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Investment in Affiliate and Other Assets - Components of Net Distributions from LPC (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Summary Of Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Net distributions (contributions) | $ 10.6 vhi_EquityMethodInvestmentDistributionsFromContributionsToNet | $ 10.9 vhi_EquityMethodInvestmentDistributionsFromContributionsToNet | $ (20.7)vhi_EquityMethodInvestmentDistributionsFromContributionsToNet
LPC |  |  |
Summary Of Investment Holdings [Line Items] |  |  |
Distributions from LPC | 48.0 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_LouisianaPigmentCompanyMember | 70.7 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_LouisianaPigmentCompanyMember | 79.5 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_LouisianaPigmentCompanyMember
Contributions to LPC | (37.4)vhi_EquityMethodInvestmentContributions / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_LouisianaPigmentCompanyMember | (59.8)vhi_EquityMethodInvestmentContributions / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_LouisianaPigmentCompanyMember | (100.2)vhi_EquityMethodInvestmentContributions / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_LouisianaPigmentCompanyMember
Net distributions (contributions) | $ 10.6 vhi_EquityMethodInvestmentDistributionsFromContributionsToNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_LouisianaPigmentCompanyMember | $ 10.9 vhi_EquityMethodInvestmentDistributionsFromContributionsToNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_LouisianaPigmentCompanyMember | $ (20.7)vhi_EquityMethodInvestmentDistributionsFromContributionsToNet / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_LouisianaPigmentCompanyMember

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- Definition Cash outflows to equity method investees during the period. Such contributions to equity method investee will be classified in the cash flow statement as operating, investing or financing activities depending on the nature of cash flows. + References No definition available. + Details
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