Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 20, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-6903
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Entity Trading Symbol	TRN
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		114,161,556
Entity Registrant Name	TRINITY INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000099780
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31