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Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Document Typedei_DocumentType485BPOS
Document Period End Datedei_DocumentPeriodEndDateNov. 01, 2011
Registrant Namedei_EntityRegistrantNameNorthern Lights Variable Trust
Central Index Keydei_EntityCentralIndexKey0001352621
Amendment Flagdei_AmendmentFlagfalse
Document Creation Datedei_DocumentCreationDateNov. 01, 2011
Document Effective Datedei_DocumentEffectiveDateNov. 01, 2011
Prospectus Daterr_ProspectusDateNov. 01, 2011
Avant Gold Bullion Strategy VP Fund
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Risk/Return [Heading]rr_RiskReturnHeadingRISK/RETURN
Objective [Heading]rr_ObjectiveHeadingInvestment Objectives:
Objective, Primary [Text Block]rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks returns that reflect the performance of the price of Gold bullion.

Expense [Heading]rr_ExpenseHeadingFees and Expenses of the Fund:
Expense Narrative [Text Block]rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Fund through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Fund.  However, each insurance contract and separate account involves fees and expenses that are not described in this Prospectus.  If the fees and expenses of your insurance contract or separate account were included in this table, your overall expenses would be higher.  You should review the insurance contract prospectus for a complete description of fees and expenses.  In the table below, acquired fund fees and expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies.

Operating Expenses Caption [Text]rr_OperatingExpensesCaptionAnnual 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 Terminationrr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsDateOfTermination2012-05-01
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingPortfolio 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).  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance.  A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs.

Expense Example [Heading]rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingExample:
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.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text]rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaptionThe 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. You would pay the same expenses if you did not redeem your shares. However, each insurance contract and separate account involves fees and expenses that are not included in the Example. If these fees and expenses were included in the Example, your overall expenses would be higher. 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 upon these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading]rr_StrategyHeadingPrincipal Investment Strategies:
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest primarily in Gold bullion-related: (1) physical Gold bullion, in all forms (i.e. ingots, bars, coins); ( 2) pooled investment vehicles such as limited partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies ("Underlying Funds"); (3) exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"); (4) exchange-traded notes ("ETNs"); and ( 5 ) fixed income securities, including through ETFs that invest primarily in fixed income securities.  Gold bullion-related Underlying Funds are those that invest primarily in (i) physical Gold bullion, in all forms (i.e. ingots, bars, coins) and/or (ii) over-the-counter or exchange-traded derivatives on Gold bullion such as forward contracts, futures contracts, options contracts or swap contracts and/or (iii) Gold bullion-related ETFs, and/or (iv) Gold-bullion-related ETNs.  Gold bullion-related ETFs are those that invest primarily in (i) physical Gold bullion, in all forms (i.e. ingots, bars, coins) and/or (ii) over-the-counter or exchange-traded derivatives on Gold bullion such as forward contracts, futures contracts, options contracts or swap contracts.  Gold bullion-related ETNs are those with interest and/or principal payments linked to the price of Gold bullion .  Derivatives are primarily used as substitutes for Gold bullion because they are expected to produce returns that are substantially similar to those of Gold bullion.   Underlying Funds , ETFs and ETNs may employ leverage, which magnifies the changes in the underlying Gold index or Gold price upon which they are based.     


Additionally, the Fund concentrates investments in the Gold bullion industry because, under normal circumstances, it invests over 25% of its assets in the Gold bullion industry.  For purposes of measuring 25% Gold bullion industry investments, the Fund includes the effects of leverage to Gold bullion (e.g. a security with 2 times leverage to Gold bullion price changes is counted at twice its value).   The Fund invests in investment grade fixed income corporate notes and bonds to generate interest income and preserve principal.  The Fund defines investment grade fixed income securities as those that are rated, at the time purchased, in the top four categories by a rating agency such as Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"), or, if unrated, determined by the adviser to be of comparable quality.  However, the fixed income securities are selected without restriction as to maturity, issuer country or capitalization.  


The Fund will invest up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary (the "Subsidiary").   The Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to Gold bullion within the limitations of the federal tax requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and consistent with the Fund's status as a diversified fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.  The Subsidiary will invest primarily in Gold bullion-related: ETFs, Underlying Funds, ETNs and/or physical Gold bullion in all forms (i.e. ingots, bars, coins).  The Fund's investments will be composed primarily of securities, even when viewing the Subsidiary on a consolidated basis.  The Subsidiary, when viewed from a consolidated basis, is subject to the same investment restrictions as the Fund.


The adviser buys securities to maintain the Fund's primary allocation to investments that it believes will have returns that reflect the performance of the price of Gold bullion. The adviser sells securities to replace them with investments that it believes have a higher expected return or will more closely track Gold bullion prices or both.  The adviser may engage in frequent buying and selling of securities to achieve the Fund's investment objectives.

Risk [Heading]rr_RiskHeadingPrincipal Investment Risks:
Risk Narrative [Text Block]rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund.   The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program.   Many factors affect the Fund's net asset value and performance. 


The following risks apply to the Fund through its direct investments as well as indirectly through investments in ETFs, ETNs, Underlying Funds and the Subsidiary.


  • Concentration Risk.  Because the Fund will invest more than 25% of its assets in the Gold bullion industry, the Fund will be subject to greater volatility risk than a fund that is not concentrated in a single industry.


  • Derivatives Risk:  Derivatives are subject to inherent leverage that magnifies Fund losses.  Option positions may expire worthless.  Derivatives may not provide an effective substitute for Gold bullion because changes in derivative prices may not track those of the underlying Gold bullion.  Also, over the counter derivatives are subject to counterparty default risk.


  • ETF and ETN Risk.  ETFs and ETNs are subject to investment advisory or management and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund.  Each ETF and ETN is subject to specific risks, depending it investment strategy.  Each ETF and ETN may be subject to leverage risk, which will magnify losses.  ETNs are subject to default risks.  


  • Fixed Income Risk.  The value of bonds and other fixed income securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates.  Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities.


  • Gold Risk.  The price of Gold may be volatile and Gold bullion-related ETFs, Underlying Funds, ETNs and derivatives may be highly sensitive to the price of Gold.  The price of Gold bullion can be significantly affected by international monetary and political developments such as currency devaluation or revaluation, central bank movements, economic and social conditions within a country, transactional or trade imbalances, or trade or currency restrictions between countries.  Physical Gold bullion has sales commission, storage, insurance and auditing expenses.


  • Limited History of Operations.  The Fund is a new mutual fund and has a limited history of operation and the adviser has limited experience advising mutual funds.


  • Management Risk.  The adviser's judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation or depreciation of a particular instrument in which the Fund invests may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results.  


  • Market Risk.  The Fund's investments will decline in value if the price of Gold declines.  Overall securities market risks may affect the value of individual Fund holdings.  Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the equity and fixed income securities markets.


  • Regulatory Change Risk:   Recently, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") has proposed changes to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act which, if adopted, could require the Fund and the Subsidiary to register with the CFTC.  Such changes could potentially limit or restrict the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategy, and/or increase the costs of implementing its strategy.


  • Taxation Risk:  By investing in Gold bullion indirectly through the Subsidiary, the Fund will obtain exposure to the Gold bullion markets within the federal tax requirements that apply to the Fund.  However, because the Subsidiary is a controlled foreign corporation, any income received from its investments, including Underlying Funds, will be passed through to the Fund as ordinary income, which may be taxed at less favorable rates than capital gains.


  • Turnover Risk.  A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.


  • Underlying Funds Risk:  Your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in Underlying Funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds.  You will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the Underlying Funds in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses.  


  • Wholly-Owned Subsidiary Risk.  The Subsidiary will not be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"), as amended, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, will not be subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act.  Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Fund and/or Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.  Your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher because you indirectly bear the expenses of the Subsidiary.

Risk Closing [Text Block]rr_RiskClosingTextBlock

Is the Fund Right for You?


The Fund is intended for investors who want returns that reflect the performance of the price of Gold bullion without the burdens of personally acquiring and holding Gold bullion.

Risk Lose Money [Text]rr_RiskLoseMoneyAs with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingPerformance:
Performance Narrative [Text Block]rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

Because the Fund has less than a full calendar year of investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time.  In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of the Prospectus.  Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually.  Updated performance information will be available at no cost by calling 1-855-727-5651.

Performance One Year or Less [Text]rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLessBecause the Fund has less than a full calendar year of investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time.
Performance Availability Phone [Text]rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone1-855-727-5651
Avant Gold Bullion Strategy VP Fund | Avant Gold Bullion Strategy VP Fund Class 1 shares
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Management Feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.99%[1]
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets1.72%[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expensesrr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets0.25%[2],[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets2.96%
Fee Waiverrr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets(0.97%)[4]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waiverrr_NetExpensesOverAssets1.99%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01 202
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03824
Avant Gold Bullion Strategy VP Fund | Avant Gold Bullion Strategy VP Fund Class 2 shares
 
Risk/Return:rr_RiskReturnAbstract 
Management Feesrr_ManagementFeesOverAssets0.99%[1]
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Feesrr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets0.25%
Other Expensesrr_OtherExpensesOverAssets1.72%[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expensesrr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets0.25%[2],[3]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expensesrr_ExpensesOverAssets3.21%
Fee Waiverrr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssets(0.97%)[4]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waiverrr_NetExpensesOverAssets2.24%
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Yearrr_ExpenseExampleYear01227
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Yearsrr_ExpenseExampleYear03 899
[1]Management fees paid to the adviser by the Fund's subsidiary are waived at the Fund level.
[2]Estimated for the Fund's current fiscal year.
[3]The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund and does not include the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies, some of which may be pooled investment vehicles. Certain other investment companies and pooled investment vehicles may pay management and performance based fees to each entity's manager. The acquired fund fees and expenses estimate does not include the cost of investing in underlying funds, like commodity pools, that are not investment companies. The Fund estimates that these underlying fund expenses, if presented, would be 0.50%. This estimate does not include performance-based fees, which cannot be meaningfully estimated.
[4]The adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fees and/or to make payments to limit Fund expenses, until May 1, 2012 so that the total annual operating expenses (exclusive of any taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, indirect expenses, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund may invest, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Fund do not exceed 1.74% for Class 1 shares and 1.99% for Class 2 shares. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits. This agreement may be terminated only by the Fund's Board of Trustees, on 60 days written notice to the adviser.