CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 368,995	$ 6,084	$ 300,223	$ 84,089	$ (35,016)	$ 13,615
Net income	29,630			28,499		1,131
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(147,023)				(147,023)
Issuance of NL common stock	77	1	76
Cash dividends	(328)					(328)
Other, net	99		89			10
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	251,450	6,085	300,388	112,588	(182,039)	14,428
Net income	(22,716)			(23,909)		1,193
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(63,319)				(63,319)
Issuance of NL common stock	66	1	65
Cash dividends	(330)					(330)
Other, net	100		90			10
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	165,251	6,086	300,543	88,679	(245,358)	15,301
Net income	16,693			15,325		1,368
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,512				12,512
Issuance of NL common stock	37	2	35
Cash dividends	(332)					(332)
Other, net	109		96			13
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 194,270	$ 6,088	$ 300,674	$ 104,004	$ (232,846)	$ 16,350