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Business and geographic segments - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Business and geographic segments
Number of operating segments \| segment	3
Non-U.S. subsidiaries
Business and geographic segments
Net assets of non-U.S. subsidiaries \| $	$ 532	$ 653
Kronos \| Valhi Incorporation
Business and geographic segments
Direct ownership percentage by parent	50.00%
Kronos \| NL Industries
Business and geographic segments
Indirect controlling interest in subsidiary	31.00%
NL Industries \| Valhi Incorporation
Business and geographic segments
Direct ownership percentage by parent	83.00%
LandWell \| Valhi Incorporation
Business and geographic segments
Direct ownership percentage by parent	27.00%
LandWell \| Basic Management Inc
Business and geographic segments
Indirect controlling interest in subsidiary	50.00%
Basic Management Inc \| Valhi Incorporation
Business and geographic segments
Direct ownership percentage by parent	63.00%