Accrued and Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities And Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Employee benefits	$ 7,457	$ 8,438
Professional fees	290	698
Payables to affiliates:
Income taxes	7	5
Other	2,147	1,422
Total	10,091	10,783
Income Taxes | Valhi Inc
Payables to affiliates:
Payables to affiliates	11	40
Other
Payables to affiliates:
Payables to affiliates	$ 179	$ 180