Income Taxes - Components of Comprehensive Provision for Income Taxes Allocation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Comprehensive provision for income taxes (benefit) allocable to:
Net income (loss)	$ 2,179	$ (822)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation	900	1,500
Interest rate swap	100	(300)
Total	2,700	(100)
Valhi Inc
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Marketable securities	(900)	(800)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plans	500	400
OPEB
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plans	$ (100)	$ (100)