BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012 Reclassifications
Out of Period Adjustment
Portion of prior period adjustment to correct valuation of interest support agreement related to the period	$ 1,900,000
Basis of Presentation
Impact of reclassifications on previously reported net income		0
Impact of reclassifications on previously reported shareowner equity		$ 0

Represents the impact on previously reported shareowner equity of certain reclassifications made to previously reported financial statements and accompanying notes to make prior year amounts comparable to those of the current year.

No definition available.

Name:	plico_ReclassificationImpactOnPreviouslyReportedShareownerEquity
Namespace Prefix:	plico_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration