CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ (54,543)	$ 79,082	$ 82,655
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Marketable securities	48,750	(81,032)	118,304
Currency translation	1,349	(3,606)	(6,105)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	60,237	(92,011)	104,007
Comprehensive income (loss)	5,694	(12,929)	186,662
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	790	3,064	902
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NL stockholders	4,904	(15,993)	185,760
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Defined benefit pension plans/ Other postretirement benefit plans	9,758	(6,924)	(7,944)
OPEB
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Defined benefit pension plans/ Other postretirement benefit plans	$ 380	$ (449)	$ (248)