Significant Risks and Uncertainties	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Significant Risks and Uncertainties	Significant Risks and Uncertainties Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates. The Company’s significant estimates which are susceptible to change in the near term relate to (1) recognition of deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances (see Note 4, Acquisitions and Note 21, Income Taxes), (2) fair value of certain invested assets and derivatives including embedded derivatives (see Note 5, Investments, Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 9, Fair Value of Financial Instruments), (3) other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale investments (see Note 5, Investments), (4) estimates of reserves for loss contingencies, including litigation, regulatory and environmental reserves (see Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies), (5) valuation and impairment recognition for long-lived assets including properties, oil and gas properties, and goodwill and intangibles (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies and Practices and Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Note 12, Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net and Note 13, Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net) and (6) VOBA and DAC amortization (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies and Practices and Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Note 13, Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net), and (7) reserves for future policy benefits and product guarantees (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies and Practices and Recent Accounting Pronouncements). The Company periodically, and at least annually, reviews the assumptions associated with reserves for policy benefits and product guarantees and amortization of intangibles. As part of the assumption review process that occurred in the quarter ended September 2014 and 2013, changes were made to the surrender rates, earned rates and future index credits to bring the assumptions in line with current and expected future experience. The change in assumptions as of September 30, 2014 resulted in a net decrease in future expected margins and corresponding “unlocking” and amortization adjustments, decreasing intangible assets due to increasing net intangible asset amortization by $2.2 in Fiscal 2014. These assumptions are also used in the reserve calculation and resulted in a decrease in reserves of $4.8 during Fiscal 2014. The change in assumptions as of September 30, 2013 resulted in a net increase in future expected margins and corresponding “unlocking” and amortization adjustments, increasing intangible assets and reducing the net intangible asset amortization by $33.1 in Fiscal 2013. These assumptions are also used in the FIA embedded derivative reserve calculation and resulted in a decrease in benefits and other changes in policy reserves and a decrease in reserves of $45.3 during Fiscal 2013, net of related intangible amortization. Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers Trade receivables subject the Company’s consumer products and energy segments to credit risk. Trade accounts receivable are carried at net realizable value. Spectrum Brands extends credit to its customers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and credit history, and generally does not require collateral. Spectrum Brands monitors its customers’ credit and financial condition based on changing economic conditions and makes adjustments to credit policies as required. Provisions for losses on uncollectible consumer products trade receivables are determined based on ongoing evaluations of Spectrum Brands’ receivables, principally on the basis of historical collection experience and evaluations of the risks of nonpayment for a given customer. Compass sells oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) to various customers and participates with other parties in the drilling, completion and operation of oil and natural gas wells. Compass’ trade accounts receivable are due from purchasers of oil or natural gas. Compass has the right to offset future revenues against unpaid charges related to wells which it operates. Oil and natural gas trade receivables are generally uncollateralized. The allowance for doubtful oil and natural gas accounts receivable was immaterial as of September 30, 2014. In addition, Compass has other receivables due from participants in oil and natural gas wells for which it serves as the operator. The Company’s consumer products segment has a broad range of customers including many large retail outlet chains, one of which accounts for a significant percentage of its sales volume. This major customer represented approximately 15.7%, 18.0% and 23.0% of the Company’s “Net consumer and other product sales” during Fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This major customer also represented approximately 13.0% and 11.0% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable, net as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively (see Note 10, Receivables, net). Approximately 40.2%, 41.0% and 46.0% of the Company’s “Net consumer and other product sales” during Fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, occurred outside of the U.S.. These sales and related receivables are subject to varying degrees of credit, currency, and political and economic risk. The Company monitors these risks and makes appropriate provisions for collectibility based on an assessment of the risks present. Concentrations of Financial Instruments As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s most significant investment in one industry was in the banking industry with a fair value of $2,240.3, or 11.6% and $1,892.1, or 11.5%, respectively, of the invested assets portfolio. The Company’s holdings in this industry include investments in 85 different issuers with the top ten investments accounting for 40.0% of the total holdings in this industry. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had investments in 4 and 19 issuers that exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity with a fair value of $768.5 and $1,983.7, or 4.0% and 12.0% of the invested assets portfolio, respectively. Additionally, the Company’s largest concentration in any single issuer as of September 30, 2014 and 2013 had a fair value of $250.0 and $150.7, or 1.3% and 1.0% of the invested assets portfolio, respectively. Concentrations of Financial and Capital Markets Risk The Company is exposed to financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads which can have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The Company expects to continue to face challenges and uncertainties that could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates, in the absence of other countervailing changes, will decrease the net unrealized gain position of the Company’s investment portfolio and, if long-term interest rates rise dramatically within a six to twelve month time period, certain of the Company’s products may be exposed to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk refers to the risk that policyholders may surrender their contracts in a rising interest rate environment, requiring the Company to liquidate assets in an unrealized loss position. This risk is mitigated to some extent by the high level of surrender charge protection provided by FGL’s products. Concentration of Reinsurance Risk The Company has a significant concentration of reinsurance with Wilton Reassurance Company (“Wilton Re”) (see Note 19, Reinsurance) that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position in the event that Wilton Re fails to perform its obligations under the various reinsurance treaties. Wilton Re is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB”). CPPIB has a AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) as of September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the net amount recoverable from Wilton Re was $1,508.8 and $1,337.7, respectively. FGL monitors both the financial condition of individual reinsurers and risk concentration arising from similar geographic regions, activities and economic characteristics of reinsurers to reduce the risk of default by such reinsurers.

Significant Risks and Uncertainties

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates.

The Company’s significant estimates which are susceptible to change in the near term relate to (1) recognition of deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances (see Note 4, Acquisitions and Note 21, Income Taxes), (2) fair value of certain invested assets and derivatives including embedded derivatives (see Note 5, Investments, Note 6, Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 9, Fair Value of Financial Instruments), (3) other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale investments (see Note 5, Investments), (4) estimates of reserves for loss contingencies, including litigation, regulatory and environmental reserves (see Note 24, Commitments and Contingencies), (5) valuation and impairment recognition for long-lived assets including properties, oil and gas properties, and goodwill and intangibles (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies and Practices and Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Note 12, Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net and Note 13, Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net) and (6) VOBA and DAC amortization (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies and Practices and Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Note 13, Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net), and (7) reserves for future policy benefits and product guarantees (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies and Practices and Recent Accounting Pronouncements).

The Company periodically, and at least annually, reviews the assumptions associated with reserves for policy benefits and product guarantees and amortization of intangibles. As part of the assumption review process that occurred in the quarter ended September 2014 and 2013, changes were made to the surrender rates, earned rates and future index credits to bring the assumptions in line with current and expected future experience. The change in assumptions as of September 30, 2014 resulted in a net decrease in future expected margins and corresponding “unlocking” and amortization adjustments, decreasing intangible assets due to increasing net intangible asset amortization by $2.2 in Fiscal 2014. These assumptions are also used in the reserve calculation and resulted in a decrease in reserves of $4.8 during Fiscal 2014. The change in assumptions as of September 30, 2013 resulted in a net increase in future expected margins and corresponding “unlocking” and amortization adjustments, increasing intangible assets and reducing the net intangible asset amortization by $33.1 in Fiscal 2013. These assumptions are also used in the FIA embedded derivative reserve calculation and resulted in a decrease in benefits and other changes in policy reserves and a decrease in reserves of $45.3 during Fiscal 2013, net of related intangible amortization.

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers

Trade receivables subject the Company’s consumer products and energy segments to credit risk. Trade accounts receivable are carried at net realizable value.

Spectrum Brands extends credit to its customers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and credit history, and generally does not require collateral. Spectrum Brands monitors its customers’ credit and financial condition based on changing economic conditions and makes adjustments to credit policies as required. Provisions for losses on uncollectible consumer products trade receivables are determined based on ongoing evaluations of Spectrum Brands’ receivables, principally on the basis of historical collection experience and evaluations of the risks of nonpayment for a given customer.

Compass sells oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) to various customers and participates with other parties in the drilling, completion and operation of oil and natural gas wells. Compass’ trade accounts receivable are due from purchasers of oil or natural gas. Compass has the right to offset future revenues against unpaid charges related to wells which it operates. Oil and natural gas trade receivables are generally uncollateralized. The allowance for doubtful oil and natural gas accounts receivable was immaterial as of September 30, 2014. In addition, Compass has other receivables due from participants in oil and natural gas wells for which it serves as the operator.

The Company’s consumer products segment has a broad range of customers including many large retail outlet chains, one of which accounts for a significant percentage of its sales volume. This major customer represented approximately 15.7%, 18.0% and 23.0% of the Company’s “Net consumer and other product sales” during Fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This major customer also represented approximately 13.0% and 11.0% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable, net as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively (see Note 10, Receivables, net).

Approximately 40.2%, 41.0% and 46.0% of the Company’s “Net consumer and other product sales” during Fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, occurred outside of the U.S.. These sales and related receivables are subject to varying degrees of credit, currency, and political and economic risk. The Company monitors these risks and makes appropriate provisions for collectibility based on an assessment of the risks present.

Concentrations of Financial Instruments

As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s most significant investment in one industry was in the banking industry with a fair value of $2,240.3, or 11.6% and $1,892.1, or 11.5%, respectively, of the invested assets portfolio. The Company’s holdings in this industry include investments in 85 different issuers with the top ten investments accounting for 40.0% of the total holdings in this industry. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had investments in 4 and 19 issuers that exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity with a fair value of $768.5 and $1,983.7, or 4.0% and 12.0% of the invested assets portfolio, respectively. Additionally, the Company’s largest concentration in any single issuer as of September 30, 2014 and 2013 had a fair value of $250.0 and $150.7, or 1.3% and 1.0% of the invested assets portfolio, respectively.

Concentrations of Financial and Capital Markets Risk

The Company is exposed to financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads which can have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The Company expects to continue to face challenges and uncertainties that could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates, in the absence of other countervailing changes, will decrease the net unrealized gain position of the Company’s investment portfolio and, if long-term interest rates rise dramatically within a six to twelve month time period, certain of the Company’s products may be exposed to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk refers to the risk that policyholders may surrender their contracts in a rising interest rate environment, requiring the Company to liquidate assets in an unrealized loss position. This risk is mitigated to some extent by the high level of surrender charge protection provided by FGL’s products.

Concentration of Reinsurance Risk

The Company has a significant concentration of reinsurance with Wilton Reassurance Company (“Wilton Re”) (see Note 19, Reinsurance) that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position in the event that Wilton Re fails to perform its obligations under the various reinsurance treaties. Wilton Re is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB”). CPPIB has a AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) as of September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the net amount recoverable from Wilton Re was $1,508.8 and $1,337.7, respectively. FGL monitors both the financial condition of individual reinsurers and risk concentration arising from similar geographic regions, activities and economic characteristics of reinsurers to reduce the risk of default by such reinsurers.