XML 102 R90.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Operating Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk - Operating Segments and Geographical Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Research and development costs | $ 31,700,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense | $ 33,100,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense | $ 37,200,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 245,500,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense | 224,400,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense | 218,600,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Asset impairment |  |  | 16,900,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse
Asbestos adjustments | (33,400,000)jhx_AsbestosAdjustments | 195,800,000 jhx_AsbestosAdjustments | 117,100,000 jhx_AsbestosAdjustments
AICF SG&A expenses | 2,500,000 jhx_AicfOperatingCostPaidNonClaimHandling | 2,100,000 jhx_AicfOperatingCostPaidNonClaimHandling | 1,700,000 jhx_AicfOperatingCostPaidNonClaimHandling
Net interest (expense) income | (7,500,000)us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet | (1,100,000)us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet | 2,400,000 us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet
General Corporate [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Asbestos adjustments | 33,400,000 jhx_AsbestosAdjustments / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_GeneralCorporateMember | (195,800,000)jhx_AsbestosAdjustments / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_GeneralCorporateMember | (117,100,000)jhx_AsbestosAdjustments / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_GeneralCorporateMember
Value of Asbestos-related assets | 657,300,000 jhx_AsbestosRelatedAssetsValue / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_GeneralCorporateMember | 812,400,000 jhx_AsbestosRelatedAssetsValue / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_GeneralCorporateMember |
USA & Europe Fiber Cement [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Research and development costs | 6,100,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_UnitedStatesOfAmericaAndEuropeFiberCementMember | 9,600,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_UnitedStatesOfAmericaAndEuropeFiberCementMember | 11,900,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_UnitedStatesOfAmericaAndEuropeFiberCementMember
Asset impairment |  |  | 16,900,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_UnitedStatesOfAmericaAndEuropeFiberCementMember
Asia Pacific Fiber Cement [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Research and development costs | 1,400,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_AsiaPacificFiberCementMember | 1,300,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_AsiaPacificFiberCementMember | 1,700,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_AsiaPacificFiberCementMember
Adjustments to provision for New Zealand product benefit / (expense) claims | 4,300,000 us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_AsiaPacificFiberCementMember | (1,800,000)us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_AsiaPacificFiberCementMember | (13,200,000)us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_AsiaPacificFiberCementMember
Research and Development [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Research and development costs | 24,200,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementMember | 22,200,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementMember | 23,600,000 us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementMember
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 1,800,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementMember | 2,200,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementMember | 2,400,000 us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementMember
AICF Funding [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Net interest (expense) income | $ 1,400,000 us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_AsbestosInjuriesCompensationFundMember | $ 2,900,000 us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_AsbestosInjuriesCompensationFundMember | $ 7,000,000 us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = jhx_AsbestosInjuriesCompensationFundMember

X
- Definition AICF operating cost paid non claim handling. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | jhx_AicfOperatingCostPaidNonClaimHandling
Namespace Prefix: | jhx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Comprised of changes in actuarial estimates received as of March 31 each year and the effect of foreign exchange movements in the asbestos related assets and liabilities which are denominated in Australian dollars. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | jhx_AsbestosAdjustments
Namespace Prefix: | jhx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Asbestos related assets value. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | jhx_AsbestosRelatedAssetsValue
Namespace Prefix: | jhx_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2420-110228 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2921-110230 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 958 -SubTopic 225 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28367520&loc=d3e92212-112881 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Impairment -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515133 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net amount of operating interest income (expense). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.10) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 10 -Article 9 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of loss reported during the period pertaining to product liability. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProductLiabilityAccrualPeriodExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 985 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6501960&loc=d3e128462-111756 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 730 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420194&loc=d3e21568-108373 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, as well as all other general and administrative expenses. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. General and administrative expenses include salaries of non-sales personnel, rent, utilities, communication, etc. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34747878&loc=d3e3636-108311 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=jhx_AsbestosInjuriesCompensationFundMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=jhx_AsiaPacificFiberCementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=jhx_GeneralCorporateMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=jhx_UnitedStatesOfAmericaAndEuropeFiberCementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |