XML 113 R74.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2014
Sep. 30, 2014
Jun. 30, 2014
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Sep. 30, 2013
Jun. 30, 2013
Mar. 31, 2013
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value $ 4,221.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities $ 4,049.3us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities $ 3,829.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities $ 3,578.0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities $ 3,416.1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities $ 3,245.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities $ 3,154.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities $ 3,049.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
Separate account assets 1,757.5us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets 1,816.3us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets 1,951.0us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets 1,979.3us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets 2,052.7us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets 2,049.5us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets 2,021.3us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets 2,109.5us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets
U.S. government and agency                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 89.3us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
      68.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
     
State and political subdivision                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 229.2us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
      154.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
     
Foreign government                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 73.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
      65.5us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Corporate                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 2,831.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
      2,196.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Commercial mortgage-backed (“CMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 255.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      253.7us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Residential mortgage-backed (“RMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 576.4us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      510.0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) / collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 83.5us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
      70.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Other asset-backed (“ABS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 82.1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
      95.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 4,221.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      3,416.1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Available-for-sale equity securities 28.7pnx_AvailableforsaleEquitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      11.2pnx_AvailableforsaleEquitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Short-term investments 79.8pnx_ShorttermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      81.0pnx_ShorttermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Derivative assets 157.5pnx_DerivativeAssetsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      225.3pnx_DerivativeAssetsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Fair value investments 46.7pnx_OptionInvestmentsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      48.6pnx_OptionInvestmentsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Separate account assets 1,757.5us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      2,052.7us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Total assets 6,292.0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      5,834.9us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Liabilities                
Derivative liabilities 85.6us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      116.1us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Embedded derivatives 160.3pnx_EmbeddedDerivativesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      87.8pnx_EmbeddedDerivativesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Total liabilities 245.9us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      203.9us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Nonrecurring | U.S. government and agency                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 89.3us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
      68.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | State and political subdivision                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 229.2us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
      154.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
     
Nonrecurring | Foreign government                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 73.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
      65.5us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Corporate                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 2,831.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
      2,196.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Commercial mortgage-backed (“CMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 255.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      253.7us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Residential mortgage-backed (“RMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 576.4us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      510.0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) / collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 83.5us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
      70.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Other asset-backed (“ABS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 82.1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
      95.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 1                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Available-for-sale equity securities 0pnx_AvailableforsaleEquitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0pnx_AvailableforsaleEquitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Short-term investments 79.8pnx_ShorttermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      80.0pnx_ShorttermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Derivative assets 0pnx_DerivativeAssetsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0pnx_DerivativeAssetsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Fair value investments 0pnx_OptionInvestmentsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0pnx_OptionInvestmentsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Separate account assets 1,757.5us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      2,052.7us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Total assets 1,837.3us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      2,132.7us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Liabilities                
Derivative liabilities 0.5us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      5.3us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Embedded derivatives 0pnx_EmbeddedDerivativesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0pnx_EmbeddedDerivativesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Total liabilities 0.5us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      5.3us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 1 | U.S. government and agency                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 1 | State and political subdivision                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 1 | Foreign government                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 1 | Corporate                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 1 | Commercial mortgage-backed (“CMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 1 | Residential mortgage-backed (“RMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 1 | Collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) / collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 1 | Other asset-backed (“ABS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 2                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 2,137.4us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      1,767.1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Available-for-sale equity securities 0pnx_AvailableforsaleEquitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0pnx_AvailableforsaleEquitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Short-term investments 0pnx_ShorttermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      1.0pnx_ShorttermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Derivative assets 157.5pnx_DerivativeAssetsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      225.3pnx_DerivativeAssetsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Fair value investments 13.0pnx_OptionInvestmentsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      13.0pnx_OptionInvestmentsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Separate account assets 0us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Total assets 2,307.9us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      2,006.4us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Liabilities                
Derivative liabilities 85.1us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      110.8us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Embedded derivatives 0pnx_EmbeddedDerivativesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0pnx_EmbeddedDerivativesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Total liabilities 85.1us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      110.8us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 2 | U.S. government and agency                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 9.1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
      9.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 2 | State and political subdivision                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 35.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
      20.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 2 | Foreign government                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 57.7us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
      62.2us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 2 | Corporate                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 1,414.7us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
      1,105.0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 2 | Commercial mortgage-backed (“CMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 191.0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      221.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 2 | Residential mortgage-backed (“RMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 424.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      333.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 2 | Collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) / collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
      0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 2 | Other asset-backed (“ABS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 4.2us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
      13.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 3                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 2,084.4us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      1,649.0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Available-for-sale equity securities 28.7pnx_AvailableforsaleEquitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      11.2pnx_AvailableforsaleEquitySecuritiesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Short-term investments 0pnx_ShorttermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0pnx_ShorttermInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Derivative assets 0pnx_DerivativeAssetsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0pnx_DerivativeAssetsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Fair value investments 33.7pnx_OptionInvestmentsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      35.6pnx_OptionInvestmentsFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Separate account assets 0us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Total assets 2,146.8us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      1,695.8us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Liabilities                
Derivative liabilities 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Embedded derivatives 160.3pnx_EmbeddedDerivativesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      87.8pnx_EmbeddedDerivativesFairValue
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Total liabilities 160.3us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
      87.8us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 3 | U.S. government and agency                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 80.2us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
      58.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 3 | State and political subdivision                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 193.3us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
      133.8us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 3 | Foreign government                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 16.1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
      3.3us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 3 | Corporate                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 1,417.2us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
      1,091.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 3 | Commercial mortgage-backed (“CMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 64.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      31.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 3 | Residential mortgage-backed (“RMBS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 151.6us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
      176.1us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 3 | Collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) / collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value 83.5us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
      70.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= pnx_CdoOrCloDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Nonrecurring | Level 3 | Other asset-backed (“ABS”)                
ASSETS:                
Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value $ 77.9us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember
      $ 82.3us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember