Name:	lnc_AmortizationAssociatedWithGrossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentNetIncome
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of gross other than temporary impairment loss on a debt security, categorized as Available-for-sale, related to factors other than credit losses when the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

No definition available.

Name:	lnc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

This line item represents the change in deferred acquisition costs, value of business acquired, deferred sales inducements and deferred front-end loads associated with gross other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

No definition available.

Name:	lnc_ChangeInRelatedItemsOnGrossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of gross other than temporary impairment losses on investments in debt and equity securities categorized as Available-for-sale which have been recognized in net income during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	lnc_GrossOttiRecognizedInNetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of other than temporary impairment losses on investments in debt and equity securities categorized as Available-for-sale which have been recognized in earnings during the period, pre-tax, after the associated amortization expense of DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL.

No definition available.

Name:	lnc_NetOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesOnSecuritiesRecognizedInEarnings
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	lnc_OttiRecognizedInNetIncomeLossAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	lnc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Gross other than temporary impairment loss on a debt security, categorized as Available-for-sale, related to factors other than credit losses when the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost. This amount is a portion of the deduction from the total impairment losses of Investments (before taxes) presented on the income statement after the change in DAC, VOBA, DSI and DFEL.

No definition available.