XML 15 R6.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Label Element Value
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Document Type dei_DocumentType 485BPOS
Document Period End Date dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate May 01, 2015
Registrant Name dei_EntityRegistrantName Northern Lights Variable Trust
Central Index Key dei_EntityCentralIndexKey 0001352621
Amendment Flag dei_AmendmentFlag false
Trading Symbol dei_TradingSymbol nlvt
Document Creation Date dei_DocumentCreationDate May 01, 2015
Document Effective Date dei_DocumentEffectiveDate May 01, 2015
Prospectus Date rr_ProspectusDate May 01, 2015
TOPS Conservative ETF Portfolio  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Conservative ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks to preserve capital and provide moderate income and moderate capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 27.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes in an effort to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). To achieve the Portfolio’s capital preservation and moderate income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 70% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the moderate capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 30% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs and REIT ETFs. Furthermore, the adviser selects some equity ETFs that are composed of value stocks. The adviser expects value stocks (those with a lower than average price-to-earnings ratio) to have returns that are less volatile than the equity market as a whole.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class, and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile or for any other reason.

 

There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes and securities in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities markets.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Portfolio may have a high portfolio turnover (100% or more) which could result in greater transaction costs, lower Portfolio performance and higher tax liability for shareholders.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITs and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with short-term to intermediate-term investment horizons who seek capital preservation as well as the opportunity for modest income and modest capital appreciation.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 2 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[1]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2012 5.05%
Worst Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2013 (2.07)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 5.05%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2013
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (2.07%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Conservative ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses)  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.66%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Conservative ETF Portfolio | Class 1 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.26%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.46%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 47rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 148rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 258rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 579rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.37%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.44%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097922Member
[4]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Conservative ETF Portfolio | Class 2 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.26%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.71%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 73rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 227rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 395rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 883rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 10.16%rr_AnnualReturn2012
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 4.57%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 2.12%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.12%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.22%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031502Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097923Member
[4]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Balanced ETF Portfolio  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Balanced ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks income and capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 21% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 21.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes in an effort to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 25% of its assets in equity ETFs and at least 25% of its assets in fixed income ETFs. However, to achieve the Portfolio’s income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 50% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 50% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs, REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs. Furthermore, the adviser selects some equity ETFs that are composed of value stocks. The adviser expects value stocks (those with a lower than average price-to-earnings ratio) to have returns that are less volatile than the equity market as a whole.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile or for any other reason.

 

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes and securities in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Portfolio may have a high portfolio turnover (100% or more) which could result in greater transaction costs, lower Portfolio performance and higher tax liability for shareholders.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITs and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with intermediate term to long-term investment horizons who seek to balance out a desire for investment returns with a desire for lower levels of risk than typically found in funds with more aggressive asset allocation.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 1 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 1 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 2 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[5]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2012 7.42%
Worst Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2012 (2.33)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 7.42%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2012
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (2.33%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Balanced ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses)  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.66%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Balanced ETF Portfolio | Class 1 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.43%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 44rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 138rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 241rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 542rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 12.48%rr_AnnualReturn2012
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 8.92%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 4.76%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 4.76%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.74%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097924Member
[6]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Balanced ETF Portfolio | Class 2 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.68%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 69rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 218rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 379rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 847rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.54%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.27%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031503Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097925Member
[6]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS ® Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 46% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 46.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes in an effort to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). To achieve the Portfolio’s income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 35% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 65% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs, REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile of for any other reason.

 

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Market Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes and securities in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITs and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with long-term investment horizons who are willing to accept moderate return volatility in pursuit of higher returns than are typically found in funds with more conservative asset allocation.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 2 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[1]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2012 9.07%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2014 (2.89)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 9.07%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2014
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (2.89%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses)  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.66%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 1 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.24%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.44%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 45rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 141rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 246rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 555rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.83%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.03%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097926Member
[7]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 2 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.24%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.69%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 70rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 221rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 384rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 859rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 14.89%rr_AnnualReturn2012
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 13.02%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 3.48%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.48%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.77%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031504Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097927Member
[7]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Growth ETF Portfolio  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Growth ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio's performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate was 21% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 21.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes in an effort to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). To achieve the Portfolio’s income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 15% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 85% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs, REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs. Furthermore, the adviser selects some equity ETFs that are composed of growth stocks. The adviser expects growth stocks, those with higher than average earnings growth and, typically, higher than average price-to-earnings ratios, to have returns that are higher than the equity market as a whole.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile or for any other reason.

 

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio through its investments in ETFs. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and futures. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes and securities in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITs and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with long-term investment horizons who are willing to accept higher return volatility in pursuit of higher returns.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 2 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[1]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2012 10.65%
Worst Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2012 (4.06)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 10.65%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2012
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (4.06%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Growth ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses)  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.66%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 2 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.22%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.67%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 68rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 214rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 373rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 835rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 15.99%rr_AnnualReturn2012
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 18.89%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 3.66%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.66%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 8.91%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097928Member
[8]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 1 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.22%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.42%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 43rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 135rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 235rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 530rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.94%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 9.32%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031505Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097929Member
[8]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks capital appreciation.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 36.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes in an effort to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). The adviser selects some equity ETFs that are composed of growth stocks. The adviser expects growth stocks, those with higher than average earnings growth and, typically, higher than average price-to-earnings ratios, to have returns that are higher than the equity market as a whole.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile or for any other reason.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio through its investments in ETFs. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and futures. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes and securities in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITS and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with long-term investment horizons who are willing to accept high return volatility in pursuit of higher returns.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 2 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[1]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2012 12.24%
Worst Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2012 (5.25)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 12.24%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2012
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (5.25%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses)  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.66%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 2 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.19%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.64%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 65rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 205rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 357rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 798rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 16.64%rr_AnnualReturn2012
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 22.63%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 4.81%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 4.81%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.35%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097930Member
[9]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 1 shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.10%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.19%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.39%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 40rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 125rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 219rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 493rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 5.10%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.53%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031506Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097931Member
[9]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio | TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks to provide income and capital appreciation with less volatility than the fixed income and equity markets as a whole.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 19% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 19.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Portfolio also employs exchange-traded futures contracts to hedge market risk and reduce return volatility. Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization orcurrency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes in an effort to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 25% of its assets in equity ETFs and at least 25% of its assets in fixed income ETFs. However, to achieve the Portfolio’s income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 50% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 50% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs, REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs. Furthermore, the adviser selects some equity ETFs that are composed of value stocks. The adviser expects value stocks, those with a lower than average price-to-earnings ratio, to have returns that are less volatile than the equity market as a whole.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser sells individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile or for any other reason.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to manage return volatility by employing a sub-adviser to execute a portfolio “managed risk” strategy. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy consists of using hedge instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to reduce the downside risk of the majority of the Portfolio’s securities. The sub-adviser may use: equity futures contracts, treasury futures contracts, currency futures contracts, and other hedge instruments judged by the sub-adviser to be necessary to achieve the goals of the managed risk strategy. The sub-adviser may also buy or sell futures contracts based on one or more market indices in an attempt to maintain the Portfolio’s volatility at the targeted level in an environment in which the sub-adviser expects market volatility to decrease or increase, respectively. The sub-adviser selects individual futures contracts that it believes will have prices that are highly correlated (negatively) to the Portfolio’s ETF positions. The sub-adviser adjusts futures positions to manage overall net Portfolio risk exposure, in an attempt to stabilize the volatility of the Portfolio around a target level set by the Adviser and to reduce the potential for portfolio losses during periods of significant and sustained market decline. The sub-adviser regularly monitors and forecasts volatility in the markets utilizing a proprietary model, and adjusts the Portfolio’s futures positions in response to specific changes in the market and in the Portfolio. In addition, the sub-adviser will monitor liquidity levels of relevant futures contracts and transparency provided by exchanges as the counterparties in hedging transactions. Following market declines, a downside rebalancing strategy will be used to decrease the amount of futures contracts used to hedge the Portfolio. The sub-adviser also adjusts futures positions to realign individual hedges when the adviser rebalances the Portfolio’s asset allocation profile. Depending on market conditions, scenarios may occur where the Portfolio has no positions in any futures contracts.

 

The Portfolio and the adviser have requested, that the Securities and Exchange Commission grant an order that allows the adviser to hire a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers without shareholder approval. Until that order is granted, shareholder approval is required if the adviser hires a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers. However, there is no guarantee that such an order will be issued.

 

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio through its investments in ETFs and futures. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and futures. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Futures Risk: Futures contract positions may not provide an effective hedge because changes in futures contract prices may not track those of the ETFs they are intended to hedge. Futures create leverage, which can magnify the Portfolio’s potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Hedging Risk: Futures contracts may not provide an effective hedge of the underlying securities or indexes because changes in the prices of futures contracts may not track those of the securities or indexes that they are intended to hedge. In addition, the managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains. The use of the managed risk strategy could cause the Portfolio to underperform as compared to the Underlying Funds and other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes, securities and futures in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of futures and individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities and futures markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITs and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with intermediate-term to long-term investment horizons who seek to balance out a desire for investment returns with a desire for lower levels of risk than typically found in funds with medium-to-aggressive asset allocation.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 2 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[1]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2012 5.16%
Worst Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2012 (2.40)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 5.16%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2012
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (2.40%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio | TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 3 And 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks to provide income and capital appreciation with less volatility than the fixed income and equity markets as a whole.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 19% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 19.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Portfolio also employs exchange-traded futures contracts to hedge market risk and reduce return volatility. Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes in an effort to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 25% of its assets in equity ETFs and at least 25% of its assets in fixed income ETFs. However, to achieve the Portfolio’s income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 50% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 50% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs, REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs. Furthermore, the adviser selects some equity ETFs that are composed of value stocks. The adviser expects value stocks, those with a lower than average price-to-earnings ratio, to have returns that are less volatile than the equity market as a whole.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile or for any other reason.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to manage return volatility by employing a sub-adviser to execute a portfolio “managed risk” strategy. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy consists of using hedge instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to reduce the downside risk of the majority of the Portfolio’s securities. The sub-adviser may use: equity futures contracts, treasury futures contracts, currency futures contracts, and other hedge instruments judged by the sub-adviser to be necessary to achieve the goals of the managed risk strategy. The sub-adviser may also buy or sell futures contracts based on one or more market indices in an attempt to maintain the Portfolio’s volatility at the targeted level in an environment in which the sub-adviser expects market volatility to decrease or increase, respectively. The sub-adviser selects individual futures contracts that it believes will have prices that are highly correlated (negatively) to the Portfolio’s ETF positions. The sub-adviser adjusts futures positions to manage overall net Portfolio risk exposure, in an attempt to stabilize the volatility of the Portfolio around a target level set by the Adviser and to reduce the potential for portfolio losses during periods of significant and sustained market decline. The sub-adviser regularly monitors and forecasts volatility in the markets utilizing a proprietary model, and adjusts the Portfolio’s futures positions in response to specific changes in the market and in the Portfolio. In addition, the sub-adviser will monitor liquidity levels of relevant futures contracts and transparency provided by exchanges as the counterparties in hedging transactions. Following market declines, a downside rebalancing strategy will be used to decrease the amount of futures contracts used to hedge the Portfolio. The sub-adviser also adjusts futures positions to realign individual hedges when the adviser rebalances the Portfolio’s asset allocation profile. Depending on market conditions, scenarios may occur where the Portfolio has no positions in any futures contracts.

 

The Portfolio and the adviser have requested, that the Securities and Exchange Commission grant an order that allows the adviser to hire a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers without shareholder approval. Until that order is granted, shareholder approval is required if the adviser hires a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers. However, there is no guarantee that such an order will be issued.

 

There is no guarantee the Portfolio will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and futures. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Futures Risk: Futures contract positions may not provide an effective hedge because changes in futures contract prices may not track those of the ETFs they are intended to hedge. Futures create leverage, which can magnify the Portfolio’s potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Hedging Risk: Futures contracts may not provide an effective hedge of the underlying securities or indexes because changes in the prices of futures contracts may not track those of the securities or indexes that they are intended to hedge. In addition, the managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains. The use of the managed risk strategy could cause the Portfolio to underperform as compared to the Underlying Funds and other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes, securities and futures in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of futures and individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities and futures markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITs and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with intermediate-term to long-term investment horizons who seek to balance out a desire for investment returns with a desire for lower levels of risk than typically found in funds with medium-to-aggressive asset allocation.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 3 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 3 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 3 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[10]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2013 3.34%
Worst Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2013 (2.33)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2013
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 3.34%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2013
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (2.33%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses) | TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.54%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses) | TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 3 And 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 17.90%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio | Class 2 shares | TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.88%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 64rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 202rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 351rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 786rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 8.39%rr_AnnualReturn2012
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 7.93%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 3.06%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.06%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.06%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097932Member
[11]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 09, 2011
TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio | Class 1 shares | TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.63%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 90rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 281rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 488rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,084rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.34%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.30%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097933Member
[11]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 09, 2011
TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio | Class 3 | TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 3 And 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.35%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.98%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 100rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 312rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 542rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,201rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 7.65%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 3.00%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.00%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.46%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112453Member
[12]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2012
TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio | Class 4 | TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 3 And 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.60%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.23%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 125rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 390rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 676rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,489rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 4.76%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskBalancedETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031507Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112454Member
[12]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2012
TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks capital appreciation with less volatility than the equity markets as a whole.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 19 % of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 19.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Portfolio also employs exchange-traded futures contracts to hedge market risk and reduce return volatility. Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. ThePortfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes in an effort to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). To achieve the Portfolio’s income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 35% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 65% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs, REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile or for any reason.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to manage return volatility by employing a sub-adviser to execute a portfolio “managed risk” strategy. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy consists of using hedge instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to reduce the downside risk of the majority of the Portfolio’s securities. The sub-adviser may use: equity futures contracts, treasury futures contracts, currency futures contracts, and other hedge instruments judged by the sub-adviser to be necessary to achieve the goals of the managed risk strategy. The sub-adviser may also buy or sell futures contracts based on one or more market indices in an attempt to maintain the Portfolio’s volatility at the targeted level in an environment in which the sub-adviser expects market volatility to decrease or increase, respectively. The sub-adviser selects individual futures contracts that it believes will have prices that are highly correlated (negatively) to the Portfolio’s ETF positions. The sub-adviser adjusts futures positions to manage overall net Portfolio risk exposure in an attempt to stabilize the volatility of the Portfolio around a target level set by the Adviser and to reduce the potential for portfolio losses during periods of significant and sustained market decline. The sub-adviser regularly monitors and forecasts volatility in the markets utilizing a proprietary model, and adjusts the Portfolio’s futures positions in response to specific changes in the market and in the Portfolio. In addition, the sub-adviser will monitor liquidity levels of relevant futures contracts and transparency provided by exchanges as the counterparties in hedging transactions. Following market declines, a downside rebalancing strategy will be used to decrease the amount of futures contracts used to hedge the Portfolio. The sub-adviser also adjusts futures positions to realign individual hedges when the adviser rebalances the Portfolio’s asset allocation profile. Depending on market conditions, scenarios may occur where the Portfolio has no positions in any futures contracts.

 

The Portfolio and the adviser have requested that the Securities and Exchange Commission grant an order that allows the adviser to hire a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers without shareholder approval. Until that order is granted, shareholder approval is required if the adviser hires a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers. However, there is no guarantee that such an order will be issued.

 

There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio through its investments in ETFs and futures. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and futures. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Futures Risk: Futures contract positions may not provide an effective hedge because changes in futures contract prices may not track those of the ETFs they are intended to hedge. Futures create leverage, which can magnify the Portfolio’s potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Hedging Risk: Futures contracts may not provide an effective hedge of the underlying securities or indexes because changes in the prices of futures contracts may not track those of the securities or indexes that they are intended to hedge. In addition, the managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains. The use of the managed risk strategy could cause the Portfolio to underperform as compared to the Underlying Funds and other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes, securities and futures in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of futures and individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities and futures markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITs and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with long-term investment horizons who are willing to accept lower-to-moderate return volatility in pursuit of higher returns than are typically found in funds with more conservative asset allocation.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 2 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[1]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2012 6.00%
Worst Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2012 (3.55)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 6.00%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2012
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (3.55%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 and 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks capital appreciation with less volatility than the equity markets as a whole.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 19% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 19.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Portfolio also employs exchange-traded futures contracts to hedge market risk and reduce return volatility. Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes in an effort to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). To achieve the Portfolio’s income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 35% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 65% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs, REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile or for any other reason.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to manage return volatility by employing a sub-adviser to execute a portfolio’s “managed risk” strategy. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy consists of using hedge instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to reduce the downside risk of the majority of the Portfolio’s securities. The sub-adviser may use: equity futures contracts, treasury futures contracts, currency futures contracts, and other hedge instruments judged by the sub-adviser to be necessary to achieve the goals of the managed risk strategy. The sub-adviser may also buy or sell futures contracts based on one or more market indices in an attempt to maintain the Portfolio’s volatility at the targeted level in an environment in which the sub-adviser expects market volatility to decrease or increase, respectively. The sub-adviser selects individual futures contracts that it believes will have prices that are highly correlated (negatively) to the Portfolio’s ETF positions. The sub-adviser adjusts futures positions to manage overall net Portfolio risk exposure, in an attempt to stabilize the volatility of the Portfolio around a target level set by the Adviser and to reduce the potential for portfolio losses during periods of significant and sustained market decline. The sub-adviser regularly monitors and forecasts volatility in the markets utilizing a proprietary model, and adjusts the Portfolio’s futures positions in response to specific changes in the market and in the Portfolio. In addition, the sub-adviser will monitor liquidity levels of relevant futures contracts and transparency provided by exchanges as the counterparties in hedging transactions. Following market declines, a downside rebalancing strategy will be used to decrease the amount of futures contracts used to hedge the Portfolio. The sub-adviser also adjusts futures positions to realign individual hedges when the adviser rebalances the Portfolio’s asset allocation profile. Depending on market conditions, scenarios may occur where the Portfolio has no positions in any futures contracts.

 

The Portfolio and the adviser have requested, that the Securities and Exchange Commission grant an order that allows the adviser to hire a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers without shareholder approval. Until that order is granted, shareholder approval is required if the adviser hires a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers. However, there is no guarantee that such an order will be issued.

 

There is no guarantee the Portfolio will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and futures. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Futures Risk: Futures contract positions may not provide an effective hedge because changes in futures contract prices may not track those of the ETFs they are intended to hedge. Futures create leverage, which can magnify the Portfolio’s potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Hedging Risk: Futures contracts may not provide an effective hedge of the underlying securities or indexes because changes in the prices of futures contracts may not track those of the securities or indexes that they are intended to hedge. In addition, the managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains. The use of the managed risk strategy could cause the Portfolio to underperform as compared to the Underlying Funds and other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes, securities and futures in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of futures and individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities and futures markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITs and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with long-term investment horizons who are willing to accept lower-to-moderate return volatility in pursuit of higher returns than are typically found in funds with more conservative asset allocation.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 3 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 3 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 3 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[10]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2013 4.87%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2014 (2.85)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2013
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 4.87%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2014
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (2.85%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses) | TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 16.54%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses) | TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 and 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 17.90%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 1 shares | TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.63%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 64rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 202rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 351rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 786rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 3.16%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.29%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097934Member
[13]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 09, 2011
TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 2 shares | TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.88%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 90rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 281rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 488rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,084rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 8.66%rr_AnnualReturn2012
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 12.39%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 2.81%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.81%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.09%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097935Member
[13]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Jun. 09, 2011
TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 3 shares | TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 and 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.35%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.98%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 100rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 312rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 542rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,201rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 16.43%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 2.75%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.75%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.66%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112455Member
[14]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2012
TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 4 shares | TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 and 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.60%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.23%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.23%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 125rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 390rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 676rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,489rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 2.50%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 6.50%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskModerateGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031508Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112456Member
[14]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2012
TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio | TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks capital appreciation with less volatility than the equity markets as a whole.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio's performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate was 14% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 14.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Portfolio also employs exchange-traded futures contracts to hedge market risk and reduce return volatility. Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). To achieve the Portfolio’s income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 15% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 85% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs, REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs. Furthermore, the adviser selects some equity ETFs that are composed of growth stocks. The adviser expects growth stocks, those with higher than average earnings growth and, typically, higher than average price-to-earnings ratios (P/E), to have returns that are higher than the equity market as a whole.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to manage return volatility by employing a sub-adviser to execute a portfolio “managed risk” strategy. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy consists of using hedge instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to reduce the downside risk of the majority of the Portfolio’s securities. The sub-adviser may use: equity futures contracts, treasury futures contracts, currency futures contracts, and other hedge instruments judged by the sub-adviser to be necessary to achieve the goals of the managed risk strategy. The sub-adviser may also buy or sell futures contracts based on one or more market indices in an attempt to maintain the Portfolio’s volatility at the targeted level in an environment in which the sub-adviser expects market volatility to decrease or increase, respectively. The sub-adviser selects individual futures contracts that it believes will have prices that are highly correlated (negatively) to the Portfolio’s ETF positions. The sub-adviser adjusts short futures positions to manage overall net Portfolio risk exposure, in an attempt to stabilize the volatility of the Portfolio around a target level set by the Adviser and to reduce the potential for portfolio losses during periods of significant and sustained market decline. The sub-adviser regularly monitors and forecasts volatility in the markets utilizing a proprietary model, and adjusts the Portfolio’s futures positions in response to specific changes in the market and in the Portfolio. In addition, the sub-adviser will monitor liquidity levels of relevant futures contracts and transparency provided by exchanges as the counterparties in hedging transactions. Following market declines, a downside rebalancing strategy will be used to decrease the amount of futures contracts used to hedge the Portfolio. The sub-adviser also adjusts futures positions to realign individual hedges when the adviser rebalances the Portfolio’s asset allocation profile. Depending on market conditions, scenarios may occur where the Portfolio has no positions in any futures contracts.

 

The Portfolio and the adviser have requested, that the Securities and Exchange Commission grant an order that allows the adviser to hire a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers without shareholder approval. Until that order is granted, shareholder approval is required if the adviser hires a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers. However, there is no guarantee that such an order will be issued.

 

There is no guarantee that the Portfolio will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio through its investments in ETFs and futures. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and futures. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Futures Risk: Futures contract positions may not provide an effective hedge because changes in futures contract prices may not track those of the ETFs they are intended to hedge. Futures create leverage, which can magnify the Portfolio’s potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Hedging Risk: Futures contracts may not provide an effective hedge of the underlying securities or indexes because changes in the prices of futures contracts may not track those of the securities or indexes that they are intended to hedge. In addition, the managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains. The use of the managed risk strategy could cause the Portfolio to underperform as compared to the Underlying Funds and other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes, securities and futures in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of futures and individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities and futures markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITS and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with long-term investment horizons who are willing to accept moderate return volatility in pursuit of higher returns.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 2 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the Portfolio's inception.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 2 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[1]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2012 6.26%
Worst Quarter: 2nd Quarter 2012 (4.30)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2012
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 6.26%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Jun. 30, 2012
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (4.30%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio | TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 And 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Risk/Return [Heading] rr_RiskReturnHeading

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: TOPS® Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio

Objective [Heading] rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objectives:

Objective, Primary [Text Block] rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Portfolio seeks capital appreciation with less volatility than the equity markets as a whole.

Expense [Heading] rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio:

Expense Narrative [Text Block] rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

This table describes the annual operating expenses that you may indirectly pay if you invest in the Portfolio through your retirement plan or if you allocate your insurance contract premiums or payments to the Portfolio. 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_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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 portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. During the most recent fiscal period, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 14% of the average value of its portfolio.

Portfolio Turnover, Rate rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate 14.00%rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
Expenses Not Correlated to Ratio Due to Acquired Fund Fees [Text] rr_ExpensesNotCorrelatedToRatioDueToAcquiredFundFees The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
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 Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text] rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’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_StrategyHeading

Principal Investment Strategies:

Strategy Narrative [Text Block] rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Portfolio also employs exchange-traded futures contracts to hedge market risk and reduce return volatility. Each ETF included in the Portfolio invests primarily in securities representing one of the following asset classes:

 

• Government Fixed Income Securities

 

• Corporate Fixed Income Securities

 

• Common and Preferred Stocks

 

• Real Estate-Related Securities (“REITS”)

 

• Natural Resource-Related Securities

 

The Portfolio restricts investment in fixed income ETFs to those with an average maturity of 20 years or less and invests primarily in ETFs with average portfolio credit quality of investment grade. No more than 15% of the portfolio will be allocated to fixed income ETFs with an average portfolio credit quality below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bond” credit quality). The Portfolio defines investment grade credit quality as Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB- or higher by Standard and Poor’s Rating Group. The Portfolio invests in ETFs that may invest in securities without restriction as to underlying issuer country, capitalization or currency. The Portfolio invests in REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs without restriction as to underlying issuer capitalization.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objectives by allocating assets and selecting individual ETFs using the adviser’s TOPS® (The Optimized Portfolio System) methodology. The TOPS® methodology utilizes multiple asset classes to enhance performance and/or reduce risk (as measured by return volatility). To achieve the Portfolio’s income aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 15% of Portfolio assets to fixed income ETFs. To achieve the capital appreciation aspect of the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the adviser allocates approximately 85% of Portfolio assets to a combination of equity ETFs, REIT ETFs and natural resource ETFs. Furthermore, the adviser selects some equity ETFs that are composed of growth stocks. The adviser expects growth stocks, those with higher than average earnings growth and, typically, higher than average price-to-earnings ratios (P/E), to have returns that are higher than the equity market as a whole.

 

The adviser selects individual ETFs that it believes are reasonably representative of an asset class and have relatively low expenses and/or relatively high returns when compared to a peer group of ETFs. The adviser may sell individual ETFs to rebalance asset allocation or to purchase a substitute ETF with a higher expected return or lower risk profile or for any reason.

 

The Portfolio’s adviser seeks to manage return volatility by employing a sub-adviser to execute a portfolio’s “managed risk” strategy. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy consists of using hedge instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to reduce the downside risk of the majority of the Portfolio’s securities. The sub-adviser may use: equity futures contracts, treasury futures contracts, currency futures contracts, and other hedge instruments judged by the sub-adviser to be necessary to achieve the goals of the managed risk strategy. The sub-adviser may also buy or sell futures contracts based on one or more market indices in an attempt to maintain the Portfolio’s volatility at the targeted level in an environment in which the sub-adviser expects market volatility to decrease or increase, respectively. The sub-adviser selects individual futures contracts that it believes will have prices that are highly correlated (negatively) to the Portfolio’s ETF positions. The sub-adviser adjusts futures positions to manage overall net Portfolio risk exposure, in an attempt to stabilize the volatility of the Portfolio around a target level set by the Adviser and to reduce the potential for portfolio losses during periods of significant and sustained market decline. The sub-adviser regularly monitors and forecasts volatility in the markets utilizing a proprietary model, and adjusts the Portfolio’s futures positions in response to specific changes in the market and in the Portfolio. In addition, the sub-adviser will monitor liquidity levels of relevant futures contracts and transparency provided by exchanges as the counterparties in hedging transactions. Following market declines, a downside rebalancing strategy will be used to decrease the amount of futures contracts used to hedge the Portfolio. The sub-adviser also adjusts futures positions to realign individual hedges when the adviser rebalances the Portfolio’s asset allocation profile. Depending on market conditions, scenarios may occur where the Portfolio has no positions in any futures contracts.

 

The Portfolio and the adviser have requested, that the Securities and Exchange Commission grant an order that allows the adviser to hire a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers without shareholder approval. Until that order is granted, shareholder approval is required if the adviser hires a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers. However, there is no guarantee that such an order will be issued.

 

There is no guarantee the Portfolio will meet its investment objectives.

Strategy Portfolio Concentration [Text] rr_StrategyPortfolioConcentration The Portfolio employs a fund-of-funds structure that invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
Risk [Heading] rr_RiskHeading

Principal 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 Portfolio. Many factors affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.

 

The following principal risks apply to the Portfolio. Many of these risks come from the Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and futures. The value of your investment in the Portfolio will go up and down with the prices of the securities in which the Portfolio invests.

 

Credit Risk: Issuers might not make payments on debt securities, resulting in losses. Credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, also resulting in losses.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: In addition to the risks generally associated with investing in securities of foreign companies, countries with emerging markets also may have relatively unstable governments, social and legal systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries, and securities markets that trade a small number of issues.

 

ETF Risk: The cost of investing in the Portfolio will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund.

 

Interest Rate 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.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Foreign equity securities denominated in non-US dollar currencies will subject the Portfolio to currency trading risks that include market risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

Fund of Funds Risk: The Portfolio’s principal investment strategy involves investing in ETFs. Investors may be able to invest directly in the ETFs and may not need to invest through the Portfolio. The cost of investing directly in the Portfolio may be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs. Investors of the Portfolio will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The Portfolio will incur brokerage costs when it purchases shares of investment companies.

 

Futures Risk: Futures contract positions may not provide an effective hedge because changes in futures contract prices may not track those of the ETFs they are intended to hedge. Futures create leverage, which can magnify the Portfolio’s potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Hedging Risk: Futures contracts may not provide an effective hedge of the underlying securities or indexes because changes in the prices of futures contracts may not track those of the securities or indexes that they are intended to hedge. In addition, the managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains. The use of the managed risk strategy could cause the Portfolio to underperform as compared to the Underlying Funds and other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.

 

Junk Bond Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and the Portfolio’s ETFs holding these bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Portfolio’s share price.

 

Management Risk: The adviser’s dependence on the TOPS® methodology and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes, securities and futures in which the Portfolio invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. The sub-adviser’s managed risk strategy may not effectively protect the Portfolio from market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains.

 

Market Risk: Overall securities market risks may affect the value of futures and individual ETFs. Factors such as foreign and domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events may adversely affect the securities and futures markets.

 

Natural Resource Risk: Exposure to companies primarily engaged in the natural resource markets (which for this purpose includes agribusiness) may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than the securities market as a whole. Natural resource companies are affected by commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Real Estate Risk: Real estate values rise and fall in response to a variety of factors, including local, regional and national economic conditions, interest rates and tax considerations. REIT ETF performance depends on the types and locations of the properties owned by the relevant REITs and on how well those REITs manage those properties.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk: The value of a small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully consider your own investment goals, the amount of time you are willing to leave your money invested, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.

 

Who Should Invest in the Portfolio?

 

The adviser believes the Portfolio is appropriate for investors with long-term investment horizons who are willing to accept moderate return volatility in pursuit of higher returns.

Risk Lose Money [Text] rr_RiskLoseMoney As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Portfolio.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading] rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Performance:

Performance Narrative [Text Block] rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 3 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the inception of the portfolio’s Class 3 shares. The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Portfolio over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-572-5945.

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text] rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Portfolio’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The bar chart shows performance of the Class 3 shares of the Portfolio for each full calendar year since the inception of the portfolio’s Class 3 shares.
Performance Availability Phone [Text] rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone 1-855-572-5945
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture You should be aware that the Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading] rr_BarChartHeading

Class 3 Annual Total Return for Calendar Years Ended December 31

[10]
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block] rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 2013 6.40%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 2014 (3.30)%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel Best Quarter:
Highest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate Mar. 31, 2013
Highest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn 6.40%rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel Worst Quarter:
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate Sep. 30, 2014
Lowest Quarterly Return rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn (3.30%)rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
Performance Table Heading rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2014)

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes [Text] rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes reflects no deduction for fees and expenses
Performance Table Closing [Text Block] rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock

The Standard and Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Its performance does not reflect any deduction for fees, management expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses) | TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 14.66%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio | Standard & Poor's 500 Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses) | TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 And 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 13.69%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 17.90%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis
= nlvt_StandardAndPoors500IndexReflectsNoDeductionForFeesAndExpensesMember
TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 1 shares | TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets none
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.22%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.62%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 63rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 199rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 346rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 774rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 1.49%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.25%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097936Member
[15]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 2 shares | TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 And 2 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.25%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.22%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.87%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 89rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 278rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 482rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,073rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Annual Return 2012 rr_AnnualReturn2012 8.24%rr_AnnualReturn2012
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 15.96%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 1.31%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 1.31%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 5.03%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass1And2SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000097937Member
[15]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate Apr. 26, 2011
TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 3 | TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 And 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.35%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.22%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 0.97%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 99rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 309rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 536rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,190rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
Annual Return 2013 rr_AnnualReturn2013 16.43%rr_AnnualReturn2013
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
Annual Return 2014 rr_AnnualReturn2014 1.18%rr_AnnualReturn2014
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 1.18%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.13%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112457Member
[16]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2012
TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio | Class 4 | TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 And 4 Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items] rr_ProspectusLineItems  
Management Fees (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets 0.30%rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets 0.60%rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
Other Expenses (as a percentage of Assets): rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets 0.10%rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
[2]
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets 0.22%rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
[3]
Expenses (as a percentage of Assets) rr_ExpensesOverAssets 1.22%rr_ExpensesOverAssets
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year rr_ExpenseExampleYear01 124rr_ExpenseExampleYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear03 387rr_ExpenseExampleYear03
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear05 670rr_ExpenseExampleYear05
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years rr_ExpenseExampleYear10 1,477rr_ExpenseExampleYear10
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
1 Year rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01 0.88%rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
Since Inception rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception 7.25%rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception
/ dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis
= nlvt_TOPSManagedRiskGrowthETFPortfolioClass3And4SharesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= nlvt_S000031509Member
/ rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis
= nlvt_C000112458Member
[16]
Inception Date rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate May 01, 2012
[1] The returns are for Class 2 Shares, which would have substantially similar annual returns as the other share classes because the shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities and the returns for each class would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.
[2] Other expenses are contractually limited to 0.10%.
[3] Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Portfolio's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Portfolio.
[4] Inception date of the TOPS Conservative ETF Portfolio is April 26, 2011.
[5] The returns are for Class 1 Shares, which would have substantially similar annual returns as the other share classes because the shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities and the returns for each class would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.
[6] Inception date of the TOPS Balanced ETF Portfolio is April 26, 2011.
[7] Inception date of the TOPS Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio is April 26, 2011.
[8] Inception date of the TOPS Growth ETF Portfolio is April 26, 2011.
[9] Inception date of the TOPS Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio is April 26, 2011.
[10] The returns are for Class 3 Shares, which would have substantially similar annual returns as the Class 4 shares because the shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities and the returns for each class would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.
[11] Inception date of the TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio is June 9, 2011.
[12] Inception date of the Class 3 and Class 4 shares of TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio is May 1, 2012.
[13] Inception date of the TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio is June 9, 2011.
[14] Inception date of the Class 3 and Class 4 shares of TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio is May 1, 2012.
[15] Inception date of the TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio is April 26, 2011.
[16] Inception date of the Class 3 and 4 shares of TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio is May 1, 2012.