Long-term Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Subtotal	$ 33,215	$ 37,285
Less current maturities	11,700	10,000
Total long-term debt	21,515	27,285
NL [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable, related parties	5,600	4,100
Promissory note issued in conjunction with litigation settlement	5,100	9,000
Subtotal	10,700	13,100
CompX [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
CompX credit facility	2,035	1,955
Notes payable, related parties	20,480	22,230
Subtotal	$ 22,515	$ 24,185

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

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Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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- Definition

The amount for notes payable (written promise to pay), due to related parties.

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