| Form N-CSR Cover | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2024 | |
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | N-CSR |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Registrant Name | Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001176343 |
| Entity Investment Company Type | N-1A |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2024 |
| Shareholder Report | 12 Months Ended | |
| Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($) $ / shares | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | N-CSR | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Registrant Name | Legg Mason Partners Variable Equity Trust | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001176343 | |
| Entity Investment Company Type | N-1A | |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2024 | |
| Class I | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | ClearBridge Variable Mid Cap Portfolio | |
| Class Name | Class I | |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This annual shareholder report contains important information about ClearBridge Variable Mid Cap Portfolio for the period January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents . You can also request this information by contacting us at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 . | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 | |
| Additional Information Website | https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST YEAR? (based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) Class Name Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment * Class I 1 $85 0.81% | [1],[2] |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 85 | [1] |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.81% | [1] |
| Factors Affecting Performance [Text Block] | HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM LAST YEAR AND WHAT AFFECTED ITS PERFORMANCE? For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, Class I shares of ClearBridge Variable Mid Cap Portfolio Fund returned 10.01%. The Fund compares its performance to the Russell Midcap Index, which returned 15.34% for the same period. PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS Top contributors to performance: ↑ AppLovin operates a software-based platform for advertisers, to enhance the marketing and monetization of their content, particularly in mobile apps. Powered by its proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-incorporated targeting engine. The company’s software segment continued to grow robustly in 2024. ↑ Marvell Technology is a networking and storage semiconductor company in the 5G, data center, & automotive ethernet end markets. The company’s share price rallied on the back of investors’ enthusiasm for its generative AI driven growth. ↑ Vertiv is a manufacturer of power, cooling and infrastructure management systems for mainframe computers. Vertiv saw strong data center demand and enthusiasm for AI-related technology. Additionally, the company’s new management has executed well in keeping cost inflation under control while maintaining strong orders and backlog. Top detractors from performance: ↓ Atkore manufactures and sells electrical, mechanical and safety products. Weaker order volumes and increased costs of materials from Mexico have weighed on performance and resulted in the Fund exiting the position. ↓ Five Below is a value retailer for products including apparel, accessories, novelty items, décor, cosmetics and accent furniture. The company’s share price was impacted by an elevated shrink and persistent inflationary pressures weighing on lower-end consumers. ↓ Freshworks is a software development company that provides modern software-as-a-service products including customer service, operations and customer relationship management applications. The company saw its share price drift lower as investors began to worry it was no longer a beneficiary of AI. | |
| Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] | The Fund’s past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. | |
| Line Graph [Table Text Block] | ||
| Average Annual Return [Table Text Block] | AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) Period Ended December 31, 2024 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Class I 10.01 6.61 7.29 Russell 3000 Index 23.81 13.86 12.55 Russell Midcap Index 15.34 9.92 9.63 | |
| No Deduction of Taxes [Text Block] | The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares. | |
| Updated Performance Information Location [Text Block] | Important data provider notices and terms available at www.franklintempletondatasources.com. | |
| Net Assets | $ 272,215,822 | |
| Holdings Count | $ / shares | 70 | [3] |
| Advisory Fees Paid, Amount | $ 2,009,260 | |
| Investment Company Portfolio Turnover | 35% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | KEY FUND STATISTICS (as of December 31, 2024) Total Net Assets $272,215,822 Total Number of Portfolio Holdings * 70 Total Management Fee Paid $2,009,260 Portfolio Turnover Rate 35% | [3] |
| Holdings [Text Block] | ||
| Updated Prospectus Web Address | https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents | |
| Class II | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | ClearBridge Variable Mid Cap Portfolio | |
| Class Name | Class II | |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true | |
| Annual or Semi-Annual Statement [Text Block] | This annual shareholder report contains important information about ClearBridge Variable Mid Cap Portfolio for the period January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. | |
| Shareholder Report Annual or Semi-Annual | annual shareholder report | |
| Additional Information [Text Block] | You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents . You can also request this information by contacting us at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 . | |
| Additional Information Phone Number | 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 | |
| Additional Information Website | https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents | |
| Expenses [Text Block] | WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST YEAR? (based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) Class Name Costs of a $10,000 investment Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment * Class II 1 $111 1.06% | [4],[5] |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 111 | [4] |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 1.06% | [4] |
| Factors Affecting Performance [Text Block] | HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM LAST YEAR AND WHAT AFFECTED ITS PERFORMANCE? For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, Class II shares of ClearBridge Variable Mid Cap Portfolio Fund returned 9.73%. The Fund compares its performance to the Russell Midcap Index, which returned 15.34% for the same period. PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS Top contributors to performance: ↑ AppLovin operates a software-based platform for advertisers, to enhance the marketing and monetization of their content, particularly in mobile apps. Powered by its proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-incorporated targeting engine. The company’s software segment continued to grow robustly in 2024. ↑ Marvell Technology is a networking and storage semiconductor company in the 5G, data center, & automotive ethernet end markets. The company’s share price rallied on the back of investors’ enthusiasm for its generative AI driven growth. ↑ Vertiv is a manufacturer of power, cooling and infrastructure management systems for mainframe computers. Vertiv saw strong data center demand and enthusiasm for AI-related technology. Additionally, the company’s new management has executed well in keeping cost inflation under control while maintaining strong orders and backlog. Top detractors from performance: ↓ Atkore manufactures and sells electrical, mechanical and safety products. Weaker order volumes and increased costs of materials from Mexico have weighed on performance and resulted in the Fund exiting the position. ↓ Five Below is a value retailer for products including apparel, accessories, novelty items, décor, cosmetics and accent furniture. The company’s share price was impacted by an elevated shrink and persistent inflationary pressures weighing on lower-end consumers. ↓ Freshworks is a software development company that provides modern software-as-a-service products including customer service, operations and customer relationship management applications. The company saw its share price drift lower as investors began to worry it was no longer a beneficiary of AI. | |
| Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text] | The Fund’s past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. | |
| Line Graph [Table Text Block] | ||
| Average Annual Return [Table Text Block] | AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (%) Period Ended December 31, 2024 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Class II 9.73 6.35 7.02 Russell 3000 Index 23.81 13.86 12.55 Russell Midcap Index 15.34 9.92 9.63 | |
| No Deduction of Taxes [Text Block] | The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares. | |
| Updated Performance Information Location [Text Block] | Important data provider notices and terms available at www.franklintempletondatasources.com. | |
| Net Assets | $ 272,215,822 | |
| Holdings Count | $ / shares | 70 | [6] |
| Advisory Fees Paid, Amount | $ 2,009,260 | |
| Investment Company Portfolio Turnover | 35% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | KEY FUND STATISTICS (as of December 31, 2024) Total Net Assets $272,215,822 Total Number of Portfolio Holdings * 70 Total Management Fee Paid $2,009,260 Portfolio Turnover Rate 35% | [6] |
| Holdings [Text Block] | ||
| Updated Prospectus Web Address | https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents | |
| [1] 1 Does not reflect expenses incurred from investing through variable annuity or variable life insurance products. * Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, without which expenses would have been higher. * Does not include derivatives, except purchased options, if any. 1 Does not reflect expenses incurred from investing through variable annuity or variable life insurance products. * Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, without which expenses would have been higher. * Does not include derivatives, except purchased options, if any. | ||
| Shareholder Report, Line Graph (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
| Dec. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
| Class I | |||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | |||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Class I | ||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 20,212 | $ 18,374 | $ 16,272 | $ 21,787 | $ 16,928 | $ 14,675 | $ 11,038 | $ 12,618 | $ 11,186 | $ 10,231 | $ 10,000 |
| Class II | |||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | |||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Class II | ||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 19,709 | 17,961 | 15,949 | 21,409 | 16,675 | 14,487 | 10,921 | 12,524 | 11,128 | 10,199 | 10,000 |
| Russell 3000 Index [Member] | |||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | |||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Russell 3000 Index | ||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 32,604 | 26,334 | 20,907 | 25,877 | 20,593 | 17,035 | 13,002 | 13,721 | 11,327 | 10,048 | 10,000 |
| Russell 3000 Index [Member] | |||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | |||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Russell 3000 Index | ||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 32,604 | 26,334 | 20,907 | 25,877 | 20,593 | 17,035 | 13,002 | 13,721 | 11,327 | 10,048 | 10,000 |
| Russell Midcap Index [Member] | |||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | |||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Russell Midcap Index | ||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 25,070 | 21,735 | 18,541 | 22,424 | 18,292 | 15,621 | 11,966 | 13,158 | 11,102 | 9,756 | 10,000 |
| Russell Midcap Index [Member] | |||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | |||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Russell Midcap Index | ||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 25,070 | $ 21,735 | $ 18,541 | $ 22,424 | $ 18,292 | $ 15,621 | $ 11,966 | $ 13,158 | $ 11,102 | $ 9,756 | $ 10,000 |
| Shareholder Report, Average Annual Return (Details) | 12 Months Ended | 60 Months Ended | 120 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2024 | |
| Class I | |||
| Average Annual Return [Line Items] | |||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Class I | ||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 10.01% | 6.61% | 7.29% |
| Class II | |||
| Average Annual Return [Line Items] | |||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Class II | ||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 9.73% | 6.35% | 7.02% |
| Russell 3000 Index [Member] | |||
| Average Annual Return [Line Items] | |||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Russell 3000 Index | ||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 23.81% | 13.86% | 12.55% |
| Russell 3000 Index [Member] | |||
| Average Annual Return [Line Items] | |||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Russell 3000 Index | ||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 23.81% | 13.86% | 12.55% |
| Russell Midcap Index [Member] | |||
| Average Annual Return [Line Items] | |||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Russell Midcap Index | ||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 15.34% | 9.92% | 9.63% |
| Russell Midcap Index [Member] | |||
| Average Annual Return [Line Items] | |||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Russell Midcap Index | ||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 15.34% | 9.92% | 9.63% |
| Label | Element | Value |
| Class I | Industrials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 17.20% |
| Class I | Information Technology [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 15.20% |
| Class I | Financials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 15.10% |
| Class I | Health Care [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 9.70% |
| Class I | Consumer Discretionary [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 8.30% |
| Class I | Energy [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 6.20% |
| Class I | Consumer Staples [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 6.20% |
| Class I | Materials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 5.80% |
| Class I | Utilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 5.50% |
| Class I | Real Estate [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 5.40% |
| Class I | Communication Services [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 2.60% |
| Class I | Short-Term Investments [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 2.80% |
| Label | Element | Value |
| Class II | Industrials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 17.20% |
| Class II | Information Technology [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 15.20% |
| Class II | Financials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 15.10% |
| Class II | Health Care [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 9.70% |
| Class II | Consumer Discretionary [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 8.30% |
| Class II | Energy [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 6.20% |
| Class II | Consumer Staples [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 6.20% |
| Class II | Materials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 5.80% |
| Class II | Utilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 5.50% |
| Class II | Real Estate [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 5.40% |
| Class II | Communication Services [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 2.60% |
| Class II | Short-Term Investments [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 2.80% |
