2.2.0.25truefalse000401 - Document - Risk/Return Summary {Unlabeled} - (Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio) (Class I)falsefalsetrue1falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Class I Shares Member {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : S000010180 Member 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 Duration_5_1_2011_To_5_1_2011_dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis_cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cik0000930709_S000010180Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000930709duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalsecik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsecik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli01false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/documentriskreturnsummaryunlabeledpioneeremergingmarketsvctportfolioclassi1falsefalsefalse00Class I Shares | Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT PortfolioClass I Shares | Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfoliofalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsetruefalse{dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis} : Class I Shares Member {dei_LegalEntityAxis} : S000010180 Member 5/1/2011 - 5/1/2011 Duration_5_1_2011_To_5_1_2011_dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis_cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cik0000930709_S000010180Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000930709duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalsecik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsecik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUnit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseClass I Shares | Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio3false0rr_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 EMERGING MARKETS 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]4false0rr_ObjectiveHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<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]5false0rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> Long-term growth of capital. </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]6false0rr_ExpenseHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">FEES AND EXPENSES</font></p></div>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]7false0rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p><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.<br /></font></p></div> </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]8false0rr_OperatingExpensesCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p><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]9false0rr_AnnualFundOperatingExpensesTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpensesPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassI column period compact * column dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpensesPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassI column period compact * column dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * row primary compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpensesPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassIfalsefalse000403 - Schedule - Annual Fund Operating Expenses - {Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio} {Class I}truefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberColumndei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberColumnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass Irr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_C000028209Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberClass I SharesPioneer Emerging Markets VCT PortfolioClass IUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowprimaryElement*5false0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.01150.0115falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureManagement Fees include investment advisory fees (including any fees based on the Fund's performance), any other management fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates, and administrative fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not included as "Other Expenses."Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a -Subsection instructions falsefalseManagement Fees0rr_ManagementFeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.01150.0115falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseManagement Fees2falseRowprimaryElement*6false0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr: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) Fees0rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00000.0000falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseDistribution and Service (12b-1) Fees3falseRowprimaryElement*7false0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00300.0030falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4Typepure"Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 3 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph c -Clause i -Subsection instructions falsefalseOther Expenses0rr_OtherExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.00300.0030falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseOther Expenses4falseRowprimaryElement*9false0rr_ExpensesOverAssetsrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truetruetrue0.01450.0145falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherrr:NonNegativePure4TypepureTotal Annual Fund Operating Expenses. If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. 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 truefalseTotal Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses0rr_ExpensesOverAssetstruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.01450.0145falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseTotal Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses14Annual Fund Operating Expenses - UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*Columndei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberColumndei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberColumnrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*ColumnunitUnit*RowprimaryElement*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to OperatingExpensesData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAnnual Fund Operating Expenses [Table]10false0rr_ExpenseExampleHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">EXAMPLE<br /></font>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]11false0rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the 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></p> <p><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></p></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]12false0rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">NUMBER OF YEARS YOU OWN YOUR SHARES </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">(WITH REDEMPTION)</p></div>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]13false0rr_ExpenseExampleWithRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposedPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassI row period compact * row primary compact * column dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposedPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassI row period compact * row primary compact * column dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposedPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassIfalsefalse000404 - Schedule - Expense Example {Transposed} - {Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio} {Class I}truefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsetrue148148falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse1duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsetrue459459falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse3duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsetrue792792falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse5duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsetrue17351735falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse10duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberRowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberRowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass Irr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_C000028209Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberClass I SharesPioneer Emerging Markets VCT PortfolioClass IUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue148148falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue459459falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue792792falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue17351735falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass I Shares Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio Class I41Expense Example - (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberRowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberRowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExample.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, With Redemption [Table]14false0rr_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 </font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">(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]15false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposedPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassI row period compact * row primary compact * column dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposedPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassI row period compact * row primary compact * column dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleNoRedemptionTransposedPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassIfalsefalse000405 - Schedule - Expense Example, No Redemption {Transposed} - {Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio} {Class I}truefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsetrue148148falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse1duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsetrue459459falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse3duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsetrue792792falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse5duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsetrue17351735falsefalsefalsetruefalseMonetaryrr: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 falsefalse10duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberRowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberRowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass Irr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_C000028209Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberClass I SharesPioneer Emerging Markets VCT PortfolioClass IUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsetrue148148falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsetrue459459falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsetrue792792falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsetrue17351735falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass I Shares Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio Class I41Expense Example, No Redemption - (USD $)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberRowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberRowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to ExpenseExampleNoRedemption.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseExpense Example, No Redemption [Table]16false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p><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]17false0rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p><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">97%</font> of the average value of the portfolio.</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]18false0rr_StrategyHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES<br /></font>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]19false0rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio invests primarily in securities of emerging market issuers. Although the portfolio invests in both equity and debt securities, it normally emphasizes equity securities in its portfolio. Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80% of its total assets in the securities of emerging market corporate and government issuers. The portfolio considers emerging market issuers to include: issuers organized under the laws of an emerging market country, issuers with a principal office in an emerging market country, issuers that derive at least 50% of their gross revenues or profits from goods or services produced in emerging markets or sales made in emerging markets, and emerging market governmental issuers.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio invests in at least six emerging markets. The portfolio considers any market that is not developed to be an emerging market. Emerging markets generally will include, but not be limited to, countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging &amp; Frontier Markets Index. The portfolio's investments will not be confined to securities issued by companies included in the index. At the investment adviser's discretion, the portfolio may invest in other emerging markets. The portfolio does not allocate more than 25% of its total assets to any one country but can invest more than 25% of its total assets in a particular region.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities of issuers in any developed country (other than the U.S.).</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">For purposes of the portfolio's investment policies, equity securities include common stocks, debt convertible to equity securities and securities with common stock characteristics, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in equity securities, equity interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs), preferred stocks, depositary receipts, warrants and rights. The portfolio may also purchase and sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies in connection with its investments.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio may invest in debt securities of any quality or maturity. The portfolio may not invest more than 10% of its net assets in debt securities rated below investment grade (known as "junk bonds") or in unrated securities of comparable quality. The portfolio may invest in Brady bonds, which are restructured debt of governmental issuers of emerging market countries.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio may use derivatives, including forward foreign currency exchange contracts, for a variety of purposes, including as a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices 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 instruments.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio may lend securities in its portfolio to earn additional income. The portfolio may lend up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. Any income realized through securities lending may help portfolio performance.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The portfolio's investment adviser uses a value approach to select the portfolio's investments. The adviser seeks to identify securities that are selling at reasonable prices or substantial discounts to their underlying values. The adviser evaluates a security's potential value, including the attractiveness of its market valuation, based on the company's assets and prospects for long-term revenue, earnings and cash flow growth. In making that assessment, the adviser employs qualitative analysis, quantitative techniques, fundamental research and an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations. In addition to analyzing specific securities, the adviser determines the relative attractiveness of investing in different emerging markets. In assessing the investment potential of each country, the adviser considers economic growth prospects, monetary conditions, political risks, currency risk, capital flows and other factors.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">The adviser generally sells a portfolio security when it believes that the security's market value reflects its intrinsic value. The adviser makes that determination based upon the same criteria it uses to select portfolio securities.</font>&nbsp;</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]20false0rr_RiskHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO<br /></font>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNarrative Risk Disclosure.Reference 1: 1 -Publisher SEC -Name Form -Number N-1A -Chapter A -Section 4 -Paragraph 1 -Subsection b falsefalseRisk [Heading]21false0rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p><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><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 stock market may perform poorly relative to other investments (this risk may be greater in the short term). 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;">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. Emerging markets issuers may be located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS RISK. To the extent that the portfolio invests from time to time more than 25% of its assets in issuers located in a particular geographic region, the portfolio may be particularly affected by adverse securities markets, exchange rates and social, political or economic events which may occur in those regions.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">CURRENCY RISK. Because the portfolio may invest in non-U.S. currencies, securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, and other currency-related investments, the portfolio is subject to currency risk, meaning that the portfolio could experience losses based on changes in the exchange rate between non-U.S. currencies and the U.S. dollar.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS RISK. To the extent that the portfolio enters into forward foreign currency transactions, it may not fully benefit from or may lose money on the transactions if changes in currency rates do not occur as anticipated or do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the portfolio's holdings, or if the counterparty defaults. Such transactions may also prevent the portfolio from realizing profits on favorable movements in exchange rates. Risk of counterparty default is greater for counterparties located in emerging markets. The portfolio's ability to use forward foreign currency transactions successfully depends on a number of factors, including the forward foreign currency transactions being available at prices that are not too costly, the availability of liquid markets, and the adviser's judgment regarding the direction of changes in currency exchange rates.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">VALUE STYLE RISK. The prices of securities the adviser believes are undervalued may not appreciate as expected or may go down. Value stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PORTFOLIO SELECTION RISK. The adviser's judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">SMALL AND MID-SIZE COMPANIES RISK. Compared to large companies, small- and mid-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, have limited liquidity, be harder to value or to sell at the times and prices the adviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">DEBT SECURITIES RISK. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the portfolio include rising interest rates, if the issuer or other obligor of a security held by the portfolio fails to pay principal and/or interest, otherwise defaults or has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines. Junk bonds involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities; they may also be more difficult to value. Junk bonds have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative.</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><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 value or performance.</font></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><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">SECURITIES LENDING RISK. When lending securities in its portfolio, the portfolio will continue to have market risk and other risks associated with owning the securities on loan, as well as the risks associated with the investment of the cash collateral received in connection with the loan. Securities lending is also subject to the risk that the borrower fails to return a loaned security, and/or there is a shortfall on the collateral to be returned to the borrower, and the risk that the portfolio is unable to recall a security in time to exercise voting rights or sell the security.</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RISK. If the portfolio does a lot of trading, it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance.</font></p> <p><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><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]22false0rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p><br /><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">THE PORTFOLIO'S PAST PERFORMANCE</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 and Performance Table [Heading]23false0rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <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 Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index, a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the portfolio's investment strategies.</font></p> <div class="MetaData"> <p><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></p></div> <div class="MetaData"> <p><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]24false0rr_BarChartHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><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]25false0rr_BarChartTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassIBarChart column period compact * column primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member row rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalseBarChart4.jpg<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassIBarChart column period compact * column primary compact * row dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember row dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member row rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassIBarChartfalsefalse000406 - Schedule - Annual Total Returns - {Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio} {Class I} {Bar Chart}truefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*5false0rr_AnnualReturn2001rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.0719-0.0719falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2001duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*6false0rr_AnnualReturn2002rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.0121-0.0121falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2002duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*7false0rr_AnnualReturn2003rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.58170.5817falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2003duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*8false0rr_AnnualReturn2004rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.19000.1900falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2004duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*9false0rr_AnnualReturn2005rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.37950.3795falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2005duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$6falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*10false0rr_AnnualReturn2006rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.35770.3577falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2006duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$7falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*11false0rr_AnnualReturn2007rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.42860.4286falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2007duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$8falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*12false0rr_AnnualReturn2008rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.5820-0.5820falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2008duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$9falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*13false0rr_AnnualReturn2009rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.74640.7464falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2009duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$10falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*14false0rr_AnnualReturn2010rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse0.15890.1589falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 2010duration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberRowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberRowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass Irr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_C000028209Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberClass I SharesPioneer Emerging Markets VCT PortfolioClass I0truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruefalse-0.0719-0.0719falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruefalse-0.0121-0.0121falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruefalse0.58170.5817falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruefalse0.19000.1900falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truetruefalse0.37950.3795falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truetruefalse0.35770.3577falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truetruefalse0.42860.4286falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truetruefalse-0.5820-0.5820falsefalsefalsetruefalse9truetruefalse0.74640.7464falsefalsefalsetruefalse10truetruefalse0.15890.1589falsefalsefalsetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass I Shares Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio Class I101Annual Total Returns - UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*ColumnunitUnit*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberRowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberRowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to BarChartData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseBar Chart [Table]26false0rr_BarChartClosingTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">For the period covered by the bar chart:</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">THE HIGHEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS 31.93% (04/01/2009 TO 06/30/2009)</font></p> <p><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">THE LOWEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS -31.99% (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]27false0rr_PerformanceTableHeadingrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div class="MetaData"> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt" style="font-family: Lucida Console;">AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%)</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><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 Heading28false0rr_PerformanceTableTextBlockrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassI row period compact * row primary compact * column dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>falsefalse<div> &lt;div style="display:none;" &gt;~ http://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassI row period compact * row primary compact * column dei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxis compact cik0000930709_ClassISharesMember column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0000930709_S000010180Member column rr_ProspectusShareClassAxis compact * column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * ~&lt;/div&gt; </div>truehttp://www.pioneerinvestments.com/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualTotalReturnsTransposedPioneerEmergingMarketsVctPortfolioClassIfalsefalse000407 - Schedule - Average Annual Total Returns {Transposed} - {Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio} {Class I}truefalsefalse1falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*5false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.15890.1589falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.19200.1920falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 YEARduration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$2falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*6false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truetruetrue0.10410.1041falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.13110.1311falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 YEARduration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$3falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*7false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10rrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truetruetrue0.14600.1460falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.16230.1623falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 YEARduration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$4falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*8false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInceptionrrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.13790.1379falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.15120.1512falsefalsefalsetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 INCEPTIONduration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$5falseColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*9false0rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDaterrfalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsetruefalse001998-10-30falsefalsetruetruefalse2falsetruefalse00falsefalsetruetruefalseOtherxbrli: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 DATEduration2011-05-01T00:00:002011-05-01T00:00:00falseUSDfalsefalse$1falseRowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberRowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberRowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseClass Irr_ProspectusShareClassAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_C000028209Memberrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMembertruefalseBefore Taxesrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisrr_PerformanceMeasureDomainrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberClass I SharesPioneer Emerging Markets VCT PortfolioClass IBefore TaxesUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso421700truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.15890.1589falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.10410.1041falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.14600.1460falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.13790.1379falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsetruefalse001998-10-301998-10-30falsefalsetruetruefalseOthernanafalsefalseClass I2falseRowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberRowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberRowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalseClass I Sharesdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalsePioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfoliodei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_S000010180Memberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMembertruefalseShare Classesrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisrr_ShareClassDomainrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseMorgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)rr_PerformanceMeasureAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldicik0000930709_MorganStanleyCapitalInternationalEmergingMarketsIndexMemberrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisexplicitMemberClass I SharesPioneer Emerging Markets VCT PortfolioShare ClassesMorgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)Standard00truefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truetruetrue0.19200.1920falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truetruetrue0.13110.1311falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truetruetrue0.16230.1623falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truetruetrue0.15120.1512falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOthernanafalsefalseMorgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)52Average Annual Total Returns - Class I Shares Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT PortfolioUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrueColumnperiodPeriod*ColumnprimaryElement*Rowdei_DocumentInformationDocumentAxisAxiscik0000930709_ClassISharesMemberRowdei_LegalEntityAxisAxiscik0000930709_S000010180MemberRowrr_ProspectusShareClassAxisAxis*Rowrr_PerformanceMeasureAxisAxis*RowunitUnit*falsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringContains a command for the SEC Viewer for the role corresponding to PerformanceTableData.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePerformance [Table]127Risk/Return Summary - (Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio) (Class I) (Class I Shares, Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue