Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	LINCOLN VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	May 01, 2017
LVIP Vanguard International Equity ETF Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	LVIP Vanguard International Equity ETF Fund (Standard and Service Class) Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The investment objective of the LVIP Vanguard International Equity ETF 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)
Fee Waiver or Reimbursement over Assets, Date of Termination	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination	April 30, 2018
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 13% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	13.00%
Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]	rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent	Other Expenses were restated to reflect the current fee structure of the fund.
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text]	rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees	The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to the average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights table which reflects only the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include AFFE.
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. This example reflects the net operating expenses with fee waiver for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without fee waiver for the remaining time periods shown below. 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 operates under a fund of funds structure. The Fund’s investment strategy, under normal circumstances, will be to invest at least 80% of its assets in underlying exchange-traded funds (“underlying ETFs” or “ETFs”) which invest in foreign equity securities (stocks) including emerging markets securities. The underlying ETFs primarily are Vanguard ETFs®*. The Vanguard Group, Inc. is not affiliated with the Fund or its adviser. Foreign equity securities are securities of companies organized, or having a majority of their assets, or earning a majority of their operating income, outside of the United States. Foreign equity securities may trade on U.S. or foreign markets. An emerging market country is generally considered to be one that is in the initial stages of its industrialization cycle and has a lower per capita gross national product. The adviser develops the Fund's asset allocation strategy based on the Fund's investment strategy. Through its investment in underlying ETFs, the Fund's investment strategy will be to allocate a large percentage of assets across a broad and diverse range of international stocks with growth and value styles, including large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap and emerging market stocks. The Fund, through the underlying ETFs, may invest a large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular region. ETFs are typically funds that track an index and whose shares are listed and traded on a stock exchange or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market, and may be purchased and sold throughout the trading day based on their market price. On at least an annual basis, the adviser will reassess and may make revisions in the Fund's asset allocation strategy consistent with the Fund's investment strategy and objective, including revising the weightings among the investments described above and adding underlying ETFs to or removing underlying ETFs from the asset allocation strategy. The adviser will also periodically rebalance the weightings in the underlying ETFs held by the Fund to the current asset allocation strategy. In general, the adviser does not anticipate making frequent changes in the asset allocation strategy and will not attempt to time the market. The adviser uses various analytical tools and proprietary and third party research to construct the portfolio. The underlying ETF selection is made based on the Fund’s particular asset allocation strategy, the adviser's desired asset class exposures, country and regional exposure, and the investment styles and performance of the underlying ETFs. The adviser also considers the portfolio characteristics and risk profile for each underlying ETF over various periods and market environments to assess each underlying ETF's suitability as an investment. * Vanguard and Vanguard ETF are trademarks of The Vanguard Group, Inc. The Fund is non-diversified for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), and as a result may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer than a diversified fund. Through the underlying funds, which are diversified funds, the Fund indirectly owns a broad mix of equity securities (stocks).
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. Because the Fund invests its assets in shares of underlying funds, the Fund indirectly owns the same investments as those made by the underlying funds. By investing in the Fund, therefore, you indirectly assume the same types of risks as investing directly in the underlying funds. The Fund's investment performance is affected by each underlying fund's investment performance, and the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective depends, in large part, on each underlying fund's ability to meet its investment objective. The following risks reflect the Fund's principal risks, which include the underlying funds' principal risks. 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. Asset Allocation Risk. With an asset allocation strategy, the amount invested in various asset classes of securities may change over time. Asset allocation risk could result in an allocation to an underperforming asset class. 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. 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. 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. Exchange-Traded Fund (“ETF”) Risk. ETFs generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities they hold, although lack of liquidity in ETF shares could result in the price of the ETF being more volatile. Passive Management Risk. Index funds invest in the securities of an index rather than actively selecting among securities. With an indexing strategy there is no attempt to manage volatility, use defensive strategies, or reduce the effects of any long-term period of poor investment performance. 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 first quarter of 2012 at: 12.16%. The Fund’s lowest return for a quarter occurred in the third quarter of 2015 at: (11.34%).
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	Average Annual Total Returns For periods ended 12/31/16
LVIP Vanguard International Equity ETF Fund | Standard Class
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Management Fee	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.09%	[1]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (AFFE)	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.13%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.47%	[2],[3]
Less Fee Waiver	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.05%)	[4]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.42%	[5]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 43
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	146
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	258
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	587
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	43
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	146
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	258
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 587
2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	19.35%
2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	14.75%
2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	(4.64%)
2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	(2.95%)
2016	rr_AnnualReturn2016	3.72%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	highest return
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	12.16%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	lowest return
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2015
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(11.34%)
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	3.72%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.62%
Lifetime Since inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.89%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	May 02, 2011
LVIP Vanguard International Equity ETF Fund | Service Class
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Management Fee	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.25%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.09%	[1]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (AFFE)	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.13%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.72%	[2],[3]
Less Fee Waiver	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.05%)	[4]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.67%	[5]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 68
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	225
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	396
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	890
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	68
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	225
5 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	396
10 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 890
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	3.46%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.36%
Lifetime Since inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.64%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	May 02, 2011
LVIP Vanguard International Equity ETF Fund | MSCI All Country World ex USA Index (net dividends) (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	4.50%
5 years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	5.00%
Lifetime Since inception	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	0.27%
Inception Date	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	May 02, 2011

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

[2] (including AFFE)

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to the average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights table which reflects only the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include AFFE.

[4] Lincoln Investment Advisors Corporation (the “adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive the following portion of its advisory fee: 0.05% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The agreement will continue at least through April 30, 2018 and cannot be terminated before that date without the mutual agreement of the Fund’s board of trustees and the adviser.

[5] (After Fee Waiver)