XML 115 R102.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013 Kronos Worldwide, Inc. Bank Of Montreal CAD | Dec. 31, 2013 BMI USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 France USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013 France USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2012 France | Dec. 31, 2012 Incremental Tax Benefit Expense Chemicals USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2012 Incremental Tax Benefit Expense Chemicals USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2012 Incremental Tax Benefit Expense Chemicals USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2014 Canadian Income Tax Audit Canada USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2014 U.S. Income Tax Audit USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 German corporate Kronos Worldwide, Inc. USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 Trade tax purposes Kronos Worldwide, Inc. USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 Belgian corporate tax purposes Kronos Worldwide, Inc. USD ($)
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Surtax on dividend distributions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.00%vhi_SurtaxLeviedOnDividendDistributionsPercentage / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = country_FR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Distributed dividend |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 vhi_DividendDistributionToParent / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = country_FR | $ 0 vhi_DividendDistributionToParent / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = country_FR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Earnings of foreign subsidiaries subject to permanent reinvestment plan |  | 659.0 us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries |  |  |  |  | 12.8 us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = country_FR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net incremental tax benefit |  | (2.7)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments | (2.0)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments | 0.6 us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments |  |  |  |  |  | (11.1)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = vhi_IncrementalTaxBenefitExpenseMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember | 8.0 us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = vhi_IncrementalTaxBenefitExpenseMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember | (3.1)us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = vhi_IncrementalTaxBenefitExpenseMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember |  |  |  |  |
Equity ownership percentage |  |  |  |  |  | 32.00%us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = vhi_BasicManagementMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Controlling interest in subsidiary |  |  |  |  |  | 63.00%us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = vhi_BasicManagementMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Incremental tax on earnings of Non US and Non tax group companies |  | (2.2)vhi_IncrementalTaxOnEarningsOfNonUSAndNonTaxGroupCompanies | (18.5)vhi_IncrementalTaxOnEarningsOfNonUSAndNonTaxGroupCompanies | 1.0 vhi_IncrementalTaxOnEarningsOfNonUSAndNonTaxGroupCompanies |  | 11.1 vhi_IncrementalTaxOnEarningsOfNonUSAndNonTaxGroupCompanies / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = vhi_BasicManagementMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Letter of credit collateralized |  |  |  |  | 7.9 us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount / us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis = vhi_BankOfMontrealMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_KronosMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-cash income tax benefit recognized related to release of portion of reserve for uncertain tax positions | 3.2 us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.0 us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember / us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis = country_CA | 3.1 us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember |  |  |
Unrecognized tax benefits impact on effective tax rate |  | 24.2 us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate | 29.2 us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate | 27.9 us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits |  | 5.8 us-gaap_SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleAmountOfUnrecordedBenefit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accrued interest and penalties during the period |  | 1.2 us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense | 1.3 us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense | 0.9 us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accrued interest and penalties end of the period |  | 4.1 us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued | 5.0 us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net operating loss carryforwards |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 738 us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = vhi_GermanCorporateMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_KronosMember | 94 us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = vhi_TradeTaxPurposesMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_KronosMember | 87 us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = vhi_BelgianCorporateTaxPurposeMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_KronosMember
Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance |  | $ 0 us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowance |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to other adjustments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32687-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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
- Definition Amount of operating loss carryforward, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The portion of the valuation allowance pertaining to the deferred tax asset representing potential future taxable deductions from net operating loss carryforwards for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907311&loc=d3e30536-109315 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of the unrecognized tax benefit of a position taken for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount thereof will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleAmountOfUnrecordedBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) to previously recorded tax expense. Includes, but is not limited to, significant settlements of income tax disputes, and unusual tax positions or infrequent actions taken by the entity, including tax assessment reversal, and IRS tax settlement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29652012&loc=d3e28446-109314 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29652012&loc=d3e28511-109314 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries intended to be permanently reinvested outside the country of domicile. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b)(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6424122&loc=d3e41874-109331 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 740 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479915&loc=d3e66715-112838 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 740 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6487024&loc=d3e29054-158556 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 995 -SubTopic 740 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503627&loc=d3e59836-110443 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29652012&loc=d3e28200-109314 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount accrued for interest on an underpayment of income taxes and penalties related to a tax position claimed or expected to be claimed in the tax return. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of expense for interest on an underpayment of income taxes and penalties related to a tax position claimed or expected to be claimed in the tax return. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=SL6600010-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Dividend distribution to parent. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_DividendDistributionToParent
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | vhi_IncomeTaxesDisclosureLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Incremental ​tax ​on earnings of non US and non tax group companies. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_IncrementalTaxOnEarningsOfNonUSAndNonTaxGroupCompanies
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Surtax levied on dividend distributions percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_SurtaxLeviedOnDividendDistributionsPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant