Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Marketable securities

Note 5 - Marketable securities:

	Fair value
	measurement	Market		Cost		Unrealized
	level	value		basis		gain (loss)
		(In thousands)
December 31, 2015
Noncurrent assets
Valhi common stock	1	$	19,260	$	24,347	$	(5,087	)
December 31, 2016
Noncurrent assets
Valhi common stock	1	$	49,731	$	24,347	$	25,384

At December 31, 2015 and 2016, we held approximately 14.4 million shares of our immediate parent company, Valhi. See Note 1.  We account for our investment in Valhi common stock as available-for-sale marketable equity securities and any unrealized gains or losses on the securities are recognized through other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes.  Our shares of Valhi common stock are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, representing a Level 1 input within the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, the quoted market prices of Valhi common stock were $1.34 and $3.46 per share, respectively.

The Valhi common stock we own is subject to the restrictions on resale pursuant to certain provisions of the SEC Rule 144.  In addition, as a majority-owned subsidiary of Valhi we cannot vote our shares of Valhi common stock under Delaware General Corporation Law, but we do receive dividends from Valhi on these shares, when declared and paid.