Business and Geographic Segments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Segment	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | Segment	4
Non-U.S. subsidiaries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net assets of non-U.S. subsidiaries | $	$ 422	$ 703
Kronos Worldwide, Inc.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Direct controlling interest in subsidiary	50.00%
Indirect controlling interest in subsidiary	30.00%
NL
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total controlling interest	83.00%
LandWell
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Direct controlling interest in subsidiary	27.00%
Indirect controlling interest in subsidiary	50.00%
BMI
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total controlling interest	63.00%