Valhi Stockholder's Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding

	Shares of common stock
	Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014		355.2		(13.2	)		342.0

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

	Years ended December 31,
	2012			2013			2014
	(In millions)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net of tax and noncontrolling interest):
Marketable securities:
Balance at beginning of year	$	6.4		$	2.1		$	2.8
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the year		4.1			—			(1.0)
Less reclassification adjustments for amounts included in realized loss (gain)		(8.4	)		.7			(.2	)
Balance at end of year	$	2.1		$	2.8		$	1.6
Currency translation:
Balance at beginning of year	$	37.5		$	53.3		$	59.2
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Arising during the year		23.0			5.9			(81.8	)
Less reclassification adjustments for amounts included in gain on disposal		(7.2	)		—			—
Balance at end of year	$	53.3		$	59.2		$	(22.6	)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(72.6	)	$	(101.5	)	$	(76.5	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Amortization of prior service cost and net losses included in net periodic pension cost		6.1			8.4			6.3
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during year		(35.0	)		12.6			(61.7	)
Plan curtailment		—			4.0			(.1	)
Balance at end of year	$	(101.5	)	$	(76.5	)	$	(132.0	)
OPEB plans:
Balance at beginning of year	$	5.4		$	4.1		$	6.5
Other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of prior service credit and net losses included in net periodic OPEB cost		(1.0	)		(1.4	)		(1.3	)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during year		(.3	)		1.3			(.8	)
Plan amendment		—			2.5			—
Balance at end of year	$	4.1		$	6.5		$	4.4
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Balance at beginning of year	$	(23.3	)	$	(42.0	)	$	(8.0	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(18.7	)		34.0			(140.6	)
Balance at end of year	$	(42.0	)	$	(8.0	)	$	(148.6	)