XML 18 R57.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6

Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiaries
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	$ 353.1	$ 335.8
Kronos [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiaries
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	265.4	240.2
NL Industries Inc [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiaries
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	76.6	84.6
CompX [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiaries
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	$ 11.1	$ 11.0

X

- Definition

Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (that is, noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 27

-Article 5



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A3

-Appendix A



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 20

-Article 7



Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.31)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682



Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

Name:	vhi_AssetsAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestDisclosuresAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration