Label	Element	Value
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Registrant Name	dei_EntityRegistrantName	VANGUARD SPECIALIZED FUNDS
Prospectus Date	rr_ProspectusDate	May 24, 2024
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk/Return [Heading]	rr_RiskReturnHeading	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:13pt;font-weight:bold;">Fund Summary</span>
Objective [Heading]	rr_ObjectiveHeading	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Investment Objective</span>
Objective, Primary [Text Block]	rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock	The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.
Expense [Heading]	rr_ExpenseHeading	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Fees and Expenses</span>
Expense Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock	The following tables describe the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and example below.
Shareholder Fees Caption [Text]	rr_ShareholderFeesCaption	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">Shareholder Fees</span> <br/><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8.5pt;margin-left:0%;">(Fees paid directly from your investment)</span>
Operating Expenses Caption [Text]	rr_OperatingExpensesCaption	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">Annual Fund Operating Expenses</span> <br/><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8.5pt;margin-left:0%;">(Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)</span>
Portfolio Turnover [Heading]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">Portfolio Turnover</span>
Portfolio Turnover [Text Block]	rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock	The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in more taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the previous expense example, reduce the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 67% of the average value of its portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover, Rate	rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate	67.00%
Expense Example [Heading]	rr_ExpenseExampleHeading	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">Example</span>
Expense Example Narrative [Text Block]	rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock	The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you were to invest $10,000 in the Fund’s shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% each year and that total annual fund operating expenses remain as stated in the preceding table. You would incur these hypothetical expenses whether or not you were to redeem your investment at the end of the given period. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Strategy [Heading]	rr_StrategyHeading	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Principal Investment Strategies</span>
Strategy Narrative [Text Block]	rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock	The Fund invests in U.S. and foreign equity securities. The Fund seeks to generate above average compounded returns by purchasing securities in companies and industries where capital spending is declining, and seeks to avoid companies, assets, and business models that can be easily replicated. Companies, assets, and business models that cannot be easily replicated may include those with differentiated offerings, a low-cost advantage, or that maintain an advantage over competitors in their same industry. The Fund typically invests across a range of sectors, a mix of developed and emerging markets stocks, and typically holds companies across the market capitalization spectrum. The Fund will concentrate its investments (i.e. hold 25% or more of its net assets) in securities of issuers whose principal business activities are in the precious metals and mining industry.
Risk [Heading]	rr_RiskHeading	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Principal Risks</span>
Risk [Text Block]	rr_RiskTextBlock	• Stock market risk, which is the chance that stock prices overall will decline. Stock markets tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising prices and periods of falling prices. The Fund’s investments in foreign stocks can be riskier than U.S. stock investments. Foreign stocks may be more volatile and less liquid than U.S. stocks. The prices of foreign stocks and the prices of U.S. stocks may move in opposite directions.• Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from the types of stocks in which the Fund invests will trail returns from global stock markets. Small-, mid-, and large-capitalization stocks each tend to go through cycles of doing better—or worse— than other segments of the stock market or the global stock market in general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several years. Historically, small- and mid-cap stocks have been more volatile in price than large-cap stocks. The stock prices of small and mid-size companies tend to experience greater volatility because, among other things, these companies tend to be more sensitive to changing economic conditions.• Manager risk, which is the chance that poor security selection will cause the Fund to underperform relevant benchmarks or other funds with a similar investment objective. In addition, significant investment in the materials sector subjects the Fund to proportionately higher exposure to the risks of this sector.• Country/regional risk, which is the chance that world events—such as political upheaval, financial troubles, or natural disasters—will adversely affect the value of securities issued by companies in foreign countries or regions. Country/regional risk is especially high in emerging markets.• Emerging markets risk, which is the chance that the stocks of companies located in emerging markets will be substantially more volatile, and substantially less liquid, than the stocks of companies located in more developed foreign markets because, among other factors, emerging markets can have greater custodial and operational risks; less developed legal, tax, regulatory, financial reporting, accounting, and recordkeeping systems; and greater political, social, and economic instability than developed markets.• Currency risk, which is the chance that the value of a foreign investment, measured in U.S. dollars, will decrease because of unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates. Currency risk is especially high in emerging markets.• Industry concentration risk, which is the chance that there will be particular problems affecting an entire industry. Any fund that concentrates in a particular industry will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. The precious metals and mining industry could be affected by sharp price volatility caused by global economic, financial, and political factors. Resource availability, government regulation, inflation expectations and economic cycles could also adversely affect that industry.
Bar Chart and Performance Table [Heading]	rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Annual Total Returns</span>
Performance Narrative [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceNarrativeTextBlock	Effective September 26, 2018, the Fund changed its name, performance benchmark, and investment strategy. Performance for the periods prior to September 26, 2018, shown below is based on the investment strategy utilized by the Fund prior to September 26, 2018, under the name Vanguard Precious Metals and Mining Fund. Performance for the periods through July 27, 2018, shown below reflects that of the Fund’s prior investment advisor, M&G Investment Management Limited (“M&G”). M&G served as the Fund’s investment advisor through July 27, 2018.The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Fund has varied from one calendar year to another over the periods shown. The table shows how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with those of relevant market indexes, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. The Spliced Global Capital Cycles Index reflects the performance of the S&P Global Custom Metals and Mining Index through September 25, 2018 and S&P Global BMI Metals & Mining 25% Weighted Index (USD) (Custom) thereafter. Returns for the indexes shown are adjusted for withholding taxes. Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on our website at vanguard.com/performance or by calling Vanguard toll-free at 800-662-7447.
Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns [Text]	rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns	<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Fund has varied from one calendar year to another over the periods shown. The table shows how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with those of relevant market indexes, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. The Spliced Global Capital Cycles Index reflects the performance of the S&P Global Custom Metals and Mining Index through September 25, 2018 and S&P Global BMI Metals & Mining 25% Weighted Index (USD) (Custom) thereafter. </span>
Performance Availability Phone [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone	<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">800-662-7447</span>
Performance Availability Website Address [Text]	rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress	<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;font-style:italic;">vanguard.com/performance</span>
Performance Past Does Not Indicate Future [Text]	rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture	<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">Keep in mind that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.</span>
Bar Chart [Heading]	rr_BarChartHeading	<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;font-weight:bold;">Annual Total Returns — Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund Investor Shares</span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:5pt;font-weight:bold;position:relative;top:-3.25pt;">1</span>
Bar Chart Closing [Text Block]	rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock	During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest and lowest returns for a calendar quarter were:
Performance Table Heading	rr_PerformanceTableHeading	<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:8.5pt;font-weight:bold;">Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2023</span>
Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate	rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">When after-tax returns are calculated, it is </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">assumed that the shareholder was in the highest individual federal marginal income tax bracket at the time of each distribution of income or capital gains or upon redemption. State and local income taxes are not reflected in the calculations. </span>
Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred	rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">Please note that after-tax returns are not relevant for a shareholder </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">who holds fund shares in a tax-deferred account, such as an individual retirement account or a 401(k) plan. </span>
Performance Table Explanation after Tax Higher	rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;">Also, figures captioned </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;font-style:italic;">Return After Taxes </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;font-style:italic;">on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:9.5pt;"> may be higher than other figures for the same period if a capital loss occurs upon redemption and results in an assumed tax deduction for the shareholder.</span>
Performance Table Closing [Text Block]	rr_PerformanceTableClosingTextBlock	Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown in the preceding table. When after-tax returns are calculated, it is assumed that the shareholder was in the highest individual federal marginal income tax bracket at the time of each distribution of income or capital gains or upon redemption. State and local income taxes are not reflected in the calculations. Please note that after-tax returns are not relevant for a shareholder who holds fund shares in a tax-deferred account, such as an individual retirement account or a 401(k) plan. Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares may be higher than other figures for the same period if a capital loss occurs upon redemption and results in an assumed tax deduction for the shareholder.
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund | Risk Nondiversified Status [Member]
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk [Text Block]	rr_RiskTextBlock	• Nondiversification risk, which is the chance that the Fund’s performance may be hurt disproportionately by the poor performance of relatively few stocks or even a single stock. The Fund is considered nondiversified, which means that it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of particular issuers as compared with diversified mutual funds.
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund | Risk Lose Money [Member]
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk [Text Block]	rr_RiskTextBlock	An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods of time.
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund | Risk Not Insured Depository Institution [Member]
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Risk [Text Block]	rr_RiskTextBlock	An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund | Investor Shares
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
Purchase Fee	rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther	none
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases	rr_MaximumSalesChargeImposedOnPurchasesOverOfferingPrice	none
Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends	rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther	none
Redemption Fee	rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption	none
Account Service Fee Per Year (for certain fund account balances below $5,000,000)	rr_MaximumAccountFee	$ 25
Management Fees	rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets	0.42%
12b-1 Distribution Fee	rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets	none
Other Expenses	rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets	0.02%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	rr_ExpensesOverAssets	0.44%
1 Year	rr_ExpenseExampleYear01	$ 45
3 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear03	141
5 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear05	246
10 Years	rr_ExpenseExampleYear10	$ 555
Year to Date Return, Label	rr_YearToDateReturnLabel	year-to-date return
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return, Date	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2024
Bar Chart, Year to Date Return	rr_BarChartYearToDateReturn	4.73%
Highest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;margin-left:0.0pt;">Highest</span>
Highest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate	Jun. 30, 2016
Highest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn	34.84%
Lowest Quarterly Return, Label	rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel	<span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;font-size:8pt;margin-left:0.0pt;">Lowest</span>
Lowest Quarterly Return, Date	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate	Mar. 31, 2020
Lowest Quarterly Return	rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn	(25.28%)
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	10.03%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	14.83%
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	3.78%
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions | Investor Shares
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	9.22%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	14.13%
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	3.30%
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund | Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | Investor Shares
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	6.53%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	11.92%
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	2.90%
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund | Spliced Global Capital Cycles Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	16.78%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	11.76%
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	4.50%
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund | S&P Global BMI Metals & Mining 25% Weighted Index (USD) NTR (Custom) (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	16.78%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	11.76%
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10
Retail | Vanguard Global Capital Cycles Fund | MSCI ACWI Index (reflects no deduction for fees or expenses)
Risk Return Abstract	rr_RiskReturnAbstract
1 Year	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01	22.20%
5 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05	11.72%
10 Years	rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10	7.93%