SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 3) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, all from subsidiaries, income tax	$ 978,656	$ 589,132
Net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax	(2,147)	(18,428)
Accumulated gain (loss) - derivatives, net of income tax	(1,883)	(4,111)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, income tax	(39,468)	(35,970)
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Undistributed income of subsidiaries	2,924,314	2,856,511
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, all from subsidiaries, income tax	978,656	589,132
Net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax	(2,147)	(18,428)
Accumulated gain (loss) - derivatives, net of income tax	(1,883)	(4,111)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, income tax	$ (39,468)	$ (35,970)