CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income	$ 222.1	$ 295.0	$ 63.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation	19.6	(28.2)	0.3
Marketable securities	(20.8)	12.9	10.7
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	(40.2)	(33.6)	9.0
Comprehensive income	181.9	261.4	72.8
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	40.8	88.4	17.9
Comprehensive income attributable to Valhi stockholders	141.1	173.0	54.9
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan	(37.5)	(16.1)	(6.4)
OPEB [Member]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan	$ (1.5)	$ (2.2)	$ 4.4