| Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The following describes the business and significant accounting policies of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” the "Company" or “FNF”) which have been followed in preparing the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Description of Business We are a leading provider of (i) title insurance, escrow and other title-related services, including trust activities, trustee sales guarantees, recordings and reconveyances and home warranty products and (ii) technology and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries. FNF is one of the nation’s largest title insurance companies operating through its title insurance underwriters - Fidelity National Title Insurance Company ("FNTIC"), Chicago Title Insurance Company ("Chicago Title"), Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company ("Commonwealth Title"), Alamo Title Insurance and National Title Insurance of New York Inc. - which collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States. Through our subsidiary, ServiceLink Holdings, LLC ("ServiceLink"), we provide mortgage transaction services, including title-related services and facilitation of production and management of mortgage loans. For information on businesses comprising our reportable segments, refer to Note R Segment Information . Recent Developments Termination of Stewart Merger Agreement and Payment of Reverse Termination Fee On March 18, 2018, we signed a merger agreement (the "Stewart Merger Agreement") to acquire Stewart Information Services Corporation ("Stewart") (NYSE: STC) (the "Stewart Merger"). On, September 9, 2019, we entered into a mutual Termination Agreement with Stewart (the “Termination Agreement”), pursuant to which the parties agreed to terminate the Stewart Merger Agreement, due to the Federal Trade Commission's issuance of an administrative complaint seeking to block the merger. In connection with the termination of the Stewart Merger Agreement, we paid to Stewart, on September 12, 2019, the Reverse Termination Fee (as defined in the Stewart Merger Agreement) consisting of $50 million in cash, which is included within other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Pending Acquisition of FGL On February 7, 2020, we signed a merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) to acquire FGL Holdings (“FGL”) (NYSE: FG) (the “FGL Merger”). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, which has been approved by the board of directors of FNF, at the First Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement), the ordinary shares of FGL (the “Ordinary Shares”), including all restricted Ordinary Shares (whether vested or unvested), issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the First Effective Time (other than (i) shares owned by FGL and any of its subsidiaries or FNF and any of its subsidiaries and (ii) shares in respect of which dissenters rights have been properly exercised and perfected under Cayman law) will be converted into the right to receive $12.50 in cash or 0.2558 shares (“the Stock Consideration”) of common stock of FNF (“FNF Common Stock”), at the election of the holder thereof and subject to the proration mechanics set forth in the Merger Agreement. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, all Ordinary Shares held by FNF and its subsidiaries will be converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration. Each Series B Cumulative Preferred Share, all of which are held by FNF and its subsidiaries, will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of FNF Common Stock that is equal to (i) the Liquidation Preference (as defined in the Merger Agreement) divided by (ii) the Reference Parent Common Stock Price (as defined in the Merger Agreement). Additionally, all options to purchase Ordinary Shares (“FGL Share Option”) and phantom unit denominated in Ordinary Shares (“FGL Phantom Unit”), in each case, outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time, will be canceled and converted into options to purchase FNF Common Stock and phantom units denominated in FNF Common Stock at the First Effective Time (collectively, the “Rollover Awards”), as applicable. The Rollover Awards will generally be subject to the same terms and conditions as applicable to the applicable canceled FGL Share Option or FGL Phantom Unit immediately prior to the First Effective Time, except that (i) all performance-vesting criteria will be deemed satisfied at the First Effective Time at the levels described in the Merger Agreement and such Rollover Awards will be subject only to time-based vesting conditions after the First Effective Time, and (ii) immediately prior to the First Effective Time, additional time-vesting credits will be provided to holders in respect of FGL Share Options and FGL Phantom Units granted prior to January 1, 2020, as described in the Merger Agreement. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including the approval by FGL stockholders, federal and state regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Closing is expected in the second or third quarter of 2020. Note Receivable from Cannae In November 2017, in conjunction with the split-off of our former portfolio company investments into a separate company, C annae Holdings, Inc. ("Cannae"), we issued to Cannae a revolver note (the "Cannae Revolver") in the aggregate principal amount of up to $100 million . Cannae is considered a related party to FNF. The Cannae Revolver accrues interest quarterly at LIBOR plus 450 basis points and matures on the five-year anniversary from the date of issuance. The maturity date is automatically extended for additional five-year terms unless notice of non-renewal is otherwise provided by either FNF or Cannae, in their sole discretion. On February 7, 2019, Cannae borrowed $100 million from FNF under the Cannae Revolver. On June 12, 2019, Cannae repaid to FNF the entire $100 million outstanding amount under the Cannae Revolver. On July 5, 2019, Cannae borrowed $100 million from FNF under the Cannae Revolver. On September 11, 2019, Cannae repaid to FNF the entire $100 million outstanding amount under the Cannae Revolver. As of December 31, 2019, there is no outstanding balance under the Cannae Revolver. We account for the Cannae Revolver as a financing receivable. Interest income is recorded ratably in periods in which principal is outstanding. Uncollectible financing receivables are written off or impaired when, based on all available information, it is probable that a loss has occurred. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") and include our accounts as well as our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated. Our investments in non-majority-owned partnerships and affiliates are accounted for using the equity method until such time that they become wholly or majority-owned. Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings relating to majority-owned subsidiaries with the appropriate noncontrolling interest that represents the portion of equity not related to our ownership interest recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in each period. I nvestments Fixed maturity securities are purchased to support our investment strategies, which are developed based on factors including rate of return, maturity, credit risk, duration, tax considerations and regulatory requirements. Fixed maturity securities which may be sold prior to maturity to support our investment strategies are carried at fair value and are classified as available for sale as of the balance sheet dates. Fair values for fixed maturity securities are principally a function of current market conditions and are valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. The interest method results in the recognition of a constant rate of return on the investment equal to the prevailing rate at the time of purchase or at the time of subsequent adjustments of book value. Changes in prepayment assumptions are accounted for retrospectively. Equity and preferred securities held are carried at fair value as of the balance sheet dates. Our equity and certain preferred securities are Level 1 financial assets and fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets. Other preferred stock holdings are Level 2 financial assets and are valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are recorded using the equity method of accounting. Other long-term investments consist of other investments and company-owned life insurance policies. Other investments are carried at fair value. See Note C Fair Value Measurements for further discussion of other investments. Company-owned life insurance policies are carried at cash surrender value. Short-term investments consist primarily of money market instruments, which are carried at fair value, and commercial paper, which have an original maturity of one year or less and are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income on a trade date basis. Beginning January 1, 2018, unrealized gains or losses on equity and preferred securities are included in earnings. Unrealized gains or losses on fixed maturity securities (and equity and preferred securities prior to January 1, 2018) which are classified as available for sale, net of applicable deferred income tax expenses (benefits), are excluded from earnings and credited or charged directly to a separate component of equity. If any unrealized losses on available for sale securities are determined to be other-than-temporary, such unrealized losses are recognized as realized losses. Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities are considered other-than-temporary if factors exist that cause us to believe that the value will not increase to a level sufficient to recover our cost basis. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include: (i) our need and intent to sell the investment prior to a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value; (ii) the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and (iii) the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. See Note S. Recent Accounting Pronouncements for discussion of ASU No. 2016-01 Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which changed the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on equity and preferred securities. Cash and Cash Equivalents Highly liquid instruments purchased as part of cash management with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these instruments approximate their fair value. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair values of financial instruments presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements are estimates of the fair values at a specific point in time using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and significant judgment in the interpretation of current market data. We do not necessarily intend to dispose of or liquidate such instruments prior to maturity. Trade and Notes Receivables The carrying values reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for trade and notes receivables approximate their fair value. Premium revenues from agency title operations are recognized when the underlying title order and transaction closing, if applicable, are complete and reported to us. Premium revenues from agency operations and related commissions include an accrual based on estimated historical transaction volume data for policies that have closed in a particular period in which premiums have not yet been reported to us. Historically, the time lag between the closing of these transactions by our agents and the reporting of these policies, or premiums, to us has been up to 15 months , with 89% - 94% reported within three months following closing, an additional 6% - 9% reported within the next three months and the remainder within seven to fifteen months. In addition to accruing these earned but unreported agency premiums, we also accrue agent commission expense, which was 76.3% of agent premiums earned in 2019 , 76.5% of agent premiums earned in 2018 , and 76.7% of agent premiums earned in 2017 . The amount due from our agents relating to this accrual, i.e., the agent premium less their contractual retained commission, was approximately $ 46 million and $ 44 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Due to the offsetting effects of reversing prior period accruals, the impact of this accrual to our recorded Agency title insurance premiums, Agent commissions and net earnings in any given period is not considered material. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and assumed in a business combination. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment, through a comparison of fair value to the carrying amount. In evaluating the recoverability of goodwill, we perform an annual goodwill impairment analysis based on a review of qualitative factors to determine if events and circumstances exist which will lead to a determination that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, prior to performing a full fair-value assessment. We completed annual goodwill impairment analyses in the fourth quarter of each period presented using a September 30 measurement date. As a result of the analysis, $3 million of goodwill impairment related to a real estate brokerage reporting unit in our Corporate and other segment was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2018 . For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017, we determined there were no events or circumstances which indicated that the carrying value exceeded the fair value. See Note F. Goodwill . Other Intangible Assets We have other intangible assets, not including goodwill, which consist primarily of customer relationships and contracts, trademarks and tradenames, and computer software, which are generally recorded in connection with acquisitions at their fair value. Intangible assets with estimable lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In general, customer relationships are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally ten years , using an accelerated method which takes into consideration expected customer attrition rates. Contractual relationships are generally amortized over their contractual life. Trademarks and tradenames are generally amortized over ten years . Capitalized software includes the fair value of software acquired in business combinations, purchased software and capitalized software development costs. Purchased software is recorded at cost and amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life. Software acquired in business combinations is recorded at its fair value and amortized using straight-line or accelerated methods over its estimated useful life, ranging from five to ten years . For internal-use computer software products, internal and external costs incurred during the preliminary project stage are expensed as they are incurred. Internal and external costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized on a product by product basis commencing on the date the software is ready for its intended use. We do not capitalize any costs once the software is ready for its intended use. We recorded no impairment expense to other intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2019 . We recorded $3 million and $1 million in impairment expense to other intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The impairment in 2018 primarily relates to an acquired customer relationship asset in our Title segment. The impairment in 2017 was for computer software at ServiceLink. Title Plants Title plants are recorded at the cost incurred to construct or obtain and organize historical title information to the point it can be used to perform title searches. Costs incurred to maintain, update and operate title plants are expensed as incurred. Title plants are not amortized as they are considered to have an indefinite life if maintained. Sales of title plants are reported at the amount received net of the adjusted costs of the title plant sold. Sales of title plant copies are reported at the amount received. No cost is allocated to the sale of copies of title plants unless the carrying value of the title plant is diminished or impaired. Title plants are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We recorded $1 million in impairment expense to title plants during the year ended December 31, 2019 for two title plants which are no longer in use. We reviewed title plants for impairment but recorded no impairment expense related to title plants in the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017 . Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets: twenty to thirty years for buildings and three to twenty-five years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the applicable lease or the estimated useful lives of such assets. Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Reserve for Title Claim Losses Our reserve for title claim losses includes known claims as well as losses we expect to incur, net of recoupments. Each known claim is reserved based on our review as to the estimated amount of the claim and the costs required to settle the claim. Reserves for claims which are incurred but not reported are established at the time premium revenue is recognized based on historical loss experience and also take into consideration other factors, including industry trends, claim loss history, current legal environment, geographic considerations and the type of policy written. The reserve for title claim losses also includes reserves for losses arising from closing and disbursement functions due to fraud or operational error. If a loss is related to a policy issued by an independent agent, we may proceed against the independent agent pursuant to the terms of the agency agreement. In any event, we may proceed against third parties who are responsible for any loss under the title insurance policy under rights of subrogation. Secured Trust Deposits In the state of Illinois, a trust company is permitted to commingle and invest customers’ assets with its own assets, pending completion of real estate transactions. Accordingly, our Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a secured trust deposit liability of $791 million and $822 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, representing customers’ assets held by us and corresponding assets including cash and investments pledged as security for those trust balances. Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities and expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and laws, if any, is applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled and reflected in the financial statements in the period enacted. Reinsurance In a limited number of situations, we limit our maximum loss exposure by reinsuring certain risks with other insurers. We also earn a small amount of additional income, which is reflected in our direct premiums, by assuming reinsurance for certain risks of other insurers. We cede a portion of certain policy and other liabilities under agent fidelity, excess of loss and case-by-case reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance agreements provide that in the event of a loss (including costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses) exceeding the retained amounts, the reinsurer is liable for the excess amount assumed. However, the ceding company remains primarily liable in the event the reinsurer does not meet its contractual obligations. Revenue Recognition Refer to Note T. Revenue Recognition for a description of our accounting for our various revenue streams. Discontinued Operations On November 17, 2017, we completed our previously announced split-off (the “FNFV Split-Off”) of our former wholly-owned subsidiary Cannae Holdings, Inc. (“Cannae”) which consisted of the businesses, assets and liabilities formerly attributed to our FNF Ventures ("FNFV") Group including Ceridian Holding, LLC, American Blue Ribbon Holdings, LLC and T-System Holding LLC. The FNFV Split-Off was accomplished by the Company's redemption (the “Redemption”) of all of the outstanding shares of FNFV Group common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“FNFV common stock”) for outstanding shares of common stock of Cannae, par value $0.0001 per share (“Cannae common stock”), amounting to a redemption of each outstanding share of FNFV common stock for one share of Cannae common stock, as of November 17, 2017. As a result of the FNFV Split-Off, Cannae became a separate, publicly-traded company (NYSE: CNNE) as of November 20, 2017. All of the Company’s core title insurance, real estate, technology and mortgage related businesses, assets and liabilities currently attributed to the Company’s FNF common stock that were not held by Cannae remain with the Company. As a result of the FNFV Split-Off, the financial results of FNFV Group have been reclassified to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 . On September 29, 2017 we completed our tax-free distribution to FNF shareholders of all 83.3 million shares of New BKH Corp. ("New BKH") common stock that we previously owned (the “BK Distribution”). Immediately following the BK Distribution, New BKH and Black Knight Financial Services, Inc. ("Black Knight") engaged in a series of transactions resulting in the formation of a new publicly traded holding company, Black Knight, Inc. ("New Black Knight"). Holders of FNF common stock received approximately 0.30663 shares of New Black Knight common stock for every one share of FNF common stock held at the close of business on September 20, 2017, the record date for the BK Distribution. New Black Knight's common stock is now listed under the symbol “BKI” on the New York Stock Exchange. The BK Distribution was generally tax-free to FNF shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except to the extent of any cash received in lieu of New Black Knight's fractional shares. As a result of the BK Distribution, the financial results of Black Knight have been reclassified to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 . See Note G. Discontinued Operations for further details of the results and financial position of FNFV and Black Knight. Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) We report Comprehensive earnings (loss) in accordance with GAAP on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings. Total comprehensive earnings are defined as all changes in shareholders' equity during a period, other than those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders. While total comprehensive earnings is the activity in a period and is largely driven by net earnings in that period, accumulated other comprehensive earnings or loss represents the cumulative balance of other comprehensive earnings, net of tax, as of the balance sheet date. Amounts reclassified to net earnings relate to the realized gains (losses) on our investments and other financial instruments, excluding investments in unconsolidated affiliates, and are included in Realized gains and losses, net on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Changes in the balance of Other comprehensive earnings (loss) by component are as follows: Unrealized gain (loss) on investments and other financial instruments, net (excluding investments in unconsolidated affiliates) Unrealized gain (loss) relating to investments in unconsolidated affiliates Unrealized (loss) gain on foreign currency translation and cash flow hedging Minimum pension liability adjustment Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss) (In millions) Balance December 31, 2017 $ 116 $ 11 $ (7 ) $ (9 ) $ 111 Adjustment for cumulative effect for adoption of ASU 2016-01 (109 ) — — — (109 ) Adoption of ASU 2018-02 (1 ) 3 — (2 ) — Other comprehensive earnings (11 ) 3 (8 ) 1 (15 ) Balance December 31, 2018 (5 ) 17 (15 ) (10 ) (13 ) Reclassification adjustments (5 ) (4 ) — — (9 ) Other comprehensive earnings 56 5 4 — 65 Balance December 31, 2019 $ 46 $ 18 $ (11 ) $ (10 ) $ 43 Redeemable Non-controlling Interest Subsequent to our acquisition of Lender Processing Services, Inc. ("LPS") in January 2014, we issued a 35% ownership interest in ServiceLink to funds affiliated with Thomas H. Lee Partners ("THL" or "the minority interest holder"). THL has an option to put its ownership interests of ServiceLink to us if no public offering of the corresponding business was consummated after four years from the date of FNF's purchase of LPS. The units owned by THL (the "redeemable noncontrolling interests") may be settled in cash or common stock of FNF or a combination of both at our election. As of January 2018, no public offering was made and the redeemable noncontrolling interests were no longer subject to a holding requirement. The redeemable noncontrolling interests will be settled at the current fair value at the time we receive notice of THL's put election as determined by the parties or by a third party appraisal under the terms of the Unit Purchase Agreement. As a result of a recapitalization of ServiceLink in 2015, the ownership interest by the minority interest holder was reduced from 35% to 21% . As of December 31, 2019, the redeemable noncontrolling interests have a fair value of approximately $176 million and we do not believe the exercise of their remaining put right in ServiceLink to be probable. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are recorded at their initial value of $344 million in our consolidated balance sheets and would be adjusted to fair value were such value to rise above the initial value. As these redeemable noncontrolling interests provide for redemption features not solely within our control, we classify the redeemable noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity. Redeemable noncontrolling interests held by third parties in subsidiaries owned or controlled by FNF is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet outside of permanent equity; and the Consolidated Statement of Earnings reflects the respective redeemable noncontrolling interests in Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, the effect of which is removed from the net earnings attributable to Fidelity National Financial, Inc. common shareholders. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share, as presented on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings, is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. In periods when earnings are positive, diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the impact of assumed conversions of potentially dilutive securities. For periods when we recognize a net loss, diluted earnings per share is equal to basic earnings per share as the impact of assumed conversions of potentially dilutive securities is considered to be antidilutive. We have granted certain stock options, shares of restricted stock, convertible debt instruments and certain other convertible share based payments which have been treated as common share equivalents for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share for periods in which positive earnings have been reported. Restricted stock, options or other instruments which provide the ability to acquire shares of our common stock that are antidilutive are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 , no antidilutive shares were outstanding. Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to our former FNFV group common stock for the 2017 period were calculated using weighted average shares outstanding through the date of the FNFV Split-off, November 17, 2017. Stock-Based Compensation Plans We account for stock-based compensation plans using the fair value method. Using the fair value method of accounting, compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the award at the grant date, using the Black-Scholes Model, and recognized over the service period. Management Estimates The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to classifications used in 2019 . These reclassifications have not changed net earnings or total equity, as previously reported. See Note G. Discontinued Operations for further information on reclassifications related to disposed businesses. |
