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Noncontrolling Interest in subsidiaries - Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
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Noncontrolling interest in net assets: |  |
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries | $ 345.7 | $ 358.1
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. [Member] |  |
Noncontrolling interest in net assets: |  |
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries | 251.2 | 267.0
NL [Member] |  |
Noncontrolling interest in net assets: |  |
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries | 81.3 | 77.8
CompX [Member] |  |
Noncontrolling interest in net assets: |  |
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries | $ 13.2 | $ 13.3

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- Definition Net Assets Attributable To Noncontrolling Entity + References No definition available. + Details
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