Statutory Information and Restrictions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
U.S. capital and surplus	$ 6,715	$ 7,264
U.S. net gain from operations, after-tax	736	323	557
U.S. net income (loss)	681	135	432
U.S. dividends to LNC Parent Company	635	818	684
Statutory Restrictions [Abstract]
Amount of dividends that could be paid in the next year without prior approval	730
Calculation Of Reserves Using Indiana Universal Life Method [Member]
Statutory accounting practices [Line Items]
Effects on statutory surplus compared to NAIC statutory surplus from the use of prescribed and permitted practices	249	270
Statutory Accounting Practices Calculation Of Reserves Using Continuous Carvm [Member]
Statutory accounting practices [Line Items]
Effects on statutory surplus compared to NAIC statutory surplus from the use of prescribed and permitted practices	(2)	(2)
Statutory Accounting Practices Conservative Valuation Rate On Certain Variable Annuities [Member]
Statutory accounting practices [Line Items]
Effects on statutory surplus compared to NAIC statutory surplus from the use of prescribed and permitted practices	(26)	(20)
Statutory Accounting Practices Lesser Of Loc And Xxx Additional Reserve As Surplus [Member]
Statutory accounting practices [Line Items]
Effects on statutory surplus compared to NAIC statutory surplus from the use of prescribed and permitted practices	$ 2,483	$ 1,731