Accounts and Other Receivables, Net - Schedule of Accounts Notes Loans and Financing Receivable (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade receivables - CompX	$ 12,856	$ 8,706
Accrued insurance recoveries	260	1,877
Income taxes receivable from Valhi		54
Other receivables	149	115
Refundable income taxes	8	8
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(139)	(128)
Total	$ 13,134	$ 10,632

Amounts due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business.

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A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible.

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Amount of receivables due from an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership, due within 1 year (or 1 business cycle).

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Carrying amount due within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from tax authorities as of the balance sheet date representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes.

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Amount due in settlement of a claim for reimbursement from an insurance company when the Company has suffered a loss covered under an insurance policy. For classified balance sheets, represents the current amount receivable, that is amounts expected to be collected within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

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Amounts of other receivables due within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from third parties or arising from transactions not separately disclosed.

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The total amount due to the entity within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from outside sources, including trade accounts receivable, notes and loans receivable, as well as any other types of receivables, net of allowances established for the purpose of reducing such receivables to an amount that approximates their net realizable value.

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