CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income	$ 393,464	$ 302,452	$ 315,637
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (2013 - $(673,345); 2012 - $392,600; 2011 - $400,848)	(1,250,498)	729,120	744,447
Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2013 - $(15,403); 2012 - $(3,076); 2011 - $(14,671))	(28,606)	(5,719)	(27,261)
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: (2013 - $2,472; 2012 - $16,281; 2011 - $(13,205))	4,591	30,236	(24,524)
Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (2013 - $395; 2012 - $1,108; 2011 - $2,382)	734	2,058	4,424
Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (2013 - $822; 2012 - $1,120; 2011 - $(138))	1,527	2,080	(256)
Change in postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (2013 - $15,936; 2012 - $(3,498); 2011 - $(10,358))	29,596	(6,497)	(19,236)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,242,656)	751,278	677,594
Comprehensive income (loss)	(849,192)	1,053,730	993,231
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			(245)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Protective Life Corporation	$ (849,192)	$ 1,053,730	$ 992,986