SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes (reduced by amounts received from affiliates under a tax sharing agreement)	$ (26,856)	$ (14,163)	$ 112,886
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest paid on debt	83,439	78,944	95,095
Income taxes (reduced by amounts received from affiliates under a tax sharing agreement)	$ (40,986)	$ (23,110)	$ (2,596)