v3.26.1
S000003871 [Member] Expense Example - Putnam VT Mortgage Securities Fund
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Class IA Shares  
Prospectus [Line Items]  
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year $ 51
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years 269
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years 504
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years 1,180
Class IB shares  
Prospectus [Line Items]  
Expense Example, with Redemption, 1 Year 77
Expense Example, with Redemption, 3 Years 346
Expense Example, with Redemption, 5 Years 635
Expense Example, with Redemption, 10 Years $ 1,458