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

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount that is received as security when loaning securities.

No definition available.

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

The net change during the reporting period in the amount that is received related to securities pledged under reverse repurchase agreements.

No definition available.

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

The net change during the reporting period in the amount that is received related to securities pledged under securities lending agreements.

No definition available.

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

The net change during the reporting period in the amount that is received related to securities pledged for Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.

No definition available.

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

The net change during the reporting period in the amount that is received related to securities pledged for Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility.

No definition available.

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

- Details

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

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount of cash that is received as security when loaning securities.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585