Minimum royalties under mineral leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
Mineral Royalties
2013	$ 24,693,000
2014-2015	39,544,000
2016-2017	25,138,000
Thereafter	132,855,000
Total	$ 222,230,000

Mineral leases future minimum royalties due in fourth and fifth year.

No definition available.

Name:	vmc_MineralLeasesFutureMinimumRoyaltiesDueInFourthAndFifthYear
Namespace Prefix:	vmc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant