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Shares and Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 9 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2016
Shares and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] |  |
Deferred compensation plan mark to market adjustment | $ (5) | $ 1

X
- Definition Mark to market adjustments of the entity's stock associated with non-employee directors' deferred compensation plans. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lnc_DeferredCompensationPlanMarkToMarketAdjustment
Namespace Prefix: | lnc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration