Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$ 26
Collateral Requirement If Netting Agreements Not In Place	1
Non-performance Risk Adjustment	1
Exposure Associated With Collateralization Events	$ 81

Amount of collateral that would have been required to be posted as of the balance sheet date if contractual provisions that allow for netting of collateral with counterparties related to collateralized financing transactions were not in place.

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	lnc_CollateralRequirementIfNettingAgreementsNotInPlace
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of exposure associated with collateral support agreements in certain transactions that require the posting of collateral when net exposures exceed predetermined thresholds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	lnc_ExposureAssociatedWithCollateralizationEvents
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Credit, or nonperformance, risk adjustment associated with credit loss in the event of nonperformance by our counterparties on various derivative contracts.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	lnc_NonPerformanceRiskAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The estimated net amount of existing gains or losses on cash flow hedges at the reporting date expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7668309&loc=d3e80748-113994

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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