Investments (Schedule Of Increase (Decrease) In Payables For Collateral On Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments
Collateral payable held for derivative investments	$ 1,617	$ (602)
Securities pledged under securities lending agreements	7	28
Securities pledged under repurchase agreements	16	427
Securities pledged for FHLBI		325
Total increase (decrease) in payables for collateral on investments	$ 1,640	$ 178

- Definition

The net change during the reporting period in the amount of cash that is received related to collateral payable held for derivative instruments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The net change during the reporting period in the amount of cash that is received related to securities pledged under reverse repurchase agreements

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Balance Type:	debit
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- Definition

The net change during the reporting period in the amount of cash that is received related to securities pledged under securities lending agreements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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- Definition

The net change during the reporting period in the amount of cash that is received related to securities pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount that is received as security when loaning securities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

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