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Life And Annuity Benefits
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Liability for Future Policy Benefits [Abstract]  
Life And Annuity Benefits
Life and Annuity Benefits

Life and annuity benefits are compiled on a reinsurance contract-by-contract basis and are discounted using standard actuarial techniques and cash flow models. Since the development of the life and annuity reinsurance reserves is based upon cash flow projection models, the Company must make estimates and assumptions based on cedent experience, industry mortality tables, and expense and investment experience, including a provision for adverse deviation. The assumptions used to determine policy benefit reserves are generally locked-in for the life of the contract unless an unlocking event occurs. Loss recognition testing is performed to determine if existing policy benefit reserves, together with the present value of future gross premiums and expected investment income earned thereon, are adequate to cover the present value of future benefits, settlement and maintenance costs. If the existing policy benefit reserves are not sufficient, the locked-in assumptions are revised to current best estimate assumptions and a charge to earnings for life and annuity benefits is recognized at that time.

Life and annuity benefits are also adjusted to the extent unrealized gains on the investments supporting the policy benefit reserves would result in a reserve deficiency if those gains were realized. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized a reserve deficiency resulting from a decrease in the market yield on the investment portfolio supporting the policy benefit reserves by increasing life and annuity benefits by $9.6 million and $57.5 million, respectively, and decreasing the change in net unrealized holding gains included in other comprehensive income by a corresponding amount. No adjustment was required for the quarter or nine months ended September 30, 2017.