XML 35 R43.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Business Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |
Litigation settlement | $ 35 | $ 35
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |
Direct controlling interest in subsidiary | 50.00% | 50.00%
Indirect controlling interest in subsidiary | 30.00% | 30.00%
Total controlling interest | 80.00% | 80.00%
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. | Contran |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |
Common stock pledged as collateral | 12.0 | 12.0
NL |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |
Total controlling interest | 83.00% | 83.00%

X
- Definition Amount of litigation expense, including but not limited to legal, forensic, accounting, and investigative fees. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Common Stock Shares Pledged As Collateral + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_CommonStockSharesPledgedAsCollateral
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Controlling interest in subsidiary held directly by parent. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_DirectControllingInterestInSubsidiary
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Controlling interest in subsidiary held indirectly through controlled subsidiary of parent. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_IndirectControllingInterestInSubsidiary
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant