CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income	$ 93,061	$ 60,480	$ 274,551	$ 235,656
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $(145,224); 2012 - $205,978; nine months: 2013 - $(641,532); 2012 - $384,084)	(269,703)	382,536	(1,191,416)	713,305
Reclassification adjustment for investment amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $(653); 2012 - $(4,931); nine months: 2013 - $(9,488); 2012 - $(6,266))	(1,212)	(9,162)	(17,621)	(11,642)
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 - $(1,543); 2012 - $12,808; nine months: 2013 - $1,383; 2012 - $15,770)	(2,865)	23,784	2,570	29,284
Change in accumulated (loss) gain - derivatives, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $8; 2012 - $1,028; nine months: 2013 - $(55); 2012 - $1,424)	14	1,908	(103)	2,645
Reclassification adjustment for derivative amounts included in net income, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $200; 2012 - $385; nine months: 2013 - $577; 2012 - $961)	372	716	1,072	1,785
Change in postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of income tax: (three months: 2013 - $(922); 2012 - $(728); nine months: 2013 - $(2,766); 2012 - $(2,183))	(1,712)	(1,352)	(5,136)	(4,055)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(275,106)	398,430	(1,210,634)	731,322
Comprehensive income (loss)	(182,045)	458,910	(936,083)	966,978
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Protective Life Corporation	$ (182,045)	$ 458,910	$ (936,083)	$ 966,978