Name:	lnc_AmortizationAssociatedWithRealizedGainLossOnCertainInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

This item represents the net realized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period on other investments.

No definition available.

Name:	lnc_OtherInvestmentsGrossRealizedGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	lnc_RealizedGainLossRelatedToCertainInvestmentsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

This item represents the net realized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period related to certain investments.

No definition available.

Name:	lnc_TotalRealizedGainLossRelatedToCertainInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

This item represents the gross profit realized on the sale of debt or equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 21

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

This item represents the gross loss realized on the sale of debt or equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.