Business and Geographic Segments - Holding Percentage of Subsidiaries (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2015
Chemicals | Kronos Worldwide, Inc.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Controlling interest in subsidiary	80.00%
Component Products | CompX
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Controlling interest in subsidiary	87.00%
Waste Management | WCS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Controlling interest in subsidiary	100.00%
Real Estate Management And Development | BMI
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Controlling interest in subsidiary	63.00%
Real Estate Management And Development | LandWell | Aggregate General And Limited Interests
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Controlling interest in subsidiary	77.00%