Katy Industries - Balance Sheet (in thousands) (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
15% Convertible preferred stock, $100 par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
15% Convertible preferred stock, authorized 1,200,000 shares	1,200,000	1,200,000
15% Convertible preferred stock, 1,131,551 issued shares	1,131,551	1,131,551
15% Convertible preferred stock, 1,131,551 shares outstanding	1,131,551	1,131,551
15% Convertible preferred stock liquidation value $113,155 (in Dollars)	$ 113,155	$ 113,155
Common stock, $1 par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	35,000,000	35,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	9,822,304	9,822,304
Common stock, 9,822,304 shares outstanding	9,822,304	9,822,304
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,871,128	1,871,128	1,871,128