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, 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
Net income (loss)	(22,716)			(23,909)		1,193
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(63,319)				(63,319)
Issuance of NL common stock	66	1	65
Cash dividends	(330)					(330)
Other, net	100		90			10
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 165,251	$ 6,086	$ 300,543	$ 88,679	$ (245,358)	$ 15,301