| 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 Appreciation 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 Appreciation 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 . | |
| Material Fund Change Notice [Text Block] | This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period. | |
| 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 $78 0.70% | [1],[2] |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 78 | [1] |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.70% | [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 Appreciation Portfolio returned 22.65%. The Fund compares its performance to the S&P 500 Index, which returned 25.02% for the same period. PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS Top contributors to performance: ↑ Nvidia, the leading developer of graphic processing units (GPU) for use in generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the IT sector, shares made gains as hyperscalers and others maintained elevated capital expenditure on generative AI and data centers, for which its chips are central. ↑ Apple, a multinational technology company in the IT sector, shares were higher due to optimism that its AI, Apple Intelligence, will support a large iPhone upgrade cycle and strong growth in its services segment. ↑ Amazon, a multinational ecommerce company in the IT sector, shares strengthened led by margin improvement in its U.S. retail business as its regionalization efforts began to succeed and as its advertising business continued to scale. Top detractors from performance: ↓ Adobe, a developer of software for design and marketing applications in the IT sector, shares were pressured by disappointing quarterly results with annual recurring revenue growth falling short of expectations, which fueled AI competition fears. ↓ ICON, a leading contract research organization (CRO) that manages clinical trials for biopharmaceutical companies in the health care sector, as the CRO industry has experienced multiple compression in recent years, driven by slowing pharmaceutical and biotechnology spending. ↓ United Parcel Service, a package delivery service in the industrials sector, shares have been depressed by post-pandemic demand normalization and wage pressure from a renewed union contract, which have weighed on its domestic profitability. | |
| 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 22.65 12.78 11.99 Russell 3000 Index 23.81 13.86 12.55 S&P 500 Index 25.02 14.53 13.10 | |
| 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. | |
| Material Change Date | Dec. 31, 2024 | |
| Updated Performance Information Location [Text Block] | Important data provider notices and terms available at www.franklintempletondatasources.com. | |
| Net Assets | $ 1,151,659,920 | |
| Holdings Count | $ / shares | 65 | [3] |
| Advisory Fees Paid, Amount | $ 7,568,882 | |
| Investment Company Portfolio Turnover | 17% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | KEY FUND STATISTICS (as of December 31, 2024) Total Net Assets $1,151,659,920 Total Number of Portfolio Holdings * 65 Total Management Fee Paid $7,568,882 Portfolio Turnover Rate 17% | [3] |
| Holdings [Text Block] | ||
| Material Fund Change [Text Block] | HOW HAS THE FUND CHANGED? Effective on or about December 31, 2024 , the portfolio managers of the Fund are Michael Kagan and Stephen Rigo. This is a summary of a change to the Fund since January 1, 2024. For more complete information, you may review the Fund’s current prospectus and any applicable supplements and the Fund’s next prospectus, which we expect to be available by May 1, 2025, at https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents or upon request at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 or prospectus franklintempleton.com . | |
| Updated Prospectus Phone Number | 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 | |
| Updated Prospectus Email Address | prospectus@franklintempleton.com | |
| Updated Prospectus Web Address | https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents | |
| Class II | ||
| Shareholder Report [Line Items] | ||
| Fund Name | ClearBridge Variable Appreciation 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 Appreciation 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 . | |
| Material Fund Change Notice [Text Block] | This report describes changes to the Fund that occurred during the reporting period. | |
| 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 $106 0.95% | [4],[5] |
| Expenses Paid, Amount | $ 106 | [4] |
| Expense Ratio, Percent | 0.95% | [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 Appreciation Portfolio returned 22.37%. The Fund compares its performance to the S&P 500 Index, which returned 25.02% for the same period. PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS Top contributors to performance: ↑ Nvidia, the leading developer of graphic processing units (GPU) for use in generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the IT sector, shares made gains as hyperscalers and others maintained elevated capital expenditure on generative AI and data centers, for which its chips are central. ↑ Apple, a multinational technology company in the IT sector, shares were higher due to optimism that its AI, Apple Intelligence, will support a large iPhone upgrade cycle and strong growth in its services segment. ↑ Amazon, a multinational ecommerce company in the IT sector, shares strengthened led by margin improvement in its U.S. retail business as its regionalization efforts began to succeed and as its advertising business continued to scale. Top detractors from performance: ↓ Adobe, a developer of software for design and marketing applications in the IT sector, shares were pressured by disappointing quarterly results with annual recurring revenue growth falling short of expectations, which fueled AI competition fears. ↓ ICON, a leading contract research organization (CRO) that manages clinical trials for biopharmaceutical companies in the health care sector, as the CRO industry has experienced multiple compression in recent years, driven by slowing pharmaceutical and biotechnology spending. ↓ United Parcel Service, a package delivery service in the industrials sector, shares have been depressed by post-pandemic demand normalization and wage pressure from a renewed union contract, which have weighed on its domestic profitability. | |
| 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 Since Inception (2/27/2015) Class II 22.37 12.50 11.67 Russell 3000 Index 23.81 13.86 12.45 S&P 500 Index 25.02 14.53 13.05 | |
| 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. | |
| Material Change Date | Dec. 31, 2024 | |
| Updated Performance Information Location [Text Block] | Important data provider notices and terms available at www.franklintempletondatasources.com. | |
| Net Assets | $ 1,151,659,920 | |
| Holdings Count | $ / shares | 65 | [6] |
| Advisory Fees Paid, Amount | $ 7,568,882 | |
| Investment Company Portfolio Turnover | 17% | |
| Additional Fund Statistics [Text Block] | KEY FUND STATISTICS (as of December 31, 2024) Total Net Assets $1,151,659,920 Total Number of Portfolio Holdings * 65 Total Management Fee Paid $7,568,882 Portfolio Turnover Rate 17% | [6] |
| Holdings [Text Block] | ||
| Material Fund Change [Text Block] | HOW HAS THE FUND CHANGED? Effective on or about December 31, 2024 , the portfolio managers of the Fund are Michael Kagan and Stephen Rigo. This is a summary of a change to the Fund since January 1, 2024. For more complete information, you may review the Fund’s current prospectus and any applicable supplements and the Fund’s next prospectus, which we expect to be available by May 1, 2025, at https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents or upon request at 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 or prospectus franklintempleton.com . | |
| Updated Prospectus Phone Number | 877-6LM-FUND/656-3863 | |
| Updated Prospectus Email Address | prospectus@franklintempleton.com | |
| Updated Prospectus Web Address | https://www.franklintempleton.com/regulatory-fund-documents | |
| [1] 1 Does not reflect expenses incurred from investing through variable annuity or variable life insurance products. * Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, without which expenses would have been higher. * Does not include derivatives, except purchased options, if any. 1 Does not reflect expenses incurred from investing through variable annuity or variable life insurance products. * Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, without which expenses would have been higher. * Does not include derivatives, except purchased options, if any. | ||
| Shareholder Report, Line Graph (Details) - USD ($) | 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 | Feb. 27, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | |
| Class I | ||||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Class I | |||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 31,037 | $ 25,306 | $ 21,140 | $ 24,146 | $ 19,526 | $ 17,012 | $ 13,100 | $ 13,332 | $ 11,152 | $ 10,160 | $ 10,000 | |
| Class II | ||||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Class II | |||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 29,638 | 24,221 | 20,287 | 23,225 | 18,830 | 16,448 | 12,697 | 12,955 | 10,863 | 9,923 | $ 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 | $ 31,706 | 25,607 | 20,331 | 25,164 | 20,025 | 16,564 | 12,643 | 13,344 | 11,016 | 9,769 | 10,000 | |
| S&P 500 Index [Member] | ||||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | S&P 500 Index | |||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 34,254 | 27,399 | 21,696 | 26,494 | 20,585 | 17,386 | 13,223 | 13,829 | 11,351 | 10,138 | $ 10,000 | |
| S&P 500 Index [Member] | ||||||||||||
| Account Value [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | S&P 500 Index | |||||||||||
| Account Value | $ 33,427 | $ 26,732 | $ 21,170 | $ 25,849 | $ 20,081 | $ 16,960 | $ 12,897 | $ 13,489 | $ 11,070 | $ 9,886 | $ 10,000 |
| Shareholder Report, Average Annual Return (Details) | 12 Months Ended | 60 Months Ended | 118 Months Ended | 120 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2024 | 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 | 22.65% | 12.78% | 11.99% | |
| Class II | ||||
| Average Annual Return [Line Items] | ||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | Class II | |||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 22.37% | 12.50% | 11.67% | |
| 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% | 12.45% | |
| S&P 500 Index [Member] | ||||
| Average Annual Return [Line Items] | ||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | S&P 500 Index | |||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 25.02% | 14.53% | 13.10% | |
| S&P 500 Index [Member] | ||||
| Average Annual Return [Line Items] | ||||
| Line Graph and Table Measure Name | S&P 500 Index | |||
| Average Annual Return, Percent | 25.02% | 14.53% | 13.05% |
| Label | Element | Value |
| Class I | Information Technology [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 28.30% |
| Class I | Financials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 16.60% |
| Class I | Industrials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 10% |
| Class I | Communication Services [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 9.80% |
| Class I | Health Care [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 9.40% |
| Class I | Consumer Discretionary [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 7.10% |
| Class I | Consumer Staples [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 6.50% |
| Class I | Materials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 4.30% |
| Class I | Energy [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 4.20% |
| Class I | Utilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 1.40% |
| Class I | Real Estate [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 1% |
| Class I | Short-Term Investments [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 1.40% |
| Label | Element | Value |
| Class II | Information Technology [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 28.30% |
| Class II | Financials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 16.60% |
| Class II | Industrials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 10% |
| Class II | Communication Services [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 9.80% |
| Class II | Health Care [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 9.40% |
| Class II | Consumer Discretionary [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 7.10% |
| Class II | Consumer Staples [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 6.50% |
| Class II | Materials [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 4.30% |
| Class II | Energy [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 4.20% |
| Class II | Utilities [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 1.40% |
| Class II | Real Estate [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 1% |
| Class II | Short-Term Investments [Member] | ||
| Holdings [Line Items] | oef_HoldingsLineItems | |
| Percent of Total Investments | oef_PctOfTotalInv | 1.40% |
