485BPOS

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2013

File No. 033-65137

File No. 811-07455

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under the SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Pre-Effective Amendment No.

Post-Effective Amendment No. 62

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under the INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No. 63

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

Virtus Opportunities Trust

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Area Code and Telephone Number: (800) 243-1574

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Kevin J. Carr, Esq.

Counsel

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

100 Pearl St.

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copies of All Correspondence to:

David C. Mahaffey, Esq.

Sullivan & Worcester LLP

1666 K Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20006

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

x immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

¨ on                          pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

¨ on                          or at such later date as the Commission shall order pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

¨ on                          pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

¨ this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 relates to the following funds:

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector^SM Fund

Virtus AlphaSector^SM Rotation Fund

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

Virtus Bond Fund

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund

Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund

Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund

Virtus Dynamic AlphaSector^SM Fund

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund

Virtus Global Dividend Fund

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector^SM Fund

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

Virtus Herzfeld Fund

Virtus High Yield Fund

Virtus International Equity Fund

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

Virtus Premium AlphaSector^SM Fund

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

Virtus Wealth Masters Fund

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the 1940 Act, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness for this registration statement under Rule 485(b) of the Securities Act and has duly caused this amendment to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Hartford and the State of Connecticut on the 15^th day of February, 2013.

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
By:	/S/ GEORGE R. AYLWARD
	George R. Aylward
	President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this amendment to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 15^th day of February, 2013.

Signature	Title
/S/ GEORGE R. AYLWARD
George R. Aylward	Trustee and President (principal executive officer)
/S/ W. PATRICK BRADLEY
W. Patrick Bradley	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial and accounting officer)
/S/ LEROY KEITH, JR.
Leroy Keith, Jr.*	Trustee
/S/ PHILIP R. MCLOUGHLIN
Philip R. McLoughlin*	Trustee and Chairman
/S/ GERALDINE M. MCNAMARA
Geraldine M. McNamara*	Trustee
/S/ JAMES M. OATES
James M. Oates*	Trustee
/S/ RICHARD E. SEGERSON
Richard E. Segerson*	Trustee
/S/ FERDINAND L.J. VERDONCK
Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck*	Trustee

*By	GEORGE R. AYLWARD
	*George R. Aylward, Attorney-in-Fact, pursuant to a power of attorney

Exhibit Index

Exhibit Number	Description
EX-101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
EX-101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
EX-101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
EX-101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
EX-101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
EX-101.PRE	XBRL Taxomony Extension Presentation Linkbase

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Virtus High Yield Fund

Virtus High Yield Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has a primary investment objective of high current income

and a secondary objective of capital growth.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus High Yield Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	3.75%		none		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	0.50%	[1]	5.00%	[2]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus High Yield Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.65%	0.65%	0.65%	0.65%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.31%	2.06%	2.06%	1.06%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus High Yield Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	503	775	1,066	1,895
Class B	609	846	1,108	2,197
Class C	309	646	1,108	2,390
Class I	108	337	585	1,294

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus High Yield Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	503	775	1,066	1,895
Class B	209	646	1,108	2,197
Class C	209	646	1,108	2,390
Class I	108	337	585	1,294

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 92% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund is appropriate for investors seeking diversification and the potential rewards associated with investing in high-yield fixed income securities. High-yield fixed income securities are those that are rated below investment grade. The subadviser uses an investment process that focuses on adding value through issue selection, sector/industry selection and opportunistic trading. The fund will generally overweight those sectors and industries where the subadviser identifies well-valued companies whose business profiles are viewed to be improving. The subadviser attempts to maintain the duration of the fund at a level similar to that of its style benchmark, the Barclay’s Capital U.S. High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in high yield fixed income securities.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in one or more industries (such as communications, consumer cyclicals and consumer non-cyclicals) or sectors, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such industries or sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such industries or sector.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Long-Term Maturities/Durations Risk. The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that the impairment of the value of collateral underlying a mortgage-backed or asset-backed security, such as due to non-payment of loans, will result in a reduction in the value of such security.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:     11.27%   Worst Quarter:     Q4/2008:     -14.67%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus High Yield Fund	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	11.84%	5.32%	6.44%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	4.65%	1.69%	3.32%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	3.02%	1.95%	3.44%
Class B	11.09%	5.35%	6.05%
Class C	15.22%	5.35%	6.06%
Class I				5.89%	Aug. 08, 2012
Class I Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				0.90%
Class I Barclays Capital U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				5.24%
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	4.22%	5.95%	5.18%
Barclays Capital U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	15.78%	10.45%	10.60%

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The Barclays Capital U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that measures fixed rate non-investment grade debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. corporations. No single issuer accounts for more than 2% of market cap. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

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Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

Virtus International Small-Cap Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus International Small-Cap Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus International Small-Cap Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.93%	0.93%	0.93%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses		2.18%	2.93%	1.93%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	[2]	(0.58%)	(0.58%)	(0.58%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)		1.60%	2.35%	1.35%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus International Small-Cap Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	728	1,165
Class C	338	852
Class I	137	550

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus International Small-Cap Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	728	1,165
Class C	238	852
Class I	137	550

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 0% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund pursues capital appreciation in the small-cap international arena. The fund invests in a select group of small-cap companies believed by the subadviser to be undervalued relative to their future market growth potential. The investment strategy emphasizes companies that the subadviser believes to have a sustainable competitive advantage, strong management and low financial risk and to be able to grow over market cycles.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of non-U.S. small capitalization companies. As of the date of the Prospectus, the fund’s subadviser considers small-capitalization companies to be those companies that, at the time of initial purchase, have market capitalizations of between $75 million and $5 billion. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country. Equity securities in which the fund invests include common stocks, preferred stocks and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The fund may invest in emerging markets issuers. Generally, the fund invests in approximately 30-60 securities at any given time and invests in issuers in approximately 20 countries.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Limited Number of Investments Risk. The risk that the fund’s portfolio will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers of securities in the fund’s portfolio than would a fund holding a greater number of securities.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Small Market Capitalization Companies Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in small market capitalization companies will increase the volatility and risk of loss to the fund, as compared with investments in larger, more established companies.

Performance Information

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[2] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.60% for Class A Shares, 2.35% for Class C Shares and 1.35% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

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Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector^SM Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation. In pursuing this objective, the fund maintains an emphasis on preservation of capital.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 shares of the exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 258% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

258.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund allocates net assets to U.S. Equity and International Equity. Allocations within each asset class are based on proprietary quantitative models.

The U.S. Equity allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing the primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index represented are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities. The International Equity allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing both developed markets (EAFE) and emerging markets. The fund may also invest in stocks (without restriction as to market capitalization) and short-term securities. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent a sector if it determines that investment in the ETF for that sector is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may also deviate from a model allocation if it is determined that tracking the model allocation is likely to violate applicable legal or regulatory restrictions or otherwise result in adverse consequences for the fund. In times of market weakness, the fund has the ability to move partially or fully to short-term cash equivalents.

Under normal circumstances, the fund intends to allocate at least 40% of its assets to ETFs and/or securities representative of non-U.S. markets. Through its investment in these ETFs and/or securities, the fund’s exposure to non-U.S. markets will be diversified among countries and will have represented the business activities of a number of different countries.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests, will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETFs representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance for its first full year of operations. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance for its first full year of operations. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    6.76%  Worst Quarter:     Q2/2012:     -1.94%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI World Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed global market equity performance. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.10%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.05%

^[2]

Less: Fee Waiver

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

2.05%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

771

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,181

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,615

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,817

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

771

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,181

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,615

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,817

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

11.26%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2012

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

6.76%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2012

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(1.94%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.86%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.80%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 15, 2011

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.10%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

^[2]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.80%

^[2]

Less: Fee Waiver

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.03%)

^[5]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

2.77%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

380

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

859

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,464

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,099

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

280

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

859

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,464

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

3,099

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

10.35%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.38%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 15, 2011

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.10%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.80%

^[2]

Less: Fee Waiver

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.80%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

183

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

566

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

975

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,116

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

183

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

566

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

975

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,116

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.47%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.39%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 15, 2011

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.75%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.16%

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.44%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.17%

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.45%

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund | MSCI World Index (net)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.83%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.30%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[5] The fund's distributor has contractually agreed to waive its 12b-1 fees applicable to Class C Shares to the extent that the fund's investments in underlying ETFs with their own 12b-1 fees would otherwise cause the total 12b-1 fees paid directly or indirectly by the fund to exceed the limits set forth in applicable law or regulation.

XML

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of seeking total return from current income and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	3.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	0.50%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.75%	0.75%	0.75%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.60%	0.60%	0.60%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses		1.60%	2.35%	1.35%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	[2]	(0.25%)	(0.25%)	(0.25%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	[2]	1.35%	2.10%	1.10%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	507	837
Class C	313	710
Class I	112	403

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	507	837
Class C	213	710
Class I	112	403

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 13% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in fixed income (debt) securities issued by governments, government-related entities and corporations located in emerging market countries. The fund may invest without limit in high yield debt securities and related investments rated below investment grade (that is, securities not rated Baa/BBB or above by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”), or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable credit quality by the subadviser). Below investment grade securities are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” These investments include, but are not limited to, instruments designed to restructure outstanding emerging market debt such as participations in loans between governments and financial institutions. The fund manages duration utilizing a duration neutral strategy. Under normal circumstances, the fund’s average duration is maintained at a level similar to that of its benchmark, the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index (EMBI) Global Diversified. As of September 30, 2012, the modified adjusted duration of the JP Morgan EMBI Global Diversified was 7.41 years. The fund is a non-diversified portfolio.

The fund intends to invest in at least three emerging market countries, which are countries that, at the time of investment, are represented in the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global Diversified or categorized by the World Bank in its annual categorization as middle- or low-income. In determining “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Liquidity Risk. The risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at a time and price beneficial to the fund.

• Loan Participation Risk. The risk that there may not be a readily available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, the fund may have to dispose of such securities at a substantial discount from face value. Loan participations also involve the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

• Unrated Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[2] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.35% for Class A Shares, 2.10% for Class C Shares and 1.10% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of high total return from current income and capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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

January 31, 2014

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 shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance.

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

Estimated for current fiscal year.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks to maximize total return over a full market cycle in the bond market by tactically allocating net assets among six subsectors within the broad Treasury, Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) and Corporate classifications of the bond market as set forth below:

Treasuries:

• Short term U.S. Treasury Securities (1-3 year maturities)
• Medium term U.S. Treasury Securities (7-10 year maturities)
• Long term U.S. Treasury securities (20+ year maturities)

Treasury Inflation Protected Securities:

• TIPS

Corporate Bonds:

• Investment Grade Corporate Bonds
• High Yield Corporate Securities (Junk Bonds)

Allocations are based on a quantitative model that estimates performance trends for each pairing of these six subsectors of the bond market relative to each other and uses these estimates to generate, on a weekly basis, a positive or negative signal for each of the broad Treasury, TIPS and Corporate classifications. The classifications with positive signals will receive allocations, whereas the classifications with negative signals will not.

Each allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or baskets of securities representative of such ETFs. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent an ETF if it determines that investment in the ETF is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. Under normal circumstances, the fund intends to invest at least 80% of its assets in ETFs and/or securities representative of the bond market.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

3.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

0.50%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.80%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.57%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.19%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.81%

Less: Expense Reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.22%)

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.59%

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

531

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

903

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

531

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

903

Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.80%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.57%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.19%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.56%

Less: Expense Reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.22%)

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

2.34%

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

337

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

776

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

237

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

776

Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.80%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.57%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.19%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.56%

Less: Expense Reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.22%)

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.34%

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

136

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

471

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

136

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

471

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[3] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.40% for Class A Shares, 2.15% for Class C Shares and 1.15% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of high total return from both current income and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	2.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	0.50%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.60%	0.60%	0.60%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.38%	0.38%	0.38%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.24%	1.99%	0.99%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	398	658	937	1,734
Class C	302	624	1,073	2,317
Class I	101	315	547	1,213

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	398	658	937	1,734
Class C	202	624	1,073	2,317
Class I	101	315	547	1,213

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 56% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund offers the potential for attractive total return and income by investing primarily in non-investment grade bank loans with a focus on higher quality companies within a rating tier. Using extensive credit and company analysis and monitoring, the subadviser looks for those securities with strong total return potential while maintaining an emphasis on managing risk.

Under normal circumstances, the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in a portfolio of senior floating rate loans (“Senior Loans”). The fund may invest up to 15% of total assets in U.S. and non-U.S. dollar denominated foreign securities and foreign Senior Loans, including Yankee bonds. The fund may purchase derivative instruments, including, but not limited to, options, futures contracts, credit-linked notes, and swaps.

The fund may borrow an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed). The fund may borrow for investment purposes, to meet repurchase requests and for temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Derivatives Risk. The risk that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in, or will experience greater share price volatility as a result of investing in, a derivative contract.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Leverage Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be more volatile or that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in a given security when leverage is used.

• Liquidity Risk. The risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price beneficial to the fund.

• Loan Participation Risk. The risk that there may not be a readily available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, the fund may have to dispose of such securities at a substantial discount from face value. Loan participations also involve the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Unrated Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    13.58%  Worst Quarter:    Q3/2011:    -4.16%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	5.72%	5.69%	Jan. 31, 2008
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	0.53%	2.73%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	0.35%	2.80%
Class C	8.00%	5.55%	Jan. 31, 2008
Class I	8.98%	6.54%	Jan. 31, 2008
Barclay's Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	4.22%	5.69%
S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	9.66%	6.48%

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index is a daily total return index that uses LSTA/LPC Mark-to-Market Pricing to calculate market value change. On a real-time basis, the Index tracks the current outstanding balance and spread over LIBOR for fully funded term loans. The facilities included in the Index represent a broad cross section of leveraged loans syndicated in the United States, including dollar-denominated loans to overseas issuers. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 47% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

47.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

This fund seeks to provide investors with access to high-quality international companies. The securities selected for inclusion in the fund are those that in the opinion of the subadviser are well-managed businesses with consistent operating histories and financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects and, in most cases, generate free cash flow. Over full market cycles, the investment style is designed with the objective of capturing part of the up market cycles and may offer protection in down market cycles.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s assets are invested in equity securities or equity-linked instruments of issuers located outside the United States, including issuers in emerging markets countries. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q4/2004:    19.15%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2008:    -19.26%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI EAFE^® Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE^® Index (net) is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.34%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.45%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

714

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,007

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,322

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,210

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

714

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,007

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,322

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,210

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

30.16%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

28.23%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

16.35%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

29.30%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

18.96%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(41.92%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

22.34%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

12.62%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

0.26%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

19.83%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2004

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

19.15%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(19.26%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.94%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.95%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

10.47%

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.34%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.20%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

323

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

688

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,180

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,534

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

223

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

688

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,180

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,534

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

18.97%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.53%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

9.34%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 10, 2003

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.34%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.20%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

122

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

381

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

660

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,455

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

122

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

381

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

660

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,455

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

20.17%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.51%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.45%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

May 15, 2006

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.76%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(2.09%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

10.03%

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.64%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.64%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

9.24%

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.10%

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.89%

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.67%

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE® Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

17.32%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(3.69%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

8.21%

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE® Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.24%

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund | Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE® Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.18%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of seeking capital appreciation and income.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		1.05%	1.05%	1.05%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.90%	0.90%	0.90%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses		2.20%	2.95%	1.95%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	[2]	(0.45%)	(0.45%)	(0.45%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)		1.75%	2.50%	1.50%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	743	1,183
Class C	353	870
Class I	153	569

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	743	1,183
Class C	253	870
Class I	153	569

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

This fund offers investors exposure to emerging markets. The securities chosen for inclusion in the fund are those that, in the opinion of the subadviser, are high quality companies that pay above average dividends, have above average dividend growth potential, strong balance sheets and cash flow and adhere to better corporate governance. Companies selected must have the financial strength to maintain and grow their dividend payout commitments. The process is focused on identifying companies that have chosen to generate high levels of cash flow and to pay a high proportion of it to their shareholders. It is the belief of the subadviser that those companies offer the best opportunity for capital appreciation as well as superior income generation.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of issuers located in emerging markets countries; such issuers may be of any capitalization. The equity securities in which the fund invests include common stocks, preferred stocks and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Emerging markets countries generally include every nation in the world except the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most nations located in Western Europe. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

Performance Information

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[2] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.75% for Class A Shares, 2.50% for Class C Shares and 1.50% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

XML

Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund

Virtus Premium AlphaSector^SM Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		1.10%	1.10%	1.10%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.28%	0.28%	0.28%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	[1]	1.63%	2.38%	1.38%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	731	1,060	1,411	2,397
Class C	341	742	1,270	2,716
Class I	140	437	755	1,657

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	731	1,060	1,411	2,397
Class C	241	742	1,270	2,716
Class I	140	437	755	1,657

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 297% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to track the Premium AlphaSector^SM Index (ASRP), a public index published by NASDAQ. The fund may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing the primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index and high-quality short-term securities. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index represented are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities. Allocations are based on a proprietary quantitative model that seeks to evaluate “true” underlying trends within each sector by adjusting for unwarranted price distortions and changing levels of volatility in the market. The fund has the flexibility to be invested in any combination of the sector ETFs and/or securities, a combination of sector ETFs and/or securities and high-quality short-term securities, or 100% in high-quality short-term securities. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent a sector if it determines that investment in the ETF for that sector is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may also deviate from tracking the Premium AlphaSector Index and/or the model allocation if it is determined that tracking the Index and/or the model allocation is likely to violate applicable legal or regulatory restrictions or otherwise result in adverse consequences for the fund.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of the exchange-traded funds in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Correlation to Index Risk. The risk that the performance of the fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as fund flows, transaction costs, sample selection, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests, will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETFs representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    7.84%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -9.45%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A Shares	3.73%	10.04%	Jul. 01, 2010
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions	2.81%	9.58%
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	1.83%	8.28%
Class C Shares	9.24%	11.83%	Jul. 01, 2010
Class I Shares	10.31%	12.93%	Jul. 01, 2010
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	16.47%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Jan. 31, 2013
Document Creation Date	dei_DocumentCreationDate	Jan. 25, 2013

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 49% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

49.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

This fund seeks to offer investors exposure to European market economies through well-established companies. The securities selected for inclusion in the fund are believed by the subadviser to be well-managed businesses with consistent operating histories and financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects and, in most cases, generate free cash flow. Over full market cycles, the investment style is designed with the objective of capturing part of the up market cycles and may offer protection in down market cycles.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s assets are invested in equity securities or equity-linked instruments of issuers located in Europe, including issuers in emerging markets countries. Equity-linked securities are hybrid debt securities whose return is connected to an underlying equity, usually a stock. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining the “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    11.53%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -13.30%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI Europe Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index measuring the equity market performance of the developed markets in Europe. The MSCI Europe Index (net) is calculated on a total-return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.58%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.68%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

831

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,359

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,913

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,414

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

831

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,359

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,913

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

3,414

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

7.19%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

0.94%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

25.64%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2012

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

11.53%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(13.30%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

18.42%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

16.40%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 21, 2009

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.58%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

3.43%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

446

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,053

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,784

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,712

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

346

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,053

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,784

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

3,712

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

24.75%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

17.39%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 21, 2009

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.58%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.43%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

246

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

758

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,296

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,766

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

246

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

758

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,296

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,766

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

25.98%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

18.56%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 21, 2009

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

14.17%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

14.43%

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.21%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

13.27%

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

17.45%

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund | MSCI Europe Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

19.12%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

14.27%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Jan. 31, 2013
Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund has an investment objective of seeking capital appreciation and income.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and Expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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	January 31, 2014
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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	37.00%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]	rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock	Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts	You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount	50,000
Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]	rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates	Estimated for current fiscal year.
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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Investments, Risks and Performance Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	This fund offers investors exposure to emerging markets. The securities chosen for inclusion in the fund are those that, in the opinion of the subadviser, are high quality companies that pay above average dividends, have above average dividend growth potential, strong balance sheets and cash flow and adhere to better corporate governance. Companies selected must have the financial strength to maintain and grow their dividend payout commitments. The process is focused on identifying companies that have chosen to generate high levels of cash flow and to pay a high proportion of it to their shareholders. It is the belief of the subadviser that those companies offer the best opportunity for capital appreciation as well as superior income generation. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of issuers located in emerging markets countries; such issuers may be of any capitalization. The equity securities in which the fund invests include common stocks, preferred stocks and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Emerging markets countries generally include every nation in the world except the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most nations located in Western Europe. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are: Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets. Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies. Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments. Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance Information
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Performance One Year or Less [Text]	rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund | Class A
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.05%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.90%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.20%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.45%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.75%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	743
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,183
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	743
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	1,183
Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund | Class C
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[4]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.05%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.90%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.95%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.45%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.50%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	353
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	870
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	253
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	870
Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund | Class I
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.05%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.90%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.95%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.45%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.50%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	153
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	569
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	153
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	569

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[3] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.75% for Class A Shares, 2.50% for Class C Shares and 1.50% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of maximizing current income while preserving capital.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	3.75%		none		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	0.50%	[1]	5.00%	[2]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.55%	0.55%	0.55%	0.55%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.33%	0.33%	0.33%	0.33%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.13%	1.88%	1.88%	0.88%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	486	721	974	1,698
Class B	591	791	1,016	2,005
Class C	291	591	1,016	2,201
Class I	90	281	488	1,084

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	486	721	974	1,698
Class B	191	591	1,016	2,005
Class C	191	591	1,016	2,201
Class I	90	281	488	1,084

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 76% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to generate high current income and total return while preserving capital by applying extensive credit research and a time-tested approach designed to capitalize on opportunities across undervalued sectors of the bond market. The portfolio seeks diversification among 14 sectors in an effort to increase return potential and reduce risk.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in the following sectors of fixed income securities:

• Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, real estate mortgage investment conduits and other pass-through securities;

• Debt securities issued by foreign issuers, including foreign governments and their political subdivisions and issuers located in emerging market countries;

• Investment grade securities; and

• High yield-high risk fixed income securities of U.S. issuers (so called “junk bonds”).

The fund may invest in all or some of these sectors.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Long-Term Maturities/Durations Risk. The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that the U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    16.15%  Worst Quarter:     Q4/2008:    -14.37%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	9.80%	7.24%	7.28%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	2.78%	3.78%	4.44%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	1.81%	3.71%	4.34%
Class B	8.99%	7.25%	6.90%
Class C	13.33%	7.28%	6.91%
Class I	14.46%			10.86%	Oct. 01, 2009
Class I Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				5.64%
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	4.22%	5.95%	5.18%

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

XML

Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund

Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of high total return from current income and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	3.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	0.50%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.80%	0.80%	0.80%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.57%	0.57%	0.57%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[1]	0.19%	0.19%	0.19%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses		1.81%	2.56%	1.56%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	[2]	(0.22%)	(0.22%)	(0.22%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)		1.59%	2.34%	1.34%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	531	903
Class C	337	776
Class I	136	471

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Disciplined Select Bond Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	531	903
Class C	237	776
Class I	136	471

Portfolio Turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to maximize total return over a full market cycle in the bond market by tactically allocating net assets among six subsectors within the broad Treasury, Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) and Corporate classifications of the bond market as set forth below:

Treasuries:

• Short term U.S. Treasury Securities (1-3 year maturities)
• Medium term U.S. Treasury Securities (7-10 year maturities)
• Long term U.S. Treasury securities (20+ year maturities)

Treasury Inflation Protected Securities:

• TIPS

Corporate Bonds:

• Investment Grade Corporate Bonds
• High Yield Corporate Securities (Junk Bonds)

Allocations are based on a quantitative model that estimates performance trends for each pairing of these six subsectors of the bond market relative to each other and uses these estimates to generate, on a weekly basis, a positive or negative signal for each of the broad Treasury, TIPS and Corporate classifications. The classifications with positive signals will receive allocations, whereas the classifications with negative signals will not.

Each allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or baskets of securities representative of such ETFs. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent an ETF if it determines that investment in the ETF is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. Under normal circumstances, the fund intends to invest at least 80% of its assets in ETFs and/or securities representative of the bond market.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[2] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.40% for Class A Shares, 2.15% for Class C Shares and 1.15% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has a primary investment objective of long-term capital appreciation,

Objective, Secondary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectiveSecondaryTextBlock

with a secondary investment objective of income.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 41% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

41.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund provides international exposure to the real estate securities market, focusing exclusively on companies with a rental business profile. Rental companies derive 70% or more of total revenue from rental income and are most similar in business profile to U.S. real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities issued by non-U.S companies of any capitalization that are principally engaged in the real estate industry, including common stock, preferred stock and other equity securities issued by real estate companies, such as REITs and similar REIT-like entities. The fund may, at times, invest up to 20% of its assets in U.S. REIT securities. Additionally, the fund normally invests in real estate related securities of issuers in developed countries, however it may invest up to 20% of its assets in issuers incorporated in emerging market countries. The fund concentrates its assets in the real estate industry and is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text]

rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration

The fund concentrates its assets in the real estate industry and is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity REIT Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting real estate securities will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in real estate related securities, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect real estate related securities as compared to a fund that does not concentrate holdings in such securities.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q3/2009:    31.59%  Worst Quarter:     Q4/2008:    -30.74%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex-U.S. Index is a free-float market capitalization index measuring international real estate securities, which meet minimum size, liquidity and investment focus criteria. The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex-U.S. Index (net) is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.57%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.82%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

749

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,115

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,504

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,589

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

749

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,115

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,504

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,589

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(46.73%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

38.66%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

18.83%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(10.86%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

34.87%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

31.59%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(30.74%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

27.11%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.11%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(2.27%)

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 01, 2007

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.57%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.57%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

360

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

799

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,365

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,905

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

260

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

799

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,365

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,905

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

33.98%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.35%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(1.89%)

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 01, 2007

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.57%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.57%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

160

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

496

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

855

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,867

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

160

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

496

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

855

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,867

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

35.25%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.35%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(0.90%)

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 01, 2007

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.96%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(2.85%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(4.92%)

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.02%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.94%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(3.66%)

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.68%

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund | FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex-U.S. Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

30.76%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.49%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(2.79%)

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Jan. 31, 2013
Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund has an investment objective of seeking total return from current income and capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and Expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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	January 31, 2014
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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 13% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	13.00%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]	rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock	Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts	You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount	50,000
Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]	rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates	Estimated for current fiscal year.
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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Investments, Risks and Performance Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in fixed income (debt) securities issued by governments, government-related entities and corporations located in emerging market countries. The fund may invest without limit in high yield debt securities and related investments rated below investment grade (that is, securities not rated Baa/BBB or above by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”), or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable credit quality by the subadviser). Below investment grade securities are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” These investments include, but are not limited to, instruments designed to restructure outstanding emerging market debt such as participations in loans between governments and financial institutions. The fund manages duration utilizing a duration neutral strategy. Under normal circumstances, the fund’s average duration is maintained at a level similar to that of its benchmark, the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index (EMBI) Global Diversified. As of September 30, 2012, the modified adjusted duration of the JP Morgan EMBI Global Diversified was 7.41 years. The fund is a non-diversified portfolio. The fund intends to invest in at least three emerging market countries, which are countries that, at the time of investment, are represented in the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global Diversified or categorized by the World Bank in its annual categorization as middle- or low-income. In determining “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are: Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline. Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets. Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments. Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid. Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall. Liquidity Risk. The risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at a time and price beneficial to the fund. Loan Participation Risk. The risk that there may not be a readily available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, the fund may have to dispose of such securities at a substantial discount from face value. Loan participations also involve the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets. Unrated Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them. U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.
Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]	rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus	Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance Information
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Performance One Year or Less [Text]	rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund | Class A
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	3.75%
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	0.50%	[1]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.75%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.60%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.60%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.25%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.35%	[3]
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	507
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	837
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	507
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	837
Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund | Class C
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[4]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.75%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.60%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.35%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.25%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.10%	[3]
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	313
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	710
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	213
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	710
Virtus Emerging Markets Debt Fund | Class I
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.75%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.60%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.35%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.25%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.10%	[3]
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	112
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	403
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	112
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	403

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[3] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.35% for Class A Shares, 2.10% for Class C Shares and 1.10% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 96% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

96.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund offers investors exposure to commodities-related investments in markets located throughout the world, including emerging market countries. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests globally at least 80% of its assets in stocks of companies principally engaged in the base metals, precious metals, energy, and agriculture group of industries. The fund will concentrate its investments in this commodities-related group of industries. The fund is a non-diversified portfolio and will consist primarily of common and preferred stocks, but may contain commodity-related exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and commodities-linked notes. The fund will primarily hold securities of companies listed on global securities exchanges or quoted on established over-the-counter markets, or American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The fund typically invests in the securities of medium to large capitalization companies, but it is not limited to investing in the securities of companies of any particular size.

Under normal circumstances, the fund will hold at least 40% of its assets in non-U.S issuers and ETFs and/or commodities-linked notes providing exposure to non-U.S markets. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining the “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text]

rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests globally at least 80% of its assets in stocks of companies principally engaged in the base metals, precious metals, energy, and agriculture group of industries. The fund will concentrate its investments in this commodities-related group of industries.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Commodities Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the base metals, precious metals, energy and agriculture industries in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in commodities-related investments, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect commodities-related companies and investments as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such companies.

• Commodity and Commodity-Linked Instrument Risk. The risk that investments in commodities or commodity-linked notes will subject the fund’s portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, or that commodity-linked instruments will experience returns different from the commodities they attempt to track.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in small and medium-sized companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance for its first full year of operations. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance for its first full year of operations. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q3/2012:    13.70%  Worst Quarter:     Q2/2012:    -7.98%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI AC World Commodity Producer Sector Capped Index (net) is a market capitalization weighted index that measures performance of developed and emerging market commodity producers within the energy, metals and agricultural sectors. Each of the three sectors are equally weighted within the index. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.58%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.88%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

755

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,132

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,533

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,649

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

755

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,132

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,533

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,649

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

6.81%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

13.70%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2012

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(7.98%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.67%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(5.35%)

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 15, 2011

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.58%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.63%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

366

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

817

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,395

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,964

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

266

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

817

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,395

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,964

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.97%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(2.90%)

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 15, 2011

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.58%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.05%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.63%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

166

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

514

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

887

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,933

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

166

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

514

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

887

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,933

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.09%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(1.92%)

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 15, 2011

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(1.13%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(6.29%)

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

(0.74%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(5.31%)

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.45%

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund | MSCI AC World Commodities Producers Sector Capped Index (net)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.84%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(4.87%)

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Jan. 31, 2013
Virtus Herzfeld Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Virtus Herzfeld Fund
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund has an investment objective of seeking capital appreciation and current income.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and Expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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	January 31, 2014
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 shares of closed-end funds or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 3% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	3.00%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]	rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock	Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts	You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount	50,000
Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]	rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates	Estimated for 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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.
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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Investments, Risks and Performance Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Under normal circumstances, the fund invests in closed-end investment companies that primarily invest in equity and income-producing securities. The investment methodology utilizes a number of factors and consists of both a quantitative and qualitative approach to identify opportunities across the entire universe of closed-end funds. The overall investment philosophy is predicated on recognizing the recurring valuation patterns found in the closed-end fund industry and capitalizing on opportunities in a systematic manner. The strategy seeks to exploit the discount and premium spreads associated with closed-end funds. The fund may also allocate assets to other investment company structures, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), equity securities, including common and preferred stocks, cash, and/or short term cash equivalents. The fund primarily invests in closed-end funds whose principal investments strategies include one or more of the following: Domestic Funds Municipal Bond, Build America Bond, Government Bond, Corporate Bond, High Yield Bond Equity—Sector Specific (such as Utilities, Real Estate, MLPs), Equity—Covered Call, Equity—General, Equity—Growth & Income, Equity—Dividend, Equity—Tax-Advantaged, Equity—Preferreds, Equity—Convertible Bond Loan Participation Mortgage-Backed Multi-Strategy Non-U.S. Funds Foreign Equity—Country Specific, Foreign Equity—Geographic Region, Global Equity—General, Global Equity—Growth & Income, Global Equity—Dividend Global Fixed Income Global Multi-Strategy The closed-end funds that invest in equity securities may or may not use a growth or value strategy and may include funds investing in securities of issuers of any market capitalization. Closed-end funds that invest in non-U.S issuers may include issuers in emerging markets. Closed-end funds that invest in fixed income securities may invest in securities of any credit quality, including below investment grade (so-called “junk bonds”).
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any underlying investment companies in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are: Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility. Closed-End Funds Risk. The risk that closed-end funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility. Closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value, which may affect whether the fund will realize gain or loss upon its sale of the closed-end funds’ shares. Closed-end funds may employ leverage, which also subjects the closed-end fund to increased risks such as increased volatility. The principal risks attributable to the underlying investment companies in which the fund invests are: Commodity Risk. The risk that investments in commodities or commodity-linked notes will subject the fund’s portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, or that commodity-linked instruments will experience returns different from the commodities they attempt to track. Convertible Securities Risk. The fund’s investments in convertible securities subject the fund to the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and common stocks, in addition to the risk that a convertible security may be called for redemption at a time and price unfavorable to the fund. Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline. Derivatives Risk. The risk that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in, or will experience greater share price volatility as a result of investing in, a derivative contract. Derivatives may include, among other things, futures, options, forwards and swap agreements and may be used in order to hedge portfolio risks, create leverage, or to attempt to increase yield. Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets. Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment. Equity Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies. Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly. Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments. Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Growth Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in growth stocks will be more volatile than investments in other types of stocks, or will perform differently from the market as a whole and from other types of stocks. High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid. Income Risk. The risk that income received from the fund will vary widely over the short- and long-term. Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting an industry or market sector in which a fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Infrastructure-Related Investment Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will decrease as a result of conditions, such as general or local economic conditions and political developments, changes in regulations, environmental problems, casualty losses, and changes in interest rates, negatively affecting the infrastructure companies in which the fund invests. Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall. Limited Number of Investments Risk. The risk that the fund’s portfolio will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers of securities in the fund’s portfolio than would a fund holding a greater number of securities. Liquidity Risk. The risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price beneficial to the fund. Loan Participation Risk. The risk that there may not be a readily available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, the fund may have to dispose of such securities at a substantial discount from face value. Loan participations also involve the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. Market Volatility Risk. The value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Master Limited Partnership (MLP) Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in MLP units will be negatively impacted by tax law changes, regulatory developments or other factors affecting the MLP’s underlying assets. Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease. Municipal Bond Market Risk. The risk that events negatively impacting a particular municipal security, or the municipal bond market in general, will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets. Preferred Stock. The risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, fail to pay dividends when expected, or be illiquid. Real Estate Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by changes in real estate values or economic conditions, credit risk and interest rate fluctuations, and changes in the value of the underlying real estate and defaults by borrowers. Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Short Sales Risk. The risk that a fund may experience a loss if the price of a borrowed security increases between the date of a short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the security. Tax-Exempt Securities Risk. The risk that tax-exempt securities may not provide a higher after-tax return than taxable securities. Unrated Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them. U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Value Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund will underperform when value investing is out of favor or that the fund’s investments will not appreciate as anticipated.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance Information
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Performance One Year or Less [Text]	rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Virtus Herzfeld Fund | Class A
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.61%	[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.98%	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.84%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.26%)	[4]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.58%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	821
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,381
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	821
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	1,381
Virtus Herzfeld Fund | Class C
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[5]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.61%	[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.98%	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	3.59%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.26%)	[4]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	3.33%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	436
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,076
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	336
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	1,076
Virtus Herzfeld Fund | Class I
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.61%	[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.98%	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.59%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.26%)	[4]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.33%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	236
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	781
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	236
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	781

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.60% for Class A Shares, 2.35% for Class C Shares and 1.35% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

[5] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Jan. 31, 2013
Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and Expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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	January 31, 2014
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 shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance.
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]	rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock	Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts	You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount	50,000
Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]	rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates	Estimated for current fiscal year.
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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Investments, Risks and Performance Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The fund seeks to outperform the MSCI EAFE® Index over a full market cycle by tactically allocating net assets among countries included in the MSCI EAFE® Index. In pursuing this strategy, the fund maintains an emphasis on preservation of capital. Allocations are based on a quantitative model that provides a positive or negative signal, on a weekly basis, for each country evaluated. Countries with positive signals will receive allocations approximating their relative weights in the MSCI EAFE® Index. The remaining portfolio assets will be allocated to the subadviser’s “minimum volatility portfolio,” which is designed to limit downside risk. The minimum volatility portfolio is allocated equally among the four countries that, in the subadviser’s opinion, have exhibited the lowest volatility pattern historically. To mitigate concentration, geographic, and political risk, the four countries in the minimum volatility portfolio cannot be from the same geographic or political region. Each allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or baskets of securities representative of such ETFs. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent an ETF if it determines that investment in the ETF is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may invest in issuers of any capitalization.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are: Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund's shares over short or extended periods. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly. Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund's portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments. Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility. Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market. Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund's principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the "Portfolio Turnover" section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance. Small and Medium Market Capitalization Companies. The risk that the fund's investments in small and medium market capitalization companies will increase the volatility and risk of loss to the fund, as compared with investments in larger, more established companies.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance Information
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Performance One Year or Less [Text]	rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund | Class A
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.10%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.64%	[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.51%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.50%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.29%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.21%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	786
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,283
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	786
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	1,283
Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund | Class C
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[4]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.10%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.64%	[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.51%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	3.25%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.29%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.96%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	399
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	974
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	299
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	974
Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund | Class I
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.10%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.64%	[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets	0.51%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.25%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.29%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.96%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	199
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	675
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	199
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	675

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[3] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.70% for Class A Shares, 2.45% for Class C Shares and 1.45% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

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Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has a primary investment objective of long-term capital appreciation,

with a secondary investment objective of income.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.57%	0.57%	0.57%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.82%	2.57%	1.57%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	749	1,115	1,504	2,589
Class C	360	799	1,365	2,905
Class I	160	496	855	1,867

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	749	1,115	1,504	2,589
Class C	260	799	1,365	2,905
Class I	160	496	855	1,867

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 41% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund provides international exposure to the real estate securities market, focusing exclusively on companies with a rental business profile. Rental companies derive 70% or more of total revenue from rental income and are most similar in business profile to U.S. real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities issued by non-U.S companies of any capitalization that are principally engaged in the real estate industry, including common stock, preferred stock and other equity securities issued by real estate companies, such as REITs and similar REIT-like entities. The fund may, at times, invest up to 20% of its assets in U.S. REIT securities. Additionally, the fund normally invests in real estate related securities of issuers in developed countries, however it may invest up to 20% of its assets in issuers incorporated in emerging market countries. The fund concentrates its assets in the real estate industry and is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity REIT Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting real estate securities will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in real estate related securities, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect real estate related securities as compared to a fund that does not concentrate holdings in such securities.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q3/2009:    31.59%  Worst Quarter:     Q4/2008:    -30.74%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus International Real Estate Securities Fund	1 Year	5 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	27.11%	(0.11%)	(2.27%)	Oct. 01, 2007
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	16.96%	(2.85%)	(4.92%)
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	11.02%	(1.94%)	(3.66%)
Class C	33.98%	0.35%	(1.89%)	Oct. 01, 2007
Class I	35.25%	1.35%	(0.90%)	Oct. 01, 2007
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	1.66%	0.68%
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex-U.S. Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	30.76%	(0.49%)	(2.79%)

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex-U.S. Index is a free-float market capitalization index measuring international real estate securities, which meet minimum size, liquidity and investment focus criteria. The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental ex-U.S. Index (net) is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector^SM Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation. In pursuing this objective, the fund maintains an emphasis on preservation of capital.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 211% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

211.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund allocates net assets to multiple asset classes including: U.S. Equity, International Equity, Fixed Income, and Alternative. Allocations within each asset class are based on proprietary quantitative models.

The U.S. Equity allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing the primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities. The International Equity allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing both developed markets (EAFE) and emerging markets. The Fixed Income allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing fixed income sectors including: high yield, investment grade corporate, mortgages, intermediate treasuries and inflation-protected treasuries (TIPS). The Alternative allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing gold, real estate and broad-based equity securities. The fund may also invest in stocks (without restriction as to market capitalization), bonds (without restriction as to credit quality) and short-term securities. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent a sector if it determines that investment in the ETF for that sector is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may also deviate from a model allocation if it is determined that tracking the model allocation is likely to violate applicable legal or regulatory restrictions or otherwise result in adverse consequences for the fund. In times of market weakness, the fund has the ability to move partially or fully to short-term cash equivalents.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Commodity Risk. The risk that investments in commodities, such as gold, or commodity-linked notes will subject the fund’s portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, or that commodity-linked instruments will experience returns different from the commodities they attempt to track.

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests, will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Real Estate Investment Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to the real estate market, including interest rate risk, leverage risk, property risk and management risk.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETFs representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance for its first full year of operations. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a composite benchmark. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance for its first full year of operations. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a composite benchmark.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    4.87%  Worst Quarter:     Q2/2012:    -0.55%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The Dow Jones Global Moderate Portfolio Index is a benchmark that takes 60% of the risk of the global securities market. It is a total returns index that is a time-varying weighted average of stocks, bonds, and cash. The Index is the efficient allocation of stocks, bonds, and cash in a portfolio with 60% of the risk of the Dow Jones Aggressive Portfolio Index. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.10%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Recapture of Previously Waived Expenses

rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.03%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.29%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.02%

^[2]

Less: Fee Waiver

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

2.02%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

768

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,172

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,600

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,788

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

768

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,172

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,600

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,788

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

8.76%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2012

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

4.87%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2012

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(0.55%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.51%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.85%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 15, 2011

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.10%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

^[5]

Recapture of Previously Waived Expenses

rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.03%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.29%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.77%

^[2]

Less: Fee Waiver

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.02%)

^[5]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

2.75%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

378

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

853

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,454

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,080

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

278

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

853

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,454

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

3,080

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.99%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.52%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 15, 2011

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.10%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Recapture of Previously Waived Expenses

rr_Component2OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.03%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.35%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.29%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.77%

^[2]

Less: Fee Waiver

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.77%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

180

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

557

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

959

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,084

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

180

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

557

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

959

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,084

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.97%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.49%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 15, 2011

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.61%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.32%

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.05%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.30%

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.45%

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund | Dow Jones Global Moderate Portfolio Index

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.24%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.99%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[5] The fund's distributor has contractually agreed to waive its 12b-1 fees applicable to Class C Shares to the extent that the fund's investments in underlying ETFs with their own 12b-1 fees would otherwise cause the total 12b-1 fees paid directly or indirectly by the fund to exceed the limits set forth in applicable law or regulation.

XML

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund

Virtus Dynamic AlphaSector^SM Fund

Investment Objective

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	5.00%	[2]	1.25%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund		Class A Shares	Class B Shares	Class C Shares	Class I Shares
Management Fees	[1][2]	1.89%	1.89%	1.89%	1.89%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	none
Dividends on Short Sales and Interest Expense	[2]	0.64%	0.64%	0.64%	0.64%
Remainder of Other Expenses	[2]	0.42%	0.42%	0.42%	0.42%
Total Other Expenses		1.06%	1.06%	1.06%	1.06%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[3]	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[2]	3.40%	4.15%	4.15%	3.15%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after seven years. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	898	1,560	2,243	4,048
Class B	817	1,461	2,120	4,174
Class C	517	1,261	2,120	4,331
Class I	318	971	1,649	3,457

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	898	1,560	2,243	4,048
Class B	417	1,261	2,120	4,174
Class C	417	1,261	2,120	4,331
Class I	318	971	1,649	3,457

Portfolio Turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 165% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by taking long and short positions in ETFs and/or stocks representing the nine primary sectors of the S&P^® 500 Index. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities. Allocations are based on a proprietary, quantitative model that seeks to evaluate trends within each sector by adjusting for changing levels of volatility in the market.

The fund intends to employ leverage in the form of borrowing on its long positions in circumstances where the fund has determined to take long positions representing four or more sectors. The fund intends to take short positions in sectors projected to have negative absolute performance, up to approximately 5.5% of the fund’s net assets, for each such sector. In the event that all nine sectors are projected to have negative absolute performance, the fund may take short positions worth up to 50% of the fund’s net assets, with the remainder of the fund’s assets remaining in cash and cash equivalents.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Leverage Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be more volatile or that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in a given security when leverage is used.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETF representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• Short Sales Risk. The risk that a fund may experience a loss if the price of a borrowed security increases between the date of a short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the security.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that the U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q1/2009:    5.86%  Worst Quarter:    Q3/2011:    -6.00%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	0.56%	(1.96%)	(1.35%)
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	0.07%	(2.13%)	(1.52%)
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	0.04%	(1.73%)	(1.20%)
Class B	1.88%	(1.78%)	(1.52%)
Class C	5.94%	(1.55%)	(1.50%)
Class I	7.20%			(1.34%)	Oct. 01, 2009
Class I S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				12.89%
Class I Citigroup 90-Day Treasury Bill Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				2.56%
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	1.66%	7.10%
Citigroup 90-Day Treasury Bill Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	8.30%	2.05%	2.50%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The Citigroup 90-Day Treasury Bill Index measures monthly return equivalents of yield averages that are not marked to market. The 90-Day Treasury Bill Index is an average of the last three three-month Treasury bill issues. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 3% during the third and fourth years and to 0% after the sixth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Management Fees exceed the contractual percentage rate because the Advisory Agreement, as amended, calculates fees based on Managed Assets rather than based on net assets although the table shows the percentage rate as applied to net assets. Managed Assets means the total assets of the fund, including any assets attributable to borrowings, minus the fund’s accrued liabilities other than such borrowings. In the future, performance fee adjustments may increase or decrease the management fee by up to +/- 1.00% of the average net assets of the fund during a rolling 36-month period (or cumulative period since the implementation of the principal investment management changes).

[2] Restated to reflect current fees and expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of obtaining a high level of current income exempt from California state and local income taxes, as well as federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 16% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

16.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

Expense Example [Heading]

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

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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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks current income free from federal and state income taxes by investing in municipal bonds issued in the state of California. The management team focuses on high quality California tax-exempt municipal bonds, gauging the value of a security by issue type, credit quality, and bond structure.

Under normal circumstances, as a matter of fundamental policy, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds, the income from which is exempt from California state income tax and federal income tax, and may invest 100% of its assets in such securities. The portion of the fund’s assets not invested in tax-exempt securities may be invested in taxable fixed income securities. Income from these investments may be subject to federal, state and local taxes.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

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The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Long-Term Maturities/Durations Risk. The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Municipal Bond Market Risk. The risk that events negatively impacting a particular municipal security, or the municipal bond market in general, will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Tax-Exempt Securities Risk. The risk that tax-exempt securities may not provide a higher after-tax return than taxable securities.

• Unrated Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

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If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

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Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

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The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

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The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

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Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

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Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

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Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

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Best Quarter:    Q3/2009:    8.13% Worst Quarter:    Q4/2010:    -4.63%

Performance Table Heading

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Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

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Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

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Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

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The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The Barclays Capital California Municipal Bond Index measures long term investment grade, tax-exempt and fixed rate bonds issued in California. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

2.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

0.50%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.34%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.05%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

379

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

600

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

838

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,522

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

379

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

600

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

838

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,522

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

4.00%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

3.57%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

2.37%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

4.16%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

2.36%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(4.06%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

11.05%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

1.63%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

11.09%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

8.45%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

8.13%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2010

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(4.63%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.46%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.87%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.08%

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.34%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.80%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

82

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

255

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

444

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

990

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

82

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

255

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

444

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

990

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.72%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.73%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.12%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 29, 2006

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.30%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.82%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.47%

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.19%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.71%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.48%

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.18%

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.06%

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Barclays Capital California Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.15%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.11%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.30%

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Barclays Capital California Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.52%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

XML

Virtus Bond Fund

Virtus Bond Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of high total return from both current income and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Bond Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	3.75%		none		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	0.50%	[1]	5.00%	[2]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Bond Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.45%	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.32%	0.32%	0.32%	0.32%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.03%	1.78%	1.78%	0.78%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Bond Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	476	691	922	1,587
Class B	581	760	964	1,897
Class C	281	560	964	2,095
Class I	80	249	433	966

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Bond Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	476	691	922	1,587
Class B	181	560	964	1,897
Class C	181	560	964	2,095
Class I	80	249	433	966

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 210% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to generate high total return from both current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in intermediate-term debt securities across 14 fixed income sectors. The fund seeks to achieve its objective by applying a time-tested approach of active sector rotation, extensive credit research and disciplined risk management designed to capitalize on opportunities across undervalued areas of the fixed income markets.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in fixed income debt obligations of various types of issuers, to include some or all of the following:

• Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs"), and other pass-through securities;

• Debt securities issued by foreign issuers, including foreign governments and their political subdivisions and issuers located in emerging markets;

• Investment-grade securities (primarily of U.S. issuers, secondarily of non-U.S. issuers), which generally are securities with credit ratings within the four highest rating categories of a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; and

• High-yield debt instruments, including bank loans (which are generally floating-rate).

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund's portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund's portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund's debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Loan Participation Risk. The risk that there may not be a readily available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, the fund may have to dispose of such securities at a substantial discount from face value. Loan participations also involve the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower.

• Long-Term Maturities/Durations Risk. The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund's portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    5.51%  Worst Quarter:    Q2/2004:    -2.36%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Bond Fund	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	4.13%	5.84%	5.12%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	1.01%	3.96%	3.39%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	0.65%	3.70%	3.27%
Class B	3.39%	5.86%	4.72%
Class C	7.36%	5.85%	4.73%
Class I	8.49%	6.92%	5.79%
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	4.22%	5.95%	5.18%

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Premium AlphaSector^SM Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 297% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

297.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks to track the Premium AlphaSector^SM Index (ASRP), a public index published by NASDAQ. The fund may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing the primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index and high-quality short-term securities. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index represented are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities. Allocations are based on a proprietary quantitative model that seeks to evaluate “true” underlying trends within each sector by adjusting for unwarranted price distortions and changing levels of volatility in the market. The fund has the flexibility to be invested in any combination of the sector ETFs and/or securities, a combination of sector ETFs and/or securities and high-quality short-term securities, or 100% in high-quality short-term securities. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent a sector if it determines that investment in the ETF for that sector is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may also deviate from tracking the Premium AlphaSector Index and/or the model allocation if it is determined that tracking the Index and/or the model allocation is likely to violate applicable legal or regulatory restrictions or otherwise result in adverse consequences for the fund.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of the exchange-traded funds in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Correlation to Index Risk. The risk that the performance of the fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as fund flows, transaction costs, sample selection, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests, will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETFs representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

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If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

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Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

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The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

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The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

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Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

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Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

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Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

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Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    7.84%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -9.45%

Performance Table Heading

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Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

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After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

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Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

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In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

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Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

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The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.10%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.63%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

731

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,060

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,411

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,397

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

731

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,060

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,411

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,397

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(0.21%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

10.06%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

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Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2012

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

7.84%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(9.45%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.73%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

10.04%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jul. 01, 2010

Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.10%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

2.38%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

341

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

742

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,270

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,716

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

241

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

742

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,270

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,716

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.24%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

11.83%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jul. 01, 2010

Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.10%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.38%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

140

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

437

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

755

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,657

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

140

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

437

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

755

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,657

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

10.31%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

12.93%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jul. 01, 2010

Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.81%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

9.58%

Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.83%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.28%

Virtus Premium AlphaSector Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

16.47%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

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Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund

Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		1.10%	1.10%	1.10%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.64%	0.64%	0.64%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[1]	0.51%	0.51%	0.51%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses		2.50%	3.25%	2.25%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	[2]	(0.29%)	(0.29%)	(0.29%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)		2.21%	2.96%	1.96%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	786	1,283
Class C	399	974
Class I	199	675

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Disciplined Select Country Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	786	1,283
Class C	299	974
Class I	199	675

Portfolio Turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to outperform the MSCI EAFE^® Index over a full market cycle by tactically allocating net assets among countries included in the MSCI EAFE^® Index. In pursuing this strategy, the fund maintains an emphasis on preservation of capital.

Allocations are based on a quantitative model that provides a positive or negative signal, on a weekly basis, for each country evaluated. Countries with positive signals will receive allocations approximating their relative weights in the MSCI EAFE^® Index. The remaining portfolio assets will be allocated to the subadviser’s “minimum volatility portfolio,” which is designed to limit downside risk. The minimum volatility portfolio is allocated equally among the four countries that, in the subadviser’s opinion, have exhibited the lowest volatility pattern historically. To mitigate concentration, geographic, and political risk, the four countries in the minimum volatility portfolio cannot be from the same geographic or political region.

Each allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or baskets of securities representative of such ETFs. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent an ETF if it determines that investment in the ETF is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may invest in issuers of any capitalization.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund's shares over short or extended periods.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund's portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund's principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the "Portfolio Turnover" section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Small and Medium Market Capitalization Companies. The risk that the fund's investments in small and medium market capitalization companies will increase the volatility and risk of loss to the fund, as compared with investments in larger, more established companies.

Performance Information

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[2] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.70% for Class A Shares, 2.45% for Class C Shares and 1.45% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

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Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund

Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.61%	0.61%	0.61%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[1]	0.23%	0.23%	0.23%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses		2.09%	2.84%	1.84%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	[2]	(0.26%)	(0.26%)	(0.26%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)		1.83%	2.58%	1.58%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	750	1,169
Class C	361	856
Class I	161	553

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	750	1,169
Class C	261	856
Class I	161	553

Portfolio Turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to outperform the Russell 3000^® Index over a full market cycle in the U.S. equity market by tactically allocating net assets among six subsets of the U.S. equity universe that make up the Growth and Value equity styles as set forth below.

Growth:

• Large-Cap Growth

• Mid-Cap Growth

• Small-Cap Growth

Value:

• Large-Cap Value

• Mid-Cap Value

• Small-Cap Value

Allocations are based on a quantitative model that estimates performance trends for each pairing of these six subsets of the U.S. equity market relative to each other and uses these estimates to determine, on a weekly basis, whether the Growth or Value style is better positioned. The fund will invest assets in the equity style with the favorable aggregate score relative to the other style. The ability of the fund to outperform the Russell 3000^® Index will depend on, among other things, the length of time and degree to which Growth stocks outperform Value stocks or Value stocks outperform Growth stocks in the U.S. equity market.

Each allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or baskets of securities representative of such ETFs. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent an ETF if it determines that investment in the ETF is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. Under normal circumstances, the fund intends to invest at least 80% of its assets in ETFs and/or securities representative of the U.S. equity market.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Growth Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in growth stocks will be more volatile than investments in other types of stocks, or will perform differently from the market as a whole and from other types of stocks.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Small and Medium Market Capitalization Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in small and medium market capitalization companies will increase the volatility and risk of loss to the fund, as compared with investments in larger, more established companies.

• Value Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund will underperform when value investing is out of favor or that the fund’s investments will not appreciate in value as anticipated.

Performance Information

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[2] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.60% for Class A Shares, 2.35% for Class C Shares and 1.35% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

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Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of providing high current income while attempting to limit changes in the fund’s net asset value per share caused by interest rate changes.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C	Class I	Class T
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	2.25%		none		none	none	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	0.50%	[1]	2.00%	[2]	none	none	1.00%	[2]

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the
value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class I	Class T
Management Fees		0.48%	0.48%	0.48%	0.48%	0.48%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	0.75%	0.50%	none	1.00%
Other Expenses	[1]	0.28%	0.28%	0.28%	0.28%	0.28%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.01%	1.51%	1.26%	0.76%	1.76%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after six years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	326	539	770	1,433
Class B	301	453	755	1,310
Class C	128	400	692	1,523
Class I	78	243	422	942
Class T	176	528	880	1,760

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	326	539	770	1,433
Class B	151	453	755	1,310
Class C	128	400	692	1,523
Class I	78	243	422	942
Class T	176	528	880	1,760

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 52% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks current income with an emphasis on maintaining low volatility and overall short duration by investing primarily in higher quality, more liquid securities across 14 bond market sectors. The fund utilizes a value-oriented, research driven approach that seeks to strategically overweight undervalued sectors while applying strict risk controls.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds, which are fixed income debt obligations of various types of issuers. The fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of primarily short-term fixed income securities having an expected dollar-weighted average maturity of three years or less and that are in one of the following market sectors:

• Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, real estate mortgage investment conduits and other pass-through securities;

• Debt securities issued by foreign issuers, including foreign governments and their political subdivisions, and issuers located in emerging markets;

• Investment-grade securities; and

• High yield-high risk fixed income securities (so called “junk bonds”).

The fund may invest in all or some of these sectors.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that the U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    10.79%   Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -9.05%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	6.93%	6.30%	5.52%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	2.50%	3.79%	3.44%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	1.63%	3.64%	3.36%
Class B	7.37%	6.24%	5.24%
Class C	9.01%	6.49%	5.54%
Class I	9.66%			7.76%	Jun. 06, 2008
Class I Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				6.17%
Class I B of A Merrill Lynch 1-2.99 Year Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				4.47%
Class T	8.49%	5.98%		4.65%	Jun. 02, 2003
Class T Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				4.99%
Class T B of A Merrill Lynch 1-2.99 Year Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				3.99%
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	4.22%	5.95%	5.18%
B of A Merrill Lynch 1-2.99 Year Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	4.90%	4.53%	4.23%

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The B of A Merrill Lynch 1-2.99 Year Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index measures performance of U.S. corporate bond issues rated BBB and A by Standard and Poor’s with maturities between one and three years. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 0.50% annually to 1% during the third year and to 0% after the third year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class T Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus High Yield Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus High Yield Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has a primary investment objective of high current income

Objective, Secondary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectiveSecondaryTextBlock

and a secondary objective of capital growth.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 92% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

92.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund is appropriate for investors seeking diversification and the potential rewards associated with investing in high-yield fixed income securities. High-yield fixed income securities are those that are rated below investment grade. The subadviser uses an investment process that focuses on adding value through issue selection, sector/industry selection and opportunistic trading. The fund will generally overweight those sectors and industries where the subadviser identifies well-valued companies whose business profiles are viewed to be improving. The subadviser attempts to maintain the duration of the fund at a level similar to that of its style benchmark, the Barclay’s Capital U.S. High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in high yield fixed income securities.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in one or more industries (such as communications, consumer cyclicals and consumer non-cyclicals) or sectors, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such industries or sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such industries or sector.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Long-Term Maturities/Durations Risk. The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that the impairment of the value of collateral underlying a mortgage-backed or asset-backed security, such as due to non-payment of loans, will result in a reduction in the value of such security.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:     11.27%   Worst Quarter:     Q4/2008:     -14.67%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The Barclays Capital U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that measures fixed rate non-investment grade debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. corporations. No single issuer accounts for more than 2% of market cap. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus High Yield Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

3.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

0.50%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.65%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.31%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

503

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

775

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,066

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,895

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

503

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

775

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,066

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,895

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

18.65%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

7.96%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

1.75%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

8.11%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

2.24%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(23.91%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

31.15%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

12.58%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

3.12%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

16.19%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

11.27%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(14.67%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.84%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.32%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.44%

Virtus High Yield Fund | Class B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

5.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.65%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.06%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

609

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

846

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,108

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,197

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

209

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

646

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,108

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,197

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.09%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.35%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.05%

Virtus High Yield Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.65%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.06%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

309

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

646

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,108

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,390

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

209

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

646

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,108

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,390

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.22%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.35%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.06%

Virtus High Yield Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.65%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.06%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

108

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

337

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

585

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,294

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

108

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

337

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

585

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,294

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.89%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Aug. 08, 2012

Virtus High Yield Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.65%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.69%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.32%

Virtus High Yield Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.02%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.95%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.44%

Virtus High Yield Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.18%

Virtus High Yield Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

0.90%

Virtus High Yield Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.78%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10.45%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

10.60%

Virtus High Yield Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.24%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

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Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund

Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector^SM Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation. In pursuing this objective, the fund maintains an emphasis on preservation of capital.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund		Class A	Class C		Class I
Management Fees		1.10%	1.10%		1.10%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	[1]	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.42%	0.42%		0.42%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.28%	0.28%		0.28%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	2.05%	2.80%		1.80%
Less: Fee Waiver			(0.03%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	[1]	2.05%	2.77%		1.80%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	771	1,181	1,615	2,817
Class C	380	859	1,464	3,099
Class I	183	566	975	2,116

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	771	1,181	1,615	2,817
Class C	280	859	1,464	3,099
Class I	183	566	975	2,116

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 258% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund allocates net assets to U.S. Equity and International Equity. Allocations within each asset class are based on proprietary quantitative models.

The U.S. Equity allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing the primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index represented are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities. The International Equity allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing both developed markets (EAFE) and emerging markets. The fund may also invest in stocks (without restriction as to market capitalization) and short-term securities. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent a sector if it determines that investment in the ETF for that sector is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may also deviate from a model allocation if it is determined that tracking the model allocation is likely to violate applicable legal or regulatory restrictions or otherwise result in adverse consequences for the fund. In times of market weakness, the fund has the ability to move partially or fully to short-term cash equivalents.

Under normal circumstances, the fund intends to allocate at least 40% of its assets to ETFs and/or securities representative of non-U.S. markets. Through its investment in these ETFs and/or securities, the fund’s exposure to non-U.S. markets will be diversified among countries and will have represented the business activities of a number of different countries.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests, will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETFs representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance for its first full year of operations. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    6.76%  Worst Quarter:     Q2/2012:     -1.94%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Global Premium AlphaSector Fund	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	4.86%	0.80%	Mar. 15, 2011
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	3.75%	0.16%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	2.44%	0.17%
Class C	10.35%	3.38%	Mar. 15, 2011
Class I	11.47%	4.39%	Mar. 15, 2011
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	8.45%
MSCI World Index (net)	15.83%	5.30%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI World Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed global market equity performance. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[3] The fund's distributor has contractually agreed to waive its 12b-1 fees applicable to Class C Shares to the extent that the fund's investments in underlying ETFs with their own 12b-1 fees would otherwise cause the total 12b-1 fees paid directly or indirectly by the fund to exceed the limits set forth in applicable law or regulation.

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Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund

Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector^SM Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation. In pursuing this objective, the fund maintains an emphasis on preservation of capital.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund		Class A	Class C		Class I
Management Fees		1.10%	1.10%		1.10%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	[1]	none
Other Expenses	[2]	0.35%	0.35%		0.35%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[3]	0.29%	0.29%		0.29%
Recapture of Previously Waived Expenses		0.03%	0.03%		0.03%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[2]	2.02%	2.77%		1.77%
Less: Fee Waiver			(0.02%)	[1]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	[2]	2.02%	2.75%		1.77%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Year	5 Year	10 Year
Class A	768	1,172	1,600	2,788
Class C	378	853	1,454	3,080
Class I	180	557	959	2,084

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Year	5 Year	10 Year
Class A	768	1,172	1,600	2,788
Class C	278	853	1,454	3,080
Class I	180	557	959	2,084

Portfolio Turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 211% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund allocates net assets to multiple asset classes including: U.S. Equity, International Equity, Fixed Income, and Alternative. Allocations within each asset class are based on proprietary quantitative models.

The U.S. Equity allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing the primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities. The International Equity allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing both developed markets (EAFE) and emerging markets. The Fixed Income allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing fixed income sectors including: high yield, investment grade corporate, mortgages, intermediate treasuries and inflation-protected treasuries (TIPS). The Alternative allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing gold, real estate and broad-based equity securities. The fund may also invest in stocks (without restriction as to market capitalization), bonds (without restriction as to credit quality) and short-term securities. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent a sector if it determines that investment in the ETF for that sector is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may also deviate from a model allocation if it is determined that tracking the model allocation is likely to violate applicable legal or regulatory restrictions or otherwise result in adverse consequences for the fund. In times of market weakness, the fund has the ability to move partially or fully to short-term cash equivalents.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Commodity Risk. The risk that investments in commodities, such as gold, or commodity-linked notes will subject the fund’s portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, or that commodity-linked instruments will experience returns different from the commodities they attempt to track.

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests, will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Real Estate Investment Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to the real estate market, including interest rate risk, leverage risk, property risk and management risk.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETFs representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance for its first full year of operations. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a composite benchmark. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    4.87%  Worst Quarter:     Q2/2012:    -0.55%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Allocator Premium AlphaSector Fund	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	2.51%	0.85%	Mar. 15, 2011
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	1.61%	0.32%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	1.05%	0.30%
Class C	7.99%	3.52%	Mar. 15, 2011
Class I	8.97%	4.49%	Mar. 15, 2011
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	8.45%
Dow Jones Global Moderate Portfolio Index	11.24%	5.99%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The Dow Jones Global Moderate Portfolio Index is a benchmark that takes 60% of the risk of the global securities market. It is a total returns index that is a time-varying weighted average of stocks, bonds, and cash. The Index is the efficient allocation of stocks, bonds, and cash in a portfolio with 60% of the risk of the Dow Jones Aggressive Portfolio Index. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] The fund's distributor has contractually agreed to waive its 12b-1 fees applicable to Class C Shares to the extent that the fund's investments in underlying ETFs with their own 12b-1 fees would otherwise cause the total 12b-1 fees paid directly or indirectly by the fund to exceed the limits set forth in applicable law or regulation.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 73% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

73.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

This fund seeks to provide investors with exposure to high-quality global companies. The securities selected for inclusion in the fund are those believed by the subadviser to be well-managed businesses with consistent operating histories and financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects and, in most cases, generate free cash flow. Over full market cycles, the investment style is designed with the objective of capturing part of the up market cycles and may offer protection in down market cycles.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests in equity securities or equity-linked instruments of issuers located throughout the world, including issuers in emerging markets countries and issuers in the United States. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. As of September 30, 2012, the fund was invested in issuers representing approximately 15 different countries.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Growth Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in growth stocks will be more volatile than investments in other types of stocks, or will perform differently from the market as a whole and from other types of stocks.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q2/2003:    19.07%  Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -20.92%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI All Country World Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures equity performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI Index (net) is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.43%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.54%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

723

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,033

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,366

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,304

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

723

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,033

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,366

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,304

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

26.89%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

15.80%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

8.63%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

21.29%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

8.55%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(43.05%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

17.03%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

16.01%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

5.37%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

19.41%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2003

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

19.07%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(20.92%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.54%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.72%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.78%

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | Class B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

5.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.43%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.29%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

632

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

915

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,225

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,438

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

232

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

715

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,225

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,438

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

14.50%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.26%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.63%

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.43%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.29%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

332

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

715

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,225

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,626

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

232

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

715

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,225

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,626

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

18.47%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.28%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.62%

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.43%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.29%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

131

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

409

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

708

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,556

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

131

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

409

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

708

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,556

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.30%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Aug. 08, 2012

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.19%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.74%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.56%

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.92%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.37%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.02%

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.10%

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.72%

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | MSCI ACWI Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.13%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.16%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

8.11%

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund | MSCI ACWI Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.20%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

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Virtus International Equity Fund

Virtus International Equity Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus International Equity Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus International Equity Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.85%	0.85%	0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.63%	0.63%	0.63%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.74%	2.49%	1.49%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus International Equity Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	742	1,091	1,464	2,509
Class C	352	776	1,326	2,826
Class I	152	471	813	1,779

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus International Equity Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	742	1,091	1,464	2,509
Class C	252	776	1,326	2,826
Class I	152	471	813	1,779

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 25% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

This fund offers investors exposure primarily to mid- to large capitalization international companies, but it is not limited to investing in the securities of companies of any particular size. The subadviser uses a value-driven, absolute return approach to investing. The subadviser’s process is a mixture of country allocation and stock selection, with a recognition that a significant portion of long-term performance and risk reduction will come from the country allocation decision.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of issuers located outside the United States, including issuers in emerging markets countries. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining the “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in small and medium-sized companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Value Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund will underperform when value investing is out of favor or that the fund’s investments will not appreciate in value as anticipated.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    7.52%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -13.59%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus International Equity Fund	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A Shares	9.18%	5.82%	Sep. 16, 2010
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions	6.63%	4.54%
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	4.31%	4.12%
Class C Shares	14.82%	7.60%	Sep. 16, 2010
Class I Shares	15.99%	8.70%	Sep. 16, 2010
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	13.31%
MSCI EAFE® Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	17.32%	5.33%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI EAFE^® Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE^® Index (net) is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.85%	0.85%	0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	1.58%	1.58%	1.58%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	2.68%	3.43%	2.43%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	831	1,359	1,913	3,414
Class C	446	1,053	1,784	3,712
Class I	246	758	1,296	2,766

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	831	1,359	1,913	3,414
Class C	346	1,053	1,784	3,712
Class I	246	758	1,296	2,766

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 49% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

This fund seeks to offer investors exposure to European market economies through well-established companies. The securities selected for inclusion in the fund are believed by the subadviser to be well-managed businesses with consistent operating histories and financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects and, in most cases, generate free cash flow. Over full market cycles, the investment style is designed with the objective of capturing part of the up market cycles and may offer protection in down market cycles.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s assets are invested in equity securities or equity-linked instruments of issuers located in Europe, including issuers in emerging markets countries. Equity-linked securities are hybrid debt securities whose return is connected to an underlying equity, usually a stock. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining the “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    11.53%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -13.30%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Greater European Opportunities Fund	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A Shares	18.42%	16.40%	Apr. 21, 2009
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions	14.17%	14.43%
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	9.21%	13.27%
Class C Shares	24.75%	17.39%	Apr. 21, 2009
Class I Shares	25.98%	18.56%	Apr. 21, 2009
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	17.45%
MSCI Europe Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	19.12%	14.27%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI Europe Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index measuring the equity market performance of the developed markets in Europe. The MSCI Europe Index (net) is calculated on a total-return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Jan. 31, 2013
Virtus International Small-Cap Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Virtus International Small-Cap Fund
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and Expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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	January 31, 2014
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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 0% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	0.00%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]	rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock	Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts	You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount	50,000
Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]	rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates	Estimated for current fiscal year.
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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Investments, Risks and Performance Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The fund pursues capital appreciation in the small-cap international arena. The fund invests in a select group of small-cap companies believed by the subadviser to be undervalued relative to their future market growth potential. The investment strategy emphasizes companies that the subadviser believes to have a sustainable competitive advantage, strong management and low financial risk and to be able to grow over market cycles. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of non-U.S. small capitalization companies. As of the date of the Prospectus, the fund’s subadviser considers small-capitalization companies to be those companies that, at the time of initial purchase, have market capitalizations of between $75 million and $5 billion. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country. Equity securities in which the fund invests include common stocks, preferred stocks and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The fund may invest in emerging markets issuers. Generally, the fund invests in approximately 30-60 securities at any given time and invests in issuers in approximately 20 countries.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are: Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets. Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies. Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments. Limited Number of Investments Risk. The risk that the fund’s portfolio will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers of securities in the fund’s portfolio than would a fund holding a greater number of securities. Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Small Market Capitalization Companies Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in small market capitalization companies will increase the volatility and risk of loss to the fund, as compared with investments in larger, more established companies.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance Information
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Performance One Year or Less [Text]	rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Virtus International Small-Cap Fund | Class A
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.93%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.18%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.58%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.60%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	728
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,165
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	728
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	1,165
Virtus International Small-Cap Fund | Class C
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[4]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.93%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.93%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.58%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.35%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	338
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	852
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	238
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	852
Virtus International Small-Cap Fund | Class I
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.93%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.93%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.58%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.35%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	137
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	550
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	137
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	550

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[3] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.60% for Class A Shares, 2.35% for Class C Shares and 1.35% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Bond Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Bond Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of high total return from both current income and capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 210% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

210.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks to generate high total return from both current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in intermediate-term debt securities across 14 fixed income sectors. The fund seeks to achieve its objective by applying a time-tested approach of active sector rotation, extensive credit research and disciplined risk management designed to capitalize on opportunities across undervalued areas of the fixed income markets.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in fixed income debt obligations of various types of issuers, to include some or all of the following:

• Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs"), and other pass-through securities;

• Debt securities issued by foreign issuers, including foreign governments and their political subdivisions and issuers located in emerging markets;

• Investment-grade securities (primarily of U.S. issuers, secondarily of non-U.S. issuers), which generally are securities with credit ratings within the four highest rating categories of a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; and

• High-yield debt instruments, including bank loans (which are generally floating-rate).

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund's portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund's portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund's debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Loan Participation Risk. The risk that there may not be a readily available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, the fund may have to dispose of such securities at a substantial discount from face value. Loan participations also involve the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower.

• Long-Term Maturities/Durations Risk. The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund's portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund's performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    5.51%  Worst Quarter:    Q2/2004:    -2.36%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Bond Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

3.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

0.50%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.32%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.03%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

476

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

691

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

922

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,587

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

476

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

691

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

922

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,587

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

6.79%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

4.23%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

1.72%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

4.35%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

5.03%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(0.55%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

11.93%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

8.58%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

5.52%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

8.18%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

5.51%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2004

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(2.36%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.13%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.84%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.12%

Virtus Bond Fund | Class B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

5.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.32%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.78%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

581

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

760

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

964

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,897

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

181

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

560

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

964

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,897

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.39%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.86%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.72%

Virtus Bond Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.32%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.78%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

281

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

560

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

964

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,095

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

181

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

560

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

964

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,095

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.36%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.85%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.73%

Virtus Bond Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.32%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.78%

^[2]

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

8.49%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.92%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.79%

Virtus Bond Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.01%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.96%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.39%

Virtus Bond Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.65%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.70%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.27%

Virtus Bond Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.18%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of providing high current income while attempting to limit changes in the fund’s net asset value per share caused by interest rate changes.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 52% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

52.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 0.50% annually to 1% during the third year and to 0% after the third year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class T Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after six years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks current income with an emphasis on maintaining low volatility and overall short duration by investing primarily in higher quality, more liquid securities across 14 bond market sectors. The fund utilizes a value-oriented, research driven approach that seeks to strategically overweight undervalued sectors while applying strict risk controls.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds, which are fixed income debt obligations of various types of issuers. The fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of primarily short-term fixed income securities having an expected dollar-weighted average maturity of three years or less and that are in one of the following market sectors:

• Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, real estate mortgage investment conduits and other pass-through securities;

• Debt securities issued by foreign issuers, including foreign governments and their political subdivisions, and issuers located in emerging markets;

• Investment-grade securities; and

• High yield-high risk fixed income securities (so called “junk bonds”).

The fund may invest in all or some of these sectors.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that the U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    10.79%   Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -9.05%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The B of A Merrill Lynch 1-2.99 Year Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index measures performance of U.S. corporate bond issues rated BBB and A by Standard and Poor’s with maturities between one and three years. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

2.25%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

0.50%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.48%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.01%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

326

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

539

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

770

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,433

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

326

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

539

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

770

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,433

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

9.09%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

4.81%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

1.36%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

5.52%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

3.15%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(13.96%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

29.80%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

10.25%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

3.10%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

9.39%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

10.79%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(9.05%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.93%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.30%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.52%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Class B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

2.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.48%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.75%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.51%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

301

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

453

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

755

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,310

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

151

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

453

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

755

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,310

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.37%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.24%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.24%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.48%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.50%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.26%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

128

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

400

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

692

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,523

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

128

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

400

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

692

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,523

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.01%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

6.49%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.54%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.48%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.76%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

78

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

243

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

422

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

942

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

78

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

243

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

422

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

942

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.66%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

7.76%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 06, 2008

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Class T

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.48%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.28%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.76%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

176

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

528

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

880

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,760

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

176

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

528

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

880

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,760

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.49%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.98%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.65%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 02, 2003

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.50%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.79%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.44%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.63%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.64%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

3.36%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.18%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.17%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class T

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.99%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | B of A Merrill Lynch 1-2.99 Year Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.90%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.53%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.23%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | B of A Merrill Lynch 1-2.99 Year Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.47%

Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund | B of A Merrill Lynch 1-2.99 Year Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class T

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.99%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 0.50% annually to 1% during the third year and to 0% after the third year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class T Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of obtaining a high level of current income exempt from California state and local income taxes, as well as federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund	Class A		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	2.75%		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	0.50%	[1]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund		Class A	Class I
Management Fees		0.45%	0.45%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.34%	0.34%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.01%	0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.05%	0.80%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	379	600	838	1,522
Class I	82	255	444	990

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	379	600	838	1,522
Class I	82	255	444	990

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 16% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks current income free from federal and state income taxes by investing in municipal bonds issued in the state of California. The management team focuses on high quality California tax-exempt municipal bonds, gauging the value of a security by issue type, credit quality, and bond structure.

Under normal circumstances, as a matter of fundamental policy, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds, the income from which is exempt from California state income tax and federal income tax, and may invest 100% of its assets in such securities. The portion of the fund’s assets not invested in tax-exempt securities may be invested in taxable fixed income securities. Income from these investments may be subject to federal, state and local taxes.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Long-Term Maturities/Durations Risk. The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Municipal Bond Market Risk. The risk that events negatively impacting a particular municipal security, or the municipal bond market in general, will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Tax-Exempt Securities Risk. The risk that tax-exempt securities may not provide a higher after-tax return than taxable securities.

• Unrated Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q3/2009:    8.13% Worst Quarter:    Q4/2010:    -4.63%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A Shares	5.46%	4.87%	4.08%
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions	0.30%	3.82%	3.47%
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	0.19%	3.71%	3.48%
Class I Shares	8.72%	5.73%		5.12%	Sep. 29, 2006
Class I Shares Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				6.06%
Class I Shares Barclays Capital California Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				5.52%
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	4.22%	5.95%	5.18%
Barclays Capital California Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	8.15%	6.11%	5.30%

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The Barclays Capital California Municipal Bond Index measures long term investment grade, tax-exempt and fixed rate bonds issued in California. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

XML

Virtus Global Dividend Fund

Virtus Global Dividend Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation and current income.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Global Dividend Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Global Dividend Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.65%	0.65%	0.65%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.31%	2.06%	1.06%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Global Dividend Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	701	966	1,252	2,063
Class C	309	646	1,108	2,390
Class I	108	337	585	1,294

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Global Dividend Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	701	966	1,252	2,063
Class C	209	646	1,108	2,390
Class I	108	337	585	1,294

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 21% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund invests globally in infrastructure companies involved in the energy, utility, transportation, and communications industries. Infrastructure companies are believed by the subadviser to exhibit attractive risk/return characteristics, offer moderate-to-high income and moderate growth, and are defensive in nature.

Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in dividend paying equity securities of infrastructure companies that are located in three or more countries, one of which will be the United States. Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in securities of U.S. issuers. As of September 30, 2012, the fund was invested in issuers representing approximately 13 different countries. Although the fund concentrates its investments in infrastructure companies, it may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities of issuers that are not infrastructure companies, including stocks, debt obligations, money market securities and money market mutual funds, as well as certain derivative instruments. To the extent the fund purchases non-infrastructure stocks, they may be of issuers of any capitalization. When investing in debt obligations, the fund will invest primarily in investment grade debt obligations, although it may invest in high-yield, high-risk fixed income securities (junk bonds).

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Derivatives Risk. The risk that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in, or will experience greater share price volatility as a result of investing in, a derivative contract.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Income Risk. The risk that income received from the fund will vary widely over the short- and long-term.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting infrastructure companies will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in infrastructure companies, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect infrastructure companies as compared to a fund that does not concentrate holdings in such companies.

• Infrastructure-Related Investment Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will decrease as a result of conditions, such as general or local economic conditions and political developments, changes in regulations, environmental problems, casualty losses, and changes in interest rates, negatively affecting the infrastructure companies in which the fund invests.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Master Limited Partnership (MLP) Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in MLP units will be negatively impacted by tax law changes, regulatory developments or other factors affecting the MLPs.

• Preferred Stock Risk. The risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, fail to pay dividends when expected, or be illiquid.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and with a composite benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q3/2010:    16.39% Worst Quarter:    Q3/2008:    -16.55%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Global Dividend Fund	1 Year	5 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	4.78%	0.04%	6.41%	Dec. 30, 2004
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	1.99%	(0.46%)	5.79%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	1.29%	(0.10%)	5.46%
Class A S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			4.23%
Class A Global Dividend Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			6.09%
Class C	10.31%	0.50%	6.41%	Dec. 30, 2004
Class C S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			4.23%
Class C Global Dividend Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			6.09%
Class I	11.45%		2.69%	Jun. 06, 2008
Class I S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			3.32%
Class I Global Dividend Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			(0.20%)
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	1.66%
Global Dividend Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	6.65%	(1.08%)

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies and is provided for general comparative purposes. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The Global Dividend Linked Benchmark consists of the MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index for the period since September 1, 2008. This is a market capitalization weighted index that measures performance of global infrastructure companies by capturing broad and diversified opportunities across telecommunication, utilities, energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors. The telecommunication infrastructure and utilities sector each represent one-third of the index weight, while energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors have a combined weight of the remaining one-third of the index. Performance of the Global Dividend Linked Benchmark prior to September 1, 2008 represents an allocation consisting of 65% MSCI USA/Utilities Index, 20% MSCI World Telecom Services Index, and 15% MSCI World ex USA/Utilities Index. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

XML

Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	Jan. 31, 2013
Virtus Wealth Masters Fund
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	Virtus Wealth Masters Fund
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	Investment Objective
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	Fees and Expenses
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
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	January 31, 2014
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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 26% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	26.00%
Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]	rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock	Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts	You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.
Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]	rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount	50,000
Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]	rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates	Estimated for current fiscal year.
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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	Investments, Risks and Performance Principal Investment Strategies
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The fund seeks to track the performance of the Horizon Kinetics ISE Wealth Index (Ticker: RCH), a public index maintained by Horizon Kinetics, LLC, the parent company of the fund’s subadviser, and published by International Securities Exchange, LLC. The index is composed of U.S.-listed companies and equity REITs managed by executives who are among the wealthiest individuals in the United States and, in many cases, have accumulated a substantial amount of their personal wealth through the companies that they manage. The issuers have market capitalizations, at time of addition to the index, in excess of $100 million (as of June 30, 2012). The fund attempts to replicate the target index by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in the stocks that make up the index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the index.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	Principal Risks
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are: Correlation to Index. The risk that the performance of the fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as fund flows, transaction costs, sample selection, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index. Equity Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies. Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies, including microcap companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies. Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent the fund focuses its assets in a particular market sector, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such market sector as compared to a fund that does not focus holdings in such securities.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	Performance Information
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Performance One Year or Less [Text]	rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess	The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.
Virtus Wealth Masters Fund | Class A
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	5.75%
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[1]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	0.25%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.58%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.68%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.23%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.45%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	714
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	1,053
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	714
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	1,053
Virtus Wealth Masters Fund | Class C
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	1.00%	[4]
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	1.00%
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.58%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	2.43%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.23%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	2.20%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	323
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	736
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	223
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	736
Virtus Wealth Masters Fund | Class I
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther	none
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.58%	[2]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.43%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets	(0.23%)	[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	rr_NetExpensesOverAssets	1.20%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	122
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	430
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	122
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	430

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[3] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.45% for Class A Shares, 2.20% for Class C Shares and 1.20% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

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Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has investment objectives of capital appreciation and income with approximately equal emphasis.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	5.00%	[2]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.74%	0.74%	0.74%	0.74%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.42%	0.42%	0.42%	0.42%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.41%	2.16%	2.16%	1.16%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	710	996	1,302	2,169
Class B	619	876	1,159	2,303
Class C	319	676	1,159	2,493
Class I	118	368	638	1,409

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	710	996	1,302	2,169
Class B	219	676	1,159	2,303
Class C	219	676	1,159	2,493
Class I	118	368	638	1,409

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 24% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund offers exposure to the equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) market utilizing a Growth at a Reasonable Price style with macroeconomic and fundamental security analysis to identify the most attractive investment candidates. The subadviser believes the value of a REIT extends beyond the value of the underlying real estate and that through fundamental research, it can uncover and exploit inefficiencies in the market.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in publicly-traded REITs and companies that are principally engaged in the real estate industry. The fund concentrates its assets in the real estate industry and is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Equity REIT Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of the REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting real estate securities will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in real estate related securities, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect real estate related securities as compared to a fund that does not concentrate holdings in such securities.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q3/2009:    32.91%  Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -38.73%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	9.82%	4.28%	11.44%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	8.80%	3.59%	10.42%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	5.72%	3.17%	9.62%
Class B	11.63%	4.72%	11.25%
Class C	15.63%	4.73%		10.11%	Jul. 25, 2003
Class C S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				5.99%
Class C FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				10.23%
Class I	16.80%	5.79%		1.81%	Dec. 28, 2006
Class I S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				2.29%
Class I FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				1.59%
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	1.66%	7.10%
FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	18.06%	5.45%	11.63%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index measuring equity tax-qualified REITs, which meet minimum size and liquidity criteria, that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ National Market System. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

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Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has a primary investment objective of long-term capital appreciation,

with a secondary investment objective of income.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.85%	0.85%	0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	1.10%	1.10%	1.10%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	2.21%	2.96%	1.96%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	786	1,226	1,692	2,973
Class C	399	915	1,557	3,280
Class I	199	615	1,057	2,285

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	786	1,226	1,692	2,973
Class C	299	915	1,557	3,280
Class I	199	615	1,057	2,285

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 31% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund provides global exposure to the real estate securities market, focusing exclusively on companies with a rental business profile. Rental companies derive 70% or more of total revenue from rental income and are most similar in business profile to U.S. real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S companies of any capitalization that are principally engaged in the real estate industry, including common stock, preferred stock and other equity securities issued by real estate companies, such as REITs and similar REIT-like entities. The fund, under normal market conditions, will hold at least 40% of its assets in non-U.S. issuers. Additionally, the fund normally invests in real estate-related securities of issuers in developed countries; however it may invest up to 20% of its assets in issuers incorporated in emerging market countries. The fund concentrates its assets in the real estate industry and is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity REIT Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting real estate securities will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in real estate related securities, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect real estate related securities as compared to a fund that does not concentrate holdings in such securities.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q3/2010:    17.74%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -16.99%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A Shares	16.30%	30.58%	Mar. 02, 2009
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions	12.83%	27.31%
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	8.34%	24.83%
Class C Shares	22.45%	31.63%	Mar. 02, 2009
Class I Shares	23.70%	32.97%	Mar. 02, 2009
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	22.96%
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	22.54%	32.80%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index is a free-float market capitalization index measuring global real estate securities, which meet minimum size, liquidity and investment focus criteria. The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Index (net) is calculated on a total-return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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Virtus Herzfeld Fund

Virtus Herzfeld Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of seeking capital appreciation and current income.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Herzfeld Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Herzfeld Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.61%	0.61%	0.61%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.98%	0.98%	0.98%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses		2.84%	3.59%	2.59%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	[3]	(0.26%)	(0.26%)	(0.26%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)		2.58%	3.33%	2.33%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Herzfeld Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	821	1,381
Class C	436	1,076
Class I	236	781

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Herzfeld Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	821	1,381
Class C	336	1,076
Class I	236	781

Portfolio Turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of closed-end funds or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 3% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests in closed-end investment companies that primarily invest in equity and income-producing securities. The investment methodology utilizes a number of factors and consists of both a quantitative and qualitative approach to identify opportunities across the entire universe of closed-end funds. The overall investment philosophy is predicated on recognizing the recurring valuation patterns found in the closed-end fund industry and capitalizing on opportunities in a systematic manner. The strategy seeks to exploit the discount and premium spreads associated with closed-end funds. The fund may also allocate assets to other investment company structures, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), equity securities, including common and preferred stocks, cash, and/or short term cash equivalents.

The fund primarily invests in closed-end funds whose principal investments strategies include one or more of the following:

Domestic Funds

• Municipal Bond, Build America Bond, Government Bond, Corporate Bond, High Yield Bond

• Equity—Sector Specific (such as Utilities, Real Estate, MLPs), Equity—Covered Call, Equity—General, Equity—Growth & Income, Equity—Dividend, Equity—Tax-Advantaged, Equity—Preferreds, Equity—Convertible Bond

• Loan Participation

• Mortgage-Backed

• Multi-Strategy

Non-U.S. Funds

• Foreign Equity—Country Specific, Foreign Equity—Geographic Region, Global Equity—General, Global Equity—Growth & Income, Global Equity—Dividend

• Global Fixed Income

• Global Multi-Strategy

The closed-end funds that invest in equity securities may or may not use a growth or value strategy and may include funds investing in securities of issuers of any market capitalization. Closed-end funds that invest in non-U.S issuers may include issuers in emerging markets. Closed-end funds that invest in fixed income securities may invest in securities of any credit quality, including below investment grade (so-called “junk bonds”).

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any underlying investment companies in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Closed-End Funds Risk. The risk that closed-end funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility. Closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value, which may affect whether the fund will realize gain or loss upon its sale of the closed-end funds’ shares. Closed-end funds may employ leverage, which also subjects the closed-end fund to increased risks such as increased volatility.

The principal risks attributable to the underlying investment companies in which the fund invests are:

• Commodity Risk. The risk that investments in commodities or commodity-linked notes will subject the fund’s portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, or that commodity-linked instruments will experience returns different from the commodities they attempt to track.

• Convertible Securities Risk. The fund’s investments in convertible securities subject the fund to the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and common stocks, in addition to the risk that a convertible security may be called for redemption at a time and price unfavorable to the fund.

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Derivatives Risk. The risk that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in, or will experience greater share price volatility as a result of investing in, a derivative contract. Derivatives may include, among other things, futures, options, forwards and swap agreements and may be used in order to hedge portfolio risks, create leverage, or to attempt to increase yield.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment.

• Equity Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Growth Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in growth stocks will be more volatile than investments in other types of stocks, or will perform differently from the market as a whole and from other types of stocks.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Income Risk. The risk that income received from the fund will vary widely over the short- and long-term.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting an industry or market sector in which a fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Infrastructure-Related Investment Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will decrease as a result of conditions, such as general or local economic conditions and political developments, changes in regulations, environmental problems, casualty losses, and changes in interest rates, negatively affecting the infrastructure companies in which the fund invests.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Limited Number of Investments Risk. The risk that the fund’s portfolio will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers of securities in the fund’s portfolio than would a fund holding a greater number of securities.

• Liquidity Risk. The risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price beneficial to the fund.

• Loan Participation Risk. The risk that there may not be a readily available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, the fund may have to dispose of such securities at a substantial discount from face value. Loan participations also involve the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower.

• Market Volatility Risk. The value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Master Limited Partnership (MLP) Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in MLP units will be negatively impacted by tax law changes, regulatory developments or other factors affecting the MLP’s underlying assets.

• Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease.

• Municipal Bond Market Risk. The risk that events negatively impacting a particular municipal security, or the municipal bond market in general, will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

• Preferred Stock. The risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, fail to pay dividends when expected, or be illiquid.

• Real Estate Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by changes in real estate values or economic conditions, credit risk and interest rate fluctuations, and changes in the value of the underlying real estate and defaults by borrowers.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Short Sales Risk. The risk that a fund may experience a loss if the price of a borrowed security increases between the date of a short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the security.

• Tax-Exempt Securities Risk. The risk that tax-exempt securities may not provide a higher after-tax return than taxable securities.

• Unrated Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

• Value Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund will underperform when value investing is out of favor or that the fund’s investments will not appreciate as anticipated.

Performance Information

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[3] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.60% for Class A Shares, 2.35% for Class C Shares and 1.35% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

XML

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013
Risk/Return:
Document Type	485BPOS
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012
Registrant Name	VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
Central Index Key	0001005020
Amendment Flag	false
Document Creation Date	Jan. 25, 2013
Document Effective Date	Jan. 31, 2013
Prospectus Date	Jan. 31, 2013

XML

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund

Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.58%	0.58%	0.58%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.05%	0.05%	0.05%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.88%	2.63%	1.63%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	755	1,132	1,533	2,649
Class C	366	817	1,395	2,964
Class I	166	514	887	1,933

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	755	1,132	1,533	2,649
Class C	266	817	1,395	2,964
Class I	166	514	887	1,933

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 96% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund offers investors exposure to commodities-related investments in markets located throughout the world, including emerging market countries. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests globally at least 80% of its assets in stocks of companies principally engaged in the base metals, precious metals, energy, and agriculture group of industries. The fund will concentrate its investments in this commodities-related group of industries. The fund is a non-diversified portfolio and will consist primarily of common and preferred stocks, but may contain commodity-related exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and commodities-linked notes. The fund will primarily hold securities of companies listed on global securities exchanges or quoted on established over-the-counter markets, or American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The fund typically invests in the securities of medium to large capitalization companies, but it is not limited to investing in the securities of companies of any particular size.

Under normal circumstances, the fund will hold at least 40% of its assets in non-U.S issuers and ETFs and/or commodities-linked notes providing exposure to non-U.S markets. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining the “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Commodities Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the base metals, precious metals, energy and agriculture industries in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in commodities-related investments, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect commodities-related companies and investments as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such companies.

• Commodity and Commodity-Linked Instrument Risk. The risk that investments in commodities or commodity-linked notes will subject the fund’s portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, or that commodity-linked instruments will experience returns different from the commodities they attempt to track.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in small and medium-sized companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance for its first full year of operations. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q3/2012:    13.70%  Worst Quarter:     Q2/2012:    -7.98%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Global Commodities Stock Fund	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	0.67%	(5.35%)	Mar. 15, 2011
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	(1.13%)	(6.29%)
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	(0.74%)	(5.31%)
Class C	5.97%	(2.90%)	Mar. 15, 2011
Class I	7.09%	(1.92%)	Mar. 15, 2011
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	8.45%
MSCI AC World Commodities Producers Sector Capped Index (net)	6.84%	(4.87%)

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI AC World Commodity Producer Sector Capped Index (net) is a market capitalization weighted index that measures performance of developed and emerging market commodity producers within the energy, metals and agricultural sectors. Each of the three sectors are equally weighted within the index. The index is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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Risk/Return:

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Registrant Name

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VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

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Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

Risk/Return:

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Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund

Objective [Heading]

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The fund has an investment objective of high total return from both current income and capital appreciation.

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The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

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Portfolio Turnover [Heading]

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Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]

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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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 56% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

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Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

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Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

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You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

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50,000

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Restated to reflect current expenses.

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Expense Example [Heading]

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Example

Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]

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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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

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Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

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The fund offers the potential for attractive total return and income by investing primarily in non-investment grade bank loans with a focus on higher quality companies within a rating tier. Using extensive credit and company analysis and monitoring, the subadviser looks for those securities with strong total return potential while maintaining an emphasis on managing risk.

Under normal circumstances, the fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in a portfolio of senior floating rate loans (“Senior Loans”). The fund may invest up to 15% of total assets in U.S. and non-U.S. dollar denominated foreign securities and foreign Senior Loans, including Yankee bonds. The fund may purchase derivative instruments, including, but not limited to, options, futures contracts, credit-linked notes, and swaps.

The fund may borrow an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed). The fund may borrow for investment purposes, to meet repurchase requests and for temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes.

Risk [Heading]

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Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

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The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Derivatives Risk. The risk that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in, or will experience greater share price volatility as a result of investing in, a derivative contract.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Leverage Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be more volatile or that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in a given security when leverage is used.

• Liquidity Risk. The risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price beneficial to the fund.

• Loan Participation Risk. The risk that there may not be a readily available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, the fund may have to dispose of such securities at a substantial discount from face value. Loan participations also involve the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Unrated Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    13.58%  Worst Quarter:    Q3/2011:    -4.16%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index is a daily total return index that uses LSTA/LPC Mark-to-Market Pricing to calculate market value change. On a real-time basis, the Index tracks the current outstanding balance and spread over LIBOR for fully funded term loans. The facilities included in the Index represent a broad cross section of leveraged loans syndicated in the United States, including dollar-denominated loans to overseas issuers. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

2.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

0.50%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.60%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.38%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.24%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

398

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

658

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

937

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,734

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

398

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

658

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

937

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,734

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

37.32%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

8.95%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

1.62%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

8.70%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

13.58%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(4.16%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.72%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.69%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2008

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.60%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.38%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.99%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

302

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

624

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,073

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,317

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

202

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

624

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,073

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,317

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.55%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2008

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.60%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.38%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.99%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

101

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

315

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

547

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,213

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

101

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

315

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

547

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,213

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.98%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.54%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jan. 31, 2008

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.53%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.73%

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.35%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.80%

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund | Barclay's Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.69%

Virtus Senior Floating Rate Fund | S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.66%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.48%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus AlphaSector^SM Rotation Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 190% of the value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

190.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the Class C fee waiver remains in place for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks to track the AlphaSector^SM Rotation Index (ASRX), a public index published by NASDAQ. The fund may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing the primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index and in high-quality short-term securities. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index represented by the ETFs are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities.

Allocations are based on a proprietary quantitative model that seeks to evaluate “true” underlying trends within each sector by adjusting for unwarranted price distortions and changing levels of volatility in the market. The fund has the flexibility to be invested in any combination of the sector ETFs and/or securities, a combination of sector ETFs and/or securities and high-quality short-term securities, or 100% in high-quality short-term securities. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent a sector if it is determined that investment in the ETF for that sector is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may also deviate from tracking the AlphaSector^SM Rotation Index and/or the model allocation if it is determined that tracking the Index and/or the model allocation is likely to violate applicable legal or regulatory restrictions or is otherwise result in adverse consequences for the fund.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Correlation to Index Risk. The risk that the performance of the fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as fund flows, transaction costs, sample selection, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests, will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting an industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETFs representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a composite benchmark. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a composite benchmark.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    14.28%  Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -17.03%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark consists of the S&P 500^® Index since September 29, 2009. Prior to September 29, 2009, its performance represents an allocation consisting of 80% S&P 500^® Index and 20% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Bar Chart And Performance Table Supplemental [Heading]

vot10_BarChartAndPerformanceTableSupplementalHeading

Supplemental Performance Information

Performance Narrative Supplemental [Text Block]

vot10_PerformanceNarrativeSupplementalTextBlock

On September 29, 2009, F-Squared Investments, Inc. (“F-Squared”), an affiliate of F-Squared Institutional Advisors, LLC (“F-Squared Institutional”), became the fund’s subadviser and the fund’s principal strategies were changed to those described in the fund’s prospectus. (On January 1, 2013, F-Squared Institutional became the fund’s subadviser; however, the fund’s strategies were unaffected.) The bar chart and table below show performance only since F-Squared began as subadviser to the fund.

Bar Chart Supplemental [Heading]

vot10_BarChartSupplementalHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative Supplemental TextBlock

vot10_BarChartNarrativeSupplementalTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Performance Table Supplemental [Heading]

vot10_PerformanceTableSupplementalHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Bar Chart Closing Supplemental TextBlock

vot10_BarChartClosingSupplementalTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q3/2010:    13.11%  Worst Quarter:    Q2/2010:    -12.53%

Performance Table Supplemental Narrative [Text Block]

vot10_PerformanceTableSupplementalNarrative

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

0.50%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.32%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.11%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.13%

^[2]

Less: Fee Waiver

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.13%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

684

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

913

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,161

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,871

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

684

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

913

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,161

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,871

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

10.26%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

3.65%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

13.37%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.42%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(32.27%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

23.89%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

13.85%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

1.58%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

12.01%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

14.28%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(17.03%)

Highest Quarterly Return Label Supplemental

vot10_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabelSupplemental

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return Date Supplemental

vot10_HighestQuarterlyReturnDateSupplemental

Sep. 30, 2010

Highest Quarterly Return Supplemental

vot10_HighestQuarterlyReturnSupplemental

13.11%

Lowest Quarterly Return Label Supplemental

vot10_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabelSupplemental

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return Date Supplemental

vot10_LowestQuarterlyReturnDateSupplemental

Jun. 30, 2010

Lowest Quarterly Return Supplemental

vot10_LowestQuarterlyReturnSupplemental

(12.53%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.57%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.48%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.82%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Aug. 01, 2003

1 Year

vot10_OneYear

5.57%

Since 9/29/2009

vot10_SinceTwentyNineSepTwoThousandNine

7.88%

^[4]

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[5]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

^[6]

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.32%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.11%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.88%

^[2]

Less: Fee Waiver

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.02%)

^[6]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.86%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

289

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

585

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,006

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,180

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

189

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

585

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,006

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,180

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.18%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.94%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.71%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Aug. 01, 2003

1 Year

vot10_OneYear

11.18%

Since 9/29/2009

vot10_SinceTwentyNineSepTwoThousandNine

9.08%

^[4]

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.45%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.32%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.11%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.88%

^[2]

Less: Fee Waiver

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.88%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

90

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

281

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

488

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,084

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

90

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

281

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

488

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,084

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.31%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

11.27%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 01, 2009

1 Year

vot10_OneYear

12.31%

Since 10/1/2009

vot10_SinceFirstOctTwoThousandNine

11.27%

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.72%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.72%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.65%

1 Year

vot10_OneYear

4.35%

Since 9/29/2009

vot10_SinceTwentyNineSepTwoThousandNine

7.28%

^[4]

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.47%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.44%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.52%

1 Year

vot10_OneYear

4.08%

Since 9/29/2009

vot10_SinceTwentyNineSepTwoThousandNine

6.59%

^[4]

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

1 Year

vot10_OneYear

16.00%

Since 9/29/2009

vot10_SinceTwentyNineSepTwoThousandNine

11.86%

^[4]

Since 10/1/2009

vot10_SinceFirstOctTwoThousandNine

12.89%

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.21%

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.21%

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

12.89%

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.49%

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.63%

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.63%

Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund | AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

12.89%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] F-Squared began managing the fund on September 29, 2009.

[5] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[6] The fund's distributor has contractually agreed to waive its 12b-1 fees applicable to Class C Shares to the extent that the fund's investments in underlying ETFs with their own 12b-1 fees would otherwise cause the total 12b-1 fees paid directly or indirectly by the fund to exceed the limits set forth in applicable law or regulation.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of maximizing current income while preserving capital.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 76% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

76.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks to generate high current income and total return while preserving capital by applying extensive credit research and a time-tested approach designed to capitalize on opportunities across undervalued sectors of the bond market. The portfolio seeks diversification among 14 sectors in an effort to increase return potential and reduce risk.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in the following sectors of fixed income securities:

• Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, real estate mortgage investment conduits and other pass-through securities;

• Debt securities issued by foreign issuers, including foreign governments and their political subdivisions and issuers located in emerging market countries;

• Investment grade securities; and

• High yield-high risk fixed income securities of U.S. issuers (so called “junk bonds”).

The fund may invest in all or some of these sectors.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Emerging Market Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Long-Term Maturities/Durations Risk. The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. The risk that changes in interest rates will cause both extension and prepayment risks for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities in which the fund invests, or that an impairment of the value of collateral underlying such securities will cause the value of the securities to decrease.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that the U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    16.15%  Worst Quarter:     Q4/2008:    -14.37%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

3.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

0.50%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.55%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.33%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.13%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

486

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

721

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

974

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,698

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

486

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

721

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

974

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,698

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

17.93%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

7.63%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

1.19%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

7.97%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

2.62%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(22.35%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

42.35%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

13.24%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

3.19%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

14.08%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

16.15%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(14.37%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.80%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.24%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.28%

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund | Class B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

5.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.55%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.33%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.88%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

591

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

791

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,016

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,005

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

191

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

591

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,016

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,005

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.99%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.25%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.90%

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.55%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.33%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.88%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

291

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

591

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,016

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,201

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

191

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

591

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,016

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,201

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

13.33%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

7.28%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

6.91%

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.55%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.33%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

0.88%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

90

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

281

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

488

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,084

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

90

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

281

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

488

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,084

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

14.46%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

10.86%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 01, 2009

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

2.78%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.78%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.44%

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.81%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.71%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

4.34%

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

5.18%

Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund | Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.64%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 40% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

40.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

This fund seeks to offer investors exposure to Asian market economies, with the exception of Japan, through well-established companies. The portfolio invests in what the subadviser believes to be well-managed businesses with consistent operating histories and financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects and, in most cases, generate free cash flow. Over full market cycles, the investment style is designed with the objective of capturing part of the up market cycles and may offer protection in down market cycles.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s assets are invested in equity securities or equity-linked instruments of issuers located in Asia (excluding Japan), including issuers in emerging markets. Equity-linked securities are hybrid debt securities whose return is connected to an underlying equity, usually a stock. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining the “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q3/2010:    17.70%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -11.67%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index measuring the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets in Asia (excluding Japan), as well as Australia and New Zealand. The MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (net) is calculated on a total-return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.56%

^[2]

Aquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.82%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

844

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,399

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,978

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,541

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

844

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,399

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,978

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

3,541

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

25.73%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(9.99%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

24.59%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2010

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

17.70%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(11.67%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

17.43%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

18.12%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 21, 2009

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.56%

^[2]

Aquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

3.57%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

460

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,094

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,850

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,836

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

360

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,094

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,850

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

3,836

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

23.60%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

19.12%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 21, 2009

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.56%

^[2]

Aquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.57%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

260

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

799

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,365

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,905

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

260

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

799

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,365

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,905

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

24.89%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

20.35%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Apr. 21, 2009

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

13.39%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

15.59%

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.70%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

14.23%

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

16.94%

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund | MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

22.31%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

18.87%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has a primary investment objective of long-term capital appreciation,

Objective, Secondary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectiveSecondaryTextBlock

with a secondary investment objective of income.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 31% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

31.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund provides global exposure to the real estate securities market, focusing exclusively on companies with a rental business profile. Rental companies derive 70% or more of total revenue from rental income and are most similar in business profile to U.S. real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S companies of any capitalization that are principally engaged in the real estate industry, including common stock, preferred stock and other equity securities issued by real estate companies, such as REITs and similar REIT-like entities. The fund, under normal market conditions, will hold at least 40% of its assets in non-U.S. issuers. Additionally, the fund normally invests in real estate-related securities of issuers in developed countries; however it may invest up to 20% of its assets in issuers incorporated in emerging market countries. The fund concentrates its assets in the real estate industry and is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text]

rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration

The fund concentrates its assets in the real estate industry and is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity REIT Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting real estate securities will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in real estate related securities, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect real estate related securities as compared to a fund that does not concentrate holdings in such securities.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q3/2010:    17.74%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -16.99%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index is a free-float market capitalization index measuring global real estate securities, which meet minimum size, liquidity and investment focus criteria. The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Index (net) is calculated on a total-return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.10%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.21%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

786

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,226

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,692

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,973

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

786

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,226

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,692

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,973

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

23.08%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

0.50%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

23.40%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2010

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

17.74%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(16.99%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.30%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

30.58%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 02, 2009

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.10%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.96%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

399

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

915

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,557

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,280

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

299

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

915

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,557

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

3,280

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

22.45%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

31.63%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 02, 2009

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.10%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.96%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

199

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

615

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,057

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,285

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

199

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

615

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,057

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,285

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

23.70%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

32.97%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Mar. 02, 2009

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.83%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

27.31%

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.34%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

24.83%

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

22.96%

Virtus Global Real Estate Securities Fund | FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Rental Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

22.54%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

32.80%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus International Equity Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus International Equity Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 25% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

25.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

This fund offers investors exposure primarily to mid- to large capitalization international companies, but it is not limited to investing in the securities of companies of any particular size. The subadviser uses a value-driven, absolute return approach to investing. The subadviser’s process is a mixture of country allocation and stock selection, with a recognition that a significant portion of long-term performance and risk reduction will come from the country allocation decision.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of issuers located outside the United States, including issuers in emerging markets countries. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining the “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in small and medium-sized companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Value Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund will underperform when value investing is out of favor or that the fund’s investments will not appreciate in value as anticipated.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q1/2012:    7.52%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -13.59%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI EAFE^® Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE^® Index (net) is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus International Equity Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.63%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.74%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

742

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,091

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,464

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,509

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

742

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,091

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,464

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,509

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(2.01%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

15.84%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2012

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

7.52%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(13.59%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.18%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.82%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 16, 2010

Virtus International Equity Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.63%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.49%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

352

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

776

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,326

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,826

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

252

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

776

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,326

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,826

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

14.82%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

7.60%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 16, 2010

Virtus International Equity Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.85%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.63%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.01%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.49%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

152

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

471

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

813

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,779

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

152

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

471

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

813

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,779

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.99%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

8.70%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Sep. 16, 2010

Virtus International Equity Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.63%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.54%

Virtus International Equity Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.31%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.12%

Virtus International Equity Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

13.31%

Virtus International Equity Fund | MSCI EAFE® Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

17.32%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.33%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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

January 31, 2014

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 shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance.

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Other Expenses, New Fund, Based on Estimates [Text]

rr_OtherExpensesNewFundBasedOnEstimates

Estimated for current fiscal year.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks to outperform the Russell 3000^® Index over a full market cycle in the U.S. equity market by tactically allocating net assets among six subsets of the U.S. equity universe that make up the Growth and Value equity styles as set forth below.

Growth:

• Large-Cap Growth

• Mid-Cap Growth

• Small-Cap Growth

Value:

• Large-Cap Value

• Mid-Cap Value

• Small-Cap Value

Allocations are based on a quantitative model that estimates performance trends for each pairing of these six subsets of the U.S. equity market relative to each other and uses these estimates to determine, on a weekly basis, whether the Growth or Value style is better positioned. The fund will invest assets in the equity style with the favorable aggregate score relative to the other style. The ability of the fund to outperform the Russell 3000^® Index will depend on, among other things, the length of time and degree to which Growth stocks outperform Value stocks or Value stocks outperform Growth stocks in the U.S. equity market.

Each allocation may be invested in ETFs and/or baskets of securities representative of such ETFs. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent an ETF if it determines that investment in the ETF is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. Under normal circumstances, the fund intends to invest at least 80% of its assets in ETFs and/or securities representative of the U.S. equity market.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Growth Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in growth stocks will be more volatile than investments in other types of stocks, or will perform differently from the market as a whole and from other types of stocks.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Small and Medium Market Capitalization Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in small and medium market capitalization companies will increase the volatility and risk of loss to the fund, as compared with investments in larger, more established companies.

• Value Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund will underperform when value investing is out of favor or that the fund’s investments will not appreciate in value as anticipated.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.61%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.23%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.09%

Less: Expense Reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.26%)

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.83%

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

750

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,169

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

750

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,169

Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.61%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.23%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.84%

Less: Expense Reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.26%)

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

2.58%

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

361

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

856

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

261

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

856

Virtus Disciplined Equity Style Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.00%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.61%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.23%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.84%

Less: Expense Reimbursement

rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets

(0.26%)

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

1.58%

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

161

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

553

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

161

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

553

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[3] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and acquired fund fees and expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.60% for Class A Shares, 2.35% for Class C Shares and 1.35% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Global Dividend Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Global Dividend Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation and current income.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 21% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

21.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund invests globally in infrastructure companies involved in the energy, utility, transportation, and communications industries. Infrastructure companies are believed by the subadviser to exhibit attractive risk/return characteristics, offer moderate-to-high income and moderate growth, and are defensive in nature.

Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in dividend paying equity securities of infrastructure companies that are located in three or more countries, one of which will be the United States. Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in securities of U.S. issuers. As of September 30, 2012, the fund was invested in issuers representing approximately 13 different countries. Although the fund concentrates its investments in infrastructure companies, it may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities of issuers that are not infrastructure companies, including stocks, debt obligations, money market securities and money market mutual funds, as well as certain derivative instruments. To the extent the fund purchases non-infrastructure stocks, they may be of issuers of any capitalization. When investing in debt obligations, the fund will invest primarily in investment grade debt obligations, although it may invest in high-yield, high-risk fixed income securities (junk bonds).

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text]

rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration

Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in dividend paying equity securities of infrastructure companies that are located in three or more countries, one of which will be the United States. Although the fund concentrates its investments in infrastructure companies, it may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities of issuers that are not infrastructure companies, including stocks, debt obligations, money market securities and money market mutual funds, as well as certain derivative instruments.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Derivatives Risk. The risk that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in, or will experience greater share price volatility as a result of investing in, a derivative contract.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Income Risk. The risk that income received from the fund will vary widely over the short- and long-term.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting infrastructure companies will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in infrastructure companies, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect infrastructure companies as compared to a fund that does not concentrate holdings in such companies.

• Infrastructure-Related Investment Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will decrease as a result of conditions, such as general or local economic conditions and political developments, changes in regulations, environmental problems, casualty losses, and changes in interest rates, negatively affecting the infrastructure companies in which the fund invests.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Master Limited Partnership (MLP) Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in MLP units will be negatively impacted by tax law changes, regulatory developments or other factors affecting the MLPs.

• Preferred Stock Risk. The risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, fail to pay dividends when expected, or be illiquid.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and with a composite benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and with a composite benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q3/2010:    16.39% Worst Quarter:    Q3/2008:    -16.55%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies and is provided for general comparative purposes. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The Global Dividend Linked Benchmark consists of the MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index for the period since September 1, 2008. This is a market capitalization weighted index that measures performance of global infrastructure companies by capturing broad and diversified opportunities across telecommunication, utilities, energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors. The telecommunication infrastructure and utilities sector each represent one-third of the index weight, while energy, transportation and social infrastructure sectors have a combined weight of the remaining one-third of the index. Performance of the Global Dividend Linked Benchmark prior to September 1, 2008 represents an allocation consisting of 65% MSCI USA/Utilities Index, 20% MSCI World Telecom Services Index, and 15% MSCI World ex USA/Utilities Index. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.65%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.31%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

701

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

966

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,252

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,063

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

701

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

966

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,252

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,063

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

5.52%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

28.00%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

21.54%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(31.02%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

16.16%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

8.35%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

10.16%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

11.17%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2010

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

16.39%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(16.55%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.78%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.04%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.41%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 30, 2004

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.65%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.06%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

309

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

646

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,108

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,390

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

209

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

646

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,108

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,390

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

10.31%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.50%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.41%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 30, 2004

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.65%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.41%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.06%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

108

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

337

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

585

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,294

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

108

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

337

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

585

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,294

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.45%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.69%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 06, 2008

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.99%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.46%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.79%

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.29%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.10%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.46%

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.23%

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.23%

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

3.32%

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | Global Dividend Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.65%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.08%)

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | Global Dividend Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.09%

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | Global Dividend Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.09%

Virtus Global Dividend Fund | Global Dividend Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(0.20%)

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

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Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund

Virtus AlphaSector^SM Rotation Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	0.50%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund		Class A	Class C		Class I
Management Fees		0.45%	0.45%		0.45%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	[1]	none
Other Expenses	[2]	0.32%	0.32%		0.32%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[3]	0.11%	0.11%		0.11%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[2]	1.13%	1.88%		0.88%
Less: Fee Waiver			(0.02%)	[1]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)	[2]	1.13%	1.86%		0.88%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the Class C fee waiver remains in place for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	684	913	1,161	1,871
Class C	289	585	1,006	2,180
Class I	90	281	488	1,084

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	684	913	1,161	1,871
Class C	189	585	1,006	2,180
Class I	90	281	488	1,084

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 190% of the value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to track the AlphaSector^SM Rotation Index (ASRX), a public index published by NASDAQ. The fund may be invested in ETFs and/or securities representing the primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index and in high-quality short-term securities. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index represented by the ETFs are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities.

Allocations are based on a proprietary quantitative model that seeks to evaluate “true” underlying trends within each sector by adjusting for unwarranted price distortions and changing levels of volatility in the market. The fund has the flexibility to be invested in any combination of the sector ETFs and/or securities, a combination of sector ETFs and/or securities and high-quality short-term securities, or 100% in high-quality short-term securities. The fund may invest in a basket of securities to represent a sector if it is determined that investment in the ETF for that sector is not feasible or otherwise not in the best interest of the fund. The fund may also deviate from tracking the AlphaSector^SM Rotation Index and/or the model allocation if it is determined that tracking the Index and/or the model allocation is likely to violate applicable legal or regulatory restrictions or is otherwise result in adverse consequences for the fund.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Correlation to Index Risk. The risk that the performance of the fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as fund flows, transaction costs, sample selection, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests, will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting an industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent that the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETFs representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a composite benchmark. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    14.28%  Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -17.03%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund	1 Year	5 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	5.57%	0.48%	4.82%	Aug. 01, 2003
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	0.72%	(0.72%)	3.65%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	0.47%	(0.44%)	3.52%
Class A S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			6.21%
Class A AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			6.63%
Class C	11.18%	0.94%	4.71%	Aug. 01, 2003
Class C S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			6.21%
Class C AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			6.63%
Class I	12.31%		11.27%	Oct. 01, 2009
Class I S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			12.89%
Class I AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			12.89%
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	1.66%
AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	3.49%

Supplemental Performance Information

On September 29, 2009, F-Squared Investments, Inc. (“F-Squared”), an affiliate of F-Squared Institutional Advisors, LLC (“F-Squared Institutional”), became the fund’s subadviser and the fund’s principal strategies were changed to those described in the fund’s prospectus. (On January 1, 2013, F-Squared Institutional became the fund’s subadviser; however, the fund’s strategies were unaffected.) The bar chart and table below show performance only since F-Squared began as subadviser to the fund.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q3/2010:    13.11%  Worst Quarter:    Q2/2010:    -12.53%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus AlphaSector Rotation Fund	1 Year	Since 9/29/2009		Since 10/1/2009
Class A Shares	5.57%	7.88%	[1]
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions	4.35%	7.28%	[1]
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	4.08%	6.59%	[1]
Class C Shares	11.18%	9.08%	[1]
Class I Shares	12.31%			11.27%
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	11.86%	[1]	12.89%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The AlphaSector™ Rotation Linked Benchmark consists of the S&P 500^® Index since September 29, 2009. Prior to September 29, 2009, its performance represents an allocation consisting of 80% S&P 500^® Index and 20% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] The fund's distributor has contractually agreed to waive its 12b-1 fees applicable to Class C Shares to the extent that the fund's investments in underlying ETFs with their own 12b-1 fees would otherwise cause the total 12b-1 fees paid directly or indirectly by the fund to exceed the limits set forth in applicable law or regulation.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[1] F-Squared began managing the fund on September 29, 2009.

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Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.85%	0.85%	0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.34%	0.34%	0.34%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.45%	2.20%	1.20%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	714	1,007	1,322	2,210
Class C	323	688	1,180	2,534
Class I	122	381	660	1,455

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	714	1,007	1,322	2,210
Class C	223	688	1,180	2,534
Class I	122	381	660	1,455

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 47% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

This fund seeks to provide investors with access to high-quality international companies. The securities selected for inclusion in the fund are those that in the opinion of the subadviser are well-managed businesses with consistent operating histories and financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects and, in most cases, generate free cash flow. Over full market cycles, the investment style is designed with the objective of capturing part of the up market cycles and may offer protection in down market cycles.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s assets are invested in equity securities or equity-linked instruments of issuers located outside the United States, including issuers in emerging markets countries. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q4/2004:    19.15%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2008:    -19.26%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Foreign Opportunities Fund	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	12.94%	(1.95%)	10.47%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	11.76%	(2.09%)	10.03%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	7.64%	(1.64%)	9.24%
Class C	18.97%	(1.53%)		9.34%	Oct. 10, 2003
Class C S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				5.89%
Class C Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE® Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				6.24%
Class I	20.17%	(0.51%)		4.45%	May 15, 2006
Class I S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				3.67%
Class I Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE® Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				0.18%
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	1.66%	7.10%
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE® Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	17.32%	(3.69%)	8.21%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI EAFE^® Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures developed foreign market equity performance, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE^® Index (net) is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

XML

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

Virtus Global Opportunities Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Global Opportunities Fund	Class A		Class B		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	5.00%	[2]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Global Opportunities Fund		Class A	Class B	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.85%	0.85%	0.85%	0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.43%	0.43%	0.43%	0.43%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.54%	2.29%	2.29%	1.29%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Global Opportunities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	723	1,033	1,366	2,304
Class B	632	915	1,225	2,438
Class C	332	715	1,225	2,626
Class I	131	409	708	1,556

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Global Opportunities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	723	1,033	1,366	2,304
Class B	232	715	1,225	2,438
Class C	232	715	1,225	2,626
Class I	131	409	708	1,556

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 73% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

This fund seeks to provide investors with exposure to high-quality global companies. The securities selected for inclusion in the fund are those believed by the subadviser to be well-managed businesses with consistent operating histories and financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects and, in most cases, generate free cash flow. Over full market cycles, the investment style is designed with the objective of capturing part of the up market cycles and may offer protection in down market cycles.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests in equity securities or equity-linked instruments of issuers located throughout the world, including issuers in emerging markets countries and issuers in the United States. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. As of September 30, 2012, the fund was invested in issuers representing approximately 15 different countries.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Growth Stocks Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in growth stocks will be more volatile than investments in other types of stocks, or will perform differently from the market as a whole and from other types of stocks.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q2/2003:    19.07%  Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -20.92%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Global Opportunities Fund	1 Year	5 Years	10 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	12.54%	(1.72%)	6.78%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	12.19%	(1.74%)	6.56%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	7.92%	(1.37%)	6.02%
Class B	14.50%	(1.26%)	6.63%
Class C	18.47%	(1.28%)	6.62%
Class I				8.30%	Aug. 08, 2012
Class I S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				2.72%
Class I MSCI ACWI Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)				6.20%
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	1.66%	7.10%
MSCI ACWI Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.13%	(1.16%)	8.11%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI All Country World Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that measures equity performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI Index (net) is calculated on a total return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Dynamic AlphaSector^SM Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 165% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

165.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 3% during the third and fourth years and to 0% after the sixth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current fees and expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after seven years. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by taking long and short positions in ETFs and/or stocks representing the nine primary sectors of the S&P^® 500 Index. The primary sectors of the S&P 500^® Index are: consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, healthcare, industrials, materials, technology, and utilities. Allocations are based on a proprietary, quantitative model that seeks to evaluate trends within each sector by adjusting for changing levels of volatility in the market.

The fund intends to employ leverage in the form of borrowing on its long positions in circumstances where the fund has determined to take long positions representing four or more sectors. The fund intends to take short positions in sectors projected to have negative absolute performance, up to approximately 5.5% of the fund’s net assets, for each such sector. In the event that all nine sectors are projected to have negative absolute performance, the fund may take short positions worth up to 50% of the fund’s net assets, with the remainder of the fund’s assets remaining in cash and cash equivalents.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of any ETFs in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Leverage Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be more volatile or that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in a given security when leverage is used.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Model Portfolio Risk. The risk that investments selected using quantitative models may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of a quantitative model will enable the fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that the fund’s principal investment strategies will result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. See the “Portfolio Turnover” section above for more information about the impact that portfolio turnover can have on fund performance.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk events negatively affecting a particular industry or market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent the fund invests a significant portion of its portfolio in ETF representing one or more of the primary sectors of the S&P 500® Index (such as consumer discretionary, energy, healthcare) or in an ETF representing U.S. Treasuries, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such sectors as compared to a fund that is not significantly invested in such sectors.

• Short Sales Risk. The risk that a fund may experience a loss if the price of a borrowed security increases between the date of a short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the security.

• U.S. Government Securities Risk. The risk that the U.S. Government securities in the fund’s portfolio will be subject to price fluctuations, or that an agency or instrumentality will default on an obligation not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q1/2009:    5.86%  Worst Quarter:    Q3/2011:    -6.00%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The Citigroup 90-Day Treasury Bill Index measures monthly return equivalents of yield averages that are not marked to market. The 90-Day Treasury Bill Index is an average of the last three three-month Treasury bill issues. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.89%

^[2],[3]

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Dividends on Short Sales and Interest Expense

rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.64%

^[3]

Remainder of Other Expenses

rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[3]

Total Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.06%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.20%

^[4]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

3.40%

^[3]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

898

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,560

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

2,243

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

4,048

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

898

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,560

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

2,243

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

4,048

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

(0.09%)

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

4.40%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

(0.09%)

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

(5.40%)

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(2.28%)

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(6.09%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

9.05%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

(0.49%)

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(11.60%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

6.69%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

5.86%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(6.00%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.56%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.96%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

(1.35%)

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | Class B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

5.00%

^[5]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.89%

^[2],[3]

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Dividends on Short Sales and Interest Expense

rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.64%

^[3]

Remainder of Other Expenses

rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[3]

Total Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.06%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.20%

^[4]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

4.15%

^[3]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

817

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,461

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

2,120

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

4,174

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

417

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,261

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

2,120

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

4,174

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.88%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.78%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

(1.52%)

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.25%

^[5]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.89%

^[2],[3]

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Dividends on Short Sales and Interest Expense

rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.64%

^[3]

Remainder of Other Expenses

rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[3]

Total Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.06%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.20%

^[4]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

4.15%

^[3]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

517

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,261

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

2,120

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

4,331

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

417

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,261

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

2,120

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

4,331

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.94%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.55%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

(1.50%)

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

1.89%

^[2],[3]

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Dividends on Short Sales and Interest Expense

rr_Component1OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.64%

^[3]

Remainder of Other Expenses

rr_Component3OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[3]

Total Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

1.06%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.20%

^[4]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

3.15%

^[3]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

318

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

971

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,649

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

3,457

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

318

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

971

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,649

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

3,457

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

7.20%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

(1.34%)

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 01, 2009

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.07%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(2.13%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

(1.52%)

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.04%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.73%)

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

(1.20%)

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.10%

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

12.89%

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | Citigroup 90-Day Treasury Bill Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.30%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.05%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

2.50%

Virtus Dynamic Alphasector Fund | Citigroup 90-Day Treasury Bill Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.56%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Management Fees exceed the contractual percentage rate because the Advisory Agreement, as amended, calculates fees based on Managed Assets rather than based on net assets although the table shows the percentage rate as applied to net assets. Managed Assets means the total assets of the fund, including any assets attributable to borrowings, minus the fund’s accrued liabilities other than such borrowings. In the future, performance fee adjustments may increase or decrease the management fee by up to +/- 1.00% of the average net assets of the fund during a rolling 36-month period (or cumulative period since the implementation of the principal investment management changes).

[3] Restated to reflect current fees and expenses.

[4] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[5] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 3% during the third and fourth years and to 0% after the sixth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund is a fund of funds that has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 shares of the underlying funds (or “turns over” its portfolio). The fund does not pay transaction costs when it buys and sells shares of the underlying mutual funds. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 29% of the value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

29.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing its assets in a mix of underlying affiliated and unaffiliated mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) (collectively, “underlying funds”). The fund emphasizes low correlating asset classes in order to help reduce volatility and increase return potential. Applying an innovative, institutional-level approach to investing, the fund invests in a diversified portfolio of alternative asset classes including managed futures, global real estate, global infrastructure, natural resources, commodities, currencies, and floating rate securities. Among the underlying funds in which the fund invests are equity funds that invest principally in equity securities of issuers of any capitalization, including those of foreign issuers, including emerging markets issuers. Under normal circumstances, the fund will generally invest in affiliated mutual funds where available to represent the desired asset classes, and unaffiliated mutual funds and/or ETFs to represent the desired asset classes for which affiliated mutual funds are unavailable or deemed not to be appropriate for the fund. The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of the underlying funds in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Affiliated Fund Risk. The risk that the adviser’s authority to select and substitute underlying funds from a variety of affiliated and unaffiliated mutual funds may create a conflict of interest.

• Allocation Risk. The risk that the fund’s exposure to equities and fixed income securities, or to different asset classes, may vary from the intended allocation or may not be optimum for market conditions at a given time.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

The principal risks attributable to the underlying funds in which the fund invests are:

• Commodity Risk. The risk that investments in commodities or commodity-linked notes will subject the fund’s portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, or that commodity-linked instruments will experience returns different from the commodities they attempt to track.

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Derivatives Risk. The risk that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in, or will experience greater share price volatility as a result of investing in, a derivative contract.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Income Risk. The risk that income received from the fund will vary widely over the short- and long-term.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting an industry or market sector in which a fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Infrastructure-Related Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will decrease as a result of conditions, such as general or local economic conditions and political developments, changes in regulations, environmental problems, casualty losses, and changes in interest rates, negatively affecting the infrastructure companies in which the fund invests.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Leverage Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be more volatile or that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in a given security when leverage is used.

• Liquidity Risk. The risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price beneficial to the fund.

• Market Volatility Risk. The value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Master Limited Partnership (MLP) Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in MLP units will be negatively impacted by tax law changes, regulatory developments or other factors affecting the MLP’s underlying assets.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

• Preferred Stock Risk. The risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, fail to pay dividends when expected, or be illiquid.

• Short Sales Risk. The risk that a fund may experience a loss if the price of a borrowed security increases between the date of a short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the security.

• Unrated Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a composite benchmark. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a composite benchmark.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    12.30% Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -21.63%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The Alternatives Diversifier Composite Benchmark consists of: HFRX Equity Market Neutral Index (20%), UBS Global Investors (Real Estate) Index (20%), Global Infrastructure, represented by the MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (since 9/1/2008) (15%), S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index (10%), Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index (15%), Deutsche Bank G10 Currency Harvest Index (10%) and Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (10%). Prior to 9/1/2008, the Global Infrastructure component was represented by a mix of MSCI US Utilities Index (65%), MSCI World Telecom Services Index (20%) and MSCI World ex US Utilities Index (15%). The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.40%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.03%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.68%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

736

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

1,074

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,435

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,448

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

736

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

1,074

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,435

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,448

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

13.26%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.34%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(28.88%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

20.68%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

10.55%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(2.54%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

9.70%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

12.30%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(21.63%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

3.40%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.89%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.16%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 30, 2005

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[4]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.40%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.03%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.43%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

346

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

758

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,296

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,766

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

246

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

758

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,296

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,766

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.85%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(0.45%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.25%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 30, 2005

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.40%

^[2]

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

1.03%

^[3]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.43%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

146

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

452

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

782

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,713

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

146

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

452

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

782

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,713

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.99%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

7.73%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 01, 2009

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

1.44%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.56%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.58%

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

0.94%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

(1.19%)

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.50%

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.07%

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.07%

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

12.89%

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

6.96%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

0.68%

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.21%

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.21%

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund | Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

7.22%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

[4] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

XML

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund

Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	1.56%	1.56%	1.56%
Aquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	2.82%	3.57%	2.57%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	844	1,399	1,978	3,541
Class C	460	1,094	1,850	3,836
Class I	260	799	1,365	2,905

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	844	1,399	1,978	3,541
Class C	360	1,094	1,850	3,836
Class I	260	799	1,365	2,905

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 40% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

This fund seeks to offer investors exposure to Asian market economies, with the exception of Japan, through well-established companies. The portfolio invests in what the subadviser believes to be well-managed businesses with consistent operating histories and financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects and, in most cases, generate free cash flow. Over full market cycles, the investment style is designed with the objective of capturing part of the up market cycles and may offer protection in down market cycles.

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the fund’s assets are invested in equity securities or equity-linked instruments of issuers located in Asia (excluding Japan), including issuers in emerging markets. Equity-linked securities are hybrid debt securities whose return is connected to an underlying equity, usually a stock. The fund intends to diversify its investments among countries and normally to have represented in the portfolio business activities of a number of different countries. In determining the “location” of an issuer, the subadviser primarily relies on the country where the issuer is incorporated. However, the country of risk is ultimately determined based on analysis of the following criteria: actual building address (domicile), primary exchange on which the security is traded and country in which the greatest percentage of company revenue is generated. This evaluation is conducted so as to determine that the issuer’s assets are exposed to the economic fortunes and risks of the designated country.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity-Linked Instruments Risk. The risk that, in addition to market risk and other risks of the referenced equity security, the fund may experience a return that is different from that of the referenced equity security. Equity-linked instruments also subject the fund to counterparty risk, including the risk that the issuing entity may not be able to honor its financial commitment, which could result in a loss of all or part of the fund’s investment.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• Geographic Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting the geographic location where the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q3/2010:    17.70%  Worst Quarter:     Q3/2011:    -11.67%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Greater Asia ex Japan Opportunities Fund	1 Year	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A Shares	17.43%	18.12%	Apr. 21, 2009
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions	13.39%	15.59%
Class A Shares Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	8.70%	14.23%
Class C Shares	23.60%	19.12%	Apr. 21, 2009
Class I Shares	24.89%	20.35%	Apr. 21, 2009
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	16.94%
MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (net) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	22.31%	18.87%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The S&P 500^® Index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index measuring the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets in Asia (excluding Japan), as well as Australia and New Zealand. The MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Index (net) is calculated on a total-return basis with net dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

XML

Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 31, 2013

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Risk/Return [Heading]

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund

Objective [Heading]

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Objective, Primary [Text Block]

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The fund has investment objectives of capital appreciation and income with approximately equal emphasis.

Expense [Heading]

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Expense Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 24% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

24.00%

Expenses Deferred Charges [Text Block]

rr_ExpensesDeferredChargesTextBlock

Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder’s fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

Expense Breakpoint Discounts [Text]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointDiscounts

You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds.

Expense Breakpoint, Minimum Investment Required [Amount]

rr_ExpenseBreakpointMinimumInvestmentRequiredAmount

50,000

Expenses Restated to Reflect Current [Text]

rr_ExpensesRestatedToReflectCurrent

Restated to reflect current expenses.

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it assumes that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Strategy [Heading]

rr_StrategyHeading

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

Strategy Narrative [Text Block]

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The fund offers exposure to the equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) market utilizing a Growth at a Reasonable Price style with macroeconomic and fundamental security analysis to identify the most attractive investment candidates. The subadviser believes the value of a REIT extends beyond the value of the underlying real estate and that through fundamental research, it can uncover and exploit inefficiencies in the market.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in publicly-traded REITs and companies that are principally engaged in the real estate industry. The fund concentrates its assets in the real estate industry and is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text]

rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration

The fund concentrates its assets in the real estate industry and is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Risk [Heading]

rr_RiskHeading

Principal Risks

Risk Narrative [Text Block]

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The fund may not achieve its objectives, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Equity REIT Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of the REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting real estate securities will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. Since the fund concentrates its assets in real estate related securities, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect real estate related securities as compared to a fund that does not concentrate holdings in such securities.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Risk Lose Money [Text]

rr_RiskLoseMoney

If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money.

Risk Nondiversified Status [Text]

rr_RiskNondiversifiedStatus

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance Information

Performance Narrative [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests.

Performance Availability Phone [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-243-1574

Performance Availability Website Address [Text]

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

virtus.com

Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart [Heading]

rr_BarChartHeading

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Bar Chart Narrative [Text Block]

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]

rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

Best Quarter:    Q3/2009:    32.91%  Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -38.73%

Performance Table Heading

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities.

Performance Table One Class of after Tax Shown [Text]

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary.

Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Performance Table Narrative

rr_PerformanceTableNarrativeTextBlock

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Performance Table Closing [Text Block]

rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index measuring equity tax-qualified REITs, which meet minimum size and liquidity criteria, that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ National Market System. The indexes are calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

5.75%

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[1]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.74%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

0.25%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.41%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

710

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

996

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,302

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,169

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

710

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

996

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,302

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,169

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

37.45%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

33.16%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

14.43%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

36.27%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

(16.07%)

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(37.26%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

28.01%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

27.54%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

9.63%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

16.51%

Highest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Best Quarter:

Highest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

32.91%

Lowest Quarterly Return, Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

Worst Quarter:

Lowest Quarterly Return, Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Lowest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(38.73%)

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

9.82%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.28%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

11.44%

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | Class B

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

5.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.74%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.16%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

619

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

876

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,159

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,303

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

219

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

676

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,159

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,303

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.63%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.72%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

11.25%

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

1.00%

^[3]

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.74%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

1.00%

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

2.16%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

319

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

676

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

1,159

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

2,493

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

219

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

676

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

1,159

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

2,493

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.63%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.73%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

10.11%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jul. 25, 2003

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice

none

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)

rr_MaximumDeferredSalesChargeOverOther

none

Management Fees

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.74%

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.42%

^[2]

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_ExpensesOverAssets

1.16%

^[2]

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleYear01

118

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear03

368

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear05

638

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleYear10

1,409

1 Year

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

118

3 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

368

5 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

638

10 Years

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

1,409

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.80%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.79%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.81%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Dec. 28, 2006

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.80%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.59%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

10.42%

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Class A

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

5.72%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.17%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

9.62%

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.10%

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.99%

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

2.29%

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

1 Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

18.06%

5 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.45%

10 Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

11.63%

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class C

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

10.23%

Virtus Real Estate Securities Fund | FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | Class I

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

1.59%

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[3] The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year. The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

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Virtus Wealth Masters Fund

Virtus Wealth Masters Fund

Investment Objective

The fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Wealth Masters Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Wealth Masters Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		0.85%	0.85%	0.85%
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.58%	0.58%	0.58%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses		1.68%	2.43%	1.43%
Less: Expense Reimbursement	[2]	(0.23%)	(0.23%)	(0.23%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver or Expense Reimbursement (if Any)		1.45%	2.20%	1.20%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place only for the period indicated. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Wealth Masters Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	714	1,053
Class C	323	736
Class I	122	430

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Wealth Masters Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years
Class A	714	1,053
Class C	223	736
Class I	122	430

Portfolio Turnover

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 and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the fund’s performance. During the period from inception (September 5, 2012) through its fiscal year end (September 30, 2012), the fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 26% of the average value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to track the performance of the Horizon Kinetics ISE Wealth Index (Ticker: RCH), a public index maintained by Horizon Kinetics, LLC, the parent company of the fund’s subadviser, and published by International Securities Exchange, LLC. The index is composed of U.S.-listed companies and equity REITs managed by executives who are among the wealthiest individuals in the United States and, in many cases, have accumulated a substantial amount of their personal wealth through the companies that they manage. The issuers have market capitalizations, at time of addition to the index, in excess of $100 million (as of June 30, 2012). The fund attempts to replicate the target index by investing all, or substantially all, of its assets in the stocks that make up the index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the index.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Correlation to Index. The risk that the performance of the fund and its index may vary somewhat due to factors such as fund flows, transaction costs, sample selection, and timing differences associated with additions to and deletions from its index.

• Equity Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies, including microcap companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Market Volatility Risk. The risk that the value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Sector Focused Investing Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting a particular market sector in which the fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly. To the extent the fund focuses its assets in a particular market sector, the fund is more vulnerable to conditions that negatively affect such market sector as compared to a fund that does not focus holdings in such securities.

Performance Information

The fund has not had a full calendar year of operations; therefore, performance information is not shown.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Estimated for current fiscal year.

[2] The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.45% for Class A Shares, 2.20% for Class C Shares and 1.20% for Class I Shares through January 31, 2014. Following the contractual period, the adviser may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, the adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements for a period of three years following the fiscal year in which such reimbursement occurred.

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Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund

Investment Objective

The fund is a fund of funds that has an investment objective of long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

The tables below illustrate all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Virtus Mutual Funds. More information about these and other discounts, as well as eligibility requirements for each share class, is available from your financial advisor and under “Sales Charges” on page 193 of the fund’s prospectus and “Alternative Purchase Arrangements” on page 57 of the fund’s statement of additional information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

Shareholder Fees Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund	Class A		Class C		Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)	5.75%		none		none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of purchase price or redemption proceeds)	1.00%	[1]	1.00%	[2]	none

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund		Class A	Class C	Class I
Management Fees		none	none	none
Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees		0.25%	1.00%	none
Other Expenses	[1]	0.40%	0.40%	0.40%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses	[2]	1.03%	1.03%	1.03%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	[1]	1.68%	2.43%	1.43%

Example

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 assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated. It shows your costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

Expense Example Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	736	1,074	1,435	2,448
Class C	346	758	1,296	2,766
Class I	146	452	782	1,713

Expense Example, No Redemption Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund (USD $)	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
Class A	736	1,074	1,435	2,448
Class C	246	758	1,296	2,766
Class I	146	452	782	1,713

Portfolio Turnover

The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the underlying funds (or “turns over” its portfolio). The fund does not pay transaction costs when it buys and sells shares of the underlying mutual funds. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. 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 29% of the value of its portfolio.

Investments, Risks and Performance

Principal Investment Strategies

The fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing its assets in a mix of underlying affiliated and unaffiliated mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) (collectively, “underlying funds”). The fund emphasizes low correlating asset classes in order to help reduce volatility and increase return potential. Applying an innovative, institutional-level approach to investing, the fund invests in a diversified portfolio of alternative asset classes including managed futures, global real estate, global infrastructure, natural resources, commodities, currencies, and floating rate securities. Among the underlying funds in which the fund invests are equity funds that invest principally in equity securities of issuers of any capitalization, including those of foreign issuers, including emerging markets issuers. Under normal circumstances, the fund will generally invest in affiliated mutual funds where available to represent the desired asset classes, and unaffiliated mutual funds and/or ETFs to represent the desired asset classes for which affiliated mutual funds are unavailable or deemed not to be appropriate for the fund. The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws.

Principal Risks

The fund may not achieve its objective, and it is not intended to be a complete investment program. The value of the fund’s investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund’s investments decreases, you will lose money. Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected, and investments may fail to perform as the adviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease. In addition, you will also be subject to the risks associated with the principal investment strategies of the underlying funds in which the fund invests. The principal risks of investing in the fund are:

• Affiliated Fund Risk. The risk that the adviser’s authority to select and substitute underlying funds from a variety of affiliated and unaffiliated mutual funds may create a conflict of interest.

• Allocation Risk. The risk that the fund’s exposure to equities and fixed income securities, or to different asset classes, may vary from the intended allocation or may not be optimum for market conditions at a given time.

• Fund of Funds Risk. The risk that the underlying funds in which the fund invests will expose the fund to negative performance and additional expenses associated with investment in such funds, and increased volatility.

The principal risks attributable to the underlying funds in which the fund invests are:

• Commodity Risk. The risk that investments in commodities or commodity-linked notes will subject the fund’s portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, or that commodity-linked instruments will experience returns different from the commodities they attempt to track.

• Credit Risk. The risk that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer’s ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.

• Derivatives Risk. The risk that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in, or will experience greater share price volatility as a result of investing in, a derivative contract.

• Emerging Market Investing Risk. The risk that prices of emerging markets securities will be more volatile, or will be more greatly affected by negative conditions, than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.

• Equity Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Securities Risk. The risk that, in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, the value of the fund’s shares will be negatively affected by factors specific to investing through a pooled vehicle, such as through poor management of a REIT or REIT-like entity, concentration risk, or other risks typically associated with investing in small or medium market capitalization companies.

• Equity Securities Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting issuers, industries or financial markets in which the fund invests will impact the value of the stocks held by the fund and thus, the value of the fund’s shares over short or extended periods. Investments in smaller companies may be more volatile than investments in larger companies.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Risk. The risk that the value of an ETF will be more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities the ETF is designed to track, or that the costs to the fund of owning shares of the ETF will exceed those the fund would incur by investing in such securities directly.

• Foreign Investing Risk. The risk that the prices of foreign securities in the fund’s portfolio will be more volatile than those of domestic securities, or will be negatively affected by economic, political or other developments.

• High Yield-High Risk Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the issuers of high yield-high risk securities in the fund’s portfolio will default, that the prices of such securities will be volatile, and that the securities will not be liquid.

• Income Risk. The risk that income received from the fund will vary widely over the short- and long-term.

• Industry/Sector Concentration Risk. The risk that events negatively affecting an industry or market sector in which a fund focuses its investments will cause the value of the fund’s shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

• Infrastructure-Related Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will decrease as a result of conditions, such as general or local economic conditions and political developments, changes in regulations, environmental problems, casualty losses, and changes in interest rates, negatively affecting the infrastructure companies in which the fund invests.

• Interest Rate Risk. The risk that when interest rates rise, the values of the fund’s debt securities, especially those with longer maturities, will fall.

• Leverage Risk. The risk that the value of the fund’s shares will be more volatile or that the fund will incur a loss greater than the fund’s investment in a given security when leverage is used.

• Liquidity Risk. The risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price beneficial to the fund.

• Market Volatility Risk. The value of the securities in which the fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods.

• Master Limited Partnership (MLP) Risk. The risk that the fund’s investments in MLP units will be negatively impacted by tax law changes, regulatory developments or other factors affecting the MLP’s underlying assets.

• Non-Diversification Risk. The risk that the fund will be more susceptible to factors negatively impacting the securities in its portfolio to the extent that each such security represents a significant portion of the fund’s assets.

• Preferred Stock Risk. The risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, fail to pay dividends when expected, or be illiquid.

• Short Sales Risk. The risk that a fund may experience a loss if the price of a borrowed security increases between the date of a short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the security.

• Unrated Fixed Income Securities Risk. The risk that the subadviser will be unable to accurately assess the quality of an unrated fixed income security, so that the fund invests in a security with greater risk than intended, or that the liquidity of unrated fixed income securities in which the fund invests will be hindered, making it difficult for the fund to sell them.

Performance Information

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the potential risks of investing in the fund. The fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.

The bar chart shows changes in the fund’s performance from year to year over the life of the fund. The table shows how the fund’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a composite benchmark. Updated performance information is available at virtus.com or by calling 800-243-1574.

Calendar year total returns for Class A Shares (includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did.

Annual Return (%)

Best Quarter:    Q2/2009:    12.30% Worst Quarter:    Q4/2008:    -21.63%

Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/12; includes returns of a predecessor fund)

Returns reflect deduction of maximum sales charges and full redemption at end of periods shown.

Average Annual Total Returns Virtus Alternatives Diversifier Fund	1 Year	5 Years	Since Inception	Inception Date
Class A	3.40%	(0.89%)	2.16%	Nov. 30, 2005
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions	1.44%	(1.56%)	1.58%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	0.94%	(1.19%)	1.50%
Class A S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			4.07%
Class A Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			4.21%
Class C	8.85%	(0.45%)	2.25%	Nov. 30, 2005
Class C S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			4.07%
Class C Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			4.21%
Class I	9.99%		7.73%	Oct. 01, 2009
Class I S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			12.89%
Class I Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)			7.22%
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	16.00%	1.66%
Composite Benchmark (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	6.96%	0.68%

The S&P 500^® Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested. The Alternatives Diversifier Composite Benchmark consists of: HFRX Equity Market Neutral Index (20%), UBS Global Investors (Real Estate) Index (20%), Global Infrastructure, represented by the MSCI World Infrastructure Sector Capped Index (since 9/1/2008) (15%), S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index (10%), Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index (15%), Deutsche Bank G10 Currency Harvest Index (10%) and Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (10%). Prior to 9/1/2008, the Global Infrastructure component was represented by a mix of MSCI US Utilities Index (65%), MSCI World Telecom Services Index (20%) and MSCI World ex US Utilities Index (15%). The indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. After-tax returns are shown only for Class A Shares; after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold fund shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. In certain cases, the Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period. This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases the return.

[1] Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on certain redemptions within 18 months on exchanges from a Virtus non-money market fund into a Virtus money market fund and purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made.

[2] The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.

[1] Restated to reflect current expenses.

[2] The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expense to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.