Income Taxes - Components of Comprehensive Provision for Income Taxes Allocation (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Comprehensive provision for income taxes (benefit) allocable to:      
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (2,777) $ (28,611) $ 5,003
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Currency translation (1,800) (9,800) (11,000)
Interest rate swap   (200)  
Total 4,000 (62,700) (74,100)
Valhi Inc      
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Marketable securities 10,900 (25,300) (57,600)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans      
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Defined benefit plans (2,100) 1,400 (10,000)
OPEB      
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Defined benefit plans $ (200) $ (200) $ (500)