CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income (loss)	$ (22,716)	$ 29,630	$ (54,543)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Marketable securities	(46,917)	(107,057)	48,750
Currency translation	(18,211)	(20,357)	1,349
Interest rate swap	(445)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	(63,319)	(147,023)	60,237
Comprehensive income (loss)	(86,035)	(117,393)	5,694
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,193	1,131	790
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NL stockholders	(87,228)	(118,524)	4,904
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Defined benefit pension plans/ Other postretirement benefit plans	2,548	(18,616)	9,758
OPEB
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Defined benefit pension plans/ Other postretirement benefit plans	$ (294)	$ (993)	$ 380