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Business and geographic segments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
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Kronos Worldwide, Inc. [Member] |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |
Direct controlling interest in subsidiary | 50.00% |
Indirect controlling interest in subsidiary | 30.00% |
Total controlling interest | 80.00% |
NL [Member] |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |
Total controlling interest | 83.00% |
Corporate assets held by subsidiary | 15.00% | 22.00%
Non-U.S. subsidiaries [Member] |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |
Net assets of non-U.S. subsidiaries | 775 | 726
Asset related to discontinued operations |  | 26.0

X
- Definition The aggregate value (measured at the lower of net carrying value or fair value less cost of disposal) for assets of a disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), to be sold or that has been disposed of through sale, as of the financial statement date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1107-107759 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 46 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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- Details
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- Definition Amount of net assets (total assets less total liabilities) attributed to the reportable segment. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 28 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
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