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Derivative Investments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Investments
DERIVATIVE INVESTMENTS

Fixed-index products provide traditional fixed annuities and universal life contracts with the option to have credited interest rates linked in part to an underlying equity index or a combination of equity indices. The equity return component of such policy contracts is identified separately and accounted for in future policy benefits as embedded derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets. The remaining portions of these policy contracts are considered the host contracts and are recorded separately as fixed annuity or universal life contracts. The host contracts are accounted for under debt instrument type accounting in which future policy benefits are recorded as discounted debt instruments that are accreted, using the effective yield method, to their minimum account values at their projected maturities or termination dates.

The Company purchases over-the-counter index options, which are derivative financial instruments, to hedge the equity return component of its fixed-index annuity and life products. The index options act as hedges to match closely the returns on the underlying index or indices. The amounts which may be credited to policyholders are linked, in part, to the returns of the underlying index or indices. As a result, changes to policyholders' liabilities are substantially offset by changes in the value of the options. Cash is exchanged upon purchase of the index options and no principal or interest payments are made by either party during the option periods. Upon maturity or expiration of the options, cash may be paid to the Company depending on the performance of the underlying index or indices and terms of the contract.

The Company does not elect hedge accounting relative to these derivative instruments. The index options are reported at fair value in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The changes in the values of the index options and the changes in the policyholder liabilities are both reflected in the consolidated statements of earnings. Any changes relative to the embedded derivatives associated with policy contracts are reflected in contract interest in the consolidated statements of earnings. Any gains or losses from the sale or expiration of the options, as well as period-to-period changes in values, are reflected as net investment income in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Although there is credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the index options, the Company does not expect any of its counterparties to fail to meet their obligations, given their high credit ratings. In addition, credit support agreements are in place with all counterparties for option holdings in excess of specific limits, which may further reduce the Company's credit exposure.

The tables below present the fair value of derivative instruments.

 
December 31, 2014
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity index options
Derivatives, Index Options
 
$
114,287

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed products
 
 
 

 
Universal Life and Annuity Contracts
 
$
133,236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
$
114,287

 
 
 
$
133,236


 
December 31, 2013
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity index options
Derivatives, Index Options
 
$
169,314

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed products
 
 
 

 
Universal Life and Annuity Contracts
 
$
187,399

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
$
169,314

 
 
 
$
187,399



The table below presents the effect of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivatives
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity index options
 
Net investment income
 
$
68,616

 
225,899

 
27,147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-indexed products
 
Universal life and annuity contract interest
 
(69,480
)
 
(229,404
)
 
(28,852
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(864
)
 
(3,505
)
 
(1,705
)