Business and geographic segments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Direct controlling interest in subsidiary	50.00%
Indirect controlling interest in subsidiary	30.00%
Total controlling interest	80.00%
NL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total controlling interest	83.00%
Corporate assets held by subsidiary	15.00%	22.00%
Non-U.S. subsidiaries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net assets of non-U.S. subsidiaries	775	726
Asset related to discontinued operations		26.0

The aggregate value (measured at the lower of net carrying value or fair value less cost of disposal) for assets of a disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), to be sold or that has been disposed of through sale, as of the financial statement date.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 205

-SubTopic 20

-Section 45

-Paragraph 10

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1107-107759

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 144

-Paragraph 46

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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- Definition

The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Details

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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of net assets (total assets less total liabilities) attributed to the reportable segment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 131

-Paragraph 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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- Definition

Controlling interest in subsidiary held directly by parent.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Controlling interest in subsidiary held indirectly through controlled subsidiary of parent.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Percentage Of Assets Held By Subsidiary

+ References

No definition available.

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