SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 7) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest paid on debt	$ 171,360	$ 159,674	$ 158,033
Income taxes (reduced by amounts received from affiliates under a tax sharing agreement)	(27,211)	51,239	20,122
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Stock-based compensation	10,739	12,280	12,517
PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest paid on debt	125,685	131,473	136,590
Income taxes (reduced by amounts received from affiliates under a tax sharing agreement)	(33,623)	(30,110)	(8,882)
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Stock-based compensation	$ 10,739	$ 12,280	$ 12,517