Common Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Common Stock

Common Stock

Changes in the number of common stock shares outstanding are as follows:

	December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
Shares outstanding, beginning	69,299,559		71,828,208		78,664,029
Vested restricted stock and restricted stock units, net (a)	335,518		321,841		340,525
Issuance related to performance share units (a)	269,576		277,164		252,025
Issuance related to ESPP	130,622		141,576		217,573
Issuance related to SARS exercise	—		29,260		61,070
Shares repurchased	(4,184,889	)	(3,298,490	)	(7,707,014	)
Shares outstanding, ending	65,850,386		69,299,559		71,828,208

(a) Vested restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance share units are shown net of shares retired to cover participant tax liability.

The Company is authorized to issue 800,000,000 shares of common stock. In addition, 150,001 shares of Class B and 400,001 shares of Class C common stock, per the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Assurant, Inc., are still authorized but have not been issued.