Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting (Policy)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Use of Estimates

Use of estimates

In preparing these financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in the determination of estimated gross profits (“EGPs”) used in the valuation and amortization of assets and liabilities associated with universal life and annuity contracts; policyholder liabilities and accruals; valuation of investments in debt securities; limited partnerships and other investments; valuation of deferred tax assets; and accruals for contingent liabilities. We are also subject to estimates made by our ultimate parent company related to discount rates and other assumptions for our pension and other post-employment benefits liabilities; and accruals for contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Adoption of new accounting standards

Reporting Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued updated guidance regarding the presentation of comprehensive income (“ASU 2013-02”). Under the guidance, an entity would separately present information about significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component as well as changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances by component in either the financial statements or the notes to the financial statements. The guidance does not change the items that are reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance does not change when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income and does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income. The guidance was effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2012 and was applied prospectively. See Note 12 to these financial statements for the disclosures required by this guidance.

Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

In December 2011 and January 2013, the FASB issued amended guidance to ASC 210, Balance Sheet, with respect to disclosure of offsetting assets and liabilities as part of the effort to establish common requirements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This amended guidance requires the disclosure of both gross information and net information about both financial instruments and derivative instruments eligible for offset in our balance sheets and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This guidance was effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with respective disclosures required retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. See Note 8 to these financial statements for the disclosures required by this guidance.

Definition of a Business Entity

In December 2013, the FASB issued updated guidance establishing a single definition of a public entity for use in financial accounting and reporting guidance. This new guidance is effective for all current and future reporting periods and did not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or financial statement disclosures.