CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income (loss)	$ 4,034	$ (1,998)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Marketable securities	(83,931)	33,901
Currency translation	(514)	(5,390)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(84,065)	29,066
Comprehensive income (loss)	(80,031)	27,068
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	279	120
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NL stockholders	(80,310)	26,948
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Defined benefit pension plans/ Other postretirement benefit plans	537	699
OPEB
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Defined benefit pension plans/ Other postretirement benefit plans	$ (157)	$ (144)