Summary of Standby letters of credit (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
Standby Letters of Credit
Risk management insurance	$ 35,110,000
Industrial revenue bond	14,230,000
Reclamation/restoration requirements	7,862,000
Other	100,000
Total	$ 57,302,000

The total amount of other contingent obligations under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date not separately disclosed.

No definition available.

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