Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Insurance Contract Assumptions Used

The following table summarizes the most significant assumptions used in the categories set forth below:

2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Significant Assumption	Product	Explanation and Derivation
Separate account investment return	Variable Annuities (8.0% long-term return assumption) Variable Universal Life (8.0% long-term return assumption)	Separate account return assumptions are derived from the long-term returns observed in the asset classes in which the separate accounts are invested. Short-term deviations from the long-term expectations are expected to revert to the long-term assumption over five years.
Interest rates and default rates	Fixed and Indexed Annuities Universal Life	Investment returns are based on the current yields and maturities of our fixed income portfolio combined with expected reinvestment rates given current market interest rates. Reinvestment rates are assumed to revert to long-term rates implied by the forward yield curve and long-term default rates. Contractually permitted future changes in credited rates are assumed to help support investment margins.
Mortality / longevity	Universal Life Variable Universal Life Fixed and Indexed Annuities	Mortality assumptions are based on Company experience over a rolling five-year period plus supplemental data from industry sources and trends. A mortality improvement assumption is also incorporated into the overall mortality table. These assumptions can vary by issue age, gender, underwriting class and policy duration.
Policyholder behavior – policy persistency	Universal Life Variable Universal Life Variable Annuities Fixed and Indexed Annuities	Policy persistency assumptions vary by product and policy year and are updated based on recently observed experience. Policyholders are generally assumed to behave rationally; hence rates are typically lower when surrender penalties are in effect or when policy benefits are more valuable.
Policyholder behavior – premium persistency	Universal Life Variable Universal Life	Future premiums and related fees are projected based on contractual terms, product illustrations at the time of sale and expected policy lapses without value. Assumptions are updated based on recently observed experience and include anticipated changes in behavior based on changes in policy charges if the Company has a high degree of confidence that such changes will be implemented (e.g., change in cost of insurance (“COI”) charges).
Expenses	All products	Projected maintenance expenses to administer policies in force are based on annually updated studies of expenses incurred.
Reinsurance costs / recoveries	Universal Life Variable Universal Life Variable Annuities	Projected reinsurance costs are based on treaty terms currently in force. Recoveries are based on the Company’s assumed mortality and treaty terms. Treaty recaptures are based on contract provisions and management’s intentions.