COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Estimated income tax payment if IRS prevails on every issue identified in audit	$ 24.3

Additional income tax cash payments required if the entity's appeal to the IRS is denied relating to IRS proposed adjustments to the entity's taxable income for prior years.

No definition available.

Name:	plico_PotentialAdditionalIncomeTaxCashPayments
Namespace Prefix:	plico_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant