Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	LINCOLN VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	May 01, 2017
Lincoln iShares(R) Fixed Income Allocation Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Lincoln iShares® Fixed Income Allocation Fund (Standard Class) Summary
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The investment objective of the Lincoln iShares® Fixed Income Allocation Fund (the “Fund”) is to maximize total return, consistent with prudent investment management and liquidity needs.
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. The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the most recent fiscal year end. Thus, no portfolio turnover rate has been provided.
Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]	rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates	Other Expenses and AFFE are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, Based on Estimates [Text]	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesBasedOnEstimates	AFFE are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
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 and expense reimbursement for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without fee waiver and expense reimbursement 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, under normal circumstances, invests substantially all of its assets in Exchange Traded Funds ("underlying ETFs") or financial instruments that provide exposure to such underlying ETFs. The underlying ETFs, in turn, invest in fixed income (bonds) securities. The Fund's underlying ETF strategy is sub-advised by BlackRock Investment Management, LLC ("BlackRock"). Under normal circumstances, approximately 100% of the Fund's underlying ETF assets will be invested primarily in fixed income securities (bonds). In general, the Fund invests in underlying ETFs that invest primarily in fixed-income securities (referred to as "fixed-income funds"). Fixed-income funds may include funds that invest in, among other things, domestic and non-U.S. bonds, U.S. Government securities, mortgage-backed securities, high yield (or junk) bonds, and cash or money market instruments. The Fund currently expects to allocate at least 85% of its assets to investments within the United States. The Fund's investments outside the United States may include emerging markets. The Fund's fixed-income allocation may be further diversified by sector (including government, corporate, agency, mortgage-backed securities, and other sectors), duration (a calculation of the average life of a bond which measures its price risk), credit quality (including non-investment grade debt or "junk bonds"), geographic location, or other factors. The percentage allocation to the various types of fixed income securities are determined at the discretion of the portfolio managers and can be changed to reflect the current market environment. The Fund may, when consistent with its investment objective, buy or sell options or futures, or enter into total return swaps and foreign currency transactions (collectively, commonly known as derivatives). The Fund may seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it primarily invests by entering into a series of purchase and sale contracts or by using other investment techniques (such as reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls). Reverse repurchase agreements may constitute borrowing. The Fund may use derivatives as a substitute for taking a position in an underlying ETF and such derivative exposure shall be included in the Fund's fixed-income asset allocation as determined by Fund management. The Fund may also use derivatives as part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks and to enhance returns, in which case their use would involve leveraging risk. Additional Information About Investment Strategies 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 fixed income securities (bonds).
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 investments 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. 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. 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. Interest Rate Risk. When interest rates rise, fixed income securities (i.e., debt obligations) generally will decline in value. These declines in value are greater for fixed income securities with longer maturities or durations. Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt obligation will be unable or unwilling to make interest or principal payments on time. Credit risk is often gauged by “credit ratings” assigned by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”). A decrease in an issuer’s credit rating may cause a decline in the value of the issuer’s debt obligations. However, credit ratings may not reflect the issuer’s current financial condition or events since the security was last rated by a rating agency. Credit ratings also may be influenced by rating agency conflicts of interest or based on historical data that are no longer applicable or accurate. Prepayment/Call Risk. Debt securities are subject to prepayment risk when the issuer can “call” the security, or repay principal, in whole or in part, prior to the security’s maturity. When the Fund reinvests the prepayments of principal it receives, it may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the called security. Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. The value of mortgage-backed securities (commercial and residential) may fluctuate significantly in response to changes in interest rates. During periods of falling interest rates, underlying mortgages may be paid early, lowering the potential total return (pre-payment risk). During periods of rising interest rates, the rate at which the underlying mortgages are pre-paid may slow unexpectedly, causing the maturity of the mortgage-backed securities to increase and their value to decline (maturity extension risk). Below Investment Grade Bond Risk. Below investment grade bonds, otherwise known as “high yield” bonds (“junk” bonds), generally have a greater risk of principal loss than investment grade bonds. Below investment grade bonds are often considered speculative and involve significantly higher credit risk and liquidity risk. The value of these bonds may fluctuate more than the value of higher-rated debt obligations, and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty or periods of rising interest rates and may be subject to negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity. 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. Futures Risk. A futures contract is considered a derivative because it derives its value from the price of the underlying security or financial index. The prices of futures contracts can be volatile, and futures contracts may be illiquid. In addition, there may be imperfect or even negative correlation between the price of the futures contracts and the price of the underlying securities. Losses on futures contracts may exceed the amount invested. 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. 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.
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 Fund commenced operations on February 21, 2017. Once the Fund has at least one full calendar year of performance, a bar chart and performance table will be included in the prospectus. Please note that the Fund’s past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Performance One Year or Less [Text]	rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess	The Fund commenced operations on February 21, 2017. Once the Fund has at least one full calendar year of performance, a bar chart and performance table will be included in the prospectus.
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	Please note that the Fund’s past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Lincoln iShares(R) Fixed Income Allocation 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	0.25%	[1]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (AFFE)	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.13%	[1]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.63%	[2],[3]
Less Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.35%)	[4]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	0.28%	[5]
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 29
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	166
1 year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	29
3 years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	$ 166

[1] Other Expenses and AFFE are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.

[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: 0.20% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The adviser has also contractually agreed to reimburse the Fund to the extent that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding AFFE) exceed 0.15% of the Funds average daily net assets for the Standard Class. Both agreements 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/Expense Reimbursement)