XML 59 R51.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8

Other Noncurrent Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (CompX, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
CompX
Other Noncurrent Assets [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale	$ 1.6

X

- Definition

The cash inflow from the sale of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133



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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3179-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

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