Name:	vhi_InterestPortionOfMinimumLeasePaymentsAndDiscountPortionOnOtherDebtObligations
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Includes capital lease obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	vhi_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Gross amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation, including interest on capital leases and discount on other debt obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	vhi_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInterestAndDiscount
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Gross amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year, including interest on capital leases and discount on other debt obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	vhi_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInterestAndDiscountAfterYearFive
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Gross amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing during the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year, including interest on capital leases and discount on other debt obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	vhi_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInterestAndDiscountNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Gross amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing during the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year, including interest on capital leases and discount on other debt obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	vhi_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInterestAndDiscountYearFive
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Gross amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing during the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year, including interest on capital leases and discount on other debt obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	vhi_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInterestAndDiscountYearFour
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Gross amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing during the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year, including interest on capital leases and discount on other debt obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	vhi_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInterestAndDiscountYearThree
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Gross amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing during the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year, including interest on capital leases and discount on other debt obligations.

No definition available.