v3.19.3
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Nov. 01, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Trading Symbol NL  
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Registrant Name NL INDUSTRIES INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000072162  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   48,755,734
Entity File Number 1-640  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code NJ  
Entity Tax Identification Number 13-5267260  
Entity Address, Address Line One 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700  
Entity Address, City or Town Dallas  
Entity Address, State or Province TX  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 75240-2620  
City Area Code (972)  
Local Phone Number 233-1700  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false