CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income	$ 17.3us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 4.6us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation	(67.6)	(2.7)
Marketable securities	(0.6)	(17.1)
Total other comprehensive loss, net	(65.7)	(18.1)
Comprehensive loss	(48.4)	(13.5)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9.8)	(12.7)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Valhi stockholders	(38.6)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	(0.8)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan	2.8	2.1
OPEB
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan	$ (0.3)	$ (0.4)

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of appreciation (loss) in value of unsold available-for-sale securities. Excludes amounts related to other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of (increase) decrease in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss related to pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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