XML 66 R114.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Commitments and Contingencies - Other Litigation and Other Matters - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Apr. 30, 2014 | Apr. 30, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General and administrative | $ 276,100,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense | $ 375,100,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense | $ 273,300,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense |  |  |  |  |
Rent expense | 16,600,000 us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense | 15,800,000 us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense | 16,300,000 us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense |  |  |  |  |
Chemicals | TiO2 Product |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of TiO2, number of customers | 4,000 vhi_NumberOfCustomers / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Chemicals | Customer Concentration Risk | Behr Process Corporation | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 10.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_BehrProcessCorporationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember | 10.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_BehrProcessCorporationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember | 10.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_BehrProcessCorporationMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember |  |  |  |  |
Component Products Segment | Customer Concentration Risk | Top Ten Customers | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 47.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_TopTenCustomersMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ComponentProductsSegmentMember | 42.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_TopTenCustomersMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ComponentProductsSegmentMember | 38.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_TopTenCustomersMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ComponentProductsSegmentMember |  |  |  |  |
Component Products | Customer Concentration Risk | Harley Davidson Inc | Net Sales | Security​ Products​ Reporting​ Unit​ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 12.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_HarleyDavidsonIncMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ComponentProductsMember / us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis = vhi_SecurityProductsReportingUnitMember | 12.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_HarleyDavidsonIncMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ComponentProductsMember / us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis = vhi_SecurityProductsReportingUnitMember | 12.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_HarleyDavidsonIncMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ComponentProductsMember / us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis = vhi_SecurityProductsReportingUnitMember |  |  |  |  |
Component Products | Customer Concentration Risk | United States Postal Service | Net Sales | Security​ Products​ Reporting​ Unit​ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 13.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_UnitedStatesPostalServiceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ComponentProductsMember / us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis = vhi_SecurityProductsReportingUnitMember | 13.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_UnitedStatesPostalServiceMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ComponentProductsMember / us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis = vhi_SecurityProductsReportingUnitMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Waste Management | Customer Concentration Risk | Net Sales | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 10.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_WasteManagementMember | 10.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_WasteManagementMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Waste Management | Customer Concentration Risk | Tennessee Valley Authority | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage |  | 30.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_TennesseeValleyAuthorityMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_WasteManagementMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Waste Management | Customer Concentration Risk | Studsvik, Inc. | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage |  | 15.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_StudsvikIncMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_WasteManagementMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Waste Management | Customer Concentration Risk | Department of Energy | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage |  | 10.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_DepartmentOfEnergyMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_WasteManagementMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Waste Management | Customer Concentration Risk | Zion Solutions | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage |  | 18.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_ZionSolutionsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_WasteManagementMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Waste Management | Customer Concentration Risk | Sacramento Municipal Utility District | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage |  | 23.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_SacramentoMunicipalUtilityDistrictMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_WasteManagementMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Real Estate Management And Development | Customer Concentration Risk | Net Sales | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 10.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_RealEstateManagementAndDevelopmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Real Estate Management And Development | Customer Concentration Risk | Greystone Nevada | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 23.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_GreystoneNevadaMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_RealEstateManagementAndDevelopmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Real Estate Management And Development | Customer Concentration Risk | Woodside Homes of Nevada | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 25.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_WoodsideHomesOfNevadaMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_RealEstateManagementAndDevelopmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Real Estate Management And Development | Customer Concentration Risk | Richmond Homes of Nevada | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 20.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_RichmondHomesOfNevadaMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_RealEstateManagementAndDevelopmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Real Estate Management And Development | Customer Concentration Risk | City of Henderson | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 12.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_CityOfHendersonMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_RealEstateManagementAndDevelopmentMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
TiO2 | Chemicals | TiO2 Product | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 90.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_TitaniumDioxideMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember | 90.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_TitaniumDioxideMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember | 90.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_TitaniumDioxideMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember |  |  |  |  |
TiO2 | Chemicals | Customer Concentration Risk | Top Ten Customers | Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Concentration risk percentage | 35.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_TopTenCustomersMember / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_TitaniumDioxideMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember | 34.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_TopTenCustomersMember / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_TitaniumDioxideMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember | 34.00%us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1 / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis = us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember / us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis = us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember / us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis = vhi_TopTenCustomersMember / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_TitaniumDioxideMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember |  |  |  |  |
Feedstock Ore | Chemicals |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum purchase commitments | 532,000,000 us-gaap_PurchaseObligation / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_FeedstockOreMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember |  |  |  |  | 532,000,000 us-gaap_PurchaseObligation / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_FeedstockOreMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember |  |
Other Supply And Service Contracts | Chemicals |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum purchase commitments | 164,000,000 us-gaap_PurchaseObligation / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_OtherSupplyAndServiceContractsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember |  |  |  |  | 164,000,000 us-gaap_PurchaseObligation / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_OtherSupplyAndServiceContractsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember |  |
Valhi | Surety Bond | Contran | Waste Control Specialists |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Surety bond purchased from third party insurance company |  | 32,200,000 us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember | 23,400,000 us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember | 85,300,000 us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember |  |  | 20,000,000 us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember |
Collateral trust as a percent of value of bonds |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.50%vhi_QuarterlyCashPaymentsToTrustPercentageOfBond / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember |
Cash payments to collateral trust | 10,900,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToInvestInDecommissioningFund / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember |  |  | 2,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToInvestInDecommissioningFund / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember |  |  |  |
Valhi | Surety Bond | Contran | Scenario, Forecast | Waste Control Specialists |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Collateral trust as a percent of value of bonds |  |  |  |  | 50.00%vhi_CumulativePaymentsToCollateralTrustPercentageOfBond / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember |  |  |
Valhi | Surety Bond | Contran | Quarterly Payment | Waste Control Specialists |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash payments to collateral trust |  |  |  |  |  | 1,300,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToInvestInDecommissioningFund / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis = vhi_QuarterlyPaymentMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember |  |
Valhi | Second Collateral Trust | Contran | Waste Control Specialists |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restricted cash |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 18,000,000 us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = vhi_SecondSuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember
Decrease in restricted cash |  |  |  | 18,000,000 us-gaap_DecreaseInRestrictedCash / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = vhi_SecondSuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember |  |  |  |
City of Henderson Redevelopment Agency | OPA​ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Tax increment reimbursement percentage | 75.00%vhi_TaxIncrementReimbursementPercentage / us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis = vhi_OwnerParticipationAgreementTaxIncrementReimbursementMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_CityOfHendersonRedevelopmentAgencyMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
City of Henderson Redevelopment Agency | Maximum | OPA​ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reimbursement revenue | 209,000,000 us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount / us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis = vhi_OwnerParticipationAgreementTaxIncrementReimbursementMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_CityOfHendersonRedevelopmentAgencyMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  | 209,000,000 us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount / us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis = vhi_OwnerParticipationAgreementTaxIncrementReimbursementMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_CityOfHendersonRedevelopmentAgencyMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |
Product Liability And Occupational Exposure Litigation Claims | NL | Pending Claims |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cases pending | 186 us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_NlIndustriesIncMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = vhi_ProductLiabilityAndOccupationalExposureLitigationClaimsMember / us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis = vhi_PendingClaimsMember |  |  |  |  | 186 us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_NlIndustriesIncMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = vhi_ProductLiabilityAndOccupationalExposureLitigationClaimsMember / us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis = vhi_PendingClaimsMember |  |
Number of plaintiffs involved | 736 us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_NlIndustriesIncMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = vhi_ProductLiabilityAndOccupationalExposureLitigationClaimsMember / us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis = vhi_PendingClaimsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Product Liability And Occupational Exposure Litigation Claims | NL | Administratively Dismissed Claims |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of plaintiffs involved | 8,692 us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_NlIndustriesIncMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = vhi_ProductLiabilityAndOccupationalExposureLitigationClaimsMember / us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis = vhi_AdministrativelyDismissedClaimsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pricing Litigation Settlement | Kronos Worldwide, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Case conclusion settlement amount |  | 35,000,000 us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_KronosMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = vhi_PricingLitigationSettlementMember |  |  |  |  |  |
General and administrative |  | $ 35,000,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_KronosMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = vhi_PricingLitigationSettlementMember |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition For an entity that discloses a concentration risk in relation to quantitative amount, which serves as the "benchmark" (or denominator) in the equation, this concept represents the concentration percentage derived from the division. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 21 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35750535&loc=d3e13537-108611 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6927468&loc=d3e6404-108592 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35750535&loc=d3e13531-108611 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 18 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6927468&loc=d3e6351-108592 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DecreaseInRestrictedCash
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount or range of possible amounts of gain that could be realized upon the resolution of a contingency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6397426&loc=d3e17499-108355 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees before reduction for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 460 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12069-110248 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of rent expense incurred for leased assets, including but not limited to, furniture and equipment, that is not directly or indirectly associated with the manufacture, sale or creation of a product or product line. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of judgment or settlement awarded to (against) the entity in respect of litigation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of plaintiffs that have filed claims pertaining to a loss contingency. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of pending claims pertaining to a loss contingency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14435-108349 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash outflow for the purchase of investments that will be held in a decommissioning trust fund. + 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 13 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToInvestInDecommissioningFund
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Minimum amount of purchase arrangement in which the entity has agreed to expend funds to procure goods or services from a supplier. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PurchaseObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34747878&loc=d3e3636-108311 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Cumulative payments to collateral trust percentage of bond. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_CumulativePaymentsToCollateralTrustPercentageOfBond
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of customers. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_NumberOfCustomers
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Quarterly cash payments to trust percentage of bond. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_QuarterlyCashPaymentsToTrustPercentageOfBond
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage of tax increment generated that is eligible for reimbursement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_TaxIncrementReimbursementPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=vhi_CityOfHendersonRedevelopmentAgencyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=vhi_ValhiMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=vhi_PricingLitigationSettlementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=vhi_ProductLiabilityAndOccupationalExposureLitigationClaimsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis=vhi_FeedstockOreMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis=vhi_OtherSupplyAndServiceContractsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis=vhi_TitaniumDioxideMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=vhi_ChemicalsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=vhi_ComponentProductsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=vhi_ComponentProductsSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=vhi_RealEstateManagementAndDevelopmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=vhi_WasteManagementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |