Reinsurance - Effects of Reinsurance (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Short Duration Contracts Premium And Fees [Abstract]
Direct	$ 26,445	$ 23,954	$ 17,300
Assumed	393	382	158
Ceded	(253)	(217)	(185)
Total short duration	26,585	24,119	17,273
Long Duration Contracts Premium And Fees [Abstract]
Direct	2,499	2,234	1,919
Assumed	183	86	36
Ceded: Individual life insurance and annuity business sold	(176)	(186)	(203)
Ceded: Other	(115)	(66)	(59)
Total long duration	2,391	2,068	1,693
Total premiums and fees	28,976	26,187	18,966
Reinsurance Recoveries [Abstract]
Individual life insurance and annuity business sold	335	316	310
Other	(18)	201	213
Total	$ 317	$ 517	$ 523

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Premiums and fees on long duration contracts assumed by the Company from other insurance companies.

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Premiums and fees on short duration contracts assumed by the Company from other insurance companies.

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No definition available.

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Premiums and fees on long duration contracts from the sold Individual life insurance and annuity business ceded by the Company to Lincoln National Life Insurance.

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Premiums and fees on long duration contracts from other businesses ceded by the Company to other insurance companies.

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No definition available.

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Premiums and fees on short duration contracts ceded by the Company to other insurance companies.

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No definition available.

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Premiums and fees on long duration contracts directly written by the Company.

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No definition available.

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Premiums and fees on short duration contracts directly written by the Company.

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Premiums and fees on long duration contracts net of ceded and assumed amounts.

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No definition available.

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Premiums and fees on short duration contracts net of ceded and assumed amounts.

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- Definition

Premiums earned on the income statement for all insurance and reinsurance contracts after subtracting any amounts ceded to another insurer and adding premiums assumed from other insurers. Total fees and commissions earned from providing services such as leasing of space or maintaining: (1) depositor accounts; (2) transfer agent; (3) fiduciary and trust; (4) brokerage and underwriting; (5) mortgage; (6) credit cards; (7) correspondent clearing; and (8) other such services and activities performed for others. Total fees and commissions earned from providing services such as leasing of space or maintaining: (1) depositor accounts; (2) transfer agent; (3) fiduciary and trust; (4) brokerage and underwriting; (5) mortgage; (6) credit cards; (7) correspondent clearing; and (8) other such services and activities performed for others.

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Reinsurance recoveries from other operations that are netted against Benefits and Expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income

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Reinsurance recoveries from the Individual Life Insurance and Annuity business sold that are netted against Benefits and Expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income

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Total reinsurance recoveries that are netted against Benefits and expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.

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