Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 295.0	$ 63.8	$ (38.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation	(28.2)	0.3	22.0
Marketable securities	12.9	10.7	7.0
Defined benefit pension plans	(16.1)	(6.4)	7.7
Other postretirement benefit plans	(2.2)	4.4	3.6
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	(33.6)	9.0	40.3
Comprehensive income	261.4	72.8	2.2
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	88.4	17.9	1.5
Comprehensive income attributable to Valhi stockholders	$ 173.0	$ 54.9	$ 0.7

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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