DAI-ICHI MERGER (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 01, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Significant acquisitions
Goodwill	$ 735,700	$ 735,712
Assets
Goodwill	$ 735,700	$ 735,712
Protective Life Corporation | Dai-ichi Life
Significant acquisitions
Per share merger consideration (in dollars per share)	$ 70
Aggregate cash consideration	$ 5,600,000
Goodwill	735,712
Expected tax deductible goodwill	0
Assets
Fixed maturities	38,363,025
Equity securities	745,512
Mortgage loans	5,580,229
Investment real estate	7,456
Policy loans	1,751,872
Other long-term investments	686,507
Short-term investments	316,167
Total investments	47,450,768
Cash	462,710
Accrued investment income	484,021
Accounts and premiums receivable	112,182
Reinsurance receivables	5,724,020
Value of business acquired	1,276,886
Goodwill	735,712
Other intangibles	683,000
Property and equipment	104,364
Other assets	120,762
Income tax receivable	15,458
Assets related to separate accounts
Variable annuity	12,970,587
Variable universal life	819,188
Total assets	70,959,658
Liabilities
Future policy and benefit claims	30,195,841
Unearned premiums	682,183
Total policy liabilities and accruals	30,878,024
Stable value product account balances	1,932,277
Annuity account balances	10,941,661
Other policyholders' funds	1,388,083
Other liabilities	2,188,863
Deferred income taxes	1,535,556
Non-recourse funding obligation	621,798
Repurchase program borrowings	50,000
Debt	1,519,211
Subordinated debt securities	560,351
Liabilities related to separate accounts
Variable annuity	12,970,587
Variable universal life	819,188
Total liabilities	65,405,599
Net assets acquired	$ 5,554,059