2.2.0.25truefalse010001 - Document - Risk/Return Summary - Variable Portfolio Funds {Unlabeled}falsefalsetrue1falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028705_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028705Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028705Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli01false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/riskreturnsummaryvariableportfoliofunds1falsefalsefalse00Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit FundColumbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028705_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028705Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028705Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseColumbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fund3false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt">Summary of Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fund</div><div style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 11pt; margin-top:6pt">(Prior to May 2, 2011, known as RiverSource VP - Limited Duration Bond Fund)</div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]4false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00INVESTMENT OBJECTIVEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]5false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with a level of current income consistent with preservation of capital.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]6false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]7false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]8false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesColumbiaVPLimitedDurationCreditFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028705_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028705_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesColumbiaVPLimitedDurationCreditFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028705_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028705_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesColumbiaVPLimitedDurationCreditFundfalsefalse0200222 - Schedule - Annual Fund Operating Expensestruefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseColumbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028705Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMembertruefalseShare Classesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisrr_ShareClassDomainrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberColumbia VP - Limited Duration Credit FundShare ClassesStandard0falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseColumbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028705Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00610.0061falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00860.0086falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00610.0061falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00860.0086falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0007-0.0007[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0007-0.0007[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0007-0.0007falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0007-0.0007falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00540.0054[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00790.0079[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00540.0054falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00790.0079falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.54% for Class 1 and 0.79% for Class 2.38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]9false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]10false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example Narrative [Text Block]11false0rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleColumbiaVPLimitedDurationCreditFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028705_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028705_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleColumbiaVPLimitedDurationCreditFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028705_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028705_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleColumbiaVPLimitedDurationCreditFundfalsefalse0200322 - Schedule - Expense Example {Transposed}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*4false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue5555falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue8181falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue188188falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue268268falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue334334falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue471471falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue759759falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue10591059falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseColumbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028705Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087828Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberColumbia VP - Limited Duration Credit FundClass 1 - Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue5555falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue188188falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue334334falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue759759falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseColumbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028705Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087829Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberColumbia VP - Limited Duration Credit FundClass 2 - Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue8181falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue268268falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue471471falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue10591059falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fund52Expense Example Columbia VP - Limited Duration Credit Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]12false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]13false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]15false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in credit-related bonds and other debt securities. The Fund will primarily invest in debt securities with short- and intermediate-term maturities. The Fund will primarily invest in credit-related bonds, such as corporate bonds and agency, sovereign, supranational and local authority bonds. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities rated below investment grade. Up to 25% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets may be invested in foreign investments.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]16false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]17false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Credit Risk.</b> Credit risk is the risk that fixed-income securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio may or will decline in price or fail to pay interest or repay principal when due because the issuer of the security or the counterparty to a contract will default or otherwise become unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations. Lower quality or unrated securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk.</p><p><b>High-Yield Securities Risk.</b> The Fund&#8217;s investment in below-investment grade fixed-income securities (i.e., high-yield or junk bonds) exposes the Fund to a greater risk of loss of principal and income than a fund that invests solely or primarily in investment grade fixed-income securities. High-yield securities are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer&#8217;s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.</p><p><b>Risks of Foreign Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p><p><b>Interest Rate Risk.</b> Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities generally fall. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes also may increase prepayments of debt obligations.</p><p><b>Liquidity Risk.</b> Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of securities which may make it difficult to sell the security at desirable prices in order to minimize loss. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole.</p><p><b>Prepayment and Extension Risk.</b> Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, and the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in securities or loans providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. As interest rates rise or spreads widen, the likelihood of prepayment decreases. The portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads because the Fund&#8217;s investments are locked in at a lower rate for a longer period of time.</p><p><b>Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Risk.</b> Mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to certain additional risks. Generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed rate mortgage-related securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, if a Fund holds mortgage-related securities, it may exhibit additional volatility. This is known as extension risk. In addition, adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-related securities are subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their mortgages sooner.</p><p><b>Sovereign Debt Risk.</b> A sovereign debtor&#8217;s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor&#8217;s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging market issuers.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]18false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]19false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. 1-5 Year Credit Index. The Fund also intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Lipper Short-Intermediate Investment Grade Debt Funds Index.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]20false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/riskreturnsummaryvariableportfoliofunds1falsefalsefalse00VP - AllianceBernstein International Value FundVP - AllianceBernstein International Value Fundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : VP - AllianceBernstein International Value Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028708_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028708Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028708Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseVP - AllianceBernstein International Value Fund22false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Summary of VP &#8212; AllianceBernstein International Value FundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]23false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00INVESTMENT OBJECTIVEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]24false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]25false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]26false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]27false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPAllianceBernsteinInternationalValueFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028708_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028708_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPAllianceBernsteinInternationalValueFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028708_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028708_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPAllianceBernsteinInternationalValueFundfalsefalse0200223 - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.01040.0104falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01290.0129falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.01040.0104falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01290.0129falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0011-0.0011[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0011-0.0011[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. 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Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.93% for Class 1 and 1.18% for Class 2. 38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]28false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]29false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue9595falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue120120falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue320320falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue398398falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue564564falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue698698falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue12661266falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue15521552falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVP - AllianceBernstein International Value Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028708Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - AllianceBernstein International Value Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087834Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVP - AllianceBernstein International Value FundClass 1 - VP - AllianceBernstein International Value FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue9595falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue320320falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue564564falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue12661266falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - AllianceBernstein International Value Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVP - AllianceBernstein International Value Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028708Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - AllianceBernstein International Value Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087835Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVP - AllianceBernstein International Value FundClass 2 - VP - AllianceBernstein International Value FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue120120falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue398398falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue698698falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue15521552falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - AllianceBernstein International Value Fund52Expense Example VP - AllianceBernstein International Value Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]31false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]32false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]34false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund&#8217;s assets primarily are invested in equity securities of foreign issuers that are believed to be undervalued and offer growth potential. The Fund may invest in both developed and emerging markets.</p><p>The Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts or foreign currency forward contracts, with terms of up to one year, in an effort to hedge existing positions, interest rate fluctuations or currency fluctuations, or to produce incremental earnings. The Fund also may purchase foreign currency for immediate settlement in order to purchase foreign securities. The Fund may use stock index futures to equitize temporary and transactional cash balances.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]35false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]36false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Derivatives Risk &#8212; Forward Foreign Currency Contracts.</b> The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts, which are types of derivative contracts, to buy or sell a country&#8217;s currency at a specific price on a specific date, usually 30, 60, or 90 days in the future for a specific exchange rate on a given date. Currency contracts may fall in value due to foreign currency value fluctuations. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts for investment purposes, for risk management (hedging) purposes, and to increase investment flexibility. The Fund&#8217;s investment or hedging strategies may be unable to achieve their objectives.</p><p><b>Derivatives Risk &#8212; Futures Contracts.</b> The Fund may enter into futures contracts for investment purposes, for risk management (hedging) purposes, and to increase flexibility. The liquidity of the futures markets depends on participants entering into off-setting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced. In addition, futures exchanges often impose a maximum permissible price movement on each futures contract for each trading session. The Fund may be disadvantaged if it is prohibited from executing a trade outside the daily permissible price movement.</p><p><b>Foreign Currency Risk.</b> The performance of the Fund may be materially affected positively or negatively by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.</p><p><b>Risks of Foreign/Emerging Markets Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p><p> Investments in emerging markets may present greater risk of loss than a typical foreign security investment. Because of the less developed markets and economies and less mature governments and governmental institutions, the risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in issuers organized, domiciled or doing business in emerging markets.</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. These risks are generally greater for small and mid-sized companies. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p><p><b>Value Securities Risk.</b> Value securities involve the risk that they may never reach what the portfolio managers believe is their full market value either because the market fails to recognize the stock&#8217;s intrinsic worth or the portfolio managers misgauged that worth. They also may decline in price, even though in theory they are already undervalued. Because different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, the Fund&#8217;s performance may sometimes be lower or higher than that of other types of funds (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]37false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]38false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) EAFE Index. The Fund also intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Lipper International Large- Cap Value Funds Index.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]39false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/riskreturnsummaryvariableportfoliofunds1falsefalsefalse00VP - American Century Diversified Bond FundVP - American Century Diversified Bond Fundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : VP - American Century Diversified Bond Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028684_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028684Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028684Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseVP - American Century Diversified Bond Fund41false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Summary of VP &#8212; American Century Diversified Bond FundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]42false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00INVESTMENT OBJECTIVEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]43false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with a high level of current income.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. 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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]45false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]46false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPAmericanCenturyDiversifiedBondFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028684_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028684_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPAmericanCenturyDiversifiedBondFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028684_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028684_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPAmericanCenturyDiversifiedBondFundfalsefalse0200224 - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00620.0062falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00870.0087falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. 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The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example Narrative [Text Block]49false0rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPAmericanCenturyDiversifiedBondFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028684_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028684_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPAmericanCenturyDiversifiedBondFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028684_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028684_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPAmericanCenturyDiversifiedBondFundfalsefalse0200324 - Schedule - Expense Example {Transposed}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*4false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue6363falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue8989falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue199199falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue278278falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue346346falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue483483falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue778778falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue10771077falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVP - American Century Diversified Bond Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028684Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - American Century Diversified Bond Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087786Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVP - American Century Diversified Bond FundClass 1 - VP - American Century Diversified Bond FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue6363falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue199199falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue346346falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue778778falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - American Century Diversified Bond Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVP - American Century Diversified Bond Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028684Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - American Century Diversified Bond Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087787Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVP - American Century Diversified Bond FundClass 2 - VP - American Century Diversified Bond FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue8989falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue278278falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue483483falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue10771077falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - American Century Diversified Bond Fund52Expense Example VP - American Century Diversified Bond Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]50false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]51false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 66% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]52false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]53false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in bonds and other debt securities. At least 50% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets will be invested in securities like those included in the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (the Index), which are investment grade and denominated in U.S. dollars. The Index includes securities issued by the U.S. government, corporate bonds, and mortgage- and asset-backed securities. Although the Fund emphasizes high- and medium-quality debt securities, it will assume increased credit risk in an effort to achieve higher yield and/or capital appreciation by buying lower-quality (junk) bonds.</p><p>The Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and certain U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). Ginnie Mae is supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Securities issued or guaranteed by other U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. However, they are authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet their obligations.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]54false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]55false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Credit Risk.</b> Credit risk is the risk that fixed-income securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio will decline in price or fail to pay interest or repay principal when due because the issuer of the security or the counterparty to a contract may or will default or otherwise become unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations. Lower quality or unrated securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk.</p><p><b>High-Yield Securities Risk.</b> The Fund&#8217;s investment in below-investment grade fixed-income securities (i.e., high-yield or junk bonds) exposes the Fund to a greater risk of loss of principal and income than a fund which invests solely or primarily in investment grade fixed-income securities. High-yield securities are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer&#8217;s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.</p><p><b>Interest Rate Risk.</b> Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities generally fall. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes also may increase prepayments of debt obligations.</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Liquidity Risk.</b> Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of securities which may make it difficult to sell the security at desirable prices in order to minimize loss. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole.</p><p><b>Prepayment and Extension Risk.</b> Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, and the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in securities or loans providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. As interest rates rise or spreads widen, the likelihood of prepayment decreases. The portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads because the Fund&#8217;s investments are locked in at a lower rate for a longer period of time.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]56false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]57false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p> When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. 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Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]62false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]63false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]64false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]65false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVariablePortfolioAmericanCenturyGrowthFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028685_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028685_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVariablePortfolioAmericanCenturyGrowthFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028685_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028685_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVariablePortfolioAmericanCenturyGrowthFundfalsefalse0200225 - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00780.0078falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00780.0078falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0008-0.0008[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0008-0.0008[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0008-0.0008falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0008-0.0008falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.0070.007[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00950.0095[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual (net) fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.0070.007falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00950.0095falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual (net) fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.70% for Class 1 and 0.95% for Class 2.38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]66false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]67false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue7474falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue9999falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue243243falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue322322falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue428428falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue564564falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue964964falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue12591259falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. 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Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]70false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 56% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]71false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]72false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund invests primarily in common stocks of larger-sized companies selected for their growth prospects. Management of the Fund is based on the belief that, over the long term, stock price movements follow growth in earnings, revenues and/or cash flow.</p><p>Under normal market conditions, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio will primarily consist of securities of larger-sized U.S. companies demonstrating business improvement. The Fund defines larger sized companies as those with a market capitalization greater than $2.5 billion at the time of purchase. Analytical indicators helping to identify signs of business improvement could include accelerating earnings or revenue growth rates, increasing cash flows, or other indications of the relative strength of a company&#8217;s business.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]73false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]74false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]75false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]76false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Russell 1000 Growth&#174; Index. The Fund also intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Lipper Large-Cap Growth Funds Index.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]77false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/riskreturnsummaryvariableportfoliofunds1falsefalsefalse00Variable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities FundVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities Fundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Variable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028689_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028689Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028689Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities Fund79false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Summary of VP &#8212; Columbia Wanger International Equities FundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]80false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00INVESTMENT OBJECTIVEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]81false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]82false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]83false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]84false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVariablePortfolioColumbiaWangerInternationalEquitiesFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028689_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028689_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVariablePortfolioColumbiaWangerInternationalEquitiesFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028689_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028689_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVariablePortfolioColumbiaWangerInternationalEquitiesFundfalsefalse0200226 - Schedule - Annual Fund Operating Expensestruefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028689Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMembertruefalseShare Classesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisrr_ShareClassDomainrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities FundShare ClassesStandard0falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028689Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Columbia Wanger International Equities Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087796Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities FundClass 1 - VP - Columbia Wanger International Equities FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028689Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Columbia Wanger International Equities Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087797Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger International Equities FundClass 2 - VP - Columbia Wanger International Equities FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*4false0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptiontruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOthernanafalsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]2falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseOperating Expenses Column [Text]0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNametruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOperating Expenses Column [Text]3falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00940.0094falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00940.0094falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureManagement Fees include investment advisory fees (including any fees based on the Fund's performance), any other management fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates, and administrative fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not included as "Other Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Subsection instructions falsefalseManagement fees0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00940.0094falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00940.0094falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseManagement fees4falseRowprimaryElement*7false0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureDistribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees" include all distribution or other expenses incurred during the most recent fiscal year under a plan adopted pursuant to rule 12b-1 [17 CFR 270.12b-1]. Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00390.0039falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00390.0039falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00390.0039falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00390.0039falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.01330.0133falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01580.0158falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.01330.0133falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01580.0158falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0032-0.0032[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0032-0.0032[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0032-0.0032falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0032-0.0032falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.01010.0101[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01260.0126[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual (net) fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.01010.0101falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01260.0126falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual (net) fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. 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Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue390390falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue468468falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue699699falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue831831falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue15791579falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue18571857falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. 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Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]89false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]91false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in equity securities.</p><p>Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 75% of its total assets in foreign companies in developed markets (for example, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom) and in emerging markets (for example, China, India and Brazil) and invests a majority of its net assets in small- and mid-sized companies. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]92false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]93false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Risks of Foreign/Emerging Markets Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p><p> Investments in emerging markets may present greater risk of loss than a typical foreign security investment. Because of the less developed markets and economies and less mature governments and governmental institutions, the risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in issuers organized, domiciled or doing business in emerging markets.</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. These risks are generally greater for small and mid-sized companies. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p><p><b>Small and Mid-Sized Company Risk.</b> Investments in small and medium size companies often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies, including less predictable earnings and lack of experienced management, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. 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Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]100false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. 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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]102false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00180.0018falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00180.0018falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00180.0018falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00180.0018falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.01060.0106falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01310.0131falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. 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If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0009-0.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0009-0.0009falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00970.0097[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01220.0122[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual (net) fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00970.0097falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01220.0122falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual (net) fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.97% for Class 1 and 1.22% for Class 2. 38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]104false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]105false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue9999falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue124124falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue329329falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue407407falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue577577falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue711711falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue12911291falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue15761576falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028699Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087816Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities FundClass 1 - VP - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue9999falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue329329falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue577577falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue12911291falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028699Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087817Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities FundClass 2 - VP - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue124124falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue407407falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue711711falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue15761576falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Fund52Expense Example Variable Portfolio - Columbia Wanger U.S. Equities Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]107false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]108false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]110false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in equity securities of U.S. companies.</p><p>Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests a majority of its net assets in small- and mid-sized companies. Small- and mid-sized companies are defined as companies with market capitalizations under $5 billion at the time of investment. However, if the Fund&#8217;s investments in such companies represent less than a majority of its net assets, the Fund may continue to hold and to make additional investments in an existing company in its portfolio even if that company&#8217;s capitalization has grown to exceed $5 billion. Except as noted above, under normal circumstances, the Fund may invest in other companies with market capitalizations above $5 billion, provided that immediately after that investment a majority of its net assets would be invested in companies with market capitalizations under $5 billion.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]111false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]112false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. These risks are generally greater for small and mid-sized companies. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p><p><b>Small and Mid-Sized Company Risk.</b> Investments in small and medium size companies often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies, including less predictable earnings and lack of experienced management, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]113false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]114false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Russell 2000^&#174; Index. 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A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]120false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]121false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. 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If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00820.0082falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01070.0107falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. 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Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue7575falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue100100falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue253253falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue332332falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue447447falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue582582falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue10091009falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue13021302falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]129false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in income producing floating rate loans and other floating rate debt securities. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]130false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]131false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p> <p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall or fail to rise. Market risk may affect a borrower, a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. The market value of floating rate loans and other securities may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably.</p> <p><b>Credit Risk.</b> Credit risk is the risk that loans or other securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio will decline in price or fail to pay interest or repay principal when due because the borrower of the loan or the issuer or the issuer of the security may or will default or otherwise become unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations, including as a result of bankruptcy. Bankruptcies may cause a delay to the Fund in acting on the collateral securing the loan, which may adversely affect the Fund. Further, there is a risk that a court could take action adverse to the holders of the loan. A default or expected default of a loan could also make it difficult for the Fund to sell the loan at a price approximating the value previously placed on it. Lower quality or unrated loans or securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk.</p> <p><b>High-Yield Securities Risk.</b> The Fund&#8217;s investment in below-investment grade loans or other fixed-income securities (i.e., high-yield or junk) exposes the Fund to a greater risk of loss of principal and income than a fund that invests solely or primarily in investment grade loans or other similar rated debt securities. High yield securities are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer&#8217;s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.</p> <p><b>Liquidity Risk.</b> Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of securities which may make it difficult to sell the security at desirable prices. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity. Floating rate loans generally are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, and their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate such loans. Loans and other securities may trade only in the over-the-counter market rather than on an organized exchange and may be more difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price, which may have a negative impact on the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p> <p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b> Counterparty Risk.</b> Counterparty credit risk is the risk that a Fund&#8217;s counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations and the Fund may obtain no or only limited recovery of its investments, and any recovery may be delayed.</p> <p><b> Highly Leveraged Transactions Risk.</b> The loans and other securities in which the Fund invests include highly leveraged transactions whereby the borrower assumes large amounts of debt in order to have the financial resources to attempt to achieve its business objectives. Loans or securities that are part of highly leveraged transactions involve a greater risk (including default and bankruptcy) than other investments.</p> <p><b>Impairment of Collateral Risk.</b> The value of any collateral securing a floating rate loan can decline, and may be insufficient to meet the borrower&#8217;s obligations or difficult to liquidate. In addition, the Fund&#8217;s access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Floating rate loans may decline in value.</p> <p><b>Interest Rate Risk.</b> Fixed income securities are subject interest rate risk, which is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities generally fall. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes also may increase prepayments of debt obligations. Securities with floating interest rates may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much as interest rates in general. Because rates on certain floating rate loans and other debt securities reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause fluctuations in the Fund&#8217;s net asset value.</p> <p><b> Prepayment and Extension Risk.</b> Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, and the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in securities or loans providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. As interest rates rise or spreads widen, the likelihood of prepayment decreases. The portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads because the Fund&#8217;s investments are locked in at a lower rate for a longer period of time.</p> <p><b>Risks of Foreign Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. 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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. 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You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. 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If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0008-0.0008falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0008-0.0008falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00950.0095[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01200.0120[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual (net) fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00950.0095falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01200.0120falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual (net) fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue9797falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue122122falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue320320falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue398398falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue562562falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue696696falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue12571257falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue15431543falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Invesco International Growth Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028707Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Invesco International Growth Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087832Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Invesco International Growth FundClass 1 - VP - Invesco International Growth FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue9797falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue320320falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue562562falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue12571257falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Invesco International Growth Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Invesco International Growth Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028707Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Invesco International Growth Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087833Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Invesco International Growth FundClass 2 - VP - Invesco International Growth FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue122122falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue398398falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue696696falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue15431543falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Invesco International Growth Fund52Expense Example Variable Portfolio - Invesco International Growth Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]145false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]146false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]148false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund&#8217;s assets are primarily invested in equity securities of foreign issuers. The Fund will normally invest in securities of companies located in at least three countries outside the U.S., emphasizing investment in companies in the developed countries of Western Europe and the Pacific Basin. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its assets in securities that provide exposure to emerging markets.</p><p>The Fund may use forward foreign currency contracts in an effort to produce incremental earnings, to hedge existing positions, to increase market exposure and investment flexibility. The Fund may also hold warrants in connection with the acquisition of securities.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]149false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]150false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p> <p><b>Derivatives Risk &#8212; Forward Foreign Currency Contracts.</b> The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts, which are types of derivative contracts, whereby the Fund may buy or sell a country&#8217;s currency at a specific price on a specific date, usually 30, 60, or 90 days in the future for a specific exchange rate on a given date. These contracts, however, may fall in value due to foreign market downswings or foreign currency value fluctuations. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts for risk management (hedging) or investment purposes. The Fund&#8217;s hedging strategy may be unable to achieve its objectives and may limit any potential gain that might result from an increase in the value of the currency. Unanticipated changes in the currency markets could result in reduced performance for the Fund. Cash or securities designated in an amount equal to the value of the Fund&#8217;s forward foreign currency contracts may limit the Fund&#8217;s investment flexibility. The Fund may incur a loss when engaging in offsetting transactions at, or prior to, maturity of a forward foreign currency contract. The Fund may also incur currency conversion costs when converting foreign currencies into U.S. dollars.</p> <p><b>Derivatives Risk &#8212; Warrants.</b> Warrants are securities giving the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy the stock of an issuer at a given price (generally higher than the value of the stock at the time of issuance) during a specified period or perpetually. Warrants may be acquired separately or in connection with the acquisition of securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. Warrants may be considered to have more speculative characteristics than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. Warrants may be subject to the risk that the securities could lose value. There also is the risk that the potential exercise price may exceed the market price of the warrants or rights.</p> <p><b>Risks of Foreign/Emerging Markets Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p> <p>Investments in emerging markets may present greater risk of loss than a typical foreign security investment. Because of the less developed markets and economies and less mature governments and governmental institutions, the risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in issuers organized, domiciled or doing business in emerging markets.</p> <p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p> <p><b>Liquidity Risk.</b> Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of securities which may make it difficult to sell the security at desirable prices. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity.</p> <p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. These risks are generally greater for small and mid-sized companies. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]151false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]152false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) EAFE Growth Index. The Fund also intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Lipper International Large-Cap Growth Funds Index.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]153false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/riskreturnsummaryvariableportfoliofunds1falsefalsefalse00Variable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond FundVariable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalse9falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Variable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028690_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028690Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028690Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseVariable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fund155false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Summary of VP &#8212; J.P. Morgan Core Bond FundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]156false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00INVESTMENT OBJECTIVEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]157false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with a high level of current income while conserving the value of the investment for the longest period of time.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]158false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]159false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]160false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVariablePortfolioJPMorganCoreBondFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028690_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028690_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVariablePortfolioJPMorganCoreBondFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028690_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028690_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVariablePortfolioJPMorganCoreBondFundfalsefalse0200230 - Schedule - Annual Fund Operating Expensestruefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028690Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMembertruefalseShare Classesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisrr_ShareClassDomainrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond FundShare ClassesStandard0falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028690Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087798Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond FundClass 1 - VP - J.P. 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Morgan Core Bond FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*4false0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptiontruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOthernanafalsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]2falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseOperating Expenses Column [Text]0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNametruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOperating Expenses Column [Text]3falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00470.0047falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00470.0047falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureManagement Fees include investment advisory fees (including any fees based on the Fund's performance), any other management fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates, and administrative fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not included as "Other Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Subsection instructions falsefalseManagement fees0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00470.0047falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00470.0047falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseManagement fees4falseRowprimaryElement*7false0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureDistribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees" include all distribution or other expenses incurred during the most recent fiscal year under a plan adopted pursuant to rule 12b-1 [17 CFR 270.12b-1]. Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00620.0062falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00870.0087falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00620.0062falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00870.0087falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses36Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]161false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]162false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example Narrative [Text Block]163false0rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVariablePortfolioJPMorganCoreBondFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028690_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028690_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVariablePortfolioJPMorganCoreBondFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028690_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028690_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVariablePortfolioJPMorganCoreBondFundfalsefalse0200330 - Schedule - Expense Example {Transposed}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*4false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue6363falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue8989falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue199199falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue278278falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue346346falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue483483falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue778778falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue10771077falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028690Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - J.P. Morgan Core Bond Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087798Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - J.P. Morgan Core Bond FundClass 1 - VP - J.P. 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Morgan Core Bond Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]164false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]165false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 78% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]166false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]167false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in bonds and other debt securities. Although the Fund is not an index fund, it invests primarily in securities like those included in the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (the Index), which are investment grade and denominated in U.S. dollars. The Index includes securities issued by the U.S. government, corporate bonds, and mortgage- and asset-backed securities. The Fund does not expect to invest in securities rated below investment grade, although it may hold securities that, subsequent to the Fund&#8217;s investment, have been downgraded to a below investment grade rating.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]168false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]169false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p> <p><b>Credit Risk.</b> Credit risk is the risk that fixed-income securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio will decline in price or fail to pay interest or repay principal when due because the issuer of the security or the counterparty to a contract may or will default or otherwise become unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations. Lower quality or unrated securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk.</p> <p><b>High-Yield Securities Risk.</b> The Fund&#8217;s investment in below-investment grade fixed-income securities (i.e., high-yield or junk bonds) exposes the Fund to a greater risk of loss of principal and income than a fund that invests solely or primarily in investment grade fixed-income securities. High-yield securities are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer&#8217;s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.</p> <p><b>Interest Rate Risk.</b> Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities generally fall. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes also may increase prepayments of debt obligations.</p> <p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p> <p><b>Liquidity Risk.</b> Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of securities which may make it difficult to sell the security at desirable prices in order to minimize loss. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity.</p> <p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole.</p> <p><b> Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Risk.</b> Mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to certain additional risks. Generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed rate mortgage-related securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, if a Fund holds mortgage-related securities, it may exhibit additional volatility. This is known as extension risk. In addition, adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-related securities are subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their mortgages sooner.</p> <p><b>Prepayment and Extension Risk.</b> Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, and the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in securities or loans providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. As interest rates rise or spreads widen, the likelihood of prepayment decreases. The portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads because the Fund&#8217;s investments are locked in at a lower rate for a longer period of time.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]170false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]171false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. 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Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]176false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. 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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]178false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00900.0090falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01150.0115falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. 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Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.83% for Class 1 and 1.08% for Class 2. 38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]180false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]181false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue8585falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue110110falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue280280falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue359359falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue492492falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue627627falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue11061106falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue13961396falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. 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Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]184false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 25% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]185false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]186false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in the equity securities of mid capitalization companies. Mid-capitalization companies are defined as those companies with a market capitalization that falls within the range of the companies that comprise the Russell Midcap^&#174; Growth Index. The market capitalization range of the companies included in the Index was $671.1 million to $24.89 billion as of March 31, 2011. The market capitalization range and composition of the Index is subject to change. Up to 25% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets may be invested in foreign investments.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]187false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]188false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p> <p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p> <p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p> <p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. These risks are generally greater for small and mid-sized companies. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p> <p><b>Mid-Sized Company Risk.</b> Investments in mid-sized companies often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies, including less predictable earnings and lack of experienced management, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths.</p> <p><b>Risks of Foreign Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]189false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]190false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Russell Midcap^&#174; Growth Index. The Fund also intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Lipper Mid-Cap Growth Funds Index.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]191false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/riskreturnsummaryvariableportfoliofunds1falsefalsefalse00Variable Portfolio - MFS Value FundVariable Portfolio - MFS Value Fundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalse11falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Variable Portfolio - MFS Value Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028692_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028692Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028692Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseVariable Portfolio - MFS Value Fund193false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Summary of VP &#8212; MFS Value FundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]194false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00INVESTMENT OBJECTIVEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]195false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]196false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]197false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]198false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMFSValueFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028692_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028692_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMFSValueFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028692_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028692_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMFSValueFundfalsefalse0200232 - Schedule - Annual Fund Operating Expensestruefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - MFS Value Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028692Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMembertruefalseShare Classesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisrr_ShareClassDomainrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - MFS Value FundShare ClassesStandard0falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - MFS Value Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028692Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - MFS Value Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087802Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00780.0078falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00780.0078falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0006-0.0006[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0006-0.0006[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0006-0.0006falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0006-0.0006falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00720.0072[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00970.0097[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00720.0072falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00970.0097falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.72% for Class 1 and 0.97% for Class 2.38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]199false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]200false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue7474falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue9999falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue243243falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue322322falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue428428falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue564564falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue964964falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue12591259falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - MFS Value Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028692Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - MFS Value Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087802Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - MFS Value FundClass 1 - VP - MFS Value FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;1Class&#160;1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue7474falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue243243falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue428428falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue964964falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - MFS Value Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - MFS Value Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028692Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - MFS Value Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087803Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - MFS Value FundClass 2 - VP - MFS Value FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;2Class&#160;2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue9999falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue322322falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue564564falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue12591259falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - MFS Value Fund52Expense Example Variable Portfolio - MFS Value Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]202false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]203false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 13% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]204false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]205false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund&#8217;s assets are invested primarily in equity securities. The Fund invests primarily in the stocks of companies that are believed to be undervalued compared to their perceived worth (value companies). Value companies tend to have stock prices that are low relative to their earnings, dividends, assets, or other financial measures. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in foreign securities.</p><p>Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and depositary receipts for those securities. While the Fund&#8217;s assets may be invested in companies of any size, the Fund generally focuses on large-capitalization companies. Large-capitalization companies are defined as those companies with market capitalizations of at least $5 billion at the time of purchase.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]206false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]207false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p><p><b>Value Securities Risk.</b> Value securities involve the risk that they may never reach what the portfolio managers believe is their full market value either because the market fails to recognize the stock&#8217;s intrinsic worth or the portfolio managers misgauged that worth. They also may decline in price, even though in theory they are already undervalued. Because different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, the Fund&#8217;s performance may sometimes be lower or higher than that of other types of funds (such as those emphasizing growth stocks).</p><p><b>Risks of Foreign Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]208false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]209false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Russell 1000 Value^&#174; Index. The Fund also intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Lipper Large-Cap Value Funds Index.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]210false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/riskreturnsummaryvariableportfoliofunds1falsefalsefalse00Variable Portfolio - Marsico Growth FundVariable Portfolio - Marsico Growth Fundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalse12falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Variable Portfolio - Marsico Growth Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028688_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028688Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028688Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Marsico Growth Fund212false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Summary of VP &#8212; Marsico Growth FundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]213false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00INVESTMENT OBJECTIVEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]214false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]215false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]216false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]217false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMarsicoGrowthFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028688_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028688_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMarsicoGrowthFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028688_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028688_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMarsicoGrowthFundfalsefalse0200233 - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00780.0078falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00780.0078falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0006-0.0006[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0006-0.0006[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0006-0.0006falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0006-0.0006falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00720.0072[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00970.0097[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00720.0072falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00970.0097falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.72% for Class 1 and 0.97% for Class 2.38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]218false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]219false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example Narrative [Text Block]220false0rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPMarsicoGrowthFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028688_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028688_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPMarsicoGrowthFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028688_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028688_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPMarsicoGrowthFundfalsefalse0200333 - Schedule - Expense Example {Transposed}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*4false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue7474falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue9999falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue243243falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue322322falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue428428falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue564564falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue964964falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue12591259falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Marsico Growth Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028688Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Marsico Growth Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087794Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Marsico Growth FundClass 1 - VP - Marsico Growth FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;1Class&#160;1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue7474falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue243243falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue428428falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue964964falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Marsico Growth Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Marsico Growth Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028688Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Marsico Growth Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087795Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Marsico Growth FundClass 2 - VP - Marsico Growth FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;2Class&#160;2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue9999falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue322322falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue564564falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue12591259falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Marsico Growth Fund52Expense Example Variable Portfolio - Marsico Growth Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]221false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]222false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 44% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]223false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]224false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of large capitalization companies. The Fund defines large capitalization companies as those with a market capitalization greater than $5 billion at the time of purchase. Up to 25% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets may be invested in foreign investments.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]225false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]226false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p><p><b>Risks of Foreign Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]227false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]228false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the S&#038;P 500 Index. 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Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]233false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]234false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]235false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]236false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMondrianInternationalSmallCapFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028693_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028693_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMondrianInternationalSmallCapFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028693_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028693_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMondrianInternationalSmallCapFundfalsefalse0200234 - 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VP - Mondrian International Small Cap Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087804Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Mondrian International Small Cap FundClass 1 - VP - Mondrian International Small Cap FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Mondrian International Small Cap Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028693Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Mondrian International Small Cap Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087805Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Mondrian International Small Cap FundClass 2 - VP - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.0120.012falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01450.0145falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. 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Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. 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The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue118118falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue144144falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue377377falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue455455falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue657657falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue789789falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue14561456falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue17371737falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Mondrian International Small Cap Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028693Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Mondrian International Small Cap Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087804Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Mondrian International Small Cap FundClass 1 - VP - Mondrian International Small Cap FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;1Class&#160;1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue118118falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue377377falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue657657falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue14561456falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Mondrian International Small Cap Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Mondrian International Small Cap Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028693Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Mondrian International Small Cap Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087805Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Mondrian International Small Cap FundClass 2 - VP - Mondrian International Small Cap FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;2Class&#160;2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue144144falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue455455falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue789789falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue17371737falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Mondrian International Small Cap Fund52Expense Example Variable Portfolio - Mondrian International Small Cap Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]240false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]241false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]243false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. small cap companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in the stocks of non-U.S. small cap companies. Small cap companies are defined as those companies whose market capitalization falls within the range of companies in the Morgan Stanley Capital International World Ex-U.S. Small Cap Index (the Index). The Index is composed of stocks which are categorized as small capitalization stocks and is designed to measure equity performance in 22 global developed markets, excluding the U.S. The Fund may also invest in emerging markets. The market capitalization range of the companies included in the Index was $48.9 million to $6.03 billion as of March 31, 2011. The market capitalization range and composition of the Index is subject to change.</p><p>The Fund may use forward foreign currency contracts, with terms of up to three months on a rolling basis, in an effort to defensively hedge the currency of existing positions. The Fund also may purchase foreign currency for immediate settlement in order to purchase foreign securities.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]244false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]245false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Derivatives Risk &#8212; Forward Foreign Currency Contracts.</b> The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts, which are types of derivative contracts, whereby the Fund may buy or sell a country&#8217;s currency at a specific price on a specific date, usually 30, 60, or 90 days in the future for a specific exchange rate on a given date. These contracts, however, may fall in value due to foreign market downswings or foreign currency value fluctuations. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts for risk management (hedging) or investment purposes. The Fund&#8217;s hedging strategy may be unable to achieve its objectives and may limit any potential gain that might result from an increase in the value of the currency. Unanticipated changes in the currency markets could result in reduced performance for the Fund. Cash or securities designated in an amount equal to the value of the Fund&#8217;s forward foreign currency contracts may limit the Fund&#8217;s investment flexibility. The Fund may incur a loss when engaging in offsetting transactions at, or prior to, maturity of a forward foreign currency contract. The Fund may also incur currency conversion costs when converting foreign currencies into U.S. dollars.</p><p><b>Foreign Currency Risk.</b> The performance of the Fund may be materially affected positively or negatively by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.</p><p><b>Risks of Foreign/Emerging Markets Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p><p>Investments in emerging markets may present greater risk of loss than a typical foreign security investment. Because of the less developed markets and economies and less mature governments and governmental institutions, the risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in issuers organized, domiciled or doing business in emerging markets.</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. These risks are generally greater for small and mid-sized companies. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p><p><b>Small and Mid-Sized Company Risk.</b> Investments in small and medium size companies often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies, including less predictable earnings and lack of experienced management, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]246false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]247false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World Ex U.S. Small Cap Index. The Fund also intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Lipper International Small-/Mid-Cap Core Funds Index.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]248false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/riskreturnsummaryvariableportfoliofunds1falsefalsefalse00Variable Portfolio - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate FundVariable Portfolio - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalse14falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Variable Portfolio - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028695_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028695Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028695Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund250false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Summary of VP &#8212; Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate FundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]251false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00INVESTMENT OBJECTIVEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]252false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with current income and capital appreciation.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]253false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]254false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]255false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMorganStanleyGlobalRealEstateFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028695_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028695_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMorganStanleyGlobalRealEstateFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028695_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028695_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPMorganStanleyGlobalRealEstateFundfalsefalse0200235 - 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VP - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*4false0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptiontruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOthernanafalsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]2falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseOperating Expenses Column [Text]0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNametruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOperating Expenses Column [Text]3falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00850.0085falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00850.0085falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureManagement Fees include investment advisory fees (including any fees based on the Fund's performance), any other management fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates, and administrative fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not included as "Other Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Subsection instructions falsefalseManagement fees0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00850.0085falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00850.0085falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseManagement fees4falseRowprimaryElement*7false0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureDistribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees" include all distribution or other expenses incurred during the most recent fiscal year under a plan adopted pursuant to rule 12b-1 [17 CFR 270.12b-1]. Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.01100.0110falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01350.0135falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. 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If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. 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Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.89% for Class 1 and 1.14% for Class 2.38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]256false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]257false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue9191falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue116116falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue329329falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue407407falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue587587falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue720720falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue13261326falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue16111611falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028695Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087808Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate FundClass 1 - VP - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;1Class&#160;1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue9191falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue329329falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue587587falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue13261326falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028695Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087809Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate FundClass 2 - VP - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;2Class&#160;2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue116116falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue407407falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue720720falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue16111611falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund52Expense Example Variable Portfolio - Morgan Stanley Global Real Estate Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]259false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]260false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]262false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity and equity-related securities issued by companies in the real estate industry located throughout the world (Global Real Estate Companies). The Fund is a non-diversified fund that will invest primarily in companies in the real estate industry located in the developed countries of North America, Europe and Asia, but may also invest in emerging markets.</p><p>Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally will invest at least 40% of its net assets in Global Real Estate Companies that maintain their principal place of business or conduct their principal business activities outside the U.S., have their securities traded on non-U.S. exchanges or have been formed under the laws of non-U.S. countries. As a result, the Fund may make substantial investments in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities. The Fund may reduce this 40% minimum investment amount to 30% if the portfolio managers believe that market conditions for these types of Global Real Estate Companies or specific foreign markets are unfavorable. The Fund considers a company to conduct its principal business activities outside the U.S. if it derives at least 50% of its revenue from business outside the U.S. or has at least 50% of its assets outside the U.S.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]263false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]264false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Non-Diversification Risk.</b> The Fund is non-diversified. A non-diversified fund may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than if it were a diversified fund. Because each investment has a greater effect on the Fund&#8217;s performance, the Fund may be more exposed to the risks of loss and volatility than a fund that invests more broadly.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. These risks are generally greater for small and mid-sized companies. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p><p><b>Real Estate Industry Risk.</b> Because of the Fund&#8217;s ability to invest in REITs, REOCs and foreign real estate investment companies, the Fund is more susceptible to risks associated with the ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general. These risks can include fluctuations in the value of the underlying properties, defaults by borrowers or tenants, market saturation, decreases in market rates for rents, and other economic, political, or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry, including REITs.</p><p>REITs and similar non-U.S. entities depend upon specialized management skills, may have limited financial resources, may have less trading volume, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets. REITs are also subject to the risk of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income. Some REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are affected by risks similar to those associated with investments in debt securities including changes in interest rates and the quality of credit extended.</p><p><b>Risks of Foreign/Emerging Markets Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p><p>Investments in emerging markets may present greater risk of loss than a typical foreign security investment. Because of the less developed markets and economies and less mature governments and governmental institutions, the risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in issuers organized, domiciled or doing business in emerging markets.</p><p><b>Sector Risk.</b> If a fund emphasizes one or more economic sectors, it may be more susceptible to the financial, market or economic conditions or events affecting the particular issuers, sectors or industries in which it invests than funds that do not so emphasize. The more a fund diversifies across sectors, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risks of loss and volatility.</p><p><b>Foreign Currency Risk.</b> The performance of the Fund may be materially affected positively or negatively by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]265false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]266false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Real Estate Index. 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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. 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You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]274false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPNFJDividendValueFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028696_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028696_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPNFJDividendValueFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028696_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028696_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPNFJDividendValueFundfalsefalse0200236 - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00140.0014falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00780.0078falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00780.0078falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01030.0103falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0002-0.0002[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0002-0.0002[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0002-0.0002falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0002-0.0002falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00760.0076[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01010.0101[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00760.0076falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01010.0101falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.76% for Class 1 and 1.01% for Class 2.38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]275false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]276false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example Narrative [Text Block]277false0rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPNFJDividendValueFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028696_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028696_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPNFJDividendValueFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028696_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028696_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPNFJDividendValueFundfalsefalse0200336 - Schedule - Expense Example {Transposed}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*4false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue7878falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue103103falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue247247falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue326326falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue432432falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue568568falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue968968falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue12621262falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - NFJ Dividend Value Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028696Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - NFJ Dividend Value Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087810Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - NFJ Dividend Value FundClass 1 - VP - NFJ Dividend Value FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;1Class&#160;1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue7878falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue247247falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue432432falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue968968falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - NFJ Dividend Value Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - NFJ Dividend Value Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028696Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - NFJ Dividend Value Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087811Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - NFJ Dividend Value FundClass 2 - VP - NFJ Dividend Value FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;2Class&#160;2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue103103falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue326326falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue568568falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue12621262falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - NFJ Dividend Value Fund52Expense Example Variable Portfolio - NFJ Dividend Value Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]278false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]279false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]281false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) are invested in equity securities of companies that pay or are expected to pay dividends. Up to 25% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets may be invested in foreign investments, including those from emerging markets.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]282false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]283false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Risks of Foreign/Emerging Markets Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p><p>Investments in emerging markets may present greater risk of loss than a typical foreign security investment. Because of the less developed markets and economies and less mature governments and governmental institutions, the risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in issuers organized, domiciled or doing business in emerging markets.</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p><p><b>Varying Distribution Levels Risk.</b> The amount of the distributions paid by the Fund generally depends on the amount of income and/or dividends received by the Fund on the securities it holds. The Fund may not be able to pay distributions or may have to reduce its distribution level if the income and/or dividends the Fund receives from its investments decline.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. 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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]292false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.0080.008falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01050.0105falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. 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Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.74% for Class 1 and 0.99% for Class 2.38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]294false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]295false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue7676falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue101101falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue250250falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue328328falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue439439falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue574574falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue988988falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue12821282falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. 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Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]298false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 109% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]299false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]300false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of U.S. companies with a market capitalization in excess of $4 billion at the time of purchase. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in non-U.S. equity securities.</p> <p>The portfolio managers' fundamental, bottom-up investment process centers on identifying growth companies. Although the Fund will primarily invest in large capitalization companies as described above, it may invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies with a smaller market capitalization. Further, the Fund may choose to continue to hold a security if the company&#8217;s market capitalization falls below its definition of large capitalization companies.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]301false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]302false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p> <p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p> <p><b>Foreign Currency Risk.</b> The performance of the Fund may be materially affected positively or negatively by foreign currency strength or weakness relative to the U.S. dollar, particularly if the Fund invests a significant percentage of its assets in foreign securities or other assets denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.</p> <p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p> <p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p> <p><b>Risks of Foreign Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]303false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]304false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Russell 1000 Growth^&#174; Index. 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Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]309false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]310false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]311false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]312false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPPartnersSmallCapGrowthFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028697_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028697_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPPartnersSmallCapGrowthFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028697_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028697_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPPartnersSmallCapGrowthFundfalsefalse0200238 - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00200.0020falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00200.0020falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00200.0020falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00200.0020falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.01080.0108falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01330.0133falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.01080.0108falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01330.0133falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0002-0.0002[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0002-0.0002[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. 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Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 1.06% for Class 1 and 1.31% for Class 2.38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]313false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]314false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. 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The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue108108falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue133133falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue342342falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue420420falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue594594falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue728728falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue13201320falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue16051605falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. 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Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]317false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. 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Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]320false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]321false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p> <p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p> <p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p> <p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. These risks are generally greater for small and mid-sized companies. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p> <p><b>Multi-Adviser Risk.</b> The Fund has multiple subadvisers. Each subadviser makes investment decisions independently from the other subadviser(s). It is possible that the security selection process of one subadviser will not complement that of the other subadviser(s). As a result, the Fund&#8217;s exposure to a given security, industry, sector or market capitalization could be smaller or larger than if the Fund were managed by a single subadviser, which could affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p> <p><b>Small Company Risk.</b> Investments in small companies often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies, including less predictable earnings and lack of experienced management, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths.</p> <p><b>Risks of Foreign Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p> <p><b>Sector Risk.</b> If a fund emphasizes one or more economic sectors, it may be more susceptible to the financial, market or economic conditions or events affecting the particular issuers, sectors or industries in which it invests than funds that do not so emphasize. The more a fund diversifies across sectors, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risks of loss and volatility.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. 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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. 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PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*4false0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual Fund&#160;Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptiontruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Annual Fund&#160;Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Annual Fund&#160;Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOthernanafalsefalseOperating Expenses Caption [Text]2falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringAnnual Fund Operating Expenses (ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 7 -Subsection table falsefalseOperating Expenses Column [Text]0rr_OperatingExpensesColumnNametruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOperating Expenses Column [Text]3falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00480.0048falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00480.0048falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureManagement Fees include investment advisory fees (including any fees based on the Fund's performance), any other management fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates, and administrative fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not included as "Other Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Subsection instructions falsefalseManagement fees0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00480.0048falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00480.0048falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseManagement fees4falseRowprimaryElement*7false0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureDistribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees" include all distribution or other expenses incurred during the most recent fiscal year under a plan adopted pursuant to rule 12b-1 [17 CFR 270.12b-1]. Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00190.0019falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00670.0067falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00920.0092falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00670.0067falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00920.0092falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0011-0.0011[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0011-0.0011[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0011-0.0011falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0011-0.0011falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00560.0056[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00810.0081[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00560.0056falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00810.0081falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.56% for Class 1 and 0.81% for Class 2.38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]332false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]333false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example Narrative [Text Block]334false0rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPPIMCOMortgageBackedSecuritiesFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028698_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028698_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPPIMCOMortgageBackedSecuritiesFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028698_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028698_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPPIMCOMortgageBackedSecuritiesFundfalsefalse0200339 - Schedule - Expense Example {Transposed}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*4false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue5757falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue8383falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue204204falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue283283falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue363363falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue499499falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue828828falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue11261126falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028698Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087814Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities FundClass 1 - VP - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;1Class&#160;1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue5757falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue204204falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue363363falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue828828falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Portfolio - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028698Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087815Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVariable Portfolio - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities FundClass 2 - VP - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class&#160;2Class&#160;2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue8383falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue283283falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue499499falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue11261126falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund52Expense Example Variable Portfolio - PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]335false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]336false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 1,403% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]337false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUND.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]338false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in mortgage-related fixed income instruments. These instruments have varying maturities and include but are not limited to mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial mortgage-backed securities and mortgage dollar rolls, and may be represented by forwards or derivatives such as options, futures contracts or swap agreements.</p><p>The Fund invests primarily in securities that are in the highest rating category, but may invest up to 10% of its total assets in investment grade securities rated below Aaa by Moody&#8217;s, or equivalently rated by S&#038;P or Fitch, or, if unrated, determined by the Subadviser (as defined below) to be of comparable quality, subject to a minimum rating of Baa by Moody&#8217;s, or equivalently rated by S&#038;P or Fitch, or, if unrated, determined by the Subadviser to be of comparable quality. The average portfolio duration of the Fund normally varies from one to seven years based on the Subadviser&#8217;s forecast for interest rates.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]339false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]340false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Counterparty Risk.</b> Counterparty credit risk is the risk that a Fund&#8217;s counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations and the Fund may obtain no or only limited recovery of its investments, and any recovery may be delayed.</p><p><b> Credit Risk.</b> Credit risk is the risk that fixed-income securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio will decline in price or fail to pay interest or repay principal when due because the issuer of the security or the counterparty to a contract may or will default or otherwise become unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations. Lower quality or unrated securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk. Investments in emerging markets debt obligations are subject to increased credit risk.</p><p><b> High-Yield Securities Risk.</b> The Fund&#8217;s investment in below-investment grade fixed-income securities (i.e., high-yield or junk bonds) exposes the Fund to a greater risk of loss of principal and income than a fund that invests solely or primarily in investment grade fixed-income securities. High-yield securities are considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer&#8217;s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.</p><p><b> Derivatives Risk &#8212; Forward Contracts.</b> The Fund may enter into forward contracts (or forwards) for investment purposes, for risk management (hedging) purposes, and to increase flexibility. A forward is a contract between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified future time at a price agreed today. Forwards are traded in the over-the-counter markets. The Fund may purchase forward contracts, including those on mortgage-backed securities in the &#8220;to be announced&#8221; (TBA) market. In the TBA market, the seller agrees to deliver the mortgage backed securities for an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date, but makes no guarantee as to which or how many securities are to be delivered. Investments in forward contracts subject the Fund to Counterparty Risk. For a description of the risks associated with mortgage-backed securities, see &#8220;Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Risks&#8221; below.</p><p><b>Interest Rate Risk.</b> Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities generally fall. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes also may increase prepayments of debt obligations.</p><p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p><p><b>Leverage Risk.</b> Leverage occurs when the Fund increases its assets available for investment using borrowings, short sales, derivatives, or other instruments or techniques. The use of leverage creates greater likelihood of higher volatility of the Fund&#8217;s return and its net asset value. Changes in the value of the Fund&#8217;s portfolio securities will have a disproportionate effect on the net asset value per share when leverage is used. There is no guarantee that a leveraging strategy will be successful.</p><p><b> Liquidity Risk.</b> Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of securities which may make it difficult to sell the security at desirable prices. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity.</p><p><b> Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole.</p><p><b> Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Risk.</b> Mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to certain additional risks. Generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed rate mortgage-related securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, if a Fund holds mortgage-related securities, it may exhibit additional volatility. This is known as extension risk. In addition, adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-related securities are subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their mortgages sooner.</p><p><b> Prepayment and Extension Risk.</b> Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, and the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in securities or loans providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. As interest rates rise or spreads widen, the likelihood of prepayment decreases. The portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads because the Fund&#8217;s investments are locked in at a lower rate for a longer period of time.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]341false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]342false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index. 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Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. 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If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00200.0020falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00200.0020falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.01050.0105falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.01300.0130falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. 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Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. 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Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue324324falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue403403falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue571571falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue704704falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue12781278falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue15641564falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. 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Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]355false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 43% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]356false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]357false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund&#8217;s net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in equity securities of foreign issuers located or traded in countries other than the U.S. that are believed to offer strong growth potential. The Fund will normally invest its assets in common stocks of companies whose market capitalizations fall within the range of the companies that comprise the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. The market capitalization range of the companies included within the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index was $1.17 billion to $199.41 billion as of March 31, 2011.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]358false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]359false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p> <p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p> <p><b>Risks of Foreign Investing.</b> Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks not associated with investments in U.S. companies. Foreign securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio subject the Fund to the risks associated with investing in the particular country, including the political, regulatory, economic, social and other conditions or events occurring in the country, as well as fluctuations in its currency and the risks associated with less developed custody and settlement practices.</p> <p><b>Issuer Risk.</b> An issuer may perform poorly, and therefore, the value of its securities may decline, which would negatively affect the Fund&#8217;s performance.</p> <p><b>Liquidity Risk.</b> Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of securities which may make it difficult to sell the security at desirable prices. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity.</p> <p><b> Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole. These risks are generally greater for small and mid-sized companies. Focus on a particular style, for example, investment in growth or value securities, may cause the Fund to underperform other mutual funds if that style falls out of favor with the market.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]360false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]361false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) EAFE Index. The Fund also intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Lipper International Large- Cap Core Funds Index.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]362false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/riskreturnsummaryvariableportfoliofunds1falsefalsefalse00VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government FundVP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalse20falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund 5/1/2010 - 4/29/2011 TwelveMonthsEnded_29Apr2011_S000028701_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001413032duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalsecfvst1413032_S000028701Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028701Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseVP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund364false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Summary of VP &#8212; Wells Fargo Short Duration Government FundfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Investment Objectives/Goals Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicatedReference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 falsefalseRisk/Return [Heading]365false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00INVESTMENT OBJECTIVEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective [Heading]366false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with current income consistent with capital preservation.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInvestment Objectives/Goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 2 -Subsection a falsefalseObjective, Primary [Text Block]367false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Summary Fee Table Includes the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2 Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Portfolio Turnover The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was __% of the average value of its whole portfolio. Instructions. A.3.instructions.6 New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense [Heading]368false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay as an investor in the Fund. The table does not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges imposed by your Contract or Qualified Plan, which are disclosed in your separate Contract prospectus or Qualified Plan disclosure documents, or imposed on Accounts that may own shares directly. If the additional fees, expenses or sales charges were reflected, the expenses set forth below would be higher.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThis table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shared of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[_____] in [name of fund family] funds. Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown.The narrative explanation regarding sales charge discounts is only required by a Fund that offers such discounts and should specify the minimum level of investment required to qualify for a discount. Modify the narrative explanation to state that Fund shares are sold on a national securities exchange at the end of the time periods indicated, and that brokerage commissions for buying and selling Fund shares through a broker are not reflected.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph b -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Narrative [Text Block]369false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPWellsFargoShortDurationGovernmentFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028701_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028701_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPWellsFargoShortDurationGovernmentFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028701_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028701_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/AnnualFundOperatingExpensesVPWellsFargoShortDurationGovernmentFundfalsefalse0200241 - Schedule - Annual Fund Operating Expensestruefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028701Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMembertruefalseShare Classesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisrr_ShareClassDomainrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government FundShare ClassesStandard0falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028701Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - 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Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 9 -Subsection table falsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00250.0025falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and/or service (12b-1) fees5falseRowprimaryElement*8false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00150.0015falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther expenses6falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00630.0063falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00880.0088falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph d -Subsection instructions falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00630.0063falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00880.0088falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses7falseRowprimaryElement*10false0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue-0.0005-0.0005[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0005-0.0005[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonPositivePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If there were expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced any Fund operating expenses and will continue to reduce them for no less than one year from the effective date of the Fund's registration statement, a Fund may add two captions to the table one caption showing the amount of the expense reimbursement or fee waiver, and a second caption showing the Fund's net expenses after subtracting the fee reimbursement or expense waiver from the total fund operating expenses. The Fund should place these additional captions directly below the "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses" caption of the table and should use appropriate descriptive captions, such as "Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]" and "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver [and/or Expense Reimbursement]," respectively. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, and briefly describe who can terminate the arrangement and under what circumstances.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_FeeWaiverOrReimbursementOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue-0.0005-0.0005falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue-0.0005-0.0005falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseLess: Fee waiver/expense reimbursement8falseRowprimaryElement*11false0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsetruetrue00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.00580.0058[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00830.0083[1]falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 11 -Subsection table falsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement0rr_NetExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse[1]1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truetruetrue0.00580.0058falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.00830.0083falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver/expense reimbursement1The investment manager and its affiliates have contractually agreed to waive certain fees and to reimburse certain expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) until April 30, 2012, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Any amounts waived will not be reimbursed by the Fund. Under this agreement, net fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, if any) will not exceed 0.58% for Class 1 and 0.83% for Class 2. 38Annual Fund Operating Expenses UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Columnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]370false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00ExamplefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringHeading for Expense Example.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalseExpense Example [Heading]371false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your investment at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund&#8217;s operating expenses remain the same. The Example includes contractual commitments to waive fees and reimburse expenses expiring as indicated in the preceding table. The Example does not reflect the fees and expenses that apply to your Contract or Qualified Plan or to Accounts that may own shares directly. Inclusion of these charges would increase expenses for all periods shown. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example Narrative [Text Block]372false0rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPWellsFargoShortDurationGovernmentFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028701_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028701_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;"&gt;~ http://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPWellsFargoShortDurationGovernmentFund column period compact * column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028701_Member * row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cfvst1413032_S000028701_Member * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://columbiamanagement.com/role/ExpenseExampleVPWellsFargoShortDurationGovernmentFundfalsefalse0200341 - Schedule - Expense Example {Transposed}truefalsefalse1falseColumnprimaryElement*4false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearColumnNamerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, By Year, Column [Text]falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue5959falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue8585falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subsection instructions falsefalse1 yearfalseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue197197falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue276276falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse3 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue347347falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue484484falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse5 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue785785falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue10841084falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryThe Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return per year and that the Fund's operating expenses remained the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph 2 -Subsection example falsefalse10 yearsfalseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028701Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087820Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government FundClass 1 - VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 1Class 1falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue5959falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue197197falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue347347falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue785785falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 1 - VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund2falseRowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*duration2010-05-01T00:00:002011-04-29T00:00:00falsefalseVP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Funddei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_S000028701Memberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fundrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicfvst1413032_C000087821Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberVP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government FundClass 2 - VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government FundUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Class 2Class 2falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue8585falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue276276falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue484484falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsetrue10841084falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass 2 - VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund52Expense Example VP - Wells Fargo Short Duration Government Fund (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnprimaryElement*RowperiodPeriod*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxis*Rowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]373false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Portfolio TurnoverfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 5 -Subsection instructions falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Heading]374false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or &#8220;turns over&#8221; its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund&#8217;s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund&#8217;s portfolio turnover rate was 360% of the average value of its portfolio.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDisclose the portfolio turnover rate provided in response to Item 14(a) for the most recent fiscal year (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation). Disclose the period for which the information is provided if less than a full fiscal year. A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the portfolio turnover information required by this Item.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover [Text Block]375false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy [Heading]376false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in U.S. Government obligations, including debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies or government-sponsored entities. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets within non-government mortgage and asset-backed securities.</p><p>In pursuit of the Fund&#8217;s objective, the Fund&#8217;s subadviser will purchase only securities that are rated, at the time of purchase, within the two highest rating categories assigned by a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization, or are deemed by the subadviser to be of comparable quality. As part of the Fund&#8217;s investment strategy, the Fund&#8217;s subadviser may invest in stripped securities (securities that have been transformed from a principal amount with periodic interest coupons into a series of zero-coupon bonds, with the range of maturities matching the coupon payment dates and the redemption date of the principal amount) or enter into mortgage dollar rolls and reverse repurchase agreements. In addition, the Fund&#8217;s subadviser may invest in mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, and to a lesser extent, other securities rated AA- or Aa3, that it believes will sufficiently outperform U.S. Treasuries. Generally, the portfolio&#8217;s overall dollar-weighted average effective duration is less than that of a 3-year U.S. Treasury note.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPrincipal investment strategies of the Fund. Summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Subsection a falsefalseStrategy Narrative [Text Block]377false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]378false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>Please remember that with any mutual fund investment you may lose money. Principal risks associated with an investment in the Fund include:</p><p><b>Active Management Risk.</b> Due to its active management, the Fund could underperform other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.</p><p><b>Credit Risk.</b> Credit risk is the risk that fixed-income securities in the Fund&#8217;s portfolio will decline in price or fail to pay interest or repay principal when due because the issuer of the security or the counterparty to a contract may or will default or otherwise become unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations. Lower quality or unrated securities held by the Fund may present increased credit risk.</p><p><b>Leverage Risk.</b> Leverage occurs when the Fund increases its assets available for investment using borrowings, short sales, derivatives, or other instruments or techniques. The use of leverage creates greater likelihood of higher volatility of the Fund&#8217;s return and its net asset value. Changes in the value of the Fund&#8217;s portfolio securities will have a disproportionate effect on the net asset value per share when leverage is used. There is no guarantee that a leveraging strategy will be successful.</p><p><b>Liquidity Risk.</b> Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of securities which may make it difficult to sell the security at desirable prices in order to minimize loss. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity.</p><p><b>Interest Rate Risk.</b> Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, prices of fixed-income securities generally fall. In general, the longer the maturity or duration of a fixed-income security, the greater its sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes also may increase prepayments of debt obligations.</p><p><b>Market Risk.</b> The market value of securities may fall, fail to rise or fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry, or the market as a whole.</p><p><b>Prepayment and Extension Risk.</b> Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other security might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, and the portfolio managers may not be able to invest the proceeds in securities or loans providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Fund. As interest rates rise or spreads widen, the likelihood of prepayment decreases. The portfolio managers may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads because the Fund&#8217;s investments are locked in at a lower rate for a longer period of time.</p><p><b>Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Risk.</b> Mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to certain additional risks. Generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed rate mortgage-related securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, if a Fund holds mortgage-related securities, it may exhibit additional volatility. This is known as extension risk. In addition, adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-related securities are subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their mortgages sooner.</p><p><b>Stripped Securities Risk.</b> Stripped securities are the separate income or principal components of debt securities. These securities are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, and therefore subject to greater fluctuations in price than typical interest bearing debt securities.</p><p><b>U.S. Government Obligations Risk.</b> U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the &#8220;full faith and credit&#8221; of the U.S. government and generally have negligible credit risk. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The Fund may be subject to such risk to the extent it invests in securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises.</p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph i -Clause instruction -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Narrative [Text Block]379false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PAST PERFORMANCEfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]380false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<p>The Fund has not been in existence for one full calendar year as of the date of this prospectus and therefore performance information is not shown.</p><p>When available the Fund intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. 1-3 Year Government Bond Index. The Fund also intends to compare its performance to the performance of the Lipper Short U.S. Government Funds Index. </p>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRisk/Return Bar Chart and Table.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Narrative [Text Block]1360Risk/Return Summary - Variable Portfolio FundsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue