Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NL stockholders, including amounts resulting from our investment in Kronos Worldwide (see Note 5), are presented in the table below.

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2015			2016
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Marketable securities:
Balance at beginning of period	$	47,112		$	195
Other comprehensive loss -   unrealized losses arising during the year		(1,786	)		(1,531	)
Balance at end of period	$	45,326		$	(1,336	)
Currency translation:
Balance at beginning of period	$	(154,173	)	$	(172,384	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(12,959	)		2,831
Balance at end of period	$	(167,132	)	$	(169,553	)
Interest rate swap:
Balance at beginning of period	$	-		$	(445	)
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized losses arising during the year		-			(683	)
Less reclassification adjustment for   amounts included in interest expense		-			112
Balance at end of period	$	-		$	(1,016	)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Balance at beginning of period	$	(75,260	)	$	(72,712	)
Other comprehensive income -   amortization of net losses included   in net periodic pension cost		734			807
Balance at end of period	$	(74,526	)	$	(71,905	)
OPEB plans:
Balance at beginning of period	$	282		$	(12	)
Other comprehensive loss -   amortization of prior service credit and   net gains included in net periodic OPEB cost		(136	)		(132	)
Balance at end of period	$	146		$	(144	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Balance at beginning of period	$	(182,039	)	$	(245,358	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(14,147	)		1,404
Balance at end of period	$	(196,186	)	$	(243,954	)