Income Taxes - Components of Comprehensive Provision for Income Taxes Allocation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Comprehensive provision for income taxes (benefit) allocable to:
Net income (loss)	$ (560)	$ (3,581)	$ (1,052)	$ (25,534)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation	1,000	(2,000)	2,000	(8,300)
Interest rate swap	100	(400)	(300)	(400)
Total	4,500	(24,000)	6,600	(55,300)
Valhi Inc
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Marketable securities	3,700	(18,600)	4,900	(22,400)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plans	400	$ 500	1,300	1,500
OPEB
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plans	$ (100)		$ (200)	$ (200)