CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income	$ 302,452	$ 315,637	$ 224,869
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (2012 - $392,600; 2011 - $400,848; 2010 - $330,213)	729,120	744,447	612,588
Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2012 - $(3,076); 2011 - $(14,671); 2010 - $(5,335))	(5,719)	(27,261)	(9,699)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2012 - $16,281; 2011 - $(13,205); 2010 - $11,481)	30,236	(24,524)	21,321
Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (2012 - $2,609; 2011 - $2,382; 2010 - $4,441)	4,846	4,424	7,630
Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2012 - $(381); 2011 - $(138); 2010 - $(614))	(708)	(256)	(1,105)
Change in postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (2012 - $(3,498); 2011 - $(10,358); 2010 - $(749))	(6,497)	(19,236)	(1,392)
Total other comprehensive income	751,278	677,594	629,343
Comprehensive income	1,053,730	993,231	854,212
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(245)	445
Total comprehensive income attributable to Protective Life Corporation	$ 1,053,730	$ 992,986	$ 854,657