Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Reinsurance
Reinsurance recoverables included in other long-term assets	$ 420,696,000	$ 378,300,000
Percentage of reinsurance recoverables resulting 100% coinsurance agreements	52.00%	59.00%
Premiums ceded	33,700,000	33,000,000	34,200,000
Number of reinsurers other than Protective Life Insurance Company that comprise the reinsurance recoverables balance	20
Maximum balance related to reinsurers other than Protective Life Insurance Company	60,000,000
Number of reinsurers who have placed cash and securities in trusts	2
Cash and securities in trusts held by certain reinsurers	$ 26,200,000

Amount held in cash and securities in trust, at least equal to the recoverable from the reinsurer"

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- Definition

Maximum balance related to reinsurers other than Protective Life Insurance Company

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- Definition

Number of reinsurers other than Protective Life Insurance Company that comprise the reinsurance recoverables balance

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Number of reinsurers who have placed cash and securities in trusts

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- Definition

Percentage of reinsurance recoverables resulting from 100% coinsurance agreements

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- Definition

Total consideration paid and payable to reinsurers during the period pursuant to terms of reinsurance arrangements.

+ References

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 17

-Article 12

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 113

-Paragraph 27

-Subparagraph a, 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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 605

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b),(c)(2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6486672&loc=d3e27261-158547

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- Definition

The known and estimated amount recoverable as of the balance sheet date from reinsurers for claims paid or incurred by the ceding insurer and associated claims settlement expenses, including estimated amounts for claims incurred but not reported, and policy benefits, net of any related valuation allowance.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.(a),6)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 7

-Section 03

-Paragraph 6

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 113

-Paragraph 14, 16, 27, 113

-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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6480758&loc=d3e6824-158387

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