Insurance Subsidiary - Financial Information Schedule of Insurance Subsidiary Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified		12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2013 FGL Insurance	Sep. 30, 2014 NEW YORK FGL NY Insurance	Dec. 31, 2013 NEW YORK FGL NY Insurance	Dec. 30, 2012 NEW YORK FGL NY Insurance	Dec. 31, 2012 NEW YORK FGL NY Insurance	Sep. 30, 2014 MARYLAND FGL Insurance	Dec. 31, 2013 MARYLAND FGL Insurance	Dec. 30, 2012 MARYLAND FGL Insurance	Dec. 31, 2012 MARYLAND FGL Insurance
Statutory Insurance Financial Information [Line Items]
Statutory Net Income (Loss)		$ 2.7	$ 1.3	$ 1.0		$ 180.3	$ 118.2	$ 102.2
Statutory Capital and Surplus	$ (805.8)	$ 64.1	$ 61.9		$ 41.1	$ 1,134.4	$ 1,108.3		$ 900.5