Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]



	Preliminary Valuation
Purchase price allocation	October 31, 2014
Assets acquired:
Current assets	$	56.1
Unproved oil and natural gas properties	26.3
Proved developed oil and natural gas properties	767.5
Gathering assets	20.8
Other non-current assets	1.9
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable	(23.2		)
Revenues and royalties payable	(18.9		)
Other current liabilities	(1.0		)
Long term debt, less current maturities	(327.0		)
Asset retirement obligations	(36.0		)
Total identifiable net assets	466.5
Non-controlling interests	(0.8		)
Total net assets acquired	$	465.7

Cash paid upon the acquisition of additional interest	$	118.8
Fair value of equity investment in Compass prior to acquisition	346.9
Total purchase price	$	465.7

Ability Re [Member]

Business Combination Preliminary Allocation Of Purchase Price Disclosure Table [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the consideration paid by Front Street Cayman for Ability Re:



Cash paid at November 3, 2014 close	$	17.9
Cash purchase price adjustments	(1.5		)
Contingent consideration premium increase benefit	2.8
Total consideration	$	19.2

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the preliminary amounts recognized at fair value for each major class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 31, 2014:



	Preliminary Valuation
Purchase price allocation	October 31, 2014
Assets acquired:
Investments	$	0.1
Cash and cash equivalents	8.4
Funds withheld	359.5
Total assets acquired	368.0
Liabilities assumed:
Insurance reserves	346.9
Other liabilities	1.9
Total liabilities assumed	348.8
Net assets acquired	$	19.2

Tell Manufacturing [Member]

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]

The preliminary fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Tell were as follows:



	Preliminary Valuation
	October 1, 2014
Cash	$	1.1
Accounts receivable	5.4
Inventories	7.2
Prepaid expense	0.6
Property, plant and equipment, net	1.5
Intangible assets	12.5
Total assets acquired	28.3
Total liabilities assumed	5.1
Total identifiable net assets less goodwill	23.2
Goodwill	7.1
Total identifiable net assets	$	30.3

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]

The preliminary fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for European IAMS and Eukanuba were as follows:



	Preliminary Valuation
	December 31, 2014
Inventories	$	17.2
Prepaid expense	1.3
Other current assets	2.6
Property, plant and equipment, net	58.3
Intangible assets	40.5
Total assets acquired	119.9
Total liabilities assumed	5.6
Total identifiable net assets less goodwill	114.3
Goodwill	1.7
Total identifiable net assets	$	116.0

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]

The preliminary fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Salix were as follows:



	Preliminary Valuation
	January 16, 2014
Cash	$	0.5
Accounts receivable	9.9
Inventories	17.0
Prepaid expense	2.4
Property, plant and equipment, net	1.2
Intangible assets	58.5
Total assets acquired	89.5
Total liabilities assumed	10.3
Total identifiable net assets less goodwill	79.2
Goodwill	68.8
Total identifiable net assets	$	148.0

Investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Available-for-Sale Securities

The Company’s consolidated investments are summarized as follows:



	March 31, 2015
	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Carrying Value
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for sale
Asset-backed securities	$	1,939.6	$	10.1	$	(18.5	)	$	1,931.2	$	1,931.2
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	707.2		22.9		(0.8		)	729.3		729.3
Corporates	9,270.2		647.5		(74.6		)	9,843.1		9,843.1
Hybrids	1,302.9		74.0		(19.6		)	1,357.3		1,357.3
Municipals	1,280.7		156.7		(1.8		)	1,435.6		1,435.6
Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,107.8		108.3		(21.8		)	2,194.3		2,194.3
U.S. Government	308.8		11.1		(0.1		)	319.8		319.8
Total fixed maturities	16,917.2		1,030.6		(137.2		)	17,810.6		17,810.6
Equity securities
Available-for-sale	562.1		34.7		(2.9		)	593.9		593.9
Held for trading	70.9		41.8		(34.9		)	77.8		77.8
Total equity securities	633.0		76.5		(37.8		)	671.7		671.7
Derivatives	205.0		83.6		(20.3		)	268.3		268.3
Asset-based loans	660.2		—		—			660.2		660.2
Other invested assets	341.8		—		—			341.8		341.8
Total investments	$	18,757.2	$	1,190.7	$	(195.3	)	$	19,752.6	$	19,752.6



	September 30, 2014
	Cost or Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Carrying Value
Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale
Asset-backed securities	$	1,800.8	$	10.9	$	(18.8	)	$	1,792.9	$	1,792.9
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	617.6		21.3		(2.0		)	636.9		636.9
Corporates	9,345.5		499.2		(48.9		)	9,795.8		9,795.8
Hybrids	1,279.1		52.2		(15.2		)	1,316.1		1,316.1
Municipals	1,149.9		116.2		(6.3		)	1,259.8		1,259.8
Residential mortgage-backed securities	1,984.8		140.3		(11.1		)	2,114.0		2,114.0
U.S. Government	291.0		6.4		(1.4		)	296.0		296.0
Total fixed-maturity securities	16,468.7		846.5		(103.7		)	17,211.5		17,211.5
Equity securities
Available-for-sale	645.7		23.0		(5.1		)	663.6		663.6
Held for trading	141.2		8.2		(44.9		)	104.5		104.5
Total equity securities	786.9		31.2		(50.0		)	768.1		768.1
Derivatives	177.7		123.3		(4.7		)	296.3		296.3
Asset-based loans	811.6		—		—			811.6		811.6
Other invested assets	164.9		0.1		—			165.0		165.0
Total investments	$	18,409.8	$	1,001.1	$	(158.4	)	$	19,252.5	$	19,252.5

Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Available-for-Sale Securities



	March 31, 2015
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Corporates, Non-structured Hybrids, Municipal and U.S. Government securities:
Due in one year or less	$	328.2	$	330.7
Due after one year through five years	2,292.8		2,352.0
Due after five years through ten years	2,894.6		3,026.7
Due after ten years	5,934.4		6,530.1
Subtotal	11,450.0		12,239.5
Other securities which provide for periodic payments:
Asset-backed securities	1,939.6		1,931.2
Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	707.2		729.3
Structured hybrids	712.6		716.3
Residential mortgage-backed securities	2,107.8		2,194.3
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	16,917.2	$	17,810.6

Fair Value and Gross Unrealized Losses of Available-for-Sale-Securities

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category, were as follows:



	March 31, 2015
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Available-for-sale securities
Asset-backed securities	$	560.1	$	(7.7	)	$	474.5	$	(10.8	)	$	1,034.6	$	(18.5	)
Commercial-mortgage-backed securities	51.3		(0.4		)	8.4		(0.4		)	59.7		(0.8		)
Corporates	853.5		(32.6		)	761.2		(42.0		)	1,614.7		(74.6		)
Equities	35.0		(0.7		)	50.2		(2.2		)	85.2		(2.9		)
Hybrids	149.2		(7.8		)	143.8		(11.8		)	293.0		(19.6		)
Municipals	63.2		(0.6		)	125.8		(1.2		)	189.0		(1.8		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	411.7		(10.2		)	297.5		(11.6		)	709.2		(21.8		)
U.S. Government	69.9		—			49.6		(0.1		)	119.5		(0.1		)
Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,193.9	$	(60.0	)	$	1,911.0	$	(80.1	)	$	4,104.9	$	(140.1	)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position			322					245					567



	September 30, 2014
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Available-for-sale securities
Asset-backed securities	$	825.8	$	(11.8	)	$	288.2	$	(7.0	)	$	1,114.0	$	(18.8	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	160.3		(0.9		)	0.4		(1.1		)	160.7		(2.0		)
Corporates	816.6		(16.3		)	1,127.8		(32.6		)	1,944.4		(48.9		)
Equities	180.4		(2.2		)	54.9		(2.9		)	235.3		(5.1		)
Hybrids	258.2		(2.3		)	290.0		(12.9		)	548.2		(15.2		)
Municipals	—		—			264.9		(6.3		)	264.9		(6.3		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	298.5		(5.8		)	177.6		(5.3		)	476.1		(11.1		)
U.S. Government	37.3		(0.1		)	81.7		(1.3		)	119.0		(1.4		)
Total available-for-sale securities	$	2,577.1	$	(39.4	)	$	2,285.5	$	(69.4	)	$	4,862.6	$	(108.8	)
Total number of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position			319					310					629

Portfolio of Asset-Backed Loans and Other Invested Assets

portfolio of asset-based loans receivable, included in “Asset-based loans” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, consisted of the following:



	March 31, 2015		September 30, 2014
Asset-based loans, net of deferred fees, by major industry:
Electronics	$	167.1	$	245.4
Apparel	188.1		191.6
Jewelry	83.9		100.1
Home Furnishings	55.7		71.7
Manufacturing	49.9		56.9
Transportation	32.5		44.3
Sporting Goods	11.8		13.9
Other	105.0		94.9
Total asset-based loans	694.0		818.8
Less: Allowance for credit losses	33.8		7.2
Total asset-based loans, net	$	660.2	$	811.6

Schedule of Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table presents the activity in its allowance for credit losses for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Three months ended March 31,					Six months ended March 31,
	2015			2014		2015			2014
Allowance for credit losses:
Balance at beginning of period	$	7.5		$	7.0	$	7.2		$	5.2
Provision for credit losses	102.9			—		103.2			1.8
Charge-offs	(76.6		)	—		(76.6		)	—
Balance at end of period	$	33.8		$	7.0	$	33.8		$	7.0

Schedule of Credit Quality of Asset-Based Loan Portfolio



	Internal Risk Rating
	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
March 31, 2015	$	142.8	$	57.8	$	326.3	$	167.1	$	694.0
September 30, 2014	$	195.3	$	372.7	$	250.8	$	—	$	818.8

Net Investment Income

The major sources of “Net investment income” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	207.7		$	188.7		$	414.2		$	376.0
Equity available-for-sale securities	7.8			5.1			17.7			9.6
Asset-based loans	10.9			15.9			26.5			27.8
Other investments	3.2			0.6			6.5			1.7
Gross investment income	229.6			210.3			464.9			415.1
External investment expense	(4.6		)	(3.9		)	(9.1		)	(7.5		)
Net investment income	$	225.0		$	206.4		$	455.8		$	407.6

Net Investment Gains

“Net investment (losses) gains” reported on the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net realized gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$	7.7		$	7.9		$	5.9		$	17.7
Realized (losses) gains on equity securities	(6.4		)	5.4			(3.2		)	10.8
Net realized gains on securities	1.3			13.3			2.7			28.5
Realized gains on certain derivative instruments	43.2			50.0			88.2			110.6
Unrealized (losses) gains on certain derivative instruments	(51.2		)	(27.5		)	(50.7		)	39.3
Change in fair value of other embedded derivatives	0.4			—			1.0			—
Change in fair value of derivatives	(7.6		)	22.5			38.5			149.9
Realized gains on other invested assets	2.4			5.1			6.9			4.4
Net investment (losses) gains	$	(3.9	)	$	40.9		$	48.1		$	182.8

Cash Flows from Consolidated Investing Activities by Security

Cash flows from consolidated investing activities by security classification were as follows:



	Six months ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid:
Available-for-sale	$	1,848.5		$	2,675.4
Derivatives and other	209.4			188.2
	$	2,057.9		$	2,863.6
Cost of investments acquired:
Available-for-sale	$	(2,154.4	)	$	(3,815.7	)
Trading (acquired for holding)	—			(40.5		)
Derivatives and other	(313.8		)	(176.7		)
	$	(2,468.2	)	$	(4,032.9	)

Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]

Concentrations of Investments

Investments Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, by Loan Disclosure [Text Block]

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

The distribution of CMLs, gross of valuation allowances, by property type and geographic region is reflected in the following tables:



	March 31, 2015				September 30, 2014
	Gross Carrying Value		% of Total		Gross Carrying Value		% of Total
Property Type:
Industrial- General	$	19.9	6.5	%	$	—	—	%
Industrial- Warehouse	47.5		15.6	%	48.0		35.2	%
Multifamily	29.8		9.8	%	37.8		27.8	%
Office	75.7		24.9	%	44.6		32.7	%
Retail	123.1		40.4	%	5.8		4.3	%
Apartment	7.6		2.5	%	—		—	%
Funeral Home	0.8		0.3	%	—		—	%
Total	$	304.4	100.0	%	$	136.2	100.0	%

US Region:
East North Central	$	83.8	27.5	%	$	27.8	20.4	%
Middle Atlantic	17.9		5.9	%	10.9		8.0	%
Pacific	65.7		21.6	%	61.5		45.1	%
South Atlantic	63.8		21.0	%	—		—	%
West North Central	5.7		1.9	%	5.8		4.3	%
West South Central	19.9		6.5	%	30.2		22.2	%
Mountain	42.1		13.8	%	—		—	%
New England	5.5		1.8	%	—		—	%
Total	$	304.4	100.0	%	$	136.2	100.0	%

The following table presents the recorded investment in CMLs by LTV and DSC ratio categories and estimated fair value by the indicated loan-to-value ratios at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014:



	Debt-Service Coverage Ratios						Total Amount		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
	>1.25		1.00 - 1.25		N/A (a)		Total Amount		% of Total		Estimated Fair Value		% of Total
March 31, 2015
LTV Ratios:
Less than 50%	$	74.2	$	—	$	0.8	$	75.0	24.6	%	$	75.0	24.6	%
50% to 60%	63.8		19.9		—		83.7		27.5	%	83.7		27.5	%
60% to 75%	145.7		—		—		145.7		47.9	%	145.7		47.9	%
Total mortgage loans on real estate	$	283.7	$	19.9	$	0.8	$	304.4	100.0	%	$	304.4	100.0	%
September 30, 2014
LTV Ratios:
Less than 50%	$	44.6	$	—	$	0.8	$	45.4	33.3	%	$	45.4	33.3	%
50% to 60%	19.9		—		—		19.9		14.6	%	19.9		14.6	%
60% to 75%	70.9		—		—		70.9		52.1	%	70.9		52.1	%
Total mortgage loans on real estate	$	135.4	$	—	$	0.8	$	136.2	100.0	%	$	136.2	100.0	%

(a) N/A - Current financial information not available.



	March 31, 2015		September 30, 2014
Current to 30 days	$	304.4	$	136.2
Total carrying value	$	304.4	$	136.2

As of March 31, 2015, FGL's CML portfolio had no impairments, modifications or troubled debt restructuring.

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative [Line Items]

Fair Value of Outstanding Derivative Contracts in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:



Asset Derivatives	Classification	March 31, 2015		September 30, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	Receivables, net	$	20.7	$	12.0
Interest rate contracts	Other assets	—		0.6
Commodity contracts	Receivables, net	0.1		1.3
Commodity contracts	Other assets	0.1		—
Foreign exchange contracts	Other assets	0.1		0.3
Total asset derivatives designated as hedging instruments		21.0		14.2
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Call options	Derivatives	268.3		296.3
Commodity contracts	Receivables, net	19.3		1.9
Other embedded derivatives	Other invested assets	12.2		11.2
Foreign exchange contracts	Receivables, net	—		0.5
Total asset derivatives		$	320.8	$	324.1

Summary of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized the following gains and losses on these derivatives:



		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
Classification	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	2015			2014			2015			2014
Revenues:
Net investment (losses) gains	Call options	$	(8.1	)	$	21.2		$	33.2		$	135.5
	Futures contracts	0.1			1.3			4.3			14.4
	Change in fair value of other embedded derivatives	0.4			—			1.0			—
Operating costs and expenses:
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	FIA embedded derivatives	$	77.2		$	74.0		$	309.3		$	174.3
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	Commodity contracts	—			—			—			(0.1		)
Other income and expense:
Other income (expense), net	Oil and natural gas commodity contracts	$	5.3		$	(6.8	)	$	24.0		$	(10.2	)
	Foreign exchange contracts	(5.7		)	(0.2		)	(7.4		)	0.6
Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock	Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	—			(3.5		)	—			(50.7		)

Volumes and Fair Value of Oil and Natural Gas Derivative Financial Instruments

The following table presents Compass’ volumes and fair value of the oil derivative financial instrument as of March 31, 2015 (presented on a calendar-year basis):



(in millions, except volumes and prices)	Volume Mmbtus/Mbbls	Weighted average strike price per Mmbtu/Bbl		Fair Value at March 31, 2015
Natural gas:
Swaps:
April - December 2015	8,250	$	3.95	$	9.6
Three-way collars:
April - October 2015	4,280			0.8
Short call		3.27
Long put		2.85
Short put		2.10
Total natural gas	12,530			$	10.4
Oil:
Swaps:
April - December 2015	188	$	94.98	8.9
Total oil	188			$	8.9
Total oil and natural gas derivatives				$	19.3

Call options [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

FGL's Exposure to Credit Loss on Call Options Held

Information regarding FGL’s exposure to credit loss on the call options it holds is presented in the following table:



		March 31, 2015								September 30, 2014
Counterparty	Credit Rating (Fitch/Moody's/S&P) (a)	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk		Notional Amount		Fair Value		Collateral		Net Credit Risk
Merrill Lynch	A/*/A	$	2,206.3	$	70.0	$	34.5	$	35.5	$	2,239.9	$	92.7	$	52.5	$	40.2
Deutsche Bank	A+/A3/A	3,083.6		101.0		77.4		23.6		2,810.0		108.0		72.5		35.5
Morgan Stanley	*/A3/A	3,269.7		95.6		65.2		30.4		2,294.7		85.0		63.0		22.0
Barclay's Bank	A/A2/A	125.4		1.7		—		1.7		258.0		10.6		—		10.6
Total		$	8,685.0	$	268.3	$	177.1	$	91.2	$	7,602.6	$	296.3	$	188.0	$	108.3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities not Measured at Fair Value [Table Text Block]



	March 31, 2015
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value		Carrying Amount
Assets (a)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,279.6	$	—	$	—	$	1,279.6	$	1,279.6
Asset-based loans	—		—		660.2		660.2		660.2
Other invested assets	—		2.0		327.6		329.6		329.6
Total financial assets	$	1,279.6	$	2.0	$	987.8	$	2,269.4	$	2,269.4

Liabilities (a)
Total debt (b)	$	—	$	5,728.0	$	66.3	$	5,794.3	$	5,623.7
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—		—		13,708.6		13,708.6		15,303.7
Total financial liabilities	$	—	$	5,728.0	$	13,774.9	$	19,502.9	$	20,927.4



	September 30, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value		Carrying Amount
Assets (a)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,319.2	$	—	$	—	$	1,319.2	$	1,319.2
Asset-based loans	—		—		811.6		811.6		811.6
Other invested assets	—		—		151.7		151.7		151.7
Total financial assets	$	1,319.2	$	—	$	963.3	$	2,282.5	$	2,282.5

Liabilities (a)
Total debt (b)	$	—	$	5,308.5	$	—	$	5,308.5	$	5,157.8
Investment contracts, included in contractholder funds	—		—		13,108.8		13,108.8		14,555.4
Total financial liabilities	$	—	$	5,308.5	$	13,108.8	$	18,417.3	$	19,713.2


(a)	The carrying amounts of trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued investment income and portions of other insurance liabilities approximate fair value due to their short duration and, accordingly, they are not presented in the tables above.


(b)	The fair values of debt set forth above are generally based on quoted or observed market prices.

Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

The Company’s consolidated assets and liabilities measured at fair value are summarized according to the hierarchy previously described as follows:



	March 31, 2015								September 30, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Assets
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	—	$	—	$	47.0	$	47.0	$	—	$	—	$	41.5	$	41.5
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	—		—		—		—		—		0.6		—		0.6
Commodity contracts	—		19.5		—		19.5		—		3.2		—		3.2
Foreign exchange contracts	—		20.8		—		20.8		—		12.8		—		12.8
Call options and futures contracts	—		268.3		—		268.3		—		296.3		—		296.3
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	—		1,896.9		34.3		1,931.2		—		1,755.9		37.0		1,792.9
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		586.8		142.5		729.3		—		553.8		83.1		636.9
Corporates	—		8,902.0		941.1		9,843.1		—		8,945.8		850.0		9,795.8
Hybrids	—		1,357.3		—		1,357.3		—		1,316.1		—		1,316.1
Municipals	—		1,395.8		39.8		1,435.6		—		1,222.6		37.2		1,259.8
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		2,194.3		—		2,194.3		—		2,114.0		—		2,114.0
U.S. Government	135.0		184.8		—		319.8		115.6		180.4		—		296.0
Equity securities:
Available-for-sale	27.2		560.7		6.0		593.9		59.2		598.4		6.0		663.6
Trading	77.8		—		—		77.8		104.5		—		—		104.5
Other invested assets	—		—		12.2		12.2		—		2.1		11.2		13.3
Funds withheld receivable (a)	—		605.0		—		605.0		—		154.4		—		154.4
Total financial assets	$	240.0	$	17,992.2	$	1,222.9	$	19,455.1	$	279.3	$	17,156.4	$	1,066.0	$	18,501.7
Liabilities
Derivatives:
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	—	$	—	$	2,217.4	$	2,217.4	$	—	$	—	$	1,908.1	$	1,908.1
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	—		—		584.5		584.5		—		—		151.3		151.3
Foreign exchange contracts	—		1.1		—		1.1		—		0.1		—		0.1
Futures contracts	—		0.9		—		0.9		—		0.5		—		0.5
Commodity contracts	—		1.0		—		1.0		—		0.4		—		0.4
Interest rate contracts	—		2.2		—		2.2		—		1.8		—		1.8
Total financial liabilities	$	—	$	5.2	$	2,801.9	$	2,807.1	$	—	$	2.8	$	2,059.4	$	2,062.2

Schedule of Unobservable Inputs Used for Level Three Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments on Recurring Basis



	Fair Value at						Range (Weighted average)
Assets	March 31, 2015		September 30, 2014		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input(s)	March 31, 2015	September 30, 2014
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	47.0	$	41.5	Discounted cash flow	Probability of collection	94%	88% - 96% (92%)
						Expected term	0.5 months	4.5 months
						Discount rate	1%	1%
						Credit insurance risk premium	7%	12%
Asset-backed securities	31.0		37.0		Broker-quoted	Offered quotes	100%	100% - 109% (101%)
Asset-backed securities	3.3		—		Matrix pricing	Quoted prices	110%	—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	97.5		83.1		Broker-quoted	Offered quotes	100% - 121% (114%)	105% - 121% (118%)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	45.0		—		Matrix pricing	Quoted prices	106% - 123% (115%)	—
Corporates	543.3		848.0		Broker-quoted	Offered quotes	67% - 123% (103%)	62% - 120% (100%)
Corporates	397.8		2.0		Matrix Pricing	Quoted prices	75% - 150% (103%)	142%
Municipal	39.8		37.2		Broker-quoted	Offered quotes	115%	107%
Equity	6.0		6.0		Broker-quoted	Quoted prices	100%	100%
Other invested assets	12.2		11.2		Black Scholes model	Market value of AnchorPath Fund	100%	100%
Total	$	1,222.9	$	1,066.0
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	2,217.4	$	1,908.1	Discounted cash flow	Market value of option	0% - 42% (3%)	0% - 50% (3%)
						SWAP rates	2%	2% - 3% (2%)
						Mortality multiplier	80%	80%
						Surrender rates	0.50% - 75% (7%)	0.50% - 75% (7%)
						Non-performance risk spread	0.25%	0.25%
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	584.5		151.3		Discounted cash flow	Non-performance risk spread	0.50% - 1.50%	0.50% - 1.50%
						Risk margin to reflect uncertainty	1%	0.50%
Total	$	2,801.9	$	2,059.4

Changes in Fair Value of Financial Instruments



	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Total Gains (Losses)												Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Included in Earnings		Included in AOCI			Purchases		Sales		Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
Assets
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	41.5	$	5.5	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	47.0
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	34.6		0.1		—			3.2		—		(0.1		)	(3.5		)	34.3
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	120.4		—		1.5			20.9		—		(0.3		)	—			142.5
Corporates	907.6		2.4		14.9			70.5		—		(30.2		)	(24.1		)	941.1
Municipals	38.8		—		1.0			—		—		—			—			39.8
Equity securities - available-for-sale	6.1		—		(0.1		)	—		—		—			—			6.0
Other invested assets	11.8		0.4		—			—		—		—			—			12.2
Total assets at fair value	$	1,160.8	$	8.4	$	17.3		$	94.6	$	—	$	(30.6	)	$	(27.6	)	$	1,222.9

	Balance at Beginning of Period		Total (Gains) Losses												Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Included in Earnings		Included in AOCI			Purchases		Sales		Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	2,140.2	$	77.2	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,217.4
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	496.4		7.7		—			90.1		—		(9.7		)	—			584.5
Total liabilities at fair value	$	2,636.6	$	84.9	$	—		$	90.1	$	—	$	(9.7	)	$	—		$	2,801.9

(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.



	Six months ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Total Gains (Losses)											Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Included in Earnings		Included in AOCI		Purchases		Sales		Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
Assets
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	41.5	$	5.5	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	47.0
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	37.0		0.1		—		6.7		—		(0.1		)	(9.4		)	34.3
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	83.1		—		2.3		57.7		—		(0.6		)	—			142.5
Corporates	850.0		2.3		23.3		122.4		—		(32.8		)	(24.1		)	941.1
Municipals	37.2		—		2.8		—		—		(0.2		)	—			39.8
Equity securities - available-for-sale	6.0		—		—		—		—		—			—			6.0
Other invested assets	11.2		1.0		—		—		—		—			—			12.2
Total assets at fair value	$	1,066.0	$	8.9	$	28.4	$	186.8	$	—	$	(33.7	)	$	(33.5	)	$	1,222.9

	Balance at Beginning of Period		Total (Gains) Losses											Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Included in Earnings		Included in AOCI		Purchases		Sales		Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,908.1	$	309.3	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	2,217.4
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	151.3		6.4		—		437.0		—		(10.2		)	—			584.5
Total liabilities at fair value	$	2,059.4	$	315.7	$	—	$	437.0	$	—	$	(10.2	)	$	—		$	2,801.9

(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.



	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Total Gains (Losses)												Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Included in Earnings		Included in AOCI			Purchases		Sales		Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
Assets
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	41.5	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	41.5
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	9.8		—		(0.1		)	—		—		—			1.0			10.7
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	6.0		—		—			—		—		—			(6.0		)	—
Corporates	607.1		—		10.1			41.7		—		(1.9		)	—			657.0
Municipals	34.3		—		1.3			—		—		—			—			35.6
Equity securities- trading	10.8		—		—			—		—		—			—			10.8
Total assets at fair value	$	709.5	$	—	$	11.3		$	41.7	$	—	$	(1.9	)	$	(5.0	)	$	755.6

	Balance at Beginning of Period		Total (Gains) Losses												Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Included in Earnings		Included in AOCI			Purchases		Sales		Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,644.7	$	74.0	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,718.7
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	149.9		3.7		—			—		—		(2.6		)	—			151.0
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	378.0		3.5		—			—		—		(16.7		)	—			364.8
Total liabilities at fair value	$	2,172.6	$	81.2	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	(19.3	)	$	—		$	2,234.5



	Six months ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Total Gains (Losses)												Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Included in Earnings		Included in AOCI			Purchases		Sales		Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
Assets
Contingent purchase price reduction receivable	$	41.0	$	0.5	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	41.5
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Asset-backed securities	5.0		—		(0.3		)	5.0		—		—			1.0			10.7
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5.7		—		0.3			—		—		—			(6.0		)	—
Corporates	461.1		—		4.0			194.3		—		(2.4		)	—			657.0
Municipals	—		—		0.6			35.0		—		—			—			35.6
Equity securities- trading	10.7		0.1		—			—		—		—			—			10.8
Total assets at fair value	$	523.5	$	0.6	$	4.6		$	234.3	$	—	$	(2.4	)	$	(5.0	)	$	755.6

	Balance at Beginning of Period		Total (Gains) Losses												Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Included in Earnings		Included in AOCI			Purchases		Sales		Settlements			Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)			Balance at End of Period
Liabilities
FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds	$	1,544.4	$	174.3	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	1,718.7
Front Street future policyholder benefit liability	—		3.0		—			150.6		—		(2.6		)	—			151.0
Equity conversion feature of preferred stock	330.8		50.7		—			—		—		(16.7		)	—			364.8
Total liabilities at fair value	$	1,875.2	$	228.0	$	—		$	150.6	$	—	$	(19.3	)	$	—		$	2,234.5

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA (Tables) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Summary of Definite Lived Intangible Assets

$ 18.2

$ 37.4

$ 50.0

$ 80.8

A summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets, including DAC and VOBA balances, are as follows:



				Intangible Assets
	Goodwill			Indefinite Lived			Definite Lived			VOBA			DAC			Total
Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1,524.8		$	1,215.9		$	917.2		$	86.8		$	463.8		$	2,683.7
Acquisitions	77.6			50.7			61.7			—			—			112.4
Impairments	(28.3		)	(31.9		)	—			—			—			(31.9		)
Deferrals	—			—			—			—			176.5			176.5
Less: Components of amortization
Periodic amortization	—			—			(41.7		)	(20.2		)	3.1			(58.8		)
Interest	—			—			—			6.1			10.7			16.8
Unlocking	—			—			—			0.1			(8.1		)	(8.0		)
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net	—			—			—			(17.8		)	(52.2		)	(70.0		)
Effect of translation	(31.1		)	(31.1		)	(22.3		)	—			—			(53.4		)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	1,543.0		$	1,203.6		$	914.9		$	55.0		$	593.8		$	2,767.3

Definite lived intangible assets are summarized as follows:



	March 31, 2015							September 30, 2014
	Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Cost		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Amortizable Life
Customer relationships	$	903.0	$	(221.2	)	$	681.8	$	877.1	$	(204.6	)	$	672.5	15 to 20 years
Trade names	173.7		(69.1		)	104.6		171.1		(61.0		)	110.1		1 to 12 years
Technology assets	195.5		(67.0		)	128.5		192.2		(57.6		)	134.6		4 to 17 years
	$	1,272.2	$	(357.3	)	$	914.9	$	1,240.4	$	(323.2	)	$	917.2

Summary of Amortization Expense of Definite Lived Intangible Assets

Amortization expense for definite lived intangible assets was as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,				Six months ended March 31,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Customer relationships	$	12.4	$	11.6	$	24.1	$	23.3
Trade names	4.1		4.1		8.2		8.2
Technology assets	4.7		4.8		9.4		9.2
	$	21.2	$	20.5	$	41.7	$	40.7

Amortization for VOBA and DAC was as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Amortization of VOBA	$	(10.0	)	$	(10.9	)	$	(14.0	)	$	(24.1	)
Amortization of DAC	13.0			(6.0		)	5.7			(16.0		)

Estimated Amortization Expense for VOBA and DAC in Future Fiscal Periods

stimated amortization expense for VOBA in future fiscal periods is as follows:



	Estimated Amortization Expense
Fiscal Year	VOBA
2015	$	21.2
2016	40.1
2017	33.1
2018	26.6
2019	21.5
Thereafter	94.4

VOBA [Member]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Earned, Benefits Incurred and Reserve Changes

$ 10.0

$ 10.9

$ 14.0

$ 24.1

Debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Debt

The Company’s consolidated debt consists of the following:



	March 31, 2015					September 30, 2014
	Amount			Rate		Amount			Rate		Interest rate
HRG
7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019	$	604.4		7.9	%	$	604.4		7.9	%	Fixed rate
7.75% Senior Unsecured Notes, due January 15, 2022	750.0			7.8	%	750.0			7.8	%	Fixed rate
Spectrum Brands
Term Loan, due September 4, 2017 (Tranche A)*	635.2			3.1	%	648.4			3.0	%	Variable rate, see below
Term Loan, due September 4, 2019 (Tranche C)*	508.6			3.6	%	509.9			3.6	%	Variable rate, see below
CAD Term Loan, due December 17, 2019*	30.5			5.1	%	34.2			5.1	%	Variable rate, see below
Euro Term Loan, due September 4, 2019 (Tranche A)*	242.5			3.8	%	283.3			3.8	%	Variable rate, see below
Euro Term Loan, due December 19, 2021 (Tranche B)*	163.3			3.8	%	—			—	%	Variable rate, see below
6.375% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2020	520.0			6.4	%	520.0			6.4	%	Fixed rate
6.625% Senior Notes, due November 15, 2022	570.0			6.6	%	570.0			6.6	%	Fixed rate
6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020	300.0			6.8	%	300.0			6.8	%	Fixed rate
6.125% Notes, due December 15, 2024	250.0			6.1	%	—			—	%	Fixed rate
ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017	42.0			4.0	%	—			2.5	%	Variable rate, see below
Other notes and obligations	31.0			12.6	%	36.6			8.8	%	Various
Capitalized lease obligations	88.6			6.1	%	94.7			6.1	%	Various
FGL
6.375% Senior Notes, due April 1, 2021	300.0			6.4	%	300.0			6.4	%	Fixed rate
FGL Credit Agreement	—			5.3	%	—			5.3	%	Variable rate, see below
Compass
Compass Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018	327.0			2.7	%	243.2			2.7	%	Variable rate, see below
Salus
Unaffiliated long-term debt of consolidated variable-interest entity	193.0			6.6	%	193.0			6.7	%	Variable rate, see below
Secured borrowings under non-qualifying loan participations	102.2			10.9	%	106.8			10.8	%	Fixed rate
Total	5,658.3					5,194.5
Original issuance discounts on debt, net of premiums	(34.6		)			(36.7		)
Total debt	5,623.7					5,157.8
Less current maturities and short-term debt	423.3					96.7
Non-current portion of debt	$	5,200.4				$	5,061.1

Reinsurance (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

The effect of reinsurance on premiums earned, benefits incurred and reserve changes for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,												Six months ended March 31,
	2015						2014						2015						2014
	Insurance Premiums			Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves			Insurance Premiums			Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves			Insurance Premiums			Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves			Insurance Premiums			Benefits and Other Changes in Policy Reserves
Direct	$	64.1		$	249.9		$	67.0		$	256.4		$	127.3		$	554.1		$	134.7		$	552.8
Assumed	8.6			19.1			9.5			9.9			17.4			29.1			18.8			15.3
Ceded	(58.2		)	(73.8		)	(61.7		)	(69.8		)	(118.5		)	(146.5		)	(124.8		)	(136.9		)
Net	$	14.5		$	195.2		$	14.8		$	196.5		$	26.2		$	436.7		$	28.7		$	431.2

Stock Compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]



	2015
Weighted average fair value per option granted	$2.53
Risk-free interest rate	0.2%
Assumed dividend yield	1.18%
Expected option term	0.75 years
Volatility	25%



	2015	2014
Weighted average fair value per option granted	$5.02	$3.76
Risk-free interest rate	1.4%	1.4%
Assumed dividend yield	1.2%	1.5%
Expected option term	4.5 years	4.5 years
Volatility	25%	25%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block]

A summary of warrants outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and related activity during the six months then ended, under HRG's incentive plan are as follows (share amounts in thousands):



	HRG
Warrants	Units	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Warrants outstanding at September 30, 2014	3,000	$	13.13	$	3.22
Warrants outstanding at March 31, 2015	3,000	13.13		3.22
Warrants vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	1,200	13.13		3.22
Warrants outstanding and expected to vest	1,800	13.13		3.22

Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Related Activity



	HRG						FGH				FGL
Stock Option Awards	Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	4,624		$	8.14	$	3.28	225		$	46.19	242		$	17.00
Granted	822		13.36		5.25		—		—		182		24.87
Exercised	(306	)	6.32		2.41		(47	)	43.36		(3	)	17.00
Forfeited or expired	(35	)	10.38		4.29		(1	)	49.45		(12	)	20.08
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	5,105		9.08		3.65		177		46.94		409		20.35
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	2,462		7.93		3.16		149		46.45		221		19.52
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	2,643		10.15		4.10		26		46.91		176		20.30

Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Outstanding and Related Activity



	HRG				FGL
Restricted Stock Awards	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2014	5,438		$	9.75	172		$	18.18
Granted	1,885		13.36		298		23.81
Exercised / Released	(2,497	)	8.76		(228	)	21.64
Forfeited	(40	)	11.92		(13	)	20.62
Restricted stock units released as restricted stock awards	7		11.84		—		—
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at March 31, 2015	4,793		11.67		229		21.96



	HRG				Spectrum Brands				FGH
Restricted Stock Units	Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2014	7		$	11.84	827		$	67.66	26		$	49.55
Granted	6		13.36		529		90.43		—		—
Exercised / Released	(7	)	11.84		(704	)	68.28		(14	)	49.45
Forfeited	—		—		(16	)	84.13		—		—
Restricted stock units outstanding at March 31, 2015	6		13.36		636		85.50		12		49.68



	FGL
Performance Restricted Stock Units	Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Performance restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2014	578		$	17.37
Granted, including 8 additional units based on 2014 financial performance	40		20.36
Vested	(45	)	17.00
Forfeited	(72	)	17.00
Nonvested performance restricted stock units outstanding at March 31, 2015	501		17.69

Assumptions Used in Determination of Grant Date Fair Values Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model

The following assumptions were used in the determination of these grant date fair values for options awarded using the Black-Scholes option pricing model:



	2015	2014
Risk-free interest rate	1.58% to 1.87%	1.46% to 1.75%
Assumed dividend yield	—%	—%
Expected option term	5.0 to 6.5 years	5.3 to 6.0 years
Volatility	38.0% to 39.0%	41.2%

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Summary of Basic and Diluted EPS

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") (share amounts in thousands):



	Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net loss attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	$	(228.3	)	$	(87.6	)	$	(338.1	)	$	(126.6	)
Participating shares at end of period:
Common shares outstanding	196,672			142,801			196,672			142,801
Preferred shares (as-converted basis)	—			59,134			—			59,134
Total	196,672			201,935			196,672			201,935
Percentage of loss allocated to:
Common shares	100.0		%	100.0		%	100.0		%	100.0		%
Preferred shares (a)	—		%	—		%	—		%	—		%
Net loss attributable to common shares - basic and diluted	$	(228.3	)	$	(87.6	)	$	(338.1	)	$	(126.6	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	196,860			139,889			197,583			139,529
Net loss per common share attributable to controlling interest:
Basic	$	(1.16	)	$	(0.63	)	$	(1.71	)	$	(0.91	)
Diluted	$	(1.16	)	$	(0.63	)	$	(1.71	)	$	(0.91	)

Related Party Transactions Schedule of related party investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Related Party Transactions

The Company’s consolidated related party investments as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:



		March 31, 2015						September 30, 2014
Issuer	Balance Sheet Classification	Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value		Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
Fortress	Fixed maturities	$	202.8	$	2.2	$	205.0	$	194.9	$	1.9	$	196.8

The Company's related net investment income for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 is summarized as follows:



		March 31, 2015
Issuer	Investment Income Classification	Three months ended		Six months ended
Fortress	Net investment income	$	1.9	$	3.9

’s consolidated related party investments as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows:



		March 31, 2015						September 30, 2014
Issuer	Balance Sheet Classification	Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value		Asset carrying value		Accrued Investment Income		Total carrying value
Fortress	Fixed maturities	$	202.8	$	2.2	$	205.0	$	194.9	$	1.9	$	196.8

The Company's related net investment income for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 is summarized as follows:



		March 31, 2015
Issuer	Investment Income Classification	Three months ended		Six months ended
Fortress	Net investment income	$	1.9	$	3.9

Segment Data (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

Accordingly, the Company currently operates its business in four reporting segments: (i) Consumer Products, (ii) Insurance, (iii)Energy and (iv) Asset Management.

The following schedules present the Company’s segment information for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.



	Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Revenues:
Consumer Products	$	1,067.0		$	1,021.7		$	2,134.8		$	2,122.3
Insurance	161.0			274.1			471.8			647.2
Energy	26.0			39.2			60.3			74.7
Asset Management	5.1			9.8			13.1			14.3
Intersegment elimination (a)	92.9			(3.6		)	89.4			(7.3		)
Consolidated segment revenues	1,352.0			1,341.2			2,769.4			2,851.2
Corporate and Other	19.5			—			40.5			—
Total revenues	$	1,371.5		$	1,341.2		$	2,809.9		$	2,851.2

Operating (loss) income:
Consumer Products	$	88.4		$	92.5		$	204.0		$	217.6
Insurance	(62.4		)	26.3			(37.2		)	111.6
Energy	(161.3		)	(71.8		)	(356.3		)	(65.8		)
Asset Management	(67.4		)	4.0			(68.5		)	0.1
Intersegment elimination (a)	53.3			(4.0		)	49.3			(7.7		)
Total segment operating (loss) income	(149.4		)	47.0			(208.7		)	255.8
Corporate and Other and eliminations	(24.6		)	(30.8		)	(148.3		)	(60.3		)
Consolidated operating (loss) income	(174.0		)	16.2			(357.0		)	195.5
Interest expense	(85.5		)	(77.2		)	(166.1		)	(161.2		)
Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock	—			(3.5		)	—			(50.7		)
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction	5.5			—			5.5			0.5
Other income (expense), net	12.5			(4.6		)	186.5			(16.5		)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(241.5	)	$	(69.1	)	$	(331.1	)	$	(32.4	)



	Six months ended March 31,
Net change in cash due to operating activities	2015			2014
Consumer Products	$	(180.3	)	$	(156.7	)
Insurance	60.6			123.6
Energy	7.1			25.0
Asset Management	(12.4		)	5.2
Net change in cash due to segment operating activities	(125.0		)	(2.9		)
Net change in cash due to corporate and other operating activities, including intersegment eliminations	(149.4		)	(79.0		)
Consolidated change in cash due to operating activities	$	(274.4	)	$	(81.9	)

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Text Block [Abstract]

Schedule of Balance Sheet Information

HRG Group, Inc. - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Information



March 31, 2015	Consumer Products		Insurance			Energy		Asset Management		Corporate and Other		Eliminations			Total
Assets:
Investments	$	—	$	19,500.0		$	—	$	457.7	$	69.3	$	(274.4	)	$	19,752.6
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	—		(38.9		)	—		—		2,139.6		(2,100.7		)	—
Affiliated loans and receivables	—		120.1			—		19.5		0.1		(139.7		)	—
Cash and cash equivalents	87.8		876.2			12.1		119.1		184.4		—			1,279.6
Receivables, net	586.1		1.6			31.5		0.7		50.1		—			670.0
Inventories, net	814.0		—			—		—		5.0		—			819.0
Accrued investment income	—		179.5			—		2.3		—		(0.6		)	181.2
Reinsurance recoverable	—		2,402.7			—		—		—		—			2,402.7
Deferred tax assets	40.1		132.4			—		0.1		1.1		(0.1		)	173.6
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	461.7		11.9			466.8		1.4		2.1		—			943.9
Goodwill	1,516.1		—			—		10.7		16.2		—			1,543.0
Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net	2,108.6		648.8			—		—		9.9		—			2,767.3
Other assets	147.6		729.5			2.8		8.6		33.6		—			922.1
Total assets	$	5,762.0	$	24,563.8		$	513.2	$	620.1	$	2,511.4	$	(2,515.5	)	$	31,455.0



Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	$	—	$	21,683.8	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	21,683.8
Debt	3,376.0		300.0		327.0		294.2			1,326.5		—			5,623.7
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	711.6		50.7		30.2		6.2			72.0		0.6			871.3
Employee benefit obligations	71.8		—		—		—			4.1		—			75.9
Deferred tax liabilities	507.8		—		—		—			5.4		11.2			524.4
Other liabilities	21.2		733.3		38.1		17.1			2.1		—			811.8
Affiliated debt and payables	—		0.7		102.3		306.3			32.4		(441.7		)	—
Total liabilities	4,688.4		22,768.5		497.6		623.8			1,442.5		(429.9		)	29,590.9
Total stockholders’ equity	602.5		1,465.5		15.4		2.2			1,068.9		(2,085.6		)	1,068.9
Noncontrolling interests	471.1		329.8		0.2		(5.9		)	—		—			795.2
Total permanent equity	1,073.6		1,795.3		15.6		(3.7		)	1,068.9		(2,085.6		)	1,864.1
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,762.0	$	24,563.8	$	513.2	$	620.1		$	2,511.4	$	(2,515.5	)	$	31,455.0



September 30, 2014	Consumer Products		Insurance		Energy		Asset Management		Corporate and Other		Eliminations			Total
Assets:
Investments	$	—	$	18,820.7	$	—	$	584.6	$	93.7	$	(246.5	)	$	19,252.5
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates	—		68.2		—		—		2,237.9		(2,306.1		)	—
Affiliated loans and receivables	—		157.2		—		28.5		—		(185.7		)	—
Cash and cash equivalents	194.6		633.8		14.2		53.5		423.1		—			1,319.2
Receivables, net	515.3		2.1		23.7		0.9		43.1		—			585.1
Inventories, net	624.5		—		—		—		10.7		—			635.2
Accrued investment income	—		181.8		—		3.7		—		(0.6		)	184.9
Reinsurance recoverable	—		2,397.6		—		—		—		—			2,397.6
Deferred tax assets	46.7		139.0		—		—		1.1		(0.1		)	186.7
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	428.9		11.4		464.4		1.4		2.5		—			908.6
Goodwill	1,469.6		—		—		10.7		44.5		—			1,524.8
Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA, net	2,091.5		550.4		—		—		41.8		—			2,683.7
Other assets	141.9		233.6		2.5		9.2		34.7		—			421.9
Total assets	$	5,513.0	$	23,195.8	$	504.8	$	692.5	$	2,933.1	$	(2,739.0	)	$	30,100.2

Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	$	—	$	20,215.1	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	20,215.1
Debt	2,990.9		300.0		243.2		298.7		1,325.0		—			5,157.8
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	816.2		71.9		31.3		8.5		104.6		0.5			1,033.0
Employee benefit obligations	81.9		—		—		—		4.3		—			86.2
Deferred tax liabilities	516.0		—		—		—		17.2		0.1			533.3
Other liabilities	21.2		748.9		27.3		19.3		1.1		—			817.8
Affiliated debt and payables	—		7.8		102.3		286.5		34.8		(431.4		)	—
Total liabilities	4,426.2		21,343.7		404.1		613.0		1,487.0		(430.8		)	27,843.2
Temporary equity	—		—		—		—		—		—			—
Total stockholders’ equity	612.4		1,526.9		100.7		68.2		1,441.6		(2,308.2		)	1,441.6
Noncontrolling interests	474.4		325.2		—		11.3		4.5		—			815.4
Total permanent equity	1,086.8		1,852.1		100.7		79.5		1,446.1		(2,308.2		)	2,257.0
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,513.0	$	23,195.8	$	504.8	$	692.5	$	2,933.1	$	(2,739.0	)	$	30,100.2

Schedule of Income Statement Information

HRG Group, Inc. - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations Information



Six months ended March 31, 2015	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	$	2,134.8		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	40.5		$	—		$	2,175.3
Oil and natural gas	—			—			60.3			—			—			—			60.3
Insurance premiums	—			26.2			—			—			—			—			26.2
Net investment income	—			451.5			—			13.1			—			(8.8		)	455.8
Net investment (losses) gains	—			(50.1		)	—			—			—			98.2			48.1
Insurance and investment product fees and other	—			44.2			—			—			—			—			44.2
Total revenues	2,134.8			471.8			60.3			13.1			40.5			89.4			2,809.9
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	1,389.9			—			—			—			29.1			—			1,419.0
Oil and natural gas direct operating costs	—			—			43.8			—			—			—			43.8
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	—			436.7			—			—			—			—			436.7
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	499.2			64.0			36.2			19.0			99.5			—			717.9
Impairments and bad debt expense	—			—			336.6			62.6			60.2			40.1			499.5
Amortization of intangibles	41.7			8.3			—			—			—			—			50.0
Total operating costs and expenses	1,930.8			509.0			416.6			81.6			188.8			40.1			3,166.9
Operating (loss) income	204.0			(37.2		)	(356.3		)	(68.5		)	(148.3		)	49.3			(357.0		)
Equity in net losses of subsidiaries	—			(66.8		)	—			—			(201.7		)	268.5			—
Interest expense	(93.6		)	(11.8		)	(4.4		)	—			(56.3		)	—			(166.1		)
Affiliated interest expense	—			—			(4.5		)	(14.0		)	(2.6		)	21.1			—
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction	—			—			—			—			5.5			—			5.5
Other income (expense), net	(3.9		)	—			165.2			(1.5		)	31.0			(4.3		)	186.5
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	106.5			(115.8		)	(200.0		)	(84.0		)	(372.4		)	334.6			(331.1		)
Income tax (benefit) expense	28.6			(11.8		)	—			—			(13.3		)	9.3			12.8
Net (income) loss	77.9			(104.0		)	(200.0		)	(84.0		)	(359.1		)	325.3			(343.9		)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	32.4			0.5			(0.5		)	(17.2		)	(21.0		)	—			(5.8		)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	45.5		$	(104.5	)	$	(199.5	)	$	(66.8	)	$	(338.1	)	$	325.3		$	(338.1	)



Six months ended March 31, 2014	Consumer Products			Insurance			Energy			Asset Management			Corporate and Other			Eliminations			Total
Revenues:
Net consumer and other product sales	$	2,122.3		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,122.3
Oil and natural gas	—			—			74.7			—			—			—			74.7
Insurance premiums	—			28.7			—			—			—			—			28.7
Net investment income	—			400.6			—			14.3			—			(7.3		)	407.6
Net investment (losses) gains	—			182.8			—			—			—			—			182.8
Insurance and investment product fees and other	—			35.1			—			—			—			—			35.1
Total revenues	2,122.3			647.2			74.7			14.3			—			(7.3		)	2,851.2
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of consumer products and other goods sold	1,381.5			—			—			—			—			—			1,381.5
Oil and natural gas operating costs	—			—			33.2			—			—			—			33.2
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	—			431.2			—			—			—			—			431.2
Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses	482.5			64.4			26.3			12.7			60.3			—			646.2
Impairments and bad debt expense	—			(0.1		)	81.0			1.5			—			0.4			82.8
Amortization of intangibles	40.7			40.1			—			—			—			—			80.8
Total operating costs and expenses	1,904.7			535.6			140.5			14.2			60.3			0.4			2,655.7
Operating (loss) income	217.6			111.6			(65.8		)	0.1			(60.3		)	(7.7		)	195.5
Equity in net (loss) income of subsidiaries	—			(3.8		)	—			—			48.2			(44.4		)	—
Interest expense	(104.4		)	(11.3		)	(4.1		)	—			(41.4		)	—			(161.2		)
Affiliated interest expense	—			0.2			(4.5		)	(3.0		)	—			7.3			—
Loss from the change in the fair value of the equity conversion feature of preferred stock	—			—			—			—			(50.7		)	—			(50.7		)
Gain on contingent purchase price reduction	—			—			—			—			0.5			—			0.5
Other income (expense), net	(1.6		)	—			(10.2		)	(1.3		)	1.4			(4.8		)	(16.5		)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	111.6			96.7			(84.6		)	(4.2		)	(102.3		)	(49.6		)	(32.4		)
Income tax (benefit) expense	23.3			0.4			—			(0.1		)	—			1.4			25.0
Net loss	88.3			96.3			(84.6		)	(4.1		)	(102.3		)	(51.0		)	(57.4		)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	36.6			8.6			—			(0.3		)	—			—			44.9
Net loss attributable to controlling interest	51.7			87.7			(84.6		)	(3.8		)	(102.3		)	(51.0		)	(102.3		)
Less: Preferred stock dividends and accretion	—			—			—			—			24.3			—			24.3
Net loss attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders	$	51.7		$	87.7		$	(84.6	)	$	(3.8	)	$	(126.6	)	$	(51.0	)	$	(126.6	)

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events - Event A (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Subsequent Events Subsequent Events - Event A (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Schedule of Subsequent Events [Table Text Block]	ASC 855, “Subsequent Events” (“ASC 855”), establishes general standards of accounting and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. ASC 855 requires the Company to evaluate events that occur after the balance date through the date of the Company’s financial statements are issued, and to determine whether adjustments to or additional disclosures in the financial statements are necessary. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued. On April 6, 2015, the Company, announced that it is exploring strategic alternatives for FGL. Following such announcement, FGL began a strategic review process for the Company. There can be no assurance that the exploration of strategic alternatives will result in a transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be consummated. The exploration of strategic alternatives may be terminated at any time and without notice. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates intend to disclose developments with respect to this process unless and until a definitive specific transaction or final course of action has been approved or determined. On April 14, 2015, the Company issued $100.0 aggregate principal amount of 7.875% secured notes due 2019 at 104.5% of par plus accrued interest from January 15, 2015 under the Company's existing indenture governing its 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2019. One of the participating underwriters, Jefferies LLC ("Jefferies"), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leucadia, which through subsidiaries beneficially owns more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. On April 19, 2015, FOHG Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (together, “FOHG”) commenced Chapter 11 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. At March 31, 2015, three of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries were lenders to FOHG with a total balance of $59.6, which loans were fully eliminated upon consolidation. As a result of FOHG's Chapter 11 cases, the Company will deconsolidate FOHG from the Consolidated Financial Statements in the third fiscal quarter of 2015 and, as a result, such loans will no longer be eliminated in consolidation. The amounts that the Company’s subsidiaries are able to recover will be dependent upon on the outcome of the Chapter 11 cases. The Chapter 11 cases remain pending and the Company is in the process of evaluating the financial statement impact of the deconsolidation and potential impairments of the loans held by the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries. As discussed in Note 8, Debt, as a result of the recent decline in commodity prices, Compass' consolidated funded indebtedness to consolidated EBITDAX exceeded the maximum ratio allowed under the Compass Credit Agreement. On May 7, 2015, Compass entered into an amendment to the Compass Credit Agreement and concurrently with such amendment HGI Funding, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement pursuant to which it provided a limited unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the full and prompt payment when due of certain present and future payment obligations under the Compass Credit Agreement, which obligations are secured by a pledge of certain of HGI Funding's assets as collateral. Pursuant to this agreement, HGI Funding has agreed to provide debt or equity contributions to Compass following the October 2015 redetermination in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of any borrowing base deficiency that may exist at such time. HGI Funding’s aggregate obligations in connection with such guaranty and such contributions shall not exceed $80.0 (plus certain interest charges on unpaid amounts under the guaranty and reimbursement of enforcement expenses), but may be less depending on the amounts outstanding under the Compass Credit Agreement at that time (the “Secured Amount”). The Secured Amount is secured by a pledge of assets chosen by HGI Funding that may consist of a combination of cash and marketable securities with a determined value equal to the maximum Secured Amount then applicable. In measuring the determined value of the pledged assets, cash is valued at 100% and marketable securities are valued at 33.3% of fair market value (measured as the 20 day volume weighted average price of such marketable securities). At May 7, 2015, HGI Funding had pledged marketable securities valued at $240.0 under this guarantee. The expiration date of the guarantee occurs upon the closing of the Compass' next scheduled borrowing base redetermination in October 2015. As a result of these amendments to the Compass Credit Agreement Compass returned to good standing under the covenants specified in the Compass Credit Agreement. Compass is presently current on all obligations related to the Compass Credit Agreement. No losses have been experienced by HGI Funding under this guarantee. As a result of the proposed reduction to the Company's borrowing base, Compass' availability of funds was reduced to approximately $12.0 (inclusive of reduction for outstanding letters of credit). Based upon Compass’ current forecast there are no requirements for draws under the credit facility and Compass believes that the adjusted availability is adequate for executing the business plan for the fiscal year end. On April 28, 2015, Spectrum Brands entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “AAG Merger Agreement”) with Armored AutoGroup Parent Inc. (“AAG”), Ignite Merger Sub, Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Spectrum Brands, and Avista Capital Partners II GP, LLC, as representative for the shareholders and option holders of AAG. Under the AAG Merger Agreement, Spectrum Brands will acquire AAG for a purchase price of approximately $1,400.0 (subject to customary adjustments for cash, debt, net working capital and transaction-related expenses described in the AAG Merger Agreement), which will be paid entirely in cash (the “AAG Acquisition”). The obligations of the parties to complete the AAG Acquisition are subject to various customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended and, in the case of the Spectrum Brands’ obligation to complete the acquisition, the accuracy of AAG’s representations and warranties (subject to certain qualifications), material compliance by AAG with certain pre-closing covenants and no material adverse change in AAG since the date of the AAG Merger Agreement. The AAG Merger Agreement may be terminated by mutual consent of AAG and Spectrum Brands and under certain other circumstances, including by AAG or Spectrum Brands if the closing of the acquisition has not occurred by June 30, 2015. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of the Company's fiscal 2015 year. The Company will account for this acquisition in accordance with ASC 805. Spectrum Brands expects to finance the $1,400.0 cash purchase price of the acquisition and the related fees and expenses through a combination of new debt and approximately $500.0 of Spectrum Brands common stock. As part of the AAG Acquisition, Spectrum Brands received financing commitments from Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Jefferies, pursuant to which, and subject to certain conditions, the financial institutions committed to provide to Spectrum Brands “back stop” bridge facilities in an aggregate amount of $1,500.0. Jefferies, one of the financial institutions committed to provide financing to Spectrum Brands, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leucadia, which through subsidiaries beneficially owns more than 10% of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. HRG's Board of Directors has approved the Company's participation in the Spectrum Brands common stock issuance.

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Segment

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

FGLH [Member]

6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

FGLH [Member]

6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point One Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point One Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point Three Seven Five Senior Notes [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point Three Seven Five Senior Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

6.625% Notes [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

6.625% Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due December 17, 2019 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

HGI [Member]

7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

HGI [Member]

7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

HGI [Member]

Seven Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

HGI [Member]

Seven Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

FGL [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Tell Manufacturing [Member]

Oct. 01, 2014

Tell Manufacturing [Member]

Oct. 31, 2014

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Oct. 06, 2014

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Nov. 03, 2014

Ability Re [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Jan. 16, 2015

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Severance Cost, one time payments [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Severance Cost, Accrued Bonus [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Severance Cost, Future Bonus [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Euro Term Loan, Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Euro Term Loan, Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due December 19, 2021 [Member]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net

$ 30.3

$ 148.0

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

118.8

19.2

Business Acquisition Percentage Of Equity Interests Acquired

99.80%

25.50%

Severance Costs

20.5

16.5

3.3

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill

12.5

40.5

58.5

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest

6.40%

6.125%

0.00%

6.75%

6.80%

3.10%

^[1]

3.00%

^[1]

6.375%

6.40%

6.625%

6.60%

7.90%

7.80%

3.80%

^[1]

3.80%

^[1]

465.7

Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares

12.1

24.3

Long-term debt

5,658.3

5,194.5

300.0

250.0

300.0

635.2

^[1]

648.4

^[1]

520.0

570.0

30.5

^[1]

604.4

750.0

242.5

^[1]

283.3

^[1]

150.0

Goodwill

1,543.0

1,524.8

116.0

7.1

1.7

68.8

1.7

Payments for Repurchase of Equity

22.2

Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount

100.0

Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount

12.3

Asset-based loans

$ 660.2

$ 811.6

Number of reporting segments

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners

41.50%

19.30%

[1]	*Together, defined as the "Term Loan"

Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Polices and Practicies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Spectrum Brands [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	41.50%
FGL [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	19.30%
Natural Gas [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Average Sales Prices	3.88
Oil [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Average Sales Prices	82.72
Natural Gas Liquids [Member]
Reserve Quantities [Line Items]
Average Sales Prices	34.31

Basis of Presentation, Significant Accounting Polices and Practicies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Energy Segment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Energy Segment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Energy Segment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Raven Re [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Raven Re [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 249.3	$ 81.0	$ 499.5	$ 82.8	$ 146.6	$ 336.6
Impairment of Proved Oil and Gas Properties			336.6	81.0			81.0
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners								19.30%
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus, Balance									238.8	251.3
Statutory Accounting Practices, Permitted Practice, Change in Statutory Capital and Surplus									12.4	18.8
Statutory Accounting Practices, Non-Permitted Practice, Change in Statutory Capital and Surplus									$ (62.8)	$ (81.3)

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended								0 Months Ended			0 Months Ended					0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Trade Names [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Trade Names [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Technology assets [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Technology assets [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Customer Relationships [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Customer Relationships [Member] Maximum [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Compass Production Partners [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Compass Production Partners [Member]	Oct. 06, 2014 Compass Production Partners [Member]	Nov. 03, 2014 Ability Re [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 General Partner [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Tell Manufacturing [Member]	Oct. 01, 2014 Tell Manufacturing [Member]	Oct. 01, 2014 Tell Manufacturing [Member] Trade Names [Member]	Oct. 01, 2014 Tell Manufacturing [Member] Customer Relationships [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Tell Manufacturing [Member] Customer Relationships [Member]	Oct. 01, 2014 Tell Manufacturing [Member] Customer Relationships [Member]	Oct. 01, 2014 Tell Manufacturing [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Minimum [Member]	Oct. 01, 2014 Tell Manufacturing [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Maximum [Member]	Oct. 01, 2014 Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Tell Manufacturing [Member]	Oct. 01, 2014 Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member] Tell Manufacturing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain											$ 141.2
Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Period Increase (Decrease)												145.4
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net																	30.3
Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate																						2.50%	7.10%
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets, Current												56.1
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred														19.2
Business Acquisition Percentage Of Equity Interests Acquired												99.80%	25.50%		100.00%
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Unproved Oil and Natural Gas Properties												26.3
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Natural Gas Properties												767.5
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable												23.2
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other												1.0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligations												36.0
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Measurement Basis, Percentage of Total																								97.00%	3.00%
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles																		4.0
Retention Rate																					90.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%																		38.00%
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Key Assumptions Discount Rate																				20.00%
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value																					8.5
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			1 year	20 years	1 year	12 years	4 years	17 years	15 years	20 years									13 years
Goodwill	1,543.0	1,524.8														116.0	7.1
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross														$ 17.9

Acquisitions - Company's Pro Forma Results (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Basic net income per common share attributable to controlling interest:
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.16)	$ (0.63)	$ (1.71)	$ (0.91)
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1.16)	$ (0.63)	$ (1.71)	$ (0.91)
Revenues	$ 1,371.5	$ 1,341.2	$ 2,809.9	$ 2,851.2

Acquisitions Acquisition - Compass (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Oct. 31, 2014

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain

$ 141.2

Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Period Increase (Decrease)

145.4

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligations

(36.0)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets Less Goodwill

466.5

Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value

(0.8)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest

465.7

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other

(1.0)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets, Current

56.1

Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date

346.9

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Unproved Oil and Natural Gas Properties

26.3

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Proved Developed and Undeveloped Oil and Natural Gas Properties

767.5

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Gathering Assets

20.8

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets

1.9

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable

(23.2)

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]



	Preliminary Valuation
Purchase price allocation	October 31, 2014
Assets acquired:
Current assets	$	56.1
Unproved oil and natural gas properties	26.3
Proved developed oil and natural gas properties	767.5
Gathering assets	20.8
Other non-current assets	1.9
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable	(23.2		)
Revenues and royalties payable	(18.9		)
Other current liabilities	(1.0		)
Long term debt, less current maturities	(327.0		)
Asset retirement obligations	(36.0		)
Total identifiable net assets	466.5
Non-controlling interests	(0.8		)
Total net assets acquired	$	465.7

Cash paid upon the acquisition of additional interest	$	118.8
Fair value of equity investment in Compass prior to acquisition	346.9
Total purchase price	$	465.7

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Revenues and Royalties Payable

(18.9)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt

(327.0)

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

$ 118.8

Acquisitions Acquisition - Tell Manufacturing (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014 Tell Manufacturing [Member]	Oct. 01, 2014 Tell Manufacturing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents				$ 1.1
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables				5.4
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory				7.2
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets				0.6
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment				1.5
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill				12.5
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets				28.3
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities				5.1
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets Less Goodwill				23.2
Goodwill	1,543.0	1,524.8	116.0	7.1
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net				$ 30.3

Acquisitions Acquisition - Ability Re (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Nov. 03, 2014 Ability Re [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Ability Re [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Shaser [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Marketable Securities		$ 0.1
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	17.9		(1.5)
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other			2.8
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents		8.4
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Funds Withheld		359.5
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets		368.0
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Insurance Reserves		346.9
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other		1.9
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities		348.8
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets Less Goodwill		19.2
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 19.2

Acquisitions Acquisition - European IAMS and Eukanuba (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 16, 2015

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Jan. 16, 2015

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Jan. 16, 2015

Trade Names [Member]

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Trade Names [Member]

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Minimum [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Maximum [Member]

Jan. 16, 2015

Customer Relationships [Member]

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Jan. 16, 2015

Customer Relationships [Member]

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Customer Relationships [Member]

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Customer Relationships [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Jan. 16, 2015

Customer Relationships [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Customer Relationships [Member]

Minimum [Member]

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Customer Relationships [Member]

Minimum [Member]

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Customer Relationships [Member]

Minimum [Member]

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Customer Relationships [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Jan. 16, 2015

Customer Relationships [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Customer Relationships [Member]

Maximum [Member]

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Customer Relationships [Member]

Maximum [Member]

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Customer Relationships [Member]

Maximum [Member]

European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]

Jan. 16, 2015

Cost Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Jan. 16, 2015

Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents

$ 0.5

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables

9.9

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]

The preliminary fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Salix were as follows:



	Preliminary Valuation
	January 16, 2014
Cash	$	0.5
Accounts receivable	9.9
Inventories	17.0
Prepaid expense	2.4
Property, plant and equipment, net	1.2
Intangible assets	58.5
Total assets acquired	89.5
Total liabilities assumed	10.3
Total identifiable net assets less goodwill	79.2
Goodwill	68.8
Total identifiable net assets	$	148.0

The preliminary fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for European IAMS and Eukanuba were as follows:



	Preliminary Valuation
	December 31, 2014
Inventories	$	17.2
Prepaid expense	1.3
Other current assets	2.6
Property, plant and equipment, net	58.3
Intangible assets	40.5
Total assets acquired	119.9
Total liabilities assumed	5.6
Total identifiable net assets less goodwill	114.3
Goodwill	1.7
Total identifiable net assets	$	116.0

Technology Assets Acquired, Useful Life

17 years

8 years

Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life

1 year

20 years

13 years

15 years

2 years

20 years

15 years

Acquired Technology Assets

2.1

3.6

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

20.0

26.7

Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate

0.00%

0.50%

12.10%

13.20%

Retention Rate

92.50%

90.00%

100.00%

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent

35.00%

38.00%

25.00%

Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Key Assumptions Discount Rate

12.00%

15.00%

13.00%

16.00%

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value

1.0

34.0

10.2

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory

17.0

17.2

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets

2.4

1.3

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets, Current

2.6

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment

1.2

58.3

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill

58.5

40.5

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets

89.5

119.9

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities

10.3

5.6

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets Less Goodwill

79.2

114.3

Goodwill

1,543.0

1,524.8

68.8

1.7

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net

$ 148.0

Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Measurement Basis, Percentage of Total

98.00%

2.00%

Acquisitions Acquisition - Salix (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended					0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended				0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 16, 2015 Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]	Jan. 16, 2015 Trade Names [Member] Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Trade Names [Member] European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]	Jan. 16, 2015 Customer Relationships [Member] Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]	Jan. 16, 2015 Customer Relationships [Member] Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Customer Relationships [Member] European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]	Jan. 16, 2015 Trade Names [Member] Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]	Jan. 16, 2015 Non-Compete Agreement [Member] Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]	Jan. 16, 2015 Non-Compete Agreement [Member] Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member]	Jan. 16, 2015 Minimum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Minimum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Minimum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member] Trade Names [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member]	Jan. 16, 2015 Maximum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Salix Animal Health LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Maximum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]	Dec. 31, 2014 Maximum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] European IAMS and Eukanuba [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Technology Assets		$ 2.1	$ 3.6
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles				20.0	26.7
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value				$ 1.0			$ 34.0	$ 10.2			$ 1.4
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life						13 years			13 years	3 years		1 year	15 years			2 years		1 year	20 years	20 years			15 years		12 years
Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate														0.00%	0.50%						12.10%	13.20%
Retention Rate							92.50%									90.00%							100.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%					38.00%		25.00%
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Key Assumptions Discount Rate														12.00%			15.00%				13.00%			16.00%

Investments - Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2015

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Hybrids [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Hybrids [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Hybrids [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Municipals [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Municipals [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Municipals [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Municipals [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Non Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2012

Non Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity Securities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2014

Equity Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Equity Securities [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Equity Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2013

Equity Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity Securities [Member]

Available-for-sale [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Equity Securities [Member]

Available-for-sale [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity Securities [Member]

Held for trading [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Equity Securities [Member]

Held for trading [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Hybrids [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Hybrids [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Municipals [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Municipals [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

U.S. Government securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed-maturity securities, available-for-sale [Member]

U.S. Government securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Asset based loan receivables [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Asset based loan receivables [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Other Invested Assets [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Other Invested Assets [Member]

Other Investments Asset [Member]

All Other Securities [Member]

Schedule of Investments [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

$ 1,222.9

$ 755.6

$ 1,222.9

$ 755.6

$ 1,160.8

$ 1,066.0

$ 709.5

$ 523.5

$ 34.3

$ 10.7

$ 34.3

$ 10.7

$ 34.6

$ 37.0

$ 9.8

$ 5.0

$ 142.5

$ 120.4

$ 83.1

$ 6.0

$ 5.7

$ 941.1

$ 657.0

$ 941.1

$ 657.0

$ 907.6

$ 850.0

$ 607.1

$ 461.1

$ 35.6

$ 34.3

$ 39.8

$ 38.8

$ 37.2

$ 6.0

$ 10.8

$ 6.0

$ 10.8

$ 6.1

$ 6.0

$ 10.8

$ 10.7

Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings

8.4

8.9

0.6

0.1

2.4

2.3

0.1

Unrealized gains included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities

0.9

Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax

76.5

31.2

34.7

23.0

41.8

8.2

Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax

(37.8)

(50.0)

(2.9)

(5.1)

(34.9)

(44.9)

Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities

671.7

768.1

593.9

663.6

77.8

104.5

Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax

1,030.6

846.5

10.1

10.9

22.9

21.3

647.5

499.2

74.0

52.2

156.7

116.2

108.3

140.3

11.1

6.4

Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax

(137.2)

(103.7)

(18.5)

(18.8)

(0.8)

(2.0)

(74.6)

(48.9)

(19.6)

(15.2)

(1.8)

(6.3)

(21.8)

(11.1)

(0.1)

(1.4)

Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities

17,810.6

17,211.5

1,931.2

1,792.9

729.3

636.9

9,843.1

9,795.8

1,357.3

1,316.1

1,435.6

1,259.8

2,194.3

2,114.0

319.8

296.0

Total investments, Carrying Value

19,752.6

19,252.5

671.7

768.1

593.9

663.6

77.8

104.5

17,810.6

17,211.5

1,931.2

1,792.9

729.3

636.9

9,843.1

9,795.8

1,357.3

1,316.1

1,435.6

1,259.8

2,194.3

2,114.0

319.8

296.0

Trading Securities, Cost

205.0

177.7

660.2

811.6

164.9

341.8

Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis

268.3

296.3

660.2

811.6

165.0

341.8

633.0

786.9

562.1

645.7

70.9

141.2

Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis

16,917.2

16,468.7

1,939.6

1,800.8

707.2

617.6

9,270.2

9,345.5

1,302.9

1,279.1

1,280.7

1,149.9

2,107.8

1,984.8

308.8

291.0

Other Investments Gross Unrealized Gain

83.6

123.3

0.1

Other Short Term Investments Gross Unrealized Losses

(20.3)

(4.7)

Total investments, Cost or Amortized Cost

18,757.2

18,409.8

Investments, Unrealized Losses

(195.3)

(158.4)

Investments, Unrealized Gains

1,190.7

1,001.1

Total investment, Estimated Fair Value

19,752.6

19,252.5

Unrealized losses included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities

(1.9)

Other Marketable Securities, Current

15,985.6

15,009.3

Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI

17.3

11.3

28.4

4.6

(0.1)

(0.3)

1.5

2.3

0.3

14.9

10.1

23.3

4.0

1.3

0.6

1.0

2.8

(0.1)

Purchases

94.6

41.7

186.8

234.3

3.2

6.7

5.0

20.9

57.7

70.5

41.7

122.4

194.3

35.0

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

30.6

1.9

33.7

2.4

0.1

0.3

0.6

30.2

1.9

32.8

2.4

0.2

Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)

$ (27.6)

^[1]

$ (5.0)

^[2]

$ (33.5)

^[3]

$ (5.0)

^[4]

$ (3.5)

^[1]

$ 1.0

^[2]

$ (9.4)

^[3]

$ 1.0

^[4]

$ (6.0)

^[2]

$ (6.0)

^[4]

$ (24.1)

^[1]

$ (24.1)

^[3]

$ 0

^[1]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 0

^[1]

$ 0

^[2]

$ 0

^[3]

$ 0

^[4]

[1]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.
[2]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were exclusively to Level 2. There was a $6.0 transfer to asset-backed securities from commercial mortgage-backed securities
[3]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.
[4]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2. There was a $6.0 transfer to asset-backed securities from commercial mortgage-backed securities

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Non Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2012

Non Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

FGLH [Member]

Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member]

Investment

Sep. 30, 2014

FGLH [Member]

Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member]

Investment

Mar. 31, 2015

Investment Income [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Investment Income [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Concentration [Member]

Insurers

Sep. 30, 2014

Concentration [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Concentration [Member]

FGLH [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Concentration [Member]

FGLH [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Insurance Segment [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Insurance Segment [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

FHLB of Atlanta Funding Agreement Collateral Held [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

FHLB of Atlanta Funding Agreement Collateral Held [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Commercial Mortgage Loan [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Commercial Mortgage Loan [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Industrial Property [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Industrial Property [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Warehouse [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Warehouse [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Apartment Building [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Apartment Building [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Office Building [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Office Building [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Retail Site [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Retail Site [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

East North Central US [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

East North Central US [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Middle Atlantic US [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Middle Atlantic US [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Pacific US [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Pacific US [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

South Atlantic US [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

South Atlantic US [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

West North Central US [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

West North Central US [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

West South Central US [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

West South Central US [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Ratio Not Available [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Ratio Not Available [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Ratio Not Available [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Ratio Not Available [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Ratio Not Available [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Ratio Not Available [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Ratio Not Available [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Ratio Not Available [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Financing Receivables, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Radioshack [Member]

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Radioshack [Member]

Insurance And Financial Services [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Non-Qualifying Participation [Member]

Radioshack [Member]

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]

Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses

$ (44.5)

$ (2.5)

Unrealized gains included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities

0.9

Unrealized losses included in AOCI related to the non-credit portion of other than-temporary impairments on non-agency residential-mortgage-backed securities

(1.9)

694.0

818.8

5,658.3

5,194.5

250.0

150.0

100.0

Loans and Leases Receivable, Ratio of Performing Loans to All Loans

660.2

811.6

660.2

^[1]

151.7

^[1]

75.00%

Loan to Value, Maximum Threshold

100.00%

Investments, Cost or Amortized, Percentage of Total

0.00%

Investment Owned, at Fair Value

558.4

573.2

Other Marketable Securities, Current

15,985.6

15,009.3

Fair value on securities

0.2

21.3

Percentage of amortized cost

20.00%

Percentage of carrying values of all investments (less than 1%)

1.00%

Available for sale securities on fixed maturity

1,805.8

2,627.9

Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains

19.8

22.2

Investment Securities Held by Subsidiaries Subject to Specialized Industry Accounting Principles at Fair Value

2,273.6

2,240.3

Fair value of investment

1,202.8

768.5

187.8

250.0

Percentage of fair value of the invested assets portfolio

6.10%

4.00%

11.50%

11.60%

1.00%

1.30%

Number Of Issuers In Investment

Investment in issuers

Industry holdings, number of top investments

Equity Securities Holdings Exposure Amount of Single Issuer Greater than Stated Percentage of Total Investments

39.50%

Total investments, Carrying Value

19,752.6

19,252.5

17,810.6

17,211.5

1,931.2

1,792.9

Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total

304.4

136.2

19.9

47.5

48.0

7.6

75.7

44.6

123.1

5.8

83.8

27.8

17.9

10.9

65.7

61.5

63.8

5.7

5.8

19.9

30.2

283.7

135.4

19.9

0.8

^[2]

0.8

^[2]

75.0

45.4

74.2

44.6

0.8

^[2]

0.8

^[2]

83.7

19.9

63.8

19.9

^[2]

145.7

70.9

145.7

70.9

^[2]

304.4

136.2

75.0

45.4

83.7

19.9

145.7

70.9

100.00%

6.50%

0.00%

15.60%

35.20%

2.50%

0.00%

24.90%

32.70%

40.40%

4.30%

27.50%

20.40%

5.90%

8.00%

21.60%

45.10%

21.00%

0.00%

1.90%

4.30%

6.50%

22.20%

24.60%

33.30%

27.50%

14.60%

47.90%

52.10%

100.00%

24.60%

33.30%

27.50%

14.60%

47.90%

52.10%

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due

304.4

136.2

304.4

Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs

76.6

Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Period Increase (Decrease)

(26.3)

Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses

$ 102.9

$ 103.2

$ 1.8

[1]	(a)The carrying amounts of trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued investment income and portions of other insurance liabilities approximate fair value due to their short duration and, accordingly, they are not presented in the tables above.
[2]	(a) N/A - Current financial information not available.

Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Fixed Maturity Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015 Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Structured hybrids [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Other Invested Assets [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Non-structured Hybrids [Member] Corporate [Member] Municipal [Member] U.S. Government securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Other Investments Asset [Member] Other Invested Assets [Member] All Other Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Cost					$ 164.9		$ 341.8
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost						328.2
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost						2,292.8
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost						2,894.6
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost						5,934.4
Subtotal, Amortized Cost						11,450.0
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Amortized Cost		707.2	712.6	2,107.8
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost	16,917.2
Due in one year or less, Fair Value						330.7
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value						2,352.0
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value						3,026.7
Due after ten years, Fair Value						6,530.1
Subtotal, Fair Value						12,239.5
Other securities which provide for periodic payments, Fair Value		729.3	716.3	2,194.3
Total fixed maturity available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	17,810.6
Other Investments Gross Unrealized Gain					0.1		0
Other Short Term Investments Gross Unrealized Losses							0
Trading Securities					$ 165.0		$ 341.8

Investments - Portfolio of Asset-Backed Loans and Other Invested Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	$ 694.0	$ 694.0			$ 818.8
Less: Allowance for credit losses	33.8	33.8			7.2
Total asset-backed loans, net	660.2	660.2			811.6
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	33.8	33.8	7.0	7.5	7.2	7.0	5.2
Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses	102.9	103.2	1.8
Apparel [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	188.1	188.1			191.6
Jewelry [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	83.9	83.9			100.1
Home Furnishings [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	55.7	55.7			71.7
Manufacturing [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	49.9	49.9			56.9
Other [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	105.0	105.0			94.9
Transportation [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	32.5	32.5			44.3
Electronics [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	167.1	167.1			245.4
451110 Sporting Goods Stores [Member]
Asset-backed loans, by major industry:
Total asset-backed loans	$ 11.8	$ 11.8			$ 13.9

Investments - Schedule of Credit Quality of Asset-Based Loan Portfolio (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total

$ 304.4

$ 136.2

100.00%

694.0

818.8

Substandard [Member]

326.3

250.8

Doubtful [Member]

167.1

Special Mention [Member]

57.8

372.7

Pass [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

142.8

195.3

LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total

75.0

45.4

24.60%

33.30%

LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total

83.7

19.9

27.50%

14.60%

LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total

145.7

70.9

47.90%

52.10%

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

283.7

135.4

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

74.2

44.6

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

63.8

19.9

Greater Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

145.7

70.9

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

19.9

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

19.9

Greater Than One But Less Than One Point Two Five [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

Ratio Not Available [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

0.8

^[1]

0.8

^[1]

Ratio Not Available [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

0.8

^[1]

0.8

^[1]

Ratio Not Available [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

^[1]

Ratio Not Available [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

^[1]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total

304.4

136.2

100.00%

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV Less Than 50 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total

75.0

45.4

24.60%

33.30%

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV 50 to 60 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total

83.7

19.9

27.50%

14.60%

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | LTV 60 to 75 Percent [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]

Commercial Mortgage Receivable, Percentage of Total

$ 145.7

$ 70.9

47.90%

52.10%

[1]	(a) N/A - Current financial information not available.

Investments - Net Investment Income (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$ 229.6	$ 210.3	$ 464.9	$ 415.1
External investment expense	(4.6)	(3.9)	(9.1)	(7.5)
Net investment income	225.0	206.4	455.8	407.6
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	207.7	188.7	414.2	376.0
Equity available-for-sale securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	7.8	5.1	17.7	9.6
Asset based loan receivables [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	10.9	15.9	26.5	27.8
Other investments [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gross investment income	$ 3.2	$ 0.6	$ 6.5	$ 1.7

Investments - Net Investment Gains (Losses) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract]
Net realized gains on fixed maturity available-for-sale securities	$ 7.7	$ 7.9	$ 5.9	$ 17.7
Realized gains on equity securities	(6.4)	5.4	(3.2)	10.8
Net realized gains on securities	1.3	13.3	2.7	28.5
Realized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments	43.2	50.0	88.2	110.6
Unrealized gains on certain derivative instruments	(51.2)	(27.5)	(50.7)	39.3
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	0.4	0	1.0	0
Change in fair value of derivatives	(7.6)	22.5	38.5	149.9
Realized gains on other invested assets	2.4	5.1	6.9	4.4
Net investment gains (losses)	$ (3.9)	$ 40.9	$ 48.1	$ 182.8

Investments - Cash Flows from Consolidated Investing Activities by Security (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid	$ 2,057.9	$ 2,863.6
Cost of investments acquired	(2,468.2)	(4,032.9)
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid		2,675.4
Cost of investments acquired	(2,154.4)	(3,815.7)
Trading Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Cost of investments acquired	0	(40.5)
Derivative and other [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid	209.4	188.2
Cost of investments acquired	(313.8)	(176.7)
Investment Income [Member] \| Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid	$ 1,848.5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Outstanding Derivative Contracts in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

$ 268.3

$ 296.3

341.8

165.0

Call options [Member]

268.3

7,602.6

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member]

21.0

14.2

3.4

1.9

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Other assets [Member]

0.6

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Accounts payable and other current liabilities [Member]

1.8

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]

0.4

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Commodity swap and option agreements [Member] | Receivables, net [Member]

0.1

1.3

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Commodity swap and option agreements [Member] | Other assets [Member]

0.1

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] | Other assets [Member]

0.1

0.3

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Receivables, net [Member]

20.7

12.0

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]

0.2

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Accounts payable and other current liabilities [Member]

1.0

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]

0.1

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

320.8

324.1

2,222.6

1,910.9

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] | Accounts payable and other current liabilities [Member]

0.9

0.1

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Receivables, net [Member]

0.5

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Receivables, net [Member]

1.9

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

19.3

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Commodity contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]

0.3

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Call options [Member] | Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

268.3

296.3

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | FIA embedded derivatives [Member] | Contractholder funds [Member]

2,217.4

1,908.1

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Futures contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]

0.9

0.5

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

12.2

11.2

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure

47.0

41.5

605.0

^[1]

154.4

^[1]

19,455.1

18,501.7

2,807.1

2,062.2

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]

0.6

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]

19.5

3.2

1.0

0.4

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]

12.8

1.1

0.5

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member]

268.3

296.3

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

593.9

663.6

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member]

2,217.4

1,908.1

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]

0.9

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]

2.2

1.8

Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

^[1]

240.0

279.3

Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

27.2

59.2

Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

605.0

^[1]

154.4

^[1]

17,992.2

17,156.4

5.2

2.8

Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]

0.6

Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]

19.5

3.2

1.0

0.4

Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]

12.8

1.1

0.5

Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member]

268.3

296.3

Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

560.7

598.4

Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]

0.9

0.1

Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]

2.2

1.8

Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

^[1]

1,222.9

1,066.0

2,801.9

2,059.4

Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member]

2,217.4

1,908.1

Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

584.5

151.3

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure

47.0

41.5

Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

1,931.2

1,792.9

Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

1,896.9

1,755.9

Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

34.3

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

729.3

636.9

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

586.8

553.8

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

142.5

Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

9,843.1

9,795.8

Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

8,902.0

8,945.8

Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

941.1

850.0

Hybrids [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

1,357.3

1,316.1

Hybrids [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

1,357.3

1,316.1

Hybrids [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Municipals [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

1,435.6

1,259.8

Municipals [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

1,395.8

1,222.6

Municipals [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

37.2

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

2,194.3

2,114.0

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

2,194.3

2,114.0

Broker Quoted [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

31.0

37.0

Broker Quoted [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

97.5

83.1

Broker Quoted [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

6.0

Market Pricing [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

39.8

U.S. Government securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

319.8

296.0

U.S. Government securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

135.0

115.6

U.S. Government securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

184.8

180.4

Equity [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

77.8

104.5

Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

77.8

104.5

Other Invested Assets [Member]

165.0

Other Invested Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

12.2

13.3

Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

2.1

Other Invested Assets [Member] | Option Pricing [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

11.2

12.2

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

584.5

151.3

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]

$ 0.1

[1]	(a) included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Embedded Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Embedded Derivative, Net	$ 0.4	$ 0	$ 1.0	$ 0
Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock [Member] \| Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended March 31,	0	(3.5)	0	(50.7)
Commodity contracts [Member] \| Other (expense) income, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended March 31,	5.3	(6.8)	24.0	(10.2)
Bronze Commodity Contract [Member] \| Consumer products cost of goods sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended March 31,	0	0	0	(0.1)
Bronze Commodity Contract [Member] \| Net investment gains [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended March 31,	0.4	0	1.0	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Other (expense) income, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended March 31,	(5.7)	(0.2)	(7.4)	0.6
Call options [Member] \| Net investment gains [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended March 31,	(8.1)	21.2	33.2	135.5
Futures contracts [Member] \| Net investment gains [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended March 31,	0.1	1.3	4.3	14.4
FIA embedded derivatives [Member] \| Benefits and other changes in policy reserves [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Three months ended March 31,	$ 77.2	$ 74.0	$ 309.3	$ 174.3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended														6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Futures contracts [Member] Contract	Sep. 30, 2014 Futures contracts [Member] Contract	Mar. 31, 2015 Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]	Jun. 16, 2014 Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Call options [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Call options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Swap [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] MMBTU	Sep. 30, 2014 Swap [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] MMBTU	Mar. 31, 2015 Swap [Member] Oil Commodity Contract [Member] MBbls	Sep. 30, 2014 Swap [Member] Oil Commodity Contract [Member] MBbls	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Zinc Commodity Swap Contract [Member] T	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Silver Commodity Swap Contract [Member] T	Sep. 30, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member] Silver Commodity Swap Contract [Member] T	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Bronze Commodity Contract [Member] T	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Remainder of 2014 [Member] Swap [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] MMBTU	Mar. 31, 2015 Remainder of 2014 [Member] Swap [Member] Oil Commodity Contract [Member] MBbls	Mar. 31, 2015 Year Two [Member] Swap [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Call options [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Call options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Commodity contracts [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Call options [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Call options [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Bank of America [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Bank of America [Member] Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Call options [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Bank of America [Member] Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Call options [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Document Period End Date			Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate																					0.00%
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset									$ 177,100,000	$ 188,000,000																			$ 142,600,000	$ 135,500,000					$ 34,500,000	$ 52,500,000
Derivative, Average Forward Price																									2.81	51.84
Natural Gas, Volume											12,530,000	6,821,000												8,250,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset									268,300,000	7,602,600,000																	320,800,000	324,100,000			19,300,000	268,300,000	296,300,000		70,000,000	2,239,900,000
Contract value																	16,000,000	174,100,000	108,900,000	9,200,000			215,400,000
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount																		300,000	400,000
Derivative net loss/gain																	400,000				1,100,000	400,000	8,900,000
Derivative net loss/gain, net of tax benefit/expense																	100,000						3,200,000
Estimated amount of derivative net losses/gains to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months																	500,000				800,000	800,000	8,900,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,685,000,000		8,685,000,000							296,300,000											300,000,000													2,206,300,000		92,700,000
Weight of raw materials under derivative contract																	0	15,000	0	1,900
Cash collateral					7,800,000	10,800,000
Standby letters of credit															0	0
Call options purchased to match the funding requirements			Call options are one, two and three year options
FGL purchases call options to fund the next index credit			One, two or three year call options to fund the next index credit
Futures contracts					1,652	2,348
Derivative, Percentage of Production Volume Covered by Derivative Financial Instruments	38.00%	69.00%	55.00%	0.00%
Derivative, Commodity Contract, Oil Volume													188,000	254,000											188,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral									91,200,000	108,300,000																									35,500,000	40,200,000
Investment Owned, Balance, Principal Amount								35,000,000
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability							$ 12,200,000	$ 11,300,000

Derivative Financial Instruments - FGL's Exposure to Credit Loss on Call Options Held (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Bank of America [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Morgan Stanley [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Barclay's Bank [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Call options [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Call options [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Bank of America [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Bank of America [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Deutsche Bank [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Morgan Stanley [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Morgan Stanley [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Barclay's Bank [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Derivatives For Trading And Investment [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Call options [Member]

Barclay's Bank [Member]

Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral

$ 91.2

$ 108.3

$ 35.5

$ 40.2

$ 23.6

$ 35.5

$ 30.4

$ 22.0

$ 1.7

$ 10.6

Credit Rating (Moody's/S&P)

A/*/A

^[1]

*/A3/A

^[1]

A+/A3/A

^[1]

A/A2/A

^[1]

Derivative, Notional Amount

8,685.0

2,206.3

3,083.6

3,269.7

125.4

296.3

92.7

108.0

85.0

10.6

Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset

268.3

7,602.6

320.8

324.1

268.3

296.3

70.0

2,239.9

101.0

2,810.0

95.6

2,294.7

1.7

258.0

Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset

$ 177.1

$ 188.0

$ 34.5

$ 52.5

$ 77.4

$ 72.5

$ 65.2

$ 63.0

$ 0

[1]	(a) An * represents credit ratings that were not available.

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments - Oil and Gas Commodity Contracts (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Swap [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] MMBTU	Sep. 30, 2014 Swap [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] MMBTU	Mar. 31, 2015 Swap [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] Remainder of 2014 [Member] MMBTU	Mar. 31, 2015 Swap [Member] Oil Commodity Contract [Member] MBbls	Sep. 30, 2014 Swap [Member] Oil Commodity Contract [Member] MBbls	Mar. 31, 2015 Swap [Member] Oil Commodity Contract [Member] Year Two [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Swap [Member] Oil Commodity Contract [Member] Remainder of 2014 [Member] MBbls	Mar. 31, 2015 Swap [Member] Energy Related Derivative [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Commodity Option [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Contract [Member] Remainder of 2014 [Member] MMBTU	Mar. 31, 2015 Commodity Option [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Contract- Short put [Member] Remainder of 2014 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Commodity Option [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Option Contract- Short call [Member] [Member] Remainder of 2014 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Commodity Option [Member] Natural Gas Commodity Commodity Contract- Long put [Member] Remainder of 2014 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Percentage of Production Volume Covered by Derivative Financial Instruments	38.00%	69.00%	55.00%	0.00%
Natural Gas, Volume					12,530,000	6,821,000	8,250,000						4,280,000
Weighted average strike price per Mmbtu/Bbl							3.95			94.98				2.10	3.27	2.85
Fair Value at March 31, 2015					$ 10.4		$ 9.6	$ 8.9		$ 8.9		$ 19.3	$ 0.8
Derivative, Commodity Contract, Oil Volume								188,000	254,000		188,000

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value on Non-Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

$ 1,222.9

$ 755.6

$ 1,222.9

$ 755.6

$ 1,160.8

$ 1,066.0

$ 709.5

$ 523.5

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

1,279.6

1,319.8

1,279.6

1,319.8

1,319.2

1,899.7

268.3

296.3

660.2

811.6

341.8

165.0

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

8.4

8.9

0.6

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

17.3

11.3

28.4

4.6

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases

94.6

41.7

186.8

234.3

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

(30.6)

(1.9)

(33.7)

(2.4)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net

(27.6)

^[1]

(5.0)

^[2]

(33.5)

^[3]

(5.0)

^[4]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value

2,801.9

2,234.5

2,801.9

2,234.5

2,636.6

2,059.4

2,172.6

1,875.2

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

84.9

81.2

315.7

228.0

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases

90.1

437.0

150.6

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements

(9.7)

(19.3)

(10.2)

(19.3)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net

^[1]

^[2]

^[3]

^[4]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

34.3

10.7

34.3

10.7

34.6

37.0

9.8

5.0

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

0.1

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(0.1)

(0.3)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases

3.2

6.7

5.0

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

(0.1)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net

(3.5)

^[1]

1.0

^[2]

(9.4)

^[3]

1.0

^[4]

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

142.5

120.4

83.1

6.0

5.7

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

1.5

2.3

0.3

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases

20.9

57.7

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

(0.3)

(0.6)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net

(6.0)

^[2]

(6.0)

^[4]

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

941.1

657.0

941.1

657.0

907.6

850.0

607.1

461.1

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

2.4

2.3

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

14.9

10.1

23.3

4.0

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases

70.5

41.7

122.4

194.3

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

(30.2)

(1.9)

(32.8)

(2.4)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net

(24.1)

^[1]

(24.1)

^[3]

Hybrids [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

35.6

34.3

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

1.3

0.6

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases

35.0

Municipals [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

39.8

38.8

37.2

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

1.0

2.8

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

(0.2)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net

^[1]

^[3]

Held for trading [Member]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

Equity Securities [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

6.0

10.8

6.0

10.8

6.1

6.0

10.8

10.7

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

0.1

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(0.1)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net

^[1]

^[2]

^[3]

^[4]

Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

12.2

11.8

11.2

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net

^[1]

^[3]

Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

0.4

1.0

Other Invested Assets [Member]

165.0

Level 2 [Member]

5,728.0

^[5],[6]

5,728.0

^[5],[6]

5,308.5

^[5],[6]

Level 2 [Member] | Policy loans [Member]

2.0

^[5]

2.0

^[5]

Level 3 [Member]

660.2

^[5]

660.2

^[5]

151.7

^[5]

66.3

^[5],[6]

66.3

^[5],[6]

13,708.6

^[5]

13,708.6

^[5]

13,108.8

^[5]

Level 3 [Member] | Policy loans [Member]

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure

327.6

^[5]

327.6

^[5]

811.6

^[5]

Recurring [Member]

Assets

47.0

41.5

2,807.1

2,062.2

605.0

^[7]

605.0

^[7]

154.4

^[7]

19,455.1

18,501.7

Recurring [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]

319.8

296.0

Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]

12.8

1.1

0.5

Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]

19.5

3.2

1.0

0.4

Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member]

268.3

296.3

Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

593.9

663.6

Recurring [Member] | FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]

2,217.4

1,908.1

Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]

0.9

Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]

0.6

Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]

2.2

1.8

Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]

1,931.2

1,792.9

Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

729.3

636.9

Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

9,843.1

9,795.8

Recurring [Member] | Hybrids [Member]

1,357.3

1,316.1

Recurring [Member] | Municipals [Member]

1,435.6

1,259.8

Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

2,194.3

2,114.0

Recurring [Member] | Equity [Member]

77.8

104.5

Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]

12.2

13.3

Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]

1,279.6

^[5]

1,279.6

^[5]

1,319.2

^[5]

^[5]

^[7]

240.0

279.3

Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]

135.0

115.6

Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

27.2

59.2

Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]

1,279.6

^[5]

1,279.6

^[5]

1,319.2

^[5]

Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Equity [Member]

77.8

104.5

Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

2.0

^[5]

2.0

^[5]

5,728.0

^[5]

5,728.0

^[5]

5,308.5

^[5]

5.2

2.8

605.0

^[7]

605.0

^[7]

154.4

^[7]

17,992.2

17,156.4

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Government securities [Member]

184.8

180.4

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]

12.8

1.1

0.5

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]

19.5

3.2

1.0

0.4

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Call options [Member]

268.3

296.3

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

560.7

598.4

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]

0.9

0.1

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]

0.6

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]

2.2

1.8

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]

1,896.9

1,755.9

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

586.8

553.8

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

8,902.0

8,945.8

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Hybrids [Member]

1,357.3

1,316.1

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Municipals [Member]

1,395.8

1,222.6

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2,194.3

2,114.0

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]

^[5]

Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]

2.1

Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

987.8

^[5]

987.8

^[5]

963.3

^[5]

13,774.9

^[5]

13,774.9

^[5]

13,108.8

^[5]

2,801.9

2,059.4

^[7]

1,222.9

1,066.0

Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]

2,217.4

1,908.1

Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

584.5

151.3

Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]

34.3

Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

142.5

Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

941.1

850.0

Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Hybrids [Member]

Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Municipals [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

37.2

Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

^[5]

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value

47.0

41.5

47.0

41.5

41.0

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

5.5

0.5

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Assets

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure

47.0

41.5

FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value

2,217.4

1,718.7

2,217.4

1,718.7

2,140.2

1,908.1

1,644.7

1,544.4

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

77.2

74.0

309.3

174.3

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net

^[2]

^[4]

Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value

584.5

151.0

584.5

151.0

496.4

151.3

149.9

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

7.7

3.7

6.4

3.0

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases

90.1

437.0

150.6

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements

(9.7)

(2.6)

(10.2)

(2.6)

Equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member]

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value

364.8

378.0

330.8

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings

3.5

50.7

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements

(16.7)

Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net

^[2]

^[4]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

660.2

^[5]

660.2

^[5]

151.7

^[5]

5,794.3

^[5],[6]

5,794.3

^[5],[6]

5,308.5

^[5],[6]

13,708.6

^[5]

13,708.6

^[5]

13,108.8

^[5]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Policy loans [Member]

329.6

^[5]

329.6

^[5]

811.6

^[5]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member]

2,269.4

^[5]

2,269.4

^[5]

2,282.5

^[5]

19,502.9

^[5]

19,502.9

^[5]

18,417.3

^[5]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]

0.1

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

584.5

151.3

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]

1,279.6

^[5]

1,279.6

^[5]

1,319.2

^[5]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

660.2

^[5]

660.2

^[5]

151.7

^[5]

2,269.4

^[5]

2,269.4

^[5]

5,623.7

^[5],[6]

5,623.7

^[5],[6]

5,157.8

^[5],[6]

15,303.7

^[5]

15,303.7

^[5]

14,555.4

^[5]

20,927.4

^[5]

20,927.4

^[5]

Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Policy loans [Member]

329.6

^[5]

329.6

^[5]

811.6

^[5]

Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member]

2,282.5

^[5]

Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

19,713.2

^[5]

Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]

1,279.6

^[5]

1,279.6

^[5]

1,319.2

^[5]

Option Pricing [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]

$ 11.2

[1]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.
[2]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were exclusively to Level 2. There was a $6.0 transfer to asset-backed securities from commercial mortgage-backed securities
[3]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.
[4]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2. There was a $6.0 transfer to asset-backed securities from commercial mortgage-backed securities
[5]	(a)The carrying amounts of trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued investment income and portions of other insurance liabilities approximate fair value due to their short duration and, accordingly, they are not presented in the tables above.
[6]	(b)The fair values of debt set forth above are generally based on quoted or observed market prices.
[7]	(a) included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Unobservable Inputs Used for Level Three Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified							6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended						6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended									6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Asset-backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Asset-backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Asset-backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Municipal [Member] Broker Quoted [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Hybrids [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Hybrids [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Municipal Bonds [Member] Broker Quoted [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Municipals [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Municipals [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Equities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Other Invested Assets [Member] Black Scholes Model [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]	Jun. 16, 2014 Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Fixed Index Annuity [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Fixed Index Annuity [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member] Hybrids [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member] Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member] Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Hybrids [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Weighted Average [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Weighted Average [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Weighted Average [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Weighted Average [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Weighted Average [Member] Municipal Debt Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Hybrids [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Weighted Average [Member] Equities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Equities [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Weighted Average [Member] Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Weighted Average [Member] Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Weighted Average [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Weighted Average [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] Minimum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] Maximum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] Weighted Average [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] Weighted Average [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 1 [Member] Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 1 [Member] Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 2 [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 2 [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 2 [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 2 [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 2 [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 2 [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 2 [Member] Hybrids [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 2 [Member] Hybrids [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 2 [Member] Municipals [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 2 [Member] Municipals [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 2 [Member] Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 2 [Member] Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Matrix Pricing [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Hybrids [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Hybrids [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Municipal Bonds [Member] Market Pricing [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Municipals [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Broker Quoted [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Fixed Index Annuity [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Level 3 [Member] Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Level 3 [Member] Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Other Invested Assets [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Other Invested Assets [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Other Invested Assets [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Other Invested Assets [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Other Invested Assets [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Other Invested Assets [Member] Level 3 [Member] Option Pricing [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Other Invested Assets [Member] Level 3 [Member] Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member] Option Pricing [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring			$ 19,455.1	$ 18,501.7																																																																																							$ 240.0	$ 279.3			$ 17,992.2	$ 17,156.4													$ 1,222.9	$ 1,066.0
Valuation Technique							Matrix pricing	Broker-quoted			Broker-quoted	Matrix pricing					Matrix Pricing				Broker-quoted			Broker-quoted	Black Scholes model	Discounted cash flow							Discounted cash flow
Derivative Liability																															2,217.4	1,908.1																																																																																																			2,217.4	1,908.1	584.5	151.3
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,222.9	1,066.0													543.3	848.0	397.8	2.0
Equity securities - available-for-sale																											593.9	663.6																																																																	27.2	59.2													560.7	598.4																					6.0	6.0
Available-for-sale Securities					1,931.2	1,792.9			729.3	636.9			9,843.1	9,795.8					1,357.3	1,316.1		1,435.6	1,259.8																																																																										1,896.9	1,755.9	586.8	553.8	8,902.0	8,945.8	1,357.3	1,316.1	1,395.8	1,222.6					34.3	31.0	37.0	3.3	0	142.5	97.5	83.1	45.0	0	941.1	850.0	0	0	39.8	37.2
Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure			47.0	41.5																																																																																																																											47.0	41.5
Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability																													12.2	11.3
Other invested assets	341.8	165.0																																																																																																																																					12.2	13.3	0	0	2.1	11.2	12.2
Probability of collection																																												0.00%	88.00%														0.00%	96.00%																				94.00%	92.00%
Expected term																																																											0 months 5 days		4 months 5 days
Discount rate																																																											1.00%	1.00%
Credit insurance risk premium																																																											7.00%	12.00%
Quoted prices																																				0.00%	0.00%	106.00%	0.00%	67.00%		0.00%									0.00%	0.00%	123.00%	0.00%	150.00%		0.00%										110.00%	0.00%	115.00%	0.00%	103.00%		142.00%		107.00%
Offered quotes																																		0.00%	100.00%			100.00%	105.00%	75.00%	62.00%								0.00%	109.00%			121.00%	121.00%	123.00%	120.00%									100.00%	101.00%			114.00%	118.00%	103.00%	100.00%		115.00%		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Liabilities
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 2,801.9	$ 2,059.4
Market value of option																																														0.00%	0.00%															42.00%	50.00%																			3.00%	3.00%
SWAP rates																																																2.00%																3.00%																		2.00%		2.00%
Mortality multiplier																																																																																		80.00%	80.00%
Surrender rates																																														0.50%		0.50%														75.00%		75.00%																		7.00%		7.00%
Fair Value Measurements Non Performance Spread																																																																																		0.25%	0.25%		0.50%	0.50%	1.50%	1.50%
Risk margin for uncertainty																																																																																									1.00%	0.50%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Fixed Maturities Available For Sale [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities

$ 17,810,600,000

$ 17,211,500,000

$ 1,931,200,000

$ 1,792,900,000

Percentage of male contractholder

50.00%

Percentage of female contractholder

50.00%

Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount

Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)

$ (27,600,000)

^[1]

$ (5,000,000)

^[2]

$ (33,500,000)

^[3]

$ (5,000,000)

^[4]

$ (3,500,000)

^[1]

$ 1,000,000

^[2]

$ (9,400,000)

^[3]

$ 1,000,000

^[4]

[1]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.
[2]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were exclusively to Level 2. There was a $6.0 transfer to asset-backed securities from commercial mortgage-backed securities
[3]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.
[4]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2. There was a $6.0 transfer to asset-backed securities from commercial mortgage-backed securities

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Changes in Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

FIA embedded derivatives, included in contractholder funds [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity conversion feature of preferred stock [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Corporate Debt Securities [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Hybrids [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Hybrids [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Municipals [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Municipals [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity securities available-for-sale [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity securities available-for-sale [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity securities available-for-sale [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Equity securities available-for-sale [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Held for trading [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Held for trading [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Nomura Fund Linked Note [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]

Mar. 31, 2014

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]

Dec. 31, 2013

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]

Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount

$ 0

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]

Balance at Beginning of Period

1,160,800,000

709,500,000

1,066,000,000

523,500,000

34,600,000

9,800,000

37,000,000

5,000,000

120,400,000

6,000,000

83,100,000

5,700,000

907,600,000

607,100,000

850,000,000

461,100,000

34,300,000

38,800,000

37,200,000

6,100,000

10,800,000

6,000,000

10,700,000

11,800,000

11,200,000

41,500,000

41,000,000

41,500,000

Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings

8,400,000

8,900,000

600,000

100,000

2,400,000

2,300,000

100,000

400,000

1,000,000

5,500,000

500,000

Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI

17,300,000

11,300,000

28,400,000

4,600,000

(100,000)

(300,000)

1,500,000

2,300,000

300,000

14,900,000

10,100,000

23,300,000

4,000,000

1,300,000

600,000

1,000,000

2,800,000

(100,000)

Purchases

94,600,000

41,700,000

186,800,000

234,300,000

3,200,000

6,700,000

5,000,000

20,900,000

57,700,000

70,500,000

41,700,000

122,400,000

194,300,000

35,000,000

Sales

Settlements

(30,600,000)

(1,900,000)

(33,700,000)

(2,400,000)

(100,000)

(300,000)

(600,000)

(30,200,000)

(1,900,000)

(32,800,000)

(2,400,000)

(200,000)

Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3 (a)

(27,600,000)

^[1]

(5,000,000)

^[2]

(33,500,000)

^[3]

(5,000,000)

^[4]

(3,500,000)

^[1]

1,000,000

^[2]

(9,400,000)

^[3]

1,000,000

^[4]

(6,000,000)

^[2]

(6,000,000)

^[4]

(24,100,000)

^[1]

(24,100,000)

^[3]

^[1]

^[3]

^[1]

^[2]

^[3]

^[4]

^[1]

^[3]

Balance at End of Period

1,222,900,000

755,600,000

1,222,900,000

755,600,000

34,300,000

10,700,000

34,300,000

10,700,000

142,500,000

941,100,000

657,000,000

941,100,000

657,000,000

35,600,000

39,800,000

6,000,000

10,800,000

6,000,000

10,800,000

12,200,000

47,000,000

41,500,000

Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]

Balance at Beginning of Period

2,636,600,000

2,172,600,000

2,059,400,000

1,875,200,000

2,140,200,000

1,644,700,000

1,908,100,000

1,544,400,000

496,400,000

149,900,000

151,300,000

378,000,000

330,800,000

Total Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings

84,900,000

81,200,000

315,700,000

228,000,000

77,200,000

74,000,000

309,300,000

174,300,000

7,700,000

3,700,000

6,400,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

50,700,000

Total Gains (Losses) Included in AOCI

Purchases

90,100,000

437,000,000

150,600,000

90,100,000

437,000,000

150,600,000

Sales

Settlements

(9,700,000)

(19,300,000)

(10,200,000)

(19,300,000)

(9,700,000)

(2,600,000)

(10,200,000)

(2,600,000)

(16,700,000)

Net transfer In (Out) of Level 3

^[1]

^[2]

^[3]

^[4]

^[2]

^[4]

^[2]

^[4]

Balance at End of Period

$ 2,801,900,000

$ 2,234,500,000

$ 2,801,900,000

$ 2,234,500,000

$ 2,217,400,000

$ 1,718,700,000

$ 2,217,400,000

$ 1,718,700,000

$ 584,500,000

$ 151,000,000

$ 584,500,000

$ 151,000,000

$ 364,800,000

[1]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.
[2]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were exclusively to Level 2. There was a $6.0 transfer to asset-backed securities from commercial mortgage-backed securities
[3]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2.
[4]	(a) The net transfers out of Level 3 during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were exclusively to Level 2. There was a $6.0 transfer to asset-backed securities from commercial mortgage-backed securities

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Carrying at Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 1,279.6

$ 1,319.2

$ 1,319.8

$ 1,899.7

268.3

296.3

660.2

811.6

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

341.8

165.0

Level 3 [Member]

660.2

^[1]

151.7

^[1]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

66.3

^[1],[2]

13,708.6

^[1]

13,108.8

^[1]

Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

5,728.0

^[1],[2]

5,308.5

^[1],[2]

Policy loans [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

327.6

^[1]

811.6

^[1]

Policy loans [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2.0

^[1]

Other Invested Assets [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

165.0

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

660.2

^[1]

151.7

^[1]

2,269.4

^[1]

5,623.7

^[1],[2]

5,157.8

^[1],[2]

15,303.7

^[1]

14,555.4

^[1]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

20,927.4

^[1]

Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Policy loans [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

329.6

^[1]

811.6

^[1]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

660.2

^[1]

151.7

^[1]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

5,794.3

^[1],[2]

5,308.5

^[1],[2]

13,708.6

^[1]

13,108.8

^[1]

Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Policy loans [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

329.6

^[1]

811.6

^[1]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure

47.0

41.5

605.0

^[3]

154.4

^[3]

19,455.1

18,501.7

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2,807.1

2,062.2

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

^[3]

1,222.9

1,066.0

2,801.9

2,059.4

987.8

^[1]

963.3

^[1]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

13,774.9

^[1]

13,108.8

^[1]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]

^[3]

240.0

279.3

1,279.6

^[1]

1,319.2

^[1]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

^[1]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

605.0

^[3]

154.4

^[3]

17,992.2

17,156.4

5.2

2.8

2.0

^[1]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

5,728.0

^[1]

5,308.5

^[1]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member]

19.5

3.2

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1.0

0.4

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Option [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

19.5

3.2

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1.0

0.4

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2,217.4

1,908.1

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fixed Index Annuity [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2,217.4

1,908.1

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

584.5

151.3

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

0.9

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future Contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

0.9

0.1

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

0.6

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

0.6

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]

12.8

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1.1

0.5

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

12.8

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1.1

0.5

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

268.3

296.3

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Call options [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

268.3

296.3

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

593.9

663.6

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

27.2

59.2

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

560.7

598.4

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2.2

1.8

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2.2

1.8

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

20.8

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Foreign exchange forward agreements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

20.8

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

77.8

104.5

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

77.8

104.5

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

12.2

13.3

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2.1

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]

2,282.5

^[1]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

19,713.2

^[1]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]

2,269.4

^[1]

2,282.5

^[1]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

19,502.9

^[1]

18,417.3

^[1]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Front Street Future Policyholder Benefits Reserve [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

584.5

151.3

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Future Contracts [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

0.1

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Contingent Purchase Price Reduction Receivable Fair Value Disclosure

47.0

41.5

Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1,931.2

1,792.9

Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

34.3

Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1,896.9

1,755.9

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

729.3

636.9

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

142.5

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

586.8

553.8

Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

9,843.1

9,795.8

Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

941.1

850.0

Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

8,902.0

8,945.8

Hybrids [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1,357.3

1,316.1

Hybrids [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Hybrids [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1,357.3

1,316.1

Municipals [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1,435.6

1,259.8

Municipals [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

37.2

Municipals [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

1,395.8

1,222.6

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2,194.3

2,114.0

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

2,194.3

2,114.0

Broker Quoted [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Available For Sale Embedded Derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

6.0

Broker Quoted [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

31.0

37.0

Broker Quoted [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

97.5

83.1

Market Pricing [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

39.8

Option Pricing [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other Invested Assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

11.2

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

12.2

U.S. Government securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

319.8

296.0

U.S. Government securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

135.0

115.6

U.S. Government securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]

$ 184.8

$ 180.4

[1]	(a)The carrying amounts of trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued investment income and portions of other insurance liabilities approximate fair value due to their short duration and, accordingly, they are not presented in the tables above.
[2]	(b)The fair values of debt set forth above are generally based on quoted or observed market prices.
[3]	(a) included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill and Intangible Assets Including FGL's DAC and VOBA Balances (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Goodwill			$ 1,524.8
Beginning Balance, Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets			1,215.9
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets			917.2
Beginning Balance, Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill			2,683.7
Goodwill, Acquired During Period			77.6
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired			50.7
Acquisitions (Note 13)			112.4
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			(28.3)
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)			(31.9)
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived			60.2	0
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment			(31.9)
Deferrals			176.5
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	(18.2)	(37.4)	(50.0)	(80.8)
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill			(70.0)
Effect of translation, Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill			(53.4)
Ending Balance, Goodwill	1,543.0		1,543.0
Ending Balance, Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	1,203.6		1,203.6
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	914.9		914.9
Ending Balance, Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill	2,767.3		2,767.3
Unlocking [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			(8.0)
Interest [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			16.8
Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			(58.8)
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets			917.2
Acquisitions (Note 3), Finite-Lived Intangible Assets			61.7
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived			0
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	(21.2)	(20.5)	(41.7)	(40.7)
Effect of translation, Finite Lived intangible assets			(22.3)
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	914.9		914.9
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] \| Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			(41.7)
VOBA [Member]
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets			86.8
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	(10.0)	(10.9)	(14.0)	(24.1)
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill			(17.8)
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	55.0		55.0
VOBA [Member] \| Unlocking [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			0.1
VOBA [Member] \| Interest [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			6.1
VOBA [Member] \| Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			(20.2)
DAC [Member]
Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets			463.8
Deferrals			176.5
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles	13.0	(6.0)	5.7	(16.0)
Adjustment for unrealized investment (gains), net, Goodwill			(52.2)
Ending Balance, Finite Lived Intangible Assets	593.8		593.8
DAC [Member] \| Unlocking [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			(8.1)
DAC [Member] \| Interest [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			10.7
DAC [Member] \| Periodic amortization [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Amortization of intangibles			3.1
Goodwill [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation, Finite Lived intangible assets			(31.1)
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Less: Components of amortization:
Effect of translation, Finite Lived intangible assets			$ (31.1)

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period			$ 77.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	81.0		81.0
Intangible assets amortization method			straight-line method
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired			50.7
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment			(60.2)
Amortization of intangibles	18.2	37.4	50.0	80.8
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	357.3		357.3		323.2
2014					80.7
2015					80.7
2016					80.7
2017					80.7
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)			(31.9)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			(28.3)
VOBA [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	21.2		21.2
Cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains	(181.9)		(181.9)			(164.2)
Amortization of intangibles	10.0	10.9	14.0	24.1
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(356.4)		(356.4)		(338.4)
2014	40.1		40.1
2015	33.1		33.1
2016	26.6		26.6
2017	21.5		21.5
DAC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustments for net unrealized investment gains	(107.8)		(107.8)			(55.5)
Amortization of intangibles	(13.0)	6.0	(5.7)	16.0
Deferred sales inducements, net of shadow adjustments	37.5		37.5			32.7
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accretion Rate, VOBA	4.00%		4.00%
Amortizable Life			1 year
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accretion Rate, VOBA	5.00%		5.00%
Amortizable Life			20 years
Weighted Average [Member] \| VOBA [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortizable Life			4 years 10 months 24 days
FOH [Member] \| Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period			16.2
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired			$ 9.9

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Summary of Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified			6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Customer Relationships [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Customer Relationships [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Customer Relationships [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Customer Relationships [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Trade Names [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Trade Names [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Trade Names [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Trade Names [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Technology assets [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Technology assets [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Technology assets [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Technology assets [Member] Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$ 1,272.2	$ 1,240.4			$ 903.0	$ 877.1			$ 173.7	$ 171.1			$ 195.5	$ 192.2
Accumulated Amortization	(357.3)	(323.2)			(221.2)	(204.6)			(69.1)	(61.0)			(67.0)	(57.6)
Net	$ 914.9	$ 917.2			$ 681.8	$ 672.5			$ 104.6	$ 110.1			$ 128.5	$ 134.6
Amortizable Life			1 year	20 years			15 years	20 years			1 year	12 years			4 years	17 years

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Summary of Amortization Expense of Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	$ 18.2	$ 37.4	$ 50.0	$ 80.8
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	12.4	11.6	24.1	23.3
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	4.1	4.1	8.2	8.2
Technology assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	4.7	4.8	9.4	9.2
Definite Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangibles	$ 21.2	$ 20.5	$ 41.7	$ 40.7

Goodwill and Intangibles, including DAC and VOBA - Estimated Amortization Expense for VOBA and DAC in Future Fiscal Periods (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2013	$ 81.0
2014		80.7
2015		80.7
2016		80.7
2017		80.7
VOBA [Member]
Schedule Of Amortization Expense And Weighted Average Lives Of Identified Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2013	21.2
2014	40.1
2015	33.1
2016	26.6
2017	21.5
Thereafter	$ 94.4

Debt - Summary of Debt (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Original issuance (discounts) premiums on debt, net

$ 5,658.3

$ 5,194.5

(34.6)

(36.7)

Total Debt

5,623.7

5,157.8

Less current maturities

423.3

96.7

Non-current portion of debt

5,200.4

5,061.1

HGI [Member] | 7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]

604.4

7.90%

HGI [Member] | Seven Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]

750.0

7.80%

Spectrum Brands [Member] | 6.75% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2020 [Member]

300.0

6.75%

6.80%

Spectrum Brands [Member] | Six Point One Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member]

250.0

6.125%

0.00%

Spectrum Brands [Member] | Six Point Three Seven Five Senior Notes [Member]

520.0

6.375%

6.40%

Spectrum Brands [Member] | 6.625% Notes [Member]

570.0

6.625%

6.60%

Spectrum Brands [Member] | ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]

42.0

4.00%

2.50%

Spectrum Brands [Member] | Other notes and obligations [Member]

31.0

36.6

12.60%

8.80%

Spectrum Brands [Member] | Capitalized lease obligations [Member]

88.6

94.7

6.10%

Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due December 17, 2019 [Member]

30.5

^[1]

Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

509.9

^[1]

3.60%

^[1]

3.60%

^[1]

Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]

635.2

^[1]

648.4

^[1]

3.10%

^[1]

3.00%

^[1]

FGLH [Member] | 6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021 [Member]

300.0

6.40%

EXCO/HGI JV [Member] | EXO/HGI Partnership Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018 [Member]

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

2.70%

243.2

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member] | Unaffiliated Long-Term Debt of Consolidated Variable-Interest-Entity [Member]

193.0

6.60%

6.70%

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member] | Secured Borrowings Related to non-qualifying participating loan interests [Member]

102.2

106.8

10.90%

10.80%

Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | FGLH [Member]

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

5.25%

5.30%

Compass Credit Agreement [Member] | Compass Production Partners [Member] | EXO/HGI Partnership Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018 [Member]

Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding

327.0

Euro Member Countries, Euro | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Euro Term Loan, Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

242.5

^[1]

283.3

^[1]

3.80%

^[1]

3.80%

^[1]

Euro Member Countries, Euro | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Euro Term Loan, Due December 19, 2021 [Member] [Member]

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount

0.4

150.0

^[1]

3.80%

^[1]

0.00%

^[1]

United States of America, Dollars | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Euro Term Loan, Due December 19, 2021 [Member] [Member]

163.3

^[1]

Canada, Dollars | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due December 17, 2019 [Member]

34.2

^[1]

5.10%

^[1]

5.10%

^[1]

Canada, Dollars | Spectrum Brands [Member] | Term Loan Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

$ 508.6

^[1]

[1]	*Together, defined as the "Term Loan"

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Federal Funds Rate [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Eurodollar [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Term Loan Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Term Loan Due December 17, 2019 [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

HGI [Member]

Seven Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

HGI [Member]

Seven Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

HGI [Member]

7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

HGI [Member]

7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Euro Term Loan, Due December 19, 2021 [Member] [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Euro Term Loan, Due December 19, 2021 [Member] [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]

Interest Rate Floor [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]

Interest Rate Cap [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2017 [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

Interest Rate Floor [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

ABL Facility, expiring May 24, 2017 [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point Three Seven Five Senior Notes [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point Three Seven Five Senior Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

6.625% Notes [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

6.625% Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due December 17, 2019 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due December 17, 2019 [Member]

Interest Rate Floor [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due December 17, 2019 [Member]

Interest Rate Floor [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Term Loan Due December 17, 2019 [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point One Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point One Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point One Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Six Point Three Seven Five Percentage Notes And Six Point Six Two Five Percentage Notes [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

FGLH [Member]

FGL Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

FGLH [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

FGLH [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

FGLH [Member]

6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

FGLH [Member]

6.375% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2021 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

EXCO/HGI JV [Member]

Compass Credit Agreement [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

EXCO/HGI JV [Member]

Compass Credit Agreement [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

EXCO/HGI JV [Member]

EXO/HGI Partnership Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

EXCO/HGI JV [Member]

EXO/HGI Partnership Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018 [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Compass Credit Agreement [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Minimum [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Alternate Base Rate (ABR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Maximum [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Compass Production Partners [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Alternate Base Rate (ABR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Compass Production Partners [Member]

EXO/HGI Partnership Credit Agreement, due February 14, 2018 [Member]

Compass Credit Agreement [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]

Minimum [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]

Maximum [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]

Secured Borrowings Related to non-qualifying participating loan interests [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]

Secured Borrowings Related to non-qualifying participating loan interests [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]

Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]

Asset based loan receivables [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]

Unaffiliated Long-Term Debt of Consolidated Variable-Interest-Entity [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]

Unaffiliated Long-Term Debt of Consolidated Variable-Interest-Entity [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Interest Rate Floor [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Euro Term Loan, Due December 19, 2021 [Member] [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Euro Term Loan, Due December 19, 2021 [Member] [Member]

Mar. 31, 2015

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Euro Term Loan, Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2014

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Spectrum Brands [Member]

Euro Term Loan, Due September 4, 2019 [Member]

May 06, 2015

Subsequent Event [Member]

Compass Credit Agreement [Member]

Apr. 14, 2015

Subsequent Event [Member]

HGI [Member]

7.875% Senior Secured Notes, due July 15, 2019 [Member]

Sep. 30, 2015

Subsequent Event [Member]

EXCO/HGI JV [Member]

Compass Credit Agreement [Member]

Sep. 30, 2015

Subsequent Event [Member]

EXCO/HGI JV [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Compass Credit Agreement [Member]

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description

Document Period End Date

Mar. 31, 2015

0.002

175

275

175

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End

2.70%

Line of Credit Agreement, Partnership Required to Enter into Derivative Financial Instruments, Minimum Percentage Covering Forecasted Proved Natural Gas Production, Year One

80.00%

Line of Credit Agreement, Partnership Required to Enter into Derivative Financial Instruments, Maximum Percentage Covering Forecasted Proved Natural Gas Production, Year 1 and 2

100.00%

Line of Credit Agreement, Partnership Required to Enter into Derivative Financial Instruments, Maximum Percentage Covering Forecasted Proved Natural Gas Production, Year 3

90.00%

Line of Credit Agreement, Partnership Required to Enter into Derivative Financial Instruments, Maximum Percentage Covering Forecasted Proved Natural Gas Production, Year 4 and 5

85.00%

Line of Credit Facility, Convenant Terms, Current Ratio

1.0

Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Ratio of Indebtedness to EBITDAX

4.5

5.75

3.50

Collateral, nominal value

$ 80,000,000

Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate

0.75%

^[1]

2.25%

^[1]

4.50%

^[1]

0.75%

^[1]

5.00%

^[1]

4.00%

^[1]

1.29%

^[1]

1.25%

^[1]

5.60%

^[1]

0.75%

^[1]

Minimum Percentage Of Aggregate Outstanding Principal Held By Registered Holders

7.80%

7.90%

3.10%

^[1]

3.00%

^[1]

3.60%

^[1]

3.60%

^[1]

4.00%

2.50%

6.375%

6.40%

6.625%

6.60%

6.125%

0.00%

5.25%

5.30%

6.40%

2.70%

10.90%

10.80%

6.60%

6.70%

3.80%

^[1]

0.00%

^[1]

3.80%

^[1]

3.80%

^[1]

7.875%

25.00%

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount

400,000

Debt Issuance Cost

200,000

2,300,000

600,000

4,600,000

Other assets

922,100,000

421,900,000

250,000,000

Interest Expense

85,500,000

77,200,000

166,100,000

161,200,000

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

340,000,000.0

400,000,000.0

Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding

327,000,000

Amortization of debt discount

2,400,000

1,300,000

Debt Instrument Discount Rate

5,658,300,000

5,194,500,000

750,000,000

604,400,000

635,200,000

^[1]

648,400,000

^[1]

509,900,000

^[1]

42,000,000

520,000,000

570,000,000

30,500,000

^[1]

250,000,000

300,000,000

102,200,000

106,800,000

578,500,000

331,100,000

193,000,000

150,000,000

^[1]

242,500,000

^[1]

283,300,000

^[1]

0.25%

Letter of credit outstanding

30,300,000

150,000,000

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

0.50%

1.00%

2.75%

1.75%

3.75%

2.25%

11.50%

3.00%

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

243,200,000

Asset-based loans

660,200,000

811,600,000

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

257,600,000

Debt Amount Reserve By Lender

$ 6,400,000

[1]	*Together, defined as the "Term Loan"

Reinsurance - Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Earned, Benefits Incurred and Reserve Changes (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 64.1	$ 67.0	$ 127.3	$ 134.7
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Direct	249.9	256.4	554.1	552.8
Assumed Premiums Earned	8.6	9.5	17.4	18.8
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Assumed	19.1	9.9	29.1	15.3
Ceded Premiums Earned	58.2	61.7	118.5	124.8
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded	73.8	69.8	146.5	136.9
Premiums Earned, Net, Life	14.5	14.8	26.2	28.7
Benefits and other changes in policy reserves	$ 195.2	$ 196.5	$ 436.7	$ 431.2

Reinsurance - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014 Ability Re [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets			$ 368.0
Contractholder funds	17,521.0	16,463.5
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Insurance Reserves			$ 346.9

Stock Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Related Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Warrant [Member] \| HGI [Member]
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	3,000
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	3,000
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	1,200
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	1,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$ 13.13
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	$ 13.13
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	$ 13.13
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$ 13.13
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$ 3.22
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	$ 3.22
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	$ 3.22
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$ 3.22
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| HGI [Member]
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	4,624
Granted	822	1,326
Exercised	(306)
Forfeited or expired	(35)
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	5,105
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	2,462
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	2,643
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$ 8.14
Granted	$ 13.36
Exercised	$ 6.32
Forfeited or expired	$ 10.38
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	$ 9.08
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	$ 7.93
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$ 10.15
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$ 3.28
Granted	$ 5.25
Exercised	$ 2.41
Forfeited or expired	$ 4.29
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	$ 3.65
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	$ 3.16
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$ 4.10
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| FGLH [Member]
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	225
Granted	0
Exercised	(47)
Forfeited or expired	(1)
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	177
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	149
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	26
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$ 46.19
Granted	$ 0.00
Exercised	$ 43.36
Forfeited or expired	$ 49.45
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	$ 46.94
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	$ 46.45
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$ 46.91
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| FGL [Member]
Options (in shares):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	242
Granted	182	249
Exercised	(3)
Forfeited or expired	(12)
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	409
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	221
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	176
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share):
Stock options outstanding at September 30, 2014	$ 17.00
Granted	$ 24.87
Exercised	$ 17.00
Forfeited or expired	$ 20.08
Stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015	$ 20.35
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	$ 19.52
Stock options outstanding and expected to vest	$ 20.30

Stock Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Outstanding and Related Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
HGI [Member]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Granted			$ 29,600,000.00	$ 46,100,000.00
Exercised / Released			$ 26,200,000.00	$ 14,300,000.00
HGI [Member] \| Restricted stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period			(40)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$ 11.92
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			5,438
Granted			1,885	3,302
Exercised / Released			(2,497)
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	4,793		4,793
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			$ 9.75
Granted			$ 13.36
Exercised / Released			$ 8.76
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	$ 11.67		$ 11.67
HGI [Member] \| Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted			6
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period			0
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			7
Exercised / Released			7
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	(6)		(6)
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			$ 11.84
Granted			$ 13.36
Exercised / Released			$ 13.36
FGL [Member]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Granted			$ 8,800,000.00	$ 13,400,000.00
FGL [Member] \| Restricted stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period			(13)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$ 20.62
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			172
Granted			298	171
Exercised / Released			(228)
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	229		229
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			$ 18.18
Granted			$ 23.81
Exercised / Released			$ 21.64
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	$ 21.96		$ 21.96
FGL [Member] \| Performance Restricted Stock Unit (PRSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period			72
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$ 17.00
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			578
Granted			40	541
Exercised / Released			(45)
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	501		501
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			$ 17.37
Granted			$ 20.36
Exercised / Released			$ 17.00
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	$ 17.69		$ 17.69
Spectrum Brands [Member] \| Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period			16
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$ 84.13
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			827
Granted	296	22	529	436
Exercised / Released			704
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	636		636
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			$ 67.66
Granted			$ 90.43
Exercised / Released			$ 68.28
Restricted award expected to vest	$ 85.50		$ 85.50
FGLH [Member] \| Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period			0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$ 0.00
Shares:
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			26
Exercised / Released			(14)
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	12		12
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Restricted award outstanding at September 30, 2012			$ 49.55
Granted			$ 0.00
Exercised / Released			$ 49.45
Restricted award outstanding at March 31, 2013	$ 49.68		$ 49.68
Restricted stock units [Member] \| HGI [Member] \| Restricted stock awards [Member]
Shares:
Exercised / Released			7
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Exercised / Released			$ 11.84
Restricted stock units [Member] \| FGL [Member] \| Restricted stock awards [Member]
Shares:
Exercised / Released			0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share):
Exercised / Released			$ 0.00

Stock Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended												6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended						3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended								3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended						6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Executive Bonus Plan [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Executive Bonus Plan [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 HGI [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 HGI [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 HGI [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 HGI [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 HGI [Member] Stock option awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 HGI [Member] Restricted stock awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 HGI [Member] Restricted stock awards [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 HGI [Member] Restricted stock awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 HGI [Member] Restricted stock units [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 HGI [Member] Restricted stock units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 HGI [Member] Warrant [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 HGI [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 HGI [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Restricted stock units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member] Restricted stock units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Restricted stock units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member] Restricted stock units [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member] Restricted stock units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Immediate Vest Restricted Stock Units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member] Immediate Vest Restricted Stock Units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Time Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member] Time Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Performance-based and Time-based Shares [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Spectrum Brands [Member] Performance-based and Time-based Shares [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Performance-based and Time-based Shares [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member] Performance-based and Time-based Shares [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGL [Member] Performance Restricted Stock Unit (PRSUs) [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 FGL [Member] Performance Restricted Stock Unit (PRSUs) [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 FGL [Member] Performance Restricted Stock Unit (PRSUs) [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGL [Member] Restricted stock awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGL [Member] Restricted stock awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 FGL [Member] Restricted stock awards [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 FGL [Member] Restricted stock awards [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 FGL [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGL [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 FGL [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 FGLH [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member] Restricted stock units [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 FGLH [Member] Restricted stock units [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Restricted stock awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Restricted stock awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Restricted stock awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Restricted stock awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Stock option awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Stock option awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Stock option awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Stock option awards [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member] Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member] Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value																																																																									$ 2,530,000	$ 5,020,000	$ 3,760,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate																																																																		1.46%	1.58%	1.75%	1.87%			1.40%	0.20%
Document Fiscal Year Focus			2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term																		0.00%	0.00%																														1.18%		1.50%	1.20%	0.00%
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount																																																									3,100,000	3,400,000	2,900,000	2,400,000	1,300,000	1,400,000	1,400,000	1,300,000
Stock-based compensation	$ 25.4	$ 24.0	$ 45.5	$ 47.4																																$ 1.6						$ 3.1
Options, granted															6,000			822,000	1,326,000																												182,000	249,000								0
Vesting period					1 year	3 years	3 years		1 year	3 years																											3 years	3 years
Equity intruments other than options granted												1,885,000	3,302,000										296,000	22,000	529,000	436,000													40,000	541,000			298,000	171,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross																												133,000	90,000	132,000	53,000	264,000	293,000
Time-based and vest over period of restricted stock units																				1 year	1 year	3 years												1 year	2 years
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross																									47.8	30.1
Compensation cost not yet recognized							28.6																48.6		48.6																								13.5	13.5
Unrecognized compensation cost expected to recognized, years							1 year 7 months 27 days																																											1 year 8 months 12 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding stock option awards											8 years 0 months 11 days
Granted							$ 29,600,000.00	$ 46,100,000.00				$ 13.36			$ 13.36										$ 90.43												$ 8,800,000.00	$ 13,400,000.00	$ 20.36				$ 23.81			$ 1,000,000.00								$ 0.00
Exercised / Released							$ 26,200,000.00	$ 14,300,000.00				$ 8.76			$ 13.36										$ 68.28														$ 17.00				$ 21.64											$ 49.45
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value							2.2	3.6
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options							$ 1.9	$ 2.5
Volatility																																				9 months	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months																												5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 0 months 0 days	6 years 0 months 0 days	6 years 6 months 0 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number												4,793,000		5,438,000	(6,000)	7,000							636,000		636,000		827,000												501,000		578,000	229,000	229,000		172,000	58,000								12,000	26,000
Stock options vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015																	1,200,000	2,462,000																													221,000									149,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate																																																																	41.20%		38.00%		39.00%	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%

Stock Compensation - Assumptions Used in Determination of Grant Date Fair Values Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 FGLH [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Employee Stock Option [Member] FGL [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member] Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Warrant [Member] FGLH [Member] Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Warrant [Member] FGLH [Member] Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Employee Stock Option [Member] HGI [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value												$ 2,530,000	$ 5,020,000	$ 3,760,000
Risk-free interest rate											1.40%	0.20%				1.46%	1.58%	1.75%	1.87%	1.40%	0.00%
Assumed dividend yield		1.18%	1.50%	1.20%	0.00%																	0.00%	0.00%
Expected option term						9 months	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months								5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 0 months 0 days	6 years 0 months 0 days	6 years 6 months 0 days
Volatility									25.00%	25.00%	25.00%				41.20%		38.00%		39.00%

Stock Compensation Stock compensation - Schedule of Incentive Plan Activity (Details) (Spectrum Brands [Member], Restricted stock units [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Spectrum Brands [Member] \| Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	636		636		827
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 67.66
Granted	296	22	529	436
Granted			$ 90.43
Exercised / Released			704
Exercised / Released			$ 68.28

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	1.70%	19.20%	(3.90%)	(77.20%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ (4.0)	$ (13.3)	$ 12.8	$ 25.0
Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock		3.5		50.7
Component of Income Tax Benefit Expense, Impairments, Nonrecurring [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax (benefit) expense			$ 12.3

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders

$ (228.3)

$ (87.6)

$ (338.1)

$ (126.6)

Participating shares at end of period:

Common shares outstanding

196,672

142,801

196,672

142,801

Preferred shares (as-converted basis)

59,134

Total

196,672

201,935

196,672

201,935

Percentage of income (loss) allocated to:

Common shares

100.00%

Preferred shares (a)

0.00%

^[1]

0.00%

^[1]

0.00%

^[1]

0.00%

^[1]

Net income (loss) attributable to common shares - basic

$ (228.3)

$ (87.6)

$ (338.1)

$ (126.6)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic

196,860

139,889

197,583

139,529

Net loss per common share attributable to controlling interest:

Basic (in dollars per share)

$ (1.16)

$ (0.63)

$ (1.71)

$ (0.91)

Diluted (in dollars per share)

$ (1.16)

$ (0.63)

$ (1.71)

$ (0.91)

[1]	(a)Losses are not allocated to the convertible participating preferred shares for the period that these shares were outstanding, since they have no contractual obligation to share in such losses.

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Preferred shares (as-converted basis)	0	59,134,000	0	59,134,000
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1.16)	$ (0.63)	$ (1.71)	$ (0.91)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.16)	$ (0.63)	$ (1.71)	$ (0.91)
Stock option awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,300,000	1,400,000	1,400,000	1,300,000
Warrant [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			3,000,000
Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share Price		$ 6.62		$ 6.62
Restricted stock awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,100,000	3,400,000	2,900,000	2,400,000

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)			6 Months Ended						6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 FGLH [Member]	Apr. 06, 2011 FGLH [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Spectrum Brands [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 OMGUK CARVM financing fee [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Cressy Plaintiff [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Eddie L. Cressy v. Fidelity Guaranty [sic] Life Insurance Company, et. al. [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Dale R. Ludwick, on behalf of Herself and All Others Similarly Situated v. Harbinger Group Inc., Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company, Raven Reinsurance Company, and Front Street Re (Cayman) Ltd [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Unasserted Claim [Member] FGLH [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Radioshack [Member] Salus Capital Partners L L C [Member]
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Receivable									$ 4,500,000
Reserves for legal, environmental and regulatory matters	22,400,000							5,900,000
Business Acquisition Fair Value Of Contingent Purchase Price Consideration Reduction						50,000,000
Environmental costs recognized, capitalized							4,600,000
Long-term Debt	5,658,300,000	5,194,500,000											250,000,000
Revolving Loan Facility													585,000,000
Accrued amount of guaranty fund assessments					3,800,000
Estimated future premium tax deductions					4,000,000
Administrative costs and potential liabilities												1,700,000
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments												1.6
Notional amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments	153,200,000
Expiration of partial amount of unfunded, legally binding lending commitments	60,600,000
Expiry date of partial amount of notional amount			1 year
Expiry date of remainder part of notional amount			5 years	1 year
Litigation Settlement, Amount									5,300,000
Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision									9,200,000
Estimated Litigation Liability									3,400,000		900,000
Legal Fees										3,800,000
Payments for Legal Settlements										$ 2,000,000

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Preferred Stock [Member] HCP Stockholders [Member]	Mar. 18, 2014 Preferred Stock [Member] HCP Stockholders [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Leucadia [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Maximum [Member] Leucadia [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Severance Cost, one time payments [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Severance Cost, Accrued Bonus [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 Severance Cost, Future Bonus [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses related to Services Agreement	$ 0.6	$ 1.5	$ 2.6	$ 2.9
Severance Costs									20.5	16.5	3.3
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions					23
Share Price						$ 11.00
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions					$ 253.0
Percentage Of Beneficial Ownership							27.50%	4.90%

Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions - Income Statement (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accrued investment income	$ 181.2	$ 181.2	$ 184.9
Fortress Investment Group [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accrued investment income	2.2	2.2	1.9
Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Noncurrent	205.0	205.0	196.8
Fixed Maturities [Member] \| Fortress Investment Group [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	202.8	202.8	194.9
Net Investment Income	$ 1.9	$ 3.9

Segment Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015 Segment	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 249.3	$ 81.0	$ 499.5	$ 82.8
Number of reporting segments			4
Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges			42.4
Asset Management segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges			62.6
Radioshack [Member] \| Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges			40.0
Radioshack [Member] \| Asset Management segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges			$ 24.8

Segment Data - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Document Fiscal Year Focus

2015

Revenues:

$ 1,371.5

$ 1,341.2

$ 2,809.9

$ 2,851.2

(174.0)

16.2

(357.0)

195.5

(85.5)

(77.2)

(166.1)

(161.2)

5.5

0.5

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

12.5

(4.6)

186.5

(16.5)

(241.5)

(69.1)

(331.1)

(32.4)

31,455.0

30,100.2

Consolidated cash provided from operating activities

(274.4)

(81.9)

Total segments [Member]

Revenues:

1,352.0

1,341.2

2,769.4

2,851.2

(149.4)

47.0

(208.7)

255.8

Consolidated cash provided from operating activities

(125.0)

(2.9)

Intersegment elimination [Member]

Revenues:

92.9

^[1]

(3.6)

^[1]

89.4

^[1]

(7.3)

^[1]

53.3

^[1]

(4.0)

^[1]

49.3

^[1]

(7.7)

^[1]

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

(4.3)

(4.8)

334.6

(49.6)

Other Financial Services [Member]

(67.4)

4.0

Asset Management segment [Member]

Revenues:

5.1

9.8

13.1

14.3

(68.5)

0.1

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

(1.5)

(1.3)

(84.0)

(4.2)

620.1

692.5

Consolidated cash provided from operating activities

(12.4)

5.2

Energy Segment [Member]

Revenues:

26.0

39.2

60.3

74.7

(161.3)

(71.8)

(356.3)

(65.8)

(4.4)

(4.1)

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

165.2

(10.2)

(200.0)

(84.6)

513.2

504.8

Consolidated cash provided from operating activities

7.1

25.0

Insurance Segment [Member]

Revenues:

161.0

274.1

471.8

647.2

(62.4)

26.3

(37.2)

111.6

(11.8)

(11.3)

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

(115.8)

96.7

24,563.8

23,195.8

Consolidated cash provided from operating activities

60.6

123.6

Consumer Products Segment [Member]

Revenues:

1,067.0

1,021.7

2,134.8

2,122.3

88.4

92.5

204.0

217.6

(93.6)

(104.4)

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

(3.9)

(1.6)

106.5

111.6

5,762.0

5,513.0

Consolidated cash provided from operating activities

(180.3)

(156.7)

Corporate expenses [Member]

Revenues:

19.5

40.5

(24.6)

(30.8)

(148.3)

(60.3)

(56.3)

(41.4)

5.5

0.5

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

31.0

1.4

(372.4)

(102.3)

2,511.4

2,933.1

Corporate Segment [Member]

Consolidated cash provided from operating activities

$ (149.4)

$ (79.0)

[1]

Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Balance Sheet Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Assets:
Investments	$ 19,752.6	$ 19,252.5
Cash and cash equivalents	1,279.6	1,319.2	1,319.8	1,899.7
Receivables, net	670.0	585.1
Inventories, net	819.0	635.2
Accrued investment income	181.2	184.9
Reinsurance recoverable	2,402.7	2,397.6
Deferred tax assets	173.6	186.7
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	943.9	908.6
Goodwill	1,543.0	1,524.8
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	2,767.3	2,683.7
Other assets	922.1	421.9
Total assets	31,455.0	30,100.2
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt	5,200.4	5,061.1
Employee benefit obligations	75.9	86.2
Deferred tax liabilities	524.4	533.3
Total liabilities	29,590.9	27,843.2
Total stockholders' equity	1,068.9	1,441.6
Noncontrolling interests	795.2	815.4
Total permanent equity	1,864.1	2,257.0
Total liabilities and equity	31,455.0	30,100.2
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Assets:
Investments	19,752.6	19,252.5
Cash and cash equivalents	1,279.6	1,319.2
Receivables, net	670.0	585.1
Inventories, net	819.0	635.2
Accrued investment income	181.2	184.9
Reinsurance recoverable	2,402.7	2,397.6
Deferred tax assets	173.6	186.7
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	943.9	908.6
Goodwill	1,543.0	1,524.8
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	2,767.3	2,683.7
Other assets	922.1	421.9
Total assets	31,455.0	30,100.2
Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	21,683.8	20,215.1
Debt	5,623.7	5,157.8
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	871.3	1,033.0
Employee benefit obligations	75.9	86.2
Deferred tax liabilities	524.4	533.3
Other liabilities	811.8	817.8
Total liabilities	29,590.9	27,843.2
Total stockholders' equity	1,068.9	1,441.6
Noncontrolling interests	795.2	815.4
Total permanent equity	1,864.1	2,257.0
Total liabilities and equity	31,455.0	30,100.2
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Assets:
Investments	(274.4)	(246.5)
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	(2,100.7)	(2,306.1)
Affiliated loans and receivables	(139.7)	(185.7)
Accrued investment income	(0.6)	(0.6)
Deferred tax assets	(0.1)	(0.1)
Total assets	(2,515.5)	(2,739.0)
Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	0
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	0.6	0.5
Employee benefit obligations	0
Deferred tax liabilities	11.2	0.1
Other liabilities	0
Affiliated debt and payables	(441.7)	(431.4)
Total liabilities	(429.9)	(430.8)
Total stockholders' equity	(2,085.6)	(2,308.2)
Noncontrolling interests	0
Total permanent equity	(2,085.6)	(2,308.2)
Total liabilities and equity	(2,515.5)	(2,739.0)
Corporate and Other [Member]
Assets:
Investments	69.3	93.7
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	2,139.6	2,237.9
Affiliated loans and receivables	0.1
Cash and cash equivalents	184.4	423.1
Receivables, net	50.1	43.1
Inventories, net	5.0	10.7
Deferred tax assets	1.1	1.1
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	2.1	2.5
Goodwill	16.2	44.5
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	9.9	41.8
Other assets	33.6	34.7
Total assets	2,511.4	2,933.1
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt	1,326.5	1,325.0
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	72.0	104.6
Employee benefit obligations	4.1	4.3
Deferred tax liabilities	5.4	17.2
Other liabilities	2.1	1.1
Affiliated debt and payables	32.4	34.8
Total liabilities	1,442.5	1,487.0
Total stockholders' equity	1,068.9	1,441.6
Noncontrolling interests	0	4.5
Total permanent equity	1,068.9	1,446.1
Total liabilities and equity	2,511.4	2,933.1
Asset Management segment [Member]
Assets:
Investments	457.7	584.6
Affiliated loans and receivables	19.5	28.5
Cash and cash equivalents	119.1	53.5
Receivables, net	0.7	0.9
Accrued investment income	2.3	3.7
Deferred tax assets	0.1
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	1.4	1.4
Goodwill	10.7	10.7
Other assets	8.6	9.2
Total assets	620.1	692.5
Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	0
Debt	294.2	298.7
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	6.2	8.5
Employee benefit obligations	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0
Other liabilities	17.1	19.3
Affiliated debt and payables	306.3	286.5
Total liabilities	623.8	613.0
Total stockholders' equity	2.2	68.2
Noncontrolling interests	(5.9)	11.3
Total permanent equity	(3.7)	79.5
Total liabilities and equity	620.1	692.5
Energy Segment [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	12.1	14.2
Receivables, net	31.5	23.7
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	466.8	464.4
Other assets	2.8	2.5
Total assets	513.2	504.8
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt	327.0	243.2
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	30.2	31.3
Employee benefit obligations	0
Other liabilities	38.1	27.3
Affiliated debt and payables	102.3	102.3
Total liabilities	497.6	404.1
Total stockholders' equity	15.4	100.7
Noncontrolling interests	0.2
Total permanent equity	15.6	100.7
Total liabilities and equity	513.2	504.8
Insurance Segment [Member]
Assets:
Investments	19,500.0	18,820.7
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	(38.9)	68.2
Affiliated loans and receivables	120.1	157.2
Cash and cash equivalents	876.2	633.8
Receivables, net	1.6	2.1
Accrued investment income	179.5	181.8
Reinsurance recoverable	2,402.7	2,397.6
Deferred tax assets	132.4	139.0
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	11.9	11.4
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	648.8	550.4
Other assets	729.5	233.6
Total assets	24,563.8	23,195.8
Liabilities and Equity:
Insurance reserves	21,683.8	20,215.1
Debt	300.0	300.0
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	50.7	71.9
Employee benefit obligations	0
Deferred tax liabilities	0
Other liabilities	733.3	748.9
Affiliated debt and payables	0.7	7.8
Total liabilities	22,768.5	21,343.7
Total stockholders' equity	1,465.5	1,526.9
Noncontrolling interests	329.8	325.2
Total permanent equity	1,795.3	1,852.1
Total liabilities and equity	24,563.8	23,195.8
Consumer Products Segment [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	87.8	194.6
Receivables, net	586.1	515.3
Inventories, net	814.0	624.5
Deferred tax assets	40.1	46.7
Properties, including oil and natural gas properties, net	461.7	428.9
Goodwill	1,516.1	1,469.6
Intangibles, including deferred acquisition costs and value of business acquired, net	2,108.6	2,091.5
Other assets	147.6	141.9
Total assets	5,762.0	5,513.0
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt	3,376.0	2,990.9
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	711.6	816.2
Employee benefit obligations	71.8	81.9
Deferred tax liabilities	507.8	516.0
Other liabilities	21.2	21.2
Total liabilities	4,688.4	4,426.2
Total stockholders' equity	602.5	612.4
Noncontrolling interests	471.1	474.4
Total permanent equity	1,073.6	1,086.8
Total liabilities and equity	$ 5,762.0	$ 5,513.0

Consolidating Financial Information - Schedule of Income Statement Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Revenues:

$ 1,086.5

$ 1,021.7

$ 2,175.3

$ 2,122.3

Oil and natural gas

26.0

39.2

60.3

74.7

Insurance premiums

14.5

14.8

26.2

28.7

225.0

206.4

455.8

407.6

Insurance and investment product fees and other

(3.9)

40.9

48.1

182.8

23.4

18.2

44.2

35.1

1,371.5

1,341.2

2,809.9

2,851.2

Oil and natural gas direct operating costs

707.0

662.1

1,419.0

1,381.5

23.3

17.1

43.8

33.2

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

195.2

196.5

436.7

431.2

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses

352.5

330.9

717.9

646.2

Impairment of Proved Oil and Gas Properties

249.3

81.0

499.5

82.8

336.6

81.0

18.2

37.4

50.0

80.8

1,545.5

1,325.0

3,166.9

2,655.7

(174.0)

16.2

(357.0)

195.5

(85.5)

(77.2)

(166.1)

(161.2)

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

12.5

(4.6)

186.5

(16.5)

(241.5)

(69.1)

(331.1)

(32.4)

(4.0)

(13.3)

12.8

25.0

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(237.5)

(55.8)

(343.9)

(57.4)

(9.2)

19.7

(5.8)

44.9

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

(228.3)

(75.5)

(338.1)

(102.3)

Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders

12.1

24.3

(228.3)

(87.6)

(338.1)

(126.6)

Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock

3.5

50.7

5.5

0.5

Consolidated Entities [Member]

Revenues:

2,175.3

2,122.3

Oil and natural gas

74.7

Insurance premiums

26.2

28.7

455.8

407.6

Insurance and investment product fees and other

48.1

182.8

44.2

35.1

2,809.9

2,851.2

Oil and natural gas direct operating costs

1,419.0

1,381.5

33.2

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

436.7

431.2

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses

717.9

646.2

499.5

82.8

50.0

80.8

3,166.9

2,655.7

(357.0)

195.5

(166.1)

(161.2)

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

186.5

(16.5)

(331.1)

12.8

25.0

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(343.9)

(57.4)

(5.8)

44.9

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

(338.1)

(102.3)

Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders

24.3

(126.6)

Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock

50.7

5.5

0.5

Intersegment elimination [Member]

Revenues:

(8.8)

(7.3)

98.2

92.9

^[1]

(3.6)

^[1]

89.4

^[1]

(7.3)

^[1]

40.1

40.1

0.4

Equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries

53.3

^[1]

(4.0)

^[1]

49.3

^[1]

(7.7)

^[1]

268.5

(44.4)

(21.1)

(7.3)

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

(4.3)

(4.8)

334.6

(49.6)

9.3

1.4

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

325.3

(51.0)

325.3

(51.0)

Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders

(51.0)

Corporate and Other [Member]

Revenues:

40.5

19.5

40.5

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses

29.1

99.5

60.3

60.2

188.8

60.3

Equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries

(24.6)

(30.8)

(148.3)

(60.3)

(201.7)

48.2

(56.3)

(41.4)

2.6

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

31.0

1.4

(372.4)

(102.3)

(13.3)

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(359.1)

(102.3)

(21.0)

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

(338.1)

(102.3)

Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders

24.3

(126.6)

Increase Decrease In Fair Value Of Equity Conversion Feature Of Preferred Stock

50.7

5.5

0.5

Other Financial Services [Member]

(67.4)

4.0

Asset Management segment [Member]

Revenues:

13.1

14.3

5.1

9.8

13.1

14.3

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses

19.0

12.7

62.6

81.6

14.2

(68.5)

0.1

14.0

3.0

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

(1.5)

(1.3)

(84.0)

(4.2)

(0.1)

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(84.0)

(4.1)

(17.2)

(0.3)

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

(66.8)

(3.8)

Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders

(3.8)

Energy Segment [Member]

Revenues:

Oil and natural gas

60.3

74.7

26.0

39.2

60.3

74.7

Oil and natural gas direct operating costs

43.8

33.2

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses

36.2

26.3

Impairment of Proved Oil and Gas Properties

146.6

336.6

81.0

416.6

140.5

(161.3)

(71.8)

(356.3)

(65.8)

(4.4)

(4.1)

4.5

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

165.2

(10.2)

(200.0)

(84.6)

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(200.0)

(84.6)

(0.5)

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

(199.5)

(84.6)

Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders

(84.6)

Insurance Segment [Member]

Revenues:

Insurance premiums

26.2

28.7

451.5

400.6

Insurance and investment product fees and other

(50.1)

182.8

44.2

35.1

161.0

274.1

471.8

647.2

Benefits and other changes in policy reserves

436.7

431.2

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses

64.0

64.4

42.4

8.3

40.1

509.0

535.6

Equity in net income (losses) of subsidiaries

(62.4)

26.3

(37.2)

111.6

(66.8)

(3.8)

(11.8)

(11.3)

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

(0.2)

(115.8)

96.7

(11.8)

0.4

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

(104.0)

96.3

0.5

8.6

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

(104.5)

87.7

Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders

87.7

Consumer Products Segment [Member]

Revenues:

2,134.8

2,122.3

1,067.0

1,021.7

2,134.8

2,122.3

Selling, acquisition, operating and general expenses

1,389.9

1,381.5

499.2

482.5

41.7

40.7

1,930.8

1,904.7

88.4

92.5

204.0

217.6

(93.6)

(104.4)

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

(3.9)

(1.6)

106.5

111.6

28.6

23.3

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest

77.9

88.3

32.4

36.6

Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

45.5

51.7

Net income (loss) attributable to common and participating preferred stockholders

51.7