Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	LINCOLN VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	May 01, 2017
LVIP Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 1 Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	LVIP Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 1 Fund (Standard and Service Class) Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The investment objective of the LVIP Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 1 Fund (the “Fund”) is to seek 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 4% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	4.00%
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	In constructing an investment portfolio, the Fund’s sub-adviser identifies a broadly diversified universe of eligible securities. It then places priority on efficiently managing portfolio turnover and keeping trading costs low. The Fund purchases a broad and diverse group of securities of U.S. companies with a greater emphasis on small capitalization and value companies as compared to their representation in the U.S. Universe. The sub-adviser generally defines the U.S. Universe as a free float adjusted market capitalization weighted portfolio of U.S. operating companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), NYSE MKT LLC or Nasdaq Global Market® or such other securities exchanges deemed appropriate by the sub-adviser. A “free float” adjustment takes into account the number of an issuer’s shares that are readily available in the market in addition to the issuer’s market capitalization. The Fund’s increased exposure to small and value companies may be achieved by decreasing the allocation of the Fund’s assets to the largest U.S. growth companies relative to their weight in the U.S. Universe, which would result in a greater allocation to small capitalization and value companies. An equity issuer is generally considered a growth company primarily if it has a low, non-negative book value in relation to its market capitalization. An equity issuer is generally considered a value company primarily if it has a high book value in relation to its market capitalization. The Fund, under normal circumstances, will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of U.S. companies. The percentage allocation of the assets of the Fund to securities of the largest U.S. growth companies as defined above will generally be reduced from between 2.5% and 25% of their percentage weight in the U.S. Universe. The percentage by which the Fund’s allocation to securities of the largest U.S. growth companies is reduced will change due to market movements. Additionally, the Fund’s percentage allocation to all securities as compared to their representation in the U.S. Universe may be modified after considering other factors the sub-adviser determines to be appropriate, such as free float (i.e., number of shares readily available in the market), momentum (i.e., securities that have significantly outperformed or underperformed the peer group), trading strategies (i.e., considering how the investment trades), liquidity management, and profitability. In assessing profitability, the sub-adviser may consider different ratios, such as that of earnings or profits from operations relative to book value or assets. The Fund also may use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for U.S. equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions.
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. 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. Income Stocks Risk. Income from stocks may be reduced by changes in the dividend policies of companies and the capital resources available for such payments at such companies. Depending upon market conditions, income producing common stock may not be widely available and/or may be highly concentrated in only a few market sectors, thereby limiting the ability to produce current income. 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. 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. Derivatives Risk. Derivatives, such as futures, forwards, options and swaps, involve risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Derivatives prices can be volatile and may move in unexpected ways, especially in unusual market conditions. Some derivatives are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates. In addition, there may be imperfect correlation between the price of the derivatives contract and the price of the underlying securities. Other risks include the potential inability to terminate or sell derivative positions. Further, losses could result if the counterparty to a transaction does not perform as promised. Derivative instruments may be “leveraged”, which may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	All mutual funds carry risk.  Accordingly, loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund.
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: 15.83%. The Fund’s lowest return for a quarter occurred in the fourth quarter of 2008 at: (21.32%).
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average Annual Total Returns For periods ended 12/31/16
LVIP Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 1 Fund | Standard Class
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Management Fee	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.35%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.08%	[1]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.43%
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 44
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	138
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	241
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	542
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	44
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	138
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	241
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 542
2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	6.12%
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(35.76%)
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	24.68%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	12.93%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	1.20%
2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	15.32%
2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	33.26%
2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	13.18%
2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(2.00%)
2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	14.41%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	highest return
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	15.83%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	lowest return
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(21.32%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	14.41%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	14.29%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	6.60%
LVIP Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 1 Fund | Service Class
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Management Fee	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.35%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.35%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.08%	[1]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.78%
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 80
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	249
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	433
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	966
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	80
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	249
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	433
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 966
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	14.01%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	13.89%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	6.23%
LVIP Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 1 Fund | Russell 3000® Index (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	12.74%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	14.67%
10 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	7.07%

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