SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Fixed maturities	$ 34,815,931		$ 29,787,959
Equity securities	646,027		411,786
Total investments	43,805,489		36,914,802
Cash	466,542		368,801		267,298	264,425
Property and equipment, net	52,403		47,607
Goodwill	105,463		108,561		111,659
Deferred income tax	442,354		182,888
Other assets	426,677		262,052
Total assets	68,784,107		57,384,672
Liabilities
Debt	1,585,000		1,400,000
Subordinated debt securities	540,593		540,593
Total liabilities	65,069,313		52,770,239
Commitments and contingencies - Note 3
Shareowners' equity
Preferred stock
Common stock	44,388		44,388
Additional paid-in-capital	606,934		606,369
Treasury stock	(200,416)		(209,840)
Retained earnings, including undistributed income of subsidiaries: (2013 - $3,177,910; 2012 - $2,924,314)	2,769,822		2,437,544		2,191,319
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains on investments, all from subsidiaries, net of income tax: (2013 - $289,908; 2012 - $978,656)	538,400		1,817,504		1,094,103
Net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2013 - $325; 2012 - $(2,147))	603		(3,988)
Accumulated gain (loss) - derivatives, net of income tax: (2013 - $(666); 2012 - $(1,883))	(1,235)		(3,496)
Postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (2013 - $(23,532); 2012 - $(39,468))	(43,702)		(73,298)
Total Protective Life Corporation's shareowners' equity	3,714,794		4,615,183
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity	68,784,107		57,384,672
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
Assets
Fixed maturities	43,639
Equity securities	45,263		38,072
Surplus notes from affiliate	800,000		800,000
Investments in subsidiaries (equity method)	4,982,231		5,818,869
Total investments	5,871,133		6,656,941
Cash	56,845		63,796		63,361	1,693
Receivables from subsidiaries	24,930		9,012
Property and equipment, net	1,234		39
Goodwill	10,275		10,275
Deferred income tax	11,693		9,901
Other assets	36,066		35,445
Total assets	6,012,176		6,785,409
Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	148,059		185,783
Accrued income taxes	23,730		29,350
Notes to affiliates			14,500
Debt	1,585,000		1,400,000
Subordinated debt securities	540,593		540,593
Total liabilities	2,297,382		2,170,226
Commitments and contingencies - Note 3
Shareowners' equity
Preferred stock
Common stock	44,388		44,388
Additional paid-in-capital	606,934		606,369
Treasury stock	(200,416)		(209,840)
Retained earnings, including undistributed income of subsidiaries: (2013 - $3,177,910; 2012 - $2,924,314)	2,769,822		2,437,544
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains on investments, all from subsidiaries, net of income tax: (2013 - $289,908; 2012 - $978,656)	538,400		1,817,504
Net unrealized gains (losses) relating to other-than-temporary impaired investments for which a portion has been recognized in earnings, net of income tax: (2013 - $325; 2012 - $(2,147))	603		(3,988)
Accumulated gain (loss) - derivatives, net of income tax: (2013 - $(666); 2012 - $(1,883))	(1,235)		(3,496)
Postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (2013 - $(23,532); 2012 - $(39,468))	(43,702)		(73,298)
Total Protective Life Corporation's shareowners' equity	3,714,794		4,615,183
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity	$ 6,012,176	[1]	$ 6,785,409	[1]

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