Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reinsurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance recoverables included in other long-term assets	$ 436	$ 421
Percentage of reinsurance recoverables resulting 100% coinsurance agreements	51.00%	54.00%
Premiums ceded	34	34	33
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	70
Number of reinsurers who have placed cash and securities in trusts	2
Cash and securities in trusts held by certain reinsurers	$ 25

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

No definition available.

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- Definition

Maximum balance related to reinsurers other than Protective Life Insurance Company

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

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

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Number of reinsurers who have placed cash and securities in trusts

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Percentage of reinsurance recoverables resulting from 100% coinsurance agreements

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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

+ Details

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