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DAC, VOBA, DSI, and DFEL (DFEL) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Changes in DFEL [Abstract] |  |  |
Balance as of beginning-of-year | $ 1,874 | $ 1,952 | $ 1,401
Deferrals | 755 | 631 | 539
Amortization, net of interest: |  |  |
Amortization, excluding unlocking, net of interest | (396) | (365) | (308)
Unlocking | 1 | (63) | (68)
Adjustment related to realized (gains) losses | (14) | (3) | (4)
Adjustment related to unrealized (gains) losses | (775) | (278) | 392
Balance as of end-of-year | $ 1,445 | $ 1,874 | $ 1,952

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- Definition The unamortized carrying amount of deferred front end loads as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lnc_DeferredFrontEndLoads
Namespace Prefix: | lnc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition The amount of deferred front end loads capitalized during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lnc_DeferredFrontEndLoadsAdditions
Namespace Prefix: | lnc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition The amount of adjustment to amortization of deferred front end loads arising from a revision in estimated gross profit (when such amount serves as the basis for allocating amortization of DFEL to reporting periods). + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | lnc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lnc_DeferredFrontEndLoadsAmortizationExpenseNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | lnc_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Amount of amortization of deferred front end loads attributable to realized investment gains (losses). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lnc_DeferredFrontEndLoadsAmortizationExpenseNetInvestmentGainsLosses
Namespace Prefix: | lnc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of other amortization of deferred front end loads, net of interest, during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lnc_DeferredFrontEndLoadsAmortizationExpenseOtherAmortizationNetOfInterest
Namespace Prefix: | lnc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Amount of amortization of deferred front end loads attributable to unrealized investment gains (losses). + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | lnc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lnc_MovementInDeferredFrontEndLoadsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | lnc_
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