Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Cover Page [Abstract]
Document Transition Report	false
Document Type	10-K
Entity File Number	1-6903
Document Annual Report	true
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	75-0225040
Entity Address, Address Line One	2525 N. Stemmons Freeway
Entity Address, City or Town	Dallas,
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75207-2401
City Area Code	214
Local Phone Number	631-4420
Entity Registrant Name	TRINITY INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000099780
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	TRN
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 2,154.2
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		119,704,056
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No