Statutory Information and Restrictions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Statutory information [Abstract]
U.S. capital and surplus	$ 7,264	$ 6,955
U.S. net gain from operations, after-tax	323	557	913
U.S. net income (loss)	135	432	(4)
U.S. dividends to LNC Parent Company	818	684	455
Statutory Restrictions [Abstract]
Amount of dividends that could be paid in the next year without prior approval	675
Calculation of reserves using the Indiana universal life method [Member]
Statutory accounting practices [Line Items]
Effects on statutory surplus compared to NAIC statutory surplus from the use of prescribed and permitted practices	270	314
Calculation of reserves using continuous CARVM [Member]
Statutory accounting practices [Line Items]
Effects on statutory surplus compared to NAIC statutory surplus from the use of prescribed and permitted practices	(2)	(5)
Conservative valuation rate on certain variable annuities [Member]
Statutory accounting practices [Line Items]
Effects on statutory surplus compared to NAIC statutory surplus from the use of prescribed and permitted practices	(20)	(15)
Lesser of LOC and XXX additional reserve as surplus [Member]
Statutory accounting practices [Line Items]
Effects on statutory surplus compared to NAIC statutory surplus from the use of prescribed and permitted practices	$ 1,731	$ 457