CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 425,992	$ 6,082	$ 300,067	$ 113,555	$ (4,724)	$ 11,012
Net income (loss)	79,082			74,536		4,546
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(92,011)				(90,529)	(1,482)
Issuance of NL common stock	75	1	74
Cash dividends	(25,151)			(24,333)		(818)
Other, net	96		86			10
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	388,083	6,083	300,227	163,758	(95,253)	13,268
Net income (loss)	(54,543)			(55,333)		790
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	60,237				60,237
Issuance of NL common stock	59	1	58
Cash dividends	(24,787)			(24,336)		(451)
Other, net	(54)		(62)			8
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	368,995	6,084	300,223	84,089	(35,016)	13,615
Net income (loss)	29,630			28,499		1,131
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(147,023)				(147,023)
Issuance of NL common stock	77	1	76
Cash dividends	(328)					(328)
Other, net	99		89			10
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 251,450	$ 6,085	$ 300,388	$ 112,588	$ (182,039)	$ 14,428