<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <Version>2.4.0.6</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>509</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>75</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>602</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>4</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010001 - Document - Document And Entity Information {Elements}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/DocumentDocumentandEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010002 - Document - 500 Index Trust B {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/BBBB</Role>
      <ShortName>500 Index Trust B</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010003 - Document - Active Bond Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/CCCC</Role>
      <ShortName>Active Bond Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010004 - Document - All Cap Core Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/DDDD</Role>
      <ShortName>All Cap Core Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010005 - Document - All Cap Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/EEEE</Role>
      <ShortName>All Cap Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010006 - Document - Alpha Opportunities Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/FFFF</Role>
      <ShortName>Alpha Opportunities Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010007 - Document - American Asset Allocation Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/GGGG</Role>
      <ShortName>American Asset Allocation Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010008 - Document - American Global Growth Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/HHHH</Role>
      <ShortName>American Global Growth Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010009 - Document - American Global Small Capitalization Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/IIII</Role>
      <ShortName>American Global Small Capitalization Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010010 - Document - American Growth Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/JJJJ</Role>
      <ShortName>American Growth Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010011 - Document - American Growth-Income Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/KKKK</Role>
      <ShortName>American Growth-Income Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010012 - Document - American High-Income Bond Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/LLLL</Role>
      <ShortName>American High-Income Bond Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010013 - Document - American International Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/MMMM</Role>
      <ShortName>American International Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010014 - Document - American New World Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/NNNN</Role>
      <ShortName>American New World Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010015 - Document - Blue Chip Growth Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/OOOO</Role>
      <ShortName>Blue Chip Growth Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010016 - Document - Bond Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/QQQQ</Role>
      <ShortName>Bond Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010017 - Document - Bond PS Series {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/PPPP</Role>
      <ShortName>Bond PS Series</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010018 - Document - Capital Appreciation Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/RRRR</Role>
      <ShortName>Capital Appreciation Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010019 - Document - Capital Appreciation Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/SSSS</Role>
      <ShortName>Capital Appreciation Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010020 - Document - Core Allocation Plus Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/TTTT</Role>
      <ShortName>Core Allocation Plus Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010021 - Document - Core Bond Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/UUUU</Role>
      <ShortName>Core Bond Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010022 - Document - Core Fundamental Holdings Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/XXXX</Role>
      <ShortName>Core Fundamental Holdings Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010023 - Document - Core Strategy Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/WWWW</Role>
      <ShortName>Core Strategy Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010024 - Document - Core Global Diversification Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/VVVV</Role>
      <ShortName>Core Global Diversification Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010025 - Document - Currency Strategies trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/YYYY</Role>
      <ShortName>Currency Strategies trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010026 - Document - Disciplined Diversification Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/ZZZZ</Role>
      <ShortName>Disciplined Diversification Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010027 - Document - Emerging Markets Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAB</Role>
      <ShortName>Emerging Markets Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010028 - Document - Equity-Income Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAC</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity-Income Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010029 - Document - Financial Services Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAD</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Services Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010030 - Document - Franklin Templeton Founding Allocation Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAE</Role>
      <ShortName>Franklin Templeton Founding Allocation Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010031 - Document - Fundamental All Cap Core Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAF</Role>
      <ShortName>Fundamental All Cap Core Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010032 - Document - Fundamental Holdings Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAG</Role>
      <ShortName>Fundamental Holdings Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010033 - Document - Fundamental Large Cap Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAH</Role>
      <ShortName>Fundamental Large Cap Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010034 - Document - Fundamental Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAI</Role>
      <ShortName>Fundamental Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010035 - Document - Global Bond Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAJ</Role>
      <ShortName>Global Bond Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010036 - Document - Global Diversification Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAK</Role>
      <ShortName>Global Diversification Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010037 - Document - Global Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAL</Role>
      <ShortName>Global Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010038 - Document - Growth Equity Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAM</Role>
      <ShortName>Growth Equity Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010039 - Document - Health Sciences Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAN</Role>
      <ShortName>Health Sciences Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010040 - Document - Heritage Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAO</Role>
      <ShortName>Heritage Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010041 - Document - High Yield Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAP</Role>
      <ShortName>High Yield Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010042 - Document - Income Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAQ</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010043 - Document - International Core Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAR</Role>
      <ShortName>International Core Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010044 - Document - International Equity Index Trust B {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAS</Role>
      <ShortName>International Equity Index Trust B</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010045 - Document - International Growth Stock Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAT</Role>
      <ShortName>International Growth Stock Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010046 - Document - International Small Company Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAU</Role>
      <ShortName>International Small Company Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010047 - Document - International Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAV</Role>
      <ShortName>International Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010048 - Document - Investment Quality Bond Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAW</Role>
      <ShortName>Investment Quality Bond Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010049 - Document - Lifecycle 2010 Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAX</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifecycle 2010 Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010050 - Document - Lifecycle 2015 Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAY</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifecycle 2015 Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010051 - Document - Lifecycle 2020 Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAAZ</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifecycle 2020 Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010052 - Document - Lifecycle 2025 Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AABB</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifecycle 2025 Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010053 - Document - Lifecycle 2030 Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AACC</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifecycle 2030 Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010054 - Document - Lifecycle 2035 Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AADD</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifecycle 2035 Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010055 - Document - Lifecycle 2040 Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAEE</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifecycle 2040 Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010056 - Document - Lifecycle 2045 Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAFF</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifecycle 2045 Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010057 - Document - Lifecycle 2050 Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAGG</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifecycle 2050 Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010058 - Document - Lifestyle Aggressive Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAHH</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifestyle Aggressive Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010059 - Document - Lifestyle Balanced Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAJJ</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifestyle Balanced Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010060 - Document - Lifestyle Balanced PS Series {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAII</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifestyle Balanced PS Series</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010061 - Document - Lifestyle Conservative Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AALL</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifestyle Conservative Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010062 - Document - Lifestyle Conservative PS Series {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAKK</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifestyle Conservative PS Series</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010063 - Document - Lifestyle Growth Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AANN</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifestyle Growth Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010064 - Document - Lifestyle Growth PS Series {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAMM</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifestyle Growth PS Series</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010065 - Document - Lifestyle Moderate Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAPP</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifestyle Moderate Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010066 - Document - Lifestyle Moderate PS Series {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAOO</Role>
      <ShortName>Lifestyle Moderate PS Series</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010067 - Document - Mid Cap Index Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAQQ</Role>
      <ShortName>Mid Cap Index Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010068 - Document - Mid Cap Stock Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AARR</Role>
      <ShortName>Mid Cap Stock Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010069 - Document - Mid Cap Value Equity Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AASS</Role>
      <ShortName>Mid Cap Value Equity Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010070 - Document - Mid Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AATT</Role>
      <ShortName>Mid Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010071 - Document - Money Market Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAUU</Role>
      <ShortName>Money Market Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010072 - Document - Money Market Trust B {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAVV</Role>
      <ShortName>Money Market Trust B</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010073 - Document - Mutual Shares Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAWW</Role>
      <ShortName>Mutual Shares Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010074 - Document - Natural Resources Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAXX</Role>
      <ShortName>Natural Resources Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010075 - Document - New Income Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAYY</Role>
      <ShortName>New Income Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010076 - Document - Real Estate Securities Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AAZZ</Role>
      <ShortName>Real Estate Securities Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010077 - Document - Real Return Bond Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/ABBB</Role>
      <ShortName>Real Return Bond Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010078 - Document - Science &amp; Technology Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/ACCC</Role>
      <ShortName>Science &amp; Technology Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010079 - Document - Short Term Government Income Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/ADDD</Role>
      <ShortName>Short Term Government Income Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010080 - Document - Small Cap Growth Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AEEE</Role>
      <ShortName>Small Cap Growth Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010081 - Document - Small Cap Index Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AFFF</Role>
      <ShortName>Small Cap Index Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010082 - Document - Small Cap Opportunities Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AGGG</Role>
      <ShortName>Small Cap Opportunities Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010083 - Document - Small Cap Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AHHH</Role>
      <ShortName>Small Cap Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010084 - Document - Small Company Growth Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AIII</Role>
      <ShortName>Small Company Growth Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010085 - Document - Small Company Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AJJJ</Role>
      <ShortName>Small Company Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010086 - Document - Smaller Company Growth Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AKKK</Role>
      <ShortName>Smaller Company Growth Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010087 - Document - Strategic Equity Allocation Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/ALLL</Role>
      <ShortName>Strategic Equity Allocation Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010088 - Document - Strategic Income Opportunities Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AMMM</Role>
      <ShortName>Strategic Income Opportunities Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010089 - Document - Total Bond Market Trust B {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/ANNN</Role>
      <ShortName>Total Bond Market Trust B</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010090 - Document - Total Return Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AOOO</Role>
      <ShortName>Total Return Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010091 - Document - Total Stock Market Index Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/APPP</Role>
      <ShortName>Total Stock Market Index Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010092 - Document - Ultra Short Term Bond Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/AQQQ</Role>
      <ShortName>Ultra Short Term Bond Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010093 - Document - U.S. Equity Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/ARRR</Role>
      <ShortName>U.S. Equity Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010094 - Document - Utilities Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/ASSS</Role>
      <ShortName>Utilities Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>true</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010095 - Document - Value Trust {Unlabeled}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jhvit-20130429/role/ATTT</Role>
      <ShortName>Value Trust</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R450.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040000 - Disclosure - Risk/Return Detail Data {Elements}</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://xbrl.sec.gov/rr/role/RiskReturnDetailData</Role>
      <ShortName>Risk/Return Detail Data</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs />
  <InputFiles>
    <File>jhvit-20130429.xml</File>
    <File>jhvit-20130429.xsd</File>
    <File>jhvit-20130429_def.xml</File>
    <File>jhvit-20130429_lab.xml</File>
    <File>jhvit-20130429_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>jhvit-20130429_cal.xml</File>
    <File>BarChart1.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart2.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart3.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart4.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart5.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart6.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart7.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart8.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart9.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart10.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart11.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart12.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart13.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart14.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart15.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart16.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart17.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart18.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart19.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart20.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart21.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart22.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart23.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart24.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart25.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart26.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart27.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart28.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart29.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart30.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart31.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart32.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart33.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart34.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart35.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart36.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart37.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart38.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart39.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart40.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart41.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart42.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart43.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart44.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart45.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart46.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart47.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart48.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart49.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart50.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart51.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart52.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart53.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart54.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart55.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart56.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart57.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart58.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart59.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart60.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart61.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart62.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart63.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart64.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart65.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart66.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart67.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart68.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart69.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart70.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart71.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart72.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart73.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart74.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart75.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart76.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart77.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart78.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart79.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart80.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart81.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart82.jpg</File>
    <File>BarChart83.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>false</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
