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Variable Interest Entities ("VIE's") (Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Settlement Payments and Mark-to-Market Adjustments) (Details) (Derivative Instruments Not Designated and Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments, USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Settlement Payments And Mark To Market Adjustments [Line Items]    
Gains (losses) for consolidated variable interest entities $ 14lnc_SettlementPaymentsMarkToMarketAdjustmentsVariableInterestEntity [1] $ 101lnc_SettlementPaymentsMarkToMarketAdjustmentsVariableInterestEntity [1]
Credit default swaps [Member]    
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity Settlement Payments And Mark To Market Adjustments [Line Items]    
Gains (losses) for consolidated variable interest entities $ 14lnc_SettlementPaymentsMarkToMarketAdjustmentsVariableInterestEntity
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis
= us-gaap_NondesignatedMember		 $ 101lnc_SettlementPaymentsMarkToMarketAdjustmentsVariableInterestEntity
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis
= us-gaap_NondesignatedMember
[1] Reported in realized gain (loss) on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).