Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 1,298	$ 31
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Realized (gain) loss	(16)	448
Trading securities purchases, sales and maturities, net	219	24
Amortization of deferred gain on business sold through reinsurance	(22)	(27)
Change in:
Deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements and deferred front-end loads deferrals and interest, net of amortization	325	355
Premiums and fees receivable	(99)	(33)
Accrued investment income	(44)	(157)
Insurance liabilities and reinsurance-related balances	(300)	634
Accrued expenses	200	(188)
Federal income tax accruals	234	(236)
Cash management agreement	(1,367)	(1,694)
Other	(226)	50
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	202	(793)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchases of available-for-sale securities and equity securities	(11,756)	(12,107)
Sales of available-for-sale securities and equity securities	1,441	1,354
Maturities of available-for-sale securities	6,897	3,581
Purchases of alternative investments	(504)	(265)
Sales and repayments of alternative investments	258	116
Issuance of mortgage loans on real estate	(2,191)	(1,221)
Repayment and maturities of mortgage loans on real estate	1,267	835
Issuance (repayment) of policy loans, net	47	(51)
Net change in collateral on investments, derivatives and related settlements	2,132	2,207
Other	(181)	(113)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(2,590)	(5,664)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Capital contribution from Lincoln National Corporation	65	475
Payment of long-term debt, including current maturities	(60)	(30)
Issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs		30
Issuance (payment) of short-term debt	(14)	(142)
Proceeds from certain financing arrangements	50	69
Deposits of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable	9,136	10,544
Withdrawals of fixed account values, including the fixed portion of variable	(4,935)	(4,590)
Transfers to and from separate accounts, net	(252)	427
Common stock issued for benefit plans	(12)	(8)
Dividends paid to Lincoln National Corporation	(795)	(486)
Other	(63)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,120	6,289
Net increase (decrease) in cash, invested cash and restricted cash	732	(168)
Cash, invested cash and restricted cash as of beginning-of-year	1,462	1,879
Cash, invested cash and restricted cash as of end-of-period	$ 2,194	$ 1,711