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Business and geographic segments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 01, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss on deconsolidation of Basic Water Company (BWC)				$ (2.0)
Loss on sale of Basic Power Company (BPC)	$ 2.6
Number of operating segments \| segment			3
Non-U.S. subsidiaries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net assets of non-U.S. subsidiaries			$ 653.0	$ 699.0
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. \| Valhi Incorporation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Direct ownership percentage by parent			50.00%
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. \| NL
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Indirect controlling interest in subsidiary			31.00%
NL \| Valhi Incorporation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Direct ownership percentage by parent			83.00%
LandWell \| Valhi Incorporation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Direct ownership percentage by parent			27.00%
LandWell \| BMI
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Indirect controlling interest in subsidiary			50.00%
BMI
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss on deconsolidation of Basic Water Company (BWC)		$ 2.0
Bad debt expense recognized		$ 1.3
BMI \| Valhi Incorporation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Direct ownership percentage by parent			63.00%