Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Comprehensive net income (loss)
Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc	$ 30.0	$ 18.4	$ 54.2	$ 20.4
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in currency translation adjustment, net of tax benefit of $0.0	(0.1)		(0.1)
Change in unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(3.3), $(5.0), $(0.8), and $(7.3)			2.4
Comprehensive net income			59.5
Trinity Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Comprehensive net income (loss)
Net income attributable to Trinity Industries, Inc	30.0	18.4	54.2	20.4
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in currency translation adjustment, net of tax benefit of $0.0			(0.1)
Change in unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(3.3), $(5.0), $(0.8), and $(7.3)	(5.4)	(11.9)	2.0	(15.9)
Other changes, net of tax expense of $0.7				1.1
Comprehensive net income	$ 24.5	$ 6.5	$ 56.1	$ 5.6