Statutory Information and Restrictions (Net Gain Loss From Operations, Net Income Loss, Dividends to LNC Holding Company) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statutory Information and Restrictions [Abstract]
U.S. net gain from operations, after-tax	$ 1,111	$ 635	$ 1,225
U.S. net income (loss)	1,002	838	1,456
U.S. dividends to LNC holding company	$ 970	$ 1,175	$ 785