Name:	plico_DefinedBenefitPlanAdjustedFundingTargetPercentageMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	plico_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The employer's best estimate of contributions expected to be paid to the plan during the next fiscal year, in addition to contributions already made after the date of the latest statement of financial position. Estimated contributions may be presented in the aggregate combining (1) contributions required by funding regulations or laws, (2) discretionary contributions, and (3) noncash contributions.

No definition available.

Name:	plico_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInRemainderOfNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	plico_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Represents the percentage of funded status that must be maintained by the entity for Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation reporting purposes.

No definition available.

Name:	plico_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionBenefitGuarantyCorporationFundedStatusPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	plico_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the threshold age plus vesting period of active employees, below which employees are eligible for a final pay-based pension benefit for service through December 31, 2007 and a cash balance benefit for service thereafter, and above which employees are eligible for a final pay-based pension benefit for service both before and after December 31, 2007, with a modest reduction in the formula for benefits earned thereafter.

No definition available.

Name:	plico_PayBasedPensionBenefitForServiceEligibleActiveEmployeesAgePlusVestingPeriodThreshold
Namespace Prefix:	plico_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920