Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jul. 28, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLN NATIONAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000059558
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 7,700,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		308,340,501
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2