Label	Element	Value
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST /MA/
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	May 01, 2016
Class I Shares | Pioneer Real Estate Shares VCT Portfolio
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	PIONEER REAL ESTATE SHARES VCT PORTFOLIO
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	Long-term growth of capital.
Objective, Secondary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectiveSecondaryTextBlock	Current income is a secondary objective.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	FEES AND EXPENSES
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	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.
Operating Expenses Caption [Text]	rr_OperatingExpensesCaption	ANNUAL PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The portfolio pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). 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 17% of the average value of the portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	17.00%
Expense Example [Heading]	rr_ExpenseExampleHeading	EXAMPLE
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock	This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. 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. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Expense Example by, Year, Caption [Text]	rr_ExpenseExampleByYearCaption	NUMBER OF YEARS YOU OWN YOUR SHARES (WITH REDEMPTION)
Expense Example, No Redemption, By Year, Caption [Text]	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionByYearCaption	NUMBER OF YEARS YOU OWN YOUR SHARES (WITHOUT REDEMPTION)
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	Normally, the portfolio invests at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other real estate industry issuers. The portfolio may at times emphasize particular sub-sectors of the real estate industry. For purposes of the portfolio's investment policies, equity securities include common stocks and other equity instruments, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in equity securities, warrants, rights, and preferred stocks. The portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities of real estate industry issuers, mortgage-backed securities and short-term investments. The portfolio may invest up to 5% of its net assets in below investment grade debt securities (known as "junk bonds"), including below investment grade convertible debt securities. The portfolio may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. Up to 5% of the portfolio's total assets may be invested in the securities of emerging markets issuers. The portfolio may, but is not required to, use derivatives. The portfolio may use derivatives, such as options and futures, for a variety of purposes, including; in an attempt to hedge against adverse changes in the market price of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates; as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities; to attempt to increase the portfolio's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be considered speculative; to manage portfolio characteristics: and as a cash flow management technique. The portfolio may choose not to make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons, and any use may be limited by applicable law and regulations. The portfolio also may hold cash or other short-term investments. The portfolio may invest in fewer than 40 securities. The portfolio may invest in initial public offerings of equity securities. The portfolio uses a "growth at a reasonable price" style of management. The subadviser seeks to invest in companies with above average potential for earnings and revenue growth that are also trading at attractive market valuations. To select stocks, the subadviser employs fundamental and qualitative research and an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations. The subadviser focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers and securities. The subadviser generally sells a portfolio security when it believes that the issuer no longer offers the potential for above average earnings and revenue growth.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO
Risk Narrative [Text Block]	rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock	You could lose money on your investment in the portfolio. As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the portfolio will achieve its objectives. MARKET RISK. The values of securities held by the portfolio may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or regulatory conditions, inflation, changes in interest or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In the past several years, financial markets, such as those in the United States, Europe, Asia and elsewhere, have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. Governmental and non-governmental issuers have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and their central banks, have taken steps to support financial markets, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels. This and other government intervention may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. The Federal Reserve recently has reduced its market support activities. Further reduction or withdrawal of Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank support, including interest rate increases, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which the portfolio invests. Policy and legislative changes in the U.S. and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the portfolio's investments may be negatively affected. The portfolio may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security or derivative position. GROWTH STYLE RISK. The portfolio's investments may not have the growth potential originally expected. Growth stocks may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the overall equity market. PORTFOLIO SELECTION RISK. The subadviser'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. 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 subadviser thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss. ISSUER FOCUS RISK. The portfolio may invest in fewer than 40 securities and as a result, the portfolio's performance may be more volatile than the performance of portfolios holding more securities. RISKS OF INVESTMENTS IN REAL ESTATE RELATED SECURITIES. The portfolio concentrates its investments in the real estate industry. The risks of investing in REITs and other equity securities of real estate industry issuers include declines in the real estate market due to adverse economic conditions, overbuilding or other causes; increases in interest rates; governmental actions; and declines in property values. Investing in REITs involves unique risks. They are significantly affected by the market for real estate and are dependent upon management skills and cash flow. REITs may have lower trading volumes and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets. Mortgage REITS are particularly subject to interest rate and credit risks. In addition to its own expenses, the portfolio will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests. Many real estate companies, including REITs, utilize leverage. RISKS OF WARRANTS AND RIGHTS. If the price of the underlying stock does not rise above the exercise price before the warrant expires, the warrant generally expires without any value and the portfolio loses any amount it paid for the warrant. The failure to exercise subscription rights to purchase common shares would result in the dilution of the portfolio's interest in the issuing company. PREFERRED STOCKS RISK. Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred stocks are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company's preferred stocks generally pay dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. Thus, the value of preferred stocks will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. The market value of preferred stocks generally decreases when interest rates rise. Preferred stocks of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred stocks of larger companies. RISKS OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS. Companies involved in initial public offerings (IPOs) generally have limited operating histories, and prospects for future profitability are uncertain. The market for IPO issuers has been volatile, and share prices of newly public companies have fluctuated significantly over short periods of time. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. RISKS OF INVESTMENT IN OTHER FUNDS. Investing in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs), subjects the portfolio to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or assets held by those funds. When investing in another fund, the portfolio will bear a pro rata portion of the underlying fund's expenses, in addition to its own expenses. 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 have a higher risk of default or are already in default and are considered speculative. MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES RISK. The value of mortgage-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-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid. Mortgage-backed securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rate than other types of debt securities. These securities are also subject to prepayment and extension risks. 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. RISKS OF NON-U.S. INVESTMENTS. Investing in non-U.S. issuers, or in U.S. issuers that have significant exposure to foreign markets, 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, extreme price volatility, currency risks, changes in economic, political, regulatory and social conditions, sustained economic downturns, financial instability, tax burdens, and investment and repatriation restrictions. Lack of information and less market regulation also may affect the value of these securities. Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the portfolio's return. Non-U.S. issuers may be located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters. Investing in depositary receipts is subject to many of the same risks as investing directly in non-U.S. issuers. Depositary receipts may involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security. A number of countries in the European Union (EU) have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. 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. DERIVATIVES RISK. Using stock index futures and options and other derivatives can increase portfolio losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by the portfolio. Using derivatives 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. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the portfolio's initial investment. 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. The U.S. government is in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, may disrupt markets or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. 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, such as ETFs, that have embedded leverage. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the portfolio's underlying assets and creates a risk of loss of value on a larger pool of assets than the portfolio would otherwise have, potentially resulting in the loss of all assets. 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. VALUATION RISK. The sales price the portfolio could receive for any particular portfolio investment may differ from the portfolio's last valuation of the investment, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology. Investors who purchase or redeem portfolio shares on days when the portfolio is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares or lower or higher redemption proceeds than they would have received if the portfolio had not fair-valued the security or had used a different valuation methodology. LIQUIDITY RISK. Some securities and derivatives held by the portfolio may be impossible or difficult to purchase, sell or unwind, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities and derivatives also may be difficult to value. If the portfolio is forced to sell an illiquid asset or unwind a derivatives position to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the portfolio may be forced to sell at a loss. EXPENSE RISK. 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. Please note that there are many other factors that could adversely affect your investment and that could prevent the portfolio from achieving its goals. 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.
Risk Lose Money [Text]	rr_RiskLoseMoney	You could lose money on your investment in the portfolio.
Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Text]	rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution	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.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	THE PORTFOLIO'S PAST PERFORMANCE
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	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. 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 (MSCI) REIT Index, a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the portfolio's investment strategies. 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. The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	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. 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 (MSCI) REIT Index, a broad-based measure of market performance that has characteristics relevant to the portfolio's investment strategies.
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	The portfolio's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future.
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	ANNUAL RETURN CLASS I SHARES (%) (Year ended December 31)
Bar Chart Does Not Reflect Sales Loads [Text]	rr_BarChartDoesNotReflectSalesLoads	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.
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	For the period covered by the bar chart: THE HIGHEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS 33.13% (07/01/2009 TO 09/30/2009). THE LOWEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN WAS -39.29% (10/01/2008 TO 12/31/2008).
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (%) (for periods ended December 31, 2015)
Class I Shares | Pioneer Real Estate Shares VCT Portfolio | CLASS I
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.80%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.23%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	1.03%
1	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 105
3	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	328
5	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	569
10	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	1,259
1	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01	105
3	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03	328
5	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05	569
10	rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10	$ 1,259
2006	rr_AnnualReturn2006	36.83%
2007	rr_AnnualReturn2007	(18.88%)
2008	rr_AnnualReturn2008	(38.19%)
2009	rr_AnnualReturn2009	31.64%
2010	rr_AnnualReturn2010	28.70%
2011	rr_AnnualReturn2011	10.02%
2012	rr_AnnualReturn2012	16.41%
2013	rr_AnnualReturn2013	1.75%
2014	rr_AnnualReturn2014	30.87%
2015	rr_AnnualReturn2015	4.79%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	HIGHEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Sep. 30, 2009
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	33.13%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	LOWEST CALENDAR QUARTERLY RETURN
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Dec. 31, 2008
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(39.29%)
1 YEAR	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	4.79%
5 YEARS	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	12.31%
10 YEARS	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	7.58%
SINCE INCEPTION	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.34%
INCEPTION DATE	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 01, 1995
Class I Shares | Pioneer Real Estate Shares VCT Portfolio | Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) REIT NR Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
Risk/Return:	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 YEAR	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	2.52%
5 YEARS	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	11.88%
10 YEARS	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	7.35%
SINCE INCEPTION	rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception	11.12%
INCEPTION DATE	rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate	Mar. 01, 1995