XML 51 R42.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.23.1

Summary of significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2023 | Mar. 31, 2022
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |
Shipping and handling costs | $ 438.6 | $ 458.3
Chemicals |  |
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |
Shipping and handling costs | $ 395.8 | $ 413.9
Contran | Valhi Incorporation |  |
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |
Parent company ownership interest | 92.00% |

X
- Definition The aggregate costs related to goods produced and sold and services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. This excludes costs incurred during the reporting period related to financial services rendered and other revenue generating activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 924 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 11.L) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472922&loc=d3e499488-122856 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2(a),(d)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126953954&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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: | dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Basis of presentation and significant accounting policies. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vhi_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | vhi_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | srt_OwnershipAxis=vhi_ValhiIncorporationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |