Noncredit component of other-than-temporary losses	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	(269,212)	159,921	182,359
Less: Income tax (benefit) related to:
Unrealized investment gains (losses) for the period	13,109	48,837	35,156
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	(3,989)	2,100	28,672
Noncredit component of other-than-temporary losses	0	0	0
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	9,120	50,937	63,828
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(278,332)	108,984	118,531
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (326,070)	$ 118,728	$ 149,984

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 334,499	$ 2,500	$ 593,558	$ (106,860)	$ (154,699)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		25,000
Dividends to shareholder	(42,000)			(42,000)
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)	31,453			31,453
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	118,531				118,531
Comprehensive income (loss)	149,984
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	442,483	$ 2,500	593,558	(117,407)	(36,168)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		25,000
Dividends to shareholder	(70,000)			(70,000)
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)	9,744			9,744
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	108,984				108,984
Comprehensive income (loss)	118,728
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 491,211	$ 2,500	593,558	(177,663)	72,816
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017	25,000	25,000
Dividends to shareholder	$ (15,000)			(15,000)
Implementation of accounting standard related to the reclassification of certain tax effects				(9,558)	9,558
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss)	(47,738)			(47,738)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(278,332)				(278,332)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(326,070)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 150,141	$ 2,500	$ 593,558	$ (249,959)	$ (195,958)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2018	25,000	25,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (47,738)	$ 9,744	$ 31,453
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash:
Policy charges and fee income	(341,729)	(346,180)	(346,027)
Interest credited	264,043	277,077	269,488
Investment gains, net	55,978	(38,123)	(73,720)
Amortization/Accretion of bond premium, net	82,404	69,632	59,337
Amortization of VOBA	26,321	29,827	30,054
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Change in insurance related liabilities and policy-related balances	135,073	29,190	52,316
Change in fair value option and trading securities	(2,683)	(100,101)	(15,937)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(2,105)	(22,666)	(2,474)
Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income	3,641	(3,357)	(1,783)
Decrease (increase) in other assets and liabilities	(47,238)	7,899	(3,961)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	125,967	(87,058)	(1,254)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities, available for sale Proceeds from sales and maturities	1,434,668	2,023,946	3,806,768
Fixed maturities, available for sale, Purchases	(1,217,094)	(1,952,554)	(3,807,513)
Commercial mortgage loans, proceeds from sales and paydowns	334,365	422,241	265,414
Commercial mortgage loans, originations and purchases	(143,414)	(5,325)	(208,580)
Net purchases and sales of common stocks	1,164	(3,052)	(5,100)
Net purchases, sales, maturities of derivatives	10,929	17,265	2,642
Net purchases, sales, maturities of other investments	(76,906)	(60,263)	63,097
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	343,712	442,258	116,728
Cash flows from financing activities:
Policyholders' account deposits	453,814	790,230	763,748
Policyholders' account withdrawals	(989,276)	(979,586)	(905,014)
Dividends paid to shareholder	(15,000)	(70,000)	(42,000)
Change in overdrafts	8,159	(20,431)	22,059
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(542,303)	(279,787)	(161,207)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(72,624)	75,413	(45,733)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	78,801	3,388	49,121
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	6,177	78,801	3,388
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	4,000	5,000	17,700
Interest paid	8,282	7,835	7,328
Noncash activities
Interest income on vehicle note	28,407	26,875	25,069
Interest expense on other long-term debt	28,407	26,875	25,069
Increase in vehicle note and other long-term debt	41,500	36,000	50,300
Change in modified coinsurance payable and deposit receivable	81,892	87,966	50,791
Bond exchanges	5,376	10,959	$ 11,199
Mortgage loan refinance	$ 45,712	$ 11,368

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 LBL HoldCo II, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life, Inc.) (“HoldCo”), which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of LBL HoldCo, Inc. (formerly Resolution Life Holdings, Inc.). HoldCo was formed on July 2, 2013 under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Lancaster Re Captive Insurance Company (“Lancaster Re”), a Nebraska domiciled captive insurance company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln Benefit. On October 2, 2017, LBL HoldCo, Inc., the indirect parent of the Company, announced that a definitive agreement had been entered into for the acquisition of LBL HoldCo, Inc. and subsidiaries (including Lincoln Benefit) by SNH Acquisition LLC (an affiliate of Global Bankers Insurance Group, LLC). On October 30, 2018, LBL HoldCo, Inc.’s parent, RL LP, provided notice to SNH Acquisition, LLC of the termination by RL LP of the agreement that had been entered into for the acquisition of LBL HoldCo, Inc. and subsidiaries (including the Company) by SNH Acquisition, LLC. 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 and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Prior to July 18, 2013, the Company sold interest-sensitive, traditional and variable life insurance products through both exclusive agencies (“Allstate Sales channel”) and independent master brokerage agencies. Sales through the independent master brokerage agencies ceased effective July 17, 2013. Sales through the Allstate Sales channel ceased in 2017. The Company operates 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. ALIC reinsures all life insurance business written by Lincoln Benefit through the Allstate Sales channel, all immediate annuities written by Lincoln Benefit prior to April 1, 2014, and certain term life policies written by Lincoln Benefit. Lincoln Benefit’s variable annuity business also remains reinsured by ALIC under an existing reinsurance agreement between Lincoln Benefit and ALIC. The variable annuity business continues to be reinsured and administered by ALIC under an existing reinsurance administrative services agreement between Lincoln Benefit and ALIC. Basis of Presentation The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). 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 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 Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies	2. Significant Accounting Policies Cash and cash equivalents Cash includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks, certain money market securities, highly liquid overnight deposits, discount notes and commercial paper held in the ordinary course of business 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”). Certain fixed maturities, which may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as available-for-sale pay-downs Fair value option and trading securities are stated at estimated fair value and include investments for which the fair value option has been elected and investments that are actively purchased and sold (“Actively traded securities”). Actively traded securities principally include U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government authorities’ and agencies’ securities. Changes in estimated fair value of these securities are included in Realized investment gains, net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The Company recognizes other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) for securities classified as AFS in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities 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 noncredit loss. For corporate bonds, discounted cash flow analysis is based on historical and future cash flows. Cash flows include default and loss severity assumptions, where needed, based on adverse factors specific to the security, industry or geographic area in which it operates. 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. Redeemable preferred stock is stated at fair value. Common stock is Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Chicago activity stock, which is purchased or sold based on the level of funding agreements and is also stated at cost which approximates fair value. 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 losses (“ALL”) 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, certain money market 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 equity index options and futures and interest rate swaps to economically hedge its obligation under certain fixed indexed annuity and universal life 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. Equity index 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. Premiums paid are reported as a derivative asset and premiums received are reported as a derivative liability. 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. Index option contracts are cash settled upon exercise and the gain or loss on the settlement is reported in Realized investment gains, net. If the option contract expires without being exercised, the premiums paid or received are reported as Realized investment gains, net and the corresponding asset or liability previously recorded is reversed. The change in the fair value of options contracts are reported in Realized investment gains, net, with an adjustment to a corresponding asset or liability. The Company employs interest rate swaps to reduce interest rate risk associated with specific investments supporting certain annuity contracts. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two counterparties in which one stream of future interest payments is exchanged for another. Interest rate swaps usually involve the exchange of a fixed interest rate for a floating rate, or vice versa, to reduce or increase exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, or to obtain a marginally lower interest rate. Swaps provide returns at the reset dates based on respective interest rates applied to the notional amount with the net difference in resulting interest payments settled between the counterparties. The change in the fair value of the swap is reported in Realized investment gains, net, with an adjustment to the corresponding asset or liability. Cash flows received/paid at the reset dates are reported in net investment income and consist of any differences in the amounts of contractual interest calculated due to the respective counterparties based on changes in interest rates. Swaps usually terminate upon expiration and the remaining book value is offset to Realized investment gains, net. If terminated through sale, the difference between consideration received or paid and the remaining book value is recorded to Realized investment gains, net. The Company has derivatives embedded in non-derivative 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, non-accrual Realized investment gains and losses, net, 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 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. Surrenders 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. Interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life and single premium life, are insurance contracts whose terms are not fixed and 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. Returns 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 life and variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum death, income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits. The Company incurs costs in connection with renewal insurance business. All acquisition-related costs, including commissions, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred and reported in Other expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. 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 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 Sheets. 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. Value of Business Acquired (“VOBA”) For interest-sensitive life and annuity products, VOBA is amortized over the life of the policies in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) 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 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 accounts liabilities represent the contractholders’ claims to the related assets and are carried at an amount equal to the separate accounts 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 (Loss). 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 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. For ASC 944-20 Financial Services – Insurance Activities, 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 fixed indexed life and annuity policies with returns linked to the performance of a specified market index are equal to the excess of the sum of the fair value of the embedded derivatives and the host (or guaranteed) component over the policyholder account balance. 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, 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. 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. 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. Policyholders’ Account Balances Policyholders’ account balances represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities. Policyholders’ 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. 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. Income Taxes 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 and a deferred tax asset valuation allowance is established when realization of such assets is not likely (less than 50% likelihood). Tax positions are assessed under a two-step 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 $513.0 million and acquired from Lanis a Vehicle Note (the “Vehicle Note”) for $513.0 million. 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) pre-approval, pre-approval, Other Assets and Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Other assets consist primarily of premiums due, intangible assets, the Vehicle Note and 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. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year financial statement presentation. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”). ASU listed below represent those that have been adopted during the current fiscal year and/or those that have been issued but not yet adopted as of the date of this filing. ASU not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not material. In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance related to fair value measurement ( ASU 2018-13, In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for long-duration insurance contracts ( ASU 2018-12, In February 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting comprehensive income ( ASU 2018-02, In March 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on premium amortization of purchased callable debt securities ( ASU 2017-08, 310-20 In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments (ASU 2016-15, In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for recording credit losses (ASU 2016-13, available-for-sale In February 2016, the FASB issued a new leasing standard (ASU 2016-02, year-end In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments ( ASU 2016-01, 825-10 In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard ( ASU 2014-09,

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments	3. Investments The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value for fixed maturities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 Gross Gross ($ in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value Fixed maturities, available for sale U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 305,336 $ 5,423 $ (8,833 ) $ 301,926 Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions 747,872 21,407 (6,814 ) 762,465 Foreign government 22,476 8 (2,507 ) 19,977 All other corporate securities 5,830,098 22,671 (328,363 ) 5,524,406 ABS 404,935 422 (13,312 ) 392,045 CMBS 307,430 1,494 (7,957 ) 300,967 RMBS 83,965 4,289 (566 ) 87,688 Redeemable preferred stock 14,800 — — 14,800 Total fixed maturities, available for sale $ 7,716,912 $ 55,714 $ (368,352 ) $ 7,404,274 December 31, 2017 Gross Gross ($ in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value Fixed maturities, available for sale U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 416,639 $ 5,322 $ (12,366 ) $ 409,595 Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions 741,343 37,908 (2,720 ) 776,531 Foreign government 24,242 234 (1,685 ) 22,791 All other corporate securities 6,169,204 258,440 (37,898 ) 6,389,746 ABS 478,329 5,289 (3,395 ) 480,223 CMBS 189,596 1,377 (3,148 ) 187,825 RMBS 127,439 6,520 (509 ) 133,450 Redeemable preferred stock 14,800 — — 14,800 Total fixed maturities, available for sale $ 8,161,592 $ 315,090 $ (61,721 ) $ 8,414,961 Scheduled Maturities The scheduled maturities for fixed maturities, available for sale, were as follows as of December 31, 2018: ($ in thousands) Amortized Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 198,865 $ 198,415 Due after one year through five years 782,318 783,443 Due after five years through ten years 801,362 783,970 Due after ten years 4,927,645 4,651,395 Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities $ 6,710,190 $ 6,417,223 Asset and mortgage-backed securities 1,006,722 987,051 Total fixed maturities $ 7,716,912 $ 7,404,274 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 The Company diversifies its commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographical region to reduce concentration risk. The Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographical region was as follows as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: ($ in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Alabama $ 815 $ 1,056 Arizona 36,110 20,009 California 145,023 173,101 Colorado 61,191 57,293 Florida 54,630 103,869 Georgia 20,144 63,526 Hawaii 3,895 5,020 Illinois 86,832 87,957 Iowa 538 791 Kansas 9,200 9,200 Kentucky — 6,538 Maryland — 19,851 Massachusetts 29,836 53,605 Minnesota 23,612 116,923 Nevada 80,396 80,768 New Jersey 20,773 34,101 New York 48,375 50,691 North Carolina 33,447 34,022 Ohio 12,322 12,526 Pennsylvania 50,351 1,007 South Carolina 24,766 1,310 Texas 109,735 100,066 Utah — 7,823 Virginia 248 975 Washington — 77 Wisconsin 834 1,082 General allowance for loan loss — — Total commercial mortgage loans $ 853,073 $ 1,043,187 Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment December 31, 2018 Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios ($ in thousands) > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x Total % of Total Estimated Fair % of Total Loan-to-value Less than 65% $ 628,279 $ 88,404 $ 37,446 $ 754,129 88.4 % $ 752,667 88.3 % 65% to 75% 50,000 48,944 — 98,944 11.6 % 99,367 11.7 % 76% to 80% — — — — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Greater than 80% — — — — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Total $ 678,279 $ 137,348 $ 37,446 $ 853,073 100.0 % $ 852,034 100.0 % December 31, 2017 Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios ($ in thousands) > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x Total % of Total Estimated Fair % of Total Loan-to-value Less than 65% $ 731,577 $ 48,895 $ — $ 780,472 74.8 % $ 782,640 74.9 % 65% to 75% 222,771 39,944 — 262,715 25.2 % 261,891 25.1 % 76% to 80% — — — — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Greater than 80% — — — — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Total $ 954,348 $ 88,839 $ — $ 1,043,187 100.0 % $ 1,044,531 100.0 % As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had no allowance for credit losses for commercial mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2018, $853.1 million of commercial mortgage and other loans were in current status with no commercial mortgage or other loans classified as past due. As of December 31, 2017, $1,043.2 million of commercial mortgage loans were in current status with no commercial mortgage or other loans classified as past due. The Company defines current in its aging of past due commercial mortgage and other loans as less than 30 days past due. Impaired loans include those loans for which it is probable that all amounts due will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. During 2018 and 2017, the Company did not record any impairments related to commercial mortgage loans. The Company’s commercial mortgages may occasionally be involved in a troubled debt restructuring. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had no commitments to fund to borrowers that have been involved in a troubled debt restructuring. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had no new troubled debt restructurings related to commercial mortgages and no payment defaults on commercial mortgages. Other Invested Assets Other invested assets were as follows as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Low income housing tax credit properties $ — $ 138 Derivatives 2,976 21,045 $ 2,976 $ 21,183 Net Investment Income Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Fixed maturities, available for sale $ 332,082 $ 345,299 $ 330,253 Fixed maturties, trading 5,963 3,424 — Fixed maturities, fair value option 234 331 454 Common stock 314 224 — Commercial mortgage loans 43,781 56,510 69,360 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 4,262 1,718 1,007 Other investments 8,703 8,421 8,845 Gross investment income $ 395,339 $ 415,927 $ 409,919 Investment expenses 14,527 14,814 12,836 Net investment income $ 380,812 $ 401,113 $ 397,083 Realized Investment Gains and Losses Realized investment gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Realized investment gains, net Fixed maturities, available for sale $ (45,240 ) $ 11,434 $ 66,560 Fixed maturities, trading (1,864 ) 1,081 — Fixed maturties, fair value option (247 ) 405 (733 ) Commercial mortgage loans 1,201 5,935 4,037 Derivatives (7,136 ) 19,360 3,856 Other invested assets (9 ) (92 ) — Net realized gains (losses) $ (53,295 ) $ 38,123 $ 73,720 There were $4.8 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in the year ended December 31, 2018. These securities were impaired to fair value as of the impairment date and were considered credit impairments. There were $4.4 million in other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in the year ended December 31, 2017. There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in the year ended December 31, 2016. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and gross realized investment gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale Proceeds from sales $ 919,347 $ 1,496,242 $ 3,027,998 Gross investment gains from sales 4,682 29,271 109,282 Gross investment losses from sales (42,996 ) (11,893 ) (35,136 ) Proceeds from sales excludes non-taxable Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses The gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed maturities, available for sale, by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months ($ in thousands) Fair Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 40,085 $ (1,337 ) $ 139,944 $ (7,496 ) $ 180,029 $ (8,833 ) Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions 113,634 (1,932 ) 75,444 (4,882 ) 189,078 (6,814 ) Foreign government 8,894 (2 ) 10,573 (2,505 ) 19,467 (2,507 ) All other corporate securities 3,626,045 (222,408 ) 805,107 (105,955 ) 4,431,152 (328,363 ) ABS 237,153 (4,935 ) 107,437 (8,377 ) 344,590 (13,312 ) CMBS 110,483 (2,936 ) 86,765 (5,021 ) 197,248 (7,957 ) RMBS 10,028 (85 ) 13,793 (481 ) 23,821 (566 ) Total fixed maturities $ 4,146,322 $ (233,635 ) $ 1,239,063 $ (134,717 ) $ 5,385,385 $ (368,352 ) December 31, 2017 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months ($ in thousands) Fair Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 215,767 $ (3,499 ) $ 107,344 $ (8,867 ) $ 323,111 $ (12,366 ) Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions 38,171 (825 ) 45,877 (1,895 ) 84,048 (2,720 ) Foreign government 296 (4 ) 11,098 (1,681 ) 11,394 (1,685 ) All other corporate securities 740,795 (6,841 ) 489,367 (31,057 ) 1,230,162 (37,898 ) ABS 77,050 (689 ) 99,327 (2,706 ) 176,377 (3,395 ) CMBS 72,725 (593 ) 36,540 (2,555 ) 109,265 (3,148 ) RMBS 6,908 (118 ) 21,835 (391 ) 28,743 (509 ) Total fixed maturities $ 1,151,712 $ (12,569 ) $ 811,388 $ (49,152 ) $ 1,963,100 $ (61,721 ) 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 AOCI The changes in unrealized gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: ($ in thousands) Net Unrealized VOBA Future Policy Deferred Accumulated Other Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (327,781 ) $ 36,774 $ 52,906 $ 83,402 $ (154,699 ) Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period 160,311 — — (56,111 ) 104,200 Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income (81,920 ) — — 28,672 (53,248 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA — (30,948 ) — 10,832 (20,116 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances — — (28,924 ) 10,123 (18,801 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (85,550 ) $ 5,826 $ 23,982 $ 19,574 $ (36,168 ) Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period 332,918 — — (111,486 ) 221,432 Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income (6,001 ) — — 2,100 (3,901 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA — (21,843 ) — 7,645 (14,198 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances — — (157,156 ) 55,005 (102,151 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 253,369 $ (16,017 ) $ (133,174 ) $ (31,362 ) $ 72,816 Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period (560,739 ) — — 117,756 (442,983 ) Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income 5,268 — — (1,106 ) 4,162 Establishement of valuation allowance related to deferred income tax assets — — — (65,654 ) (65,654 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA — 45,560 — (9,568 ) 35,992 Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances — — 251,235 (52,760 ) 198,475 Implementation of accounting standard related to the reclassification of certain tax effects — — — 9,558 9,558 Balance, December 31, 2018 $ (312,638 ) $ 29,543 $ 118,061 $ (30,924 ) $ (195,958 )

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 notional and fair value positions of derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Notional Gross Fair Value Notional Gross Fair Value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities ($ in thousands) Assets Equity Options $ 338,470 $ 324,047 $ 5,099 $ (1,584 ) $ 237,250 $ 234,375 $ 39,397 $ (18,352 ) Futures — 9,934 — (539 ) — — — — Liabilities Policyholders account balances Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts Equity-indexed annuity contracts (2) $ — $ 924,733 $ — $ (44,947 ) $ — $ 1,095,253 $ — $ (57,531 ) Equity-indexed life contracts — 588,299 — (8,624 ) — 531,800 — (29,911 ) Guaranteed accumulation benefits (1) — 40,469 — (5,203 ) — 53,517 — (4,557 ) Guaranteed withdrawal benefits (1) — 8,070 — (113 ) — 9,939 — (113 ) (1) These amounts are fully ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements. The corresponding receivables have been excluded from the table above. (2) Notional amount represents account value of equity indexed contracts The standardized ISDA Master Agreement under which the Company’s derivative transactions are executed include 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 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 years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Realized Policyholder Realized Policyholder Realized Policyholder ($ in thousands) Assets Equity options $ (7,123 ) $ — $ 17,969 $ — $ 2,472 $ — Futures (13 ) — 1,391 — 884 — Interest rate swaps — — — — 500 — Liabilities Policyholders’ account balances Equity-indexed annuity contracts $ — $ 12,584 $ — $ (1,660 ) $ — $ 8,267 Equity-indexed life contracts — 194 — (168 ) — (121 )

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 Sheets 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. There are no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2018 or 2017. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ($ in thousands) Assets at fair value Fixed maturities, available for sale U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 94,902 $ 206,690 $ 334 $ 301,926 Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions — 762,465 — 762,465 Foreign government — 19,977 — 19,977 All other corporate securities — 5,511,797 12,609 5,524,406 ABS — 391,260 785 392,045 CMBS — 300,967 — 300,967 RMBS — 87,688 — 87,688 Redeemable preferred stock — 14,800 — 14,800 Fixed maturities, trading — 197,651 — 197,651 Fixed maturities, fair value option — 10,028 — 10,028 Common stock — — 6,988 6,988 Short-term investments 269,016 — — 269,016 Other invested assets Equity options 3,515 — — 3,515 Futures (539 ) — — (539 ) Separate accounts assets 1,266,912 — — 1,266,912 Total assets at fair value $ 1,633,806 $ 7,503,323 $ 20,716 $ 9,157,845 Liabilities at fair value Policyholders’ account balances Equity indexed annuity contracts $ — $ — $ (44,947 ) $ (44,947 ) Equity indexed life contracts — (8,624 ) — (8,624 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits — — (5,203 ) (5,203 ) Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits — — (113 ) (113 ) Separate accounts liabilities (1,266,912 ) — — (1,266,912 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (1,266,912 ) $ (8,624 ) $ (50,263 ) $ (1,325,799 ) December 31, 2017 Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ($ in thousands) Assets at fair value Fixed maturities, available for sale U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 156,959 $ 247,739 $ 4,897 $ 409,595 Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions — 776,531 — 776,531 Foreign government — 22,791 — 22,791 All other corporate securities — 6,371,395 18,351 6,389,746 ABS — 462,290 17,933 480,223 CMBS — 187,825 — 187,825 RMBS — 133,450 — 133,450 Redeemable preferred stock — 14,800 — 14,800 Fixed maturities, trading 97,819 97,819 Fixed maturities, fair value option — 12,095 — 12,095 Common stock — — 8,152 8,152 Short-term investments 190,376 — — 190,376 Other invested assets Equity options 21,045 — — 21,045 Separate accounts assets 1,460,380 — — 1,460,380 Total assets at fair value $ 1,828,760 $ 8,326,735 $ 49,333 $ 10,204,828 Liabilities at fair value Policyholders’ account balances Equity indexed annuity contracts $ — $ — $ (57,531 ) $ (57,531 ) Equity indexed life contracts — (29,911 ) — (29,911 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits — — (4,557 ) (4,557 ) Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits — — (113 ) (113 ) Separate accounts liabilities (1,460,380 ) — — (1,460,380 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (1,460,380 ) $ (29,911 ) $ (62,201 ) $ (1,552,492 ) Summary of significant valuation techniques for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Fixed Maturities, Fair Value Option and Trading Securities The fair values of the Company’s public fixed maturity securities are generally based on prices obtained from independent pricing services. Prices for each security are generally sourced from multiple pricing vendors, and a vendor hierarchy is maintained by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. The Company ultimately uses the price from the pricing service highest in the vendor hierarchy based on the respective asset type. The pricing hierarchy is updated for new financial products and recent pricing experience with various vendors. Consistent with the fair value hierarchy described above, securities with validated quotes from pricing services are generally reflected within Level 2, as they are primarily based on observable pricing for similar assets and/or other market observable inputs. U.S. Treasury securities are included within Level 1 due to the market activity. 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 and redeemable preferred stock, 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, 2018 or 2017. Common Stock The Company’s investment in common stock is not practicable to measure at fair value due to the redemption provisions. Therefore, carrying value approximates fair value. Short-term Investments Short-term investments are primarily money market securities valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible for identical assets and classified as Level 1. 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 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. The liabilities for guarantees primarily associated with the optional living benefit features of certain equity indexed life contracts are calculated based on the fair value of the underlying hedging instrument for these contracts. Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements was as follows as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: December 31, 2018 ($ in thousands) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Range Weighted Equity indexed annuity contracts $ (44,947 ) Option Pricing Projected Option 1.40% - 1.63% 1.48 % December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Range Weighted Equity indexed annuity contracts $ (57,531 ) Option Pricing Projected Option 1.40% - 1.64% 1.42 % Excluded from the table above at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are approximately $20.7 million and $49.3 million, respectively, Level 3 fair value measurements of investments for which the underlying quantitative inputs are not developed by the Company and are not reasonably available. These investments primarily consist of certain public debt securities with limited trading activity, including asset-backed instruments, and their fair values generally reflect unadjusted prices obtained from independent valuation service providers and indicative, non-binding The table above also excludes underlying quantitative inputs related to liabilities held for the Company’s guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed withdrawal benefits. These liabilities are not developed by the Company as they are 100% ceded to external reinsurers. The development of these liabilities generally involve actuarially determined models and could result in the Company reporting significantly higher or lower fair value measurements for these Level 3 investments. The rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: ($ in thousands) Balance, Net income OCI Transfers Transfers Purchases Sales Issues Settlements Balance, Assets Fixed income maturities U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies, available for sale $ 4,897 $ (1,297 ) $ 211 $ — $ (3,477 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 334 All other corporate securities 18,351 (27 ) (26 ) — (965 ) — (2,077 ) — (2,647 ) 12,609 ABS 17,933 81 (632 ) 1,931 (16,157 ) — — — (2,371 ) 785 Common stock 8,152 — — — — 110 (1,274 ) — — 6,988 Liabilities Equity indexed annuity contracts (57,531 ) 12,584 — — — — — — — (44,947 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (1) (4,670 ) (646 ) — — — — — — — (5,316 ) ($ in thousands) Balance, Net OCI Transfers Transfers Purchases Sales Issues Settlements Balance, Assets Fixed income maturities U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies, available for sale $ 6,573 $ (1,308 ) $ (368 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 4,897 All other corporate securities 19,351 (8 ) 121 — — — — — (1,113 ) 18,351 ABS 26,135 1,509 873 — (8,828 ) 16,817 — — (18,573 ) 17,933 Common stock 5,100 — — — — 3,052 — — — 8,152 Liabilities Equity indexed annuity contracts (55,871 ) (1,660 ) — — — — — — — (57,531 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (1) (6,835 ) 2,165 — — — — — — — (4,670 ) ($ in thousands) Balance, Net OCI Transfers Transfers Purchases Sales Issues Settlements Balance, Assets Fixed income maturities U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies, available for sale $ — $ (491 ) $ 187 $ — $ — $ 6,877 $ — $ — $ — $ 6,573 All other corporate securities 11,520 (123 ) (246 ) 15,370 (4,483 ) — (955 ) — (1,732 ) 19,351 ABS 14,260 (53 ) 347 3,093 — 11,165 — — (2,677 ) 26,135 Common stock — — — — — 5,100 — — — 5,100 Liabilities Equity indexed annuity contracts (64,138 ) 8,267 — — — — — — — (55,871 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (1) (7,814 ) 979 — — — — — — — (6,835 ) (1) These amounts 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. Fair Values of Certain Other Investments The financial instruments presented below are reported at carrying value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. However, in some cases, the carrying amount equals or approximates fair value. The carrying amount and fair value by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments not reported at fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ($ in thousands) Assets Commercial mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 852,034 $ 852,034 Policy loans — — 176,782 176,782 Cash and cash equivalents 6,177 — — 6,177 Vehicle note — — 763,570 763,570 Total assets at fair value $ 6,177 $ — $ 1,792,386 $ 1,798,563 Liabilities at fair value Policyholders’ account balances — investment contracts $ — $ — $ 4,824,055 $ 4,824,055 Other long-term debt — — 763,570 763,570 $ — $ — $ 5,587,625 $ 5,587,625 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ($ in thousands) Assets Commercial mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 1,044,531 $ 1,044,531 Policy loans — — 178,437 178,437 Cash and cash equivalents 78,801 — — 78,801 Vehicle note — — 736,925 736,925 Total assets at fair value $ 78,801 $ — $ 1,959,893 $ 2,038,694 Liabilities at fair value Policyholders’ account balances — investment contracts $ — $ — $ 5,439,621 $ 5,439,621 Other long-term debt — — 736,925 736,925 $ — $ — $ 6,176,546 $ 6,176,546 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 and Cash Equivalents The Company believes that due to the short-term nature of certain assets, including sweep account balances, the carrying value approximates fair value. Vehicle Note and Other Long-Term Debt The fair value of the Vehicle note and Other long-term debt is based upon the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the appropriate U.S. Treasury rate. 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.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Reinsurance	6. Reinsurance 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 and long-term care policies under coinsurance agreements and yearly renewable term agreements. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, approximately 88.2% and 99.8%, respectively, of the Company’s reinsurance recoverables are due from companies rated A- The Company is party to an experience rated modified coinsurance and monthly renewal term reinsurance arrangement with an external reinsurer under which risk on certain universal life and fixed annuity products is transferred. 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, 2018 and 2017, the Company had a deposit receivable and a modified coinsurance payable of $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, related to this agreement. The effects of reinsurance on premiums earned and fee income from policyholders for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Direct $ 1,246,952 $ 1,294,462 $ 1,328,917 Assumed 5,118 4,768 4,749 Ceded (900,842 ) (949,894 ) (971,047 ) Premiums and fee income, net of reinsurance $ 351,228 $ 349,336 $ 362,619 The effects of reinsurance on return credited to policyholders’ account balances and policyholder benefits for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Direct $ 1,519,057 $ 1,668,358 $ 1,643,710 Assumed 4,854 6,003 6,453 Ceded (842,505 ) (957,374 ) (931,557 ) Return credited to policyholders’ account balances and policyholders’ benefits, net of reinsurance $ 681,406 $ 716,987 $ 718,606

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes	7. Income Taxes The Company is party to a federal income tax allocation agreement (the “Tax Allocation Agreement”) with Lancaster Re. The Company and Lancaster Re file a separate life consolidated federal income tax return under Internal Revenue Code Section 1504 (c)(1). 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 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018, 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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Deferred tax assets Policyholder reserves $ 1,319,161 $ 1,351,638 Deferred acquisition costs 64,394 50,739 Deferred financing costs — 2,154 Investments 61,318 — Other assets 7,611 3,800 Total deferred tax assets $ 1,452,484 $ 1,408,331 Valuation allowance (65,654 ) — Deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance $ 1,386,830 $ 1,408,331 Deferred tax liabilities Value of business acquired $ (32,397 ) $ (28,356 ) Amounts recoverable from reinsurers (1,383,677 ) (1,347,620 ) Intangibles (1,092 ) (1,092 ) Investments (533 ) (54,605 ) Other liabilities (731 ) (1,243 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (1,418,430 ) $ (1,432,916 ) Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (31,600 ) $ (24,585 ) 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. Management determined that as of December 31, 2018, the objective negative evidence represented by the Company’s recent losses outweighed the more subjective positive evidence and, as a result, recognized a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets relating to unrealized losses on fixed maturities. 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 had no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2018, the Company had $0.3 million of tax credit carryforwards and no net operating or capital loss carryforwards. A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate on income from operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Expected federal income tax expense (benefit) $ (15,662 ) $ (2,124 ) $ 16,135 Dividends received deduction (890 ) (1,960 ) (1,960 ) Tax reform — (11,461 ) — Tax rate differential on capital loss carryback, etc. (9,769 ) — — Other (523 ) (268 ) 472 Total income tax expense $ (26,844 ) $ (15,813 ) $ 14,647 On December 22, 2017, U.S. Tax Reform was enacted, which made significant changes to federal income tax laws, including, but not limited to: (1) reduction in the overall maximum corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%; (2) changes to the computations for the dividends received deduction, tax reserves, and deferred acquisition costs; and (3) elimination of the net operating loss (“NOL”) carryback and limiting NOL carryforward deductions to 80% of taxable income for life insurance companies. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address situations where a company does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting under ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes The Company does not yet know how these federal tax law changes may affect state and local income tax provisioning, but any such impacts are not considered material to the Company’s financial position or operating results. 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 The Company is subject to examination by U.S. federal, state, and local income tax authorities. While the Company is not currently under any examinations, tax years 2014 and forward are generally open and available for examination.

Future Policy Benefits and Othe

Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017, future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Traditional life insurance $ 1,612,347 $ 1,607,149 Immediate fixed annuities 411,410 466,723 Accident and health insurance 1,918,570 1,809,006 Equity indexed annuities 16,547 32,601 Other 1,501,239 1,594,571 Total $ 5,460,113 $ 5,510,050 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. Accident and health insurance future policy benefit reserves include gross unpaid claim reserves of $288.2 million and $256.7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These amounts are fully reinsured as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Policyholder Account Balances

Policyholder Account Balances	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Policyholder Account Balances	9. Policyholder Account Balances As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, policyholders’ account balances consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Interest-sensitive life contracts $ 5,559,712 $ 5,499,037 Individual annuities 4,240,012 4,761,155 Funding agreements 350,013 408,165 Other 8,170 8,554 Total policyholders’ account balances $ 10,157,907 $ 10,676,911 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

Certain Nontraditional Long-Dur

Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 issued annuity contracts with and without 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. All of the risks associated with the Company’s variable annuity contracts are reinsured with external reinsurers. In addition, the Company issued 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). 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 currentaccount 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, 2018 and 2017, the Company had the following guarantees associated with these contracts, by product and guarantee type : December 31, 2018 ($ in millions) In the Event of At For Cumulative Accumulation Variable Annuity Contracts Separate account value $ 443.6 $ 98.2 $ 8.1 $ 40.4 Net amount at risk $ 60.3 $ 14.8 $ 0.5 $ 6.3 Average attained age of contractholders 63 years N/A N/A N/A Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date N/A None N/A 5 years Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts No Lapse Guarantees Separate account value $ 320.3 General account value $ 3,610.2 Net amount at risk $ 64,931.8 Average attained age of contractholders 51 years December 31, 2017 ($ in millions) In the Event of At For Cumulative Accumulation Variable Annuity Contracts Separate account value $ 543.4 $ 121.8 $ 9.9 $ 52.9 Net amount at risk $ 44.1 $ 10.6 $ 0.1 $ 4.6 Average attained age of contractholders 62 years N/A N/A N/A Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date N/A None N/A 5 years Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts No Lapse Guarantees Separate account value $ 396.7 General account value $ 3,687.9 Net amount at risk $ 71,791.0 Average attained age of contractholders 50 years Liabilities for Guarantee Benefits 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 and the related changes in the liabilities are included in Policyholder benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. 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. The changes in general account liabilities for guarantees on variable contracts were as follows: GMDB GMIB GMWB/GMAB Secondary ($ in thousands) Variable Variable Variable Interest- Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 8,844 $ 5,663 $ 7,814 $ 741,285 $ 763,606 Less: reinsurance recoverable 8,844 5,663 7,814 100,317 122,638 Net balance as of December 31, 2015 — — — 640,968 640,968 Incurred guarantee benefits — — — 316,344 316,344 Paid guarantee benefits — — — (156,067 ) (156,067 ) Net change — — — 160,277 160,277 Net balance as of December 31, 2016 — — — 801,245 801,245 Plus reinsurance recoverable 8,626 3,440 6,835 122,608 141,509 Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 8,626 $ 3,440 $ 6,835 $ 923,853 $ 942,754 Less: reinsurance recoverable 8,626 3,440 6,835 122,608 141,509 Net balance as of December 31, 2016 — — — 801,245 801,245 Incurred guarantee benefits — — — 309,455 309,455 Paid guarantee benefits — — — (151,946 ) (151,946 ) Net change — — — 157,509 157,509 Net balance as of December 31, 2017 — — — 958,754 958,754 Plus reinsurance recoverable 7,516 2,248 4,670 149,618 164,052 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 7,516 $ 2,248 $ 4,670 $ 1,108,372 $ 1,122,806 Less: reinsurance recoverable 7,516 2,248 4,670 149,618 164,052 Net balance as of December 31, 2017 — — — 958,754 958,754 Incurred guarantee benefits — — — 307,878 307,878 Paid guarantee benefits — — — (201,517 ) (201,517 ) Net change — — — 106,361 106,361 Net balance as of December 31, 2018 — — — 1,065,115 1,065,115 Plus reinsurance recoverable 9,903 3,299 5,316 169,022 187,540 Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 9,903 $ 3,299 $ 5,316 $ 1,234,137 $ 1,252,655

Value of Business Acquired

Value of Business Acquired	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Value of Business Acquired	11. Value of Business Acquired The following changes to the VOBA asset occurred for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of period $ 135,031 $ 186,701 $ 247,702 Business acquired — — — Amortized to expense during the year (1) (26,321 ) (29,827 ) (30,053 ) Adjustment for unrealized investment losses during the year 45,560 (21,843 ) (30,948 ) Balance at end of year $ 154,270 $ 135,031 $ 186,701 (1) Amount is included in Operating and acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The estimated percentages of the VOBA balance to be amortized for the years indicated were as follows: VOBA 2019 13 % 2020 11 % 2021 9 % 2022 8 % 2023 and thereafter 59 %

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, premium tax and market conduct compliance. It is possible that these examinations may result in additional payments to states and to changes in the Company’s practices and procedures, which could impact benefit payments, operating and acquisition expenses 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, 2018, the Company accrued $3.8 million for guaranty fund assessments which is expected to be offset by estimated future premium tax deductions of $3.4 million. At December 31, 2017, the Company accrued $3.3 million for guaranty fund assessments. 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. 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 Pledged or Restricted Assets The Company had the following restricted assets: • Certain bonds were on deposit with governmental authorities as required by law with market values of $8.4 million and $8.6 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. • Derivative cash collateral received was reported as cash equivalents of $1.0 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. • Funds pledged on certain mortgage loans held in the investment portfolio to finance property improvements on underlying real estate totaling $4.8 million and $8.5 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. • The Company is a member of the FHLB and is required to pledge collateral to back funding agreements issued to the FHLB. Assets with a market value of approximately $513.2 and $538.7 million were pledged as collateral to the FHLB as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Regulatory Capital and Dividend

Regulatory Capital and Dividends	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 accounting practices do not give recognition to purchase accounting adjustments. Statutory net income was $36 million, $64 million, and $52 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus was $380 million and $426 million as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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 HoldCo’s acquisition of Lincoln Benefit, prior approval of the Nebraska Director of Insurance is required for the Company for any dividend or distribution for five years subsequent to April 1, 2014. The Company paid dividends of $15.0 million, $70.0 million, and $42.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Other 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, 2018
Leases	14. Leases The Company has a lease agreement to lease office space under a non-cancellable The minimum aggregate rental commitments as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: ($ in thousands) 2019 $ 230 2020 218 2021 224 2022 229 2023 235 All future years 529 Aggregate total $ 1,665

Related Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Parties	15. Related Parties Under the management services agreement with HoldCo, HoldCo 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. HoldCo provided $22.4 million, $18.9 million, and $14.1 million in services to Lincoln Benefit for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company has 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 years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $8.3 million, 7.8 million, and $7.3 million, respectively. The Company reported the following receivables/ (payables) to affiliates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: ($ in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 HoldCo $ (5,288 ) $ (4,715 ) Lanis $ (2,131 ) $ (2,015 ) Intercompany receivable and payable balances are evaluated on an individual company basis. Intercompany balances are generally settled quarterly. The Company’s stock was pledged as collateral on HoldCo’s term loan agreement with a syndicate of lenders (“Term Loan”). The Term Loan was paid off in 2018. On April 1, 2014, the Company and HoldCo 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, HoldCo shall reimburse the Company in cash in an amount equal to such payment by the Company.

Schedule I Summary of Investmen

Schedule I Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule I Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	Lincoln Benefit Life Company (A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.) December 31, 2018 Amortized Fair Value Amount at which ($ in thousands) Type of Investment Fixed maturities: Available for sale U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 305,336 $ 301,926 $ 301,926 Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions 747,872 762,465 762,465 Foreign government 22,476 19,977 19,977 All other corporate bonds 5,830,098 5,524,406 5,524,406 ABS 404,935 392,045 392,045 CMBS 307,430 300,967 300,967 RMBS 83,965 87,688 87,688 Redeemable preferred stock 14,800 14,800 14,800 Total fixed maturities, available for sale $ 7,716,912 $ 7,404,274 $ 7,404,274 Trading securities 194,785 197,651 197,651 Fair value option securities 10,603 10,028 10,028 Total fixed maturities $ 7,922,300 $ 7,611,953 $ 7,611,953 Other securities: Common stock $ 6,988 $ 6,988 $ 6,988 Commercial mortgage loans 853,073 852,034 853,073 Derivatives 13,527 2,976 2,976 Policy loans 176,782 176,782 176,782 Short-term investments 269,016 269,016 269,016 Total other securities $ 1,319,386 $ 1,307,796 $ 1,308,835 Total investments $ 9,241,686 $ 8,919,749 $ 8,920,788

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	Lincoln Benefit Life Company (A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of LBL HoldCo II, Inc.) Schedule IV – Reinsurance ($ in thousands) Gross Amount Ceded to Other Assumed from Net Amount Percentage of Year Ended December 31, 2018 Life insurance in force $ 320,394,583 $ 315,936,427 $ 3,945,946 $ 8,404,102 47.0 % Premiums and contract charges: Life and annuities $ 1,189,749 $ (845,346 ) $ 5,118 $ 349,521 1.5 % Accident and health insurance 57,203 (55,496 ) — 1,707 0.0 % $ 1,246,952 $ (900,842 ) $ 5,118 $ 351,228 1.5 % Year Ended December 31, 2017 Life insurance in force $ 343,103,636 $ 338,144,016 $ 4,049,125 $ 9,008,745 44.9 % Premiums and contract charges: Life and annuities $ 1,236,410 $ (895,505 ) $ 4,768 $ 345,673 1.4 % Accident and health insurance 58,052 (54,389 ) — 3,663 0.0 % $ 1,294,462 $ (949,894 ) $ 4,768 $ 349,336 1.4 % Year Ended December 31, 2016 Life insurance in force $ 365,008,309 $ 359,316,014 $ 4,180,222 $ 9,872,516 42.3 % Premiums and contract charges: Life and annuities $ 1,270,770 $ (918,414 ) $ 4,749 $ 357,105 1.3 % Accident and health insurance 58,147 (52,633 ) — 5,514 0.0 % $ 1,328,917 $ (971,047 ) $ 4,749 $ 362,619 1.3 % No reinsurance or coinsurance income was netted against premiums ceded in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 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 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 and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents Cash includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks, certain money market securities, highly liquid overnight deposits, discount notes and commercial paper held in the ordinary course of business 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”). Certain fixed maturities, which may be sold prior to their contractual maturity, are designated as available-for-sale pay-downs Fair value option and trading securities are stated at estimated fair value and include investments for which the fair value option has been elected and investments that are actively purchased and sold (“Actively traded securities”). Actively traded securities principally include U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government authorities’ and agencies’ securities. Changes in estimated fair value of these securities are included in Realized investment gains, net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The Company recognizes other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) for securities classified as AFS in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities 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 noncredit loss. For corporate bonds, discounted cash flow analysis is based on historical and future cash flows. Cash flows include default and loss severity assumptions, where needed, based on adverse factors specific to the security, industry or geographic area in which it operates. 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. Redeemable preferred stock is stated at fair value. Common stock is Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Chicago activity stock, which is purchased or sold based on the level of funding agreements and is also stated at cost which approximates fair value. 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 losses (“ALL”) 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, certain money market 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 equity index options and futures and interest rate swaps to economically hedge its obligation under certain fixed indexed annuity and universal life 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. Equity index 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. Premiums paid are reported as a derivative asset and premiums received are reported as a derivative liability. 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. Index option contracts are cash settled upon exercise and the gain or loss on the settlement is reported in Realized investment gains, net. If the option contract expires without being exercised, the premiums paid or received are reported as Realized investment gains, net and the corresponding asset or liability previously recorded is reversed. The change in the fair value of options contracts are reported in Realized investment gains, net, with an adjustment to a corresponding asset or liability. The Company employs interest rate swaps to reduce interest rate risk associated with specific investments supporting certain annuity contracts. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two counterparties in which one stream of future interest payments is exchanged for another. Interest rate swaps usually involve the exchange of a fixed interest rate for a floating rate, or vice versa, to reduce or increase exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, or to obtain a marginally lower interest rate. Swaps provide returns at the reset dates based on respective interest rates applied to the notional amount with the net difference in resulting interest payments settled between the counterparties. The change in the fair value of the swap is reported in Realized investment gains, net, with an adjustment to the corresponding asset or liability. Cash flows received/paid at the reset dates are reported in net investment income and consist of any differences in the amounts of contractual interest calculated due to the respective counterparties based on changes in interest rates. Swaps usually terminate upon expiration and the remaining book value is offset to Realized investment gains, net. If terminated through sale, the difference between consideration received or paid and the remaining book value is recorded to Realized investment gains, net. The Company has derivatives embedded in non-derivative
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, non-accrual Realized investment gains and losses, net, 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 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. Surrenders 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. Interest-sensitive life contracts, such as universal life and single premium life, are insurance contracts whose terms are not fixed and 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. Returns 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 life and variable annuity products include guaranteed minimum death, income, withdrawal and accumulation benefits. The Company incurs costs in connection with renewal insurance business. All acquisition-related costs, including commissions, as well as all indirect costs, are expensed as incurred and reported in Other expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
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 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 Sheets. 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.
Value of Business Acquired ("VOBA")	Value of Business Acquired (“VOBA”) For interest-sensitive life and annuity products, VOBA is amortized over the life of the policies in relation to the emergence of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) 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
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 accounts liabilities represent the contractholders’ claims to the related assets and are carried at an amount equal to the separate accounts 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 (Loss). 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	Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities 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. For ASC 944-20 Financial Services – Insurance Activities, 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 fixed indexed life and annuity policies with returns linked to the performance of a specified market index are equal to the excess of the sum of the fair value of the embedded derivatives and the host (or guaranteed) component over the policyholder account balance. 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, 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. 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. 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.
Policyholders' Account Balances	Policyholders’ Account Balances Policyholders’ account balances represent interest-bearing liabilities arising from the sale of products such as interest-sensitive life insurance and fixed annuities. Policyholders’ 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. 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.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes 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 and a deferred tax asset valuation allowance is established when realization of such assets is not likely (less than 50% likelihood). Tax positions are assessed under a two-step
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 $513.0 million and acquired from Lanis a Vehicle Note (the “Vehicle Note”) for $513.0 million. 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) pre-approval, pre-approval,
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 and 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.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year financial statement presentation.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”). ASU listed below represent those that have been adopted during the current fiscal year and/or those that have been issued but not yet adopted as of the date of this filing. ASU not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or not material. In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance related to fair value measurement ( ASU 2018-13, In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for long-duration insurance contracts ( ASU 2018-12, In February 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting comprehensive income ( ASU 2018-02, In March 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on premium amortization of purchased callable debt securities ( ASU 2017-08, 310-20 In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments (ASU 2016-15, In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for recording credit losses (ASU 2016-13, available-for-sale In February 2016, the FASB issued a new leasing standard (ASU 2016-02, year-end In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments ( ASU 2016-01, 825-10 In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard ( ASU 2014-09,

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 Gross Gross ($ in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value Fixed maturities, available for sale U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 305,336 $ 5,423 $ (8,833 ) $ 301,926 Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions 747,872 21,407 (6,814 ) 762,465 Foreign government 22,476 8 (2,507 ) 19,977 All other corporate securities 5,830,098 22,671 (328,363 ) 5,524,406 ABS 404,935 422 (13,312 ) 392,045 CMBS 307,430 1,494 (7,957 ) 300,967 RMBS 83,965 4,289 (566 ) 87,688 Redeemable preferred stock 14,800 — — 14,800 Total fixed maturities, available for sale $ 7,716,912 $ 55,714 $ (368,352 ) $ 7,404,274 December 31, 2017 Gross Gross ($ in thousands) Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value Fixed maturities, available for sale U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 416,639 $ 5,322 $ (12,366 ) $ 409,595 Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions 741,343 37,908 (2,720 ) 776,531 Foreign government 24,242 234 (1,685 ) 22,791 All other corporate securities 6,169,204 258,440 (37,898 ) 6,389,746 ABS 478,329 5,289 (3,395 ) 480,223 CMBS 189,596 1,377 (3,148 ) 187,825 RMBS 127,439 6,520 (509 ) 133,450 Redeemable preferred stock 14,800 — — 14,800 Total fixed maturities, available for sale $ 8,161,592 $ 315,090 $ (61,721 ) $ 8,414,961
Schedule for Fixed Income Securities Based on Contractual Maturities	The scheduled maturities for fixed maturities, available for sale, were as follows as of December 31, 2018: ($ in thousands) Amortized Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 198,865 $ 198,415 Due after one year through five years 782,318 783,443 Due after five years through ten years 801,362 783,970 Due after ten years 4,927,645 4,651,395 Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities $ 6,710,190 $ 6,417,223 Asset and mortgage-backed securities 1,006,722 987,051 Total fixed maturities $ 7,716,912 $ 7,404,274
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 Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio by geographical region was as follows as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: ($ in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Alabama $ 815 $ 1,056 Arizona 36,110 20,009 California 145,023 173,101 Colorado 61,191 57,293 Florida 54,630 103,869 Georgia 20,144 63,526 Hawaii 3,895 5,020 Illinois 86,832 87,957 Iowa 538 791 Kansas 9,200 9,200 Kentucky — 6,538 Maryland — 19,851 Massachusetts 29,836 53,605 Minnesota 23,612 116,923 Nevada 80,396 80,768 New Jersey 20,773 34,101 New York 48,375 50,691 North Carolina 33,447 34,022 Ohio 12,322 12,526 Pennsylvania 50,351 1,007 South Carolina 24,766 1,310 Texas 109,735 100,066 Utah — 7,823 Virginia 248 975 Washington — 77 Wisconsin 834 1,082 General allowance for loan loss — — Total commercial mortgage loans $ 853,073 $ 1,043,187
Schedule of Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-For-Investment	The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment December 31, 2018 Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios ($ in thousands) > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x Total % of Total Estimated Fair % of Total Loan-to-value Less than 65% $ 628,279 $ 88,404 $ 37,446 $ 754,129 88.4 % $ 752,667 88.3 % 65% to 75% 50,000 48,944 — 98,944 11.6 % 99,367 11.7 % 76% to 80% — — — — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Greater than 80% — — — — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Total $ 678,279 $ 137,348 $ 37,446 $ 853,073 100.0 % $ 852,034 100.0 % December 31, 2017 Recorded Investment Debt Service Coverage Ratios ($ in thousands) > 1.20x 1.00x - 1.20x < 1.00x Total % of Total Estimated Fair % of Total Loan-to-value Less than 65% $ 731,577 $ 48,895 $ — $ 780,472 74.8 % $ 782,640 74.9 % 65% to 75% 222,771 39,944 — 262,715 25.2 % 261,891 25.1 % 76% to 80% — — — — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Greater than 80% — — — — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Total $ 954,348 $ 88,839 $ — $ 1,043,187 100.0 % $ 1,044,531 100.0 %
Composition of Other Invested Assets	Other invested assets were as follows as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Low income housing tax credit properties $ — $ 138 Derivatives 2,976 21,045 $ 2,976 $ 21,183
Schedule of Net Investment Income	Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Fixed maturities, available for sale $ 332,082 $ 345,299 $ 330,253 Fixed maturties, trading 5,963 3,424 — Fixed maturities, fair value option 234 331 454 Common stock 314 224 — Commercial mortgage loans 43,781 56,510 69,360 Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments 4,262 1,718 1,007 Other investments 8,703 8,421 8,845 Gross investment income $ 395,339 $ 415,927 $ 409,919 Investment expenses 14,527 14,814 12,836 Net investment income $ 380,812 $ 401,113 $ 397,083
Schedule of Realized Investment Gains and Losses	Realized investment gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Realized investment gains, net Fixed maturities, available for sale $ (45,240 ) $ 11,434 $ 66,560 Fixed maturities, trading (1,864 ) 1,081 — Fixed maturties, fair value option (247 ) 405 (733 ) Commercial mortgage loans 1,201 5,935 4,037 Derivatives (7,136 ) 19,360 3,856 Other invested assets (9 ) (92 ) — Net realized gains (losses) $ (53,295 ) $ 38,123 $ 73,720
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 years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale Proceeds from sales $ 919,347 $ 1,496,242 $ 3,027,998 Gross investment gains from sales 4,682 29,271 109,282 Gross investment losses from sales (42,996 ) (11,893 ) (35,136 )
Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Fixed Income by Length of Time	The gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed maturities, available for sale, by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: December 31, 2018 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months ($ in thousands) Fair Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 40,085 $ (1,337 ) $ 139,944 $ (7,496 ) $ 180,029 $ (8,833 ) Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions 113,634 (1,932 ) 75,444 (4,882 ) 189,078 (6,814 ) Foreign government 8,894 (2 ) 10,573 (2,505 ) 19,467 (2,507 ) All other corporate securities 3,626,045 (222,408 ) 805,107 (105,955 ) 4,431,152 (328,363 ) ABS 237,153 (4,935 ) 107,437 (8,377 ) 344,590 (13,312 ) CMBS 110,483 (2,936 ) 86,765 (5,021 ) 197,248 (7,957 ) RMBS 10,028 (85 ) 13,793 (481 ) 23,821 (566 ) Total fixed maturities $ 4,146,322 $ (233,635 ) $ 1,239,063 $ (134,717 ) $ 5,385,385 $ (368,352 ) December 31, 2017 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months ($ in thousands) Fair Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 215,767 $ (3,499 ) $ 107,344 $ (8,867 ) $ 323,111 $ (12,366 ) Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions 38,171 (825 ) 45,877 (1,895 ) 84,048 (2,720 ) Foreign government 296 (4 ) 11,098 (1,681 ) 11,394 (1,685 ) All other corporate securities 740,795 (6,841 ) 489,367 (31,057 ) 1,230,162 (37,898 ) ABS 77,050 (689 ) 99,327 (2,706 ) 176,377 (3,395 ) CMBS 72,725 (593 ) 36,540 (2,555 ) 109,265 (3,148 ) RMBS 6,908 (118 ) 21,835 (391 ) 28,743 (509 ) Total fixed maturities $ 1,151,712 $ (12,569 ) $ 811,388 $ (49,152 ) $ 1,963,100 $ (61,721 )
Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses in AOCI	The changes in unrealized gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: ($ in thousands) Net Unrealized VOBA Future Policy Deferred Accumulated Other Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (327,781 ) $ 36,774 $ 52,906 $ 83,402 $ (154,699 ) Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period 160,311 — — (56,111 ) 104,200 Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income (81,920 ) — — 28,672 (53,248 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA — (30,948 ) — 10,832 (20,116 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances — — (28,924 ) 10,123 (18,801 ) Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (85,550 ) $ 5,826 $ 23,982 $ 19,574 $ (36,168 ) Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period 332,918 — — (111,486 ) 221,432 Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income (6,001 ) — — 2,100 (3,901 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA — (21,843 ) — 7,645 (14,198 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances — — (157,156 ) 55,005 (102,151 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 253,369 $ (16,017 ) $ (133,174 ) $ (31,362 ) $ 72,816 Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period (560,739 ) — — 117,756 (442,983 ) Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income 5,268 — — (1,106 ) 4,162 Establishement of valuation allowance related to deferred income tax assets — — — (65,654 ) (65,654 ) Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA — 45,560 — (9,568 ) 35,992 Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders’ account balances — — 251,235 (52,760 ) 198,475 Implementation of accounting standard related to the reclassification of certain tax effects — — — 9,558 9,558 Balance, December 31, 2018 $ (312,638 ) $ 29,543 $ 118,061 $ (30,924 ) $ (195,958 )

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of Notional and Fair Value Positions of Derivative Instruments	The notional and fair value positions of derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Notional Gross Fair Value Notional Gross Fair Value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities ($ in thousands) Assets Equity Options $ 338,470 $ 324,047 $ 5,099 $ (1,584 ) $ 237,250 $ 234,375 $ 39,397 $ (18,352 ) Futures — 9,934 — (539 ) — — — — Liabilities Policyholders account balances Derivatives embedded in life and annuity contracts Equity-indexed annuity contracts (2) $ — $ 924,733 $ — $ (44,947 ) $ — $ 1,095,253 $ — $ (57,531 ) Equity-indexed life contracts — 588,299 — (8,624 ) — 531,800 — (29,911 ) Guaranteed accumulation benefits (1) — 40,469 — (5,203 ) — 53,517 — (4,557 ) Guaranteed withdrawal benefits (1) — 8,070 — (113 ) — 9,939 — (113 ) (1) These amounts are fully ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements. The corresponding receivables have been excluded from the table above. (2) Notional 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 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 years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Realized Policyholder Realized Policyholder Realized Policyholder ($ in thousands) Assets Equity options $ (7,123 ) $ — $ 17,969 $ — $ 2,472 $ — Futures (13 ) — 1,391 — 884 — Interest rate swaps — — — — 500 — Liabilities Policyholders’ account balances Equity-indexed annuity contracts $ — $ 12,584 $ — $ (1,660 ) $ — $ 8,267 Equity-indexed life contracts — 194 — (168 ) — (121 )

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis	December 31, 2018 Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ($ in thousands) Assets at fair value Fixed maturities, available for sale U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 94,902 $ 206,690 $ 334 $ 301,926 Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions — 762,465 — 762,465 Foreign government — 19,977 — 19,977 All other corporate securities — 5,511,797 12,609 5,524,406 ABS — 391,260 785 392,045 CMBS — 300,967 — 300,967 RMBS — 87,688 — 87,688 Redeemable preferred stock — 14,800 — 14,800 Fixed maturities, trading — 197,651 — 197,651 Fixed maturities, fair value option — 10,028 — 10,028 Common stock — — 6,988 6,988 Short-term investments 269,016 — — 269,016 Other invested assets Equity options 3,515 — — 3,515 Futures (539 ) — — (539 ) Separate accounts assets 1,266,912 — — 1,266,912 Total assets at fair value $ 1,633,806 $ 7,503,323 $ 20,716 $ 9,157,845 Liabilities at fair value Policyholders’ account balances Equity indexed annuity contracts $ — $ — $ (44,947 ) $ (44,947 ) Equity indexed life contracts — (8,624 ) — (8,624 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits — — (5,203 ) (5,203 ) Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits — — (113 ) (113 ) Separate accounts liabilities (1,266,912 ) — — (1,266,912 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (1,266,912 ) $ (8,624 ) $ (50,263 ) $ (1,325,799 ) December 31, 2017 Description for Each Class of Asset or Liability Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ($ in thousands) Assets at fair value Fixed maturities, available for sale U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies $ 156,959 $ 247,739 $ 4,897 $ 409,595 Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions — 776,531 — 776,531 Foreign government — 22,791 — 22,791 All other corporate securities — 6,371,395 18,351 6,389,746 ABS — 462,290 17,933 480,223 CMBS — 187,825 — 187,825 RMBS — 133,450 — 133,450 Redeemable preferred stock — 14,800 — 14,800 Fixed maturities, trading 97,819 97,819 Fixed maturities, fair value option — 12,095 — 12,095 Common stock — — 8,152 8,152 Short-term investments 190,376 — — 190,376 Other invested assets Equity options 21,045 — — 21,045 Separate accounts assets 1,460,380 — — 1,460,380 Total assets at fair value $ 1,828,760 $ 8,326,735 $ 49,333 $ 10,204,828 Liabilities at fair value Policyholders’ account balances Equity indexed annuity contracts $ — $ — $ (57,531 ) $ (57,531 ) Equity indexed life contracts — (29,911 ) — (29,911 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits — — (4,557 ) (4,557 ) Guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits — — (113 ) (113 ) Separate accounts liabilities (1,460,380 ) — — (1,460,380 ) Total liabilities at fair value $ (1,460,380 ) $ (29,911 ) $ (62,201 ) $ (1,552,492 )
Summary of Quantitative Information About the Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements	Quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements was as follows as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: December 31, 2018 ($ in thousands) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Range Weighted Equity indexed annuity contracts $ (44,947 ) Option Pricing Projected Option 1.40% - 1.63% 1.48 % December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Range Weighted Equity indexed annuity contracts $ (57,531 ) Option Pricing Projected Option 1.40% - 1.64% 1.42 %
Schedule of Rollforward of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Held at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The rollforward of Level 3 assets and liabilities held at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was as follows: ($ in thousands) Balance, Net income OCI Transfers Transfers Purchases Sales Issues Settlements Balance, Assets Fixed income maturities U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies, available for sale $ 4,897 $ (1,297 ) $ 211 $ — $ (3,477 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 334 All other corporate securities 18,351 (27 ) (26 ) — (965 ) — (2,077 ) — (2,647 ) 12,609 ABS 17,933 81 (632 ) 1,931 (16,157 ) — — — (2,371 ) 785 Common stock 8,152 — — — — 110 (1,274 ) — — 6,988 Liabilities Equity indexed annuity contracts (57,531 ) 12,584 — — — — — — — (44,947 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (1) (4,670 ) (646 ) — — — — — — — (5,316 ) ($ in thousands) Balance, Net OCI Transfers Transfers Purchases Sales Issues Settlements Balance, Assets Fixed income maturities U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies, available for sale $ 6,573 $ (1,308 ) $ (368 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 4,897 All other corporate securities 19,351 (8 ) 121 — — — — — (1,113 ) 18,351 ABS 26,135 1,509 873 — (8,828 ) 16,817 — — (18,573 ) 17,933 Common stock 5,100 — — — — 3,052 — — — 8,152 Liabilities Equity indexed annuity contracts (55,871 ) (1,660 ) — — — — — — — (57,531 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (1) (6,835 ) 2,165 — — — — — — — (4,670 ) ($ in thousands) Balance, Net OCI Transfers Transfers Purchases Sales Issues Settlements Balance, Assets Fixed income maturities U.S Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies, available for sale $ — $ (491 ) $ 187 $ — $ — $ 6,877 $ — $ — $ — $ 6,573 All other corporate securities 11,520 (123 ) (246 ) 15,370 (4,483 ) — (955 ) — (1,732 ) 19,351 ABS 14,260 (53 ) 347 3,093 — 11,165 — — (2,677 ) 26,135 Common stock — — — — — 5,100 — — — 5,100 Liabilities Equity indexed annuity contracts (64,138 ) 8,267 — — — — — — — (55,871 ) Guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits and guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (1) (7,814 ) 979 — — — — — — — (6,835 ) (1) These amounts are 100% ceded in accordance with the Company’s reinsurance agreements.
Schedule of Carrying Value of Financial Instruments Presented in Consolidated Balance Sheet	The carrying amount and fair value by fair value hierarchy level of certain financial instruments not reported at fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ($ in thousands) Assets Commercial mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 852,034 $ 852,034 Policy loans — — 176,782 176,782 Cash and cash equivalents 6,177 — — 6,177 Vehicle note — — 763,570 763,570 Total assets at fair value $ 6,177 $ — $ 1,792,386 $ 1,798,563 Liabilities at fair value Policyholders’ account balances — investment contracts $ — $ — $ 4,824,055 $ 4,824,055 Other long-term debt — — 763,570 763,570 $ — $ — $ 5,587,625 $ 5,587,625 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total ($ in thousands) Assets Commercial mortgage loans $ — $ — $ 1,044,531 $ 1,044,531 Policy loans — — 178,437 178,437 Cash and cash equivalents 78,801 — — 78,801 Vehicle note — — 736,925 736,925 Total assets at fair value $ 78,801 $ — $ 1,959,893 $ 2,038,694 Liabilities at fair value Policyholders’ account balances — investment contracts $ — $ — $ 5,439,621 $ 5,439,621 Other long-term debt — — 736,925 736,925 $ — $ — $ 6,176,546 $ 6,176,546

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Premiums Earnd and Fee Income	The effects of reinsurance on premiums earned and fee income from policyholders for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Direct $ 1,246,952 $ 1,294,462 $ 1,328,917 Assumed 5,118 4,768 4,749 Ceded (900,842 ) (949,894 ) (971,047 ) Premiums and fee income, net of reinsurance $ 351,228 $ 349,336 $ 362,619
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 and policyholder benefits for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Direct $ 1,519,057 $ 1,668,358 $ 1,643,710 Assumed 4,854 6,003 6,453 Ceded (842,505 ) (957,374 ) (931,557 ) Return credited to policyholders’ account balances and policyholders’ benefits, net of reinsurance $ 681,406 $ 716,987 $ 718,606

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Deferred tax assets Policyholder reserves $ 1,319,161 $ 1,351,638 Deferred acquisition costs 64,394 50,739 Deferred financing costs — 2,154 Investments 61,318 — Other assets 7,611 3,800 Total deferred tax assets $ 1,452,484 $ 1,408,331 Valuation allowance (65,654 ) — Deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance $ 1,386,830 $ 1,408,331 Deferred tax liabilities Value of business acquired $ (32,397 ) $ (28,356 ) Amounts recoverable from reinsurers (1,383,677 ) (1,347,620 ) Intangibles (1,092 ) (1,092 ) Investments (533 ) (54,605 ) Other liabilities (731 ) (1,243 ) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (1,418,430 ) $ (1,432,916 ) Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (31,600 ) $ (24,585 )
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 years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Expected federal income tax expense (benefit) $ (15,662 ) $ (2,124 ) $ 16,135 Dividends received deduction (890 ) (1,960 ) (1,960 ) Tax reform — (11,461 ) — Tax rate differential on capital loss carryback, etc. (9,769 ) — — Other (523 ) (268 ) 472 Total income tax expense $ (26,844 ) $ (15,813 ) $ 14,647

Future Policy Benefits and Ot_2

Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017, future policy benefits and other policyholder liabilities consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Traditional life insurance $ 1,612,347 $ 1,607,149 Immediate fixed annuities 411,410 466,723 Accident and health insurance 1,918,570 1,809,006 Equity indexed annuities 16,547 32,601 Other 1,501,239 1,594,571 Total $ 5,460,113 $ 5,510,050

Policyholder Account Balances (

Policyholder Account Balances (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Policyholder Account Balances	As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, policyholders’ account balances consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Interest-sensitive life contracts $ 5,559,712 $ 5,499,037 Individual annuities 4,240,012 4,761,155 Funding agreements 350,013 408,165 Other 8,170 8,554 Total policyholders’ account balances $ 10,157,907 $ 10,676,911

Certain Nontraditional Long-D_2

Certain Nontraditional Long-Duration Contracts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of Variable Annuity Contracts	As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had the following guarantees associated with these contracts, by product and guarantee type : December 31, 2018 ($ in millions) In the Event of At For Cumulative Accumulation Variable Annuity Contracts Separate account value $ 443.6 $ 98.2 $ 8.1 $ 40.4 Net amount at risk $ 60.3 $ 14.8 $ 0.5 $ 6.3 Average attained age of contractholders 63 years N/A N/A N/A Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date N/A None N/A 5 years Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts No Lapse Guarantees Separate account value $ 320.3 General account value $ 3,610.2 Net amount at risk $ 64,931.8 Average attained age of contractholders 51 years December 31, 2017 ($ in millions) In the Event of At For Cumulative Accumulation Variable Annuity Contracts Separate account value $ 543.4 $ 121.8 $ 9.9 $ 52.9 Net amount at risk $ 44.1 $ 10.6 $ 0.1 $ 4.6 Average attained age of contractholders 62 years N/A N/A N/A Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date N/A None N/A 5 years Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts No Lapse Guarantees Separate account value $ 396.7 General account value $ 3,687.9 Net amount at risk $ 71,791.0 Average attained age of contractholders 50 years
Liabilities for Guarantee Benefits	The changes in general account liabilities for guarantees on variable contracts were as follows: GMDB GMIB GMWB/GMAB Secondary ($ in thousands) Variable Variable Variable Interest- Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 8,844 $ 5,663 $ 7,814 $ 741,285 $ 763,606 Less: reinsurance recoverable 8,844 5,663 7,814 100,317 122,638 Net balance as of December 31, 2015 — — — 640,968 640,968 Incurred guarantee benefits — — — 316,344 316,344 Paid guarantee benefits — — — (156,067 ) (156,067 ) Net change — — — 160,277 160,277 Net balance as of December 31, 2016 — — — 801,245 801,245 Plus reinsurance recoverable 8,626 3,440 6,835 122,608 141,509 Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 8,626 $ 3,440 $ 6,835 $ 923,853 $ 942,754 Less: reinsurance recoverable 8,626 3,440 6,835 122,608 141,509 Net balance as of December 31, 2016 — — — 801,245 801,245 Incurred guarantee benefits — — — 309,455 309,455 Paid guarantee benefits — — — (151,946 ) (151,946 ) Net change — — — 157,509 157,509 Net balance as of December 31, 2017 — — — 958,754 958,754 Plus reinsurance recoverable 7,516 2,248 4,670 149,618 164,052 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 7,516 $ 2,248 $ 4,670 $ 1,108,372 $ 1,122,806 Less: reinsurance recoverable 7,516 2,248 4,670 149,618 164,052 Net balance as of December 31, 2017 — — — 958,754 958,754 Incurred guarantee benefits — — — 307,878 307,878 Paid guarantee benefits — — — (201,517 ) (201,517 ) Net change — — — 106,361 106,361 Net balance as of December 31, 2018 — — — 1,065,115 1,065,115 Plus reinsurance recoverable 9,903 3,299 5,316 169,022 187,540 Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 9,903 $ 3,299 $ 5,316 $ 1,234,137 $ 1,252,655

Value of Business Acquired (Tab

Value of Business Acquired (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Changes to Value of Business Acquired	The following changes to the VOBA asset occurred for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016: ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of period $ 135,031 $ 186,701 $ 247,702 Business acquired — — — Amortized to expense during the year (1) (26,321 ) (29,827 ) (30,053 ) Adjustment for unrealized investment losses during the year 45,560 (21,843 ) (30,948 ) Balance at end of year $ 154,270 $ 135,031 $ 186,701 (1) Amount is included in Operating and acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Estimated Percentage of VOBA Balance to Be Amortized	The estimated percentages of the VOBA balance to be amortized for the years indicated were as follows: VOBA 2019 13 % 2020 11 % 2021 9 % 2022 8 % 2023 and thereafter 59 %

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Minimum Aggregate Rental Commitments	The minimum aggregate rental commitments as of December 31, 2018 were as follows: ($ in thousands) 2019 $ 230 2020 218 2021 224 2022 229 2023 235 All future years 529 Aggregate total $ 1,665

Related Parties (Tables)

Related Parties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables/ (Payables) to Affiliates	The Company reported the following receivables/ (payables) to affiliates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017: ($ in thousands) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 HoldCo $ (5,288 ) $ (4,715 ) Lanis $ (2,131 ) $ (2,015 )

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 01, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase in surplus note and vehicle note	$ 41.5	$ 36	$ 50.3
Interest rate on surplus note				4.00%
Interest expense on surplus note	28.4	$ 26.9	$ 25.1
Impact of new Accounting guidance, AOCI	9.6
Impact of new Accounting guidance, retained earnings	(9.6)
Lancaster
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Surplus note re issued				$ 513
Other Assets | Lancaster
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Vehicle Note acquired				$ 513
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
New accounting standards, impact in recognition of lease asset and lease liability	$ 1.3

Schedule for Fixed Income Secur

Schedule for Fixed Income Securities at Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses and Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 7,716,912	$ 8,161,592
Gross Unrealized Gains	55,714	315,090
Gross Unrealized Losses	(368,352)	(61,721)
Fair Value	7,404,274	8,414,961
U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Authority and Agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	305,336	416,639
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,423	5,322
Gross Unrealized Losses	(8,833)	(12,366)
Fair Value	301,926	409,595
Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	747,872	741,343
Gross Unrealized Gains	21,407	37,908
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6,814)	(2,720)
Fair Value	762,465	776,531
Foreign government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	22,476	24,242
Gross Unrealized Gains	8	234
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,507)	(1,685)
Fair Value	19,977	22,791
All other corporate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	5,830,098	6,169,204
Gross Unrealized Gains	22,671	258,440
Gross Unrealized Losses	(328,363)	(37,898)
Fair Value	5,524,406	6,389,746
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	404,935	478,329
Gross Unrealized Gains	422	5,289
Gross Unrealized Losses	(13,312)	(3,395)
Fair Value	392,045	480,223
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	307,430	189,596
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,494	1,377
Gross Unrealized Losses	(7,957)	(3,148)
Fair Value	300,967	187,825
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	83,965	127,439
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,289	6,520
Gross Unrealized Losses	(566)	(509)
Fair Value	87,688	133,450
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	14,800	14,800
Fair Value	$ 14,800	$ 14,800

Schedule for Fixed Income Sec_2

Schedule for Fixed Income Securities Based on Contractual Maturities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amortized cost
Due in one year or less	$ 198,865
Due after one year through five years	782,318
Due after five years through ten years	801,362
Due after ten years	4,927,645
Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities	6,710,190
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	1,006,722
Amortized Cost	7,716,912	$ 8,161,592
Fair value
Due in one year or less	198,415
Due after one year through five years	783,443
Due after five years through ten years	783,970
Due after ten years	4,651,395
Total before asset and mortgage-backed securities	6,417,223
Asset and mortgage-backed securities	987,051
Total fixed maturities	$ 7,404,274	$ 8,414,961

Schedule of Commercial Mortgage

Schedule of Commercial Mortgage Loan Portfolio by Geographical Region (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 853,073	$ 1,043,187
General allowance for loan loss	0	0
Total commercial mortgage loans	853,073	1,043,187
ALABAMA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	815	1,056
ARIZONA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	36,110	20,009
CALIFORNIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	145,023	173,101
COLORADO
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	61,191	57,293
FLORIDA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	54,630	103,869
GEORGIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	20,144	63,526
HAWAII
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	3,895	5,020
ILLINOIS
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	86,832	87,957
IOWA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	538	791
KANSAS
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	9,200	9,200
KENTUCKY
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value		6,538
MARYLAND
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value		19,851
MASSACHUSETTS
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	29,836	53,605
MINNESOTA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	23,612	116,923
NEVADA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	80,396	80,768
NEW JERSEY
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	20,773	34,101
NEW YORK
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	48,375	50,691
NORTH CAROLINA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	33,447	34,022
OHIO
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	12,322	12,526
PENNSYLVANIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	50,351	1,007
SOUTH CAROLINA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	24,766	1,310
TEXAS
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	109,735	100,066
UTAH
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value		7,823
VIRGINIA
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	248	975
Washington
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value		77
WISCONSIN
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 834	$ 1,082

Schedule of Credit Quality of C

Schedule of Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-For-Investment (Detail) - Commercial Mortgage Loans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 853,073	$ 1,043,187
Estimated Fair Value	$ 852,034	$ 1,044,531
Recorded Investment, % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Fair Value, % of Total	100.00%	100.00%
Debt Service Coverage Ratio >1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 678,279	$ 954,348
Debt Service Coverage Ratio 1.00x - 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	137,348	88,839
Debt Service Coverage Ratio Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	37,446
Loan To Value Ratio Less Than 65%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	754,129	780,472
Estimated Fair Value	$ 752,667	$ 782,640
Recorded Investment, % of Total	88.40%	74.80%
Estimated Fair Value, % of Total	88.30%	74.90%
Loan To Value Ratio Less Than 65% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio >1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 628,279	$ 731,577
Loan To Value Ratio Less Than 65% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio 1.00x - 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	88,404	48,895
Loan To Value Ratio Less Than 65% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio Less than 1.00x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	37,446
Loan To Value Ratio 65% to 75%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	98,944	262,715
Estimated Fair Value	$ 99,367	$ 261,891
Recorded Investment, % of Total	11.60%	25.20%
Estimated Fair Value, % of Total	11.70%	25.10%
Loan To Value Ratio 65% to 75% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio >1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 50,000	$ 222,771
Loan To Value Ratio 65% to 75% | Debt Service Coverage Ratio 1.00x - 1.20x
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	$ 48,944	$ 39,944
Loan To Value Ratio 76% to 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment, % of Total	0.00%	0.00%
Estimated Fair Value, % of Total	0.00%	0.00%
Loan To Value Ratio Greater than 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Recorded Investment, % of Total	0.00%	0.00%
Estimated Fair Value, % of Total	0.00%	0.00%

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Commercial Mortgage Loan	$ 853,100,000	$ 1,043,200,000
Non-taxable exchanges	5,400,000	11,000,000	$ 11,100,000
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Allowance for credit losses	0	0
Impaired loans	0	0
Commitments to fund borrowers troubled debt restructuring	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ 4,800,000	$ 4,400,000	$ 0

Other Invested Assets (Detail)

Other Invested Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	$ 2,976	$ 21,183
Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets		138
Derivative
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Other invested assets	$ 2,976	$ 21,045

Schedule of Net Investment Inco

Schedule of Net Investment Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	$ 395,339	$ 415,927	$ 409,919
Investment expenses	14,527	14,814	12,836
Net investment income	380,812	401,113	397,083
Fixed income securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	332,082	345,299	330,253
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	43,781	56,510	69,360
Cash And Short Term Investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	4,262	1,718	1,007
Other investment (loss) income
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	8,703	8,421	8,845
Common Stock
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	314	224
Fixed maturities, at fair value option
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	234	331	$ 454
Fixed maturities, trading
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income, before expense	$ 5,963	$ 3,424

Schedule of Realized Investment

Schedule of Realized Investment Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains (losses)	$ (53,295)	$ 38,123	$ 73,720
Fixed maturities, available for sale
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains (losses)	(45,240)	11,434	66,560
Fixed maturities, at fair value option
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains (losses)	(247)	405	(733)
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains (losses)	1,201	5,935	4,037
Other Invested Assets
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains (losses)	(9)	(92)
Derivative
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains (losses)	(7,136)	19,360	$ 3,856
Fixed maturities, trading
Investment Realized gains (losses)
Net realized gains (losses)	$ (1,864)	$ 1,081

Proceeds from Sale of Fixed Mat

Proceeds from Sale of Fixed Maturities and Gross Realized Investment Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale Proceeds from sales	$ 919,347	$ 1,496,242	$ 3,027,998
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, Gross investment gains from sales	4,682	29,271	109,282
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, Gross investment losses from sales	$ (42,996)	$ (11,893)	$ (35,136)

Summary of Gross Unrealized Los

Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Fixed Maturities by Length of Time (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	$ 4,146,322	$ 1,151,712
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	(233,635)	(12,569)
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months	1,239,063	811,388
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months	(134,717)	(49,152)
Fair Value	5,385,385	1,963,100
Gross Unrealized Losses	(368,352)	(61,721)
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	40,085	215,767
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	(1,337)	(3,499)
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months	139,944	107,344
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months	(7,496)	(8,867)
Fair Value	180,029	323,111
Gross Unrealized Losses	(8,833)	(12,366)
Obligations of U.S. States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	113,634	38,171
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	(1,932)	(825)
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months	75,444	45,877
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months	(4,882)	(1,895)
Fair Value	189,078	84,048
Gross Unrealized Losses	(6,814)	(2,720)
Foreign government
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	8,894	296
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	(2)	(4)
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months	10,573	11,098
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months	(2,505)	(1,681)
Fair Value	19,467	11,394
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,507)	(1,685)
All other corporate securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	3,626,045	740,795
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	(222,408)	(6,841)
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months	805,107	489,367
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months	(105,955)	(31,057)
Fair Value	4,431,152	1,230,162
Gross Unrealized Losses	(328,363)	(37,898)
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	237,153	77,050
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	(4,935)	(689)
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months	107,437	99,327
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months	(8,377)	(2,706)
Fair Value	344,590	176,377
Gross Unrealized Losses	(13,312)	(3,395)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	110,483	72,725
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	(2,936)	(593)
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months	86,765	36,540
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months	(5,021)	(2,555)
Fair Value	197,248	109,265
Gross Unrealized Losses	(7,957)	(3,148)
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	10,028	6,908
Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months	(85)	(118)
Fair value, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater 12 months	13,793	21,835
Gross Unrealized losses, continuous unrealized loss position for Greater than 12 months	(481)	(391)
Fair Value	23,821	28,743
Gross Unrealized Losses	$ (566)	$ (509)

Net Unrealized Investment Gains

Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses in Accumulated other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Unrealized Gains Losses on Investment Securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Balance	$ 253,369	$ (85,550)	$ (327,781)
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period	(560,739)	332,918	160,311
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income	5,268	(6,001)	(81,920)
Balance	(312,638)	253,369	(85,550)
Value of Business Acquired
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Balance	(16,017)	5,826	36,774
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA	45,560	(21,843)	(30,948)
Balance	29,543	(16,017)	5,826
Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Account Balances
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Balance	(133,174)	23,982	52,906
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances	251,235	(157,156)	(28,924)
Balance	118,061	(133,174)	23,982
Deferred Income Tax (Liability) Asset
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Balance	(31,362)	19,574	83,402
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period	117,756	(111,486)	(56,111)
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income	(1,106)	2,100	28,672
Establishement of valuation allowance related to deferred income tax assets	(65,654)
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA	(9,568)	7,645	10,832
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances	(52,760)	55,005	10,123
Implementation of accounting standard related to the reclassification of certain tax effects	9,558
Balance	(30,924)	(31,362)	19,574
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Balance	72,816	(36,168)	(154,699)
Net investment gains and losses on investments arising during the period	(442,983)	221,432	104,200
Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income	4,162	(3,901)	(53,248)
Establishement of valuation allowance related to deferred income tax assets	(65,654)
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on VOBA	35,992	(14,198)	(20,116)
Impact of net unrealized investment gains and losses on future policy benefits and policyholders' account balances	198,475	(102,151)	(18,801)
Implementation of accounting standard related to the reclassification of certain tax effects	9,558
Balance	$ (195,958)	$ 72,816	$ (36,168)

Summary of Notional and Fair Va

Summary of Notional and Fair Value Position of Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity Options
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Assets		$ 338,470	$ 237,250
Notional Liabilities		324,047	234,375
Gross Fair Value, Assets		5,099	39,397
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities		(1,584)	(18,352)
Future
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Liabilities		9,934
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities		(539)
Contractholder funds | Guaranteed accumulation benefits
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Liabilities	[1]	40,469	53,517
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	[1]	(5,203)	(4,557)
Contractholder funds | Guaranteed withdrawal benefits
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Liabilities	[1]	8,070	9,939
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	[1]	(113)	(113)
Contractholder funds | Equity-indexed annuity contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Liabilities	[2]	924,733	1,095,253
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities	[2]	(44,947)	(57,531)
Contractholder funds | Equity-indexed life contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Liabilities		588,299	531,800
Gross Fair Value, Liabilities		$ (8,624)	$ (29,911)
[1]	These amounts are fully ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements. The corresponding receivables have been excluded from the table above.
[2]	Notional amount represents account value of equity indexed contracts

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative cash and securities collateral held	$ 1	$ 0.3

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) - Derivatives not designated as accounting hedging instruments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Realized investment gains, net | Equity Options
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, net of reinsurance	$ (7,123)	$ 17,969	$ 2,472
Realized investment gains, net | Future
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, net of reinsurance	(13)	1,391	884
Realized investment gains, net | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, net of reinsurance			500
Policyholders' benefits | Equity-indexed annuity contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, net of reinsurance	12,584	(1,660)	8,267
Policyholders' benefits | Equity-indexed life contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, net of reinsurance	$ 194	$ (168)	$ (121)

Summary of Assets and Liabiliti

Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	$ 7,404,274	$ 8,414,961
Fixed maturities, trading	197,651	97,819
Fixed maturities, fair value option	10,028	12,095
Equity securities	6,988	8,152
Short-term investments	269,016	190,376
Separate accounts assets	1,266,912	1,460,380
Total assets at fair value	9,157,845	10,204,828
Liabilities at fair value
Separate accounts liabilities	(1,266,912)	(1,460,380)
Total liabilities at fair value	(1,325,799)	(1,552,492)
Guaranteed accumulation benefits
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	(5,203)	(4,557)
Guaranteed withdrawal benefits
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	(113)	(113)
Foreign government
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	19,977	22,791
All other corporate securities
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	5,524,406	6,389,746
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	392,045	480,223
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	300,967	187,825
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	87,688	133,450
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	14,800	14,800
Equity indexed annuity contracts
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	(44,947)	(57,531)
Equity indexed life contracts
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	(8,624)	(29,911)
Recurring basis
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments	269,016	190,376
Total assets at fair value	1,798,563	2,038,694
Liabilities at fair value
Total liabilities at fair value	(5,587,625)	(6,176,546)
Recurring basis | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	301,926	409,595
Recurring basis | States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	762,465	776,531
Recurring basis | Foreign government
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	19,977	22,791
Recurring basis | All other corporate securities
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	5,524,406	6,389,746
Recurring basis | Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	392,045	480,223
Recurring basis | Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	300,967	187,825
Recurring basis | Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	87,688	133,450
Recurring basis | Redeemable Preferred Stock
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	14,800	14,800
Recurring basis | Equity Options
Assets at fair value
Other invested assets	3,515	21,045
Recurring basis | Future
Assets at fair value
Other invested assets	(539)
Recurring basis | Fixed maturities, trading
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, trading	197,651	97,819
Recurring basis | Fixed maturities, at fair value option
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, fair value option	10,028	12,095
Recurring basis | Common Stock
Assets at fair value
Equity securities	6,988	8,152
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Assets at fair value
Separate accounts assets	1,266,912	1,460,380
Total assets at fair value	1,633,806	1,828,760
Liabilities at fair value
Separate accounts liabilities	(1,266,912)	(1,460,380)
Total liabilities at fair value	(1,266,912)	(1,460,380)
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Recurring basis
Assets at fair value
Short-term investments	269,016	190,376
Total assets at fair value	6,177	78,801
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Recurring basis | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	94,902	156,959
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Recurring basis | Equity Options
Assets at fair value
Other invested assets	3,515	21,045
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Recurring basis | Future
Assets at fair value
Other invested assets	(539)
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets at fair value
Total assets at fair value	7,503,323	8,326,735
Liabilities at fair value
Total liabilities at fair value	(8,624)	(29,911)
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Equity indexed life contracts
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	(8,624)	(29,911)
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	206,690	247,739
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	762,465	776,531
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Foreign government
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	19,977	22,791
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | All other corporate securities
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	5,511,797	6,371,395
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	391,260	462,290
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	300,967	187,825
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	87,688	133,450
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Redeemable Preferred Stock
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	14,800	14,800
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Fixed maturities, trading
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, trading	197,651	97,819
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Recurring basis | Fixed maturities, at fair value option
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, fair value option	10,028	12,095
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets at fair value
Total assets at fair value	20,716	49,333
Liabilities at fair value
Total liabilities at fair value	(50,263)	(62,201)
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Guaranteed accumulation benefits
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	(5,203)	(4,557)
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Guaranteed withdrawal benefits
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	(113)	(113)
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Equity indexed annuity contracts
Liabilities at fair value
Policyholders' account balances	(44,947)	(57,531)
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring basis
Assets at fair value
Total assets at fair value	1,792,386	1,959,893
Liabilities at fair value
Total liabilities at fair value	(5,587,625)	(6,176,546)
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring basis | United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	334	4,897
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring basis | All other corporate securities
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	12,609	18,351
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring basis | Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Assets at fair value
Fixed maturities, available for sale	785	17,933
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring basis | Common Stock
Assets at fair value
Equity securities	$ 6,988	$ 8,152

Summary of Quantitative Informa

Summary of Quantitative Information About Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Level Three Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	$ (1,325,799)	$ (1,552,492)
Equity indexed annuity contracts | Option Pricing Model Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	$ (44,947)	$ (57,531)
Minimum | Equity indexed annuity contracts | Option Pricing Model Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Projected option cost (as a percent)	1.40%	1.40%
Maximum | Equity indexed annuity contracts | Option Pricing Model Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Projected option cost (as a percent)	1.63%	1.64%
Weighted average | Equity indexed annuity contracts | Option Pricing Model Approach Valuation Technique
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Projected option cost (as a percent)	1.48%	1.42%

Fair Value - Additional Informa

Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value reinsurement rate	100.00%
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value measurement of investment	$ 20.7	$ 49.3

Schedule of Rollforward of Leve

Schedule of Rollforward of Level Three Assets and Liabilities Held at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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		$ (57,531)	$ (55,871)	$ (64,138)
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income		12,584	(1,660)	8,267
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
Level 3 liabilities, Purchases		0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Sales		0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Issues		0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Settlements		0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at end of period		(44,947)	(57,531)	(55,871)
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period		17,933	26,135	14,260
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income		81	1,509	(53)
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in OCI		(632)	873	347
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers into Level 3		1,931		3,093
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3		(16,157)	(8,828)
Level 3 liabilities, Purchases			16,817	11,165
Level 3 liabilities, Issues		0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Settlements		(2,371)	(18,573)	(2,677)
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at end of period		785	17,933	26,135
GMWB/GMAB
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period	[1]	(4,670)	(6,835)	(7,814)
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income	[1]	(646)	2,165	979
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in OCI	[1]	0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers into Level 3	[1]	0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3	[1]	0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Purchases	[1]	0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Sales	[1]	0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Issues	[1]	0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Settlements	[1]	0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at end of period	[1]	(5,316)	(4,670)	(6,835)
All other corporate securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period		18,351	19,351	11,520
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income		(27)	(8)	(123)
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in OCI		(26)	121	(246)
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers into Level 3				15,370
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3		(965)		(4,483)
Level 3 liabilities, Sales		(2,077)		(955)
Level 3 liabilities, Issues		0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Settlements		(2,647)	(1,113)	(1,732)
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at end of period		12,609	18,351	19,351
United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period		4,897	6,573
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in net income		(1,297)	(1,308)	(491)
Level 3 liabilities, Total gains (losses) included in OCI		211	(368)	187
Level 3 liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3		(3,477)
Level 3 liabilities, Purchases				6,877
Level 3 liabilities, Issues		0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at end of period		334	4,897	6,573
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at beginning of period		8,152	5,100
Level 3 liabilities, Purchases		110	3,052	5,100
Level 3 liabilities, Sales		(1,274)
Level 3 liabilities, Issues		0	0	0
Level 3 liabilities, Balance at end of period		$ 6,988	$ 8,152	$ 5,100
[1]	These amounts are 100% ceded in accordance with the Company's reinsurance agreements.

Assets and Liabilities Measured

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$ 9,157,845	$ 10,204,828
Liabilities	1,325,799	1,552,492
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,633,806	1,828,760
Liabilities	1,266,912	1,460,380
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	20,716	49,333
Liabilities	50,263	62,201
Recurring basis
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,798,563	2,038,694
Liabilities	5,587,625	6,176,546
Recurring basis | Investment Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	4,824,055	5,439,621
Recurring basis | Other Long Term Debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	763,570	736,925
Recurring basis | Commercial Mortgage Loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	852,034	1,044,531
Recurring basis | Policy Loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	176,782	178,437
Recurring basis | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	6,177	78,801
Recurring basis | Vehicle Note
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	763,570	736,925
Recurring basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	6,177	78,801
Recurring basis | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	6,177	78,801
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	1,792,386	1,959,893
Liabilities	5,587,625	6,176,546
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Investment Contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	4,824,055	5,439,621
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Other Long Term Debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities	763,570	736,925
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Commercial Mortgage Loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	852,034	1,044,531
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Policy Loans
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	176,782	178,437
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Vehicle Note
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets	$ 763,570	$ 736,925

Reinsurance - Additional Inform

Reinsurance - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable supported by comfort trust	$ 6,659,910	$ 6,501,700
Deposit receivable	1,029,679	1,111,571
Modified coinsurance payable	$ 1,029,679	$ 1,111,571
Sales Revenue | Credit Concentration Risk | Non-affiliates | Rated A- or better
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable	88.20%	99.80%
Sales Revenue | Credit Concentration Risk | Non-affiliates | Rated A- or better | Comfort Trust [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable supported by comfort trust	$ 5,900,000	$ 5,900,000
Sales Revenue | Credit Concentration Risk | Non-affiliates | Rated A- or better | Allstate Life Insurance Company
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable	73.00%	73.00%

Schedule of Effects of Reinsura

Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Premiums and Contract Charges (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct premiums and contract charges	$ 1,246,952	$ 1,294,462	$ 1,328,917
Assumed premiums and contract charges	5,118	4,768	4,749
Ceded premiums and contract charges	(900,842)	(949,894)	(971,047)
Net amount	$ 351,228	$ 349,336	$ 362,619

Schedule of Effects of Reinsu_2

Schedule of Effects of Reinsurance on Interest Credited to contract holder Funds, Contract Benefits and Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses	$ 1,519,057	$ 1,668,358	$ 1,643,710
Assumed interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses	4,854	6,003	6,453
Ceded interest credited to contractholder funds, contract benefits and expenses	(842,505)	(957,374)	(931,557)
Return credited to policyholders' account balances and policyholder benefits, net of reinsurance	$ 681,406	$ 716,987	$ 718,606

Components of Deferred Income T

Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets
Policyholder reserves	$ 1,319,161	$ 1,351,638
Deferred acquisition costs	64,394	50,739
Deferred financing costs		2,154
Investments	61,318
Other assets	7,611	3,800
Total deferred tax assets	1,452,484	1,408,331
Valuation allowance	(65,654)
Deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance	1,386,830	1,408,331
Deferred tax liabilities
Value of business acquired	(32,397)	(28,356)
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers	(1,383,677)	(1,347,620)
Intangibles	(1,092)	(1,092)
Investments	(533)	(54,605)
Other liabilities	(731)	(1,243)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(1,418,430)	(1,432,916)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$ (31,600)	$ (24,585)

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 300,000
Net operating loss carryforward	0
Capital loss carryforwards	$ 0
Federal statutory tax rate	21.00%	35.00%
Income Tax benefit, new tax reform	$ (11,500,000)
Percentage of carryforward NOL limitation, new tax reform	80.00%

Reconciliation of Statutory Fed

Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Expected federal income tax expense (benefit)	$ (15,662)	$ (2,124)	$ 16,135
Dividends received deduction	(890)	(1,960)	(1,960)
Tax reform		(11,461)
Tax rate differential on capital loss carryback, etc.	(9,769)
Other	(523)	(268)	472
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ (26,844)	$ (15,813)	$ 14,647

Schedule of Future Policy Benef

Schedule of Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	$ 5,460,113	$ 5,510,050
Traditional life insurance
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	1,612,347	1,607,149
Immediate fixed annuities
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	411,410	466,723
Accident And Health Insurance
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	1,918,570	1,809,006
Equity indexed annuity contracts
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	16,547	32,601
Other Life Contingent Products
Liability for Future Policy Benefit, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Reserve for life-contingent contract benefits	$ 1,501,239	$ 1,594,571

Future Policy Benefits and Ot_3

Future Policy Benefits and Other Policyholder Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Future policy benefit reserves including gross unpaid claim reserves	$ 5,460,113	$ 5,510,050
Accident And Health Insurance
Future policy benefit reserves including gross unpaid claim reserves	$ 288,200	$ 256,700
Minimum
Interest rate determination of present values, percentage	2.50%
Maximum
Interest rate determination of present values, percentage	6.00%

Policyholder Account Balances_2

Policyholder Account Balances (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances	$ 10,157,907	$ 10,676,911
Interest-sensitive life insurance
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances	5,559,712	5,499,037
Equity indexed annuity contracts
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances	4,240,012	4,761,155
Funding agreements
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances	350,013	408,165
Other investment contracts
Policyholder Contract Deposits By Product [Line Items]
Total policyholders' account balances	$ 8,170	$ 8,554

Policyholder Account Balances -

Policyholder Account Balances - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Minimum
Interest crediting rates range for sensitive contracts	0.40%
Interest crediting rates for individual annuities	0.00%
Interest crediting rates for funding agreements	0.50%
Maximum
Interest crediting rates range for sensitive contracts	6.00%
Interest crediting rates for individual annuities	6.00%
Interest crediting rates for funding agreements	1.00%

Summary of Variable Annuity Con

Summary of Variable Annuity Contracts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Guaranteed accumulation benefits | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value	$ 40.4	$ 52.9
Net amount at risk	$ 6.3	$ 4.6
Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date	5 years	5 years
Guaranteed withdrawal benefits | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value	$ 8.1	$ 9.9
Net amount at risk	0.5	0.1
GMIB | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value	98.2	121.8
Net amount at risk	$ 14.8	$ 10.6
Weighted average waiting period until guarantee date	0 years	0 years
GMDB | Variable Annuity
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value	$ 443.6	$ 543.4
Net amount at risk	$ 60.3	$ 44.1
Average attained age of contractholders	63 years	62 years
GMDB | Variable Life, Variable Universal Life and Universal Life Contracts
Net Amount at Risk by Product and Guarantee [Line Items]
Separate account value	$ 320.3	$ 396.7
General account value	3,610.2	3,687.9
Net amount at risk	$ 64,931.8	$ 71,791
Average attained age of contractholders	51 years	50 years

Liabilities for Guarantee Benef

Liabilities for Guarantee Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	$ 1,122,806	$ 942,754	$ 763,606
Less: reinsurance recoverable	164,052	141,509	122,638
Net beginning balance	958,754	801,245	640,968
Incurred guarantee benefits	307,878	309,455	316,344
Paid guarantee benefits	(201,517)	(151,946)	(156,067)
Net change	106,361	157,509	160,277
Net ending balance	1,065,115	958,754	801,245
Plus reinsurance recoverable	187,540	164,052	141,509
Gross ending balance	1,252,655	1,122,806	942,754
Variable Annuity | GMDB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	7,516	8,626	8,844
Less: reinsurance recoverable	7,516	8,626	8,844
Plus reinsurance recoverable	9,903	7,516	8,626
Gross ending balance	9,903	7,516	8,626
Variable Annuity | GMIB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	2,248	3,440	5,663
Less: reinsurance recoverable	2,248	3,440	5,663
Plus reinsurance recoverable	3,299	2,248	3,440
Gross ending balance	3,299	2,248	3,440
Variable Annuity | GMWB/GMAB
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	4,670	6,835	7,814
Less: reinsurance recoverable	4,670	6,835	7,814
Plus reinsurance recoverable	5,316	4,670	6,835
Gross ending balance	5,316	4,670	6,835
Secondary Guarantees Interest-Sensitive Life and Fixed Annuities
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts [Line Items]
Gross beginning balance	1,108,372	923,853	741,285
Less: reinsurance recoverable	149,618	122,608	100,317
Net beginning balance	958,754	801,245	640,968
Incurred guarantee benefits	307,878	309,455	316,344
Paid guarantee benefits	(201,517)	(151,946)	(156,067)
Net change	106,361	157,509	160,277
Net ending balance	1,065,115	958,754	801,245
Plus reinsurance recoverable	169,022	149,618	122,608
Gross ending balance	$ 1,234,137	$ 1,108,372	$ 923,853

Changes to Value of Business Ac

Changes to Value of Business Acquired (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Movement in Present Value of Future Insurance Profits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		$ 135,031	$ 186,701	$ 247,702
Business acquired		0	0	0
Amortized to expense during the year	[1]	(26,321)	(29,827)	(30,053)
Adjustment for unrealized investment losses during the year		45,560	(21,843)	(30,948)
Balance at end of year		$ 154,270	$ 135,031	$ 186,701
[1]	Amount is included in Operating and acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Estimated Percentage of VOBA Ba

Estimated Percentage of VOBA Balance to be Amortized (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2018
VOBA Amortization
2019	13.00%
2020	11.00%
2021	9.00%
2022	8.00%
2023 and thereafter	59.00%

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrued guaranty fund	$ 3,800,000	$ 3,300,000
Estimated future of premium tax deductions	3,400,000
Amount of deposit with governmental authorities required by law	8,400,000	8,600,000
Derivative cash collateral received	1,000,000	300,000
Assets pledged as collateral	513,200,000	538,700,000
Mortgage Backed Securities
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Funds pledged on mortgage loans held investment portfolio	$ 4,800,000	$ 8,500,000

Regulatory Capital and Divide_2

Regulatory Capital and Dividends - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory net income	$ 36,000	$ 64,000	$ 52,000
Statutory capital and surplus	380,000	426,000
Dividends to shareholder	$ 15,000	$ 70,000	$ 42,000

Minimum Aggregate Rental Commit

Minimum Aggregate Rental Commitments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
2019	$ 230
2020	218
2021	224
2022	229
2023	235
All future years	529
Aggregate total	$ 1,665

Related Parties - Additional In

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Holdco
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transactions expense recognized on transaction	$ 22.4	$ 18.9	$ 14.1
Lanis
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transactions expense recognized on transaction	$ 8.3	$ 7.8	$ 7.3

Receivables_ (Payables) to Affi

Receivables/ (Payables) to Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Holdco
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables/ (Payables) to Affiliates	$ (5,288)	$ (4,715)
Lanis
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables/ (Payables) to Affiliates	$ (2,131)	$ (2,015)

Schedule I - Consolidated Summa

Schedule I - Consolidated Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$ 9,241,686
Fair value	8,919,749
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	8,920,788
United States Government, Government Agencies and Authorities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	305,336
Fair value	301,926
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	301,926
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	747,872
Fair value	762,465
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	762,465
Foreign government
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	22,476
Fair value	19,977
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	19,977
All other corporate bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	5,830,098
Fair value	5,524,406
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	5,524,406
Residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS")
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	83,965
Fair value	87,688
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	87,688
Commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS")
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	307,430
Fair value	300,967
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	300,967
Asset-backed securities ("ABS")
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	404,935
Fair value	392,045
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	392,045
Fixed income securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	7,922,300
Fair value	7,611,953
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	7,611,953
Policy Loans
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	176,782
Fair value	176,782
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	176,782
Derivatives
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	13,527
Fair value	2,976
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	2,976
Short-term investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	269,016
Fair value	269,016
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	269,016
Other securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,319,386
Fair value	1,307,796
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,308,835
Commercial Mortgage Loan
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	853,073
Fair value	852,034
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	853,073
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	14,800
Fair value	14,800
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	14,800
Fixed maturities, available for sale
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	7,716,912
Fair value	7,404,274
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	7,404,274
Trading Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	194,785
Fair value	197,651
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	197,651
Common Stock
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	6,988
Fair value	6,988
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	6,988
Fair value option securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Amortized cost	10,603
Fair value	10,028
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	$ 10,028

Schedule IV - Consolidated Rein

Schedule IV - Consolidated Reinsurance (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross amount	$ 1,246,952	$ 1,294,462	$ 1,328,917
Ceded to other companies	(900,842)	(949,894)	(971,047)
Assumed from other companies	5,118	4,768	4,749
Net amount	$ 351,228	$ 349,336	$ 362,619
Percentage of amount assumed to net	1.50%	1.40%	1.30%
Gross amount	$ 320,394,583	$ 343,103,636	$ 365,008,309
Ceded to other companies	315,936,427	338,144,016	359,316,014
Assumed from other companies	3,945,946	4,049,125	4,180,222
Net amount	$ 8,404,102	$ 9,008,745	$ 9,872,516
Percentage of amount assumed to net	47.00%	44.90%	42.30%
Life and Annuity Insurance Product Line
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross amount	$ 1,189,749	$ 1,236,410	$ 1,270,770
Ceded to other companies	(845,346)	(895,505)	(918,414)
Assumed from other companies	5,118	4,768	4,749
Net amount	$ 349,521	$ 345,673	$ 357,105
Percentage of amount assumed to net	1.50%	1.40%	1.30%
Accident And Health Insurance
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross amount	$ 57,203	$ 58,052	$ 58,147
Ceded to other companies	(55,496)	(54,389)	(52,633)
Net amount	$ 1,707	$ 3,663	$ 5,514
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%