Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	LINCOLN VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	May 01, 2017
LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Fund (Standard and Service Class) Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The investment objective of the LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Fund (the “Fund”) is to seek total return through a combination of current income and long-term capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and Expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares. This table does not reflect any variable contract expenses. If variable contract expenses were included, the expenses shown would be higher.
Operating Expenses Caption [Text]	rr_OperatingExpensesCaption	Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	Portfolio Turnover
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 45% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	45.00%
Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]	rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent	Other Expenses were restated to reflect the current fee structure of the fund.
Expense Example [Heading]	rr_ExpenseExampleHeading	Example
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock	This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over the time periods indicated if you invest $10,000 in the Fund’s shares. The example also assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower than this example. This example does not reflect any variable contract expenses. If variable contract expenses were included, the expenses shown would be higher. The results apply whether or not you redeem your investment at the end of the given period.
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in equity securities of companies that are principally engaged in the real estate industry (“real estate companies”). The Fund’s sub-adviser, under normal circumstances, will invest at least 80% of the Fund’s assets in companies in the real estate industry. The Fund’s sub-adviser defines a real estate company as a company that derives its intrinsic value from owning, operating, leasing, developing, managing, brokering and/or selling residential, commercial or industrial real estate, land or infrastructure. Real estate companies include, for example, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The sub-adviser uses a multi-step investment process for constructing the Fund’s investment portfolio that combines top-down region and sector allocation with bottom-up individual stock selection. The sub-adviser first selects property sectors and geographic regions in which to invest, then uses an in-house valuation process to identify investments that it believes demonstrate superior current income and growth potential relative to their peers. Although the Fund’s sub-adviser expects to invest primarily in common stock, it also may invest in other equity securities, including preferred stocks, convertible securities, and rights or warrants to buy common stocks. The sub-adviser may purchase equity securities in initial public offerings and Rule 144A offerings. The sub-adviser will invest Fund assets in real estate companies located in a number of different countries, including the United States and other developed countries. The sub-adviser also may invest in companies located in countries with emerging securities markets. The sub-adviser may invest in securities of companies of any market capitalization. The Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and as a result may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer than a diversified fund.
Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text]	rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration	The Fund’s sub-adviser, under normal circumstances, will invest at least 80% of the Fund’s assets in companies in the real estate industry.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	All mutual funds carry risk.  Accordingly, loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. Here are specific principal risks of investing in the Fund: Market Risk. The value of portfolio investments may decline. As a result, your investment in a fund may decline in value and you could lose money. Real Estate Sector Risk. When a fund concentrates its investments in the real estate industry, it is not as diversified among other industries, and therefore may experience price declines when conditions are unfavorable in the real estate industry. Real Estate and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Risk. Investing in real estate securities (including REITs) is subject to the risks associated with the direct ownership and development of real estate. These risks include declines in real estate values, fluctuations in rental income (due in part to vacancies and rates), increases in operating costs and property taxes, increases in financing costs or inability to procure financing, potential environmental liabilities and changes in zoning laws and other regulations. REITs whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are subject to risks affecting such industries and regions. The securities of REITs involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements because of interest rate changes, economic conditions and other factors. Securities of such issuers may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable the Fund to effect sales at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price. Growth Stocks Risk. Growth stocks, due to their relatively high market valuations, typically have been more volatile than value stocks. Growth stocks may not pay dividends, or may pay lower dividends, than value stocks and may be more adversely affected in a down market. Value Stocks Risk. Value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings or assets compared to other types of stocks, such as growth stocks. Value stocks can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time, may not ever realize their potential value, and may even go down in price. Medium-Cap Companies Risk. Securities issued by medium-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt market movements and may involve greater risks than investments in larger companies. These less developed, lesser-known companies may experience greater risks than those normally associated with larger companies. This is due to, among other things, the greater business risks of smaller size and limited product lines, markets, distribution channels, and financial and managerial resources. Small-Cap Companies Risk. The value of securities issued by small-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt market movements and may involve greater risks than investments in larger companies. Foreign Investments Risk. Foreign investments have additional risks that are not present when investing in U.S. investments. Foreign currency fluctuations or economic or financial instability could cause the value of foreign investments to fluctuate. Additionally, foreign investments include the risk of loss from foreign government or political actions including; for example, the imposition of exchange controls, confiscations and other government restrictions, or from problems in registration, settlement or custody. Investing in foreign investments may involve risks resulting from the reduced availability of public information concerning issuers. Foreign investments may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than comparable investments in U.S. issuers. Emerging Markets Risk. Companies located in emerging markets tend to be less liquid, have more volatile prices, and have significant potential for loss in comparison to investments in developed markets. Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency risk is the risk that the U.S. dollar value of foreign investments may be negatively affected by changes in foreign (non-U.S.) currency rates. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. In addition, currency management strategies may substantially change the Fund’s exposure to currency exchange rates and could negatively affect the value of the Fund’s foreign investments, if currencies do not perform as expected. Currency management strategies also may reduce the Fund’s ability to benefit from favorable changes in currency exchange rates. Currency Management Strategy Risk. Currency management strategies, including cross-hedging, may substantially change exposure to currency exchange rates and could result in losses if currencies do not perform as expected. In addition, currency management strategies, to the extent that they reduce exposure to currency risks, also may reduce the ability to benefit from favorable changes in currency exchange rates. Furthermore, there may not be perfect correlation between the amount of exposure to a particular currency and the amount of securities in the portfolio denominated in that currency. Currency rates may also fluctuate significantly, reducing returns. Regional Risk. The Fund will generally have more exposure to the specific market, currency, economic, political, regulatory, geopolitical, or other risks in the regions or countries in which it invests. As a result, the Fund could experience substantial illiquidity, volatility or reduction in the value of its investments, as compared to a more geographically-diversified fund. Convertible Bond Risk. The market value of a convertible bond performs like that of a regular debt security; that is, if market interest rates rise, the value of a convertible bond usually falls. In addition, convertible bonds are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due, and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Convertible bonds are also usually subordinate to other debt securities issued by the same issuer. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible bond is also subject to the same types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying security. Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. The value of preferred stock also can be affected by prevailing interest rates. Preferred securities may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. In addition, a company’s preferred securities generally pay dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. Initial Public Offering (IPO) Risk. IPO shares frequently are volatile in price, and may be held for only a short period of time, leading to increased portfolio turnover and expenses, such as commissions and transaction costs. When sold, IPO shares may result in realized taxable gains. Non-Diversification Risk. When a mutual fund is non-diversified, it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer than a diversified fund. Therefore, a fund’s value may decrease because of a single investment or a small number of investments. Depository Receipts Risk. Depository receipts are receipts issued by a bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by foreign companies. Some foreign securities are traded in the form of American Depository Receipts (ADRs). Depository receipts are subject to the risks usually associated with foreign securities, including risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency. In addition, ADR holders may not have all the legal rights of shareholders and may experience difficulty in receiving shareholder communications. Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that securities holdings which are considered to be illiquid may be difficult to value. Illiquid holdings also may be difficult to sell, both at the time or price desired. Liquidity risk also may result from increased shareholder redemptions in the Fund. Furthermore, a potential rise in interest rates may result in a period of Fund volatility and increased redemptions, heightening liquidity risk. In addition, liquidity risk may result from the lack of an active market for fixed income securities, as well the reduced capacity of dealers to make a market for such securities.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	All mutual funds carry risk.  Accordingly, loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]	rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus	Non-Diversification Risk. When a mutual fund is non-diversified, it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer than a diversified fund. Therefore, a fund’s value may decrease because of a single investment or a small number of investments.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Fund Performance
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of choosing to invest in the Fund. The information shows: (a) how the Fund's Standard Class investment results have varied from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of the Fund's Standard and Service Classes for various periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows performance of the Fund's Standard Class shares, but does not reflect the impact of variable contract expenses. If it did, returns would be lower than those shown. Performance in the average annual returns table does not reflect the impact of variable contract expenses. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	The information shows: (a) how the Fund's Standard Class investment results have varied from year to year; and (b) how the average annual total returns of the Fund's Standard and Service Classes for various periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance.
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	Annual Total Returns (%)
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	The bar chart shows performance of the Fund's Standard Class shares, but does not reflect the impact of variable contract expenses. If it did, returns would be lower than those shown.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	During the periods shown in the above chart, the Fund’s highest return for a quarter occurred in the second quarter of 2009 at: 36.16%. The Fund’s lowest return for a quarter occurred in the fourth quarter of 2008 at: (30.46%).
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average Annual Total Returns For periods ended 12/31/16
LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Fund | Standard Class
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Management Fee	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.69%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.09%	[1]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.78%
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 80
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	250
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	435
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	969
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	80
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	250
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	435
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 969
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(42.03%)
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	37.79%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	17.96%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	(8.67%)
2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	24.68%
2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	3.31%
2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	13.89%
2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(1.22%)
2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	1.18%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	highest return
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	36.16%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	lowest return
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(30.46%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	1.18%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	7.95%
Lifetime Since inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.22%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Apr. 30, 2007
LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Fund | Service Class
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Management Fee	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.69%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.09%	[1]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.03%
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 105
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	329
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	570
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,262
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	105
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	329
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	570
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 1,262
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	0.94%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	7.69%
Lifetime Since inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	(0.03%)
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Apr. 30, 2007
LVIP Clarion Global Real Estate Fund | FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Index (net dividends) (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	4.06%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	9.48%
Lifetime Since inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.75%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Apr. 30, 2007

[1] Other Expenses were restated to reflect the current fee structure of the fund.