Income Taxes - Components of Comprehensive Provision for Income Taxes Allocation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive provision for income taxes (benefit) allocable to:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (28,611)	$ 5,003	$ (41,911)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation	(9,800)	(11,000)	700
Interest rate swap	(200)
Total	(62,700)	(74,100)	(9,500)
Valhi Inc
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Marketable securities	(25,300)	(57,600)	26,200
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plans	1,400	(10,000)	5,300
OPEB
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plans	$ (200)	$ (500)	$ 200