S000003897 [Member] Average Annual Total Returns |
12 Months Ended | 60 Months Ended | 120 Months Ended |
|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2025 |
Dec. 31, 2025 |
Dec. 31, 2025 |
|
| MSCI ACWI ex USA Index-NR (index reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes but are net of dividend tax withholding) | |||
| Prospectus [Line Items] | |||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 32.39% | 7.91% | 8.41% |
| Putnam VT Focused International Equity Linked Benchmark (no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | |||
| Prospectus [Line Items] | |||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 32.39% | 8.51% | 10.33% |
| Class IA Shares | |||
| Prospectus [Line Items] | |||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 36.75% | 9.41% | 9.66% |
| Class IB Shares | |||
| Prospectus [Line Items] | |||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 36.44% | 9.13% | 9.38% |