SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Net income	$ 118,913	$ 93,061	$ 103,199	$ 78,291	$ 66,796	$ 60,480	$ 76,155	$ 99,021	$ 393,464		$ 302,452		$ 315,637
Other comprehensive income (loss)									(1,242,656)		751,278		677,594
Comprehensive income (loss)									(849,192)		1,053,730		993,231
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Net income									393,464	[1]	302,452	[1]	315,637	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss)									(1,242,656)		751,278		677,594
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ (849,192)		$ 1,053,730		$ 993,231

[1] Includes noncontrolling interests related to the Company's subs