Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Non-controlling Interest [Member]	Comprehensive Income [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 667.3	$ 1.2	$ 76.2	$ (183.2)	$ 21.2	$ (40.9)	$ 276.4		$ 818.2
Net income				90.4			35.7	126.1	126.1
Other comprehensive income, net					16.0		21.3	37.3	37.3
Equity transaction with noncontrolling interest, net			0.3				0.4		0.7
Cash dividends				(25.5)			(20.1)		(45.6)
Treasury stock acquired						(9.5)			(9.5)
Valhi common stock issued			0.2						0.2
Comprehensive income								163.4
Balance at Jun. 30, 2011	$ 667.3	$ 1.2	$ 76.7	$ (118.3)	$ 37.2	$ (50.4)	$ 313.7		$ 927.4