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

The estimated maximum amount of possible loss from the contingency.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14557-108349

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

Period of Continued Health Benefits Following Termination or Resignation under Employment Agreements

No definition available.

Name:	vwr_PeriodofContinuedHealthBenefitsFollowingTerminationorResignationunderEmploymentAgreements
Namespace Prefix:	vwr_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Period of Salary and Bonus Payments Following Termination or Resignation

No definition available.

Name:	vwr_PeriodofSalaryandBonusPaymentsFollowingTerminationorResignation
Namespace Prefix:	vwr_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Ratio Applied to Base Salary to Calculate Severance Payment under Employment Agreements

No definition available.