CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income	$ 103,199	$ 76,155	$ 181,490	$ 175,176
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $(420,013); 2012 - $172,798; six months: 2013 - $(496,308); 2012 - $178,106)	(780,022)	320,913	(921,713)	330,769
Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $(6,131); 2012 - $(886); six months: 2013 - $(8,835); 2012 - $(1,335))	(11,387)	(1,647)	(16,409)	(2,480)
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: (three months: 2013 - $(1,293); 2012 - $1,391; six months: 2013 - $2,926; 2012 - $2,962)	(2,402)	2,583	5,435	5,500
Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $(1,606); 2012 - $(2,475); six months: 2013 - $(63); 2012 - $397)	(2,983)	(4,596)	(117)	737
Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $203; 2012 - $341; six months: 2013 - $377; 2012 - $576)	377	631	700	1,069
Change in postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $(922); 2012 - $(728); six months: 2013 - $(1,844); 2012 - $(1,456))	(1,712)	(1,351)	(3,424)	(2,703)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(798,129)	316,533	(935,528)	332,892
Comprehensive income (loss)	(694,930)	392,688	(754,038)	508,068
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Protective Life Corporation	$ (694,930)	$ 392,688	$ (754,038)	$ 508,068