Derivative Instruments (Schedule Of Collateral Amounts With Rights To Reclaim Or Obligation To Return Cash) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	$ 2,246	$ 2,692
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)	(55)	(68)
AA [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	36	41
AA- [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	44	58
A plus [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	508	605
A [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	621	770
Collateral Posted by LNC (Held by Counter-Party)	(55)	(68)
A- [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	1,021	1,214
BBB [Member]
Collateral Posted by Counter-Party (Held by LNC)	$ 16	$ 4