Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 02, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-31901
Entity Registrant Name	PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE CO
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	TN
Entity Tax Identification Number	63-0169720
Entity Address, Address Line One	2801 Highway 280 South
Entity Address, City or Town	Birmingham
Entity Address, State or Province	AL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	35223
City Area Code	205
Local Phone Number	268-1000
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,000,000
Documents Incorporated by Reference	None
Entity Central Index Key	0000310826
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY