Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 01, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	NL
Entity Registrant Name	NL INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000072162
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		48,727,484
Entity Public Float			$ 72.5

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 116,259	$ 98,316
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	3,727	3,370
Accrued insurance recovery related to litigation settlement	15,000
Accounts and other receivables, net	12,440	10,670
Receivable from affiliate	792	1,767
Inventories, net	17,102	15,382
Prepaid expenses and other	1,324	1,162
Total current assets	166,644	130,667
Other assets:
Note receivable from affiliate	34,000	38,200
Marketable securities	27,740	88,681
Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.	255,565	229,543
Goodwill	27,156	27,156
Other assets, net	4,111	4,843
Total other assets	348,572	388,423
Property and equipment:
Land	5,151	5,146
Buildings	22,842	23,044
Equipment	67,446	67,926
Construction in progress	603	569
Property and equipment, gross	96,042	96,685
Less accumulated depreciation	64,016	64,159
Net property and equipment	32,026	32,526
Total assets	547,242	551,616
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	4,831	4,116
Accrued litigation settlement	60,000
Accrued and other current liabilities	10,854	9,707
Accrued environmental remediation and related costs	5,027	5,302
Payable to affiliates	567	429
Income taxes	44	30
Total current liabilities	81,323	19,584
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt from affiliate	500	500
Accrued pension costs	10,389	12,194
Accrued environmental remediation and related costs	93,184	106,607
Deferred income taxes	31,373	49,315
Long-term litigation settlement	17,000
Other	9,915	10,338
Total noncurrent liabilities	162,361	178,954
NL stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value; 5,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $.125 par value; 150,000 shares authorized; 48,715 and 48,727 shares issued and outstanding	6,090	6,089
Additional paid-in capital	301,139	300,866
Retained earnings	225,156	220,104
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(248,270)	(191,737)
Total NL stockholders' equity	284,115	335,322
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	19,443	17,756
Total equity	303,558	353,078
Total liabilities and equity	547,242	551,616
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 14 and 17)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.125	$ 0.125
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,727,000	48,715,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	48,727,000	48,715,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 118,217	$ 112,035	$ 108,920
Cost of sales	79,946	77,210	73,753
Gross margin	38,271	34,825	35,167
Selling, general and administrative expense	20,460	19,587	19,593
Other operating income (expense):
Insurance recoveries	1,298	375	443
Other income, net	644	170	9
Litigation settlement expense, net	(62,000)
Corporate expense	(18,419)	(14,084)	(16,741)
Income (loss) from operations	(60,666)	1,699	(715)
Equity in earnings of Kronos Worldwide, Inc.	62,316	107,785	13,171
Other income (expense):
Marketable equity securities	(60,941)
Other components of net periodic pension cost	(115)	(832)	(268)
Interest and dividends	5,069	3,570	1,732
Interest expense	(37)	(30)	(4)
Income (loss) before taxes	(54,374)	112,192	13,916
Income tax benefit	(15,361)	(5,634)	(2,777)
Net income (loss)	(39,013)	117,826	16,693
Noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiary	2,004	1,726	1,368
Net income (loss) attributable to NL stockholders	$ (41,017)	$ 116,100	$ 15,325
Amounts attributable to NL stockholders:
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	$ (0.84)	$ 2.38	$ 0.31
Weighted average shares used in the calculation of net income (loss) per share	48,727	48,711	48,701

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (39,013)	$ 117,826	$ 16,693
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Marketable equity securities		25,596	20,278
Currency translation	(7,967)	11,392	(3,475)
Interest rate swap		390	55
Defined benefit pension plans	(2,335)	3,759	(3,998)
Other	(162)	(28)	(348)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	(10,464)	41,109	12,512
Comprehensive income (loss)	(49,477)	158,935	29,205
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,004	1,726	1,368
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NL stockholders	$ (51,481)	$ 157,209	$ 27,837

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 165,251	$ 6,086	$ 300,543	$ 88,679	$ (245,358)	$ 15,301
Net income (loss)	16,693			15,325		1,368
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,512				12,512
Issuance of NL common stock	37	2	35
Cash dividends	(332)					(332)
Other, net	109		96			13
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	194,270	6,088	300,674	104,004	(232,846)	16,350
Net income (loss)	117,826			116,100		1,726
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	41,109				41,109
Issuance of NL common stock	83	1	82
Cash dividends	(333)					(333)
Other, net	123		110			13
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	353,078	6,089	300,866	220,104	(191,737)	17,756
Change in accounting principle-ASU 2016-01 at Dec. 31, 2017				46,069	(46,069)
Balance at January 1, 2018, as adjusted at Dec. 31, 2017	353,078	6,089	300,866	266,173	(237,806)	17,756
Net income (loss)	(39,013)			(41,017)		2,004
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(10,464)				(10,464)
Issuance of NL common stock	120	1	119
Cash dividends	(335)					(335)
Other, net	172		154			18
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 303,558	$ 6,090	$ 301,139	$ 225,156	$ (248,270)	$ 19,443

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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+ Details

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (39,013)	$ 117,826	$ 16,693
Depreciation and amortization	3,476	3,734	3,774
Deferred income taxes	(15,178)	(603)	(4,330)
Cash funding of benefit plans in excess of net benefit plan expense	(1,875)	(603)	(277)
Equity in losses (earnings) of Kronos Worldwide, Inc.	(62,316)	(107,785)	(13,171)
Marketable equity securities	60,941
Dividends received from Kronos Worldwide, Inc.	23,948	21,132	21,132
Other, net	(2)	283	362
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables, net	(16,786)	(117)	(1,601)
Inventories, net	(1,846)	(473)	(37)
Prepaid expenses and other	(162)	(177)	(5)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	61,769	(1,700)	(172)
Income taxes	16	7	18
Accounts with affiliates	1,113	(3,041)	2,075
Accrued environmental remediation and related costs	(13,698)	(4,749)	3,526
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	16,689	(5,096)	(288)
Net cash provided by operating activities	17,076	18,638	27,699
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(3,118)	(2,810)	(3,206)
Promissory notes receivable from affiliate:
Loans	(46,800)	(52,100)	(36,600)
Collections	51,000	41,300	9,200
Other	225	4
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,307	(13,606)	(30,606)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in subsidiary	(335)	(333)	(332)
Indebtedness - borrowings from affiliate			500
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(335)	(333)	168
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents - net change from:
Operating, investing and financing activities	18,048	4,699	(2,739)
Balance at beginning of year	102,941	98,242	100,981
Balance at end of year	120,989	102,941	98,242
Cash paid for (received):
Interest	34	30	4
Income taxes, net	$ (1,716)	$ 3,109	$ 70

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of significant accounting policies

Note 1 - Summary of significant accounting policies:

Nature of our business - NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL) is primarily a holding company. We operate in the component products industry through our majority-owned subsidiary, CompX International Inc. (NYSE American: CIX). We operate in the chemicals industry through our noncontrolling interest in Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: KRO).

Organization - At December 31, 2018, Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI) held approximately 83% of our outstanding common stock and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Contran Corporation held approximately 92% of Valhi’s outstanding common stock. All of Contran’s outstanding voting stock is held by a family trust established for the benefit of Lisa K. Simmons and Serena Simmons Connelly and their children for which Ms. Simmons and Ms. Connelly are co-trustees, or is held directly by Ms. Simmons and Ms. Connelly or entities related to them. Consequently, Ms. Simmons and Ms. Connelly may be deemed to control Contran, Valhi and us.

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to “we,” “us” or “our” refer to NL Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliate, Kronos, taken as a whole.

Management’s estimates - In preparing our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at each balance sheet date and the reported amounts of our revenues and expenses during each reporting period. Actual results may differ significantly from previously-estimated amounts under different assumptions or conditions.

Principles of consolidation - Our consolidated financial statements include the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NL and our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, including CompX. We account for the 13% of CompX stock we do not own as a noncontrolling interest. We eliminate all material intercompany accounts and balances. Changes in ownership of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries are accounted for as equity transactions with no gain or loss recognized on the transaction unless there is a change in control.

Currency translation - The financial statements of Kronos’ non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars. The functional currency of Kronos’ non-U.S. subsidiaries is generally the local currency of their country. Accordingly, Kronos translates the assets and liabilities at year-end rates of exchange, while they translate their revenues and expenses at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. We accumulate the resulting translation adjustments in stockholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related deferred income taxes. Kronos recognizes currency transaction gains and losses in income which is reflected as part of our equity in earnings (losses) of Kronos.

Cash and cash equivalents - We classify bank time deposits and government and commercial notes and bills with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents.

Restricted cash equivalents - We classify cash equivalents that have been segregated or are otherwise limited in use as restricted. Such restrictions include cash pledged as collateral with respect to performance obligations or letters of credit required by regulatory agencies for certain environmental remediation sites, cash pledged as collateral with respect to certain workers compensation liabilities, and cash held in trust by our insurance brokerage subsidiary pending transfer to the applicable insurance or reinsurance carrier. To the extent the restricted amount relates to a recognized liability, we classify such restricted amount as either a current or noncurrent asset to correspond with the classification of the liability. To the extent the restricted amount does not relate to a recognized liability, we classify restricted cash as a current asset. Restricted cash equivalents classified as a current asset are presented separately on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and restricted cash equivalents classified as a noncurrent asset are presented as a component of other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as disclosed in Note 8.

Marketable securities and securities transactions - We carry marketable securities at fair value. Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and, with certain exceptions, this framework is generally applied to all financial statement items required to be measured at fair value. The standard requires fair value measurements to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

•

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

•

Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the assets or liability; and

•

Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

We classify all of our marketable securities as available-for-sale. Prior to 2018, any unrealized gains or losses on the securities were recognized through other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. Beginning on January 1, 2018 with the adoption of ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, all of our marketable equity securities will continue to be carried at fair value as noted above, but any unrealized gains or losses on the securities are now recognized in Marketable equity securities on our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 5. We base realized gains and losses upon the specific identification of the securities sold.

Accounts receivable - We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts for known and estimated potential losses arising from sales to customers based on a periodic review of these accounts.

Inventories and cost of sales - We state inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We generally base inventory costs for all inventory categories on an average cost that approximates the first-in, first-out method. Inventories include the costs for raw materials, the cost to manufacture the raw materials into finished goods and overhead. Depending on the inventory’s stage of completion, our manufacturing costs can include the costs of packing and finishing, utilities, maintenance and depreciation, shipping and handling, and salaries and benefits associated with our manufacturing process. We allocate fixed manufacturing overhead costs based on normal production capacity. Unallocated overhead costs resulting from periods with abnormally low production levels are charged to expense as incurred. As inventory is sold to third parties, we recognize the cost of sales in the same period that the sale occurs. We periodically review our inventory for estimated obsolescence or instances when inventory is no longer marketable for its intended use and we record any write-down equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated net realizable value based on assumptions about alternative uses, market conditions and other factors.

Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc. - We account for our 30% non-controlling interest in Kronos by the equity method. Distributions received from Kronos are classified for statement of cash flow purposes using the “nature of distribution” approach under ASC Topic 230. See Note 6.

Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of individual net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not subject to periodic amortization. We evaluate goodwill for impairment, annually, or when circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. See Note 7.

Property and equipment; depreciation expense - We state property and equipment, including purchased computer software for internal use, at cost. We compute depreciation of property and equipment for financial reporting purposes principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 15 to 40 years for buildings and 3 to 20 years for equipment and software. We use accelerated depreciation methods for income tax purposes, as permitted. Upon sale or retirement of an asset, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recognized in income currently. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed; expenditures for major improvements are capitalized.

We perform impairment tests when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We consider all relevant factors. We perform impairment tests by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset to the asset’s net carrying value to determine whether impairment exists.

Employee benefit plans - Accounting and funding policies for our defined benefit pension and defined contribution retirement plans are described in Note 11. We also provide certain postretirement benefits other than pensions (OPEB), consisting of health care and life insurance benefits, to certain U.S. and Canadian retired employees, which are not material. See Note 12.

Income taxes - We, Valhi and our qualifying subsidiaries are members of Contran’s consolidated U.S. federal income tax group (the Contran Tax Group) and we and certain of our qualifying subsidiaries also file consolidated unitary state income tax returns with Contran in qualifying U.S. jurisdictions. As a member of the Contran Tax Group, we are jointly and severally liable for the federal income tax liability of Contran and the other companies included in the Contran Tax Group for all periods in which we are included in the Contran Tax Group. See Note 17. As a member of the Contran Tax Group, we are party to a tax sharing agreement with Valhi and Contran which provides that we compute our provision for income taxes on a separate-company basis using the tax elections made by Contran. Pursuant to our tax sharing agreement, we make payments to or receive payments from Valhi in amounts that we would have paid to or received from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or the applicable state tax authority had we not been a member of the Contran Tax Group. We made net payments to Valhi for income taxes of less than $.1 million in 2016 and $3.1 million in 2017 and we received net payments from Valhi for income taxes of $1.7 million in 2018.

We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, including investments in our subsidiaries and affiliates who are not members of the Contran Tax Group and undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries which are not deemed to be permanently reinvested. In addition, we recognize deferred income taxes with respect to the excess of the financial reporting carrying amount over the income tax basis of our direct investment in Kronos common stock because the exemption under GAAP to avoid recognition of such deferred income taxes is not available to us. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities for each tax-paying jurisdiction in which we operate are netted and presented as either a noncurrent deferred income tax asset or liability, as applicable. We periodically evaluate our deferred tax assets in the various taxing jurisdictions in which we operate and adjust any related valuation allowance based on the estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that we believe does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria.

We account for the tax effects of a change in tax law as a component of the income tax provision related to continuing operations in the period of enactment, including the tax effects of any deferred income taxes originally established through a financial statement component other than continuing operations (i.e. other comprehensive income). Changes in applicable income tax rates over time as a result of changes in tax law, or times in which a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance is initially recognized in one year and subsequently reversed in a later year, can give rise to “stranded” tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income in which the net accumulated income tax (benefit) remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income does not correspond to the then-applicable income tax rate applied to the pre-tax amount which resides in accumulated other comprehensive income. As permitted by GAAP, our accounting policy is to remove any such stranded tax effect remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income, by recognizing an offset to our provision for income taxes related to continuing operations, only at the time when there is no remaining pre-tax amount in accumulated other comprehensive income. For accumulated other comprehensive income related to currency translation, this would occur only upon the sale or complete liquidation of one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. For defined pension benefit plans and OPEB plans, this would occur whenever one of our subsidiaries which previously sponsored a defined benefit pension or OPEB plan had terminated such a plan and had no future obligation or plan asset associated with such a plan.

We record a reserve for uncertain tax positions for tax positions where we believe it is more-likely-than-not our position will not prevail with the applicable tax authorities. The amount of the benefit associated with our uncertain tax positions that we recognize is limited to the largest amount for which we believe the likelihood of realization is greater than 50%. We accrue penalties and interest on the difference between tax positions taken on our tax returns and the amount of benefit recognized for financial reporting purposes. We classify our reserves for uncertain tax positions in a separate current or noncurrent liability, depending on the nature of the tax position. See Note 14.

Environmental remediation costs - We record liabilities related to environmental remediation obligations when estimated future expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. We adjust these accruals as further information becomes available to us or as circumstances change. We generally do not discount estimated future expenditures to present value. We recognize any recoveries of remediation costs from other parties when we deem their receipt probable. We expense any environmental remediation related legal costs as incurred. At December 31, 2017 we had not recognized any receivables for recoveries and at December 31, 2018 we had accrued insurance recoveries of $15.0 million. See Note 17.

Net sales - Our sales involve single performance obligations to ship our products pursuant to customer purchase orders. In some cases, the purchase order is supported by an underlying master sales agreement, but our purchase order verification notice generally evidences the contract with our customer by specifying the key terms of product and quantity ordered, price and delivery and payment terms. Effective January 1, 2018 with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) (see Note 2), we record revenue when we satisfy our performance obligations to our customers by transferring control of our products to them, which generally occurs at point of shipment or upon delivery. Such transfer of control is also evidenced by transfer of legal title and other risks and rewards of ownership (giving the customer the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the benefits of, the product), and our customers becoming obligated to pay us and such payment being probable of occurring. In certain arrangements we provide shipping and handling activities after the transfer of control to our customer (e.g. when control transfers prior to delivery). In such arrangements shipping and handling are considered fulfillment activities, and accordingly, such costs are accrued when the related revenue is recognized. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, we recorded sales when our products were shipped and title and other risks and rewards of ownership had passed to the customer, which was generally at the time of shipment (although in some instances shipping terms were FOB destination point, for which we did not recognize revenue until the product was received by our customers).

Revenue is recorded in an amount that reflects the net consideration we expect to receive in exchange for our products. Prices for our products are based on terms specified in published list prices and purchase orders, which generally do not include financing components, noncash consideration or consideration paid to our customers. As our standard payment terms are less than one year, we have elected the practical expedient under ASU 2014-09 and we have not assessed whether a contract has a significant financing component. We state sales net of price, early payment and distributor discounts as well as volume rebates (collectively, variable consideration). Variable consideration, to the extent present, is not material and is recognized as the amount to which we are most-likely to be entitled, using all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us, and only to the extent that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized is not probable of occurring in a future period. Differences, if any, between estimates of the amount of variable consideration to which we will be entitled and the actual amount of such variable consideration have not been material in the past. We report any tax assessed by a governmental authority that we collect from our customers that is both imposed on and concurrent with our revenue-producing activities (such as sales, use, value added and excise taxes) on a net basis (meaning we do not recognize these taxes either in our revenues or in our costs and expenses).

Frequently, we receive orders for products to be delivered over dates that may extend across reporting periods. We invoice for each delivery upon shipment and recognize revenue for each distinct shipment when all sales recognition criteria for that shipment have been satisfied. As scheduled delivery dates for these orders are within a one year period, under the optional exemption provided by ASU 2014-09, we do not disclose sales allocated to future shipments of partially completed contracts.

Selling, general and administrative expenses; advertising costs; research and development costs - Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs related to marketing, sales, distribution, research and development, and administrative functions such as accounting, treasury and finance, as well as costs for salaries and benefits, travel and entertainment, promotional materials and professional fees. We expense advertising costs and research and development costs as incurred. Advertising costs were not significant in any year presented.

Corporate expenses - Corporate expenses include environmental, legal and other costs attributable to formerly-owned business units.

Earnings per share – Basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock is based upon the weighted average number of our common shares actually outstanding during each period.

Business and Geographic Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Segments Geographical Areas [Abstract]

Business and geographic information

Note 2 – Business and geographic information:

We operate in the security products industry and marine components industry through our majority ownership of CompX. CompX manufactures and sells security products including locking mechanisms and other security products for sale to the transportation, postal, office and institutional furniture, cabinetry, tool storage, healthcare and other industries with a facility in South Carolina and a facility shared with Marine Components in Illinois. CompX also manufactures and distributes stainless steel exhaust systems, gauges and throttle controls, wake enhancement systems and trim tabs for the recreational marine industry.

The following table disaggregates our net sales by reporting unit, which are the categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors (as required by ASC 606).

	Years ended December 31,
	2016		2017		2018
	(In thousands)
Net sales:
Security Products	$	94,693	$	96,600	$	98,383
Marine Components		14,227		15,435		19,834
Total	$	108,920	$	112,035	$	118,217

For geographic information, the point of origin (place of manufacture) for all net sales is the U.S., the point of destination for net sales is based on the location of the customer.

	Years ended December 31,
	2016		2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Net sales - point of destination:
United States	$	98,526	$	103,646	$	108,773
Canada		7,515		5,353		6,436
Other		2,879		3,036		3,008
Total	$	108,920	$	112,035	$	118,217

All of our net property and equipment is located in the United States at December 31, 2017 and 2018.

Accounts and Other Receivables, Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Receivables [Abstract]

Accounts and other receivables, net

Note 3 - Accounts and other receivables, net:

	December 31,
	2017			2018
	(in thousands)
Trade receivables - CompX	$	10,516		$	12,210
Accrued insurance recoveries		145			266
Other receivables		79			34
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(70	)		(70	)
Total	$	10,670		$	12,440

Accrued insurance recoveries are discussed in Note 17.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a entity, excluding financing receivables. Examples include, but are not limited to, trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Includes disclosure for allowance for credit losses.

+ References + Details

Inventories, Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories, net

Note 4 - Inventories, net:

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Raw materials	$	2,730	$	2,661
Work in process		9,836		11,130
Finished products		2,816		3,311
Total	$	15,382	$	17,102

Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Marketable securities

Note 5 - Marketable securities:

Our marketable securities consist of investments in the publicly-traded shares of our immediate parent company Valhi, Inc. Prior to 2018, any unrealized gains or losses on the securities were recognized through other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. Beginning on January 1, 2018 with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, our marketable equity securities continue to be carried at fair value as noted below, but any unrealized gains or losses on the securities are now recognized as a component of other income included in Marketable equity securities on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

	Fair value
	measurement	Market		Cost		Unrealized
	level	value		basis		gain (loss)
		(In thousands)
December 31, 2017
Noncurrent assets
Valhi common stock	1	$	88,681	$	24,347	$	64,334

December 31, 2018
Noncurrent assets
Valhi common stock	1	$	27,740	$	24,347	$	3,393

At December 31, 2017 and 2018, we held approximately 14.4 million shares of our immediate parent company, Valhi. See Note 1. Our shares of Valhi common stock are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, representing a Level 1 input within the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2017 and 2018, the quoted market prices of Valhi common stock were $6.17 and $1.93 per share, respectively.

The Valhi common stock we own is subject to the restrictions on resale pursuant to certain provisions of the SEC Rule 144. In addition, as a majority-owned subsidiary of Valhi we cannot vote our shares of Valhi common stock under Delaware General Corporation Law, but we do receive dividends from Valhi on these shares, when declared and paid.

Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

Note 6 - Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.:

At December 31, 2017 and 2018, we owned approximately 35.2 million shares of Kronos common stock. The per share quoted market price of Kronos at December 31, 2017 and 2018 was $25.77 and $11.52 per share, respectively, or an aggregate market value of $907.6 million and $405.7 million, respectively. The change in the carrying value of our investment in Kronos during the past three years is summarized below:

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(in millions)
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	140.7		$	120.3		$	229.5
Equity in earnings of Kronos		13.2			107.8			62.3
Dividends received from Kronos		(21.1	)		(21.1	)		(23.9	)
Equity in Kronos' other comprehensive income (loss):
Marketable securities		0.7			.9			-
Currency translation		(5.4	)		17.5			(10.1	)
Interest rate swap		0.1			.6			-
Defined benefit pension plans		(7.8	)		3.6			(2.2	)
Other postretirement benefit plans		(.1	)		(.2	)		(.1	)
Other		-			0.1			-
Balance at the end of the year	$	120.3		$	229.5		$	255.5

Selected financial information of Kronos is summarized below:

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in millions)
Current assets	$	1,062.5	$	1,201.4
Property and equipment, net		506.4		486.4
Investment in TiO₂ joint venture		86.5		81.3
Other noncurrent assets		169.0		129.0
Total assets	$	1,824.4	$	1,898.1
Current liabilities	$	231.5	$	233.4
Long-term debt		473.8		455.1
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits		254.2		262.9
Other noncurrent liabilities		110.6		106.9
Stockholders' equity		754.3		839.8
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,824.4	$	1,898.1

	Years ended December 31,
	2016		2017			2018
	(in millions)
Net sales	$	1,364.3	$	1,729.0		$	1,661.9
Cost of sales		1,099.6		1,159.3			1,099.7
Income (loss) from operations		92.9		347.8			330.1
Income tax expense (benefit)		17.9		(48.8	)		88.8
Net income (loss)		43.3		354.5			205.0

Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill

Note 7 - Goodwill:

All of our goodwill recognized is related to our component products operations and was generated from CompX’s acquisitions of certain business units. There have been no changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill during the past three years.

We assign goodwill based on the reporting unit (as that term is defined in ASC Topic 350-20-20 Goodwill) which corresponds to CompX’s security products operations. We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. In accordance with ASC 350-20-35, we test for goodwill impairment during the third quarter of each year or when circumstances arise that indicate an impairment might be present.

In 2016, 2017 and 2018, our goodwill was tested for impairment only in the third quarter of each year in connection with our annual testing. No impairment was indicated as part of such annual review of goodwill. As permitted by GAAP, during 2017 and 2018 we used the qualitative assessment of ASC 350-20-35 for our annual impairment test and determined it was not necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. During 2016, we used the quantitative assessment of ASC 350-20-35 for our annual impairment test using discounted cash flows to determine the estimated fair value of our Security Products reporting unit. Such discounted cash flows are a Level 3 input as defined by ASC 820-10-35. Prior to 2015, all of the goodwill related to CompX’s marine components operations (which aggregated $10.1 million) was impaired, and all of the goodwill related to our wholly-owned subsidiary EWI Re, Inc., (EWI) an insurance brokerage and risk management services company (which aggregated $6.4 million) was impaired. Our gross goodwill at December 31, 2018 was $43.7 million.

Other Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Other assets

Note 8 - Other assets:

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$	1,255	$	1,003
Pension asset		2,593		1,898
Other		995		1,210

Total	$	4,843	$	4,111

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued and other current liabilities

Note 9 - Accrued and other current liabilities:

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Employee benefits	$	8,269	$	9,001
Professional fees and settlements		350		-
Other		1,088		1,853
Total	$	9,707	$	10,854

Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term debt

Note 10 - Long-term debt:

In November 2016, we entered into a financing transaction with Valhi. Previously, and in contemplation of the financing transaction described herein, we formed NLKW Holding, LLC and capitalized it with 35.2 million shares of the common stock of Kronos held by us.

The financing transaction consisted of two steps. Under the first step, NLKW entered into a $50 million revolving credit facility (the “Valhi Credit Facility”) pursuant to which NLKW can borrow up to $50 million from Valhi (with such commitment amount subject to increase from time to time at Valhi’s sole discretion). Proceeds from any borrowings by NLKW under the Valhi Credit Facility would be available for one or more loans from NLKW to us in accordance with the terms of the second step of the financing transaction: a Back-to-Back Credit Facility, as described below. Outstanding borrowings under the Valhi Credit Facility bear interest at the prime rate plus 1.875% per annum, payable quarterly, with all amounts due on December 31, 2023. The maximum principal amount which may be outstanding from time-to-time under the Valhi Credit Facility is limited to 50% of the amount determined by multiplying the number of shares of Kronos common stock pledged by the most recent closing price of such security on the New York Stock Exchange. Borrowings under the Valhi Credit Facility are collateralized by the assets of NLKW (consisting primarily of the shares of Kronos common stock pledged) and 100% of the membership interest in NLKW held by us. The Valhi Credit Facility contains a number of covenants and restrictions which, among other things, restrict NLKW’s ability to incur additional debt, incur liens, and merge or consolidated with, or sell or transfer substantially all of NLKW’s assets to, another entity, and require NLKW to maintain a minimum specified level of consolidated net worth. Upon an event of default, Valhi will be entitled to terminate its commitment to make further loans to NLKW, to declare the outstanding loans (with interest) immediately due and payable, and, in the case of certain insolvency events with respect to NLKW or us, to exercise its rights with respect to the collateral. Such collateral rights include the right to purchase all of the shares of Kronos common stock pledged at a purchase price equal to the aggregate market value of such stock (with such market value determined by an independent third-party valuation provider), less amounts owing to Valhi under the Valhi Credit Facility, with up to 50% of such purchase price being payable by Valhi in the form of an unsecured promissory note bearing interest at the prime rate plus 2.75% per annum, payable quarterly, with all amounts due no later than five years from the date of purchase, and with the remainder of such purchase price payable in cash at the date of purchase.

Contemporaneously with the entering into of the Valhi Credit Facility, NLKW entered into a $50 million revolving credit facility (the “Back-to-Back Credit Facility”) with us, pursuant to which we can borrow up to $50 million from NLKW (with such commitment amount subject to increase from time to time in NLKW’s sole discretion). Proceeds from any borrowings under the Back-to-Back Credit Facility would be available for our general corporate purposes, including providing resources to assist us in the resolution of certain claims and contingent liabilities which may be asserted against us. Outstanding borrowings under the Back-to-Back Credit Facility bear interest at the same rate and are payable on the same maturity date as are borrowings by NLKW under the Valhi Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Back-to-Back Credit Facility are on an unsecured basis; however, as a condition thereto, we pledged to Valhi as collateral for the Valhi Credit Facility our 100% membership interest in NLKW. Any outstanding borrowings and interest on such borrowings under the Back-to-Back Credit Facility are eliminated in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

We had borrowings under the Valhi Credit Facility of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2018. The average interest rate as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 was 7.375% and 6.78%, respectively. See Note 16. We are in compliance with all of the covenants contained in the Valhi Credit Facility at December 31, 2018.

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee benefit plans

Note 11 - Employee benefit plans:

Defined contribution plans - We maintain various defined contribution pension plans. Company contributions are based on matching or other formulas. Defined contribution plan expense approximated $2.7 million in 2016, $2.5 million in 2017 and $3.1 million in 2018.

Defined benefit pension plans - We maintain a defined benefit pension plan in the U.S. We also maintain a plan in the United Kingdom related to a former disposed business unit in the U.K. The benefits under our defined benefit plans are based upon years of service and employee compensation. The plans are closed to new participants and no additional benefits accrue to existing plan participants. Our funding policy is to contribute annually the minimum amount required under ERISA (or equivalent non-U.S.) regulations plus additional amounts as we deem appropriate.

We expect to contribute approximately $1.5 million to all of our defined benefit pension plans during 2019. Benefit payments to all plan participants out of plan assets are expected to be the equivalent of:

Years ending December 31,	Amount
	(In thousands)
2019	$	3,584
2020		3,596
2021		3,627
2022		3,638
2023		3,604
Next 5 years		16,885

The funded status of our defined benefit pension plans is presented in the table below.

	December 31,
	2017			2018
	(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligations (PBO):
Benefit obligations at beginning of the year	$	54,261		$	53,978
Interest cost		2,072			1,808
Participant contributions		5			5
Actuarial losses		596			(2,511	)
Settlement gain		(315	)		-
Change in currency exchange rates		908			(545	)
Benefits paid		(3,549	)		(3,486	)
Benefit obligations at end of the year		53,978			49,249

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year		42,268			44,222
Actual return on plan assets		3,726			(2,237	)
Employer contributions		1,006			2,792
Participant contributions		5			5
Change in currency exchange rates		766			(670	)
Benefits paid		(3,549	)		(3,486	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		44,222			40,626
Funded status	$	(9,756	)	$	(8,623	)

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
Noncurrent pension asset	$	2,593		$	1,898
Accrued pension costs:
Current		(155	)		(132	)
Noncurrent		(12,194	)		(10,389	)
Total	$	(9,756	)	$	(8,623	)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss - actuarial losses, net	$	30,435		$	31,601
Total	$	20,679		$	22,978
Accumulated benefit obligations (ABO)	$	53,978		$	49,249

The amounts shown in the table above for actuarial losses (gains) at December 31, 2017 and 2018 have not been recognized as components of our periodic defined benefit pension cost as of those dates. These amounts will be recognized as components of our periodic defined benefit cost in future years. These amounts, net of deferred income taxes, are recognized in our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2017 and 2018. We expect that $1.6 million of the unrecognized actuarial losses will be recognized as a component of our periodic defined benefit pension cost in 2019.

The table below details the changes in other comprehensive income during 2016, 2017 and 2018.

	Years ended December 31,
	2016		2017		2018
	(In thousands)
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year	$	122	$	498	$	(2,709)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		1,474		1,704		1,937

Total	$	1,596	$	2,202	$	(772)

The components of our net periodic defined benefit pension cost are presented in the table below. The amount shown below for the amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses in 2016, 2017 and 2018, net of deferred income taxes, was recognized as a component of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(In thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Interest cost on PBO	$	2,302		$	2,072		$	1,808
Expected return on plan assets		(2,911	)		(2,770	)		(3,043	)
Recognized actuarial losses		1,474			1,704			1,937
Settlement cost		-			87			-

Total	$	865		$	1,093		$	702

Certain information concerning our defined benefit pension plans (including information concerning certain plans for which ABO exceeds the fair value of plan assets as of the indicated date) is presented in the table below.

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(In thousands)
PBO at end of the year
U.S. plan	$	44,709	$	40,643
U.K. plan		9,269		8,606

Total	$	53,978	$	49,249
Fair value of plan assets at end of the year
U.S. plan	$	32,360	$	30,122
U.K. plan		11,862		10,504

Total	$	44,222	$	40,626
Plans for which the ABO exceeds plan assets (only our U.S. plan):
PBO	$	44,709	$	40,643
ABO		44,709		40,643
Fair value of plan assets		32,360		30,122

The weighted-average discount rate assumptions used in determining the actuarial present value of our benefit obligations as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 are 3.4% and 3.9%, respectively. Such weighted-average rates were determined using the projected benefit obligations at each date. Since our plans are closed to new participants and no new additional benefits accrue to existing plan participants, assumptions regarding future compensation levels are not applicable. Consequently, the accumulated benefit obligations for all of our defined benefit pension plans were equal to the projected benefit obligations at December 31, 2017 and 2018.

The weighted-average rate assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension cost for 2016, 2017 and 2018 are presented in the table below. Such weighted-average discount rates were determined using the projected benefit obligations as of the beginning of each year and the weighted-average long-term return on plan assets was determined using the fair value of plan assets as of the beginning of each year.

	Years ended December 31,
Rate	2016			2017			2018

Discount rate		4.0	%		3.7	%		3.4	%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.0	%		6.9	%		7.2	%

Variances from actuarially assumed rates will result in increases or decreases in accumulated pension obligations, pension expense and funding requirements in future periods.

At December 31, 2017, substantially all of the assets attributable to our U.S. plan were invested in the Combined Master Retirement Trust (CMRT), a collective investment trust sponsored by Contran to permit the collective investment by certain master trusts that fund certain employee benefit plans sponsored by Contran and certain of its affiliates, including us. For 2016, 2017 and 2018, the long-term rate of return assumption for our U.S. plan assets was 7.5%, based on the long-term asset mix of the assets of the CMRT and the expected long-term rates of return for such asset components as well as advice from Contran’s actuaries. During 2018, Contran and the other employer-sponsors (including us) implemented a restructuring of the CMRT, in which a substantial part of each plan’s units in the CMRT were redeemed in exchange for a pro-rata portion of a substantial part of the CMRT’s investments. Following such restructuring, the plans held directly in the aggregate the investments previously held directly by the CMRT which had been exchanged for CMRT units as part of the restructuring. Certain investments held directly by the CMRT were not part of such restructuring and remain investments of the CMRT. Such restructuring was implemented in part so each plan could more easily align the composition of their plan asset portfolio with the plan’s benefit obligations.

The CMRT unit value is determined semi-monthly, and prior to the 2018 restructuring, the plans had the ability to redeem all or any portion of their investment in the CMRT at any time based on the most recent semi-monthly valuation. However, the plans do not have the right to individual assets held by the CMRT and the CMRT has the sole discretion in determining how to meet any redemption request. For purposes of our plan asset disclosure, we consider the investment in the CMRT at December 31, 2017 as a Level 2 input because (i) the CMRT value is established semi-monthly and the plans have the right to redeem their investment in the CMRT, in part or in whole, at any time based on the most recent value and (ii) observable inputs from Level 1 or Level 2 (or assets not subject to classification in the fair value hierarchy) were used to value approximately 93% of the assets of the CMRT at December 31, 2017 as noted below. CMRT assets not subject to classification in the fair value hierarchy consist principally of certain investments measured at net asset value (NAV) per share in accordance with ASC 820-10. The aggregate fair value of all of the CMRT assets at December 31, 2017, including funds of Contran and its other affiliates that also invest in the CMRT, and supplemental asset mix details of the CMRT are as follows:

The assets which remain in the CMRT are principally common stocks and limited partnerships which are not publicly traded, most of which are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As monetizing events occur for these investments, we and the other plans which hold units in the CMRT will redeem a portion of our CMRT units for the cash generated from such events. For purposes of our plan asset disclosure, we consider the investment in the CMRT at December 31, 2018 as a Level 3 input because (i) most of the remaining assets in the CMRT are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, and (ii) we do not expect to be able to redeem our remaining CMRT units until monetizing events occur with respect to the remaining CMRT assets.

In determining the expected long-term rate of return on our U.S. and non-U.S. plan asset assumptions, we consider the long-term asset mix (e.g. equity vs. fixed income) for the assets for each of our plans and the expected long-term rates of return for such asset components. In addition, we receive third-party advice about appropriate long-term rates of return. In the U.S. we currently have a plan asset target allocation of % to equity securities, % to fixed income securities, and the remainder is allocated to multi-asset strategies and the CMRT. The expected long-term rate of return for such investments is approximately , and , respectively (before plan administrative expenses). The majority of U.S. plan assets are Level 1 inputs because they are traded in active markets, approximately % of our U.S. plan assets are invested in funds that are valued at NAV and not subject to classification in the fair value hierarchy, and approximately % are invested in the CMRT which as noted above is a Level 3 input.

We regularly review our actual asset allocation for each plan, and will periodically rebalance the investments in each plan to more accurately reflect the targeted allocation and/or maximize the overall long-term return when considered appropriate.

		December 31,
		2017
		(In millions)
CMRT asset value	$	672.4
CMRT assets comprised of:
Assets not subject to fair value hierarchy		31	%
Assets subject to fair value hierarchy:
Level 1		54
Level 2		8
Level 3		7
		100	%
CMRT asset mix:
Domestic equities, principally publicly traded		33	%
International equities, principally publicly traded		25
Fixed income securities, principally publicly traded		31
Privately managed limited partnerships		4
Hedge funds		5
Other, primarily cash		2
		100	%

In determining the expected long-term rate of return on our U.S. and non-U.S. plan asset assumptions, we consider the long-term asset mix (e.g. equity vs. fixed income) for the assets for each of our plans and the expected long-term rates of return for such asset components. In addition, we receive third-party advice about appropriate long-term rates of return. In the U.S. we currently have a plan asset target allocation of 40% to equity securities, 45% to fixed income securities, and the remainder is allocated to multi-asset strategies and the CMRT. The expected long-term rate of return for such investments is approximately 9%, 5% and 3%, respectively (before plan administrative expenses). The majority of U.S. plan assets are Level 1 inputs because they are traded in active markets, approximately 29% of our U.S. plan assets are invested in funds that are valued at NAV and not subject to classification in the fair value hierarchy, and approximately 6% are invested in the CMRT which as noted above is a Level 3 input.

The composition of our pension plan assets by fair value level at December 31, 2017 and 2018 is shown in the table below. The amounts shown for plan assets invested in the CMRT include a nominal amount of cash held by our U.S. pension plan which is not part of the plan’s investment in the CMRT.

	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2017:
CMRT	$	32,360	$	-	$	32,360
Other		11,862		11,862		-

Total	$	44,222	$	11,862	$	32,360

	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		Assets measured at NAV
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2018:
U.S.
Equities	$	11,353	$	3,423	$	-	$	-	$	7,930
Fixed income		13,856		13,856		-		-		-
Cash and other		3,250		2,347		-		-		903
CMRT		1,663		-		-		1,663		-
Other		10,504		10,504		-		-		-
Total	$	40,626	$	30,130	$	-	$	1,663	$	8,833

Other Noncurrent Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Other noncurrent liabilities

Note 12 - Other noncurrent liabilities:

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	$	7,312	$	7,312
Insurance claims and expenses		620		621
OPEB		1,846		1,519
Other		560		463

Total	$	10,338	$	9,915

Our reserve for uncertain tax positions is discussed in Note 14.

Other Operating Income (Expense)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Component Of Other Income And Expense [Abstract]

Other operating income (expense)

Note 13 - Other operating income (expense):

We have agreements with certain insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse us for a portion of our past lead pigment and asbestos litigation defense costs. Insurance recoveries include amounts we received from these insurance carriers.

The agreements with certain of our insurance carriers also include reimbursement for a portion of our future litigation defense costs. We are not able to determine how much we will ultimately recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred by us because of certain issues that arise regarding which defense costs qualify for reimbursement. Accordingly, these insurance recoveries are recognized when the receipt is probable and the amount is determinable. See Note 17.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

Note 14 - Income taxes:

The provision for income taxes and the difference between such provision for income taxes and the amount that would be expected using the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% in 2016 and 2017 and 21% in 2018 are presented below.

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(in millions)
Expected tax expense (benefit), at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% in 2016 and 2017 and 21% in 2018	$	4.9		$	39.3		$	(11.4	)
Rate differences on equity in earnings of Kronos		(7.4	)		(7.4	)		(5.0	)
Change in federal tax rate, net		-			(37.5	)		.8
U.S. state income taxes and other, net		(.3	)		-			.2

Income tax benefit	$	(2.8	)	$	(5.6	)	$	(15.4	)

Components of income tax benefit:
Currently payable (receivable):	$	1.5		$	(.1	)	$	(.2	)
Deferred income tax benefit		(4.3	)		(5.5	)		(15.2	)

Income tax benefit	$	(2.8	)	$	(5.6	)	$	(15.4	)

Comprehensive provision for income taxes (benefit) allocable to:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(2.8	)	$	(5.6	)	$	(15.4	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Marketable securities		10.9			14.3			-
Currency translation		(1.8	)		6.1			(2.1	)
Interest rate swap		-			.2			-
Pension plans		(2.1	)		1.9			(.6	)
OPEB plans		(.2	)		(.1	)		-

Total	$	4.0		$	16.8		$	(18.1	)

The components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2017 and 2018 are summarized in the following table.

	December 31,
	2017						2018
	Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
	(In millions)
Tax effect of temporary differences related to:
Inventories	$	.3		$	-		$	.4		$	-
Marketable securities		-			(18.4	)		-			(5.6	)
Property and equipment		-			(2.7	)		-			(2.6	)
Accrued OPEB costs		.5			-			.4			-
Accrued pension costs		1.8			-			1.7			-
Accrued employee benefits		1.2			-			1.1			-
Accrued environmental liabilities		24.6			-			33.6			-
Goodwill		-			(1.7	)		-			(1.7	)
Other accrued liabilities and deductible differences		.4			-			.3			-
Tax Loss & Credit Carryforwards		-			-			1.2			-
Other taxable differences		-			(3.0	)		-			(2.4	)
Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.		-			(52.3	)		-			(57.8	)
Adjusted gross deferred tax assets (liabilities)		28.8			(78.1	)		38.7			(70.1	)
Netting of items by tax jurisdiction		(28.8	)		28.8			(38.7	)		38.7

Net noncurrent deferred tax asset (liability)	$	-		$	(49.3	)	$	-		$	(31.4	)

In accordance with GAAP, we recognize deferred income taxes on our undistributed equity in earnings (losses) of Kronos. Because we and Kronos are part of the same U.S. federal income tax group, any dividends we receive from Kronos are nontaxable to us. Accordingly, we do not recognize and we are not required to pay income taxes on dividends from Kronos. We received aggregate dividends from Kronos of $21.1 million in each of 2016 and 2017 and $23.9 million in 2018. See Note 6. The amounts shown in the table above of our income tax rate reconciliation for rate differences on equity in earnings (losses) of Kronos represents the benefit associated with such non-taxability of the dividends we receive from Kronos, as it relates to the amount of deferred income taxes we recognize on our undistributed equity in earnings (losses) of Kronos.

We believe that we have adequate accruals for additional taxes and related interest expense which could ultimately result from tax examinations. We believe the ultimate disposition of tax examinations should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

The following table shows the changes in the amount of our uncertain tax positions (exclusive of the effect of interest and penalties) during 2016, 2017 and 2018:

	December 31,
	2016		2017			2018
	(in millions)
Unrecognized liabilities:
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	12.2	$	12.2		$	7.3
Change in federal tax rate		-		(4.9	)		-
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		-		-			-

Balance at the end of the period	$	12.2	$	7.3		$	7.3

We and Contran file income tax returns in U.S. federal and various state and local jurisdictions. Our U.S. income tax returns prior to 2014 are generally considered closed to examination by applicable tax authorities. On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, formally known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (2017 Tax Act) was enacted into law. This new tax legislation, among other changes, reduces the Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, eliminates the domestic production activities deduction and allows for the expensing of certain capital expenditures. Following the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 to provide guidance on the accounting and reporting impacts of the 2017 Tax Act. SAB 118 states that companies should account for changes related to the 2017 Tax Act in the period of enactment if all information is available and the accounting can be completed. In situations where companies do not have enough information to complete the accounting in the period of enactment, a company must either 1) record an estimated provisional amount if the impact of the change can be reasonably estimated; or 2) continue to apply the accounting guidance that was in effect immediately prior to the 2017 Tax Act if the impact of the change cannot be reasonably estimated. If estimated provisional amounts are recorded, SAB 118 provides a measurement period of no longer than one year during which companies should adjust those amounts as additional information becomes available.

Under GAAP, we were required to revalue our net deferred tax liability associated with our net taxable temporary differences in the period in which the new tax legislation was enacted based on deferred tax balances as of the enactment date, to reflect the effect of such reduction in the corporate income tax rate. Other than with respect to temporary differences related to our marketable securities, and certain year-end actuarial valuations associated with our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans, our temporary differences as of December 31, 2017 were not materially different from our temporary differences as of the enactment date. Accordingly, revaluation of our temporary differences is based on our net deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2017 (except for our temporary differences related to our marketable securities, and certain year-end actuarial valuations associated with our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans, for which such revaluation is based on the deferred income tax asset/liability as of the enactment date). Such revaluation resulted in a non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $37.5 million recognized in continuing operations, reducing our net deferred tax liability. During the third quarter of 2018, in conjunction with finalizing our federal income tax return, we were able to obtain, prepare and analyze the necessary information to complete the accounting related to the revaluation of our net deferred tax liability associated with our U.S. net taxable temporary differences as of December 31, 2017, which resulted in the recognition of an immaterial adjustment to the provisional amount recognized at December 31, 2017. Accordingly, we completed our analysis related to such revaluation as of September 30, 2018.

Income tax matters related to Kronos

Kronos has substantial net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards in Germany (the equivalent of $541 million for German corporate purposes) and in Belgium (the equivalent of $16 million for Belgian corporate tax purposes at December 31, 2018), all of which have an indefinite carryforward period. As a result, Kronos has net deferred income tax assets with respect to these two jurisdictions, primarily related to these NOL carryforwards. The German corporate tax is similar to the U.S. federal income tax, and the German trade tax is similar to the U.S. state income tax (its German trade tax NOLs were fully utilized as of December 31, 2018). Prior to 2017, Kronos concluded that it was required to recognize a non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria with respect to its German and Belgian net deferred income tax assets. At December 31, 2016 such valuation allowance aggregated $173 million ($153 million with respect to Germany and $20 million with respect to Belgium). During the first six months of 2017, Kronos recognized an aggregate non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $12.7 million as a result of a net decrease in such deferred income tax asset valuation allowance, due to utilizing a portion of both the German and Belgian NOL during the period. At June 30, 2017, Kronos concluded it had sufficient positive evidence under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria to support reversal of the entire valuation allowance related to its German and Belgian operations. In accordance with the ASC 740-270 guidance regarding accounting for income taxes at interim dates, the amount of the valuation allowance reversed at June 30, 2017 ($149.9 million, of which $141.9 million related to Germany and $8.0 million related to Belgium) associated with its change in judgment at that date regarding the realizability of the related deferred income tax asset as it relates to future years (i.e. 2018 and after). A change in judgment regarding the realizability of deferred tax assets as it relates to the current year is considered in determining the estimated annual effective tax rate for the year and is recognized throughout the year, including interim periods subsequent to the date of the change in judgment. Accordingly, Kronos’ income tax benefit in calendar year 2017 included an aggregate non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $186.7 million associated with the reversal of the German and Belgian valuation allowance, comprised of $12.7 million recognized in the first half of 2017 (noted above) associated with the utilization of a portion of both the German and Belgian NOLs during such period, $149.9 million related to the portion of the valuation allowance reversed as of June 30, 2017 and $24.1 million recognized in the second half of 2017 associated with the utilization of a portion of both the German and Belgian NOLs during such period. Kronos’ deferred income tax asset valuation allowance increased $13.7 million in 2017 as a result of changes in currency exchange rates, which increase was recognized as part of other comprehensive income (loss).

Under GAAP, Kronos was required to revalue its net deferred tax asset associated with its U.S. net deductible temporary differences in the period in which the new tax legislation is enacted based on deferred tax balances as of the enactment date, to reflect the effect of such reduction in the corporate income tax rate. Kronos’ temporary differences as of December 31, 2017 were not materially different from its temporary differences as of the enactment date, accordingly revaluation of its net deductible temporary differences was based on its net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2017. Such revaluation was recognized in continuing operations and was not material to us.

Prior to the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, the undistributed earnings of Kronos’ European subsidiaries were deemed to be permanently reinvested (Kronos had not made a similar determination with respect to the undistributed earnings of its Canadian subsidiary). Pursuant to the Transition Tax provisions imposing a one-time repatriation tax on post-1986 undistributed earnings, Kronos recognized a provisional current income tax expense of $76.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. The amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017 as a result of the 2017 Tax Act represented estimates based on information available at such date. Kronos elected to pay such tax over an eight year period beginning in 2018, including approximately $6.1 million which was paid in April 2018 (for the 2017 tax year) and $5.8 million which was paid in 2018 (for the 2018 tax year). During the third quarter of 2018, in conjunction with finalizing its federal income tax return and based on additional information that became available (including proposed regulations issued by the IRS in August 2018 with respect to the Transition Tax), Kronos recognized a provisional income tax benefit of $1.7 million which amount is recorded as a measurement-period adjustment, reducing the provisional income tax expense of $76.2 million recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017. As a result, at December 31, 2018, taking into account the prior Transition Tax installments payments of $11.9 million (noted above), the balance of its unpaid Transition Tax aggregates $62.6 million, which will be paid in quarterly installments over the remainder of the eight year period. Of such $62.6 million, $56.6 million is recorded as a noncurrent payable to affiliate (income taxes payable to Valhi) classified as a noncurrent liability in its Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018, and $6.0 million is included with its current payable to affiliate (income taxes payable to Valhi) classified as a current liability (a portion of its noncurrent income tax payable to affiliate was reclassified to its current payable to affiliate for the portion of its 2019 Transition Tax installment due within the next twelve months). Kronos has completed its analysis of the Transition Tax provisions within the prescribed measurement period ending December 22, 2018 pursuant to the guidance under SAB 118.

Prior to the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act the undistributed earnings of Kronos’ European subsidiaries were deemed to be permanently reinvested (Kronos had not made a similar determination with respect to the undistributed earnings of its Canadian subsidiary). As a result of the implementation of a territorial tax system under the 2017 Tax Act, effective January 1, 2018, and the Transition Tax which in effect taxes the post-1986 undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries accumulated up through December 31, 2017, Kronos determined effective December 31, 2017 that all of the post-1986 undistributed earnings of its European subsidiaries are not permanently reinvested. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2017 Kronos recognized an aggregate provisional non-cash deferred income tax expense of $4.5 million based on its reasonable estimates of the U.S. state and non-U.S. income tax and withholding tax liability attributable to all of such previously-considered permanently reinvested undistributed earnings through December 31, 2017. The amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017 as a result of the 2017 Tax Act represented estimates based on information available at such date. Kronos has not made any measurement-period adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017 for this item during 2018 because no new information became available during the period that required an adjustment. However, Kronos recorded a non-cash deferred income tax expense of $2.4 million for the U.S. state and non-U.S. income tax and withholding tax liability attributable to the 2018 undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries in 2018, including withholding taxes related to the undistributed earnings of its Canadian subsidiary. Kronos has completed its analysis as it relates to the implementation of a territorial tax system under the 2017 Tax Act within the prescribed measurement period ending December 22, 2018 pursuant to the guidance under SAB 118.

Under U.S. GAAP, as it relates to the new GILTI tax rules, Kronos is allowed to make an accounting policy choice of either (1) treating taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred (the “period cost method”) or (2) factoring such amounts into the measurement of its deferred taxes (the “deferred method”). While its future global operations depend on a number of different factors, Kronos does expect to have future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI. Kronos did not record any adjustment related to GILTI during the first nine months of 2018 based on its determination that the impact was not material, and based on the guidance available to us at the time. During the fourth quarter of 2018, and taking into consideration proposed regulations issued by the IRS in November 2018 with respect to various related non-U.S. tax credit provisions, Kronos recognized a current cash income tax expense of $3.7 million for GILTI. In conjunction with the issuance of the proposed regulations, taking into consideration the complexities related to an election to recognize deferred taxes for basis differences that are expected to have a GILTI impact in future years, Kronos has concluded that the appropriate accounting policy election is to record GILTI tax as a current-period expense when incurred under the period cost method. As such, Kronos has completed its policy election within the prescribed measurement period ended December 22, 2018 pursuant to the guidance under SAB 118. Similarly, Kronos has evaluated the tax impact of BEAT, taking into consideration proposed regulations issued by the IRS in December 2018 with respect to BEAT, and determined that the tax law imposed under BEAT has no material impact to Kronos as it has historically not entered into international payments between related parties that are unrelated to cost of goods sold. Its determinations under the GILTI, BEAT and related U.S. tax credit provisions are based on the relevant statutes and guidance provided under the proposed regulations. Given the complexity of the international provisions, it is possible that final regulations could differ from the proposed regulations and materially impact its determinations with respect to such items. Any material change will be recognized in the period in which the final regulations are published.

Certain U.S. deferred tax attributes of one of Kronos’ non-U.S. subsidiaries, which subsidiary is treated as a dual resident for U.S. income tax purposes, were subject to various limitations. As a result, Kronos had previously concluded that a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance was required to be recognized with respect to such subsidiary’s U.S. net deferred income tax asset because such assets did not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria primarily due to (i) the various limitations regarding use of such attributes due to the dual residency; (ii) the dual resident subsidiary had a history of losses and absent distributions from its non-U.S. subsidiaries, which were previously not determinable, such subsidiary was expected to continue to generate losses; and (iii) a limited NOL carryforward period for U.S. tax purposes. Because Kronos had concluded the likelihood of realization of such subsidiary’s net deferred income tax asset was remote, Kronos had not previously disclosed such valuation allowance or the associated amount of the subsidiary’s net deferred income tax assets (exclusive of such valuation allowance). Primarily due to changes enacted under the 2017 Tax Act, Kronos concluded it now had sufficient positive evidence under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria to support reversal of the entire valuation allowance related to such subsidiary’s net deferred income tax asset, which evidence included, among other things, (i) the inclusion under Transition Tax provisions of significant earnings for U.S. income tax purposes which significantly and positively impacts the ability of such deferred tax attributes to be utilized by us; (ii) the indefinite carryforward period for U.S. net operating losses incurred after December 31, 2017; (iii) an expectation of continued future profitability for its U.S. operations; and (iv) a positive taxable income basket for U.S. tax purposes in excess of the U.S. deferred tax asset related to the U.S. attributes of such subsidiary. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2017 Kronos recognized an $18.7 million non-cash deferred income tax benefit as a result of the reversal of such valuation allowance.

None of our or Kronos’ U.S. and non-U.S. tax returns are currently under examination. As a result of prior audits in certain jurisdictions which are now settled, in 2008 Kronos filed Advance Pricing Agreement Requests with the tax authorities in the U.S., Canada and Germany. These requests have been under review with the respective tax authorities since 2008 and prior to 2016, it was uncertain whether an agreement would be reached between the tax authorities and whether Kronos would agree to execute and finalize such agreements.

•

During 2016, Contran, as the ultimate parent of its U.S. Consolidated income tax group, executed and finalized an Advance Pricing Agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and Kronos’ Canadian subsidiary executed and finalized an Advance Pricing Agreement with the Competent Authority for Canada (collectively, the “U.S.-Canada APA”) effective for tax years 2005 - 2015. Pursuant to the terms of the U.S.-Canada APA, the U.S. and Canadian tax authorities agreed to certain prior year changes to taxable income of its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries. As a result of such agreed-upon changes, Kronos recognized a $3.4 million current U.S. income tax benefit in 2016. In addition, Kronos’ Canadian subsidiary incurred a cash income tax payment of approximately CAD $3 million (USD $2.3 million) related to the U.S.-Canada APA, but such payment was fully offset by previously provided accruals, and such income tax was paid in the third quarter of 2017.

•

During the third quarter of 2017, Kronos’ Canadian subsidiary executed and finalized an Advance Pricing Agreement with the Competent Authority for Canada (the “Canada-Germany APA”) effective for tax years 2005 - 2017. Pursuant to the terms of the Canada-Germany APA, the Canadian and German tax authorities agreed to certain prior year changes to taxable income of its Canadian and German subsidiaries. As a result of such agreed-upon changes, Kronos reversed a significant portion of its reserve for uncertain tax positions and recognized a non-cash income tax benefit of $8.6 million related to such reversal ($8.1 million recognized in the third quarter of 2017). In addition, Kronos recognized a $2.6 million non-cash income tax benefit related to an increase in its German NOLs and a $.6 million German cash tax refund related to the Canada-Germany APA in the third quarter of 2017.

•

During the first quarter of 2018, Kronos’ German subsidiary executed and finalized the related Advance Pricing Agreement with the Competent Authority for Germany (the “Germany-Canada APA”) effective for tax years 2005 - 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, Kronos recognized a net $1.4 million non-cash income tax benefit related to an APA tax settlement payment between our German and Canadian subsidiaries.

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' equity

Note 15 - Stockholders’ equity:

Long-term incentive compensation plan – We have a long-term incentive plan that provides for the award of stock to our board of directors, and up to a maximum of 200,000 shares can be awarded. We awarded 14,000 shares under this plan in 2016, 9,000 shares in 2017 and 12,600 shares in 2018. At December 31, 2018, 141,400 shares were available for future grants under this plan.

Long-term incentive compensation plan of subsidiaries and affiliates - CompX and Kronos each have a share based incentive compensation plan pursuant to which an aggregate of up to 200,000 shares of their common stock can be awarded to members of their board of directors. At December 31, 2018, Kronos had 149,900 shares available for award and CompX had 156,550 shares available for award.

Dividends – Prior to 2016, after considering our results of operations, financial conditions and cash requirements for our businesses, our Board of Directors suspended our regular quarterly dividend. The declaration and payment of future dividends, and the amount thereof, is discretionary and is dependent upon these and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NL stockholders, including amounts resulting from our investment in Kronos Worldwide (see Note 6), are presented in the table below.

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(in thousands)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Marketable securities:
Balance at beginning of year	$	195		$	20,473		$	46,069
Change in accounting principle		-			-			(46,069	)
Balance at beginning of year, as adjusted		195			20,473			-
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the year		20,278			25,596			-
Less reclassification adjustment for amounts included
in realized loss		-			-			-

Balance at end of year	$	20,473		$	46,069		$	-

Currency translation:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(172,384	)	$	(175,859	)	$	(164,467	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Arising during the year		(3,475	)		11,392			(7,967	)

Balance at end of year	$	(175,859	)	$	(164,467	)	$	(172,434	)

Interest rate swap:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(445	)	$	(390	)	$	-
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized losses arising during the year		(393	)		(296	)		-
Reclassification adjustments for amounts included in equity in earnings of Kronos		448			686			-

Balance at end of year	$	(390	)	$	-		$	-

Defined benefit pension plans:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(72,712	)	$	(76,710	)	$	(72,951	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Amortization of prior service cost and net losses
included in net periodic pension cost		2,655			2,956			(2,335	)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year		(6,653	)		803			-

Balance at end of year	$	(76,710	)	$	(72,951	)	$	(75,286	)

Other:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(12	)	$	(360	)	$	(388	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net change in balance during year		(348	)		(28	)		(162	)

Balance at end of year	$	(360	)	$	(388	)	$	(550	)

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(245,358	)	$	(232,846	)	$	(191,737	)
Change in accounting principle		-			-			(46,069	)
Balance at beginning of year, as adjusted		(245,358	)		(232,846	)		(237,806	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		12,512			41,109			(10,464	)

Balance at end of year	$	(232,846	)	$	(191,737	)	$	(248,270	)

See Note 11 for amounts related to our defined benefit pension plans.

Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Related party transactions

Note 16 - Related party transactions:

We may be deemed to be controlled by Ms. Simmons and Ms. Connelly. See Note 1. Corporations that may be deemed to be controlled by or affiliated with such individuals sometimes engage in (a) intercorporate transactions such as guarantees, management and expense sharing arrangements, shared fee arrangements, joint ventures, partnerships, loans, options, advances of funds on open account, and sales, leases and exchanges of assets, including securities issued by both related and unrelated parties and (b) common investment and acquisition strategies, business combinations, reorganizations, recapitalizations, securities repurchases, and purchases and sales (and other acquisitions and dispositions) of subsidiaries, divisions or other business units, which transactions have involved both related and unrelated parties and have included transactions which resulted in the acquisition by one related party of a publicly-held noncontrolling interest in another related party. While no transactions of the type described above are planned or proposed with respect to us other than as set forth in these financial statements, we continuously consider, review and evaluate, and understand that Contran and related entities consider, review and evaluate such transactions. Depending upon the business, tax and other objectives then relevant, it is possible that we might be a party to one or more such transactions in the future.

Current receivables and payables to affiliates are summarized in the table below:

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(In thousands)
Current receivables from affiliates:
Refundable income taxes from Valhi	$	1,767	$	249
Other - trade items		-		543

Total	$	1,767	$	792



Current payables to affiliates:
Other - trade items	$	429	$	567

From time to time, we may have loans and advances outstanding between us and various related parties, pursuant to term and demand notes. We generally enter into these loans and advances for cash management purposes. When we loan funds to related parties, we are generally able to earn a higher rate of return on the loan than the lender would earn if the funds were invested in other instruments and when we borrow from related parties, we are generally able to pay a lower rate of interest than we would pay if we borrowed from unrelated parties. While certain of such loans may be of a lesser credit quality than cash equivalent instruments otherwise available to us, we believe that we have evaluated the credit risks involved and reflected those credit risks in the terms of the applicable loans. On November 14, 2016, NLKW entered into the Valhi Credit Facility whereby, we could borrow up to $50 million. NLKW had borrowings outstanding of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2018 under the Valhi Credit Facility, and we incurred a nominal amount of interest expense under such credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018. See Note 10. In addition, in August 2016 CompX entered into an unsecured revolving demand promissory note with Valhi whereby CompX has agreed to loan Valhi up to $40 million. CompX’s loan to Valhi bears interest at prime plus 1.00%, payable quarterly, with all principal due on demand, but in any event no earlier than December 31, 2020. The amount of CompX’s outstanding loans to Valhi at any time is at its discretion. At December 31, 2018, the outstanding principal balance receivable from Valhi under the promissory note was $34.0 million. Interest income (including unused commitment fees) on CompX’s loan to Valhi was $.2 million in 2016, $1.8 million in 2017 and $2.1 million in 2018. On December 31, 2018 (one day after CompX’s 2018 fiscal year, but on the last day of the fiscal year for Valhi), CompX loaned $6.0 million to Valhi, increasing the outstanding principal balance receivable from Valhi under the promissory note to $40.0 million.

Under the terms of various intercorporate services agreements (ISAs) we enter into with Contran, employees of Contran will provide certain management, tax planning, financial and administrative services to the company on a fee basis. Such charges are based upon estimates of the time devoted by the Contran employees to our affairs and the compensation and other expenses associated with those persons. Because of the number of companies affiliated with Contran, we believe we benefit from cost savings and economies of scale gained by not having certain management, financial and administrative staffs duplicated at each entity, thus allowing certain Contran employees to provide services to multiple companies but only be compensated by Contran. The net ISA fees charged to us by Contran, (including amounts attributable to Kronos for all periods) aggregated approximately $24.5 million in 2016 and 2017 and $32.0 million in 2018. This agreement is renewed annually.

Contran and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including us, purchase certain of their insurance policies as a group, with the costs of the jointly-owned policies being apportioned among the participating companies. Tall Pines Insurance Company and EWI RE, Inc. provide for or broker certain insurance policies for Contran and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including us. Tall Pines purchases reinsurance from third-party insurance carriers with an A.M. Best Company rating of generally at least A- (excellent) for substantially all of the risks it underwrites. Tall Pines is a subsidiary of Valhi and EWI is a subsidiary of Valhi and us. Consistent with insurance industry practices, Tall Pines and EWI receive commissions from insurance and reinsurance underwriters and/or assess fees for the policies that they provide or broker. The aggregate premiums paid to Tall Pines and EWI by us (including amounts attributable to Kronos for all periods, including its Louisiana Pigment Company joint venture), were $11.3 million in 2016, $11.8 million in 2017 and $12.6 million in 2018. These amounts principally represent payments for insurance premiums, which include premiums or fees paid to Tall Pines or fees paid to EWI. These amounts also include payments to insurers or reinsurers through EWI for the reimbursement of claims within our applicable deductible or retention ranges that such insurers or reinsurers paid to third parties on our behalf, as well as amounts for claims and risk management services and various other third-party fees and expenses incurred by the program. We expect these relationships with Tall Pines and EWI will continue in 2019.

With respect to certain of such jointly-owned policies, it is possible that unusually large losses incurred by one or more insured party during a given policy period could leave the other participating companies without adequate coverage under that policy for the balance of the policy period. As a result, and in the event that the available coverage under a particular policy would become exhausted by one or more claims, Contran and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including us, have entered into a loss sharing agreement under which any uninsured loss arising because the available coverage had been exhausted by one or more claims will be shared ratably amongst those entities that had submitted claims under the relevant policy. We believe the benefits in the form of reduced premiums and broader coverage associated with the group coverage for such policies justifies the risk associated with the potential for any uninsured loss.

Contran and certain of its subsidiaries, including us, participate in a combined information technology data recovery program that Contran provides from a data recovery center that it established. Pursuant to the program, Contran and certain of its subsidiaries, including us, as a group share information technology data recovery services. The program apportions its costs among the participating companies. The aggregate amount we paid to Contran for such services (including amounts attributable to Kronos for all periods) was $158,000 in 2016, $161,000 in 2017 and $312,000 in 2018. We expect that this relationship with Contran will continue in 2019.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and contingencies

Note 17 - Commitments and contingencies:

Lead pigment litigation

Our former operations included the manufacture of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint. We, other former manufacturers of lead pigments for use in paint and lead-based paint (together, the “former pigment manufacturers”), and the Lead Industries Association (LIA), which discontinued business operations in 2002, have been named as defendants in various legal proceedings seeking damages for personal injury, property damage and governmental expenditures allegedly caused by the use of lead-based paints. Certain of these actions have been filed by or on behalf of states, counties, cities or their public housing authorities and school districts, and certain others have been asserted as class actions. These lawsuits seek recovery under a variety of theories, including public and private nuisance, negligent product design, negligent failure to warn, strict liability, breach of warranty, conspiracy/concert of action, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, market share or risk contribution liability, intentional tort, fraud and misrepresentation, violations of state consumer protection statutes, supplier negligence and similar claims.

The plaintiffs in these actions generally seek to impose on the defendants responsibility for lead paint abatement and health concerns associated with the use of lead-based paints, including damages for personal injury, contribution and/or indemnification for medical expenses, medical monitoring expenses and costs for educational programs. To the extent the plaintiffs seek compensatory or punitive damages in these actions, such damages are generally unspecified. In some cases, the damages are unspecified pursuant to the requirements of applicable state law. A number of cases are inactive or have been dismissed or withdrawn. Most of the remaining cases are in various pre-trial stages. Some are on appeal following dismissal or summary judgment rulings or a trial verdict in favor of either the defendants or the plaintiffs.

We believe that these actions are without merit, and we intend to continue to deny all allegations of wrongdoing and liability and to defend against all actions vigorously. Other than with respect to the Santa Clara, California public nuisance case discussed below, we do not believe it is probable that we have incurred any liability with respect to all of the lead pigment litigation cases to which we are a party, and with respect to all such lead pigment litigation cases to which we are a party, other than with respect to the Santa Clara case discussed below, we believe liability to us that may result, if any, in this regard cannot be reasonably estimated, because:

•

we have never settled any of the market share, intentional tort, fraud, nuisance, supplier negligence, breach of warranty, conspiracy, misrepresentation, aiding and abetting, enterprise liability, or statutory cases (subject to the final outcome of the Santa Clara case discussed below),

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no final, non-appealable adverse verdicts have ever been entered against us (subject to the final outcome of the Santa Clara case discussed below), and

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we have never ultimately been found liable with respect to any such litigation matters, including over 100 cases over a twenty-year period for which we were previously a party and for which we have been dismissed without any finding of liability (subject to the final outcome of the Santa Clara case discussed below).

Accordingly, other than with respect to the Santa Clara case discussed below, we have not accrued any amounts for any of the pending lead pigment and lead-based paint litigation cases filed by or on behalf of states, counties, cities or their public housing authorities and school districts, or those asserted as class actions other than the Santa Clara case noted below. In addition, we have determined that liability to us which may result, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time because there is no prior history of a loss of this nature on which an estimate could be made and there is no substantive information available upon which an estimate could be based.

In one of these lead pigment cases, in April 2000 we were served with a complaint in County of Santa Clara v. Atlantic Richfield Company, et al. (Superior Court of the State of California, County of Santa Clara, Case No. 1-00-CV-788657) brought by a number of California government entities against the former pigment manufacturers, the LIA and certain paint manufacturers. The County of Santa Clara sought to recover compensatory damages for funds the plaintiffs have expended or would in the future expend for medical treatment, educational expenses, abatement or other costs due to exposure to, or potential exposure to, lead paint, disgorgement of profit, and punitive damages. In July 2003, the trial judge granted defendants’ motion to dismiss all remaining claims. Plaintiffs appealed and the intermediate appellate court reinstated public nuisance, negligence, strict liability, and fraud claims in March 2006. A fourth amended complaint was filed in March 2011 on behalf of The People of California by the County Attorneys of Alameda, Ventura, Solano, San Mateo, Los Angeles and Santa Clara, and the City Attorneys of San Francisco, San Diego and Oakland. That complaint alleged that the presence of lead paint created a public nuisance in each of the prosecuting jurisdictions and sought its abatement. In July and August 2013, the case was tried. In January 2014, the trial court judge issued a judgment finding us, The Sherwin Williams Company and ConAgra Grocery Products Company jointly and severally liable for the abatement of lead paint in pre-1980 homes, and ordered the defendants to pay an aggregate $1.15 billion to the people of the State of California to fund such abatement. The trial court’s judgment also found that to the extent any abatement funds remained unspent after four years, such funds were to be returned to the defendants. In February 2014, we filed a motion for a new trial, and in March 2014 the trial court denied the motion. Subsequently in March 2014, we filed a notice of appeal with the Sixth District Court of Appeal for the State of California. On November 14, 2017, the Sixth District Court of Appeal issued its opinion, upholding the trial court’s judgment, except that it reversed the portion of the judgment requiring abatement of homes built between 1951 and 1980 which significantly reduced the number of homes subject to the abatement order. In addition, the appellate court ordered the case be remanded to the trial court to recalculate the amount of the abatement fund, to limit it to the amount necessary to cover the cost of investigating and remediating pre-1951 homes, and to hold an evidentiary hearing to appoint a suitable receiver. In addition, the appellate court found that we and the other defendants had the right to seek recovery from liable parties that contributed to a hazardous condition at a particular property. Subsequently, we and the other defendants filed a Petition with the California Supreme Court seeking its review of a number of issues. On February 14, 2018, the California Supreme Court denied such petition.

The Santa Clara case is unusual in that this is the second time that an adverse verdict in a public nuisance lead pigment case has been entered against us (the first adverse verdict against us was ultimately overturned on appeal). Given the appellate court’s November 2017 ruling, and the denial of an appeal by the California Supreme Court, we previously concluded that the likelihood of a loss in this case has reached a standard of “probable” as contemplated by ASC 450.

Under the remand ordered by the appellate court, the trial court was required to, among other things, (i) recalculate the amount of the abatement fund, excluding remediation of homes built between 1951 and 1980, (ii) hold an evidentiary hearing to appoint a suitable receiver for the abatement fund and (iii) enter an order setting forth its rulings on these issues. We believe any party will have a right to appeal any of these new decisions to be made by the trial court from the remand of the case. Several uncertainties will still exist with respect to the new decisions to be made by the trial court from the remand of the case, including the following:

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The appellate court remanded the case back to the trial court to recalculate the total amount of the abatement, limiting the abatement to pre-1951 homes. In this regard, NL and the other defendants filed a brief with the trial court proposing a recalculated maximum abatement fund amount of no more than $409 million and plaintiffs filed a brief proposing an abatement fund amount of $730 million. In September 2018, following a case-management hearing regarding the recalculated abatement fund amount held in August 2018, the trial court issued an order setting the recalculated amount of the abatement fund at $409 million;

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The appellate court upheld NL’s and the other defendants’ right to seek contribution from other liable parties (e.g. property owners who have violated the applicable housing code) on a house-by-house basis. The method by which the trial court would undertake to determine such house-by-house responsibility, and the outcome of such a house-by-house determination, is not presently known;

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Participation in any abatement program by each homeowner is voluntary, and each homeowner would need to consent to allowing someone to come into the home to undertake any inspection and abatement, as well as consent to the nature, timing and extent of any abatement. The original trial court’s judgment unrealistically assumed 100% participation by the affected homeowners. Actual participation rates are likely to be less than 100% (the ultimate extent of participation is not presently known);

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The remedy ordered by the trial court is an abatement fund. The trial court ordered that any funds unspent after four years are to be returned to the defendants (this provision of the trial court’s original judgment was not overturned by the appellate court). As noted above, the actual number of homes which would participate in any abatement, and the nature, timing and extent of any such abatement, is not presently known; and

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We and the other two defendants are jointly and severally liable for the abatement, which means we or either of the two other defendants could ultimately be responsible for payment of the full amount of the abatement fund. However, we do not believe any individual defendant would be 100% responsible for the cost of any abatement, and the allocation of the recalculated amount of the abatement fund ($409 million, as explained below) among the three defendants has not yet been determined.

In May 2018, we and the plaintiffs entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which, as supplemented, the plaintiffs would be paid an aggregate of $80 million, in return for which we would be dismissed from the case with prejudice and all pending and future claims, causes of action, cross-complaints, actions or proceedings against us and our affiliates for indemnity, contribution, reimbursement or declaratory relief in respect to the case would be barred, discharged and enjoined as a matter of applicable law. Of such $80 million, $65 million would be paid by us and $15 million would be provided by one of our former insurance carriers that has previously placed such amount on deposit with the trial court in satisfaction of potential liability such former carrier might have with respect to the case under certain insurance policies we had with such former carrier. Of such $65 million which would be paid by us, $45 million would be paid upon approval of the terms of the settlement, and the remaining $20 million would be paid in five annual installments beginning four years from such approval ($6 million for the first installment, $5 million for the second installment and $3 million for each of the third, fourth and fifth installments). The settlement agreement is subject to a number of conditions including the trial court’s approval of the terms of the settlement (which trial court approval includes a determination that such settlement agreement meets the standards for a “good faith” settlement under applicable California law). The other defendants filed motions with the trial court objecting to the terms of the settlement.

With all of the uncertainties that exist with respect to the new decisions to be made by the trial court from the remand of the case, as noted above, we had previously concluded that the amount of such loss could not be reasonably estimated (nor could a range of loss be reasonably estimated). However, the terms of the settlement agreement entered into by us and the plaintiffs in May 2018, as supplemented, provides evidence that the amount of the loss to us could be reasonably estimated (and provides evidence of the low end of a range of loss to us). For financial reporting purposes, we discounted the five payments aggregating $20 million to be paid in installments to their estimated net present value, using a discount rate of 3.0% per annum. Such net present value is $17 million, and we would begin to accrete such present value amount upon approval of the settlement agreement. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 2018 we recognized a net $62 million pre-tax charge with respect to this matter ($45 million for the amount to be paid by us upon approval of the terms of the settlement and $17 million for the net present value of the five payments aggregating $20 million to be paid by us in installments beginning four years from such approval), representing the net amount we would pay in full settlement of our liability under the terms of the proposed settlement agreement. For purposes of our Consolidated Balance Sheet, we have presented the aggregate $45 million that would be paid to the plaintiffs upon approval of the terms of the settlement and the $15 million that would be paid to the plaintiffs from the amount placed on deposit with the trial court by one of our former insurance carriers (for a total of $60 million) as a current liability, $17 million for the net present value of the five payments aggregating $20 million to be paid by us in installments beginning four years from such approval as a noncurrent liability and the $15 million portion of such aggregate $80 million undiscounted amount which would be funded from the amount placed on deposit with the trial court by one of our former insurance carriers as a current insurance recovery receivable.

In July 2018, we and the other defendants filed appeals with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking its review of two federal issues in the trial court’s original judgment. Review by the U.S. Supreme Court is discretionary, and in October 2018 the U.S. Supreme Court denied the petitions for the Court to hear such appeals.

In September 2018, following a case-management hearing regarding the recalculated abatement fund amount held in August 2018, the trial court issued an order setting the recalculated amount of the abatement fund at $409 million. Also in September 2018, the trial court denied approval of the settlement agreement, finding among other things that the settlement agreement did not meet the standards for a “good faith” settlement under applicable California law.

Subsequently in October 2018, we filed an appeal of the trial court’s denial of approval of the settlement agreement with the Sixth District Court of Appeal for the State of California, asserting among other things that in denying such approval the trial court made several legal errors in applying applicable California law to the terms of the settlement. The plaintiffs filed a brief in support of our appeal. The appellate court has discretion whether to hear such appeal, and the appellate court has not yet issued its decision as to whether it will hear such appeal. There can be no assurance that the appellate court will agree to hear such appeal, or if it agrees to hear such appeal, that it would rule in favor of us and approve the settlement agreement. We continue to believe the settlement agreement satisfies the standards for a “good faith” settlement under applicable California law.

The trial court has selected a receiver for the abatement fund, but the terms of an order appointing the receiver have not been determined and will be the subject of a further hearing scheduled in March 2019. The trial court has also stated it will not enter the judgment in the case until after the Sixth District Court of Appeal determines whether to hear the appeal regarding our settlement agreement. We expect the judgment will require full payment of all amounts due by us and the other defendants in respect to the abatement fund within sixty days of entry of the judgment.

If the appellate court does not reverse the trial court decision and approve the terms of this or any other settlement agreement between us and the plaintiffs, the proceedings in the trial court under the remand, as discussed above, would continue. In such event, NL’s share of the recalculated amount of the abatement fund ($409 million) is not presently known, and other uncertainties exist with respect to the new decisions to be made by the trial court from the remand of the case, as discussed above, including but not limited to the final amount of the abatement fund ($409 million) which will ultimately be expended, particularly because participation in the abatement program by eligible homeowners is voluntary and the ultimate extent of participation and how the abatement fund will be administered is uncertain. As with any legal proceeding, there is no assurance that any appeal would be successful, and it is reasonably possible, based on the outcome of the appeals process and the remand proceedings in the trial court, that NL may in the future incur liability resulting in the recognition of an additional loss contingency accrual that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

In November 2018, NL was served with two complaints filed by county governments in Pennsylvania. Each county alleges that NL and several other defendants created a public nuisance by selling and promoting lead-containing paints and pigments in the counties. The plaintiffs seek abatement and declaratory relief. We believe these lawsuits are inconsistent with Pennsylvania law and without merit, and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously.

New cases may continue to be filed against us. We cannot assure you that we will not incur liability in the future in respect of any of the pending or possible litigation in view of the inherent uncertainties involved in court and jury rulings. In the future, if new information regarding such matters becomes available to us (such as a final, non-appealable adverse verdict against us or otherwise ultimately being found liable with respect to such matters), at that time we would consider such information in evaluating any remaining cases then-pending against us as to whether it might then have become probable we have incurred liability with respect to these matters, and whether such liability, if any, could have become reasonably estimable. The resolution of any of these cases could result in the recognition of a loss contingency accrual that could have a material adverse impact on our net income for the interim or annual period during which such liability is recognized and a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition and liquidity.

Environmental matters and litigation

Our operations are governed by various environmental laws and regulations. Certain of our businesses are and have been engaged in the handling, manufacture or use of substances or compounds that may be considered toxic or hazardous within the meaning of applicable environmental laws and regulations. As with other companies engaged in similar businesses, certain of our past and current operations and products have the potential to cause environmental or other damage. We have implemented and continue to implement various policies and programs in an effort to minimize these risks. Our policy is to maintain compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations at all of our plants and to strive to improve environmental performance. From time to time, we may be subject to environmental regulatory enforcement under U.S. and non-U.S. statutes, the resolution of which typically involves the establishment of compliance programs. It is possible that future developments, such as stricter requirements of environmental laws and enforcement policies, could adversely affect our production, handling, use, storage, transportation, sale or disposal of such substances. We believe that all of our facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws.

Certain properties and facilities used in our former operations, including divested primary and secondary lead smelters and former mining locations, are the subject of civil litigation, administrative proceedings or investigations arising under federal and state environmental laws and common law. Additionally, in connection with past operating practices, we are currently involved as a defendant, potentially responsible party (PRP) or both, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (CERCLA), and similar state laws in various governmental and private actions associated with waste disposal sites, mining locations, and facilities that we or our predecessors, our subsidiaries or their predecessors currently or previously owned, operated or used, certain of which are on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund National Priorities List or similar state lists. These proceedings seek cleanup costs, damages for personal injury or property damage and/or damages for injury to natural resources. Certain of these proceedings involve claims for substantial amounts. Although we may be jointly and severally liable for these costs, in most cases we are only one of a number of PRPs who may also be jointly and severally liable, and among whom costs may be shared or allocated. In addition, we are occasionally named as a party in a number of personal injury lawsuits filed in various jurisdictions alleging claims related to environmental conditions alleged to have resulted from our operations.

Obligations associated with environmental remediation and related matters are difficult to assess and estimate for numerous reasons including the:

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complexity and differing interpretations of governmental regulations,

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number of PRPs and their ability or willingness to fund such allocation of costs,

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financial capabilities of the PRPs and the allocation of costs among them,

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solvency of other PRPs,

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multiplicity of possible solutions,

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number of years of investigatory, remedial and monitoring activity required,

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uncertainty over the extent, if any, to which our former operations might have contributed to the conditions allegedly giving rise to such personal injury, property damage, natural resource and related claims and

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number of years between former operations and notice of claims and lack of information and documents about the former operations.

In addition, the imposition of more stringent standards or requirements under environmental laws or regulations, new developments or changes regarding site cleanup costs or the allocation of costs among PRPs, solvency of other PRPs, the results of future testing and analysis undertaken with respect to certain sites or a determination that we are potentially responsible for the release of hazardous substances at other sites, could cause our expenditures to exceed our current estimates. We cannot assure you that actual costs will not exceed accrued amounts or the upper end of the range for sites for which estimates have been made, and we cannot assure you that costs will not be incurred for sites where no estimates presently can be made. Further, additional environmental and related matters may arise in the future. If we were to incur any future liability, this could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, results of operations and liquidity.

We record liabilities related to environmental remediation and related matters (including costs associated with damages for personal injury or property damage and/or damages for injury to natural resources) when estimated future expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. We adjust such accruals as further information becomes available to us or as circumstances change. Unless the amounts and timing of such estimated future expenditures are fixed and reasonably determinable, we generally do not discount estimated future expenditures to their present value due to the uncertainty of the timing of the payout. We recognize recoveries of costs from other parties, if any, as assets when their receipt is deemed probable. At December 31, 2017, we did not recognized any receivables for recoveries and at December 31, 2018 we have recognized $15.0 million of receivables for recoveries related to the lead pigment litigation in California discussed above.

We do not know and cannot estimate the exact time frame over which we will make payments for our accrued environmental and related costs. The timing of payments depends upon a number of factors, including but not limited to the timing of the actual remediation process; which in turn depends on factors outside of our control. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of our accrued environmental and related costs which we expect to pay within the next twelve months, and we classify this estimate as a current liability. We classify the remaining accrued environmental costs as a noncurrent liability.

The table below presents a summary of the activity in our accrued environmental costs during the past three years. The amount charged to expense is included in corporate expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(In thousands)
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	113,133		$	116,658		$	111,909
Additions charged to expense, net		5,152			3,376			2,735
Payments, net		(1,627	)		(8,125	)		(16,433	)

Balance at the end of the year	$	116,658		$	111,909		$	98,211

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
Current liability	$	13,350		$	5,302		$	5,027
Noncurrent liability		103,308			106,607			93,184

Balance at the end of the year	$	116,658		$	111,909		$	98,211

On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the potential range of our liability for environmental remediation and related costs at sites where we have been named as a PRP or defendant, including sites for which our wholly-owned environmental management subsidiary, NL Environmental Management Services, Inc., (EMS), has contractually assumed our obligations. At December 31, 2018, we had accrued approximately $98 million related to approximately 35 sites associated with remediation and related matters that we believe are at the present time and/or in their current phase reasonably estimable. The upper end of the range of reasonably possible costs to us for remediation and related matters for which we believe it is possible to estimate costs is approximately $117 million, including the amount currently accrued. These accruals have not been discounted to present value.

We believe that it is not possible to estimate the range of costs for certain sites. At December 31, 2018, there were approximately 5 sites for which we are not currently able to estimate a range of costs. For these sites, generally the investigation is in the early stages, and we are unable to determine whether or not we actually had any association with the site, the nature of our responsibility, for the contamination at the site, if any, and the extent of contamination at and cost to remediate the site. The timing and availability of information on these sites is dependent on events outside of our control, such as when the party alleging liability provides information to us. At certain of these previously inactive sites, we have received general and special notices of liability from the EPA and/or state agencies alleging that we, sometimes with other PRPs, are liable for past and future costs of remediating environmental contamination allegedly caused by former operations. These notifications may assert that we, along with any other alleged PRPs, are liable for past and/or future clean-up costs. As further information becomes available to us for any of these sites which would allow us to estimate a range of costs, we would at that time adjust our accruals. Any such adjustment could result in the recognition of an accrual that would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, results of operations and liquidity.

Insurance coverage claims

We are involved in certain legal proceedings with a number of our former insurance carriers regarding the nature and extent of the carriers’ obligations to us under insurance policies with respect to certain lead pigment and asbestos lawsuits. The issue of whether insurance coverage for defense costs or indemnity or both will be found to exist for our lead pigment and asbestos litigation depends upon a variety of factors and we cannot assure you that such insurance coverage will be available.

We have agreements with three former insurance carriers pursuant to which the carriers reimburse us for a portion of our future lead pigment litigation defense costs, and one such carrier reimburses us for a portion of our future asbestos litigation defense costs. We are not able to determine how much we will ultimately recover from these carriers for defense costs incurred by us because of certain issues that arise regarding which defense costs qualify for reimbursement. While we continue to seek additional insurance recoveries, we do not know if we will be successful in obtaining reimbursement for either defense costs or indemnity. Accordingly, we recognize insurance recoveries in income only when receipt of the recovery is probable and we are able to reasonably estimate the amount of the recovery.

Other litigation

In addition to the litigation described above, we and our affiliates are also involved in various other environmental, contractual, product liability, patent (or intellectual property), employment and other claims and disputes incidental to present and former businesses. In certain cases, we have insurance coverage for these items, although we do not expect additional material insurance coverage for environmental matters. We currently believe the disposition of all of these various other claims and disputes (including asbestos-related claims), individually and in the aggregate, should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity beyond the accruals already provided.

Concentrations of credit risk

Component products are sold primarily in North America to original equipment manufacturers. The ten largest customers related to our operations accounted for approximately 46% in 2016 and 44% in each of 2017 and 2018. One customer of CompX’s Security Products business accounted for 14% of total sales in 2016, 16% in 2017 and 13% in 2018. Another customer of CompX’s Security Products business accounted for approximately 11% in 2016.

Other

Rent expense principally for CompX operating facilities and equipment was not significant in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and at December 31, 2018, future minimum rentals under noncancellable operating leases are also not significant.

Income taxes

We and Valhi are a party to a tax sharing agreement providing for the allocation of tax liabilities and tax payments as described in Note 1. Under applicable law, we, as well as every other member of the Contran Tax Group, are each jointly and severally liable for the aggregate federal income tax liability of Contran and the other companies included in the Contran Tax Group for all periods in which we are included in the Contran Tax Group. Valhi has agreed, however, to indemnify us for any liability for income taxes of the Contran Tax Group in excess of our tax liability computed in accordance with the tax sharing agreement.

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial instruments

Note 18 - Financial instruments:

The following table presents the financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure as December 31, 2017 and 2018:

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	102,941	$	102,941	$	120,989	$	120,989
Noncontrolling interest in CompX common stock		17,756		22,224		19,443		22,871

The fair value of our noncontrolling interest in CompX stockholders’ equity is based upon its quoted market price at each balance sheet date, which represents Level 1 inputs. Due to their near-term maturities, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered equivalent to fair value.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

Recent accounting pronouncements

Note 19 – Recent accounting pronouncements:

Adopted

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) for all contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. Prior to adoption of this standard, we recorded sales when our products were shipped and title and other risks and rewards of ownership had passed to our customer, which was generally at the time of shipment (although in some instances shipping terms were FOB destination point, for which we did not recognize revenue until the product was received by our customer). Following adoption of this standard, we record sales when we satisfy our performance obligations to our customers by transferring control of our products to them, which we have determined is at the same point in time that we recognized revenue prior to adoption of this new standard. Accordingly, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, and we believe adoption of this standard will have a minimal effect on our revenues on an ongoing basis. See Note 2.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which addresses certain aspects related to the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The ASU requires equity investments (except for those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in the consolidation of the investee) to generally be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income (previously, changes in fair value of such securities were recognized in other comprehensive income). The amendment also requires a number of other changes, including among others: simplifying the impairment assessment for equity instruments without readily determinable fair values; eliminating the requirement for public business entities to disclose methods and assumptions used to determine fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost; requiring an exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; and requiring separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and form of asset. We adopted the new standard prospectively. The most significant aspect of adopting this ASU is the requirement to recognize changes in fair value of our available-for-sale marketable equity securities in net income. At December 31, 2017, our entire portfolio of marketable securities consisted of marketable equity securities. Upon adoption of the ASU on January 1, 2018, the entire balance of our accumulated other comprehensive income related to marketable securities of $46.1 million was reclassified to our beginning retained earnings pursuant to the transition requirements of the ASU.

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation— Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires that the service cost component of net periodic defined benefit pension and OPEB cost be reported in the same line item as other compensation costs for applicable employees incurred during the period. Other components of such net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component, and below income from operations (if such a subtotal is presented). These other net benefit cost components must be disclosed either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements. In addition only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization in assets where applicable (inventory or internally constructed fixed assets for example). We adopted the amendments in ASU 2017-07 beginning in the first quarter of 2018, with retrospective presentation in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We began applying ASU 2017-07 prospectively beginning on January 1, 2018 as it relates to the capitalization of the service cost component of net benefit cost into assets (primarily inventory). We are availing ourselves of the practical expedient that permits us to use amounts we previously disclosed as components of our net periodic defined benefit pension and OPEB cost for periods prior to the adoption of this ASU as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. As a result, we have reclassified $.3 million and $.8 million previously classified as part of corporate expense for 2016 and 2017, respectively, to “Other components of net periodic pension and OPEB cost” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Pending Adoption

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which is a comprehensive rewriting of the lease accounting guidance which aims to increase comparability and transparency with regard to lease transactions. The primary change for leases currently classified as operating leases is the balance sheet recognition of a lease asset for the right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability for the lessee’s obligation to make payments. The ASU, as amended, also requires increased qualitative disclosure about leases in addition to quantitative disclosures currently required. We will adopt ASU 2016-02 beginning in the first quarter of 2019. Due to our minimal utilization of lease financing, we have concluded that the adoption of this standard will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Quarterly Results of Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly results of operations

Note 20 - Quarterly results of operations (unaudited):

	Quarter ended
	March 31		June 30			Sept. 30			Dec. 31
	(In millions, except per share data)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Net sales	$	29.9	$	30.0		$	27.0		$	25.1
Gross margin		9.7		9.5			8.2			7.4
Net income		8.8		41.6			17.8			49.6
Amounts attributable to NL stockholders:
Net income		8.3		41.2			17.5			49.1
Income per common share	$	.17	$	.85		$	.36		$	1.00

Year ended December 31, 2018
Net sales	$	28.4	$	32.4		$	30.0		$	27.4
Gross margin		9.5		11.2			9.6			7.9
Net income (loss)		14.7		(42.0	)		(14.9	)		3.1
Amounts attributable to NL stockholders:
Net income (loss)		14.2		(42.6	)		(15.4	)		2.8
Income (loss) per common share	$	.29	$	(.87	)	$	(.32	)	$	.06

We recognized the following amounts during 2017:

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income of $37.5 million in the fourth quarter related to a non-cash deferred income tax benefit related to the revaluation of our net deferred income tax liability resulting from the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate enacted into law on December 22, 2017 (see Note 14),

•

income of $1.0 million in the first quarter, $31.1 million in the second quarter, $1.5 million in the third quarter, and $3.2 million in the fourth quarter, each net of income taxes, included in our equity in earnings of Kronos related to a non-cash deferred income tax benefit recognized as the result of the reversal of Kronos’ deferred income tax asset valuation allowance associated with its German and Belgian operations (see Note 14),

•

loss of $15.1 million in the fourth quarter, net of income taxes, included in our equity in earnings of Kronos related to Kronos’ current income tax expense recognized as the result of change in the 2017 Tax Act enacted on December 22, 2017 for the one-time repatriation tax imposed on the post-1986 undistributed earnings of Kronos’ non-U.S. subsidiaries (see Note 14),

•

income of $3.7 million in the fourth quarter, net of income taxes, included in our equity in earnings of Kronos related to Kronos’ non-cash deferred income tax benefit recognized as the result of the reversal of Kronos’ deferred income tax asset valuation allowance related to certain U.S. deferred income tax assets of one of Kronos’ non-U.S. subsidiaries (which subsidiary is treated as a dual resident for U.S. income tax purposes) (see Note 14),

•

income of $2.2 million in the third quarter, net of income taxes, included in our equity in earnings of Kronos related to the execution and finalization of an Advanced Pricing Agreement between Canada and Germany, mostly in the third quarter (see Note 14),

•

loss of $.9 million in the fourth quarter, net of income taxes, included in our equity in earnings of Kronos related to Kronos’ non-cash deferred income tax expense as a result of a change in its conclusions regarding Kronos’ permanent reinvestment assertion with respect to the post-1986 undistributed earnings of its European subsidiaries (see Note 14), and

•

loss of $.9 million in the third quarter, net of income taxes, included in our equity in earnings of Kronos related to Kronos’ loss on prepayment of debt.

We recognized the following amounts during 2018:

•

loss of $49.0 million, net of income taxes, in the second quarter related to the litigation settlement expense (see Note 17); and

•

loss of $.9 million in the fourth quarter, net of income taxes, included in our equity in earnings of Kronos related to Kronos’ current income tax expense on global intangible low-tax income.

The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the annual per share amounts due to relative changes in the weighted average number of shares used in the per share computations.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of our business

Organization

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to “we,” “us” or “our” refer to NL Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliate, Kronos, taken as a whole.

Management's estimates

Principles of consolidation

Currency translation

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents - We classify bank time deposits and government and commercial notes and bills with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents.

Restricted cash equivalents

Marketable securities and securities transactions

•

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

•

Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the assets or liability; and

•

Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable - We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts for known and estimated potential losses arising from sales to customers based on a periodic review of these accounts.

Inventories and cost of sales

Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

Goodwill

Property and equipment; depreciation expense

Employee benefit plans

Income taxes

Environmental remediation costs

Net sales

Selling, general and administrative expenses; advertising costs; research and development costs

Corporate expenses

Corporate expenses - Corporate expenses include environmental, legal and other costs attributable to formerly-owned business units.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share – Basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock is based upon the weighted average number of our common shares actually outstanding during each period.

Business and Geographic Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Segments Geographical Areas [Abstract]

Schedule of Disaggregates Net Sales By Reporting Unit

	Years ended December 31,
	2016		2017		2018
	(In thousands)
Net sales:
Security Products	$	94,693	$	96,600	$	98,383
Marine Components		14,227		15,435		19,834
Total	$	108,920	$	112,035	$	118,217

Geographical Information Attributable to Net Sales

	Years ended December 31,
	2016		2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Net sales - point of destination:
United States	$	98,526	$	103,646	$	108,773
Canada		7,515		5,353		6,436
Other		2,879		3,036		3,008
Total	$	108,920	$	112,035	$	118,217

Accounts and Other Receivables, Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Receivables [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts Notes Loans and Financing Receivable

	December 31,
	2017			2018
	(in thousands)
Trade receivables - CompX	$	10,516		$	12,210
Accrued insurance recoveries		145			266
Other receivables		79			34
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(70	)		(70	)
Total	$	10,670		$	12,440

Inventories, Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventories, Net

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Raw materials	$	2,730	$	2,661
Work in process		9,836		11,130
Finished products		2,816		3,311
Total	$	15,382	$	17,102

Marketable Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of Marketable Securities

	Fair value
	measurement	Market		Cost		Unrealized
	level	value		basis		gain (loss)
		(In thousands)
December 31, 2017
Noncurrent assets
Valhi common stock	1	$	88,681	$	24,347	$	64,334

December 31, 2018
Noncurrent assets
Valhi common stock	1	$	27,740	$	24,347	$	3,393

Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Changes in Carrying Value of Investment

The change in the carrying value of our investment in Kronos during the past three years is summarized below:

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(in millions)
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	140.7		$	120.3		$	229.5
Equity in earnings of Kronos		13.2			107.8			62.3
Dividends received from Kronos		(21.1	)		(21.1	)		(23.9	)
Equity in Kronos' other comprehensive income (loss):
Marketable securities		0.7			.9			-
Currency translation		(5.4	)		17.5			(10.1	)
Interest rate swap		0.1			.6			-
Defined benefit pension plans		(7.8	)		3.6			(2.2	)
Other postretirement benefit plans		(.1	)		(.2	)		(.1	)
Other		-			0.1			-
Balance at the end of the year	$	120.3		$	229.5		$	255.5

Selected Financial Information of Kronos Balance Sheet

Selected financial information of Kronos is summarized below:

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in millions)
Current assets	$	1,062.5	$	1,201.4
Property and equipment, net		506.4		486.4
Investment in TiO₂ joint venture		86.5		81.3
Other noncurrent assets		169.0		129.0
Total assets	$	1,824.4	$	1,898.1
Current liabilities	$	231.5	$	233.4
Long-term debt		473.8		455.1
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits		254.2		262.9
Other noncurrent liabilities		110.6		106.9
Stockholders' equity		754.3		839.8
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,824.4	$	1,898.1

Selected Financial Information of Kronos Income Statement

	Years ended December 31,
	2016		2017			2018
	(in millions)
Net sales	$	1,364.3	$	1,729.0		$	1,661.9
Cost of sales		1,099.6		1,159.3			1,099.7
Income (loss) from operations		92.9		347.8			330.1
Income tax expense (benefit)		17.9		(48.8	)		88.8
Net income (loss)		43.3		354.5			205.0

Other Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Other Assets

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$	1,255	$	1,003
Pension asset		2,593		1,898
Other		995		1,210

Total	$	4,843	$	4,111

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued and Other Current Liabilities

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Employee benefits	$	8,269	$	9,001
Professional fees and settlements		350		-
Other		1,088		1,853
Total	$	9,707	$	10,854

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables) - Defined Benefit Pension Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Expected Benefit Payments

Years ending December 31,	Amount
	(In thousands)
2019	$	3,584
2020		3,596
2021		3,627
2022		3,638
2023		3,604
Next 5 years		16,885

Funded Status of Defined Benefit Plans

The funded status of our defined benefit pension plans is presented in the table below.

	December 31,
	2017			2018
	(In thousands)
Change in projected benefit obligations (PBO):
Benefit obligations at beginning of the year	$	54,261		$	53,978
Interest cost		2,072			1,808
Participant contributions		5			5
Actuarial losses		596			(2,511	)
Settlement gain		(315	)		-
Change in currency exchange rates		908			(545	)
Benefits paid		(3,549	)		(3,486	)
Benefit obligations at end of the year		53,978			49,249

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year		42,268			44,222
Actual return on plan assets		3,726			(2,237	)
Employer contributions		1,006			2,792
Participant contributions		5			5
Change in currency exchange rates		766			(670	)
Benefits paid		(3,549	)		(3,486	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		44,222			40,626
Funded status	$	(9,756	)	$	(8,623	)

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
Noncurrent pension asset	$	2,593		$	1,898
Accrued pension costs:
Current		(155	)		(132	)
Noncurrent		(12,194	)		(10,389	)
Total	$	(9,756	)	$	(8,623	)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss - actuarial losses, net	$	30,435		$	31,601
Total	$	20,679		$	22,978
Accumulated benefit obligations (ABO)	$	53,978		$	49,249

Changes in Other Comprehensive Income

The table below details the changes in other comprehensive income during 2016, 2017 and 2018.

	Years ended December 31,
	2016		2017		2018
	(In thousands)
Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year	$	122	$	498	$	(2,709)
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		1,474		1,704		1,937

Total	$	1,596	$	2,202	$	(772)

Components of Net Periodic Defined Benefit Cost (Income)

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(In thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:
Interest cost on PBO	$	2,302		$	2,072		$	1,808
Expected return on plan assets		(2,911	)		(2,770	)		(3,043	)
Recognized actuarial losses		1,474			1,704			1,937
Settlement cost		-			87			-

Total	$	865		$	1,093		$	702

Information Concerning Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Including Certain Plans for Which ABO Exceeds Fair Value of Plan Assets)

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(In thousands)
PBO at end of the year
U.S. plan	$	44,709	$	40,643
U.K. plan		9,269		8,606

Total	$	53,978	$	49,249
Fair value of plan assets at end of the year
U.S. plan	$	32,360	$	30,122
U.K. plan		11,862		10,504

Total	$	44,222	$	40,626
Plans for which the ABO exceeds plan assets (only our U.S. plan):
PBO	$	44,709	$	40,643
ABO		44,709		40,643
Fair value of plan assets		32,360		30,122

Summary of Assumptions Used to Determine Net Benefit Obligation

	Years ended December 31,
Rate	2016			2017			2018

Discount rate		4.0	%		3.7	%		3.4	%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.0	%		6.9	%		7.2	%

Aggregate Fair Value of CMRT Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value Level

		December 31,
		2017
		(In millions)
CMRT asset value	$	672.4
CMRT assets comprised of:
Assets not subject to fair value hierarchy		31	%
Assets subject to fair value hierarchy:
Level 1		54
Level 2		8
Level 3		7
		100	%
CMRT asset mix:
Domestic equities, principally publicly traded		33	%
International equities, principally publicly traded		25
Fixed income securities, principally publicly traded		31
Privately managed limited partnerships		4
Hedge funds		5
Other, primarily cash		2
		100	%

	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2017:
CMRT	$	32,360	$	-	$	32,360
Other		11,862		11,862		-

Total	$	44,222	$	11,862	$	32,360

	Fair Value Measurements
	Total		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		Assets measured at NAV
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2018:
U.S.
Equities	$	11,353	$	3,423	$	-	$	-	$	7,930
Fixed income		13,856		13,856		-		-		-
Cash and other		3,250		2,347		-		-		903
CMRT		1,663		-		-		1,663		-
Other		10,504		10,504		-		-		-
Total	$	40,626	$	30,130	$	-	$	1,663	$	8,833

Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Other Noncurrent Liabilities

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(in thousands)
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	$	7,312	$	7,312
Insurance claims and expenses		620		621
OPEB		1,846		1,519
Other		560		463

Total	$	10,338	$	9,915

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Component of Income Taxes

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(in millions)
Expected tax expense (benefit), at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% in 2016 and 2017 and 21% in 2018	$	4.9		$	39.3		$	(11.4	)
Rate differences on equity in earnings of Kronos		(7.4	)		(7.4	)		(5.0	)
Change in federal tax rate, net		-			(37.5	)		.8
U.S. state income taxes and other, net		(.3	)		-			.2

Income tax benefit	$	(2.8	)	$	(5.6	)	$	(15.4	)

Components of income tax benefit:
Currently payable (receivable):	$	1.5		$	(.1	)	$	(.2	)
Deferred income tax benefit		(4.3	)		(5.5	)		(15.2	)

Income tax benefit	$	(2.8	)	$	(5.6	)	$	(15.4	)

Comprehensive provision for income taxes (benefit) allocable to:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(2.8	)	$	(5.6	)	$	(15.4	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Marketable securities		10.9			14.3			-
Currency translation		(1.8	)		6.1			(2.1	)
Interest rate swap		-			.2			-
Pension plans		(2.1	)		1.9			(.6	)
OPEB plans		(.2	)		(.1	)		-

Total	$	4.0		$	16.8		$	(18.1	)

Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability

The components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2017 and 2018 are summarized in the following table.

	December 31,
	2017						2018
	Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
	(In millions)
Tax effect of temporary differences related to:
Inventories	$	.3		$	-		$	.4		$	-
Marketable securities		-			(18.4	)		-			(5.6	)
Property and equipment		-			(2.7	)		-			(2.6	)
Accrued OPEB costs		.5			-			.4			-
Accrued pension costs		1.8			-			1.7			-
Accrued employee benefits		1.2			-			1.1			-
Accrued environmental liabilities		24.6			-			33.6			-
Goodwill		-			(1.7	)		-			(1.7	)
Other accrued liabilities and deductible differences		.4			-			.3			-
Tax Loss & Credit Carryforwards		-			-			1.2			-
Other taxable differences		-			(3.0	)		-			(2.4	)
Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.		-			(52.3	)		-			(57.8	)
Adjusted gross deferred tax assets (liabilities)		28.8			(78.1	)		38.7			(70.1	)
Netting of items by tax jurisdiction		(28.8	)		28.8			(38.7	)		38.7

Net noncurrent deferred tax asset (liability)	$	-		$	(49.3	)	$	-		$	(31.4	)

Schedule of Changes in Amount of Uncertain Tax Positions

The following table shows the changes in the amount of our uncertain tax positions (exclusive of the effect of interest and penalties) during 2016, 2017 and 2018:

	December 31,
	2016		2017			2018
	(in millions)
Unrecognized liabilities:
Balance at the beginning of the period	$	12.2	$	12.2		$	7.3
Change in federal tax rate		-		(4.9	)		-
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		-		-			-

Balance at the end of the period	$	12.2	$	7.3		$	7.3

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(in thousands)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Marketable securities:
Balance at beginning of year	$	195		$	20,473		$	46,069
Change in accounting principle		-			-			(46,069	)
Balance at beginning of year, as adjusted		195			20,473			-
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the year		20,278			25,596			-
Less reclassification adjustment for amounts included
in realized loss		-			-			-

Balance at end of year	$	20,473		$	46,069		$	-

Currency translation:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(172,384	)	$	(175,859	)	$	(164,467	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Arising during the year		(3,475	)		11,392			(7,967	)

Balance at end of year	$	(175,859	)	$	(164,467	)	$	(172,434	)

Interest rate swap:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(445	)	$	(390	)	$	-
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized losses arising during the year		(393	)		(296	)		-
Reclassification adjustments for amounts included in equity in earnings of Kronos		448			686			-

Balance at end of year	$	(390	)	$	-		$	-

Defined benefit pension plans:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(72,712	)	$	(76,710	)	$	(72,951	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Amortization of prior service cost and net losses
included in net periodic pension cost		2,655			2,956			(2,335	)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year		(6,653	)		803			-

Balance at end of year	$	(76,710	)	$	(72,951	)	$	(75,286	)

Other:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(12	)	$	(360	)	$	(388	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net change in balance during year		(348	)		(28	)		(162	)

Balance at end of year	$	(360	)	$	(388	)	$	(550	)

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Balance at beginning of year	$	(245,358	)	$	(232,846	)	$	(191,737	)
Change in accounting principle		-			-			(46,069	)
Balance at beginning of year, as adjusted		(245,358	)		(232,846	)		(237,806	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		12,512			41,109			(10,464	)

Balance at end of year	$	(232,846	)	$	(191,737	)	$	(248,270	)

Related Party Transactions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Current Receivables and Payables to Affiliates

Current receivables and payables to affiliates are summarized in the table below:

	December 31,
	2017		2018
	(In thousands)
Current receivables from affiliates:
Refundable income taxes from Valhi	$	1,767	$	249
Other - trade items		-		543

Total	$	1,767	$	792



Current payables to affiliates:
Other - trade items	$	429	$	567

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Change in Accrued Environmental Remediation and Related Costs

	Years ended December 31,
	2016			2017			2018
	(In thousands)
Balance at the beginning of the year	$	113,133		$	116,658		$	111,909
Additions charged to expense, net		5,152			3,376			2,735
Payments, net		(1,627	)		(8,125	)		(16,433	)

Balance at the end of the year	$	116,658		$	111,909		$	98,211

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
Current liability	$	13,350		$	5,302		$	5,027
Noncurrent liability		103,308			106,607			93,184

Balance at the end of the year	$	116,658		$	111,909		$	98,211

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

The following table presents the financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure as December 31, 2017 and 2018:

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	102,941	$	102,941	$	120,989	$	120,989
Noncontrolling interest in CompX common stock		17,756		22,224		19,443		22,871

Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Results of Operations

	Quarter ended
	March 31		June 30			Sept. 30			Dec. 31
	(In millions, except per share data)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Net sales	$	29.9	$	30.0		$	27.0		$	25.1
Gross margin		9.7		9.5			8.2			7.4
Net income		8.8		41.6			17.8			49.6
Amounts attributable to NL stockholders:
Net income		8.3		41.2			17.5			49.1
Income per common share	$	.17	$	.85		$	.36		$	1.00

Year ended December 31, 2018
Net sales	$	28.4	$	32.4		$	30.0		$	27.4
Gross margin		9.5		11.2			9.6			7.9
Net income (loss)		14.7		(42.0	)		(14.9	)		3.1
Amounts attributable to NL stockholders:
Net income (loss)		14.2		(42.6	)		(15.4	)		2.8
Income (loss) per common share	$	.29	$	(.87	)	$	(.32	)	$	.06

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Net income tax payments (received)	$ (1,716,000)	$ 3,109,000	$ 70,000
Uncertain tax positions	50.00%
Advertising costs	$ 0	0	0
Research, development and certain sales technical support costs	0	0	$ 0
Environmental Remediation Litigation
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Recoveries receivable	$ 15,000,000	$ 0
Minimum \| Building
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	15 years
Minimum \| Equipment and Software
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	3 years
Maximum \| Building
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	40 years
Maximum \| Equipment and Software
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives	20 years
Kronos
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Parent company ownership interest	30.00%
CompX
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of controlling interest owned	13.00%
Parent Company \| Valhi Inc
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Parent company ownership interest	83.00%
Parent Company \| Contran Corporation
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Parent company ownership interest	92.00%

Business and Geographic Information - Schedule of Disaggregates Net Sales By Reporting Unit (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ 27,400	$ 30,000	$ 32,400	$ 28,400	$ 25,100	$ 27,000	$ 30,000	$ 29,900	$ 118,217	$ 112,035	$ 108,920
Security Products
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales									98,383	96,600	94,693
Marine Components
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Total net sales									$ 19,834	$ 15,435	$ 14,227

Business and Geographic Information - Geographical Information Attributable to Net Sales (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 27,400	$ 30,000	$ 32,400	$ 28,400	$ 25,100	$ 27,000	$ 30,000	$ 29,900	$ 118,217	$ 112,035	$ 108,920
Point of destination
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									118,217	112,035	108,920
United States \| Point of destination
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									108,773	103,646	98,526
Canada \| Point of destination
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									6,436	5,353	7,515
Other \| Point of destination
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 3,008	$ 3,036	$ 2,879

Accounts and Other Receivables, Net - Schedule of Accounts Notes Loans and Financing Receivable (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Accrued insurance recoveries	$ 266	$ 145
Other receivables	34	79
Total	12,440	10,670
CompX
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade receivables	12,210	10,516
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (70)	$ (70)

Inventories, Net - Schedule of Inventories, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 2,661	$ 2,730
Work in process	11,130	9,836
Finished products	3,311	2,816
Total	$ 17,102	$ 15,382

Marketable Securities - Schedule of Marketable Securities (Detail) - Level 1 - Valhi Inc - Common stock - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Market value	$ 27,740	$ 88,681
Cost basis	24,347	24,347
Unrealized gain	$ 3,393	$ 64,334

Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail) - Valhi Inc - Common stock - $ / shares shares in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Number of shares owned	14.4	14.4
Quoted marked price per share	$ 1.93	$ 6.17

Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc. - Additional Information (Detail) - Kronos - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares owned	35.2	35.2
Aggregate market value	$ 405.7	$ 907.6
Quoted market price per share	$ 11.52	$ 25.77

Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc. - Changes in Carrying Value of Investment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 229,543
Equity in earnings of Kronos Worldwide, Inc.	62,316	$ 107,785	$ 13,171
Dividends received from Kronos	(23,948)	(21,132)	(21,132)
Equity in Kronos' other comprehensive income (loss):
Balance at the end of the year	255,565	229,543
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Equity in Kronos' other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit pension plans/ Other postretirement benefit plans	(772)	2,202	1,596
Kronos
Balance at the beginning of the year	229,500	120,300	140,700
Equity in earnings of Kronos Worldwide, Inc.	62,300	107,800	13,200
Dividends received from Kronos	(23,900)	(21,100)	(21,100)
Equity in Kronos' other comprehensive income (loss):
Marketable securities		900	700
Currency translation	(10,100)	17,500	(5,400)
Interest rate swap		600	100
Other		100
Balance at the end of the year	255,500	229,500	120,300
Kronos \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Equity in Kronos' other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit pension plans/ Other postretirement benefit plans	(2,200)	3,600	(7,800)
Kronos \| OPEB
Equity in Kronos' other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit pension plans/ Other postretirement benefit plans	$ (100)	$ (200)	$ (100)

Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc. - Selected Financial Information of Kronos Balance Sheet (Detail) - Kronos - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 1,201.4	$ 1,062.5
Property and equipment, net	486.4	506.4
Investment in TiO2 joint venture	81.3	86.5
Other noncurrent assets	129.0	169.0
Total assets	1,898.1	1,824.4
Current liabilities	233.4	231.5
Long-term debt	455.1	473.8
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits	262.9	254.2
Other noncurrent liabilities	106.9	110.6
Stockholders' equity	839.8	754.3
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,898.1	$ 1,824.4

Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc. - Selected Financial Information of Kronos Income Statement (Detail) - Kronos - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,661.9	$ 1,729.0	$ 1,364.3
Cost of sales	1,099.7	1,159.3	1,099.6
Income (loss) from operations	330.1	347.8	92.9
Income tax expense (benefit)	88.8	(48.8)	17.9
Net income (loss)	$ 205.0	$ 354.5	$ 43.3

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Gross goodwill	$ 43,700,000
CompX
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment				$ 10,100,000
EWI Re, Inc.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment				$ 6,400,000

Other Assets - Summary of Other Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,003	$ 1,255
Pension asset	1,898	2,593
Other	1,210	995
Total	$ 4,111	$ 4,843

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Employee benefits	$ 9,001	$ 8,269
Professional fees and settlements		350
Other	1,853	1,088
Total	$ 10,854	$ 9,707

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - NLKW Holding, LLC - USD ($) shares in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 14, 2016
Kronos
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Asset contribution, equity security shares	35.2
Back-To-Back Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing under credit facility	$ 50,000,000
Percentage of membership interest in subsidiary	100.00%
Valhi \| Valhi Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing under credit facility	$ 50,000,000		$ 50,000,000
Variable rate basis spread above reference rate	1.875%
Line of credit facility frequency of payment of interest		quarterly
Line of credit facility expiration date		Dec. 31, 2023
Maximum principle outstanding, percentage of collateral value	50.00%
Debt instrument collateral		100% of the membership interest in NLKW held by us
Percentage of membership interest in subsidiary	100.00%
Outstanding borrowing		$ 500,000
Debt instrument average interest rate		7.375%
Debt instrument average interest rate, during period		6.78%
Valhi \| Stock Repurchase Rights [Member] \| Valhi Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread above reference rate	2.75%
Stock repurchase, maximum debt percentage	50.00%
Debt instrument maturity period		5 years

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined contribution pension plans	$ 3.1	$ 2.5	$ 2.7
CMRT
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of assets valued using observable inputs from level one or level two (or assets not subject to classification in the fair value hierarchy)		93.00%
CMRT \| United States
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan assets	6.00%
Equity Securities \| United States
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term return on plan assets	9.00%
Plan asset target allocation	40.00%
Fixed Income \| United States
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term return on plan assets	5.00%
Plan asset target allocation	45.00%
Funds \| United States
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan assets	29.00%
Multi-asset Strategies and CMRT \| United States
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term return on plan assets	3.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected contributions to Defined Benefit Plans in Next Fiscal Year	$ 1.5
Actuarial losses expected to be recognized as a component of net period cost in next fiscal year	$ 1.6
Weighted-average rate determining the actuarial present value of benefit obligation	3.90%	3.40%
Long-term return on plan assets	7.20%	6.90%	7.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plans \| CMRT
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%

Employee Benefit Plans - Expected Benefit Payments (Detail) - Defined Benefit Pension Plans $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2019	$ 3,584
2020	3,596
2021	3,627
2022	3,638
2023	3,604
Next 5 years	$ 16,885

Employee Benefit Plans - Funded Status of Defined Benefit Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent pension asset	$ 1,898	$ 2,593
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of the year	53,978	54,261
Interest cost	1,808	2,072	$ 2,302
Participant contributions	5	5
Actuarial losses (gains)	(2,511)	596
Settlement gain		(315)
Change in currency exchange rates	(545)	908
Benefits paid	(3,486)	(3,549)
Benefit obligations at end of the year	49,249	53,978	54,261
Fair value at beginning of the year	44,222	42,268
Actual return on plan assets	(2,237)	3,726
Employer contributions	2,792	1,006
Participant contributions	5	5
Change in currency exchange rates	(670)	766
Benefits paid	(3,486)	(3,549)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	40,626	44,222	$ 42,268
Funded status	(8,623)	(9,756)
Noncurrent pension asset	1,898	2,593
Current	(132)	(155)
Noncurrent	(10,389)	(12,194)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	(8,623)	(9,756)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - actuarial losses, net	31,601	30,435
Total	22,978	20,679
Accumulated benefit obligations (ABO)	$ 49,249	$ 53,978

Employee Benefit Plans - Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - Defined Benefit Pension Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year	$ (2,709)	$ 498	$ 122
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	1,937	1,704	1,474
Total	$ (772)	$ 2,202	$ 1,596

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Defined Benefit Cost (Income) (Detail) - Defined Benefit Pension Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 1,808	$ 2,072	$ 2,302
Expected return on plan assets	(3,043)	(2,770)	(2,911)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	1,937	1,704	1,474
Settlement cost		87
Total	$ 702	$ 1,093	$ 865

Employee Benefit Plans - Information Concerning Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Including Certain Plans for Which ABO Exceeds Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	$ 49,249	$ 53,978	$ 54,261
Fair value of plan assets	40,626	44,222	$ 42,268
U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO for plans for which ABO exceeds plan assets	40,643	44,709
ABO for plans for which ABO exceeds plan assets	40,643	44,709
Fair value of plan assets for plans for which ABO exceeds plan assets	30,122	32,360
U.S. \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	40,643	44,709
Fair value of plan assets	30,122	32,360
U.K. \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
PBO	8,606	9,269
Fair value of plan assets	$ 10,504	$ 11,862

Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Benefit Obligation (Detail) - Defined Benefit Pension Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.40%	3.70%	4.00%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.20%	6.90%	7.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Aggregate Fair Value of CMRT Assets (Detail) - CMRT	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
CMRT asset value	$ 672,400
Assets not subject to fair value hierarchy	31.00%
Total percentage of CMRT assets	100.00%
Asset allocation percentage	100.00%
Equities Principally Publicly Traded \| U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation percentage	33.00%
Equities Principally Publicly Traded \| Non-US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation percentage	25.00%
Fixed Income Securities, Principally Publically Traded
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation percentage	31.00%
Privately Managed Limited Partnerships
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation percentage	4.00%
Hedge Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation percentage	5.00%
Other, Primarily Cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation percentage	2.00%
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets subject to fair value hierarchy	54.00%
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets subject to fair value hierarchy	8.00%
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets subject to fair value hierarchy	7.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Composition of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value Level (Detail) - Defined Benefit Pension Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	$ 40,626	$ 44,222	$ 42,268
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	30,122	32,360
U.K.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	10,504	11,862
Equities \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	11,353
CMRT \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	1,663	32,360
Fixed Income \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	13,856
Other \| U.K.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	10,504	11,862
Cash and Other \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	3,250
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	30,130	11,862
Level 1 \| Equities \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	3,423
Level 1 \| Fixed Income \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	13,856
Level 1 \| Other \| U.K.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	10,504	11,862
Level 1 \| Cash and Other \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	2,347
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total		32,360
Level 2 \| CMRT \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total		$ 32,360
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	1,663
Level 3 \| CMRT \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	1,663
Assets Measured at NAV
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	8,833
Assets Measured at NAV \| Equities \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	7,930
Assets Measured at NAV \| Cash and Other \| United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	$ 903

Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Summary of Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	$ 7,312	$ 7,312
Insurance claims and expenses	621	620
OPEB	1,519	1,846
Other	463	560
Total	$ 9,915	$ 10,338

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands, $ in Millions		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended					6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 CAD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
U.S. federal corporate income tax rate										21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Dividends received from Kronos Worldwide, Inc.										$ 23,948	$ 21,132	$ 21,132
Deferred income tax benefit from change in enacted tax rate										800	(37,500)
Currently payable (receivable)										(200)	(100)	1,500
Income tax expense (benefit)										15,361	5,634	2,777
Current payable to affiliate			$ 567			$ 429		$ 429		567	429
Kronos
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Dividends received from Kronos Worldwide, Inc.										$ 23,900	21,100	21,100
Kronos \| US-Canada APA
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
U.S.-Canada Advance Pricing Agreement, description										During 2016, Contran, as the ultimate parent of its U.S. Consolidated income tax group, executed and finalized an Advance Pricing Agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and Kronos’ Canadian subsidiary executed and finalized an Advance Pricing Agreement with the Competent Authority for Canada (collectively, the “U.S.-Canada APA”) effective for tax years 2005 - 2015.
U.S Income tax benefit												$ 3,400
Kronos \| Earliest Tax Year \| US-Canada APA
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective tax year												2005
Kronos \| Latest Tax Year \| US-Canada APA
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective tax year												2015
Kronos \| Expected Future Periods Net Operating Loss Utilization
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance	$ (149,900)
Kronos \| Effect of Currency Exchange Rates
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance											(13,700)
Kronos \| German
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance												$ 153,000
Kronos \| German \| Expected Future Periods Net Operating Loss Utilization
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance	(141,900)
Kronos \| German \| Corporate Tax Purposes
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards						541,000		541,000			541,000
Kronos \| Belgium
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance												20,000
Kronos \| Belgium \| Expected Future Periods Net Operating Loss Utilization
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance	$ (8,000)
Kronos \| Belgium \| Corporate Tax Purposes
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards			16,000							$ 16,000
Kronos \| Non-US
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance												173,000
Increase (decrease) in non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance											$ (186,700)
Kronos \| Non-US \| Current Periods Net Operating Loss Utilization
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance								$ (24,100)	$ (12,700)
Kronos \| Non-US \| GILTI
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Currently payable (receivable)			3,700
Kronos \| European and Candadian Subsidiaries \| Undistributed Earnings Previously Considered to be Permanently Reinvested
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Aggregate provisional non-cash deferred income tax expense (benefit)						4,500				$ 2,400
Kronos \| One Non US Subsidiary \| Expected Future Periods Net Operating Loss Utilization \| Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets \| Non-cash Deferred Income Tax Benefit
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in non-cash deferred income tax asset valuation allowance						(18,700)
Kronos European Subsidiaries \| Valhi
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Income tax liability payable period										8 years
Kronos European Subsidiaries \| Valhi \| Income Tax Payable
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Payable to affiliate			62,600							$ 62,600
Noncurrent payable to affiliate			56,600							56,600
Current payable to affiliate			6,000							6,000
Kronos European Subsidiaries \| Transition Tax
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Currently payable (receivable)						$ 76,200
Current income tax expense payment period						8 years
Income tax expense (benefit)				$ 1,700
Prior tax installments payments			$ 11,900							11,900
Kronos European Subsidiaries \| Transition Tax \| 2017 Tax Year
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Current income tax expense payable in next fiscal year		$ 6,100
Kronos European Subsidiaries \| Transition Tax \| 2018 Tax Year
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Current income tax expense payable in next fiscal year										5,800
Kronos Canadian Subsidiary \| US-Canada APA
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Income tax payable												$ 2,300	$ 3
Kronos Canadian Subsidiary \| Canada-Germany APA
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-cash income tax benefit							$ 8,100			$ 8,600
Kronos Canadian Subsidiary \| Earliest Tax Year \| Canada-Germany APA \| Canada Revenue Agency
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective tax year							2005
Kronos Canadian Subsidiary \| Latest Tax Year \| Canada-Germany APA \| Canada Revenue Agency
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective tax year							2017
Kronos Canadian Subsidiary \| German \| Canada-Germany APA
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-cash income tax benefit							$ 2,600
Cash tax refund							$ 6,000
Kronos German Subsidiary \| Earliest Tax Year \| Germany- Canada APA \| Germany Revenue Agency
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective tax year					2005
Kronos German Subsidiary \| Latest Tax Year \| Germany- Canada APA \| Germany Revenue Agency
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective tax year					2017
Kronos Canadian And German Subsidiaries \| Germany- Canada APA
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Non-cash income tax benefit					$ 1,400

Income Taxes - Component of Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected tax expense (benefit), at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% in 2016 and 2017 and 21% in 2018	$ (11,400)	$ 39,300	$ 4,900
Rate differences on equity in earnings of Kronos	(5,000)	(7,400)	(7,400)
Change in federal tax rate, net	800	(37,500)
U.S. state income taxes and other, net	200		(300)
Income tax benefit	$ (15,361)	$ (5,634)	$ (2,777)

Income Taxes - Component of Income Taxes Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Components of income tax benefit:
Currently payable (receivable)	$ (200)	$ (100)	$ 1,500
Deferred income tax benefit	(15,200)	(5,500)	(4,300)
Income tax benefit	$ (15,361)	$ (5,634)	$ (2,777)

Income Taxes - Components of Comprehensive Provision for Income Taxes Allocation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Comprehensive provision for income taxes (benefit) allocable to:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (15,361)	$ (5,634)	$ (2,777)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Marketable securities		14,300	10,900
Currency translation	(2,100)	6,100	(1,800)
Interest rate swap		200
Total	(18,100)	16,800	4,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plans	$ (600)	1,900	(2,100)
OPEB
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Defined benefit plans		$ (100)	$ (200)

Income Taxes - Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Tax effect of temporary differences related to:
Inventories	$ 400	$ 300
Accrued OPEB costs	400	500
Accrued pension costs	1,700	1,800
Accrued employee benefits	1,100	1,200
Accrued environmental liabilities	33,600	24,600
Other accrued liabilities and deductible differences	300	400
Tax Loss & Credit Carryforwards	1,200
Adjusted gross deferred tax assets (liabilities)	38,700	28,800
Netting of items by tax jurisdiction	(38,700)	(28,800)
Marketable securities	(5,600)	(18,400)
Property and equipment	(2,600)	(2,700)
Goodwill	(1,700)	(1,700)
Other taxable differences	(2,400)	(3,000)
Investment in Kronos Worldwide, Inc.	(57,800)	(52,300)
Adjusted gross deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(70,100)	(78,100)
Netting of items by tax jurisdiction	38,700	28,800
Net noncurrent deferred tax asset (liability)	$ (31,373)	$ (49,315)

Income Taxes - Schedule of Changes in Amount of Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Unrecognized liabilities:
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 7.3	$ 12.2	$ 12.2
Change in federal tax rate	0.0	(4.9)	0.0
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations	0.0	0.0	0.0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 7.3	$ 7.3	$ 12.2

Stockholder's Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
NL
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock awarded to board of directors	12,600	9,000	14,000
Shares available for award	141,400
NL \| Maximum
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate of common stock awarded to directors	200,000
CompX
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Shares available for award	156,550
CompX \| Maximum
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate of common stock awarded to directors	200,000
Kronos
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Shares available for award	149,900
Kronos \| Maximum
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Aggregate of common stock awarded to directors	200,000

Stockholder's Equity - Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Components Of Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 335,322
Net change in balance during year	(162)	$ (28)	$ (348)
Balance at end of year	284,115	335,322
Marketable Securities
Components Of Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	46,069	20,473	195
Change in accounting principle-ASU 2016-01	(46,069)
Balance at beginning of year, as adjusted		20,473	195
Other comprehensive income (loss) - unrealized gain (loss) arising during the year		25,596	20,278
Balance at end of year		46,069	20,473
Currency Translation
Components Of Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(164,467)	(175,859)	(172,384)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,967)	11,392	(3,475)
Balance at end of year	(172,434)	(164,467)	(175,859)
Interest Rate Swap \| Kronos
Components Of Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year		(390)	(445)
Other comprehensive income (loss) - unrealized gain (loss) arising during the year		(296)	(393)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in realized loss and equity in earnings		686	448
Balance at end of year			(390)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Components Of Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(72,951)	(76,710)	(72,712)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,335)	2,956	2,655
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during year		803	(6,653)
Balance at end of year	(75,286)	(72,951)	(76,710)
Other
Components Of Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(388)	(360)	(12)
Net change in balance during year	(162)	(28)	(348)
Balance at end of year	(550)	(388)	(360)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Components Of Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	(191,737)	(232,846)	(245,358)
Change in accounting principle-ASU 2016-01	(46,069)
Balance at beginning of year, as adjusted	(237,806)	(232,846)	(245,358)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,464)	41,109	12,512
Balance at end of year	$ (248,270)	$ (191,737)	$ (232,846)

Related Party Transactions - Current Receivables and Payables to Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current receivables from affiliates:
Receivable from affiliate	$ 792	$ 1,767
Current payables to affiliates:
Payable to affiliates	567	429
Other - Trade Items
Current receivables from affiliates:
Receivable from affiliate	543
Current payables to affiliates:
Payable to affiliates	567	429
Valhi \| Income Taxes
Current receivables from affiliates:
Receivable from affiliate	$ 249	$ 1,767

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2019	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 14, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable from affiliate	$ 34,000,000	$ 38,200,000
Contran \| Intercorporate Services Agreement Fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expense transaction with affiliate	32,000,000	24,500,000	$ 24,500,000
Contran \| Combined Information Technology Data Recovery Program
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expense transaction with affiliate	312,000	161,000	158,000
Tall Pines and EWI \| Insurance Premiums
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expense transaction with affiliate	12,600,000	11,800,000	11,300,000
NLKW Holding, LLC \| Valhi \| Valhi Credit Facility
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility					$ 50,000,000	$ 50,000,000
Outstanding borrowings	$ 500,000
CompX \| Valhi Inc \| Unsecured Revolving Promissory Note Receivable
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Maximum loan amount							$ 40,000,000
Interest rate on loans repayment							1.00%
Interest rate on loans basis	prime plus 1.00%
Notes receivable from affiliate	$ 34,000,000			$ 40,000,000
Interest income including unused commitment fees	$ 2,100,000	$ 1,800,000	$ 200,000
CompX \| Valhi Inc \| Unsecured Revolving Promissory Note Receivable \| Subsequent Event
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings				$ 6,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2018 Cases	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	May 31, 2018 USD ($) Installment	Jan. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) Installment	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) Cases Installment site	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Court approved abatement fund amount for defendant appeal		$ 409,000,000
Litigation settlement						$ 60,000,000
Litigation settlement net present value						17,000,000
Accrued insurance recoveries						266,000	$ 145,000
Number of complaints filed \| Cases	2
Accrual for reasonably estimable environmental remediation and related matters						$ 98,211,000	$ 111,909,000	$ 116,658,000	$ 113,133,000
Customer Concentration Risk \| Top Ten Customers \| Sales Revenue
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage						44.00%	44.00%	46.00%
Component Products \| Customer Concentration Risk \| Customer Two \| Sales Revenue \| CompX Security Products Business
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage						13.00%	16.00%	14.00%
Component Products \| Customer Concentration Risk \| Customer One \| Sales Revenue \| CompX Security Products Business
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage								11.00%
Environmental Remediation Sites NL Named As PRP Or Defendant
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Accrual for reasonably estimable environmental remediation and related matters						$ 98,000,000
Number of sites associated with remediation and related costs \| site						35
Number of sites currently not able to reasonably estimate a range of costs \| site						5
Environmental Remediation Litigation
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Recoveries receivable						$ 15,000,000	$ 0
Maximum
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Proposed abatement fund amount by defendant						409,000,000
Maximum \| Environmental Remediation Sites NL Named As PRP Or Defendant
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Upper end range, estimate costs for remediation and related matters						$ 117,000,000
Lead Pigment Litigation
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of cases settled and dismissed and found not liable \| Cases						100
Period by which loss contingency claims settled and dismissed						20 years
Description of defendants						We and the other two defendants are jointly and severally liable for the abatement, which means we or either of the two other defendants could ultimately be responsible for payment of the full amount of the abatement fund. However, we do not believe any individual defendant would be 100% responsible for the cost of any abatement, and the allocation of the recalculated amount of the abatement fund ($409 million) among the three defendants has not yet been determined.
Percentage of defendants responsible for cost of abatement						100.00%
Litigation settlement			$ 65,000,000		$ 62,000,000
Litigation settlement charge upon approval of settlement terms			45,000,000		45,000,000	$ 45,000,000
Remaining litigation settlement charge			$ 20,000,000		$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000
Number of annual installments \| Installment			5		5	5
Litigation settlement installments payment beginning term from approval			4 years		4 years	4 years
Remaining litigation settlement charge due in first installment			$ 6,000,000
Remaining litigation settlement charge due in second installment			5,000,000
Remaining litigation settlement charge due in third installment			3,000,000
Remaining litigation settlement charge due in fourth installment			3,000,000
Remaining litigation settlement charge due in fifth installment			$ 3,000,000
Discounted rate for estimated present value of remaining litigation amount						3.00%
Litigation settlement net present value					$ 17,000,000	$ 17,000,000
Accrued insurance recoveries						15,000,000
Litigation settlement, current						80,000,000
California Lead Paint Litigation
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Amount awarded to the plaintiff				$ 1,150,000,000
Minimum required period of abatement funds unspent to return to defendants				4 years
Proposed abatement fund amount by plaintiff						$ 730,000,000
Percentage of assumed homeowners participation						100.00%
Percentage of actual likely homeowners participation rates						100.00%

Commitments and Contingencies - Changes in Accrued Environmental Remediation and Related Costs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 111,909	$ 116,658	$ 113,133
Additions charged to expense, net	2,735	3,376	5,152
Payments, net	(16,433)	(8,125)	(1,627)
Balance at the end of the year	98,211	111,909	116,658
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:
Accrued environmental remediation and related costs	5,027	5,302	13,350
Accrued environmental remediation and related costs	$ 93,184	$ 106,607	$ 103,308

Financial Instruments - Summary of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, Fair value	$ 120,989	$ 102,941
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	19,443	17,756
Carrying Amount
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, Carrying amount	120,989	102,941
Carrying Amount \| CompX
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	19,443	17,756
Fair Value \| CompX
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	$ 22,871	$ 22,224

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASU 2016-01
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive income related to marketable securities into beginning retained earnings	$ 46.1
ASU 2017-07
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Reclassification of corporate expense to other components of net periodic pension and OPEB cost		$ 0.8	$ 0.3

Quarterly Results of Operations - Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly results of operations
Net sales	$ 27,400	$ 30,000	$ 32,400	$ 28,400	$ 25,100	$ 27,000	$ 30,000	$ 29,900	$ 118,217	$ 112,035	$ 108,920
Gross margin	7,900	9,600	11,200	9,500	7,400	8,200	9,500	9,700	38,271	34,825	35,167
Net income (loss)	3,100	(14,900)	(42,000)	14,700	49,600	17,800	41,600	8,800	(39,013)	117,826	16,693
Amounts attributable to NL stockholders:
Net income (loss)	$ 2,800	$ (15,400)	$ (42,600)	$ 14,200	$ 49,100	$ 17,500	$ 41,200	$ 8,300	$ (41,017)	$ 116,100	$ 15,325
Income (loss) per common share	$ 0.06	$ (0.32)	$ (0.87)	$ 0.29	$ 1.00	$ 0.36	$ 0.85	$ 0.17	$ (0.84)	$ 2.38	$ 0.31

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

+ Details

Quarterly Results of Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes	$ 2,800	$ (15,400)	$ (42,600)	$ 14,200	$ 49,100	$ 17,500	$ 41,200	$ 8,300	$ (41,017)	$ 116,100	$ 15,325
Litigation Settlement Expense
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes			$ (49,000)
Kronos \| Execution and Finalization of Agreement \| Canada-Germany APA
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes						2,200
Kronos \| Loss on Prepayment of Debt
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes						(900)
Kronos \| GILTI
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes	$ (900)
Non-cash Deferred Income Tax Benefit \| Kronos \| Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets \| Germany And Belgium
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes					3,200			$ 1,000
Non-cash Deferred Income Tax Benefit \| Kronos \| Expected Future Periods Net Operating Loss Utilization \| Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets \| Germany And Belgium
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes							$ 31,100
Non-cash Deferred Income Tax Benefit \| Kronos \| Expected Future Periods Net Operating Loss Utilization \| Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets \| One Non US Subsidiary
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes					3,700
Non-cash Deferred Income Tax Benefit \| Kronos \| Current Periods Net Operating Loss Utilization \| Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets \| Germany And Belgium
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes						$ 1,500
Non-cash Deferred Income Tax Benefit \| Deferred Income Tax Liability \| U.S. Federal Corporate Income Tax Rate
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes					37,500
Transition Tax \| Kronos \| Non-US
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes					(15,100)
Undistributed Earnings \| Kronos \| European Subsidiaries
Effect Of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Income (loss), net of income taxes					$ (900)