Investments (Composition Of Current And Past Due Mortgage Loans On Real Estate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Loans On Real Estate Aging [Abstract]
Current	$ 9,888	$ 8,677
Greater than 90 days past due	2
Valuation allowance associated with impaired mortgage loans on real estate	(2)	(2)	$ (3)	$ (3)
Unamortized premium (discount)	1	3
Total carrying value	$ 9,889	$ 8,678

No definition available.

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- Definition

Mortgage loans on real estate that are current.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Mortgage loans on real estate that are greater than 90 days past due.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	lnc_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateGreaterThanNinetyDaysPastDue
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- Definition

The amount of premium (net of discount) that was originally recognized at the issuance of the mortgage loan that has yet to be amortized.

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No definition available.

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- Definition

The reserve to cover probable credit losses related to specifically identified fixed maturity real estate loans as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of that loan portfolio.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 310
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6873192&loc=d3e21338-158488

+ Details

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- Definition

The balance represents the amount of loans that are secured by real estate mortgages, offset by the reserve to cover probable credit losses on the loan portfolio.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(c))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

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