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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 16,103	$ 28,035	$ (39,013)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Currency translation	3,268	(409)	(7,967)
Defined benefit pension plans	(2,447)	(2,971)	(2,335)
Other postretirement benefit plans	(320)	(40)	(162)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	501	(3,420)	(10,464)
Comprehensive income (loss)	16,604	24,615	(49,477)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,423	2,191	2,004
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NL stockholders	$ 15,181	$ 22,424	$ (51,481)

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