COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012 item
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Estimated income tax payment if IRS prevails on every issue identified in audit	$ 24.3
Number of auditors from whom notice has been received	2
Number of blocks of life insurance policies	1

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