Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 26, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
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 Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,000,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000310826
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31