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	$ 276,100,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense	$ 375,100,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense	$ 273,300,000us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Rent expense	16,600,000us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense	15,800,000us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense	16,300,000us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense
Chemicals | TiO2 Product
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Sale of TiO2, number of customers	4,000vhi_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	532,000,000us-gaap_PurchaseObligation / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_FeedstockOreMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember					532,000,000us-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	164,000,000us-gaap_PurchaseObligation / us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis = vhi_OtherSupplyAndServiceContractsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = vhi_ChemicalsMember					164,000,000us-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		32,200,000us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember	23,400,000us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember	85,300,000us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember			20,000,000us-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	10,900,000us-gaap_PaymentsToInvestInDecommissioningFund / us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis = vhi_WasteControlSpecialistsMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_ValhiMember / us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis = us-gaap_SuretyBondMember / us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis = vhi_ContranMember			2,000,000us-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						1,300,000us-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								18,000,000us-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				18,000,000us-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	209,000,000us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount / us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis = vhi_OwnerParticipationAgreementTaxIncrementReimbursementMember / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_CityOfHendersonRedevelopmentAgencyMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember					209,000,000us-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	186us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_NlIndustriesIncMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = vhi_ProductLiabilityAndOccupationalExposureLitigationClaimsMember / us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis = vhi_PendingClaimsMember					186us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_NlIndustriesIncMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = vhi_ProductLiabilityAndOccupationalExposureLitigationClaimsMember / us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis = vhi_PendingClaimsMember
Number of plaintiffs involved	736us-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	8,692us-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		35,000,000us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = vhi_KronosMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = vhi_PricingLitigationSettlementMember
General and administrative		$ 35,000,000us-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: