Long-Term Debt - Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Longterm Debt Aggregate Maturities Of Long Term Debt [Abstract]
2015	$ 14.1
2016	238.4
2017	12.6
2018	12.5
2019	12.2
2020 and thereafter	708.0
Subtotal	997.8
Less amounts representing interest on capital leases	63.7
Total long-term debt	$ 934.1

Name:	vhi_DisclosureLongtermDebtAggregateMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	vhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amounts included in gross payments under long-term debt and capital leases representing interest on capital leases and discount on other debt obligations.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

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.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

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

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

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.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

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.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

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.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

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.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

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.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

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.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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