2.2.0.25truefalse002108 - Disclosure - Risk/Return Detail Data {Elements} - (Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio) (Class I)truetruefalse1falsefalsefalsefalse5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 Duration_5_1_2011_To_5_1_2011http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000930709duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421702true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:3false0dei_EntityRegistrantNamedeifalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST /MA/falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:normalizedStringItemTypenormalizedstringThe exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation 12B -Number 240 -Section 12b -Subsection 1 falsefalseRegistrant Name4false0rr_ProspectusDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002011-05-01falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateThe date of the prospectus.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 1 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection a falsefalseProspectus Date5false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/disclosureriskreturndetaildataelementspioneerstrategicincomevctportfolioclassi1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Class I Shares Member {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : S000010163 Member {rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis} : C000028190 Member 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 Duration_5_1_2011_To_5_1_2011_dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis_cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cik0000930709_S000010163Member_rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis_cik0000930709_C000028190Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000930709duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010163Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCLASS Irr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_C000028190Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass I Shares | Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio | CLASS I6true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:7false0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00650.0065falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr: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 Fees8false0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr: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 Service (12b-1) Fees9false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00580.0058falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr: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 Expenses10false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truetruetrue0.01230.0123falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherrr: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 Portfolio Operating Expenses11false0rr_AnnualReturn2001rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.06900.0690falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 200112false0rr_AnnualReturn2002rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.10720.1072falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 200213false0rr_AnnualReturn2003rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.21240.2124falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 200314false0rr_AnnualReturn2004rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.10250.1025falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 200415false0rr_AnnualReturn2005rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.02740.0274falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 200516false0rr_AnnualReturn2006rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.06480.0648falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 200617false0rr_AnnualReturn2007rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.06430.0643falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 200718false0rr_AnnualReturn2008rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.1157-0.1157falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 200819false0rr_AnnualReturn2009rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.29730.2973falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit a -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 200920false0rr_AnnualReturn2010rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.11610.1161falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseAnnual Return 201021false0rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabelrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00THE HIGHEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURNfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseHighest Quarterly Return, Label22false0rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002009-06-30falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseHighest Quarterly Return, Date23false0rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.12460.1246falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseHighest Quarterly Return24false0rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabelrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00THE LOWEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURNfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseLowest Quarterly Return, Label25false0rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse002008-12-31falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseLowest Quarterly Return, Date26false0rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.0942-0.0942falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseLowest Quarterly Return27false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.11610.1161falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalse1 YEAR28false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.07730.0773falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalse5 YEARS29false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.08960.0896falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalse10 YEARS30false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInceptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.08280.0828falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalseSINCE INCEPTION31false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse001999-07-29falsefalsetruefalsefalseOtherxbrli:dateItemTypedateReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 4 -Subsection b falsefalseINCEPTION DATE32false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/disclosureriskreturndetaildataelementspioneerstrategicincomevctportfolioclassi1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Class I Shares Member {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : S000010163 Member {rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis} : C000028191 Member 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 USD ($) $Duration_5_1_2011_To_5_1_2011_dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis_cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cik0000930709_S000010163Member_rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis_cik0000930709_C000028191Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000930709duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010163Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseCLASS IIrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_C000028191Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass I Shares | Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio | CLASS II33true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:34false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue125125falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse135false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue390390falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse336false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue676676falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse537false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue14891489falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse1038false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue125125falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares. Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalse139false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue390390falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares. Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalse340false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue676676falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares. Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph f -Subsection instructions falsefalse541false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsetrue14891489falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryrr:NonNegativeMonetaryTypemonetaryYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares. Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph f -Subsection instructions falsefalse1042false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/disclosureriskreturndetaildataelementspioneerstrategicincomevctportfolioclassi1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Class I Shares Member {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : S000010163 Member 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 Duration_5_1_2011_To_5_1_2011_dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis_cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cik0000930709_S000010163Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000930709duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010163Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass I Shares | Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio43true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:44false0rr_RiskReturnHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PIONEER STRATEGIC INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">Portfolio summary</font></p></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]45false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE<br /></font>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli: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]46false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">A high level of current income.</font> </div>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]47false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">FEES AND EXPENSES<br /></font>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli: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]48false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the portfolio. YOUR COSTS WOULD BE HIGHER IF FEES OR SALES CHARGES IMPOSED BY A VARIABLE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE PORTFOLIO IS AN INVESTMENT OPTION WERE INCLUDED. Please consult your insurance company's separate account prospectus or disclosure document for more information.</font> </div>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]49false0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">ANNUAL PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES<br />(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)</font></p></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli: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]50false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PORTFOLIO TURNOVER</font></p></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli: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.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the example, affect the portfolio's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio turnover rate was&nbsp;<font class="_mt">92%</font> of the average value of the portfolio.<br /></font></p></div> </div>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_PortfolioTurnoverRaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.920.92falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureThis element represents the rate of portfolio turnover presented as a percentage (SEC Form N-1A 2006-09-14 A.3.example.3 Portfolio Turnover A.3.instructions.5 Portfolio Turnover).Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subsection example falsefalsePortfolio Turnover, Rate53false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">EXAMPLE</font></font></font></p></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli: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]54false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <div> <div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font></font>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the<br />portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the portfolio for the time periods shown and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. It also assumes that (a) your investment has a 5% return each year and (b) the portfolio's total annual operating expenses remain the same. This example does not reflect any fees or sales charges imposed by a Variable Contract for which the portfolio is an investment option. If they were included, your costs would be higher.</font></font></p></div> <div> <div class="MetaData"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</div> <div><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:</font></div></div></div></div> </div>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]55false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">NUMBER OF YEARS YOU OWN YOUR SHARES<br />(WITH REDEMPTION)</font>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringThe 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, Caption [Text]56false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">NUMBER OF YEARS YOU OWN YOUR SHARES<br />(WITHOUT REDEMPTION)</font></p></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringYou would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares. Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph 1 -Subsection example falsefalseExpense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text]57false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p>&nbsp;<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES</font></p></div>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]58false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings, if any, for investment purposes) in debt securities. The portfolio has the flexibility to invest in a broad range of issuers and segments of the debt securities markets. The portfolio's investment adviser allocates the portfolio's investments among the following three segments of the debt markets:</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">oBelow investment grade (high yield or "junk bond") securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">oInvestment grade securities of U.S. issuers</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">oInvestment grade securities of non-U.S. issuers</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The adviser's allocations among the segments of the debt markets depend upon its outlook for economic, interest rate and political trends. At any given time, the portfolio may have a substantial amount of its assets in any one of such segments.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio invests primarily in debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities or non-U.S. governmental entities; debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. corporate issuers (including convertible debt); and mortgage-related securities, including "sub-prime" mortgages, and asset-backed securities.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio invests in securities with a broad range of maturities and maintains an average portfolio maturity which varies based upon the judgment of the portfolio's investment adviser. The portfolio's investments may have fixed or variable principal payments and all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate,adjustable rate, floating rate, zero coupon,contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction rate features.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">Depending upon the adviser's allocation among market segments, up to 70% of the portfolio's total assets may be in debt securities rated below investment grade at the time of purchase or determined to be of equivalent quality by the adviser. Up to 20% of the portfolio's total assets may be invested in debt securities rated below CCC by Standard &amp; Poor's Financial Services LLC or the equivalent by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the adviser. The portfolio may also invest in securities that are in default, subordinated debt securities and event-linked bonds.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">Up to 85% of the portfolio's total assets may be in debt securities of non-U.S.corporate and governmental issuers, including debt securities of corporate and governmental issuers in emerging markets.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in equity securities,including common stocks, preferred stocks, rights, warrants, depositary receipts, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in equity securities and equity interests in real estate trusts (REITs).</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio may use derivatives, such as credit default swaps, for a variety of purposes, including: as a hedge against adverse changes in the market price of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates; as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities; and to increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative. The portfolio also may hold cash or other short-term investments.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The adviser considers both broad economic and issuer specific factors in selecting investments. In assessing the appropriate maturity, rating,sector and country weightings of the portfolio, the adviser considers a variety of factors that are expected to influence economic activity and interest rates.The adviser selects individual securities to buy and sell based upon such factors as a security's yield, liquidity and rating, an assessment of credit quality, and sector and issuer diversification.</font></p></div> </div>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]59false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO</font></p></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]60false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">You could lose money on your investment in the portfolio. </font></font>As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the portfolio will achieve its objective. Following is a summary description of principal risks of investing in the portfolio.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">MARKET RISK. The values of securities held by the portfolio may fall due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. The values of securities may fall due to factors affecting a particular issuer, industry or the securities market as a whole. The recent global financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities, including securities held by the portfolio. In response to the crisis, the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could also negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the U.S. calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be known for some time. The portfolio may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><br />HIGH YIELD OR "JUNK" BOND RISK. Debt securities that are below investment grade, called "junk bonds," are speculative, have a higher risk of default or are already in default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">INTEREST RATE RISK. Interest rates may go up,causing the value of the portfolio's investments to decline(this risk may be greater for securities with longer maturities).</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">CREDIT RISK. If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by the portfolio or a counterparty to a financial contract with the portfolio defaults on its obligation to pay principal and/or interest, has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will decline. Credit risk is broadly gauged by the credit ratings of the securities in which the portfolio invests. However, ratings are only the opinions of the companies issuing them and are not guarantees as to quality. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PREPAYMENT OR CALL RISK. During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security (or borrowers in a pool of loans) may prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the portfolio to reinvest in lower yielding securities.The portfolio also may lose any premium it paid on the security.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">EXTENSION RISK. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate, increase the security's duration (the estimated period until the security is paid in full)and reduce the value of the security.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">LIQUIDITY RISK. Some securities held by the portfolio may be difficult to sell,or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities also may be difficult to value. If the portfolio is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the portfolio may be forced to sell at a loss.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PORTFOLIO SELECTION RISK. The adviser's judgment about the quality, relative yield, relative value or market trends affecting a particular sector or region,market segment, security or about interest rates generally may prove to be incorrect.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS RISK. The portfolio invests in obligations issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government. Government sponsored entities such as Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs), although chartered or sponsored by Congress, are not funded by congressional appropriations and the debt and mortgage-backed securities issued by them are neither guaranteed nor issued by the U.S. government. Although the U.S.government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the past, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government sponsored entities in the future.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">MORTGAGE-RELATED AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES RISK. The value of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities will be influenced by factors affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset value, difficult or frozen credit markets, swings in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions,mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid. Additionally, during such periods and also under normal conditions, these securities are also subject to prepayment and call risk. Some of these securities may receive little or no collateral protection from the underlying assets and are thus subject to the risk of default. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include so-called "sub-prime" mortgages. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be less available information than for other types of debt securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults,the portfolio may become the holder of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">RISKS OF SUBORDINATED SECURITIES. A holder of securities that are subordinated or "junior" to more senior securities of an issuer is entitled to payment after holders of more senior securities of the issuer. Subordinated securities are more likely to suffer a credit loss than non-subordinated securities of the same issuer, any loss incurred by the subordinated securities is likely to be proportionately greater, and any recovery of interest or principal may take more time. As a result, even a perceived decline in creditworthiness of the issuer is likely to have a greater impact on them.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">RISKS OF ZERO COUPON BONDS AND PAYMENT IN KIND SECURITIES. Zero coupon bonds and payment in kind securities may be more speculative and may fluctuate more in value than securities which pay income periodically and in cash. In addition, applicable tax rules require the portfolio to accrue and pay out its imputed income from such securities annually as income dividends. Such distributions may be taxable to shareholders.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">RISKS OF NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS. Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in emerging markets or to the extent that the portfolio invests significantly in one region or country. These risks may include different financial reporting practices and regulatory standards, less liquid trading markets, currency risks, changes in economic, political, regulatory and social conditions, sustained economic downturns, tax burdens, and investment and repatriation restrictions. Non-U.S. issuers may be located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">EQUITY SECURITIES RISK. Equity securities represent an ownership interest in an issuer, rank junior in a company's capital structure to debt securities and consequently may entail greater risk of loss than debt securities. Equity securities are subject to the risk that stock prices may rise and fall in periodic cycles and may perform poorly relative to other investments. This risk may be greater in the short term.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">MARKET SEGMENT RISK. To the extent the portfolio emphasizes, from time to time,investments in a market segment, the portfolio will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation than a portfolio without the same focus.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">RISKS OF INVESTING IN EVENT-LINKED BONDS. The return of principal and the payment of interest on "event-linked" bonds are contingent on the non occurrence of a pre-defined "trigger" event, such as a hurricane or an earthquake of a specific magnitude. In addition to the specified trigger<br />events, event-linked bonds may expose the portfolio to other risks,including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">RISKS OF INVESTING IN FLOATING RATE LOANS. The value of collateral, if any,securing a floating rate loan can decline or may be insufficient to meet the issuer's obligations or may be difficult to liquidate. No active trading market may exist for many floating rate loans, and many loans are subject to restrictions on resale.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">DERIVATIVES RISK. Using derivatives exposes the portfolio to additional risks,may increase the volatility of the portfolio's net asset value and may not provide the result intended. Derivatives may have a leveraging effect on the portfolio. Changes in a derivative's value may not correlate well with the referenced asset or metric. The portfolio also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to the portfolio. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet known and may not be known for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their<br />value or performance.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP RISK. Credit default swap contracts, a type of derivative instrument, involve special risks and may result in losses to the portfolio. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since the portfolio has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. The absence of a central exchange or market for swap transactions led, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. Recent legislation, noted above, will require most swaps to be executed through a centralized exchange or regulated facility and be cleared through a regulated clearinghouse. The swap market could be disrupted or limited as a result of this legislation, which could adversely affect the portfolio. Moreover, the establishment of a centralized exchange or market for swap transactions may not result in swaps being easier to trade or value.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"> </font>&nbsp;</p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">LEVERAGING RISK. The value of your investment may be more volatile and other risks tend to be compounded if the portfolio borrows or uses derivatives or other investments that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the portfolio's underlying assets or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the portfolio would otherwise have. Engaging in such transactions may cause the portfolio to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements.</font></p> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">RISK OF INCREASE IN EXPENSES. Your actual costs of investing in the portfolio may be higher than the expenses shown in "Annual portfolio operating expenses" for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if overall net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and portfolio expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">Please note that there are many other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the portfolio from achieving its goals.</font></p> <div class="MetaData"> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">An investment in the portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.</font></p></div></div> </div>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]61false0rr_RiskLoseMoneyrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">You could lose money on your investment in the portfolio. </font>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringSummarize the principal risks of investing in the Fund, including the risks to which the Fund's portfolio as a whole is subject and the circumstances reasonably likely to affect adversely the Fund's net asset value, yield, and total return. Unless the Fund is a Money Market Fund, disclose that loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. 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 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Lose Money [Text]62false0rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitutionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">An investment in the portfolio is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.</font></p></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringIf the Fund is advised by or sold through an insured depository institution, state that An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of the bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. A Money Market Fund that is advised by or sold through an insured depository institution should combine the disclosure required by Items 2(c)(1)(ii) and (iii) in a single statement.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph iii -Subsection b falsefalseRisk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]63false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">THE PORTFOLIO'S PAST PERFORMANCE</font></p> <div class="MetaData"> <div> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The bar chart and table indicate the risks and volatility of an investment in the portfolio by showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares from calendar year to calendar year. </font></font>The table shows the average annual total returns for Class I shares of the portfolio over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index, a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the portfolio's investment strategies.</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The bar chart and table do not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.Such fees and expenses will reduce your return. </font></font></font></p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"> </font></font></div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"> </font></font>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"> </font></font>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" class="MetaData"> </p> <div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future.</font></p></div></div></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli: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]64false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <div> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The bar chart and table indicate the risks and volatility of an investment in the portfolio by showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares from calendar year to calendar year. </font></font>The table shows the average annual total returns for Class I shares of the portfolio over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index, a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the portfolio's investment strategies.</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The bar chart and table do not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.Such fees and expenses will reduce your return. </font></font></font></p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"> </font></font></div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"> </font></font>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><font class="_mt"> </font></font>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" class="MetaData"> </p> <div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future.</font></p></div></div> </div>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]65false0rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturnsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The bar chart and table indicate the risks and volatility of an investment in the portfolio by showing how the portfolio has performed in the past. The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the portfolio's Class I shares from calendar year to calendar year. </font>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInclude the bar chart and table required by paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section. Provide a brief explanation of how the information illustrates the variability of the Fund's returns (e.g., by stating that the information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare with those of a broad measure of market performance). Provide a statement to the effect that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]66false0rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuturerrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future.</font></p></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInclude the bar chart and table required by paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section. Provide a brief explanation of how the information illustrates the variability of the Fund's returns (e.g., by stating that the information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare with those of a broad measure of market performance). Provide a statement to the effect that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]67false0rr_BarChartHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">ANNUAL RETURN CLASS I SHARES (%)</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">(Year ended December 31)</font></p></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli: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 [Heading]68false0rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoadsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The bar chart and table do not reflect any fees or expenses payable with respect to a Variable Contract.Such fees and expenses will reduce your return. </font>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInclude the bar chart and table required by Item 4 (b)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section. Provide a brief explanation of how the information illustrates the variability of the Fund's returns (e.g., by stating that the information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare with those of a broad measure of market performance). Provide a statement to the effect that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Provide annual total returns beginning with the earliest calendar year. Calculate annual returns using the Instructions to Item 8(a), except that the calculations should be based on calendar years. If a Fund's shares are sold subject to a sales load or account fees, state that sales loads or account fees are not reflected in the bar chart and that, if these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than those shown.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph i -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]69false0rr_BarChartClosingTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">For the period covered by the bar chart:</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">THE HIGHEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS 12.46% (04/01/2009 TO 06/30/2009)</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">THE LOWEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS -9.42% (10/01/2008 TO 12/31/2008)</font></p></div> </div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringIf the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ii -Subsection b falsefalseBar Chart Closing [Text Block]70false0rr_PerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%)</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">(for periods ended December 31, 2010)</font></p></div>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringThis item represents Average Anuual Total Returns. If a Multiple Class Fund offers a Class in the prospectus that converts into another Class after a stated period, compute average annual total returns in the table by using the returns of the other Class for the period after conversion.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph instructions -Clause 3 -Exhibit c -Subsection b falsefalsePerformance Table Heading71false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/disclosureriskreturndetaildataelementspioneerstrategicincomevctportfolioclassi1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Class I Shares Member {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : S000010163 Member {rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis} : Barclays Capital U S Universal Index Member 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 Duration_5_1_2011_To_5_1_2011_dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis_cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cik0000930709_S000010163Member_rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis_cik0000930709_BarclaysCapitalUSUniversalIndexMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000930709duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010163Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseBarclays Capital U.S. Universal Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)rr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_BarclaysCapitalUSUniversalIndexMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass I Shares | Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio | Barclays Capital U.S. Universal Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)72true0rr_RiskReturnAbstractrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRisk/Return:73false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.07160.0716falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalse1 YEAR74false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.05900.0590falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalse5 YEARS75false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.06080.0608falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalse10 YEARS76false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInceptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.06360.0636falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:pureItemTypepureReturn Before Taxes.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph iii -Clause 1 -Exhibit 2 -Subsection b falsefalseSINCE INCEPTION175Risk/Return Detail Data - (Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio) (Class I) (USD $)NoRoundingUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruetrue