Label

Element

Value

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Document Type

dei_DocumentType

485BPOS

Document Period End Date

dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate

Sep. 30, 2012

Registrant Name

dei_EntityRegistrantName

Vanguard Chester Funds

Central Index Key

dei_EntityCentralIndexKey

0000752177

Amendment Flag

dei_AmendmentFlag

false

Document Creation Date

dei_DocumentCreationDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Document Effective Date

dei_DocumentEffectiveDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

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 6%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

6.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund's Investor Shares with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Shares provide a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in stocks considered to have above-average earnings growth potential that is not reflected in their current market prices. The Fund's portfolio consists predominantly of large- and mid-capitalization stocks.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or even long periods. You should expect the Fund's share price and total return to fluctuate within a wide range, like the fluctuations of the overall stock market. The Fund is subject to the following risks, which could affect the Fund's performance:

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.

Asset concentration risk, which is the chance that the Fund's performance may be adversely affected by the poor performance of relatively few stocks as compared with other mutual funds. The Fund tends to invest a high percentage of its assets in its top ten holdings.

Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from large- and mid-capitalization growth stocks will trail returns from the overall stock market. Large- and mid-cap stocks each tend to go through cycles of doing better-or worse-than other segments of the stock market or the stock market in general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several years. Historically, mid-cap stocks have been more volatile in price than large-cap stocks.

Manager risk, which is the chance that poor security selection or focus on securities in a particular sector, category, or group of companies will cause the Fund to underperform relevant benchmarks or other funds with a similar investment objective.Significant investments in the health care and information technology sectors subject the Fund to proportionately higher exposure to the risks of these sectors.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or even long periods.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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's Investor Shares has varied from one calendar year to another over the periods shown. The table shows how the average annual total returns compare with those of a relevant market index, which has investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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 at800-662-7447.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 16.88% (quarter ended June 30, 2003 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -22.40% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2003 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflects no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund | Participant:

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold Admiral Shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

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 6%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

6.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund's Admiral Shares with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Shares provide a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in stocks considered to have above-average earnings growth potential that is not reflected in their current market prices. The Fund's portfolio consists predominantly of large- and mid-capitalization stocks.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or even long periods. You should expect the Fund's share price and total return to fluctuate within a wide range, like the fluctuations of the overall stock market. The Fund is subject to the following risks, which could affect the Fund's performance:

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.

Asset concentration risk, which is the chance that the Fund's performance may be adversely affected by the poor performance of relatively few stocks as compared with other mutual funds. The Fund tends to invest a high percentage of its assets in its top ten holdings.

Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from large- and mid-capitalization growth stocks will trail returns from the overall stock market. Large- and mid-cap stocks each tend to go through cycles of doing better-or worse-than other segments of the stock market or the stock market in general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several years. Historically, mid-cap stocks have been more volatile in price than large-cap stocks.

Manager risk, which is the chance that poor security selection or focus on securities in a particular sector, category, or group of companies will cause the Fund to underperform relevant benchmarks or other funds with a similar investment objective.Significant investments in the health care and information technology sectors subject the Fund to proportionately higher exposure to the risks of these sectors.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or even long periods.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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's Admiral Shares has varied from one calendar year to another over the periods shown. The table shows how the average annual total returns compare with those of a relevant market index, which has investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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 at800-662-7447.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 16.93% (quarter ended June 30, 2003 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -22.38% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2003 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflects no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Shares or Admiral Shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

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 examples, reduce the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 6%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

6.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Examples

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund's Investor Shares or Admiral Shares with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. They illustrate the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. These examples assume that the Shares provide a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in stocks considered to have above-average earnings growth potential that is not reflected in their current market prices. The Fund's portfolio consists predominantly of large- and mid-capitalization stocks.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or even long periods. You should expect the Fund's share price and total return to fluctuate within a wide range, like the fluctuations of the overall stock market. The Fund is subject to the following risks, which could affect the Fund's performance:

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.

Asset concentration risk, which is the chance that the Fund's performance may be adversely affected by the poor performance of relatively few stocks as compared with other mutual funds. The Fund tends to invest a high percentage of its assets in its top ten holdings.

Investment style risk, which is the chance that returns from large- and mid-capitalization growth stocks will trail returns from the overall stock market. Large- and mid-cap stocks each tend to go through cycles of doing better-or worse-than other segments of the stock market or the stock market in general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several years. Historically, mid-cap stocks have been more volatile in price than large-cap stocks.

Manager risk, which is the chance that poor security selection or focus on securities in a particular sector, category, or group of companies will cause the Fund to underperform relevant benchmarks or other funds with a similar investment objective.Significant investments in the health care and information technology sectors subject the Fund to proportionately higher exposure to the risks of these sectors.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

An investment in the Fund could lose money over short or even long periods.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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's Investor Shares has varied from one calendar year to another over the periods shown. The table shows how the average annual total returns of the share classes presented compare with those of a relevant market index, which has investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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 at800-662-7447.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 16.88% (quarter ended June 30, 2003 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -22.40% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2003 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

One Class of After-Tax Shown

rr_PerformanceTableOneClassOfAfterTaxShown

Please note that after-tax returns are shown only for the Investor Shares and may differ for each share class.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 shown only for the Investor Shares and may differ for each share class. 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 will 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.

Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund | Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.43%

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.02%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.45%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

46

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

144

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

252

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

567

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 01, 1984

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

37.75%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

18.31%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

8.49%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

12.32%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

11.48%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(32.41%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

34.45%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

12.89%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(1.84%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

15.27%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2003

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

16.88%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(22.40%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.27%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.03%

Ten Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

9.90%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 01, 1984

Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund | Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund - Admiral Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

0.34%

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

0.02%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.36%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

37

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

116

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

202

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

456

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 12, 2001

2003

rr_AnnualReturn2003

37.96%

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

18.47%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

8.67%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

12.49%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

11.61%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(32.33%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

34.60%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

12.99%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(1.77%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

15.38%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2003

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

16.93%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(22.38%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.38%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.13%

Ten Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

10.03%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Nov. 12, 2001

Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 12%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

12.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2010 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2010, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 41.8%

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 30.1%

Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 13.3%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 13.2%

Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund 1.6%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds; inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government; and mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. However, because bonds usually are less volatile than stocks, and because the Fund currently invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed income securities, the Fund's overall level of risk should be moderate.

With approximately 43% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 57% of its assets allocated to bonds and money market instruments, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates or declining inflation; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. An underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 10.55% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -10.63% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 12%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

12.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2010 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2010, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 41.8%

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 30.1%

Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 13.3%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 13.2%

Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund 1.6%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds; inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government; and mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. However, because bonds usually are less volatile than stocks, and because the Fund currently invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed income securities, the Fund's overall level of risk should be moderate.

With approximately 43% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 57% of its assets allocated to bonds and money market instruments, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates or declining inflation; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. An underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 10.55% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -10.63% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.16%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.16%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

16

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

52

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

90

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

205

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.70%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(20.67%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

19.32%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

11.43%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

3.37%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

10.12%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

10.55%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(10.63%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

10.12%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.73%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.53%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 13%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

13.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2015 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2015, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 40.3%

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 38.6%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 16.7%

Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 4.4%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds; inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government; and mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 55% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 45% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 12.21% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -12.54% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 13%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

13.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2015 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2015, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 40.3%

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 38.6%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 16.7%

Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 4.4%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds; inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government; and mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 55% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 45% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 12.21% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -12.54% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

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 will 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.

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.16%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.16%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

16

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

52

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

90

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

205

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

9.04%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

4.94%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

11.42%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.55%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(24.06%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

21.30%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

12.47%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

1.71%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

11.37%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

12.21%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(12.54%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.37%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.25%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.87%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 8%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

8.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2020 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2020, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2010, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 44.5%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 36.3%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 19.2%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 64% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 36% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 13.49% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -14.51% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 8%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

8.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2020 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2020, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 44.5%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 36.3%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 19.2%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 64% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 36% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 13.49% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -14.51% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.16%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.16%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

16

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

52

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

90

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

205

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.52%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(27.04%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

23.10%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

13.12%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

0.60%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

12.35%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

13.49%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(14.51%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.35%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.81%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.06%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 9%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

9.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2025 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2025, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 49.8%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 28.6%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 21.6%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 71% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 29% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance One Year or Less

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not been in operation long enough to report a full calendar-year return.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 14.84% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -16.48% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 9%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

9.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2025 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2025, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 49.8%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 28.6%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 21.6%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 71% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 29% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 14.84% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -16.48% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.17%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.17%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

17

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

55

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

96

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

217

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

10.11%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

5.45%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

13.24%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.59%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(30.05%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

24.81%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

13.84%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(0.37%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

13.29%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

14.84%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(16.48%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

13.29%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.33%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.80%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 4%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

4.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2030 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2030, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 55.1%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 23.6%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 21.3%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 79% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 21% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 16.23% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -18.45% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 4%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

4.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2030 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2030, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 55.1%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 23.6%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 21.3%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 79% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 21% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 16.23% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -18.45% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.17%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.17%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

17

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

55

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

96

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

217

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.49%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(32.91%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

26.72%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

14.43%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(1.27%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

14.24%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

16.23%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(18.45%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

14.24%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.88%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.57%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 6%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

6.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2035 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2035, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 60.3%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 26.0%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 13.7%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 86% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 14% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 17.27% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -19.72% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 6%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

6.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2035 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2035, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 60.3%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 26.0%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 13.7%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 86% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 14% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 17.27% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -19.72% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

18

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

58

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

101

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

230

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

11.95%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

6.30%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

15.24%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.49%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(34.66%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

28.17%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

15.14%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(2.24%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

15.16%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

17.27%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(19.72%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.16%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.03%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 3%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

3.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2040 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2040, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 62.7%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 27.2%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 10.1%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 90% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 10% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 17.13% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -19.62% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 3%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

3.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2040 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2040, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 62.7%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 27.2%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 10.1%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 90% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 10% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 17.13% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -19.62% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

18

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

58

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

101

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

230

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.48%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(34.53%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

28.32%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

15.17%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(2.55%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

15.56%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

17.13%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(19.62%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.56%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.73%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.39%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 7%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

7.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2045 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2045, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 62.8%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 27.0%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 10.2%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests most of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 90% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 10% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 17.15% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -19.65% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 7%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

7.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2045 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2045, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 62.8%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 27.0%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 10.2%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests most of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 90% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 10% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 17.15% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -19.65% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

18

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

58

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

101

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

230

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

12.89%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

6.95%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

15.98%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.47%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(34.56%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

28.15%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

15.19%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(2.51%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

15.58%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

17.15%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(19.65%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.58%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.71%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.39%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 4%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

4.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2050 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2050, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 62.8%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 27.0%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 10.2%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests most of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 90% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in a particular country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 10% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 17.23% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -19.71% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 4%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

4.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2050 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2050, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 62.8%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 27.0%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 10.2%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests most of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 90% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in a particular country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 10% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 17.23% (quarter ended June 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -19.71% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended June 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

18

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

58

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

101

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

230

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

7.49%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(34.62%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

28.31%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

15.20%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(2.54%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

15.58%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Jun. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

17.23%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(19.71%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.58%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.71%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.46%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Jun. 07, 2006

Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 3%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

3.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2055 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2055, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 62.8%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 27.2%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 10.0%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests most of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 90% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in a particular country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 10% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows the performance of the Fund in its first full calendar year. The table shows how the average annual total returns compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at vanguard.com/performance or by calling Vanguard toll-free at 800-662-7447.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 11.30% (quarter ended March 31, 2012 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -14.79% (quarter ended September 30, 2011 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended March 31, 2012 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended September 30, 2011 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 3%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

3.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2055 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2055, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 62.8%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 27.2%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 10.0%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests most of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

With approximately 90% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in a particular country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

With approximately 10% of its assets allocated to bonds, the Fund is proportionately subject to bond risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that the underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates; credit risk, which is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that bond to decline, thus reducing the underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. The underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 11.30% (quarter ended March 31, 2012 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -14.79% (quarter ended September 30, 2011 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended March 31, 2012 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended September 30, 2011 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

18

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

58

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

101

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

230

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Aug. 18, 2010

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

(2.27%)

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

15.58%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Mar. 31, 2012

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

11.30%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2011

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(14.79%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.58%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

11.67%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Aug. 18, 2010

Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

40.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2060 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2060, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 63.3%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 26.8%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 9.9%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests more of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance One Year or Less

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not been in operation long enough to report a full calendar-year return.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

advisors.vanguard.com

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund has not been in operation long enough to report a full calendar-year return. Performance information is available on our website at vanguard.com/performance or by calling Vanguard toll-free at 800-662-7447.

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and current income consistent with its current asset allocation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

40.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors planning to retire and leave the work force in or within a few years of 2060 (the target year). The Fund is designed for an investor who plans to withdraw the value of an account in the Fund gradually after the target year. The Fund's asset allocation will become more conservative over time, meaning that the percentage of assets allocated to stocks will decrease while the percentage of assets allocated to bonds and other fixed income investments will increase. Within seven years after 2060, the Fund's asset allocation should become similar to that of the Target Retirement Income Fund. As of September 30, 2011, the asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 63.3%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 26.8%

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 9.9%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses, including losses near, at, or after the target year. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income at or after the target year. Because stocks usually are more volatile than bonds, and because the Fund currently invests most of its assets in stocks, the Fund's overall level of risk should be higher than that of funds that invest the majority of their assets in bonds; however, the level of risk should be lower than that of funds investing entirely in stocks.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance One Year or Less

rr_PerformanceOneYearOrLess

The Fund has not been in operation long enough to report a full calendar-year return.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund has not been in operation long enough to report a full calendar-year return. Performance information is available on our website at vanguard.com/performance or by calling Vanguard toll-free at 800-662-7447.

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.18%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

18

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

58

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

101

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

230

Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund | Participant

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide current income and some capital appreciation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 7%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

7.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors currently in retirement. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 45.1%

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 20.9%

Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 20.0%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 9.1%

Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund 4.9%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds; inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government; and mortgage-backed securities.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect short-term investments consist of high-quality, short-term money market instruments.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income through retirement. However, because bonds and short-term investments usually are less volatile than stocks, and because the Fund invests most of its assets in bonds and short-term investments, the Fund's overall level of risk should be low to moderate.

With approximately 70% of its assets allocated to bonds and money market instruments, the Fund is proportionately subject to the following risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that an underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates or declining inflation; credit risk, which is the chance that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that security to decline, thus reducing an underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. An underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

With approximately 30% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 7.44% (quarter ended September 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -5.47% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended September 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees or expenses)

Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund | Retail

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Prospectus Date

rr_ProspectusDate

Jan. 28, 2013

Risk/Return

rr_RiskReturnHeading

Risk/Return

Investment objective:

rr_ObjectiveHeading

Investment Objective

Investment objective

rr_ObjectivePrimaryTextBlock

The Fund seeks to provide current income and some capital appreciation.

Expenses Heading

rr_ExpenseHeading

Fees and Expenses

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

rr_ExpenseNarrativeTextBlock

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees Caption

rr_ShareholderFeesCaption

Shareholder Fees (Fees paid directly from your investment)

Operating Expenses Caption

rr_OperatingExpensesCaption

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Portfolio Turnover Heading

rr_PortfolioTurnoverHeading

Portfolio Turnover

Portfolio Turnover

rr_PortfolioTurnoverTextBlock

The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as purchase fees, 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 7%.

PortfolioTurnover, Rate

rr_PortfolioTurnoverRate

7.00%

EXAMPLE

rr_ExpenseExampleHeading

Example

Expense Example, Narrative [Text Block]

rr_ExpenseExampleNarrativeTextBlock

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund (based on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Funds) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It illustrates the hypothetical expenses that you would incur over various periods if you invest $10,000 in the Fund's shares. This example assumes that the Fund provides a return of 5% a year and that total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund and its underlying funds remain as stated in the preceding table. The results apply whether or not you 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:

rr_StrategyHeading

Primary Investment Strategies

StrategyNarrative

rr_StrategyNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund invests in other Vanguard mutual funds according to an asset allocation strategy designed for investors currently in retirement. As of September 30, 2011, the Fund's asset allocation among the underlying funds was as follows:

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund 45.1%

Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund 20.9%

Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund 20.0%

Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund 9.1%

Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund 4.9%

At any given time, the Fund's asset allocation may be affected by a variety of factors, such as whether the underlying funds are accepting additional investments.

The Fund's indirect bond holdings are a diversified mix of short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade, taxable U.S. government, U.S. agency, and corporate bonds; inflation-indexed bonds issued by the U.S. government; and mortgage-backed securities.

The Fund's indirect stock holdings consist substantially of large-capitalization U.S. stocks and, to a lesser extent, of mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as foreign stocks, including emerging markets.

The Fund's indirect short-term investments consist of high-quality, short-term money market instruments.

Risk:

rr_RiskHeading

Primary Risks

Risk Narrative

rr_RiskNarrativeTextBlock

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed. An investor may experience losses. There is no guarantee that the Fund will provide adequate income through retirement. However, because bonds and short-term investments usually are less volatile than stocks, and because the Fund invests most of its assets in bonds and short-term investments, the Fund's overall level of risk should be low to moderate.

With approximately 70% of its assets allocated to bonds and money market instruments, the Fund is proportionately subject to the following risks: interest rate risk, which is the chance that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates; income risk, which is the chance that an underlying fund's income will decline because of falling interest rates or declining inflation; credit risk, which is the chance that the issuer of a security will fail to pay interest and principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of that security to decline, thus reducing an underlying fund's return; and call risk, which is the chance that during periods of falling interest rates, issuers of callable bonds may call (redeem) securities with higher coupons or interest rates before their maturity dates. An underlying fund would then lose any price appreciation above the bond's call price and would be forced to reinvest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in the underlying fund's income. For mortgage-backed securities, this risk is known as prepayment risk.

With approximately 30% of its assets allocated to stocks, the Fund is proportionately subject to 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 is also subject to the following risks associated with investments in foreign stocks: 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 companies in any one country or region; and 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. Country/regional risk and currency risk are especially high in emerging markets.

The Fund is also subject to asset allocation risk, which is the chance that the selection of underlying funds, and the allocation of assets to them, will cause the Fund to underperform other funds with a similar investment objective.

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.

May Lose Money

rr_RiskLoseMoney

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the stock and bond markets, any of which could cause an investor to lose money.

Not Insured Depository Institution

rr_RiskNotInsuredDepositoryInstitution

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.

Bar Chart and Performance Table

rr_BarChartAndPerformanceTableHeading

Annual Total Returns

Performance Information Illustrates Variability of Returns

rr_PerformanceInformationIllustratesVariabilityOfReturns

The following bar chart and table are intended to help you understand the risks of investing in the Fund.

Performance Additional Market Index

rr_PerformanceAdditionalMarketIndex

, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund.

Performance Availability Phone

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityPhone

800-662-7447

Performance Availability Website Address

rr_PerformanceAvailabilityWebSiteAddress

vanguard.com/performance

Past Performance Does Not Indiciate Future Returns

rr_PerformancePastDoesNotIndicateFuture

Keep in mind that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) does not indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

Bar Chart

rr_BarChartHeading

Annual Total Returns - Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund Investor Shares

Bar Chart Narrative

rr_BarChartNarrativeTextBlock

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 compare with those of relevant market indexes and a composite bond/stock index, which have investment characteristics similar to those of the Fund. 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.

Bar Chart Closing

rr_BarChartClosingTextBlock

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 7.44% (quarter ended September 30, 2009 ), and the lowest return for a quarter was -5.47% (quarter ended December 31, 2008 ).

Highest Quarterly Return Label

rr_HighestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended September 30, 2009 )

Lowest Quarterly Return Label

rr_LowestQuarterlyReturnLabel

(quarter ended December 31, 2008 )

Bar Chart and Performance Table:

rr_PerformanceTableHeading

Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended December 31, 2012

Index No Deduction for Fees, Expenses, Taxes

rr_IndexNoDeductionForFeesExpensesTaxes

(reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

Performance Table Uses Highest Federal Rate

rr_PerformanceTableUsesHighestFederalRate

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.

Performance Table Not Relevant to Tax Deferred

rr_PerformanceTableNotRelevantToTaxDeferred

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.

Performance Table Explains why after Tax Higher

rr_PerformanceTableExplanationAfterTaxHigher

Also, figures captioned Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares will 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.

Performance Table Closing

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 will 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.

Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

Sales charge (load) imposed on purchases

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOfferingPrice

none

Purchase Fee

rr_MaximumCumulativeSalesChargeOverOther

none

Sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends

rr_MaximumSalesChargeOnReinvestedDividendsAndDistributionsOverOther

none

Redemption Fee

rr_RedemptionFeeOverRedemption

none

Account Service Fee (for fund account balances below $10,000)

rr_MaximumAccountFee

20

Management Expenses

rr_ManagementFeesOverAssets

none

12b-1 Distribution Fee

rr_DistributionAndService12b1FeesOverAssets

none

Other Expenses

rr_OtherExpensesOverAssets

none

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

rr_AcquiredFundFeesAndExpensesOverAssets

0.16%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

rr_NetExpensesOverAssets

0.16%

1 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear01

16

3 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear03

52

5 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear05

90

10 YEAR

rr_ExpenseExampleNoRedemptionYear10

205

Annual Return Inception Date

rr_AnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

2004

rr_AnnualReturn2004

6.82%

2005

rr_AnnualReturn2005

3.33%

2006

rr_AnnualReturn2006

6.38%

2007

rr_AnnualReturn2007

8.17%

2008

rr_AnnualReturn2008

(10.93%)

2009

rr_AnnualReturn2009

14.28%

2010

rr_AnnualReturn2010

9.39%

2011

rr_AnnualReturn2011

5.25%

2012

rr_AnnualReturn2012

8.23%

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return Date

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturnDate

Sep. 30, 2009

Bar Chart Highest Quarterly Return

rr_BarChartHighestQuarterlyReturn

7.44%

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return Date

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturnDate

Dec. 31, 2008

Bar Chart Lowest Quarter Return

rr_BarChartLowestQuarterlyReturn

(5.47%)

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.23%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.87%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.62%

Inception Date

rr_AverageAnnualReturnInceptionDate

Oct. 27, 2003

Standard & Poor's 500 Index | Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund | Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

Ten Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.10%

Standard & Poor's 500 Index | Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund | Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund - Admiral Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.00%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.66%

Ten Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear10

7.10%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.33%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.34%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.33%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.34%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.33%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.34%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.33%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.34%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.33%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.76%

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index | Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

4.22%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

5.95%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.34%

Target Income Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

8.42%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

4.83%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.62%

Target 2015 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

11.51%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.16%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.84%

Target 2025 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

13.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.39%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.86%

Target 2035 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.27%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.70%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.10%

Target 2045 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.58%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.72%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.44%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.58%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.42%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.58%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.42%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.58%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.42%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.58%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.42%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.58%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

14.62%

MSCI US Broad Market Index | Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

16.44%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.27%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

6.42%

Target 2050 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.58%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.72%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.48%

Target 2040 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.58%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.72%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.41%

Target 2030 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

14.36%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

1.91%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

4.63%

Target 2020 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

12.51%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

2.85%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.11%

Target 2010 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

10.28%

Five Years

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear05

3.68%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

5.49%

Target Retirement 2055 Composite Index | Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund | Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Fund - Investor Shares

Risk/Return:

rr_RiskReturnAbstract

One Year

rr_AverageAnnualReturnYear01

15.58%

Since Inception

rr_AverageAnnualReturnSinceInception

11.74%