Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Shares and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Deferred compensation plan mark to market adjustment	$ 7	$ 1	$ 6

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