Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) Institution	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Lease term	10 years
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue (royalties)	$ 302,576	$ 8
Operating expense [Abstract]
Selling, general and administrative (reimbursed litigation costs)	2,114
Other Income [Abstract]
Gain (willful infringement)	41,271	$ 0
Interest income (pre and post judgment interest)	108,221
Total cash received	$ 454,034
Concentration of Credit Risk and Others Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Number of financial institutions holding company's cash \| Institution	2
Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Adjusted Cost	$ 435,812		$ 3,135
Adjusted Cost	3,463		3,450
Unrealized Gains	5		3
Unrealized Losses	0		0
Fair Value	3,468		3,453
Adjusted Cost	437,143		5,526
Fair Value	437,148		5,529
Cash [Member]
Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Adjusted Cost	433,680		2,076
Fair Value	433,680		2,076
Cash and Cash Equivalents	433,680		2,076
Mutual Funds [Member]
Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Adjusted Cost	1,532		613
Unrealized Gains	0		0
Unrealized Losses	0		0
Fair Value	1,532		613
U.S. Agency Securities [Member]
Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Adjusted Cost	1,931		2,837
Unrealized Gains	5		3
Unrealized Losses	0		0
Fair Value	1,936		2,840
Royalties [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue (royalties)	302,428
Recurring [Member]
Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Fair Value	435,812		3,135
Cash and Cash Equivalents	435,812		3,135
Investments Available for Sale	1,336		2,394
Recurring [Member] \| Cash [Member]
Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Fair Value	433,680		2,076
Cash and Cash Equivalents	433,680		2,076
Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Fair Value	2,132		1,059
Cash and Cash Equivalents	2,132		1,059
Investments Available for Sale	1,336		2,394
Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Mutual Funds [Member]
Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Fair Value	1,532		613
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,532		613
Investments Available for Sale	0		0
Recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. Agency Securities [Member]
Adjusted Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Fair Value	600		446
Cash and Cash Equivalents	600		446
Investments Available for Sale	$ 1,336		$ 2,394

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount before tax of unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) on investments in debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118939692&loc=d3e27161-111563

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount before tax of unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) on investments in debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments including accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments recognized, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3044-108585

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118951113&loc=d3e6676-107765

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-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_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value portion of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) recognized in settlement of litigation and insurance claims. Excludes claims within an insurance entity's normal claims settlement process.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118942415&loc=d3e14326-108349

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncomeAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDescriptionAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Term of lessee's operating lease, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 842
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888426&loc=SL77918673-209980

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of litigation expense, including but not limited to legal, forensic, accounting, and investigative fees.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Interest expense (income) directly attributable to an award in settlement of litigation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of damages paid to the plaintiff in the legal matter.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118942415&loc=d3e14557-108349

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118942415&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118942415&loc=d3e14326-108349

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesPaidValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130543-203045

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130545-203045

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RisksAndUncertaintiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, excluding cash and cash equivalents.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vhc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesExcludingCashAndCashEquivalents
Namespace Prefix:	vhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the cost of cash and debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments including accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments recognized, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vhc_CashAndAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
Namespace Prefix:	vhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value portion of cash and investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vhc_CashAndAvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	vhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of financial institutions holding the company's cash and cash equivalents.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vhc_ConcentrationRiskNumberOfFinancialInstitutions
Namespace Prefix:	vhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis=us-gaap_CashMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis=us-gaap_MutualFundMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis=us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=us-gaap_RoyaltyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis=us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: