Valhi Stockholder's Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding

	Shares of common stock
	Issued		Treasury			Outstanding
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015		355.2		(13.2	)		342.0

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

	Years ended December 31,
	2013			2014			2015
	(In millions)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net of tax and noncontrolling interest):
Marketable securities:
Balance at beginning of year	$	2.1		$	2.8		$	1.6
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized losses arising during the year		—			(1.0	)		—
Less reclassification adjustments for amounts included in realized loss (gain)		.7			(.2	)		—
Balance at end of year	$	2.8		$	1.6		$	1.6
Interest rate swap:
Balance at beginning of year	$	—		$	—		$	—
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized losses during the year		—			—			(1.7	)
Less reclassification adjustments for amounts included in interest expense		—			—			.4
Balance at end of year	$	—		$	—		$	(1.3	)
Currency translation::
Balance at beginning of year	$	53.3		$	59.2		$	(22.6	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) arising during the year		5.9			(81.8	)		(55.5	)
Balance at end of year	$	59.2		$	(22.6	)	$	(78.1	)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(101.5	)	$	(76.5	)	$	(132.0	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Amortization of prior service cost and net losses included in net periodic pension cost		8.4			6.3			6.7
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year		12.6			(61.7	)		2.3
Plan curtailment		4.0			(.1	)		—
Balance at end of year	$	(76.5	)	$	(132.0	)	$	(123.0	)
OPEB plans:
Balance at beginning of year	$	4.1		$	6.5		$	4.4
Other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of prior service credit and net losses included in net periodic OPEB cost		(1.4	)		(1.3	)		(1.0	)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year		1.3			(.8	)		.4
Plan amendment		2.5			—			—
Balance at end of year	$	6.5		$	4.4		$	3.8
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Balance at beginning of year	$	(42.0	)	$	(8.0	)	$	(148.6	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		34.0			(140.6	)		(48.4	)
Balance at end of year	$	(8.0	)	$	(148.6	)	$	(197.0	)