Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Shares and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Deferred compensation plan mark to market adjustment	$ 7	$ (1)

Mark to market adjustments of the entity's stock associated with non-employee directors' deferred compensation plans.

No definition available.

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