SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details 8) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest paid	$ 110,301	$ 92,175	$ 89,657
Income taxes (reduced by amounts received from affiliates under a tax sharing agreement)	(54,370)	77,665	25,129
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Decrease in collateral for securities lending transactions			(96,653)
PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest paid	550	563	149
Income taxes (reduced by amounts received from affiliates under a tax sharing agreement)	(212,786)	6,897	(29,527)
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Decrease in collateral for securities lending transactions			$ (96,953)